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– Lenten Schedule –
MINISTRY UPDATES
> View St. James Emmaus Ministry online calendar
> View and print St. James Emmaus Ministry calendar for December 2011
> View and print the list of assignments for scheduled times and dates
> View and print St. James Emmaus Ministry Oxford Inn Food Preparation schedule
November 18, 2011
Dear St. James Parishioners and Friends,
Thank you, once again for your generosity and support for the Emmaus Ministries here at St. James. As I shared, the second collection for our outreach needs was over $1400.00 while many of you gave Wal mart gift cards which will be used to purchase waterproof boots for the most needy at the Oxford Street Inn. I am humbled to receive your support. We are also grateful for a generous donation from Holy Cross Church in support of the work being done on the South Side of Syracuse.
In early November, with the generosity of the parishioners of Holy Cross; winter coats, thermal underwear, hoodies and sweats were distributed at the shelter. Many of the men were in dire need of warm clothing. It was gratifying to know when the men left the shelter the next morning, they would be warmly dressed. Thank you to Brenda and Chris Casinella and Mary Anne Gillson for their wonderful work at Holy Cross on behalf of our Emmaus Ministry.
The Emmaus Awareness Evening on November 12th proved to be enlightening for those who attended. It was a diverse group representing Holy Cross, Blessed Sacrament, Brady Faith and St. James. An overview of our current services, new developments within the ministry and how it fits into the service and needs as seen in the Diocese of Syracuse was presented by Father John. Kirk Butler a former addict and resident of the OX, shared his gripping story of a 51 year life crime, prison and despair and how the presence of St. James Church and Emmaus Ministry provided the glimmer of light that brought him hope for a new life. Kirk also spoke to the 8th grade religious education class at Holy Cross Church in Dewitt this past week.
Father Manno also shared that as our Loaves and Fishes Pantry has found a home in the basement of the rectory, so too have we consolidated all of the Emmaus Ministry needs and supplies into this one area. From a specified memorial donation to the Emmaus Ministry, that area will be updated and developed into a self sufficient area for all of our needs. The old kitchen and work area will be cleaned, updated, new lighting, ventilation, separate utility cleaning area and bathroom, washer and dryer for all monthly foot care and clothing needs and a well defined food pantry area. In December we will apply to the CNY Food Bank for purchasing power to help support our outreach ministry and pantry needs under a special category.
On November 16th Emmaus Ministry helped St. Lucy’s Bread of Life Kitchen in feeding over 350 people gathered for their annual Thanksgiving Day Luncheon. St. James ministers prepared all the stuffing and over 25 pies. It took four vehicles to deliver the food provided by St. James. We continue to enjoy the relationship developed with St. Lucy’s’ Bev Vinette, Chris Toomey and Trish Abert to help their ministry feed the hungry in Syracuse.
Under the direction of JD Tessier from Holy Cross Church, the Emmaus connection with Butternut Police Community Center is continuing to expand. For a year now, ladies from Holy Cross have been making soup twice a month for the children attending the after school program at the center. Now, four additional ministers from Holy Cross rotate monthly being present to the children through serving what maybe the only meal they receive that day. I’ve said many times…presence, presence, presence… is the true gift those we serve, thrive and look forward to. Developing an ongoing relationship in small ways goes far in securing hope and trust to those traumatized by life’s challenges.
Our Visionary Committee continues to meet monthly. This committee has representatives from St. James Church, Holy Cross Church, Onondaga Valley Presbyterian and Onondaga Community College. Together we constantly review the effectiveness of services the Emmaus Ministry provides and to identify a particular need on the South Side that we could help address.
Upcoming activities:
11/20/2011 Coffee to the Streets Canteen
11/21/2011 Jamesville Dewitt Middle School D 8th grade Homecare group, under the direction of Bridget Martel is making boxed meals for the men at the OX
11/24/2011 Thanksgiving Coffee and Donuts
12/5/2011 Christmas Day Cards at the OX
12/19/2011 Foot Care at the OX
12/25/2011 Christmas Day Coffee and Donuts
1/1/2012 New Year’s Day Coffee and DonutsPlease note the Emmaus Ministry updates, monthly calendar and assignments can also be found at the St. James Website: http://www.stjamessyr.org/parish_minisitries.htm
Please note our new email address: Emmaus@stjamessyr.orgThank you for all you do and give to make the Emmaus Ministry one in which the presence of Christ is brought to others through service. God bless you and your families may you have a blessed Thanksgiving Holiday!
Sheila Austin, RN
St. James Emmaus Ministry
4845 S. Salina Street
Syracuse, NY 13205
Office: 315-469-7789
Cell: 315- 256-1982
October 27, 2011
St. James Emmaus Ministry Greetings!
As we approach the time of year in which we are bombarded with the realization that we are indeed blessed, I want to share how and why you, the community of St. James, have been a blessing to others. It is only through your support to Emmaus Ministry that others, many you have never met, have been blessed by your goodness! The subtle impact the Emmaus Ministry has had on the homeless, hopeless and hungry, I can tell you, has been life altering for many. Not necessarily because all the goals and successes were reached by men challenged beyond comprehension, but by the comfort and hopefulness that many experience as a result of our presence, be it at the Oxford Street Inn, around the Rescue Mission, recovering addicts in treatment or our friends at the Bishop Foery Foundation, St. Lucy’s or common gathering places like Columbus Circle and Onondaga Creek Bridges.
Operationally, Loaves and Fishes, our newest ministry providing groceries to men in expansion housing through Catholic Charities has been very successful. Thirty bags of groceries at the end of the month are delivered to the men to help offset needs after food stamps dwindle. This is a tremendous support physically and emotionally. Our Valley Drive apartment building is particularly rewarding as the men are kind, polite and very grateful. They always ask to be remembered to the community of St. James Church. Occasionally some come to Sunday Mass. You would be surprised as to the number of men and women that do venture to St. James because they feel a connection. Isn’t that what we want, to connect with and serve God’s children?
Emmaus Ministries would not be, had it not been for your prayers, encouragement, support through your talents and gifts from the beginning. I am pleased to see the pool of volunteers continue to grow. I am proud to be out in the community, bearing the name, St. James Emmaus Ministry. St. James Church is not a lost vacant name, it is a dynamic entity associated with a faith community that people say, “Oh yeah… I’ve heard of them!” You are highly regarded by Catholic Charities and the Oxford Street Inn as a Catholic faith community that is developing and responding to challenging needs of the homeless.
Please mark your calendars: Saturday, November 12th EMMAUS AWARENESS EVENING@ 5PM in the Common Room in the rectory. All are welcome, adults and youth, for a different insight to life in a homeless shelter, light meal, Power Point tour of the Oxford Street Inn and an amazing testimony of conversion and recovery by Kirk Butler.
Saturday, February 4th PASTA DINNER FUNDRAISER FOR EMMAUS, 5PM at St. James, donated by Brenda and Chris Casinella, our Emmaus counterparts from Holy Cross Church.
As we discern where we can share the bounty of our lives and the blessings of our families this coming Thanksgiving and Christmas season, please consider St. James Emmaus Ministry. This season particularly, we will strive to provide waterproof boots for the men through donations, purchasing or corporate support and every bit of help will be appreciated. We have all learned to appreciate boots and socks are probably the most needed necessity. Thirty dollar Wal Mart gift cards can also help us address the scores of requests we will receive for boots. Your contributions will also help sustain the ongoing food services and outreach venues in which the bottom line is met…being present to, and seeing the presence of Christ, in those around us… as we walk the Road to Emmaus.
On behalf of all you serve, thank you for all you have done and continue to do to bring the Gospels to life!
Sheila Austin, R.N.
St. James Emmaus Ministry
Emmaus@stjamessyr.org
July 18, 2011
Greetings Ministers, Friends and Supporters of St. James Emmaus Ministry,
I have good news to share with you! St. James Emmaus Ministry was awarded a grant from a donation the McDevitt family from Binghamton, made to the Diocese of Syracuse. We were awarded a grant under the Food Pantry/Bank category for $7300.00. We proposed our twice monthly meal obligations to the OX, the Bishop Foery Soup Canteen, St. Lucy’s and other outreach efforts utilizing the provision of food to reach the homeless and hungry. Our ministry’s uniqueness is that we bring food to the needy. This allows us to develop relationships while bringing the presence of Christ to the homeless and marginalized on the streets.
We have identified another need that we began providing July 20th using funds from this grant. Loaves and Fishes, is a ministry that will help augment end of the month grocery needs of men, from the Oxford Street Inn, as their food stamps run out. These men are in apartments provided by Catholic Charities’ Expansion Program. We are working with Brian Darby, a case worker from Catholic Charities, who oversees men who are housed at 547 Valley Drive and 133 Polk Street. We have also been helping two gentlemen from the OX who lives on Roney Ave, just a block up from Seneca Turnpike. Our goal is to provide 30 bags of groceries per month. We are extremely grateful that the Diocese selected St. James as one of the recipients of the McDevitt Parish Grants!
I am often asked if there are any “success stories” involving the homeless men we serve. While obstacles such as mental illness, drug addiction, alcoholism, prior crime history, incarceration and the utter feelings of despair that many of the men live with, success is not easy to come by. But, my answer is, “Yes”! I am happy to share some of them with you.
“A.” and “J.”: Two years ago, job openings presented at a local golf course. After requesting the shelter staff members for recommendations for potential men to refer, the grounds supervisor hired two men from the Oxford Street. I am pleased to report that “A.” and “J.” continue to work maintaining one of Syracuse’s private golf courses. They are reliable, enthusiastic and extremely well liked by their employer and co-workers. As proud as I am of these two men, I am humbled by their boss, who did not have to give them a chance, but did. A chance is what many of these men need and often are not given. In this case, that chance has helped them to restore their pride, purpose and respect. “A.” and “J.”’s boss and his family, visited the shelter to experience on a small scale, the life of the homeless. They also returned Memorial Day morning to serve coffee and donuts to them. I am very grateful to this special friend for being willing to give them this opportunity.
“M. P.”: Continues to make slow but steady progress navigating through complex issues. He continues to be faithful to prayer in asking for God’s guidance and direction. I see growth in his patience and focus in wanting to be a good parent to his son. He is someone I trust. I respect the daunting work ahead of him to succeed. M.P. and his son are currently helping to organize the Emmaus Ministry room in the rectory basement that stores all of our outreach food, equipment and needs.
“K.”: I have known “K.” for a year and a half. Over a year of that time, I only knew him to be high on heroin. Yet, he was amazingly pleasant, open and receptive to me the midst of his addiction. I often found myself saying things…not my words… as they could only come from the Holy Spirit that opened opportunities for us to begin to trust each other. I asked “K.” if he ever wanted something different for himself. I assured him he was better than the way of life he was currently living and that God had a bigger plan for him. We would pray…and he continued to get high. Over the next seven months he overdosed six times…the last time he was pulled out of Onondaga Creek. He remained open to prayer.
“K.” lost his parents in a car accident when he was nine years old which was the beginning of his street life of drugs, extensive crime and nineteen years in jail. He would be high daily for the following fifty years, until one day last January he said he was tired, done…ready. Scared and unsure of how to get help, he asked me to go with him while he admitted himself into an outpatient rehab program. He was amazingly humble, innocent, honest and naïve as he went through numerous medical and psychological evaluations prior to entering the program. He asked me be with him through his intake process. He would introduce me as his little “sis”. Time waiting alone for appointments were potential opportunities to make a mad dash out to the street but he wanted to be successful. He was committed, and knew he could only do it with God’s help and cold turkey. He said it was important to feel his withdrawal from drugs unmedicated so that he could remember the life he was leaving behind. He has amazed and gained the respect of staff and counselors involved in his recovery. God continues to be first and foremost in his life. He shares the love of God with strangers, fellow addicts on the street, addicts in recovery…and men living at the OX. His positive choices have been a light of hope for many of the men. “K.” ’s bed at the OX was a gathering place for others interested in how he was able to get off drugs.
July 16th was “K.”s fifth month anniversary off heroin, crack, narcotics and alcohol. Next week he moves into an apartment. Life for him is actually just beginning as he is experiencing life and all it involves like Easter, Mother’s and Father’s day, his 60th birthday, hunger and no money…all without drugs and alcohol. These are overwhelming and scary, days but as he claims, “Not enough to use!” His daily mantra, “Keep Satan in the hole and give God all the Glory!” And that he does. “K.” is one of God’s special gifts to me and other Emmaus ministers who have had the pleasure to experience how God is working through him. We are better having been part of his life.
Please keep them and all the men and women we strive to serve in your thoughts and prayers.
I want to thank each and every one of you for your support whether it is volunteering, financial or most importantly in prayer. This is a powerful and rewarding ministry which is not possible without all involved.
Peace,
Sheila Austin, RN
Emmaus Ministry
May 22, 2011
The season of Lent, Holy Week and Easter proved to be filled with the blessings and the generosity of many serving the needs of our brothers and sisters. Your time, talent and treasures were shared at the Oxford Street Inn, Dorothy Day House, Bishop Foery Foundation, Butternut Police Community Center and beyond. Thank you for your continued and generous support to the St. James Emmaus Ministry!
Lent
- Almsgiving of 180 pillows and cases from St. James parishioners, Onondaga Community College staff, students and employees and Syracuse City School District staff and students
- Pastoral visits and scripture sharing opportunities offered twice a week at the Oxford Street Inn by Fr. John and seminarians; Chris Seibt, Dan Zinger and Matt Rawson
- Distribution of 300 pair of socks and bottles of foot powder at the men’s shelter by Holy Family Church on Palm Sunday
- Presentation on homelessness and Emmaus Ministry to United Methodist Church of Fayetteville
- To the Streets Soup Canteen by Holy Cross Church
- Soup Canteen to Bishop Foery Foundation
Holy Week
- Scalloped potatoes for St. Lucy’s Easter Bread of Life Lunch provided by Hospitality Management Program at OCC, Jillann Neely and Debbie Schneider
- 130 pillows placed on all beds, cots and mats at the Oxford Street Inn
- Holy Thursday’s Washing of Feet by clergy, seminarians and parishioners from St. James, Holy Cross, Holy Family Churches and…a resident of the Oxford Street Inn
- Holy Thursday’s meal and dessert prepared and served by parishioners from St. James and Holy Cross
- 160 sneakers and boots collected and distributed by parishioners from Holy Cross and Immaculate Conception Churches on Holy Thursday
- Good Friday Prayer Service; Easter Sunday Night Prayer
Easter Season
- Emmaus Ministry presentation to CNY Services
- 30 pillows to delivered to Dorothy Day House; 20 pillows to Chadwick Residence
- To the Streets Coffee Runs
- Healing, Hope and New Life Service and Fellowship for families who have loss children to violence on the South Side May 21 at the Bishop Foery Foundation;
Additional parish commitments
- Holy Cross:
Sandwiches to the Oxford Street Inn twice a month
Soup to the after school program at Butternut Police Community Center twice a month
- Holy Family:
Sandwiches to the Oxford Street Inn once a month beginning in June- IC:
Blanket collection for the OX September 2011
Sneaker collection for the OX March 2012
Miscellaneous
- St. James Emmaus Ministry has applied for two McDevitt Parish Grants
Thank you for all you have done and continue to do to reach out to so many!
Sheila Austin
April 9, 2011
We’re changing our name!
Father John Manno and I want to share with you, that we will be changing our ministry's outreach name to
St. James Emmaus Ministry
The most treasured and genuine gift we can give the men at the Oxford Inn, as well as those we serve on the streets, is that of being present to them. Our presence comes in many forms, through many different services and support. As we have shared before, our first visit to Oxford Inn three years ago, the question a gentleman asked, said it all. “Will you be back?”
Sheila Austin
It was clear that the men wanted us to return, to be with them. Over the years we have experienced that our presence gives the men something they have been without for a long time...relationships. And with relationships comes the possibilities of hope. On their road of travel, they are invisible to the world. We never “saw” them or took the time to notice Christ's presence in them. Now we see He is clearly present in each and every one of the men. Jesus’ presence in them builds and strengthens our faith. It has changed us as a community.
Through the unconditional love of our volunteers, the men see Christ in us. They tell us all the time. We witness transformations that can only come through the grace of God, and not our own doing. Some of these changes are profound and some are subtle, but just as significant. The men share that our presence, sitting on their beds talking with them, waiting at doctor’s appointments with them, giving out socks, washing their feet or serving meals prepared for them, gives them hope and the possibility of New Life. They feel God has placed us in their path…on their road…to be with them.
Three years into our outreach ministry, we walk with those in need, each of us seeing the presence of a resurrected Christ in each other. That simple request of the man at Oxford Inn that first night, just as the men on the road to Emmaus asked of Jesus, ”Stay with us”, still resounds. And through the work and generosity of St. James parishioners and our collaboration with other parishes and organizations…we will.
Reverend John D. Manno
March 20, 2001
Hi everyone,We have a busy couple months coming up and I wanted to share a few additions and corrections to March, April and May EOM calendars
St. James’ Evangelical Outreach Ministries Update
Specifically:As you can see…we are truly blessed to have the commitment of many representing various parishes. More importantly…we are blessed to be able to serve!Please mark your calendar for Tuesday April 5 at 6PM…all are welcomed to join us at St. James for Mass with Fr. John and a soup dinner following. During Lent, we’ll take time to reflect on service, sacrifice and prayer together. Please keep in your prayers all our brothers and sisters we serve and those impacted by unemployment and addictions. Special prayers and thoughts for our own ministers:
- haircuts at the OX will on Monday’s until March 29th in which they go back to Tuesdays on a weekly basis…assignments for coverage will need to be adjusted
- prayer services have been increased to twice a month
- Immaculate Conception continues providing a hot meal once a month and supplementing with sandwiches on months that are short; as does Onondaga Valley Presbyterian
- Mondays during Lent, Father John, Matt Rawson and Dan Zinger have also been making weekly pastoral visits and will be facilitating prayer services
- Fridays during Lent, our seminarian, Chris Seibt has been making weekly pastoral visits to the OX and sharing scripture
- the hot meal for Holy Thursday April 21st should be team #2 and not team #1 as per our original rotation schedule for hot meals; baked goods and drinks will be provided by Holy Cross.
- Specific details on Holy Thursday evening will follow soon. We are blessed to have Holy Cross, Immaculate Conception, Holy Family and our seminarians participating this year. Holy Cross and Immaculate Conception are collecting sneakers, Holy Family is collecting socks and foot powder and St. James is collecting new pillows and pillowcases. Items will be distributed during Holy Week.
- Beginning April, Holy Cross will be providing sandwiches to the OX on the first and third Thursdays every month
- Beginning May, Holy Family will be providing sandwiches to the OX on the second Thursday every month
- We are in need of servers for 6:30AM Memorial Day coffee and donuts at the OX
- We continue providing soup at Bishop Foery Foundation once a month
- Holy Cross will begin providing soup to the Butternut Police Community Center’s after school program in April
Kay Clark (baking ministry)
JD Tessier (presence ministry from Holy Cross)
Suzanne Cummings (baking ministry); on the loss of her mother
Thank you for all you do,
Sheila
Feb 21, 2001
St. James’ Evangelical Outreach Ministries UpdateThings continue to more forward while there have also been additions within the ministries.
Immaculate Conception Church in Fayetteville has begun providing and serving hot meals to the men at the OX on the second Tuesday of every month in addition to making sandwiches several times during the year. Barb Sullivan and the Social Justice Committee also donated a $300 gift card, to us from Wal-Mart, so that we can buy waterproof boots for the men in need at the OX. I am very grateful for our new relationship with Immaculate Conception Church and their help to address the immediate needs of the homeless.
After a few days with Father Matthews taking coffee, donuts and warm clothes to the homeless and marginalized on the streets, 25 parishioners from St. Lucy’s have begun their own ministry to the streets on a weekly basis. This provides a wonderful opportunity for St. Lucy’s parishioners to develop ongoing relationships with men placed in housing from the OX as well as reaching out to even more of the homeless in Syracuse. It’s a beautiful extension of St. Lucy’s already vast outreach programs.
St Lucy’s has also joined St. James to help provide soup to families and the students of the after school program at Bishop Foery Foundation on the 3rd Tuesday of the month. Bishop Foery Foundation, a program of Catholic Charities, is a wonderful place that every day, helps to meet the needs of the poor and hungry on the Southside. We are pleased to be of help and look for more opportunities in the future to work with Larry King.
The monthly prayer services at the Oxford Street Inn are becoming very popular with the men. It is a real blessing for the facilitators, to be inspired by the men sharing their faith with us. It is humbling to see the strength and depth of faith, which individuals who have nothing, articulate. We are in need of more facilitators for prayer services, as the men would like to increase the frequency. If you would like more information, please contact me.
Many thanks to these individuals and groups that have provided goods during the past few months:
Most Holy Rosary School – Linens, pillows and toiletries
SU Energy & Computing Management – Toiletry and candy gift bags
Holy Cross 2nd and 4th graders – Socks, toiletries, birthday and Christmas cards
Cherry Road Elementary students – Holiday cards
St. James, Onondaga Valley Presbyterian And Holy Cross – Winter clothing and linensWhat do we need now…? Used pillows, linens, travel size foot powder, socks, and winter gloves.
I am very pleased to pass on this bit of news. Andrew Lunetta, a student at Lemoyne College and an example of bringing the Gospels to life, is a semi finalist for The Students in Service Awards™, a national search for inspirational college students who are positively impacting social and environmental challenges facing our communities. Andrew is a St. James parishioner, a volunteer at Brady Faith and currently works part time at the OX. I have known Andrew for 3 years and he is an amazing young man. He truly has a calling and passion to serve the homeless, to be with and for, the least of the least. He develops and maintains strong supportive relationships with many of the men. He is creative, compassionate and tireless in his ministries. I encourage you to go to this link to read more about Andrew, his service to others and to vote for him. http://www.serviceawards.org/applicant/141/Andrew_Lunetta.aspx?mid=1989
I attached March and April’s Outreach calendars for you. Please look them over and let me know if you have any questions or conflicts.
Please keep in your prayers all the homeless men , women and children living in shelters and on the streets as well as all our outreach ministers that are ill or in need of healing. May God’s grace and warm embrace comfort and heal all.
Thank you for all of your time, talent and treasures that you so graciously give to those in need.
God Bless,
Sheila Austin
December 1, 2010
St. James’ Evangelical Outreach Ministries UpdateGreetings!
I hope this finds everyone well. I wanted to share with you some of the wonderful things that have taken place within our Evangelical Outreach Ministries. I am amazed at the work the Holy Spirit has been doing through you!
Between the generous donations of winter clothing from St. James and Holy Cross, hundreds of needed items were made available to the men at the OX. One evening parishioners from both parishes spent over 3 hours helping the men come through and select clothing, hats, gloves and winter shoes. It was quite humbling to watch the men enthusiastically look through tables of clothes, worn by strangers before them. They were so grateful. They knew just what they needed and what types of clothes or combinations of, that would work for them. They have so few opportunities to make choices in their daily lives. This gave them that dignity. Some chose not to get certain things…that they were all set offering, “let someone who really needs it…have it!”
The 9th and 10th grade Confirmation classes from St. James and Our Lady of Lourdes assembled over 100 personal toiletry packs from the donations you have made throughout the past months. The packs were then distributed to the men at the OX by Peg Fitzpatrick and Nicholas Licitra. The next week, Nicholas shared the experience with fellow Confirmation candidates. The class then made sandwiches that the men would have that evening.
Through dialoging within St. James’ newly formed Visionary Committee with representatives from Holy Cross and Onondaga Valley Presbyterian Churches, we have become aware of other opportunities to reach out to those in need on the South Side. On the third Tuesday of every month, CNY Food Bank provides a Fresh Food Distribution at the Bishop Foery Foundation on Edmund Avenue. Food donated by Wegman’s and other grocery stores is brought there and given to those in need. Eighty to ninety families sign up the day of, get a number, and then wait to be called for their opportunity to enter the food filled gymnasium and “shop” for what they need. Free. Last month, St. James parishioners brought homemade soup to serve while the 120 plus adults and children waited, as long as three hours for their turn to get food. There were also 40 children attending the after school program at Bishop Foery, for which is their day to day focus. That afternoon the children received a hot bowl of soup in addition to their usual bag of chips and drink as their snack. Clearly a need and a wonderful opportunity to develop relationships that help further identify what their needs truly are. We will continue.
Another opportunity originating from this multi-church Visionary Committee is to bring hot soup and coffee to the cold and hungry on the streets. The Brenda and Chris Casinella, from Holy Cross are coordinating this ministry. The first “soup canteen run” was enlightening and very sobering. While we are now not surprised to find homeless people under bridges, we were taken back to discover two men and one woman, early twenties, living in a make shift tent along the railroad tracks. There were also two men from the OX sitting with them…assuring their safety. They group was fed, given warm dry clothes, hats and gloves. The Casinella’s later returned with a second tent and some much needed toiletries. That “camp” is now one of our regular stops.
Father Joe O’Connor and two men from our Diocese’s vocation discernment group helped with foot care at the OX last month. This was a wonderful opportunity for them to meet men from theOX and learn more about the concerns and issues of the homeless. It was just as meaningful for our brothers at the OX to be cared for by individuals seriously considering priesthood as a vocation. An opportunity to put the gospels into action!
Sheila Austin
I want to thank Maureen Giocondo and Confirmation Class from Blessed Sacrament Church in Eastwood, for having Father John and I come to talk to the candidates about the Oxford Street Inn. We shared a power point presentation of the OX and talked about specific issues these men face. Following the discussion, the class made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the men to have that evening. Mrs. Giocondo also coordinated a two week long, parish wide collection of the always needed and asked for, socks. The 600 pairs of socks collected will be distributed to the men at the OX along with our friends on the streets throughout the winter months.
I also want to thank Barb Sullivan for inviting me to speak to the Social Justice Committee from Immaculate Conception in Fayetteville. Later, six of the committee members toured the OX bringing 100 blankets with them…a generous and desperately needed donation!
St. James’ End of the Month Meal Ministry provided St. Lucy’s with over thirty pies and enough turkey dressing to serve over 350 people for their Thanksgiving meal. Over the past year, a genuine bond has developed between our two communities, both in support of the each other’s work and ministries.
The monthly ongoing ministries continue, thanks to the commitment of all; haircuts for the men at the OX and women at Dorothy Day House, hot meals for the OX from St. James, Onondaga Valley Presbyterian, St. Paul’s Methodist and the First Presbyterian United, foot care, prayer services and birthday celebrations and meals for St. Lucy’s. Men were provided Thanksgiving greeting cards to send and decorations were made by Holy Cross’ second graders. Donuts and coffee were served at the OX Thanksgiving morning by our seminarians and members of the discernment group. Later, donuts and coffee were taken to the camps, bridges and OX residents placed in housing, Dorothy Day House and Chadwick Residence. Thanksgiving Day cards made by the students from Cherry Road School were given to the OX and Chadwick. A special thanks to all those that helped with the winter clothing drive to sort and distribute hundreds of clothing items and to Holy Cross and Onondaga Valley Presbyterian parishioners for their continued, unconditional support to our South Side.
Lastly, I encourage you to read Connie Berry’s article in the Catholic Sun, Living Under the Bridge, which can be found at www.thecatholicsun.com. Connie is the editor of the Catholic Sun. She joined us for a portion of the 24 Hour Homeless Walk, Father Manno and I did in November. The article depicts the life of John Abel, a past OX resident who recently died, and the essence of family that occurs among the homeless.
God bless you and your families. I wish you a blessed and holy Christmas. Thank you for all you do throughout the year to remember and act upon, the needs of others.
Peace,
September - October 2010
St. James’ Evangelical Outreach Ministries UpdateI want to share what’s been happening with our Evangelical Outreach Ministries. All the ministers were off for the month of August. This is the first time in over two years we did not provide any of the usual ministries at Dorothy Day House, the OX or St. Lucy’s. This may seem harsh but the reality is, this is good. From good counsel, I have come to understand that an important part of my job as coordinator, is not only addressing the needs of those we serve but to be attentive to the needs of those that provide service to others. It is vital to give rest to those that care for others; time for them to refresh, revitalize and crave the desire to get back to their ministry. And, it is important for those that are served to miss them as well…just a little.
Of course, our standing responsibility to the OX for making sandwiches twice a month was maintained. This is vital. A smaller contingent of new volunteers stepped up to carry on for the month of August. Thank you Suzanne Cummings, Chris Dussing, Jay Lee, Janet Rose, Matt Rawson, Marie Shepardson, Dennis Walker, Denise Walker, Diane Walker! You filled a critical need at an important time.On September 15th we had our Meal of Gratitude and Reflection on Service for all Evangelical Outreach Ministers. Thirty volunteers attended. A ziti dinner from Luigi’s was served by Hector Cruz, Tom Webb and Tony Page, residents of the OX’s expansion program and Jericho project. The men served the very people who have been serving them. They did so with gratitude, pride and commitment. They were a pleasure to have with us and joined us for our Prayer Service and Reflection. The evening’s reflection was provided by Mike Sullivan, program director and co founder of the Oxford Street Inn and Mike Milholland, shelter staff person. Mike Sullivan gave a history of the OX. He also shared how serving the homeless has enhanced his faith. He says, “The OX is my Church”. Mike Milholland spoke to the typical profile of a man who ends up homeless and the multitude of vulnerabilities they face day in and day out. He also shared with the ministers present that in addition to the food and services provided; St. James’ presence…the personal presence of ministers interacting with the men, is the one thing most treasured and valued by the men. In the outside world they are otherwise “invisible”. A friendly hello, a smile…a hug…can give great comfort and validity to a person marginalized.
On September 25th we also had our second Southside Family Cookout. This was done in collaboration with Father Chryst and the parishioners from St. Anthony’s. It was a wonderful opportunity for us to meet and work side by side with our sister parish while reaching out to those in the Midland Avenue neighborhoods. We gave away 250 hot dogs, chips, drinks, Silly Banz, tattoos and tee shirts. Blood pressure screening and voter registration opportunities were also available. Kids played in the adjoining playground, while Fr. Manno played catch with others in the parking lot. I suspect this is just the beginning of many more opportunities to minister together.
On Monday September 27th, and for the Feast of St. Vincent De Paul, we had a cookout at the OX. Thanks to donations and the generosity of others, the men had hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, pasta salad, desserts and drinks. Socks were a welcome treat on that rainy day as well as dry tee shirts. James, a former resident from the OX came back to the shelter, to grill hamburgers for his friends.
The cookout was served in the garage which afforded more room and time for the men to linger and visit with the volunteers. Later that night, the August and September birthdays were recognized with cards from Holy Cross students and homemade cupcakes from Jen Miller’s neighborhood friends. With full stomachs, the men slept well. They send their profound appreciation and gratitude to the parishioners of St. James.Thursday, September 30th at the State Fairgrounds, St. James was recognized by Catholic Charities of Onondaga County, with the Parish Service Award, at the 38th Annual Brady Awards Reception for our “extraordinary outreach service to the community”. This service is reflected in our ministries to the Oxford Street Inn, Dorothy Day House, Chadwick Residence, End if the Month Meals to St. Lucy’s and the Southside Cookouts and Outreach. I am very proud of the direction to service Father Manno has pointed us in these past two years, but without each and every one of you who have helped to bring action and life to the mission, this simply would not have become a reality. Congratulations to all for your good works and your fine example of service to those in need!
What’s new? During the month of October, we will be collecting gently used winter coats, hats, gloves, thermal underwear, sneakers and socks for the men at Oxford Inn as well as women’s items for Dorothy Day House and Chadwick Residence. Please leave items, in the tan bins at the parking lot entrance. If you can help sorting and distributing the items at the end of the month, please let me know as soon as possible.
The 9th & 10th grade Religious Education classes will be taking all our donated toiletry items and prepare individual personal care packs. Each zip lock bag will have toothbrushes, toothpaste, bar soaps, shampoos, lotions, razors, shaving cream and combs. There will be enough packs for each man at the OX to receive his own. We will also have packs available for Dorothy Day House. What a wonderful way to get the youth involved and thinking about the issues facing homelessness!
There is an off shoot sandwich group at OCC with Vi Marcy, making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches during their lunch break once a month to supplement the growing need at the OX. What a great idea! We are also exploring brand new opportunities with our friends from Holy Cross, Onondaga Valley Presbyterian and the OX that could take us to a whole other level. There will be more to come about that.
Thank you to everyone involved, whether you bake, serve, visit, offer prayer services, donate items, make contributions that fund the various activities or most importantly, offer your prayers. Without you, it just doesn’t happen!God Bless,
Sheila Austin
January - May 2010
St. James’ Evangelical Outreach Ministries UpdateThere’s a new ‘home” for some familiar ministries. Father Manno has placed what St. James’ does involving the Oxford Inn, Dorothy Day House and St. Lucy’s, under the heading of, Evangelical Outreach Ministries. This aligns with his vision for making the presence of Jesus seen... through action….in the South Side neighborhoods and any individuals in need. When we respond to our Baptismal Call to live a life of discipleship, we enhance Christ’s presence to others. We use our gifts to minister to the less fortunate. Through our actions we bring the Gospel to life, by clothing the poor, feeding the hungry, protecting the abused, sheltering the homeless and welcoming the stranger.
May 2010
OXFORD INN:Food: With the help of many, we have been able to continue all of our food ministries to the men. Our faithful sandwich makers, bakers and hot meal preparers, have grown in numbers. They have been able to keep our goal of providing the OX with two meals a month. The winter months lend to variations in hot meals served such as lasagna, chicken and biscuits, stuffed cabbage and pulled pork sandwiches. .
Haircuts: Laree has increased the frequency of haircuts to an hour every week. This need grows as the number of men seeking shelter increases. The shelter is now lined with mattresses on the floor as early as 6PM. One hundred and twenty is becoming the routine number of men needing shelter each night. This increases the needs across the board of, bedding, pillows, sandwiches and toiletries.
Foot Care: Spring was marked a growth spurt in our Evangelical Outreach program. We developed a relationship with the parishioners of Holy Cross that not only enhances our current ministries, but has potential for new growth in the future. In February, Holy Cross accepted our request to collect shoes and socks for the men of the OX. They collected 250 pair of shoes and 600 pair of socks. A generous parish indeed! The beauty of this, though, was their willingness to come to the OX and participate in the Washing of Feet on Holy Thursday. Parishioners came completely open to experience the men, their home, and the work of the Holy Spirit. We are grateful for the support of Monsignor Yeazel from Holy Cross, and my new counterpart, Chris Casinella.
Presence: Another area of growth has been our “Presence Ministry”. This occurred without intent, planning or thought. Little by little, a handful of people from St. James and Holy Cross, felt drawn to “check on the guys”. Nothing more than just wondering how so and so was since the last time we were there “doing” something. The desire to walk around the OX saying, “Hey, how’s it going?” Suddenly, the men are asking if you’d come talk with them for a little while…”I noticed you here the other night”. Or, “Can I show you a picture of my daughter”? Or, “My mother died”. This is where it’s at, being present for them. Showing the men, they have value, by taking time to listen. We don’t have all the answers, nor are the men expecting us too. Just someone to listen to them process their thoughts. We are all so alike!
Birthdays:The monthly birthday recognitions continue with cupcakes and cards for all. Some men, moved to tears when they open a card, decorated by 4th grade students from Holy Cross, reading a warm birthday greeting. One gentleman so moved, wrote a thank you note to be delivered back to the writer. Anonymity of the men is highly regarded.
Dear………..
And the students at Holy Cross School,
My name is…………………and I am the guy you sent the March birthday Card to here at the Oxford Inn on Oxford St. in Syracuse ...I came here from Miami, Florida five months ago straight out of the U.S. Navy. I just returned from my last tour of duty in the Middle East..I'm writing to extend my deepest thank you for the beautiful card and the warm care you all are sending to us guys here at the shelter. You just do not know how much it means to me to have this card and it made this sea dog's heart turn soft and the funny thing is you are only in the fourth grade. I have twin daughters who are in the same grade back in my hometown of Miami. So I just want say thank you again and hope all is well and I'm going to end this letter with a big Navy Seal "HOO- Y AH"! and GOD SPEED!
Thanks again with deepest love,
Your friend
Petty Officer 1st Class…………………I have not seen our friend since that night…….
Writing Class and Bible Fellowship: I asked Andrew Lunetta if he would share his experience with the two ministries he spearheaded at the OX over the past year; the Oxford Street Inn Writing Class and Bible fellowship. He relates with such ease and maturity for a young man in college. He envisions ways in which the men can feel good about themselves and just a little more hopeful than before. For example, getting mail… any mail…. is a big deal for the men. However, often, it’s not good news….outstanding bills, court dates, benefits denials, probation requirements…you name it. How to make a difference? Andrew writes personal letters to the guys. They get to read about things going on and his continuing words of encouragement and friendship. You need something, Andrew follows through. He has a genuine love for the person that just happens to be, homeless. Andrew is beloved by the guys at the OX. You only need to be in his company for a minute and you are enriched by his acceptance, calm, and loyalty. He leaves the men with an uplifted sense of their own identity, purpose and value. Andrew is in Guatemala from May until December with fellow students from Lemoyne, doing outreach work to the impoverished. He is sorely missed already, but for sure…he will be writing to his friends at the OX! Before he left he shared his thoughts:
While many of us have experienced the Oxford Street Inn as outsiders, rarely do we receive insight into what it is really like to live at the Ox. For a many of the men, from what I have gathered, it can be quite lonely. Answering prompts ranging from “How did you come to Syracuse?” to “Have you ever felt abandoned?” participants at the Oxford Street Inn Writing Group write and share their responses with the group. Discussion always follows the sharing. I have found the productive discussion concerning things that the men care about fosters a small sense of positive community that is often quite absent at the Ox. While it is a small action, if the writing group is forming friendships and fostering community, even if only for an hour a week, then I believe that it is
been a success.
In February my good friend Dan and I initiated a Bible fellowship at the Ox. Our original goal was to provide participants with an opportunity to reflect on their faith and encourage them to incorporate pieces of the Bible into their daily lives. However as the weeks progressed, I found that the Bible fellowship was a perfect opportunity to reflect on my faith and receive encouragement on incorporating pieces of the Bible into my daily life. Now service is not a one-way street. I am sure that many of you who have been involved with the Oxford Street Inn ministry can attest to the transformative power it has had on your own lives. I found this to be profoundly true with my experience at Bible fellowship. I found myself asking more questions, finding more answers, and fostering a deeper faith than I had ever imagined possible when Dan and I began the fellowship. It was the shared experiences, knowledge, and openness of the men at the Ox that made my, I would certainly say, life-changing transformation possible. I can only hope that fellow participants have shared, even a fraction,
of that same sentiment.
Perhaps my favorite quote of the Bible, “Man cannot live on bread alone”, speaks to the importance of the writing group and Bible fellowship to the Ox. Fostering meaning, relationships, and community, the two initiatives were the backbone of my academic year. I provided a service that was utilized by participants (myself included) who fostered the profound power of friendship and God.
Chadwick Residence and Dorothy Day House Ministries:
We continue to provide toiletries and other necessary items for Chadwick Residence and Dorothy Day House. Our Lady of Lourdes has had a longstanding relationship as well, delivering day old foods donated by Green Hills. These women and children also receive our over abundance of food and baked goods from church functions and activities.
The End of the Month Meal Ministry to St. Lucy’s:
The last Wednesday of the month, parishioners provide casseroles, salads and baked goods, supplementing the Bread of Life Soup Kitchen which serves 300 people in the inner city, turning no one away. Fresh baked rolls are also provided by our Bread Ministry, and a welcomed addition! Many benefit from such a ministry.
Collections:
With the help of Chris from Holy Cross, we are exploring ways to enhance collections of critical items needed by the homeless. We are reaching out to other churches and groups. Ideally we can provide a more complete and organized way to procure and distribution items. We will have more information to follow in the future.
As always, all personal care items are needed such as, toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors and shaving cream, shampoo, deodorant, bar soap, combs and brushes, baby wipes, diapers and feminine products. Travel sized products are preferred. Twin sized bedding, washable blankets, bed pillows, wash cloths and bath towels are always needed. Peanut butter and jelly, instant coffee, creamer and tea bags and can be brought to St. James.
Because of the limited personal and storage space at the OX, the staff has requested that men’s clothing be donated directly to the Rescue Mission. The men have easy access to the Mission where they can get the clothing they need. Donation receipts are also available.
Lastly, I want to thank all those who work in a variety of ways, providing services for others. I am particularly grateful to everyone that continues to give of their treasures, whether it’s through donating the critical need items or monetary donations that help sustain the ongoing sandwich and hot meal ministry.
God Bless you, your families and may you be graced with the presence of Christ in your lives.
Sheila Austin
January2010
OXFORD INN:Meals and Foot Care: This ministry continues to provide either sandwiches or a hot, served meal twice a month. On the fourth Monday we also provide foot care, hand care, and distribute socks and shoes when available. We have 2 complete food and foot care teams that alternate every other month. We ventured into unchartered territory last September. We had a cookout with hot dogs and hamburgers, chips, cookies, drinks and a bushel of apples donated by Beak ‘n Skiff. It was a surprise for the men, to smell the grills cooking, as they walked home to the OX. Members of the Air National Guard stationed in Washington, DC helped.
Haircuts: Thanks to Laree Mandara, twice a month the men have an opportunity to get haircuts. While doing 12 – 15 haircuts each time, most men can get a trim or cut every month and a half. Occasionally a second hairstylist, Cheryl Trembley or barber Tyrone Morrell, also volunteers their time to help Laree. It is interesting that something that was once not even an option to the men, has become an important and valued service. The make shift “barber shop” becomes a place of interaction and camaraderie for the men. There’s always a little snack or treat that accompanies the cut.
Holiday Cards: In November and December, the men were provided Thanksgiving Day and Christmas greeting cards. They were invited to send cards to anyone they wanted. Postage stamps had been privately donated by local Nedrow post office employees. Little did we know how profound and therapeutic this would be for the men! One fellow, had no family to send a card to for Thanksgiving. Rather, he chose to send a thank you card to one of the staffers at the OX, for the friendship and support that staff person had provided him. Several times, the act of writing a message in the card resulted in a purging and release of emotions. A quiet hand on the shoulder by volunteers, showing reassurance and support, was amazing to witness. For those that could not write, volunteers wrote out their message for them.
Holiday Coffee and Donuts: Parish families have “adopted” hosting holiday donuts and coffee. This entailed the families being at the OX @ 6:30 AM, serving fresh donuts from Green Hills and brewed coffee. This is a treat for the guys, as they do not have anything to eat before leaving the OX @ 7:30 in the morning. On Thanksgiving, the McKeen’s served. Christmas morning was hosted by Ralph, Donna and Matt Rawson. The Delaney’s and Doyle’s had made gift bags for the men to take Christmas morning that had snacks and necessities for the day. New Years Day, Jim and Barb Roach, along with Dick and Kathy Schwanke, welcomed the New Year’s morning in with the men. Hugs for every man and well wishes are shared by all. This is a unique opportunity that just doesn’t compare. If your family would like to adopt a holiday this year, please let me know.
Collections: The coats, winter shoes, socks, scarves pants and sweaters have been overwhelming. I had good intentions to count the number of clothes items that were donated to Oxford Inn, Dorothy Day House or Chadwick House to show the generosity of the parish, but it became a time consuming task. It’s safe to say though, I have made at least one trip a week to the OX with trash can sized bags of clothing throughout the fall and winter.
Beyond our walls: I continue to be amazed at where this ministry has lead us.
Jamesville Dewitt Middle School: Responding to a critical need for sandwiches on Christmas Eve, JD Middle School, House 3, under the direction of Kristen Butler, and students, took on the project. On Dec 23rd the 5th graders made Christmas cards, 6th graders brought in cookies, chips and snacks, and the 7th & 8th graders made the sandwiches. Students packaged individual bags for each resident to have Christmas Eve night. Kristen had a special request. Would someone who lives at the OX come and speak to the students about homelessness! Mike Pegram responded. Mike is an amazing man who’s turning his life around, with God in his life. Why did he agree? In appreciation for the hospitality and support the OX provided him when he had been at his most vulnerable, for the presence of the St. James at the OX and wanting to give back! Mike P. , Mike Sullivan, director of the shelter and I spoke to the assembly of 100 students. Mike P’s message was simple….stay on the straight path towards God. If you deviate, you end up where I am. Mike is now in his own apartment and attending St. James Church.
Holy Cross and Monthly Birthdays: Meghan McKeen shared her experience at the shelter last Thanksgiving with her 4th grade classmates. Meghan showed pictures and helped to answer questions, with Father Manno, that the class had about homeless people and living in a shelter. This was the kick off of a class project they’d begin in January.
Mrs. Laurenzo’s class launched a monthly birthday card campaign organized by Shelly McKeen. Each month, the men that have a birthday, will receive a handmade card, provided by a class mate’s grandmother. Each card is then personalized and decorated by the students. The cards are distributed on the fourth Sunday of every month @ the OX. In addition, new friends of St. James, Jen Miller of Onondaga Hill and her neighborhood friends, bake 120 birthday cupcakes every month to add to the celebration.
St. John the Evangelist Church: Fr. Stirpe and the parishioners in Camden, have been taking up collections of socks, foot care lotion and powder, flip flops and other toiletries for the OX since December. They have provided us with 6 large trash bags full of supplies thus far. They do not have anything like the Oxford Street Inn in their area, and have been very generous and enthusiastic.
Onondaga Valley Presbyterian Church: has committed to a very specific need for sandwiches at the Ox throughout this year, under the direction of the faithful friend of St. James, Vi Marcy. Six times this year, the fourth Tuesday in a month of five would not have had sandwiches for the men….until now.
Writing Class at the OX: Andrew Lunetta and fellow student Morgan from Lemoyne have been providing a writing sessions on Wednesday evenings. Men are given a question and notebook. They are invited to write down their thoughts. They are welcomed to share their thoughts within the group or privately. It’s been a remarkable and healthy avenue for the men to share.
Thanks to all of you that continue to support the Oxford Inn Ministry. Whether you bake, cook, serve meals, have a presence at the OX during foot care, haircuts, greeting cards or writing sessions. Whether you support the ministry with financial donations earmarked to Oxford Inn, that go to buy sandwich and hot meal groceries, or if you are the ones, leaving the brown bags with socks, toiletries, peanut butter, jelly, instant coffee. I can assure you, the men are well aware of your generosity and goodness. They keep you in their prayers.
Your continued support is needed and appreciated. Thank you on behalf of the men of the Oxford Street Inn and St. James’ Ministry to them. Please continue to prayer for future calls to ministry that we, at St. James, can provide.
If you have any questions or have an interest in participating in any of the various ways, please contact me @ 256-1982.
Dorothy Day House: The “brown bag it” donations for Dorothy Day House are growing monthly. There are distributed when Laree and St. James’ volunteers are at the house doing haircuts monthly. A small “gift shop” is displayed where the haircuts are done. Women are free to take anything they need from your donations.
St. Lucy’s End of the Month Meal Ministry: We continue to help supplement St. Lucy’s feeding of the poor and homeless on the fourth Wednesday of the month. We have 2 teams that alternate monthly providing hot meals.
Amigos Update: I wanted to update you on our Amigos. Last October, St. James provided temporary emergency shelter for 24 Mexican farm workers for a week. Federal and state agencies and were concerned for their wellbeing and possible illegal harboring of them by slave handlers. Over the course of the winter months they were housed between the north and south sides of the city while they continued to be interview by authorities. As of now, there are 2 men left in Syracuse. The others have since been joined with family in the US and Mexico. These 2 men will soon join 2 others in Ithaca. They have been given US working papers and have janitorial jobs there. These Mexicans were a delight to be around. I was amazed at their gratitude, humility and work ethic.
4845 South Salina Street, Syracuse, NY 13205 • Rectory 315-469-7789 • web@stjamessyr.org