MOVE seeks to connect parishioners with the parish organizations and community service opportunities that match their skills, passions, and availabilities. MOVE also seeks to give parish organizations and leadership a source for the labor and/or skills needed for their initiatives.
MOVE was inspired by the new Vicariate mission and structure, which are geared toward expanded outreach and evangelization in our communities. Attracting younger generations to the faith is also facilitated by an outward focus and service to the community. The February 5-11, 2024, edition of the St. Louis Review featured an article reporting that, “A new study offers a more nuanced take on the nation’s religiously unaffiliated, and the findings show that Catholic parishes need to become more ‘outward facing’ to reach those beyond the pews, an evangelization expert said.”
Expanding our service and evangelization will take additional resources, especially personnel. Existing membership in most parish organizations is already taxed heavily by current responsibilities, with little capacity for more “work.” Also, the skills and expertise needed for some future efforts will likely go beyond those currently at use in the parish. We must find ways to engage more parishioners, with varied skills and availability.
Questions? Please reach out to: [email protected].
While attending “The Need”, the 2nd Lenten Speaker Series last March, Sacred Heart parishioner Robin Monks listened to a presentation on community needs from the Superintendent of Valley Park School District, Dr. Tim Dilg. Inspired by his message, Robin went on to secure a $2,000 grant from Foresters Financial to purchase hygiene and first-aid kits to benefit Valley Park School students in need. On Saturday, June 1, over 25 volunteers from Sacred Heart gathered to assemble over 100 hygiene cinch sacks and first aid kits. Dr. Dilg, who was present at the event, expressed his deep appreciation for the work and for the commitment of the Sacred Heart parishioners who attended.