Together, we live out our faith through service, ensuring that those in need experience the love, care, and presence of Christ through our collective efforts.
The Social Concerns Ministry focuses on the Corporal Works of Mercy of the Catholic Church — teachings drawn from the life and example of Jesus Christ. Guided by His words in the Gospel of St. Matthew 25:40, “as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me,” our mission is to see Christ in every person and to respond with compassion and service. We serve as the main point of contact for individuals and families seeking support or assistance in times of need. Beyond direct service, the ministry engages the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in living out our call to love and serve others by offering many opportunities for parishioners to share their time, talent, and treasure with those in need.
Ozanam Shelter Provide-A-Meal Program: The Ozanam Family Shelter, located in Edison, NJ, serves as an emergency shelter for women and children. The facility includes shelter for 16 single women and 26 transitional housing units for families. While residing at the shelter, participants work closely with case managers to improve their income, achieve stability, and transition to permanent housing. The Ozanam Family Shelter provides emergency and transitional lodging, nutritious meal, health assessments and crisis counseling, employment and housing assistance, educational support for children and case management and referrals. Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month, members of the Social Concerns Ministry’s Provide-A-Meal Committee prepare and serve home-cooked dinners to the residents of Ozanam Shelter. These meals provide not only nourishment but also comfort, dignity, and a sense of community to families facing hardship.
Food Pantry Program: The Cathedral Food Pantry provides monthly food assistance to parishioners in Metuchen and Edison. Food assistance is available from our office Tuesday to Thursday from 9am to 1pm, by appointment. We request that our parishioners drop off non-perishable goods to the Social Concerns office or to the Social Concerns Bin by our Cathedral entrance. Our staff and volunteers check expiration dates, stock shelves and deliver donated items that are prepared for pickups. Families may receive assistance once per month, and the number of food bags distributed is based on family size (up to five bags per household). Through the generosity of parishioners and volunteers, the Food Pantry continues to be a vital resource for local families struggling with food insecurity. We provide nearly 400 food bags per year to almost 100 families.
Service to the Poor (Confidential Assistance): In alignment with Catholic social teaching, the Service to the Poor program offers one-time financial assistance to individuals and families in emergency situations. Assistance is provided directly to service providers, such as landlords, utility companies, or repair shops, to ensure proper use of funds. The Social Concerns Ministry provides assistance with back rent or eviction prevention, utility bills or shut-off notices, temporary lodging for those experiencing homelessness, car repairs for essential transportation, and other urgent basic needs.
JOIN US IN SERVICE
The Social Concerns Ministry remains deeply committed to serving “the least of our brothers and sisters” through practical acts of mercy, compassion, and solidarity. Our many volunteers, donors, and collaborators — including the Knights of Columbus, Catholic Charities, and our parish community — make this mission possible. Please contact the Social Concerns Ministry Office at 732-548-0100 x225 or bwilliamson@stfranciscathedral.org about the many ways that you can participate
Sincerely,
Bidgie Williamson, Director, Social Concerns Ministry