Other Ways to Help

The Bereavement Committee reaches out to anyone in our parish family who has experienced the death of a loved one. Volunteers may provide a food item for a funeral luncheon, set-up, or serve the luncheon. Other volunteers contact the family after the funeral to determine if the family is in need of other parish services and to provide a compassionate outreach to those who are grieving. For more information, contact Linda Strapp or momlakes@aol.com.

Prayer is where we profess our need for Christ and His solution to our problems.  It is also a place where we learn to worship Him and grow spiritually in His loving presence. As we spend time with Him, God lovingly teaches us how to pray and how to listen for His still voice replying to our humble requests.  Our “Prayer Warriors” receive a monthly email or mail list of individuals requesting our daily devotional prayers. For more information or to request prayers, contact Jeannine Kern.

Saint Matthew Parish has numerous care facilities for the elderly within its boundaries. In these care centers as well as in private homes, there are numerous parishioners who could enjoy a visitor every once in a while. Please consider becoming a part of our Visiting Ministry and sharing a half hour of your time each week or every other week with someone who is lonely. This is an excellent way for a whole family to volunteer together. If you are interested, please contact Carol Ann Lombardi.

Stone Soup ministry provides dinner to families experiencing a crisis or death in the family. A volunteer with Stone Soup would be scheduled, at their convenience, to provide dinner to a family in need. A volunteer is usually not asked more than several times a year. For more information, contact Linda Strapp.

The Knitting/Crocheting Ministry makes baby blankets, hats, scarves and lap robes for the homeless and needy of central Ohio.  The ministry consists of volunteers of all age groups and skills, and instructions are given to those who want to learn. For more information, contact Glenda Neely.

Interfaith Hospitality Network ministry provides dinner and fellowship to homeless families at the YWCA shelter on the first Monday of every other month.  Some volunteers drop off a salad, fruit, rolls, dessert or milk at St. Matthew to be served to the families.  Other volunteers prepare the main course, serve the meal, and visit with the families at the shelter. For more information, contact Patti Herrick at 614-440-1708.

LifeCare Alliance prepares meals for homebound residents, and our volunteers deliver hot/cold lunches in the Gahanna area.  Volunteers are scheduled on Thursdays, once a month or according to their preference. St. Matthew volunteers deliver for two different Gahanna routes from the pick-up point at Traditions. For more information, contact Janet McIntyre.