holyfamilyyakima.org

A group dedicated to keeping themselves and the parish informed about social and legislative issues of interest to Catholics. As a strong social justice presence in our state capital this statewide group contacts legislators and works to influence decisions that impact the poor, frail, elderly, disabled, migrant and unborn. Help form a group at our parish to heighten awareness and involvement of our people in these critical issues.

By answering the call of Christ to help the poor and marginalized in the world members of "St. Vincent's" reach out to those in need by giving food and helping with other emergencies through the society founded by Blessed Frederick Ozanam. They are the hands of Jesus in the world today, for as Jesus said: "The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me" Mt. 26:11. New members are always welcome.

Monthly donations help support a boy's school in Myanmar (formerly Burma) that is under the direction of a priest who substituted at our parish while studying in North America. Basic housing, food and educational needs are met for boys who are often orphans.

The parish's involvement with Habitat is centered on helping with warehouse activity and the sale of materials and tools at the Habitat thrift store. This valuable ministry helps keep the saws buzzing and the hammers pounding on the local work sites for housing for low-income families. We hope to sponsor a building project in the near future.

The goal of the ministry is to help Holy Family parish become an accessible parish where people who are disabled are welcomed and encouraged to be active in all aspects of parish life. A main goal of the new building project was to remedy the lack of adequate restroom facilities for people in wheelchairs and construction included easy access from the church to the hall. We have large-print missalettes and assistive hearing devices available in the vestibule of the church. We are always interested in knowing of people who are willing to help in individual cases or with special projects. We are also interested in knowing of special needs that we have overlooked.

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Yakima working with Holy Family parishioners was able to purchase a house in 1999 in a residential neighborhood that has been a home for two or three autistic young men since then. While they have 24-hour care, they try to live as typically as possible. Help is needed with basic maintenance and repairs, routine yard work, occasional painting & big yard projects etc. Help with free tickets or passes to movies or the YMCA, or various community events etc. is especially helpful to better integrate the young men into their community. Anyone interested in spending time socializing or going on outings should inquire at the parish office. Our hope is to help establish a second home in the future.

Followers of Jesus is a program of religious education and bible study specifically designed to meet the spiritual needs of persons with developmental and other disabilities. Through the experience of friendship in one-to-one relationships, our friends with developmental and other disabilities discover a place where they belong and can enjoy meaningful relationships that help them realize their own giftedness and dignity. Through participation in the Followers of Jesus our friends are better able to celebrate the sacraments and enter into the worshipping experiences of the whole Church. Besides regular classes and liturgies, members participate in a yearly mass with the Bishop where they can serve as ministers and worship leaders Seasonal Food Drives At various times during the year Holy Family sponsors or participates in special collections of food to help the hungry among us. Usually working with St. Vincent de Paul food bank, & Volunteer Chore Services, non-perishable food is brought to Mass at designated times during the year and then picked up and distributed by the agencies. Organizational and promotional help is needed with the drives.

Low income families from all over the area are helped to celebrate Christmas in a more joyous way because of the generous contributions made during this process. Gift tags labeled with the age and gender of the recipient and the item to be wrapped and given are taken from the tree at the back of church, . Tags for food and money also may be taken. The items are brought to the church and presented during Mass. St. Vincent de Paul distributes the items through their citywide programs.

The Knights of Columbus are an international fraternal organization. Holy Family hosts the Ahtanum Mission chapter that meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month in the K. of C. addition north of Queen Gym. Membership is open to all Catholic men 18 and over. There are modest dues but no eligible person is ever turned away. The Knights are involved in charitable activities an also have fun with social events throughout the year. Major emphasis is on providing support for the education of priests and Right to Life activities. The Knights of Columbus sponsor regular blood drives, breakfasts that support numerous activities and they also assist with various parish activities as needed.

Each Fall Holy Family participates in the Diocese of Yakima program that raises funds to help the overall operation of the diocese and its various ministries. By pledging to this fund we can help with the many needs of our valley and receive services for our parish that would otherwise be unavailable.