Eastern Shore Migrant Ministry

Holy Family Migrant Ministry

PURPOSE: is to assist the Diocese representative and Saint Peter the Apostle Catholic Church,  in the ministration of migrant workers hired by local Eastern Shore private farming concerns to help with the growing and picking of vegetables.
The Bishop’s Office of Justice & Peace Regional Coordinator Jim Albright, currently working out of St. Peter provides the needed guidance and support forthcoming from the diocese.

CONCEPT: to provide St. Peter with the assistance they require; normally a planning session is called by St Peter early in the spring; at the meeting the scope of the assistance required is detailed.

SCHEDULE:

• Apr/ May, planning session
• May, collect donations from the parish; items as designated by St. Peter
• June, sort and bag donations for delivery to St Peter
• July, coordinate delivery of needed items; St. Peter has very limited warehousing capability and relies mostly on the availability of the church’s garage for use as warehouse and distribution point.
• Aug through Nov assist as necessary.

ACTIVITY:
Planning meeting with St. Peter the Apostle early spring-
Collection- the month of May has been the month to collect for the last several years as it fits the rest of the schedule. Advertisement via our bulletin lets everyone know what items we are collecting.  The items that are for collection include but are not limited to:

• • Toiletries: mostly men’s and basic ones to perform daily hygiene; St Andrew has in the past collected sufficient funds which are used, principally to purchase these items.
  • Clothing-men’s, women’s, and children’s, but limited to smaller sizes; the most coveted items are long sleeve shirts, work pants.
  • Linens- principally concentrating on sheets, pillow cases, blankets.
  • Towels- all sizes all types.
  • Baby items- to include diapers and toys.
  • Shoes- mostly athletic type and in size 9 and smaller.
  • Special items- 20’ window fans;

Special occasions- the parish conducts special meals and presents for Thanksgiving and Christmas; it is coordinated directly with the Jim Albright OJP Regional Coordinator.
Delivery- a combination of personal vehicle and rental vehicles has been necessary. 

Anyone interested in being part of the HF Migrant Ministry please contact the church office.