The goals of the Human Concerns Committee:

To reflect on and recommend to the parish action on social issues which affect family/community life.

To provide education experiences which help parishioners to be informed about our Christian responsibilities to others and to God’s creation.

To support and be a coordinating vehicle for the groups which provide direct services to those in need.

As good stewards of the gifts which God has given us, we are called to respond to the needs of our siters and brothers in Christ. Both parishes participate in these direct service ministries (which are always in need of volunteers):

St. Ben Meal Program: Each month on the third Thursday, parish members join other churches in Ozaukee County in Preparing and serving a meal for the poor at St. Benedict Parish, Milwaukee, as well as participate in such events as “Walk-a-Mile” to raise funds.

Interfaith Caregivers: A faith-based program for the homebound and elderly and their familes, to provide assistance with various needs such as transportation, etc.

Food Pantry: In cooperation with nine area churches, both parishes participate in collecting and distributing food and clothing to those in need. The Pantry is located in the basement of St. Peter rectory. It is open and donations accepted Tuesday Mornings, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

St. Vincent de Paul society is a group of men and women of St. Mary and St. Peter Parishes, whose mission is to provide temporary assistance for needy persons with clothing, food rent, shelter, etc. and who also visit the sick and shut-ins.

CFCA: Christian Foundation for Children and Aging is a Catholic organization dedicated to matching sponsors in the U.S. with needy children in third world countries. Sponsors provide a monthly stipend, and exchange letters with the children or aging person… St. Mary and St. Peter Parish members sponsor over 50 children!

Social Action:

Both parishes are part of the archdiocesan Voices for Justice network, which has as its primary purpose to inform parish members about socially important issues and to promote positive action., The focus is on how we as Catholics can make morally justified and wise decisions in everyday life and in our civic and political lives.

Parish Partnerships:
St. Mary has established a relationship with St. Joseph Parish in Clintwood, Va. Periodically, St Mary collects clothes and gifts for the community which is in an impoverished area of Appalachia. St. Mary also provides funds form an annual second collection. The parish director is Christine Rodriguez.

St. Peter is developing a relationship with its sister parish, St. Francis Exavier in Mayiladutherai, South India, and has helped the church to build a new school.

Service to the Homebound:
Twice a year, at Easter and Christmas, the committee sponsors visits to the homebound by parishioners, with flowers and a loving greeting.

The Human Concerns Committee Welcomes new members. Meetings are usually on the second Tuesday of the month. For more information please call Denise Murre, Chairperson 262-284-6472.

Other committee activities:
Human Concerns Week: To educate parish members about important social justice issues in the light of the Gospel, and the Christian response.

Campaign for Human Development: The annual collection in the sping is more than a collection; it is an opportunity for the parish to assist people in experiencing a new sense of dignity and self-respect through job projects.