The office of Volunteer Ministry at St. Patrick – St. Anthony Church and Franciscan Center for Urban Ministry was created in response to the activities and needs of the parish. Currently the ministry coordinators work alongside the full-time director to coordinate and implement activities for greater involvement by members of the parish. Activities and ministries are opportunities for parishioners to live out their baptismal covenant and be good stewards of what God has given to them. Since 2002 we have purposefully set out to educate the greater community about the ministries, to invite all members to consider their talents and skills, call them to meaningful service, support ministry coordinators in welcoming new volunteers, accurately track all outcomes and thank volunteers for their service.

The office of Volunteer Ministry facilitates connections and collaboration between/among the ministries of St. Patrick – St. Anthony Church and the Franciscan Center for Urban Ministry. Holding regular meetings with ministry coordinators and staff liaisons for reporting goals and accomplishments does this work.

In addition to individual meetings with parishioners to assist with discernment and matching of passions and gifts with ministries, the office of Volunteer Ministry collaborates with each of the more than fifty ministries of the parish and urban center and hosts a Ministry Fair every other year. The Commitment to Ministry Sunday takes place every year, it is a time for parishioners to step aside, renew and join new ministries. Follow-up is provided both to individuals as well as the ministries and committees to ensure all offerings of time and talent are fully recognized and utilized.

A Help Wanted column in each week’s bulletin publicizes volunteer needs within and outside the parish. Some of the many ministries within the parish are Lectors, Altar Servers, Ladies Guild, Welcoming Committee, Office Volunteers, and Care Ministry. Members of the parish respond to the Help Wanted column by contacting the office of Volunteer Ministry, with an
average of six calls each week. Companions in Care is work outside the parish in collaboration with seven faith based social service agencies of greater Hartford. The agencies are: Catholic Charities/Catholic Family Services, The Catholic Worker, Habitat for Humanity, Rebuilding Together Hartford, Trust House and Y-Us – Youth United for Survival. Our partnership with The House of Bread (a soup kitchen) involves donations of food and financial support and more than 60 parishioners serving as Adventure Saturday Mentors and Meal Serving Teams.

The balance between the gifts and talents of parishioners at St. Patrick – St. Anthony Church and the desire to live according ones own promises made at Baptism is what energizes the ministries of the parish. Efforts to welcome new members are planned several times during the program year.

Now that you are here, what will you do?

Welcome to St. Patrick – St. Anthony Church and the Franciscan Center for Urban Ministry.  Please search through our website or come visit us in Hartford! 

You are invited to share your own gifts and talents that God has blessed you with.  You can use those gifts in the work of a community of faith that is eager to have your assistance.  There are many needs to be filled within and beyond the parish.  You have the means to meet those needs as a volunteer.  You have skills, interests, expertise and life experience worth sharing.

Taking part in a ministry of service as a volunteer is an exciting way to answer our Lord’s call to work in the vineyard.  Volunteering/serving in a ministry is a way to enrich your experience of church by sharing yourself with others.  Volunteering is one of the ways to live out the Gospel.

How do I get started?

The best way to start is to learn about the many ministries within the parish.  You can call the parish office (860.756.4034) and request a Ministry Guidebook, request information on a particular ministry through email, or speak with the Director of Volunteer Ministry, Trudi White (860.756.4034, ext. 110)

What if I have questions?

Contact: Director of Volunteer Ministy, Trudi White (860.756.4034, ext. 110).