By Christina Gray
Lead writer, Catholic San Francisco
Parish outreach series: Neighbor2Neighbor
St. Ignatius Parish, San Francisco
Barbara St. Marie started the ministry decades ago with the idea of “building up a supportive community within our parish rather than outside of it.”
Collecting and delivering food and clothing to shelters is important work, said the longtime parishioner. But “that doesn’t touch the lives of our parishioners,” she said, many of whom are lonely, single or elderly, maybe all three.
Neighbor2Neighbor is a volunteer force of about 150 parishioners dispatched to serve fellow parishioners in a variety of ways. It might be a one-time request from someone unable to drive to a medical appointment, get to a grocery store or even change an out-of-reach light bulb. It can be a short-term need like bringing meals to a family with a new baby, or an ongoing request, like picking up an elderly parishioner for Mass each Sunday.
The ministry is distinguished from other outreach ministries in that it is not based on financial need, said St. Marie. “It’s that connection with another parishioner that is the important thing,” she said. Jo Gabrielle, a Neighbor2Neighbor volunteer, agrees. “Reaching out reminds us that we are one body united in faith and care for one another.”
Jesuit Father Greg Bonfiglio, pastor, said the neighborly ministry benefits the whole parish, and gives parishioners the opportunity to live out the corporal works of mercy.
“I am both grateful for and proud of the ministry of Neighbor2Neighbor,” he said.
Contact: neighbor2neighbor@gmail.com
