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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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: