St. Leonard Human Concerns

The mission of St. Leonard Human Concerns Committee is to build a compassionate, caring community through service to others in the manner of Christ. We will respond to this goal by striving to carry out the loving acts described in Matthew 25:31-46, specifically the Corporal Works of Mercy. The works of mercy tell us how to respond to the basic needs of people. We hope to be effective in giving food and drink to the hungry and sick, providing clothing to the needy, minister to those in prison, provide financial and material support to shelters for the homeless, and serve as hosts for funeral/parish receptions. Furthermore, through our efforts we seek to foster an atmosphere of respect for life at all levels and show concern for social justice issues.

We plan to fulfill our mission through the people that service the following Human Concerns subcommittees:

Food Pantry

All parishioners are welcome to contribute nonperishable food items to our Food Pantry - containers are located inside the main entrance of the church. Additional funds for the Food Pantry are obtained by a 1% rebate on grocery receipts with stickers from Sentry, Piggly Wiggly receipts, as well as using the Pick'nSave "We Care" card. Sign up at the Pick 'n Save store and designate St. Leonard as the charity. These funds purchase perishable items as well as provide us with the funds needed to support our other projects. Any family in need of Food Pantry help should contact the parish office.

Southside Meal Program Go to top

This site is a St. Vincent de Paul meal site, located near 9th and Madison, which is one block north of Greenfield Ave. On the second Tuesday of each month, parishioners from both St. Leonard and Bethel Lutheran, donate beef stew, Jell-O, cheese, and cake to serve 400+ people. Prepared food is dropped off at St. Leonard between 4:00pm- 4:30pm, it is then taken to the meal site by the volunteer servers for the day. Our group does not have to help with clean up and they usually return to St. Leonard on later than 7:00pm.

Waukesha Meal Program

St. Matthias Episcopal Church in Waukesha is our second meal program site. St. Leonard serves donated food, dessert and milk and helps with the clean up process, about four-times a year at this site. Many of the people served are unable to cook for themselves.

Thanksgiving and Easter Food Baskets Go to top

Donated food is distributed to needy families each Thanksgiving and starting in 2003 food will be distributed at Easter also. Food donations can be brought to church any time throughout the year and placed in the food containers near the main entrance. Scout troops have always provided wonderful support for our pantry throughout the year. The Corvette Club of Muskego assists us with a yearly donation to needy families. WE appreciate any help. If a family is in need of food, please call the parish office, anytime during the year.

Advent Giving Tree

During the Advent season, parishioners are invited to take a gift tag off the Giving Tree in church. These items are donated to various shelters and families in need.

Lenten Projects/Monthly Donations Go to top

During each week of Lent, there may be a particular item that is collected for a particular agency, shelter or place that our committee supports. These special collections could also take place throughout the year. We also support the parish Lenten Project.

Financial/Material Support for Crisis Centers/Shelters

Our committee offers financial and material support to various shelters and centers. We do this through collections and donations from our monetary funds.

Guest House Help/Jail Ministry Go to top

Interested parishioners usually meet four times a year, on every fifth Saturday of the month, to visit with the homeless at the Guest House in Milwaukee. The group mans the commissary and brings clean undergarments and toiletries to the residents at Guest House. The Guest House provides a place to spend the night, a bed and a shower, and a meal for the residents.

We provide monetary support, as well as, an assortment of items, such as, stamps envelopes, stationary and game books, undergarments and toiletries for the Jail Ministry.

Right to Life/Social Justice Issues

Areas of this nature are addressed on as needed basis. Each May, a Mothers' Day Rose Sale is held with profits going to Right to Life Education Programs and Centers.

Collections for School Supplies/Baby Items Go to top

School items are collected in August with collected items being distributed in the Waukesha and Milwaukee area, to shelters and low income Catholic Schools.

Baby items are collected in October during Respect Life month. Collected items are donated to area shelters and family program centers.

Mission Reachout

Each month, funds are donated to various local, national and international missions.

Refreshments for Funerals/Parish Functions

At the request of a bereaved family, this committee will serve light refreshments after a funeral. From time to time, this committee may be asked to prepare light refreshments for various parish functions.