Outreach Ministries

Members of this ministry help Medina County seniors who are ill, frail, or isolated maintain their independence in their homes by offering transportation services and assisting their caregivers. Each volunteer determines the amount of time they are interested in offering. There is a a one-time training session of 1½ – 2 hours. If interested in this ministry contact Betty Ruppel at 330.334.1833.

SHOJ partners with Holy Family Parish in Stow each year by organizing a team of medical professionals and others interested in providing healthcare to the poorest of the poor in rural and mountain villages in Honduras. For more information on this annual service opportunity each January go to Holy Family Honduras Medical Mission.

The SHOJ Jail Ministry meets the spiritual needs of those incarcerated by celebrating Mass and praying with the inmates at the Medina County Jail every fourth Tuesday. The jail staff provides safety training to volunteers. Those interested should contact Deacon Roger Klaas at 330.336.3049.

Members of this ministry prepare and deliver weekly meals to the Peter Maurin Center in Akron for 50-60 people, serving the food and cleanup is possible. To get involved in this meaningful ministry contact Mike Frank at 330.819.8291.

The Peter Maurin Center (PMC) is an Outreach Ministry serving the Greater Summit Lake Region of Akron. We first opened in 2006 and are located at 1090 and 1096 South Main Street operating as a day drop in Community Center and Dining Hall. PMC is a place where all of God’s children are welcomed and can find food, friendship, and much needed encouragement. We offer 3 hot full meals weekly, clothing, fresh on premise garden, used bicycles/repairs, bus passes, and medical screening.

Doors open Tuesdays and Fridays at 11am with meals served from 1p-3p. Sundays, guests arrive at Noon with meals from 1p-3p. We operate solely from the generosity of individuals, organizations, and Churches (no Government subsidies!). We are always in need of back packs, toiletries, clothing, personal hygiene items, food, and monetary support of our Ministries. Please call our new Director Jim Orenga at 330.414.5639

The SHOJ St. Vincent dePaul Society helps the poor and less fortunate of our community, thereby sharing Christ with them and furthering the social justice of the Church, while fostering the spirituality of our lay members in the spirit of Saint Vincent dePaul. St. Vincent de Paul also represents SHOJ in Operation HOMES, the homeless shelter in Medina County. Meetings for members are held on the third Saturday of each month at 8:30 a.m. in the Conry Room. To become a member or to volunteer within the ministry of the St. Vincent dePaul Society contact, Natashia Willmott at 330.336.3049 ext. 2011 or Dan Kraus at 330.336.9929.

Applications for assistance are accepted on Mondays and Thursdays from 6 – 8 p.m. for food and financial assistance. Applicants are required to come to the parish center and provide a photo identification. Please be informed clients can only receive financial assistance once every six months, food from the food pantry is provided twice monthly. To leave a message for the St. Vincent de Paul Society 330.336.3049 ext. 2011.

**NOTICE: The SVDP Society thru the help of Father Joe and Sacred Heart Parish has received a grant to help any of our parishioners who need financial assistance due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19).  To request this financial assistance please email svdpwadsworth@gmail.com  or call Bill Leahy (330-714-6731) or Greg Pero (330-620-9207) .  This financial assistance can be for rent/mortgage, utilities, medical or any viable request.  SVDP will only need a copy of the invoice and some basic information to process your request.  If you email your request, please specify that you are a parishioner.

SHOJ St. Vincent Depaul Society brochure

Medina County Food Pantries

Medina County Service Providers

Operation HOMES

This ministry helps to fulfill the Church’s call to social justice to those most in need by feeding the hungry and helping those who are homeless and those that may be in danger of becoming homeless. Each Friday afternoon items that are needed by the homeless are collected in support of Matthew 8:20 Outreach. On some Saturday afternoons, furniture is supplied to those who are moving into housing. To join this rewarding ministry contact Jan Knight, 330.336.3086.