Social Ministries

• Altar Linen Care
  The altar linens - purificators, corporals, finger towels - are laundered and ironed for daily and Sunday use in liturgical celebrations.
  Contact Ron Downing at the Parish Center, 412-486-6001
  
  
• Amnesty International
  Amnesty International is a worldwide human rights organization. Through letter-writing campaigns, the organization impartially works for the release of non-violent prisoners of conscience jailed for their beliefs, color, sex, ethnic origin, language or religion. Amnesty International also works to ensure fair and prompt trials and to stop torture, executions and politically-motivated killings and "disappearances". While not affiliated with the Catholic Church, it shares many of the same concerns for peace and justice. Our parish participates through Amnesty International Group 524, which provides a newsletter each month with instructions on a letter-writing campaign along with background and sometimes sample wording. For those wishing to be more involved, additional background and action opportunities are available by attending Group 524's monthly meetings. More information is available at Amnesty International's web site.
  Contact Margaret Lacek
  
  
• Baking Ministry
  Volunteers in the Baking Ministry bake cookies and desserts for various parish events on a rotating basis.
  Contact Rosemary Brown
  
  
• Baptismal Garment Makers
  The traditional white baptismal garment signifies putting on a new life--a life of purity and love of Christ. The making of baptismal garments is an excellent way for those who wish to be of service but are unable to attend meetings. Each person works on garments when they are needed. All supplies are provided. This service is a function of the Christian Women.
  Contact Elsie Kuzniewski
  
  
• Bereavement Ministry
  For loved ones left behind, a death in the family can be devastating. Often the grieving person feels alone and hides his/her pain because others are uncomfortable or afraid to talk about the deceased person. The Bereavement Ministry helps those who grieve by giving them "permission" to go through the stages of grieving in their own way, in their own time. Two ways to help are 1.) participate in prayers at the final viewing and send cards to the grieving survivor  2.) be present to the bereaved at Grief Support Meetings.  Any caring person willing to be present to the bereaved, just to listen and to encourage the bereaved to speak their feelings for the loved one, is welcome to be part of this ministry. Three elements necessary for a Bereavement Minister are to be present, to listen, and to comfort.
  Contact Tess Druga
  
  
• Christian Women
  Christian Women (formerly Ladies Guild and Christian Mothers) is open to all women of the parish over the age of 18. This organization promotes spirituality, service, and socializing. Members organize and prepare funeral luncheons, receptions for Confirmation and First Eucharist, and make Baptismal garments. The group supports local food-banks, a monthly Feed the Hungry program at a North Side soup kitchen, Sisters Place and Pro-Life. Socially, Christian Women sponsor an annual mother-daughter dinner, lectures and fund-raising projects. New members are invited to join anytime throughout the year and are always welcome. Meetings are held at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month, September through May. Check the bulletin for details.
  Contact Janet Talik
  
  
• Consolation Ministry
  Consolation ministers provide liturgical services during funeral Masses - serving as cantors, lectors, greeters, and placing Christian symbols on the casket.
  Contact Veronica Marol
  
  
• Counseling
  Marital, premarital, pregnancy, family, and substance abuse counseling are available to enhance and encourage members of St. Catherine's to live in the fullness of life that Christ intended. Contact the Parish Center for confidential consultation with parish priests, social ministers, or appropriate staff members.
  Contact Parish Center, 412-486-6001
  
  
• Hospital Visitation
  Parish priests and the Social Minister make visits as needed to local hospitals to visit, comfort, and meet the needs of parishioners. If you are hospitalized, or know of someone who is hospitalized, please contact the Parish Center.
  Contact Parish Center, 412-486-6001
  
  
• Job Loss Program
  The Job Loss Program provides emotional and faith support within a Christian perspective to those affected by job loss or layoff. Participants are dealing with anger, grief, anxiety, and family tensions that affect the unemployed or underemployed. The Job Loss Program is a six-week program presented twice a year on six consecutive Thursday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. and is free of charge.
  Contact Jim Smith or David Leonard
  
  
• Knights of Columbus
  This men's fraternal organization has as its mission, the support of the bishop and priests, and membership is open to men 18 and older. The Knights run social activities and fundraisers, offer scholarships and perform charitable work for the elderly. Each year, the organization holds a family picnic, a pancake breakfast, a spaghetti dinner, a basketball free-throw competition for kids ages 10 to 15, a Light-up Night for families on the first Tuesday in December and a Christmas Seals drive to benefit the handicapped. New members are welcome, and meetings are on the second Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.
  Contact Kevin O'Connor at stcatherineknights@hotmail.com
  Knights of Columbus Web Page
  
  
• Ladies of Charity
  Ladies of Charity is an international organization of women who attempt to imitate our Lord in helping the needy, both spiritually and materially, in a spirit of humility, simplicity, and charity. They provide loving services to parishioners in need, particularly the elderly, through visits to the home, nursing home, and/or hospital. Meetings are held on the fourth Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. Check the bulletin for details.
  Contact Francine Hovanec
  
  
• Lend-a-Hand Committee
  St. Catherine's Lend-a-Hand was established to provide free maintenance service for the elderly/needy parishioners of the parish. The main activities of the Lend-a-Hand group are minor property maintenance and repair. The projects consist of house cleaning, painting, yard work, plumbing, plastering, replacing worn steps, doors, windows, locks, etc. and any other projects the Lend-a-Hand Committee approves.
  Contact Charles Hecht
  
  
• Meals-on-Wheels
  This committee provides desserts during the month of December and also transports them to the Memorial Park Presbyterian Church for distribution to area shut-ins.
  Contact Lita Kearney
  
  
• Respect Life
  The Respect Life Committee helps to promote the responsibility that we need to respect and safeguard the precious gift of human life from conception to natural death. Activities include the Pro-Life March in Washington and Pittsburgh, fundraising projects, letter-writing campaigns, and various programs in the church and community to foster an awareness favoring life.
  Contact Lorraine Taggart
  
  
• Separated & Divorced Support Ministry
  This group provides spiritual, emotional and psychological support and information for individuals going through the process of separation and/or divorce and helps those coming to terms with life after divorce.  Meetings are the second and fourth Wednesdays each month in the Education Building at St. Ferdinand Parish, Cranberry Township.
  Contact Pauline Hoffman at St. Ferdinand Parish
  
  
• St. Vincent De Paul Society
  This organization is devoted to the care and concern for others in need. This care is expressed in the collection of clothing, food, and furniture for needy families in the area. Christmas Angel Tree drives, Thanksgiving clothing drives, and blood drives are annual events that fulfill the needs for our community. Money is also available for basic necessities such as overdue utility bills, hospitalization, and shelter when people have exhausted their resources. Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m.
  Contact Ed Hayes