Get Involved
Getting involved is pretty easy at St. Elisabeth's. If you see an activity you'd like to try doing, mention it to someone you see actually doing that activity, or talk to the clergy. If you have an idea that you don't see happening, mention that to us too, and we will see how we might support you in leading us into a new ministry. Besides the in-service activities usually connected with worship, such as singing in the Choir, Ushering, and serving on the Altar Guild, or as an Acolyte or Eucharistic Minister, we have selected a few of our external ministries to focus on below.
Mary's Garden
Summertime
Named for a late parishioner who had a great talent for and love of gardening, Mary's Garden is tended by several dedicated members of St. Elisabeth's who would delight in sharing this ministry.
We feel that this garden and its produce should belong to the community, and anyone who has need of what is growing here is welcome to take what they can use. Every week, thoughout the summer and into fall we gather what is ripe and donate it to a food bank, food pantry, or feeding program locally to combat hunger in our local area.
Community Meal
11-1pm One Saturday Every Other Month
We are just getting this ministry started, offering hot soup and a sandwich free of charge to everyone who comes, in order to build community. We hope that those who often cannot make ends meet will come, and we also hope that those who have plenty will come too, so that we can all get to know and value each other.
Everyone who comes is invited to help out with cooking, cleanup, leading games for children, entertaining, and whatever else needs doing. We'll eat inside or out, as is convenient with the weather.
Blood Drive
First Monday in August
On the first Monday in August we hold our annual Blood Drive. Blood supplies are usually critically low in summer, so we invite our friends and neighbors to stop by and "give the gift of life". Partnering with Long Island Blood Services is one of our favorite things.
The hours for donation at St. Elisabeth's Blood Drive are 3:00-9:00 p.m. This is to accommodate both those who cannot come during the workday, due to employment and family commitments, and those who prefer not to drive or be out after dark.
Paper Pantry Plus
All Year Around
We are beginning to collect paper products such as facial and bathroom tissues, sanitary supplies, and paper towels as well as cleaning and laundry supplies and toiletry basics such as shampoo and conditioner, hand soap, and body lotion for a pantry done in partnership with the food pantry of Our Lady of Victory, across the street. We hope to provide items to individuals and families that are not covered by food stamps and seldom can be found in food pantries.
On occasion we hope also to make homeless care packages to distribute as well.
Adopt-a-Family
August and November
Twice a year, through the agencies of the Diocese of Long Island, we participate in an Adopt-a-Family program. In August we collect notebooks, pencils, crayons, scissors, protractors and rulers, and all the many things needed for school children to participate fully in their grade level and receive a good education. In November we have specific families assigned to us, and we purchase and wrap clothing, books, and toys for each member of our families to offer them a truly Merry Christmas. All these items go to families who have so little. We love helping in this way.