More Outreach Ministries

Blankets to Feel Better to Heal Better

These colorful blankets made with love will be given to people diagnosed with cancer receiving infusion treatments to help them cope with stress and to feel better emotionally. All blankets will be donated to Capital Health in Pennington. These donations will be helpful to families who do not have extra resources and are not able to afford blankets and other comfort items. We have held multiple workshops at St. James Church with parishioners, Confirmation Prep students, and other members from the community! 
To learn more about this wonderful project and its purpose, click here.

Anyone interested in learning more about this blanket-making outreach should contact:

• Lisa Limongello at [email protected] or 609-737-0122 x 820

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Blood Drive 

Every 2 seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. One pint of donated blood can be separated into red blood cells (used for surgery patients), platelets (used for cancer patients), and plasma (used for burn and shock victims), thereby saving 3 lives. Save lives; donate a pint of blood at the American Red Cross blood drive, held twice a year, once around the end of June, and once later in the year, from 8 am to 1 pm in the St. James Family Center gym.

A core group of volunteers is needed to assist the chairperson in signing up blood donors three weeks prior to the blood drive. This core group will make up a “pool” of volunteers who will work shifts the day of the blood drive. These volunteers must be willing to be trained in Red Cross procedures (a one-hour training offered at St. James). Volunteers formerly trained are asked to re-commit themselves to this service. 

Anyone interested in learning more about our Blood Drives should contact:

• St. James: Jeff Monoghan ([email protected] or 609-818-0830) 

Crisis Response

As needed, volunteers are called upon to assist our neighbors in New Jersey and Pennsylvania with flooding, fires or any other home emergency.   All ages are welcome to help.

Anyone interested in learning more about Crisis Response should contact:

• St. George: Deacon Mike Riley ([email protected] or 609-737-1449)

Garden Club

Each of ourch churches has a garden club, which involves very little commitment, homework or formalities. Members meet during the planting season in May, and, one by one, prepare all of the garden beds surrounding St. James church and plant flowers. If necessary, beds are mulched. Throughout summer and fall, members of the ministry focus on weeding and watering. Come fall, all of the dead plant material is removed and the beds are prepared for winter.

Anyone interested in learning more about the Garden Club should contact:

• St. Alphonsus: Lola Abbondandolo ([email protected] or 609-466-9681)

• St. George: Judy Petrangelli ([email protected] or 609-737-2015)

• St. James: Kris Khan ([email protected] or 609-802-2583)

George's Angels

This ministry provides help to the needy of the Parish.  It provides a hand with lawn work, help with chores, rides to appointments or emergency needs.  All parishioners are encouraged to aid in helping those of our Parish in need.  

Anyone interested in learning more about George's Angels should contact:

• St. George:Terri Riley ([email protected] or 609-737-1449)

Hospitality

Parishes of The Catholic Community of Hopewell Valley strive to provide a welcoming environment for newcomers to the community, and to foster a spirit of inclusion. There are various focuses of hospitality in our churches that are continually developing.

Anyone interested in learning more about Hospitality should contact:

• St. Alphonsus: Eileen Zysk ([email protected] or 609-466-0332)

• St. George: Rose Gallagher (ela[email protected] or 609-737-7446)

• St. James: Joann Held ([email protected])

Prison Ministry

Members of the St. James Prison Ministry engage in various projects to support our incarcerated brothers and sisters. Working with the Diocesan Office of Jail and Prison Ministry, our members visit Mercer County Correction Center to provide a spiritual service, while other members participate in letter writing and collecting greeting cards for prisoners.

Anyone interested in learning more about the Prison Ministry should contact:

• St. George: Deacon Mike Riley ([email protected] or 609-737-1449) or Deacon Larry Gallagher ([email protected] or 609-737-7446)

• St. James: Deacon Moore Hank ([email protected] or 609-737-0122 ext.810)

The Lord's Table

The goal of this ministry is to support the work of Sacred Heart Church in Trenton by hosting one or more of their monthly meals for the needy. In addition to making each guest feel welcomed and valued, our volunteers plan, prepare and serve a full course mid-day meal to those in need. 

Anyone interested in learning more about the Lord's Table should contact:

• St. George: Terri Riley ([email protected] or 609-737-1449)