The outreach
ministries represent the work of the Church beyond the parish boundaries. The
people served are largely non-parishioners. There is the wider recognition of
“The People of God” who are our neighbors in Los Angeles, on the streets,
and our brothers and sisters around the world – far from us geographically.
There is a mistaken
perception that people who work in the Church, or those who volunteer their
time, are doing it because they are “nice” people. While this belief is
understandable, it does not touch the depth of where social action stems from.
It is much more than being a “good” person – it is a person who is grounded in
the reality of Christ.
The “Paschal Mystery
of Jesus Christ” is a term which is bandied about, but not always clearly
explained. To participate in Christ’s Paschal Mystery means that we, as
followers of Jesus Christ, share in his life, death, and resurrection. We
identify with the joys, difficulties and struggles of Jesus in his earthly
life. We are part of the passion of his violent death. We are also invited to
share in the joy of his resurrection. All people, all of humanity, experience
the joys and sufferings of this earthly life as did Jesus of Nazareth. And all
of us are promised the eternal love of God which surpasses that of humanity.
To be given the gift
of such incredible love, as God offers us, demands a response on our part.
Those who do the work of the church are continuing the work of Jesus Christ on
earth – it is a big “AMEN!” to the love that God gives us.
The work of the outreach ministries (as with all the ministries at Holy Family
Church) not only reflects
the love of God for all of humanity, but shows us Christ in one another. When
we reach out, when we serve the person who is struggling after a job loss or
the person who is homeless and hungry, we are serving Christ in that person. To
recognize the face of Christ is to see the true dignity of each person to whom
we attend.
Advisory Groups
Two volunteer groups perform essential consultative roles. The Community Services Advisory Board provides advice and consultation on issues related to Holy Family Outreach. The members, who come from a variety of backgrounds (including legal, medical, educational, and professional) are also on hand to advise on a variety of community service events and workshops. The board meets quarterly and has been instrumental in securing grant funding for outreach ministries.
The Outreach Commission provides servant leadership for all parish groups and ministries that reach out beyond the people who come to church, fosters cooperation and sharing of resources among groups, and sets visionary goals in keeping with the core values of our parish.
Ministry Opportunities
We invite you to explore the many opportunities to reach out to those in need.
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