Justice & Peace Ministries

The Justice & Peace committee and its ministries bring the Gospel Catholic social teaching into our daily lives through education and community action. Ongoing initiatives include:​

Dorcas Collection: Dorcas comes from the Greek translation of “Tabitha." The book of Acts (9:36-42), describes "Dorcas" as a woman known for being “completely occupied with good deeds and almsgiving." St. Bernadette’s Parish continues the spirit of Dorcas’ good deeds and acts of charity through the Dorcas Collection (the second collection held on the first Sunday of each month). The Dorcas collection also includes non-perishable food collected in the Gallery throughout the month. $1,350 of the Dorcas collection monies is shared with the Anne Arundel County Community Action Agency, the Christian Assistance Program, and HOPE for All. A portion of the Dorcas Collection is retained at the parish to be used throughout the month for individuals and families in need. The balance of the monthly Dorcas collection is split between My Brother’s Keeper and St. Gregory’s Parish Food Pantry in Baltimore.

Sharing Fund: Whereas the Dorcas Collection is dispersed between the same group of local charities each month, the Sharing Fund (the second collection of the fourth weekend of each month) is distributed to various local, national, or global charities. Sharing fund charities receive the money collected only once during the year. The Justice and Peace Committee ensures the missions of the Dorcas and Sharing Fund beneficiaries are consistent with our Christian values.  The Justice and Peace Committee reviews financial statements and considers the amount(percentage) of donations that goes towards the charity’s administration and overhead costs. On a quarterly basis, the Justice and Peace Committee will discuss and agree upon which charities will receive the next several Sharing Fund collections.  Not locking Sharing Fund monies into specific charity months in advance allows us to be responsive to emerging needs, such as disaster relief following floods or hurricanes. We maintain the flexibility of inserting a new or different collection as the need develops. Details of the services of charities receiving Sharing Fund monies are provided in the bulletin the week prior to that month’s collection.
The St. Bernadette Justice and Peace Committee provides oversight to the parish's Dorcas and Sharing Fund collections.

Casseroles Project: Collects casseroles on the third Sunday of each month for hungry families.

Adopt-A-Family: St. Bernadette's parish supports the St. Gregory the Great's Christmas Adopt-a-Family ministry, which assists families in northwest Baltimore during the Christmas holidays.  In previous years, our parishioners purchased groceries and Christmas presents, which were then delivered to St. Gregory's for distribution.  Because of Covid, we've adapted our annual tradition by asking parishioners to donate $25 Walmart gift cards (or donate money to allow us to purchase gift cards in bulk).  We've found that works well, as it allows the recipients the freedom to make purchases based on the needs of the family.  In addition to supporting St. Gregory's ministry, our annual collection also benefits local assisted living facilities.  Donations can be made at any time by clicking here via online giving.  

St. Vincent de Paul: The non-perishable food collected in the Gallery is donated to the St Vincent de Paul food pantry at Christ the King. 

Helping Neighbors Ministry: The Helping Neighbors ministry matches volunteers with home improvement skills to those within our community who need assistance in making/keeping their homes safe, secure, and habitable.  When someone asks for assistance, we match them with a team of volunteers to help by donating their time and talent.  Some examples of projects we have completed include yardwork (raking leaves, removing fallen tree limbs, snow removal), cleaning gutters, smoke detector installation/changing batteries, appliance repair, etc.  Generally, the homeowner/renter provides the materials (however the parish may be able to help in case of hardship.)  Please note that this is not a way to have your home remodeled.  Projects that require a county permit are beyond the scope of this ministry.  
Volunteers of any skill level are welcomed to join the team.  If you are interested, please contact Mike DaPonte ([email protected]).  This ministry is currently in need of a new coordinator who is willing to recruit new volunteers and match volunteers with requests.
If you or someone you know needs assistance in maintaining their residence, please contact the St. Bernadette front office.

Sister Parish - Our Lady of the Visitation Parish, Gonaives, Haiti:  Provides financial support to our sister parish, Our Lady of the Visitation in Gonaives.  Our main focus is providing a daily lunch for the students so that they are not only fed one main healthy meal each day but also educated in hopes of one day improving their lives. For more information about the STB sister parish, visit our Haiti Outreach page

School Supply Drive for Sarah's House: A collection that provides school supplies, shoes, and monies to cover other school expenses for children at the shelter. The Sharing Fund Collection in July goes to Sarah's House to help cover the cost of school-related items during the school year.​

Arundel House of Hope Winter Homeless Shelter: Since the Winter Relief Program began in 1992, St. Bernadette has welcomed individuals enrolled in the program during the cold winter months.  Each season, we are afforded the opportunity to welcome the stranger, provide food to the hungry and provide comfort to those in need during the week we host the program.  Volunteers are needed to chaperone the group, prepare and serve meals, provide transportation, and fill a variety of other positions.  Winter Relief is a meaningful way to serve others. In 2022, the Winter Relief will be hosted from November 14th to the 21st.  Planning begins in late August.  Volunteers willing to serve in certain leadership positions are in need.  These positions include a transportation coordinator, a health and safety supervisor, and logistics.  If interested, please contact Mike DaPonse at [email protected].]

Support for Afghanistan Families:  Hundred of Afghani families who were evacuated from their country during the summer of 2021 were resettled in Anne Arundel County and central Maryland.  St. Bernadette has partnered with other houses of worship to provide direct support to these families as they attempt to rebuild their lives.  Many families arrived in eh the US with only the things they could carry.  We are currently accepting financial donations and new/used household items.  We cannot store larger items and will share requeswith parishioners when the need arises.  We are not collecting any clothing donations at this time.  All donations can be dropped off at the outer doors of STB parish. Please contact Mike DaPonte ([email protected]) with any questions regarding donations.

Click here to donate to any of the outreaches listed above.