Social Concerns Committee 

Introduction
St. Raphael parish has a long tradition of caring and providing for persons in need of assistance. Doing works of mercy and promoting justice are essential dimensions of our response to the gospel of Jesus. The parish Social Concerns Committee oversees this aspect of our parish life.

They meet monthly with staff member, Barbara Gatch - who serves as the Chair of this committee.

Work of this Committee
The work of the Social Concerns includes the following:

• St. Vincent de Paul: This group provides help to people who come to us for assistance with food, housing, rent assistance and other needs. Members of the parish support them by their offerings. Parishioners George Flannagan and Joe Wagner provide these ministries.
• Meals for the Needy: Groups of parishioners prepare and serve meals for the needy persons at the Dubuque Rescue Mission and First Congregational United Church of Christ twelve times during the year.
• Food Pantry: On each Sunday of the month parish members are inivted to bring non-perishable food itmes to church. These are used by St. Vincent de Paul. Other items are collected at various times of the year for those in need.
• Loose Change Collection: Each Sunday people are invited to put all of their loose change in the collection basket. The coins collected are given each week to groups involved in works of mercy, social justice or individual families in need.
• St. Mark Community Center: This is an important place in our downtown neighborhood in which we, in collaboration with several protestant parishes, strive to serve the needs of many of the downtown residents. This reflects our desire to work ecumenically in serving our neighbors.
• Volunteers: Many parishioners provide transportation when needed, visit those confined to their homes and residents of Care Centers, and maintain communication with our large number of elderly parish members.
• Our Parish Nurse, Ann O'Brien, coordinates the outreach to the sick and elderly of our Parish.
• Special Needs: The Social Concerns Committee is dedicated to enhancing the lives of our seniors and others with special needs. Care is taken to provide for the spiritual and physical needs of those with disabilities.  If you would like a visitor, or know someone who would, please let us know. If you could volunteer to become a visitor, we would welcome and appreciate your presence.