News & Events

Please call Judy Obbink, Thrift Shop Coordinator at (831) 373-7490 or the church office at (831) 373-4441 for more information, or to volunteer. Even one three hour shift per month would make a big contribution to the continued success of the shop and help make a difference in someone else’s life.

Don’t like retail? Consider joining the team that sorts and prices merchandise for the Thrift Shop. We have had several volunteers retire this past year and we need your help. Shifts are just three hours long, and it’s really fun sorting through treasures and preparing them for new homes. If you think you might be interested, please call Judy Obbink, (831) 373-7490 for more information. Thank you!

351 Thrift Shop vouchers were used to help keep someone warm or look presentable for a job interview. 3,456 food bags were packed for an average of 23 bags each two-hour day. $19,214 was spent. 58% covered the cost of food, while the majority of the rest of it helped with shelter and transportation.

If you have contributed your time, food, financial resources or prayers, thank you for your support of this important ministry. You have made it possible for St. Mary’s to fulfill our mission to feed the hungry and contribute to the relief of those in need, to be “home” for them. For as Jesus said, “Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me.”

Please consider spending some time with this ministry. You don’t have to be a member of St. Mary’s to help. Our volunteers come from all over the Monterey Peninsula and represent many faith communities. All that is required is a desire to serve and help make a difference is someone’s life. If you could spare two hours once or twice a month, we would love to hear from you. Please call the church office for more information. (831) 373-4441. Financial contributions, food and prayers are also very much appreciated in our attempts to help those in need.

Thank you,
Darlene Trautsch
Chair, Christian Social Concerns (CSC) Ministry

The farmers assigned to St. Mary’s are the Bucio brothers, Rigoberto and Adolpho. In 2008, Rigoberto graduated from ALBA’s Farmer Education Program where he and his younger brother learned organic agricultural practices and the tools to establish a successful business as small organic farmers.

The Good Earth
By Warren Chang
40x28 oil on canvas

In the Spring of 2011, the first anniversary of our partnership, St. Mary’s hosted a successful event (Sowing Seeds of Friendship) to help raise awareness and funds for the program and to assist in supporting the brothers’ educational endeavors. At the event we exhibited works of local artist, Warren Chang, whose oil paintings of figures in landscapes have won international acclaim. Warren has since made a painting of Rigoberto, which can be seen on Warren’s website.

Beginning in the Fall, 2011 Rigoberto has had to spend his Sundays at the farm, and Adolpho (who is completing his first year at California State University Monterey Bay) has been at St. Mary’s each week to continue what feels like a long-standing tradition. Please, come and meet Adolpho, sample delicious, locally grown organic produce, and support this important project—where everyone is a winner.