“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35

St. John Neumann has a wonderful tradition of service to those less fortunate. One of the ways we share is by visiting shelters and preparing meals for the hungry. Many hands make for light work, and we can always use some people to join in this outreach.

Missionaries of Charity

The second Saturday of each month a small group of SJN parishioners visit one of the homes in Washington, D.C., run by the Missionaries of Charity to take and serve dinner for about 50 people. This home is a dedicated hospice facility to care for people with advanced AIDS. Our parishioners leave the church parking lot at 7 a.m. and return at 10:15 a.m. The Missionaries of Charity, who were started by St. Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa), are Roman Catholics who vow themselves to chastity, poverty, obedience, and wholehearted and free service to the poorest of the poor.

Carpenter Shelter

Carpenter's ShelterIf you are not an early morning person, other members of SJN visit Carpenter Shelter in Alexandria the second Tuesday each month. While visiting, they prepare and serve dinner to about fifty guests. They leave Reston at 4:30 p.m. and return about 7:40 p.m. If you would like to help but these times do not work for your schedule, you can make a casserole (recipes are easy) at your home and deliver to those who will be going.

Contact Info to Volunteer

You do not need to make a monthly commitment — any time would be appreciated.

Shelter Contact
Carpenter Shelter or Missionaries of Charity Rita Schoka, 703-476-4496