Members of Saint James Outreach commit themselves to the corporal works of mercy by assisting those who are in need in a confidential way. Saint James Outreach is able to operate through the generosity of parishioners, who donate food throughout the year, as well as through special collections, monetary donations, a Catholic Charities Grant, and a Tufts Grant. Thank you for your continued support of this necessary ministry.
The Lord's Table -
Coordinates monthly food donations for Grafton families in need
Nursing Home Visits-
Visits members of the parish in area nursing homes each month and delivers a special holiday gift at Christmas and Easter
Holiday Remembrances-
Provide Easter ham dinners to the families served by this ministry, accompanied by children's special Easter baskets that are donated by Grafton High School students in the Family & Community Leaders class
Coordinate the annual Giving Tree, which provides new clothing and toys to young children in Grafton
Deliver a full-course meal at Thanksgiving and Christmas to the families served by this ministry
Provide-
School supplies for our families in need
Beach passes for Silver Lake through the Grafton Recreational Dept.
Head Start Summer Buckets
Personal care items for our families in need
Contact: Phyllis Agin ~508-839-7685
Mustard Seed
On the fourth Monday of the month, adults and youth volunteers serve the evening meal at the Mustard Seed, a Catholic Worker House of Hospitality on Piedmont Street in Worcester. Parishioners also assist by baking for this meal.
Contact: Fr. Hanlon ~ 508-839-5354
Bereavement Hospitality Ministry
We welcome the family of the bereaved to a comfortable and inviting atmosphere where they can greet family and friends after a funeral in the Saint James Parish Center. Our hospitality service includes set-up, assisting the caterer, and clean up. Parishioners also assist by baking.
Contact: Denise Tucker ~508-839-5829
Funeral Acolyte
During the funeral mass, adult parishioners assist the priest and deacon in ways similar to altar serving. Training is provided.
Contact: Fr. Hanlon~ 508-839-5354
Greeting Card Ministry
Those who participate in this ministry send cards to parish members who are sick, confined to their homes or patients in nursing homes.
Contact: Carol Shilke ~ 508-839-3394
Peg Boutiette ~ 508-839-6891
Ministry of Care
These individuals provide an extension of the parish community to parishioners who are ill and/or homebound. They bring Christ, through prayer and Eucharist, to those who are unable to come to church. Each Minister of Care also brings his or her own caring presence to others through the gift of their personal time for conversation and emotional and spiritual support as loving Christians. Volunteers must be an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist.
Training is provided.
Contact: Fr. Hanlon~ 508-839-5354
Ministry to Veterans
Our mission is to support the men and women who have proudly and faithfully served our country in various military capacities. We work in tandem with the Massachusetts Veterans, Inc. in Worcester where a multitude of daily services are offered.
Contact: Fred Ziolkowski ~ 508-839-0682
Money Collection Counters
On Sunday mornings, parishioners serve by counting the collection from each mass and preparing it for deposit.