The Valley Catholic March 19, 2019 | Page 7

tvc.dsj.org | March 19, 2019 COMMUNITY 7 Social Ministry Joins Catholic Charities at John XXIII After 36 years serving the most vulnerable in our community, the collaboration between Saint Joseph Cathedral and the Office of Social Ministry is now at Catholic Charities and recently moved its service delivery to John XXIII Multi-Service Center in downtown San Jose. The Office of Social Ministry is dedicated to serving those who are homeless, those released from incar- ceration, and other vulnerable residents of San Jose. Two-hundred individuals are served daily by volunteers and 11 staff members. “We help to improve the quality of their lives, integrating health and social services with the belief that every hu- man being is blessed with God-given dignity,” according to Sharon Miller, who previously worked as a registered nurse and has served as director of the program since 1988. Beginning as a volunteer, she worked with the pastor to establish advocacy and services to this vulnerable population since 1983. Social Ministry’s services are deliv- ered through three programs. Bridges of Hope “is a faith based resource cen- ter, which focuses on the provision of Social Ministry staff and volunteers pictured by The Window mail area: (l–r) Jesse Aguirre, Case Manager, Bridges of Hope; Bryan Knapp, Community Worker, The Window and Bridges of Hope; Sharon L. Miller, Director, Social Ministry; Yaritza Cordova, Community Worker, The Window and Bridges of Hope; Chris Andes Cook, Case Manager, Bridges of Hope; and Kiana Martin, Presentation High School Student Volunteer. reentry services and case-management to individuals and families healing from the eff ects of incarceration in local jail or state prison. A drop-in Health Care Clinic provides free primary healthcare to those who are homeless, migrant workers, and those with no health insurance. Social Ministries con- tinues to be an advocate in our county regarding homelessness, unraveling the tangled strands of cause, eff ect, and need for supportive aff ordable housing. Catholic Cemeteries Upcoming Workshops Planning a Catholic Funeral April 3, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Saint Anthony Parish 20101 McKean Rd. San Jose Presenters: Father Christopher Bennett, Lima-Campagna-Alameda Mission Chapel and Catholic Cemeteries The Vigil, Funeral Mass and Committal (graveside services) each have distinct purposes in the journey toward healing and wholeness. Come learn about the Church’s Catholic rituals and prayers and the services and options off ered through a funeral home and Catholic Cemeteries. Give yourself and your loved ones the gift of peace of mind by having your end-of-life plans in place. Death Café March 20, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. (3rd Wed. each month), 890 Benton Street, Santa Clara (corner of Lafayette) Facilitator: Candee Lucas, M.A. Pastoral Ministries Want a safe place to talk about death and dying and what it means? How do we participate or incorporate dy- ing into our lives as we come upon that experience? Space provided by Santa Clara University Graduate Pro- gram in Pastoral Ministries. For more information: deathcafe.com/deathcafe Endorsed by Catholic Cemeteries SOLACE – Soul + Grief Monthly Drop-In Grief Support Group Grounded in spirituality and faith March 27, 7 – 9 p.m. O’Connor Hospital Chapel, Main Entrance, 2105 Forest Ave., San Jose. Parking in the back lot Facilitator: Candee Lucas, M.A. Pastoral Ministries. We hope to create a sacred space for you to share your grieving. No RSVP necessary. Free. Sponsored by Catholic Cemeteries and O’Connor Hospital. New Paths for Healing – Travelling through Lent with personal grief April 6, 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saint Mary’s Parish – Hofmann Center 219 Bean Ave. Los Gatos Join us for a day of refl ection encoun- tering the presence of God in your daily life in the midst of grieving. The day will include prayer, reflection, opportunities to share and hands-on activities to explore the ways in which grief and God color our lives. $15. RSVP required by April 2, [phone] or [email protected]. For more information or to schedule a free workshop in your parish, contact Catholic Cemeteries [phone] or [email protected]. Perhaps the most visible of their services is “The Window,” named by the clients who access it. It provides “walk-up” services including free sand- wiches, referrals to service providers, toiletries, and a post offi ce. An offi cial branch of the Postal Service, it is a safe place where the homeless and those released from incarceration can receive mail while they are in transition and rebuilding their lives. “The Window” is central to a large population in need of services by creating linkages and refer- ral to shelter, recovery homes, immigra- tion resources, mental health providers, substance abuse counseling, employ- ment, county benefi ts, Social Security, Veteran’s Administration, PG&E, legal aid connections, and healthcare. With its relocation in February, the Social Ministry program joins other Catholic Charities initiatives at John XXIII critical to social integration and strengthening our community. These include a lunch program providing nu- tritious meals for seniors; daily recre- ational activities for seniors; English as a Second Language (ESL) and U.S. Citi- zenship Classes; and the Responsible Landlord Engagement Initiative (RLEI), a community initiative that helps com- munities stay safe and vibrant. “This is an exciting transition for this program,” Sharon said. “We antici- pate it will lead to greater integration of services to our clients, as well as future sustainability with the potential to expand our program to more people who need our help.” To learn more about the Social Mi n ist r y Prog ram, please email [email protected].