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Outreach Ministry

Our Mission

Discipleship, practicing what Jesus preached and living how he lived, is the vocation of parishioners from seniors on down to our school children. This call to live out our faith in everyday tasks, to live “in Christ,” is an essential part of who we are at SJC. Called by our baptism and confirmation and drawn into communion with God through liturgy, we are continuously formed and transformed to be the Body of Christ in our world.

Sharing Ministries

Other Supported Organizations

Food Pantry Collection

Each month food donations collected in our church narthex are used to stock the shelves of an area food pantry.  Donations can be brought to church when you come to Mass.  
 
Monetary donations may also be made to our Food Pantry Collection here or by check noting Food Pantry Fund in the memo line. The funds will be distributed to the area food pantries supported by our parish. All donations are tax-deductible.

Volunteers needed at St. Blase Food Pantry

The pantry, located in Summit, continues to be in need of help on Monday, Thursday and Friday mornings from 9-11:30am and afternoons from 1-3:30pm. You will help re-stock shelves, walk with clients as they shop, and provide general support as needed. Thanks to the many new volunteers who have joined us over the past few weeks! We greatly appreciate all your work!  If you are interested in helping, please sign up here.

More About our Outreach

Team Cuisine
The Outreach Committee has a group we lovingly call  “Team Cuisine”. We prepare meals that are provided to various outreach clients as needed.  Please contact Laura Jachim at ljachim@stjohnofthecross.org to express your interest or ask questions. 
 
Upcoming Cooking Opportunities:
Parish Produce Gardens

Our parish vegetable garden was named in memory of our fourth Pastor, Fr. David Dowdle.  Vegetables harvested from the garden are donated to area food pantries.

Parishioners are invited to help by either tending to the garden or donating produce from their home gardens.  
 
Calling All Gardeners: Grow-A-Row Is Back!

As you plan your garden this season, we invite you to set aside a row or a few plants—to support Fr. David’s Garden Ministry. Together, we grow and share fresh, homegrown produce with local food pantries, helping provide healthy food to neighbors in need.

The demand is high, and every donation makes a difference. If you’re able to share part of your harvest, we would be deeply grateful.
We gladly accept a variety of fruits and vegetables, including cantaloupe, carrots, beans, acorn and butternut squash, tomatoes, and jalapeño peppers.
 
Thank you for helping us nourish our community—one row at a time
Harvest Saturday
What is Harvest Saturday?

Harvest Saturday is our largest service project of the year! This beloved community tradition brings Western Springs together to collect non-perishable food for the pantries at our sharing parishes and throughout the surrounding area.

On Harvest Saturday, every household in Western Springs is invited to place donations on their front porch. Our volunteers will pick them up, pack them, load them onto trucks, and deliver them directly to the food pantries we support. Together, we can make a lasting impact on our neighbors in need.
 

How Can I Help with Harvest Saturday?  

– Distribute flyers to homes in Western Springs
– Assemble boxes that will be used for packing food
 – Pick up food donations from homes in Western Springs neighborhoods
– Various roles in and outside of the multi-purpose room
 
Please email Laura Jachim at ljachim@stjohnofthecross.org or Sharon Lange at sharonlange50@gmail.com with questions. 
 
Frequently Asked Questions
 
What time should I put my food out?
We ask that you put your donated items on your porch by 9AM on Harvest Saturday. Volunteers will begin collecting donations at 10AM.
 
What if my donation doesn’t get picked up?
We have hundreds of volunteers who walk the neighborhoods of Western Springs, beginning at 10AM. We may sometimes miss you. If you have not had your donation picked up by 1pm, please call 708-218-5164 or text us your address and we will try to send a volunteer to pick your donation.
 
What donations are needed most?
While we welcome and we are very grateful for all donations, most recipients identify that these are their most significant needs at this time:

Most Needed Items
Canned Meat Canned Fruit Canned Veggies Stuffing Boxed Potatoes
Peanut Butter Jelly Beans Rice Pasta & Sauce
Paper Products Diapers Baby Wipes Adult Diapers

 
NO EXPIRED FOOD PLEASE.  Just as you wouldn’t serve your own family food past its “use by” date, we wouldn’t want food pantry clients to receive expired items. Please check expiration dates before donating—your care helps ensure every item we deliver is safe and ready to enjoy.
 

What food pantries will benefit from my donation?

This year, the food we collect  goes to the following food pantries or sharing parishes:
 

St. Gall in Gage Park

St. Francis in LaGrange
Our Lady, the Mystical Rose in Cicero
Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation in Back of the Yards
Holy Guardian Angels in Brookfield
St. Cletus in LaGrange
St. Blase in Summit
St. Simon of Cyrene
Share Christmas
Share Christmas has been our parish’s beloved annual tradition for over thirty years. Through Share Christmas, parishioners have brought the spirit of giving and joy to countless individuals who may not have had the opportunity to experience the warmth of the holiday season. It is a beautiful testament to the true meaning of Christmas and the love and generosity that embodies our faith community.

This year our gifts will be delivered to the following grateful recipients in the Chicago area: Blessed Sacrament, St. Simon of Cyrene, St. Gall, Kolbe House, MMAD (Men Making a Difference), Our Lady, the Mystical Rose, Holy Guardian Angels, Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation, CARS (Community Assisted Rides), St. Blase, BEDS PLUS, Sharing Connections, and Caring Network, as well as families in our own community. 
CARES
At SJC, CARES is called to protect all of Creation and our Common Home.
With a Christ-Centered focus CARES models, promotes, and integrates environmentally sustainable and socially protective actions and practices throughout the parish and surrounding communities.
 Advocacy: Raise awareness and inspire transformative actions
 Education: Provide educational resources and opportunities
 Programs: Organize events and plan initiatives
CARES follows the directives and guidance from the 2015 Laudato Sí Papal Encyclical, Catholic Doctrine, and Social Justice teachings, and the Chicago Archdiocese Office of Parish Vitality and Missions.
Please visit this page to learn more about CARES
Volunteer Opportunities

Please visit this page to explore our volunteer opportunities.

Contact Us

Please contact Laura Jachim, Outreach Coordinator if you are interested in getting involved in SJC’s Outreach Ministry.
 
(708)246-4404 x155
ljachim@stjohnofthecross.org

Learn More About Outreach at SJC

Please reach out to our team with any quesitons.

Contact Our Team