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HomeWorks |
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There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus” (Gal 3:28). |
| St. Mary's Youth Ministry chooses to participate in the service projects of HomeWorks as a way of expressing the fruits of the Holy Spirit animated by our Catholic Faith. The mission of HomeWorks is to show God's love for all through service to others and to assist young people in their faith journey. It's activities focus on providing home repairs for homeowners in need and empowering communities to meet the needs of its members. HomeWorks is a non-denominational Christian organization open to all teens and adults interested in expressing God's love through service to others. The organization also operates in conjunction with the Diocese of Charleston South Carolina and the Episcopal Diocese of Upper South Carolina and its Appalachian outreach program. HomeWorks conducts a number of week-long summer sessions and a number of one day sessions in various cities in South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia, as well as a three day session during the Christmas holidays in Columbia, South Carolina. Additionally each August, HomeWorks conducts a two week session in Peru, South America. St. Mary's Church participates in the week long summer session held in Aiken during June, as well as three one-day sessions held during the year and the Christmas session in Columbia, South Carolina. Our church and Youth Ministry provide most of the teen volunteers and adult leadership to staff these sessions, as well as generating most of the funding needed to purchase building supplies and to feed and house the volunteers. The church provides use of St. Angela Hall to house the volunteers during the week long session held in Aiken. St. Mary's Youth routinely perform substantial portions of work on the homes of the needy applicants that have been previously pre-selected by HomeWorks. This work includes gutting of kitchens and bathrooms, installation of new fixtures, counters, flooring and cabinets, re-roofing of homes, painting and exterior siding replacement. Our Teens' abilities and desire to make a difference in the lives and living conditions of others is truly amazing. The Youth frequently tell us at the beginning of a project that "people should not have to live like this." By the end of the project, they say "now that's a big difference." They truly care about those less fortunate in our community and are able to see the power of their faith and works in action. In seeking to promote human dignity, the Church shows a preferential love of the poor and voiceless, because the Lord has identified himself with them in special way. (John Paul II, cf. Mt 25:40)(Ecclesia in Asia, n. 34) NOTE: Donations Marked For HomeWorks are Tax Deductible. St. Mary Help of Christians Parish Contact: Jeff Bair 803-649-1560 or jmcme2@aol.com |
| The material presented on this page is the responsibility of Mr. Jeff Bair. Any errors and/or suggested additions or deletions should be reported to him either by telephone at (803) 649-1560 or by e-mail (click on Page Editor's E-mail below). |
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