Community and the Common Good

There are many aspects to promoting the common good.  It can take place in a variety of arenas, from the parish level to the state capitol.  It can address broad topics, such as affordable workforce housing or transportation needs for the elderly.  It can also focus on a more local need, such as conducting fundraisers to support parish life.  There are a variety of opportunities available for those looking to take an active role in their community.  Below is a list of some of the ways in which parishioners can participate in the promotion of the common good.

PARISH GROUPS:

St. Joseph Reps gather for service projects for the parish and serve the meals for funerals.  They also host the Coffee Shop at the Craft Fair, hold bake sales and other fundraisers for parish groups and local organizations, conduct special collections for Home Free, run the Christmas Sharing tree, and much more.  The group meets the 3^rd Thursday of every month between September and May.

Craft Fair and Coffee Shop raises money to support parish programs.  It is held at the end of October.  The Craft Fair is hosted by craft lovers and artists.  Artists should contact Terri Regan at (763) 546-2077 for more information.  The Coffee Shop is held during the Craft Fair and is hosted by the St. Joe’s Reps.

Quilters group meets every Monday, September through June, from 12:30 to 2:00 pm.  Quilters gather to create quilts for neighborhood families in need.
 

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS:

ISAIAH is a network of congregations who have united in order to build the power necessary to promote policies or policy changes at the local, regional, state, and national level that protect the community and the common good.  Each congregation and its core team members work together, building powerful relationships with one another to reverse the injustices impacting our own lives and the lives of our neighbors.  Intensive leadership skill training and mentoring brings overall success to transform the experience of despair, scarcity and fear with a vision of community, hope and God’s abundance providing for all people.  Issues are chosen by members and leaders.  Work in areas of transportation, domestic violence, health care, education, affordable workforce housing and many others have and continue to happen.  St. Joseph’s became a member congregation of ISAIAH in February 2008.  To learn more about ISAIAH or how you can take an active role in ISAIAH, A Single Garment of Destiny presentation will be at 6:30-7:30 pm on April 22, 2008.  All are welcome to come to Mass at 5:30 and a light supper at 6:15 prior to the presentation.

TRANSPORTATION:

Transportation is key to protecting human dignity and life.  Without transportation, it is difficult for an individual to provide for their own basic needs, such as grocery shopping or medical care.  Below is a list of organizations that provide transportation.  For more information, please call the number provided for each agency.

Five Cities Transportation provides transportation for Brooklyn Center, Crystal, Golden Valley, New Hope, Robbinsdale residents for personal and grocery shopping, senior dining and senior activities.  This is an interfaith organization.  Please call (763) 531-1259 to learn more. 

Outreach and Community Partners offers ride program, medical and special needs transportation for seniors and disabled persons.  Serves cities of Hamel, Long Lake, Medicine Lake, Minnetonka Beach, Orono, Plymouth and Wayzata.  Please call (952) 473-2436 to learn more.

PRISM Express offers affordable curb-to-curb rides to Golden Valley, Brooklyn Center, New Hope, Plymouth and Robbinsdale.  PRISM is currently working with other transportation providers to expand service area so that it will include St. Louis Park.  Riders must register before scheduling a ride.  For more information call PRISM Express.  Please call (763) 529-1252 to learn more.

Plymouth Care and Share Transportation  provides transportation for residents of Plymouth ages 55+; must be ambulatory.  Medical appointments, grocery shopping and senior activities.  Call 2 or more days in advance: (763) 541-1761. 

Overview  |  Human Dignity  |  Common Good  |  Rights and Responsibilities  |  Option for the Poor  |  Participation

Dignity of Work  I  Stewardship of Creation  I  Solidarity  I  Role of Government  I  Promotion of Peace

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This page last updated on 04/07/2008