Ministry to the Bereaved
This ministry assists in the planning of the funeral liturgy for families who have experienced the loss of a loved one.
Contact: Deacon Don

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Human Development Ministry - Contact Information: 454-4515

Food Pantry Hours:

Mon & Wed 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Tues & Thurs 9:00 am to 2:30 pm

The Human Development Ministry evolves with the needs of the community, with its primary goal being to "help people help themselves". Our Food Pantry, with a grant from the Central New York Food Bank and generous donations from parish members, Boys Scouts of America, various student groups, and the US Postal Service, is open Monday through Thursday. We provide 21 meals (3 days of food) for a family or individual once per month in a effort to help people eat nutritiously even in these difficult economic times. Clients are encouraged to apply for Food Stamps or WIC benefits, with applications being available in the office.

We provide complete Thanksgiving Baskets with everything needed for a healthy and delicious meal by conducting a "reverse collection" for food at our masses. Parish families also provide Christmas gifts to needy children of our community during the holidays.

St. Margaret's reaches out beyond our Mattydale borders each Monday, as volunteers make 100 sandwiches to be donated to the daily lunch program at Assumption Church. Clothing is available not only to our clients, but also is donated to inner city churches.

Students are encouraged to become involved in feeding the hungry by bringing in food donations. As part of Hunger Awareness 2008, several St. Margaret's School students did their part by growing a vegetable plant that was started as seedlings by Human Development, then bringing in their "harvest" to the Food Pantry.

Human Development is much more than food. People come to us with problems ranging from loss of their home or apartment due to eviction or job loss, domestic violence, incarcerated spouses or children, depression and loneliness. Sometimes all that is needed is someone to listen and care, and a referral to the appropriate social service agency so that they may get the support they need.

We help with job searches, resumes, financial aid and information regarding BOCES programs, GEDs and higher education. Empowering others begins with a helping hand.

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Prayer Shawl Ministry

This group meets approximately six times a year to knit, crochet and quilt shawls and lap robes for members of our community that are physically or emotionally in need of the prayers and support of the parish. The shawls are blessed during a mass three or four times a year and delivered by volunteers to hospitals, extended care facilities and private homes. New members are always welcome.

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Parish Visitors Ministry
The goal of the Parish Visitors Ministry is to continue a connection to parishioners who are homebound, those who are in nursing homes and those in hospitals.

Sometimes this means sending a card. Sometimes the parishioner may desire to receive the Eucharist or maybe just a phone call. Sometimes a visit is requested.

Growing from a deep gratitude that we ourselves are mobile, we reach out to others in a one-to-one ministry. Caring parishioners reach out a supporting hand to the spiritual, social, and emotional needs of individuals in our parish family. 

If you are interested in finding out more about this ministry, or know of someone in need of this ministry, please call Marie at (315) 451-0905 or email visit@stmargchurchmattydale.org