Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish

History

Sacred Heart has long been doing the corporal works of mercy in relationship with community partners throughout the city of Erie. Originally known as “outreach ministry,” the ministry was rebranded as “Kinship,” in 2021 after the leaders learned about the work of Fr. Greg Boyle, SJ, who distinguishes service from kinship: “Even in service, there is a distance, almost by definition: service provider/service recipient. We want to bridge that distance….Service is a starting point…Service is the hallway that gets you to the ballroom…and the ballroom is the place of kinship, the place where there is no us and them, where everything has been bridged in this exquisite mutuality.” -Fr. Greg Boyle

These values of mutuality and relationship are what guide the members of the Kinship Ministry, colloquially known as “Kinship.”

 Kinship is committed to letting the needs of the community guide the priorities of our work, and it is ongoing relationship and dialogue with community partners that sets our agenda each year. Our aim is to provide meaningful ways for parishioners to be able to support the missions of our community partners who are doing the essential work of the Gospel, such as clothing the naked, feeding the hungry, and welcoming the stranger.

 What We Do

Kinship Ministry includes three main focuses, each of which is in partnership with community-based organizations on the ground:

1. Bags of Hope ministry: Formerly called “bag mat ministry,” this initiative lives out the Catholic value of caring for creation by upcycling single-use plastic bags. Bags are crocheted into large woven tote bags, and then filled with donated personal care items and distributed through partners such as Erie City Mission and Community of Caring. This ministry has also done drives for clothing items, socks/underwear, and sanitary products to support the dignity of people who live in poverty. Want to get involved in Bags of Hope, or make a donation of plastic bags or travel size toiletry items? Contact leader Sharon Bond at sbond009erie@gmail.com
2. Feed the Hungry ministry: In partnership with the Sisters of St. Joseph Neighborhood Network, this initiative supports the Monday evening community meal hosted at St. Paul’s church in Little Italy. About once every six weeks, Kinship purchases necessary food items, prepares the meal at Sacred Heart, and assists with the transfer to St. Paul’s for their free Monday evening meal, which is open to the public. Want to make a financial donation or offer to help our cook? Contact leader Debbie Salamon at dgsalamon@hotmail.com
3. Refugee resettlement ministry: In partnership with Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement in the City of Erie, this ministry founded in 2022 helps support and welcome “new Americans,” refugees who are resettled in Erie, PA. The family beneficiaries come through legal, federally-regulated channels to flee violence or persecution in their home countries, and many lived in refugee camps for years or decades before their arrival. As of July, 2023, this ministry has helped outfit the apartments for 40+ families, with furniture, kitchen goods, bedding, toiletries, and paper products. Want to volunteer to join a donation assembly team or apartment cleaning team? Contact Debbi Tarasovitch at tarasovitch5134@gmail.com  

Kinship Ministry also does special collections to support the work of other community partners who are doing the corporal works of mercy in the spirit of kinship. Past donation projects have included:

• Coffee, creamer, sugar, and cups to homeless shelters (in partnership with St. Patrick Haven, Upper Room, Community of Caring, Community Shelter Services).
• Suitcases to support people who are homeless and give them a dignified and convenient way to transport their items (in partnership with Community Shelter Services).
• Toys, games and gifts for Easter baskets for children (in partnership with Community Shelter Services).
• Cleaning supplies to be shared with clients (in partnership with SSJ Neighborhood Network)

Learn More

Want more information about Kinship Ministry? Reach out to Tom Hudson (814.864.1615).