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Service and Outreach in Action at St. Philip Neri and Beyond
This past autumn, our St. Philip Neri faith community participated in several service opportunities and outreach initiatives that, especially in this time of COVID, had a profound impact on both our parish and local communities. As we proceed into Lent, let us consider the importance of almsgiving during this penitential season and reflect on how we may continue to share our gifts with those in need.
The Angel Tree Gift Drive
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The COVID-19 pandemic changed how we worship, interact, and serve. Of course, this also meant that our 2020 Angel Tree Gift Drive looked a bit different from past years. And while this year’s drive was held virtually — via the SignUpGenius platform — rather than with the traditional tags on the tree, participants still gave to those in need through various Angel Tree initiatives. These included children’s gifts, heating bill relief for area residents, gift cards for senior residents in subsidized housing, and funding for the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
We thank all those who participated in the 2020 Angel Tree Gift Drive, which meant that we could still connect with our wider community, even if we couldn’t be together in-person.
St. Philip Neri Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus
Over the years, our annual Thanksgiving Food Drive has continued to be a successful initiative — but in 2020, it certainly proved to be an essential form of outreach. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, families were facing tremendous challenges in keeping food on the table, and we needed to help.
So, between Nov. 19 and 22, our community collected and delivered 10,360 pounds of food to the Fort Mill Care Center. We are so grateful for your generosity during this year’s Thanksgiving Food Drive!
St. Philip Neri Catholic Social Teaching Ministry: Fair Trade Event — Alternative Christmas Giving
The Fair Trade Event took place — both live and virtually — on the weekend of Dec. 5 and 6. Every sale during the Fair Trade Event supported communities in need around the world. This event offered our community members an opportunity to find that uniquely perfect Christmas gift for a friend or a loved one while also making a positive difference for someone across the globe.
St. Philip Neri Women’s Group: Rada Fundraising Event and Sock Collection for the Children’s Attention Home
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 meant that our parish’s Women’s Group could not hold its annual Bake Sale fundraiser. So, in finding other ways to live out its ministry mission of giving back to the community, the group sponsored a special contactless fundraiser through Rada Cutlery, an American-made product with a lifetime guarantee. Participants could find a fantastic Christmas gift without having to leave their own homes, all while supporting the mission of our Women’s Group.
The Sock Collection for the Children’s Attention Home, which took place through mid-December, is another way the Women’s Group carried out its mission. Via the donation box in our parish’s gathering space, parishioners could provide an essential item for children in need.
St. Philip Neri Child Development Center December Service Project
The St. Philip Neri Child Development Center kicked off December with a service project to benefit the Fort Mill Care Center. From Dec. 1-15, volunteers collected 684 pounds of canned goods and non-perishable food items. The Child Development Center’s next Service Project will take place in February. Thank you to our wonderful CDC families for your support and generosity!
The St. Philip Neri Child Development Center December Service Project was a success, with 684 pounds of canned goods and non-perishable food items collected for those in need.
