Outreach & Justice Ministries
Our Outreach Ministries extend the love of Christ beyond our parish walls, serving those in need with compassion and dignity. We strive to meet people where they are and offer help that uplifts and empowers. These ministries are a visible sign of our faith in action, reminding us that every person is our neighbor. By responding to real needs in our community, we share hope and reflect God’s mercy in tangible ways. We invite you to be part of this mission of service and make a lasting difference in someone’s life.
Alzheimer's Faith in Action Team
Caring for someone with memory loss can be both isolating and exhausting for family members. THESE FAMILIES NEED YOUR HELP! Belonging to a Care Team, you only give the time you can when you can because there are several of you to share the role of helping a family. The average volunteer offers just 2-3 hours per month. The team provides non-medical support and friendship. All volunteers are offered training and continued support from the staff at Eddy Alzheimer’s Services. If you would like to receive more information about a St. Edward’s Faith In Action Care Team Program either to volunteer or to request information on receiving assistance from a team please contact the coordinator directly.
Contact:
Mary Coleman
Phone: (518) 238-4167
Email: mary.coleman@sphp.com
Birthright
Birthright is available to assist any young woman distressed by an unplanned pregnancy. Volunteers listen nonjudgmentally and support lovingly. Services include free and confidential self-administered pregnancy tests; referrals to medical, mental health, social services and adoption providers; layettes and essential baby items; and emergency funds. New volunteers are always welcome into our “family.”
There is a pretty, white bassinet in the gathering space of the Atrium. The following items may be left in the bassinet: new or gently used baby clothes up to 12 months, receiving/crib blankets, infant towels/washcloths, sleepers, undershirts, booties/socks, sweaters, hats/mittens, baby powder/lotion/shampoo/wash, diapers (Newborn, Size 1, 2, 3, or 4), baby wipes, diaper rash cream, rattles or small infant toys (new only). Monetary donations can be left at the parish office. Thank you and God Bless.
Birthright Office Hours: Monday thru Friday 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. or anytime by appointment.
Contact:
1490 Saratoga Road (Rt 50)
PO Box 661
Ballston Spa, NY 12020
Care Links & Community Outreach
Trained volunteers provide supportive services, at no cost, to persons 60+ in the towns of Clifton Park, Halfmoon, Mechanicville and Malta. Friendly visiting, transportation, respite care, light housekeeping, yard work, shopping and errands, telephone assurance, information and referral handy helping.
Contact:
Bob & Carol O'Connell
Phone: (518) 371-8210
EMBRACE (Efficient Meal Brigade And Care Engine)
EMBRACE (Efficient Meal Brigade And Care Engine) is a new St. Edward’s ministry offering assistance to families and individuals who are facing difficult circumstances. Our goal is to ease the burden on people who are dealing with family crises by providing meals and offering support through our parish community.
We all need a little help now and then. Here’s our chance to EMBRACE someone who could use a hand.
Contact:
Mary Jo Brue
Phone: (518) 371-7372 ext 223
Email: maryjo.brue@stedwardsny.org
Beth Lee
Phone: (518) 877-7501
Email: leebee880@gmail.com
Emmaus Project (Cohoes Community Meal & Mary's Corner)
The Emmaus Project is a St. Edward’s outreach effort focused on inner city Cohoes in collaboration with other Christian Communities and agencies. It is located at the United Church of Cohoes and includes Food and Clothing Support, a Community Meal once a month and Mary’s Corner, a support group for young mothers:
Cohoes Community Meal
The Cohoes Community Meal is a once-a-month community meal prepared for and provided to the community and members of The United Church of Cohoes. This generally takes place on the fourth Saturday of every month. The food is prepared and served in the Social Hall of the United Church in Cohoes. Volunteer’s alternate months cooking, preparing and serving up to 250 meals. There is a diverse population who come to break bread. To participate is indeed a blessing for all those who volunteer.
Mary's Corner
Mary’s Corner is an outreach program which provides support for children ages newborn to three years of age and the adults who care for them, all of whom are residents of the City of Cohoes. Mary’s Corner provides baby items including but not limited to clothing, blankets, formula, baby food, diapers and wipes, strollers, body wash and shampoo, toys and books. Volunteers meet at Mary’s Corner one morning per month on Tuesdays or Thursdays from 9:00 AM to noon. Please contact Mary’s Corner liaison at St. Edward’s, Mary Ann for further information.
Contact:
Mary Ann Sekellick
Phone: 518-371-7372 x224
Fair Trade
Members of this ministry volunteer once a month as available to sell fair trade coffee, tea, and chocolate bars to parishioners after all Masses. Purchase of these fairly traded products assists small-scale farmers in third world countries to build a better future for themselves and their families as they receive a fair price for their crop, allowing them to stay on their land and send their children to school. Any profit St. Edward’s makes from the sales of these items is donated to the Limerick/Peru Mission. Volunteers are needed to assist with sales and create marketing materials and signs.
Visits To Homebound & Medical Facilities
We have many parishioners that are homebound, in nursing homes and in hospitals that would welcome a visit and to receive communion during their time of illness or infirmity. Local hospitals and nursing homes are visited in a regular (Beacon Point & Schuyler Ridge) and on an on-call basis. Training is provided.
Contact:
Mary Ann Sekellick