Social Ministries

In our efforts to protect “the least among us,” to promote the common good, and to pursue justice and peace, it is vital that believers share the principles of Catholic social teaching and act on our faith in the marketplace, the public square, family life, and all community life. As John Paul II has repeatedly pointed out, the laity has a preeminent role in working for justice and peace in every aspect of society - as parents, workers, educators, consumers, businesspeople, citizens and taxpayers.

Sharing our social tradition more fully and clearly is an essential way to bring good news, liberty and new sight to a society and world in desperate need of God’s justice and peace.* There are many worthwhile ministries that would welcome your involvement and/or support.

(Excerpts from Sharing Catholic Teaching, Reflections of USCCB)

Befriender Ministry

Befriender Ministry is a national, ecumenical lay ministry program, which empowers laity to provide pastoral care in churches and other community settings. This ministry of listening presence offers spiritual and emotional support during times of need and transition. This ministry is not currently being administered through the Diocese of Gaylord.

CROP Walk

Each year more than a quarter million CROPWALKERS put their hearts and soles in motion to help stop hunger, one step at a time, in some 2,000 locally-organized CROP WALKS and other community events. Up to 25% of the funds raised can be designated for local hunger-fighting programs. To locate a Crop Walk in your area call toll-free: 1.888.297.2767, or go to the website for further information.

Crisis Pregnancy Centers

Crisis Pregnancy Centers provide critical information and counseling to women in need of the truth to make the choice for life. The following are centers within the Diocese of Gaylord:

ALPENA Pregnancy Helpline of NE Michigan Child and Family Services of NE Michigan	517.356.4567 517.356.4567
CADILLAC Pregnancy Resource Center	616.775.1545
CHEBOYGAN AA Crisis Pregnancy Center	231.627.2626
GAYLORD New Life Pregnancy Resource Center	989.732.1626
PETOSKEY Community Support Center	231.348.3388
TRAVERSE CITY Child & Family Services	231.946.2104
WEST BRANCH West Branch Crisis Pregnancy Center	989.345.3909

Catholic Food Fast

Catholic Food Fast, sponsored by Catholic Relief Services, is designed to raise awareness around hunger and global injustice and engage youth in action to make a difference. For 24 hours students will fast to understand how millions of people live every hour of their lives.

Food for the Poor

Food for the Poor ministers to spiritually renew impoverished people throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Their goal is to improve the health, economic, social and spiritual conditions of the men, women and children we serve. To have someone for FFP to visit your parish or just to learn more about their programs visit this website.

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity International is a Christian organization that welcomes volunteers of all faiths who are committed to Habitat's goal of eliminating poverty housing. Browse this web-site for a complete list of Habitat affiliates around the world or type in your U.S. zip code to find the Habitat locations nearest you. The directory also lists local events, field notes and true stories.

Operation Rice Bowl

Operation Rice Bowl is an annual program designed to prepare your community for an enriching Lenten journey. It calls Catholics in the United States to promote human dignity and foster global solidarity with the poor around the world through prayer, fasting, education and almsgiving during Lent. A percentage of the monies raised stays within the Diocese and is utilized for food, clothing and shelter for the poor in our communities.

St. Vincent de Paul

St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Stores located in the Diocese of Gaylord:
Thrift Store Location, 805 West Chisholm, Alpena, MI 49707

Thrift Store Location, 2227 F-41, Mikado, MI 48745

               Thrift Store Location, 5290 S. Henderson Lake Rd, Prescott, MI 48756
                 Thrift Store Location, 329 W West Branch, Prudenville, MI 48651
                 Thrift Store Location, 821 Lake, Roscommon, MI 48653
                 Thrift Store Location, 115 First Street, Tawas City, MI 48764
                 Thrift Store Location, 3290 North M-65, Hale, MI 48739
                 Thrift Store Location, 715 Beitner Street, Traverse City, MI 49686

30 Hour Famine

World Vision's 30 Hour Famine puts hands and feet to teens' desire to live a life of Christian compassion. It will unite youth group members like never before, and the impact will last long after the Famine event is over. It can be the spark that fires up a person for a lifetime of reaching out to neighbors in need, whether they're across the street - or around the globe.

Work of Human Hands

Work of Human Hands is a program of Catholic Relief Services and SERRV International which enables the impoverished in developing countries to sell their handmade crafts through Parishes and Schools here in the United States. To get one of their catalogs or make a donation visit the web-site, call 1.800.422.5915, or write SERRV, PO Box 365, New Windsor, MD 21776.