Mother of Perpetual Help Parish Human Concerns and Outreach Ministries

MPH Human Concerns Committee

Parishioner volunteers that serve 3 year terms that can be renewed as often as the volunteer wishes. The committee has Co-Chairs elected each year and an elected Secretary. The Committee is advisory to the Director of Human Concerns and Outreach providing advice, ideas, and volunteer time. Agenda and Minutes are posted here.

Bereavement Sub-Committee under Human Concerns:

a group of volunteers who send sympathy cards to the families of those parishioners who have recently passed on. They also provide funeral assistance to the Pastoral Director of the parish.

Bethany Outreach Ministry Center
  • Barb’s Baby Ministry –This ministry works with local groups (medical clinics, hospitals, a West Allis school, several social workers, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s Migrant Ministry, and others) who in turn work directly with families in need with newborns and toddlers. We provide toiletries, diapers, wipes, bathing materials, blankets, clothing, toys and additional items. Occasionally we help with gift cards for older children in the family as well. Materials are housed in Bethany and the ministry accepts donations of items and financial gifts. Volunteers of all ages are welcome. PHOTO

 

  • Prayer Shawl Ministry and HOLY Loomers (Hooked On Looming Yarn)– is now a single merged group. They knit and crochet prayer shawls of various sizes for parishioners, Zilber Hospice, Froedtert Hospital, and anyone who expresses a need for one, as well as loom hats and scarves for patrons of the Food Pantry. They are self-financed, accept material, yarn, and monetary donations and meet monthly (day and evening groups) at Bethany. All are welcome to join the group.
    • Dignity Kits for Project Return for Men and Women released from prison: –Donated items housed at Bethany are assembled into kits usually twice a year and delivered to Project Return. There is a parish wide collection usually once a year. PHOTO

     

    •  Medical Closet – parishioners and community members donate items (crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, commodes, and numerous other items), which are stored in 2 rooms at the Bethany Outreach Center and lent out at no cost, to anyone in need. Volunteers keep the items in order. PHOTO

    • Helping Hands – a large group of volunteers who craft, cook, and do many projects for the parish, frequently done together with the Christian Women’s Group. Any money raised with the projects is donated for specific parish needs. They meet every Wednesday morning and anyone is welcome to join.

    Additional Outreach & Human Concerns Efforts at MPH:

    • Sandwich Ministry –Volunteers meet once a month (second Tuesday) to prepare 350+ sandwiches for the Guest House in Milwaukee who then distributes them to those in need. Volunteers are always welcome.

     

    • Christian Women – a group of women who meet the second Tuesday of each month between September and May. Their objective is to unite the women of the parish in religious, educational, and social activities. All women in the parish are invited. Meetings are always published in the bulletin. This group works together with the Helping Hands.

    • Ben’s Community Meal Program (a part of Capuchin Community Services which includes the House of Peace) – Pre-Covid, meals were prepared and served twice/month. Currently we prepare and provide 150 bag dinners twice/month (third and fourth Fridays, preparation done the Thursday before) and serve once/month (third Monday). We also collect and donate religious items, hygiene kits, clothing, school supplies, and toys for the House of Peace on a semi-regular basis and always at Christmas. Volunteers are always welcome. PHOTO

     

    • Gene’s Help Center – this is a relationship that was developed since they are located in West Allis and provide assistance to many in our parish zip codes. We have donation boxes at both church sites with items delivered to the Center regularly. We also collect coats for them with our annual Angel Trees.

     

    • Congo Helping Hands – This is our missionary outreach with Jeff Mullins (parishioner and Coordinator) to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They are the focus of our yearly Lenten outreach. PHOTO

     

    • ERAS Senior Adults- Milwaukee & Waukesha Counties – We provide help with their fundraising and share information about their services with our parishioners as well as help find volunteers. PHOTO

     

     In addition to these, we highlight various groups throughout the year to provide awareness and information to our parishioners. Examples include NAMI Southeast Wisconsin, the Catholic Ecology Center, and various Support Groups (for divorce, grief, unemployment etc.), Franciscan Peacemakers and others.

    Volunteer Opportunities:

    If you are interested in serving the Lord through any of the ministries and programs above, use the contact form below and select Human Concerns/Kathy Smith for more information.