The Lazarus Project
What is the Lazarus Project?
The Lazarus parable teaches us that the treatment of the least of society is the true measure of piety. (Luke 16:19-32)
The Lazarus Project is the umbrella organization that encompasses all parish social ministries.
Lazarus is putting the parish mission statement into action.
At present it consists of “The Voice” newsletter and the “Advocacy Program.”
Lazarus will grow and develop according to the parish needs.
How will lazarus work?
Parishioners interact through “The Voice”.
We will maintain a database of resources that exist within the parish, the country social service network and state agencies.
Ongoing information updates through quarterly meetings with ministry chairs, periodic presentations, and possibly down the road, a new website and an interactive kiosk.
Advocates will assist individual parishioners by matching their needs with available resources.
why do we need advocates?
To provide an environment where parishioners can ask for help with confidentiality and dignity.
The role of an Advocate was defined by a hypothetical “Typical Day” for an Advocate Volunteer in line with the Mission Statement.
where will lazarus operate?
The office space is located in the Franklin D. Hay Education building directly across from St. Mary’s Catholic Church. (Click here for map)
The Lazarus Project: Phase II
Where we are now:
The Lazarus Project has had a working ‘Advocacy Program’ for six months now. It is working and effective. It has helped many people from the community in need of resources and guidance. This confidential program will remain in place and will be strengthened as we move forward with our plans to bring more help and offerings to the community.
There is no doubt in my mind that the economic crisis is deeper and wider than any of us originally suspected. When we began looking at this ministry over 2 years ago, we knew we had to do something in light of so many people suffering hardship and losing jobs, income and health benefits. The cost of living has increased while income and wages have decreased. No one is exempt from the hammer of this recession. Everyone has lost money in retirement, investments and housing.
With that said, we will be moving to Phase II of the Lazarus Project!
Where we are going:
Phase II will be a proactive effort to bring programs that will help people in the present economic climate. We will be looking to bring workshops to the parish that will help people in such areas as; job search, internet and computer classes, resume’ writing, financial planning, health resources, interviewing techniques and more. This will be a large undertaking, but we have the will and the talent to make these kinds of offerings work for the benefit of the community.
I am putting a new team of people together to make Phase II a reality. There are many talented people who are more than willing to help others struggling and to ease their hardships by helping them get the skills and knowledge necessary in this present job market and financial climate.
We will keep you informed as we progress, but please know I am committed to this effort as are many of your fellow parishioners who have big hearts and bigger ideas. To do nothing is not an option.
Social Justice is the Gospel in action.
Peace, Fr. J.
