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Justice and Peace
JPIC in Action
Thrift Stores/Clothing
There are many stories of Br. Francis giving away his cloak – or mantle – to those in need. In his "Tales of St. Francis, Ancient Stories for Contemporary Living," Fr. Murray Bodo, OFM, points out that the laying on of one's mantle in Sacred Scripture can be a symbol of imparting one's spirit to another, as when Elijah gave his mantle to Elisha (1 Kings 19: 19-21). Fr. Bodo encourages us to "wrap others round with a warm mantle," letting our "spirit of love flow into others by divesting [ourselves] of that excess which really belongs to them and laying it upon their cold and naked shoulders." Below are a few such efforts from Holy Name Province ministries.
To add to the list, contact Fran Eskin-Royer in Holy Name Province's Office for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation.
CATHOLIC PARISH OUTREACH/CLOTHING
St. Francis of Assisi Parish
Raleigh, N.C.
The mission of Catholic Parish Outreach is to provide food and clothing to those in need in the Research Triangle area - the region of North Carolina anchored by the cities of Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill. For information from the parish website, click here. For additional information, please visit http://www.cporaleigh.org.
Contact: Sue Hand or Nora Detterline
OUTREACH BY SOCIAL CONCERNS COMMITTEE (CLOTHING AND KNITTED GOODS)
St. Bonaventure Parish
Paterson, N.J.
Members of this ministry seek to lend support to those who need a helping hand, especially the children of Paterson. Regular efforts include a monthly collection of used clothing and a baby shower for babies with HIV/AIDS given every other spring. Beneficiaries are patients of the AIDS Baby Clinic of St. Joseph’s Hospital, Paterson, and a program of Catholic Charities. Some who serve in this ministry crochet, knit, and quilt lap robes, infant hats, mittens, scarves, and baby quilts for donation to various charities.
The volunteers who make up this ministry do not constitute an agency providing extensive support to individuals and/or families; those in serious need are directed to other resources. The goal is to help in small yet significant ways.
Contact: St. Bonaventure Parish Office
PASSAGE HOME RESALE & THRIFT SHOP
St. Francis of Assisi Parish
Raleigh, N.C.
Passage Home Resale & Thrift Shop accepts donations of large appliances, electronics, furniture, household items, toys, books and clothes. The revenue from the thrift store helps fund the programs of Passage Home, a community development nonprofit serving Wake County, N.C., that was founded by St. Francis of Assisi parishioner Jeanne Tedrow 17 years ago. Passage Home has programs serving working homeless families, ex-offenders, people in recovery from substance abuse, and those living in low-resource neighborhoods. Programs include housing and support services, economic development, youth development and neighborhood revitalization.
Contact: Peg Cavender
ST. BENEDICT'S THRIFT SHOP
St. Francis Inn Ministries
Philadelphia, Pa.
Run by the staff of St. Francis Inn and a small group of dedicated volunteers, St. Benedict’s Thrift Shop provides 300 to 400 changes of clothing to the guests of St. Francis Inn each month. For information from the ministry website, click here.
Contact: Br. John Gill, OFM
ST.FRANCIS THRIFT STORE
St. Patrick Friary
Buffalo, N.Y.
Sponsored by Holy Name Province’s St. Patrick Friary and staffed by devoted, local volunteers, St. Francis Thrift Store is open two days a week and offers affordable, gently used clothing to those in the area. The store is located at 897 Clinton Street, Buffalo, NY 14210; PH: 716-855-1909. According to 2009 Census data, Buffalo is among the poorest cities of its size. Given this fact, and the downturn in the economy, the number of thrift store patrons is on the increase. The friars are working to expand efforts to meet the growing need.
Contact: Fr. Francis Pompei, OFM
THRIFT STORE AT THE FRANCISCAN COMMUNITY CENTER
Holy Name of Jesus Parish
New York, N.Y.
Recognizing the critical need for affordable clothing, furniture, appliances, toys, etc. in the neighborhood, the friars established the thrift store in 1998. Donations from all over the city are brought to the store and, in turn, are sold to the community at very affordable prices. The thrift store, open Tuesday through Sunday, 10am to 5pm, is located at 214 West 97th Street.
Contact: Mildred Morency
