Social Outreach at Saint Barabara's

   

Circle of Joy (Social Outreach)

A dynamic, active women’s group is part of the St. Barbara family. Circle of Joy meets each third Thursday of the month at 7:00pm in the parish hall. All parish women are invited to participate. Circle of Joy has social outreach as its main goal. This outreach manifests itself in two ways: outreach within the parish and outreach in “mission” to needy individuals and groups within the geographical area covered by the parish. Typical of outreach to the parish is the monthly Not Just Donuts held after the 9:00 and 10:30am masses. You guessed it! Besides the usual array of donuts and sweet rolls, Circle of Joy also serves bagels and cream cheese and sliced fresh fruit at the popular event. Another of Circle of Joy’s parish endeavors is the annual Dash-N-Dine. The Dash-N-Dine attracts as many as 500 parishioners on a Spring Sunday afternoon. Most everyone in attendance runs or walks or strolls a 3.1 mile course through the neighborhood surrounding the church. Then, when everyone is tired out, festive runners gather in the hall for a great meal. Social outreach outside the community is seen in the Circle of Joy’s adoption of the local Elizabeth House. The Elizabeth House is a special place for unwed mothers to stay during their pregnancy and for up to two years afterwards. You can bet that the young women in the Elizabeth House have need for everything from baby clothing to school supplies for themselves. Circle of Joy always invites the parish, as a whole, to participate in the social outreach beyond our parish family.