Social Ministry

The mission of St. John the Apostle Parish Social Ministry Department is to create opportunities for parishioners to understand and act on Catholic social teaching. This is achieved by integrating the following components into the life of our parish; direct service, global solidarity, advocacy and formation, and education.

The Office of Social Ministry identifies the need for social services within the parish community as well as outside the parish. As disciples of Christ we are called to reach out to those in need. We provide information, referrals and resources for emergency assistance. We are dependent on the service of many dedicated volunteers who donate their time and resources for all the programs offered in this ministry. Our services are designed to address basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing, transportation, and support for bereaved, homebound, elderly, incarcerated and the poor.

Below are more details regarding specific social ministries:

Food Pantry

This office is open to clients living in zip codes 76053, 76054, 76117, 76118, 76180, 76182 and 76111.  Clients may come once a week for basic canned food items and other donated items such as toiletries. Baby diapers, food, wipes and formula are distributed upon request. The client must have a picture ID with proof of residency in the area served.  All items are donated and subject to supply and demand.  No appointment is necessary. Please call the Outreach Office at (817) 284-5912 for more information.

 
Financial Aid
This office is open to clients living in zip codes 76053, 76054, 76117, 76118, 76180, 76182 and 76111. This office operates by appointment only. On Monday at 9:30 a.m. the phone is answered and the first 10 qualifying clients form the list for the week. These 10 clients will be given an appointment during the week for financial aid for rent, utilities or other bills after screening by the intake volunteer. Please call the Outreach Office at (817) 284-5912 for more information.

Bereavement Mailings
A mailing is sent to the families of individuals who have had funeral services at our parish. These mailings offer encouragement, support, prayers and literature regarding the grieving process. Mailings go out monthly. 

Care Corps
This ministry helps the elderly residents of Northeastern Tarrant County with everyday tasks such as grocery shopping and other errands. Volunteers answer phones, provide transportation and build ramps for disabled accessibility. Although this is a separate entity, our parish supports it financially and with volunteers. For more information please call (817) 282-0531.
                   
Gabriel’s Angels
This ministry of the Diocese of Fort Worth involves ministering women who have decided against abortion. The ministry attends to the mother's spiritual and emotional needs. Gabriel’s Angels are trained through Catholic Charities. Please contact Catholic Charities at (817) 534-0814 for more information.

Meals on Wheels
St. John the Apostle has a large number of meals delivered to the community from the city’s Meals on Wheels program. Volunteers pick up the meals at the parish and deliver them to needy people throughout the area. Please contact Meals on Wheels at (817) 336-0912 for more information.

Parish Mission Patzun,Guatemala
St. John the Apostle sends a team of about ten people to Guatemala annually to develop and strengthen the relationship with our sister parish in Patzun. For about seven days, volunteers focus on giving children anti-parasite medications and meeting with families in the surrounding villages. Please contact Colleen Cargile at (817) 284-4811 for more information.

Samaritan House
Local churches take turns providing an evening meal for the Samaritan House, a home for people suffering from HIV/AIDS. St. John the Apostle serves the 3rd Wednesday of each month. Please contact Colleen Cargile at (817) 284-4811 for more information.