Service (Outreach)

St. Matthew Parish Social Concerns Committee (SMPSCC)
In following its mission, St. Matthew Parish tries to reach out to people in need to express its faith in action.  In sharing our time, talent and gifts with those in need we are saying yes to our faith and spreading God’s word and love in deeds.  The following is a list and description of some of the parish’s out-reach programs.If you’re interested in getting involved or learning more about a particular committee, please email or call Kimberly Cossuto (203-515-3293 ) or Nona Rudd (203-984-4069) at . Looking forward to seeing you!!

Bereavement Ministry:  Supporting families in need spiritually, mentally, and emotionally by having spiritual advisors, social workers, and psychologists from our very own parish family available when needed. The group brings together people who have lost a loved one for professional inputs to cope.  Professional Social Workers and Counselors are invited to be part of this ministry.
Chair: Lucia Breault
Co-Chair: Rose Metline

Parish Nurses:  Supporting the parish by being advocates for healthy living and instituting programs to educate. Monthly blood pressure screening is an ongoing activity. Medical doctors and registered nurses may join the committee.
Chair: Rose Taliercio
Co-chair: Ellen Freebarin

Giving Tree: The goal of this committee is to help parishioners and local agencies. The committee collects materials for people in need from the parishioners.
Chair: Karen Iaco
Co-chair: Syndi Buckley

Manna House: The goal is to serve a meal to the residents of the Norwalk Emergency Shelter.  They purchase, prepare, cook and serve a lunch and/or dinner meal at the Norwalk Emergency Shelter several times a year.
Chair: Barbara Chiamulera
Co-Chair: Cathy Lauder

Cares and Shares Committee: The goal is provide needed items (i.e. food, clothes) to be dispersed for daily meals or through the pantry to the people at the Manna House/Emergency Shelter in Norwalk.  The collection is the third weekend of every month and is distributed the Monday following the collection.
Chair: Kimberly Cossuto
Co-Chair: Grace Brady

Al’s Angels: An independent, non-profit organization working as a ministry within the parish. They work towards bringing joy to families and children afflicted by rare diseases especially during the holidays. Visit the website here at Al’s Angels
Chair: Al DiGuido
Co-Chair: Chris DiGuido

Parishioner To Parishioner: The goal of this committee is to have items “available” without charge from one parishioner that will then be donated to another parishioner without any exchange of money and also to have a list of needed items in the bulletin weekly.
Chair: Judy Balas
Co-chair Richard Balas
Please do not contact the Parish Office for any items. Please contact Judy Balas at (203) 838-6967 or JBBtrip@aol.com

Career Networking Group:  The purpose is to strengthen ourselves in faith and growing a sustainable economy by networking and providing resources that are consistently available, accessible and responsive to the needs of individuals or families seeking assistance.
Chair: David Vayda
Co-Chair: Patrick Gilchrist

Resource Committee:  To enable the parishioners to be well informed of the many organizations in the community.  The committee will try to connect people in need with resources.
Chair: Heather Ribellino
Co-Chair: Cathy O’Connor

Feeding His Flock: (Formerly Dinner with Love): To service the parish community by serving hot meals to families in need.  Anyone who joins the committee should be willing to cook a meal on short notice.
Chair: Terri Sargent
Co-Chair: Donna Grippe

VIRTUS TRAINING
Important “Protecting God’s Children” Diocesan Requirements
Anyone wanting to join a committee or participate in any ministry at St. Matthew Parish must be completely compliant with Protecting God’s Children.  In order to be compliant you must attend a PGC training workshop and fill out the necessary forms.  If you have any questions please contact St. Matthew Safe Environment Coordinator Lorraine DeRosa at 203.852.6952 or by email at .