Outreach

Bringing the Love of Christ to the Sick, Elderly, and Homebound

The Pastoral Care Ministry at St. Leander is a beautiful expression of our call to serve with compassion, faith, and presence. This ministry offers spiritual support to our brothers and sisters who are homebound, elderly, ill, or living in care facilities and hospitals—helping them stay connected to our parish community and the sacraments.

What We Do

Our Pastoral Care Ministers lovingly bring the Body of Christ and the comfort of prayer to those who are unable to attend Mass. Through regular visits, we:

• Pray with and for the sick and elderly
• Bring Holy Communion to homes, care homes, and hospital rooms
• Offer companionship and encouragement in the spirit of Christ
• Coordinate with a priest for the Sacraments of the Anointing of the Sick or Reconciliation when needed

This ministry continues the healing presence of Jesus in our world and reminds each person that they are seen, loved, and part of the Body of Christ.

Why It Matters

Visiting the sick is one of the Corporal Works of Mercy and a powerful way to live our faith in action.
For many who are ill or aging, a visit from a pastoral care minister brings not just the Eucharist—but hope, comfort, and deep spiritual connection.

Get Involved

Do you feel called to share God’s love with those who are suffering or isolated?

We’re always looking for kind-hearted volunteers to join our ministry. Training and support are provided—what matters most is a caring heart, a listening ear, and a desire to serve.

📧 To learn more or sign up, contact the parish office or speak with a current minister after Mass.
You can make a real difference—one visit at a time

“I was sick and you visited me.” – Matthew 25:36
Join us in bringing the light of Christ to those who need it most.

Serving Christ by Serving Others

At St. Leander Parish, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) is more than a charitable group—it’s a community of faith-filled volunteers who believe in the dignity of every person and the power of compassion.

Rooted in the teachings of Christ and inspired by St. Vincent de Paul, we strive to bring hope, support, and practical help to our neighbors in need.

🙌 Our Mission

The mission of SVdP is simple yet profound:
To offer direct, personal assistance to those who are struggling, guided by love, humility, and a spirit of fellowship.

💛 How We Serve

Our St. Leander SVdP team provides:

• Emergency food assistance and grocery gift cards
• Help with basic needs like clothing, rent, or utility support
• Holiday outreach and seasonal giving programs for families

All support is offered confidentially and with compassion, seeing Christ in each person we serve.

Get Involved – You Are Needed!

Would you like to make a real difference in someone’s life?

You don’t need special skills—just a kind heart and a willingness to help.
Whether you want to join us in making home visits, help organize donations, or support behind the scenes, there’s a place for you in our Vincentian family.

📧 To volunteer or learn more, contact the parish office.
Your “yes” can change lives—starting with your own.

“Charity is infinitely inventive.” – St. Vincent de Paul
Come serve with us and bring the love of Christ to those who need it most.

Live Lent with Prayer, Fasting, and Giving

Each year during Lent, St. Leander Parish joins with Catholics across the country to participate in Operation Rice Bowl, a Lenten program organized by Catholic Relief Services (CRS). This simple yet powerful initiative helps us grow spiritually while making a real impact in the lives of those suffering from hunger and poverty around the world.

What is Operation Rice Bowl?

Operation Rice Bowl invites individuals, families, and communities to walk with Christ by embracing the three pillars of Lent:

• Pray – Reflect on the lives of those in need and deepen your personal faith journey
• Fast – Give something up or simplify your meals to stand in solidarity with the hungry
• Give – Collect donations in your rice bowl throughout Lent to help change lives

Each small act of sacrifice adds up to a powerful expression of mercy.

How It Works

At the start of Lent, cardboard rice bowls are available in the church, starting the Sunday before Ash Wednesday. Use them at home during the season to collect your sacrificial offerings.

Bring your filled rice bowl back to church on the Sunday after Easter. The funds will support:

• Catholic Relief Services’ global hunger and poverty programs
• Local hunger initiatives through the Diocese of Oakland

Learn, Pray, and Grow

CRS provides a variety of free resources to help you and your family make the most of this Lenten journey, including:

• Stories of Hope from communities around the world
• Meatless Lenten recipes from different cultures
• Daily prayers and reflections for the season

These tools help us understand the struggles others face—and how our faith calls us to respond.

Get Involved

Operation Rice Bowl is perfect for:

• Families looking to make Lent more meaningful
• Students and teachers seeking a classroom project with impact
• Anyone who wants to live out their faith through simple daily acts

📧 For more information, contact Trudy Miller or the Parish Office
🌐 Visit crs.org or oakdiocese.org to learn more

“Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” – Matthew 25:40
This Lent, let’s make a difference—one prayer, one sacrifice, one bowl at a time.