Diaconal Service Opportunities
The term “Deacon” or “Diaconate” originate from the Greek word diakonia which means “service” or “ministry.” A deacon is ordained by the Church for service. The deacon is ordained to be a witness to the Gospel through a life of service. A deacon serves through his personal encounters as he ministers to the poor, the aged, the sick, and prisoners. The deacon is called to be a positive influence for change in the world…so that society may be renewed by Christ and transformed into the family of God.
Below are ministries and contact information of potential ministries for deacons so they can continue to witness the Gospel in their life of service.
| Location | Contact Name | Phone Number | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detention Ministry (San Gabriel Valley) | Dn. Peter Brause | 626-825-2629 | peterb@stlouisedm.org |
| Habitat for Humanity | Dn. Gene Gleason | 562-631-5567 | gene@lamiradalaw.com |
| Homeboy Industries | Homeboy Office | 323-526-1254 | info@homeboyindustries.org |
“Bringing hope and restoring dignity to homeless individuals and families.”
-East San Gabriel Valley Coalition for the Homeless
Volunteer at Parishes with Cold Weather Shelters in San Gabriel Region
East San Gabriel Valley Coalition for the Homeless
Parishes in the San Gabriel Region organize cold weather shelters from December 1st through March 31st for 200 homeless individuals, providing shelter, showers, clothes, warm meals, medical care, and more. See how you can support this amazing effort.
“Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Catholic Charities of Los Angeles commits to serve the vulnerable and to strive for a just society.”
-Catholic Charities
Support Your Local Catholic Charities Location
Catholic Charities addresses human suffering and larger social issues such as poverty, hunger and nutrition, homelessness, immigration, health care, mental health and illiteracy. Charities various locations throughout the Archdiocese offer food, clothing, rent and utility assistance, motel vouchers, transportation, job training, child care, help signing up for CalFresh, WIC, and MediCare, elder support, legal resources, immigration and citizenship assistance, refugee resettlement and more. Keep their number on hand for referrals for your parishioners.
“St. Vincent de Paul of Los Angeles is a Catholic volunteer organization that serves the poor and homeless of any religion for free.”
-St. Vincent de Paul Society
Run a Drive for St. Vincent De Paul Society
St. Vincent De Paul Society helps the needy become self-sufficient by providing financial and emotional support, food, clothing, furniture, appliances, housing and resources in Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. Their work spans all the corporal works of mercy. Host a drive to collect items for their thrift store or the SVDPLA Society at your parish.
“Transforming the lives of families experiencing homelessness. Because every child deserves a home.”
-Family Promise
Host a Homeless Family at Your Church
Family Promise helps homeless children by helping their families stay intact, regain stable housing and return to steady work through the support of their community. They partner with churches to offer families temporary housing, hospitality and assistance to help them get back on their feet.
“We are the instrument of this reign in the world. We commit ourselves to build a community of faith and love.”
-Life, Justice and Peace
The Office of Life, Justice, and Peace
https://lifejusticeandpeace.lacatholics.org/
The Office of Life, Justice, and Peace (OLJP) implements the vision of Archbishop José Gomez on social issues by offering strategic leadership to parishes and community partners through education, advocacy, prayer, and service. OLJP promotes the common good, rooting initiatives in the reality that each person is created by God for a relationship with him and in community with others.