Social Justice

We are a group that was formed In response to Pope Francis’s urgent call in his encyclical Laudato Si, to protect and preserve the planet - our common home. We strive to raise awareness about environmental degradation, the effect it has on the world’s poor, our role as stewards of our planet, and the need to be mindful and responsible users of the earth’s resources. 

For more information, contact:   Gina Kuruvilla at gina.kuruvilla@stmaryparish.org

Through partnership with WARM (Welcoming Alliance for Refugee Ministry) we assist refugee families moving into the Worcester area to seek a new and stable future. These families come to Worcester from all over the world. They arrive with a handful of possessions, usually very little or no knowledge of English, and often no familiarity with our culture. WARM finds them an apartment and area organizations try to meet other needs. We clean and set-up apartments, supply household goods, volunteer at cultural events (like the celebration of Navroz - the Afghan New Year), teach English as a second language, and make home visits to help these newly arrived people feel more comfortable, establish connections, and build community.

Learn more about this ministry by visiting https://www.warmwelcoming.org/  or contacting:

For more information, contact:  Martha Serafin: 508 847 5691 or Gina Kuruvilla at gina.kuruvilla@stmaryparish.org

Fresh vegetables are collected in a harvest basket located at the front of the church during the summer. Volunteers collect the produce and bring it to St. Anne’s Food Pantry and the Worcester County Food Bank for distribution.

For more information, contact: Cindy Kerekon: 508.845.9786

Volunteers come together on the first Friday of the month to share a meal with the residents of Dismas House - a home for formerly incarcerated men seeking to be rehabilitated into society. 

For more information, contact:  Gina Kuruvilla: gina.kuruvilla@stmarysparish.org

This annual walk is sponsored by the Central Mass Housing Alliance. Recognizing the dignity of all, CMHA leads a collaborative response to homelessness that fosters long-term housing stability through prevention, quality services, education and advocacy. Volunteers obtain sponsorships for the walk, which raises money for CMHA. 

For more information, contact: Jeanne Vacarro: 508.842.0282

IHN works with faith communities in the greater Worcester area to provide shelter and assistance to homeless families. The program’s primary goals are to assist families in increasing their income and to help them secure permanent housing, while providing the critical support services necessary for them to succeed.

Parishioners can help by volunteering during one (or both) of two scheduled weeks of the year (the first in April and the second in August) in either one of two shifts. The first shift provides companionship to the young families living in the house. Volunteers visit with them during and after dinner from 6-9 PM. This shift is also good for families with children, 10 years old and above.

From  9PM - 6:30AM a second team of volunteers from our parish serves by “working” the overnight shift. This requires spending the night at IHN. Our presence helps IHN divert valuable financial resources to areas of need for the residents as our physical presence reduces the need to hire staff. A private room with two cots is available. This shift is ideal for two people to do together.

For more information, contact:  Terry Waite at twaite@townisp.com or   Bridgid Rubin at rubin@townisp.com.

Rise Against Hunger is an organization that seeks to alleviate global food insecurity. Volunteers from St. Mary’s come together during Lent to purchase and package over 10,000 meals which are then shipped overseas to countries in critical need of food. This is a hands-on, engaging and educational experience that provides a great service opportunity to children (age 10 and above)  as well as adults. 

For more information, contact:  Gina Kuruvilla: gina.kuruvilla@stmarysparish.org

DfG is an international organization that seeks to restore the dignity of women by attempting to overcome the stigma associated with menstruation. in many parts of the world, women are denied participation at school and work during their monthly period. They are asked to isolate themselves without active contact with family and friends until their period is over. Many also cannot afford to purchase disposable feminine hygiene products. Our Shrewsbury group of DfG volunteers sews and assembles feminine hygiene kits that consist of reusable pads, underwear, wash cloths, etc. that are then sent to the women who need them. Led by Nancy Hughes, St. Mary’s DfG group has helped thousands of women all over the globe.

For more information contact Nancy at njh1959@hotmail.com .