4865 11 Mile Rd NE ~ Rockford, MI 49341 ~ (616)866-0931
Julie Buehler - Christian Service Coordinator - 874-6841
The Christian Service Ministry provides opportunities to strive to be disciples committed to the mission of Christ: to bring Good News to the poor, the suffering, the lonely, the weak and the oppressed.
All people, including Our Lady of Consolation parishioners of all ages, have been blessed with a diversity of God-given gifts, talents and resources, which the Spirit longs to use to help build the Kingdom of God. As committed Catholic Christians, we seek to serve those in need with respect and compassion. Through the grace of God, we offer our gifts in hope of a world where we can live in solidarity with all our brothers and sisters, including those locally as well as the broader community of our diocese, state, nation and world. For Paul tells us, "if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it" 1 Corinthians 12:26
North Kent Community Services is a non-profit organization that seeks to help families in an emergency situation with food, clothing and household goods. NKCS is also a referral agency, which provides information on seeking emergency housing, and utility needs. Special programs are offered throughout the year, which benefit their clients such as school supplies, tax preparation, baby layettes, holiday gifts, holiday meals, etc. North Kent Community Services requires the support of local churches, civic groups, businesses and individuals to serve its clients.
Our Lady of Consolation parishioners, friends, and relatives help as a group on the second Tuesday night of the month from 6:00PM until 8:00PM. We gather and volunteer to sort and display donations. No reservations are required. During the summer months of June, July and August volunteer nights are canceled because NKCS takes on additional daytime volunteers who are able to meet their needs.
Our Lady of Consolation Parish places tall wicker baskets at each entrance of the church. Parishioners are asked to bring in food and personal care items to help stock the NKCS pantry. North Kent Community Services is always in need of your donations.
Volunteer opportunities: Volunteers are needed during normal operating hours and their fund-raisers such as Sweetheart Splash - Start of Summer - Market Place Sale - Grace Hunger Walk - Christmas in July - People Helping People Golf Outing - A Place At the Table - Eye on the Prize-Harvest Festival - Holiday Baskets - Senior Meals On Wheels - Senior Pantry
Teens on a Mission 2012 is a week long summer service opportunity open to high school youth and their chaperones. This program is a nine month commitment which can be very rewarding, yet challenging-but most likely, life changing. Participants will become immersed into the lives of the poor while they work side by side helping each other overcome the barriers which divide us. The required meeting times are listed below. There are opportunities to participate on the Leadership Team which will require time outside of the group meetings however, the Leadership Team will only meet approximately three times. All meetings are designed for the youth to become leaders while making the preparations for this journey.
The service week is filled with many opportunities to step out of one's comfort zone. Not only will some participants have opportunities to learn new skills like home repair projects, all will meet people from different cultures, faiths and economic backgrounds. There will be a variety of service options for participants such as serving in a soup kitchen, working in a pantry, organizing or cleaning. Whatever your task, be assured you will experience God's love.
Our prayer services and small group reflections offer moments to reflect on God's will for our lives and how we can experience Him in daily living. The call to "reach out to the poor and lonely" is easily embraced when you can walk side by side and share the burdens together. Teens and chaperones alike are changed and see life from a different perspective. The Gospels are more understood when you can apply the teachings of Christ. When you return to your home environment you are aware of many blessings you have yet realize materialistic things are not the key for true happiness. Mass is incorporated several times throughout the week when ever possible. Prayer buddies and "Ask the Priest" are highlights throughout the week.
Although our days are full we have plenty of opportunity for fun. The evenings provide time to experience the local culture, honor one another with special meals and find new unique ways to enjoy one another's company. In the past, we have had Bible mystery dinners, taken a pirate cruise, toured a mountainous village of world religions, picnicked in Central Park, shopped for local crafts on sidewalk blanket displays, swam in the ocean, hiked trails leading to a local swimming hole and climbed dunes in Colorado. No matter what occurs throughout the week the memories are hard to forget.
All of this is made possible by our sponsors and donations. Any interested and committed high school age person, no matter what their economic status, can earn the monies needed to participate through "The Mission Golf Classic" and from sponsorships.
Dates for participation in 2012 are:
| December 4, 2011 | All applications and deposits are due |
| December 18, 2011 | All questionnaires are due, sign ups for interviews |
| January 8, 1012 | 3:30PM at Kateri Lodge - Sign up for interviews & work on prayer services |
| January-February | Individual interviews take place |
| February 12, 2012 | 3:30PM at Kateri Lodge - Fundraiser information distributed |
| March 4, 2012 | 3:30PM at Kateri Lodge - All participants w/parent must attend |
| April 15, 2012 | 3:30PM at Kateri Lodge - Small groups are formed for social events |
| May 6, 2012 | All sponsorships, prizes and money are due |
| May 6, 2012 | 7:00PM at Kateri Lodge - Preparation for the Golf Classic & small group info must be turned in |
| May 19, 2012 | 7:00AM - 3:00PM Mission Golf Classic Fundraiser |
| June 3, 2012 | 6:00PM at Kateri Lodge - Pick up tubs, info for phone chain, and last minute agendas |
| July 5, 2012 | 6:00PM at Kateri Lodge - Load vehicles and trailers (pending) |
| July 6, 2012 | 5:00AM at Kateri Lodge - Depart for mission trip (pending) |
| July 15, 2012 | Evening at Kateri Lodge - Arrive back (pending) |
All adults 18 years and older are welcome to participate in the upcoming Adult Mission Trip 2011 to St. Louis, MO. Participants will be taken on a first-come, first-serve basis. It is not required that you be a parishioner to participate, however parishioners will be considered first when space is limited. Our housing site is available to us February 19th through February 26th. We plan to serve the greater St. Louis area throughout the week. Our service will include construction, serving, sorting, cleaning, etc. For more information please contact Julie at 874-6841.
An informational meeting will be held Monday evening, October 11th at 7:00 p.m. in the Guadalupe Room at Our Lady of Consolation Parish. The deadline to register is Monday, October 13th. The meeting for all pre-registered participants to receive the agenda, "what to expect", sign forms, make your final payment and get your "What to Bring" list will be held Monday evening, January 10th at 7:00 p.m. in the Guadalupe Room at Our Lady of Consolation Parish.
For more information contact:
God's Kitchen Meals on Wheels provides noontime meals delivered Monday through Friday to homebound clients. Additional food is given on Friday for the weekend.
Volunteer opportunities: Our Lady of Consolation parishioners, friends, relatives can offer their assistance on the 4th and 5th Sunday mornings of the month at 9:00 a.m. assembling and packaging the meals for Monday's delivery. All ages are welcome, including 3 year olds, but you will need to call ahead 874-6841 (Julie) or email jbuehler@olcparish.net
Drivers are also needed.
God's Kitchen Capitol Lunch is a program of Catholic Charities West Michigan that feeds the hungry with dignity and respect.
Volunteer opportunities: Drivers, office help, servers and preparers, fund-raising, building maintenance, manage the freezer and cooler.
God's Kitchen North provides an evening meal every Thursday that is open to any one who would like to come.
Volunteer opportunities: Our Lady of Consolation parishioners, friends, relatives can volunteer to help with the set up, serving and clean up. Drivers are also needed to help pickup up clients in the north area.
Catholic Charities West Michigan serves people in need of all faiths. Offering community outreach, behavioral health and child welfare/family preservation.
Volunteer opportunities: Translators, shoppers, drivers (on-call and regular basis), special events, sorting donations, shelving and stocking.
Our Lady of Consolation parishioners can also volunteer at other Catholic Charities West Michigan events and programs, including Soups On, Let's Go to Bat for Kids and Rally for Hope and Hunger, sorting Back to School supplies and Paint a Bowl.
Bethany Christian Services PARA works to link newly arrived refugees with church co-sponsors, individual volunteers, service providers and other community resources for the purpose in easing their adjustment to their new home in West Michigan.
Volunteer opportunities: Volunteers can tutor the English language, set up housing, drive to appointments, help clients work to gain employment, be a school liaison for the children, mentor finance, etc.
Help Pregnancy Crisis Aid is a non-profit Catholic organization that encourages the sanctity of human life by advocating for the child in the womb. This organization gives assistance to all women regardless of age, race, religion or marital status.
Volunteer opportunities: Mature, compassionate women to provide Christian support to women during their crisis pregnancy. There are also opportunities for organizing, displaying, and helping with their renovations.
Michigan Blood is an independent, nonprofit, community service organization that puts Michigan hospitals first.
Volunteer opportunities: Our Lady of Consolation parishioners can help at our two drives held in January and September at Kateri Lodge. We are in need of runners, work in the canteen by serving cookies and drinks, make phone calls prior to the drive, put out posters, bake cookies or brownies or help with day care while parents give blood.
Our Lady of Consolation Blood Drives
Volunteers can also call the blood bank for opportunities.
Supper House is an opportunity to serve dinner to the low-income families in the neighborhood of Saint Alphonsus. This dinner takes place at Saint Alphonsus in their cafeteria. Time commitment is 4:30PM - 7:00PM. Volunteers are taken on a first-come, first-serve basis. All ages are welcome.
Volunteer opportunities: Our Lady of Consolation parishioners can volunteer together by signing up in advance. The calendar is usually set a year in advance and Our Lady usually has 3 dates throughout the year. We also provide monetary donations to cover the cost of the meal.
Feeding America West Michigan Food Bank is an opportunity to not only help feed the hungry, but also care for the environment. Surplus or mislabeled food products are donated by the food processors and manufacturers to the Food Bank for distribution to the needy, and not the land fills.
Volunteer opportunities: Warehouse volunteers can evaluate, sort, wash or label the products on Monday through Friday from 9:00AM to 4:30PM. Students can repack bulk items such as cereal or vegetables on alternate Saturdays from 8:00AM until 1:00PM. Field Volunteers glean or pick produce from local farmers and orchards from late June through October. All volunteers will need a liability waiver which is found on their website.
Ronald McDonald House is a home where volunteers will prepare a meal for non-local families who have a child currently in the hospital or receiving medical treatment. Groups are limited to six and there are age restrictions. Call to request a date.
Volunteer opportunities in a group: Our Lady of Consolation parishioners help as a group by making meals or cookies. If you would like to go with a group or form a group from Our Lady contact Julie 874-6841 or email jbuehler@olcparish.net for more information.
Volunteer opportunities as an individual: Guest services desk, concierge, general office, housekeeping, shuttle driver, meal makers deliver dairy products and cookie bakers. Volunteers are also needed to serve on one of their many committees.
Mel Trotter Mission exists to demonstrate the compassion of Jesus Christ toward the hungry, homeless and hurting of Grand Rapids.
Volunteer opportunities: Individuals or volunteer groups of 5 people can sign up to work a dinner shift in our kitchen. Volunteers can also help out at any of their three retail locations. Volunteers are also needed to sort through donations at the warehouse at 555 28th St.
Skilled volunteers are needed to help with everything from mentoring to remodeling. Auto mechanics are also needed for the Vehicle Donation Program.
Paint a bowl for Soup's On is an event that is held at the Kateri Lodge on January 13, 2011. You purchase an unpainted ceramic bowl (provided by God's Kitchen) and paint it. God's Kitchen fires it and then you donate it to the Soup's On event which is God's Kitchens' annual largest fundraiser. You will need to make a reservation to make sure we have enough bowls on hand. The approximate cost of the bowl is under $10.00. The night also includes drinks and hearty snacks at no additional charge. This is a great time for fellowship. You are welcome to bring friends, neighbors, relatives and family. All ages are invited however, young children will need to remain supervised by their parents.
Contact person: Julie Buehler
Phone: 874-6841
Email: jbuehler@olcparish.net
Apples of Gold is a program that consists of six sessions designed for younger moms/wives to learn from the more experienced. Experience God's love and learn positive ways to share newly acquired cooking skills and spiritual enrichment with your family and others. This program will be held in a parishioner's home and begins with a cooking lesson, then a Bible study and finally enjoy the sharing of a meal. The commitment is once a month beginning in October through March.
Contact person: Julie Buehler
Phone: 874-6841
Email: jbuehler@olcparish.net
Woman's Life is about having fun, helping others, personal growth and staying healthy. Women have an opportunity to join other women for socialization, mutual support and community service. Each chapter chooses a cause in the community in which they would like to make a difference. Through their social events or work efforts the chapter finds ways to raise money for the cause and Woman's Life will match it, up to a preset maximum. Our chapter is open to all women regardless of faith, race or economic background. The requirement is to enjoy having fun while helping others. There is also a registration process.
Contact person: Julie Buehler
Phone: 874-6841
Email: jbuehler@olcparish.net
North Kent Community Services needs your donations! North Kent Community Services is an emergency food pantry that serves low-income families and families that are in a crisis situation. Our Lady of Consolation Parish helps to stock their pantry by placing food baskets at the entrance of each door to the church. Every time you come to church bring a bag of food, cleaning or personal care products and leave it in the baskets and we will deliver it for you. North Kent Community Services (NKCS) food requests include boxed and canned food items and personal care items. Please drop off your grocery donations in the entranceway's of the church.
Suggested items include:
If you have frozen or cold foods/meats, please call the center directly to make arrangements for delivery.
Teens on a Mission is a service opportunity beyond our state borders, open to high school youth and their chaperones. Participants will become immersed into the lives of the poor while working side by side; with those they are helping, to overcome the barriers that divide us.
We are in need of hole sponsors, teen sponsors and donations of prizes for the annual golf outing held in May.
Contact person: Julie Buehler
Phone: 874-6841
Email: jbuehler@olcparish.net
The Career Support Ministry provides support for the unemployed/underemployed by providing encouragement, resources and networking while job searching.
The ministry needs donations of:
Contact person: Julie Buehler
Phone: 874-6841
Email: jbuehler@olcparish.net
Assistance for refugees, fire victims, and foster care prevention.
Refugees are arriving weekly in the Grand Rapids area. As Christians we are called to welcome the stranger. Household items are needed for refugees, fire victims, families coming out of shelters and preventing children from entering the foster care system. These donations should be in good condition and working order.
There is an on-going need for items such as:
Pick up is available and is usually scheduled for Monday evenings with prior arrangements. Also if you can deliver your donations it is greatly appreciated. Please make prior arrangements either way.
Contact person: Julie Buehler
Phone: 874-6841
Email: jbuehler@olcparish.net
God's Kitchen Capitol Lunch has an on-going need for the large cans of fruit, vegetables, tomatoes (including sauces) and pudding. Please place your donations in the food baskets at each entrance of the church and they will be delivered for you or you may deliver them to the following location:
Location: 303 Division Ave South Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
Phone: 454-4110
Website: http://www.ccwestmi.org/
Catholic Charities Back-To-School Drive begins in July. New school supplies and new backpacks are collected for foster children in the Grand Rapids Diocese. Please place your donations on the tables in the Church Commons during the months of July and August, or in the food baskets throughout the year.
Our Lady will deliver any of the following donations:
Contact person: Julie Buehler
Phone: 874-6841
Email: jbuehler@olcparish.net
Help Pregnancy Crisis Aid Center is a non-profit Catholic organization that encourages the sanctity of human life by advocating for the child in the womb. This organization gives assistance to all women regardless of age, race, religion or marital status.
Our Lady will deliver any of the following donations with prior arrangements. They must be in good condition:
You may bring smaller items to church and they will be transported for you, but you should call or email if you have a large donation.
Contact person: Julie Buehler
Phone: 874-6841
Email: jbuehler@olcparish.net
Location: 705 Bridge Street Grand Rapids, Michigan
Phone: 459-9139
Website: http://helppregnancy.org/
Ronald McDonald House is where volunteers will prepare a meal at their location for non-local families who have a child who is currently in the hospital or receiving medical treatment.
Donations of unprepared food, common staples such as milk, eggs, bread, cheese and yogurt. Donations of home-baked cookies are always appreciated.
Location: 1323 Cedar NE Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
Phone: 776-1300
Adopt a Family/Individual at the Holidays
You can take the stress off families who are struggling on a daily basis to provide for their families by donating food, clothing, personal care items or gas cards during the holiday season. Opportunities are also available to help families who are struggling to pay their utilities. Call if you would like to adopt your own family or if you would like to sponsor an individual.
Contact person: Julie Buehler
Phone: 874-6841
Email: jbuehler@olcparish.net
Blood Drives are scheduled twice a year, once in January and then again in September. Call to schedule your most convenient time to donate blood. Donations of cookies or brownies are also welcome.
Contact person: Julie Buehler
Phone: 874-6841
Email: jbuehler@olcparish.net
Take an angel from the Angel Tree in the Church Commons and purchase a needed item for North Kent Service Center, Bethany Christian Services or the unemployed/underemployed.
Cathedral Outreach Center needs personal care samples for their homeless clients. If you are traveling consider donating your hotel soap, shampoo, lotion, etc to the homeless. Just drop them off in the food baskets at each entrance of the church. They will be delivered for you. In February we will be having our annual clothing drive to help the Center.
Catholic Charities West Michigan
Bethany Christian Services PARA
Feeding America West Michigan Food Bank