Outreach and Service

"The works of Mercy are charitable actions by which we come to the aid of our neighbor in his spiritual and bodily necessities.  Instructing, advising, consoling, comforting are spiritual works of mercy, as are forgiving and bearing wrongs patiently.  The corporal works of mercy consist especially in feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned, and burying the dead.  Among all these, giving alms to the poor is one of the chief witnesses to fraternal charity: it is also a work of justice pleasing to God."  Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2447

"Both service and justice are needed as part of our response to social injustice. Works of service are more immediate, and often the results are easier to see. Works of justice are more long term, more complex to deal with, and the results may never come. But Christ calls us to be faithful—though not necessarily successful—and he will strengthen and guide us in this work. Your good works, combined with the good works of thousands and millions of others, will make a difference."  Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth, 223-224
Please consider joining your parish family in its efforts to do good works by volunteering with one of our service/outreach opportunities.

St. Vincent DePaul Society

This is an international Catholic organization of lay persons who seek, in a spirit of justice and by a person-to-person involvement, to help those who are in need and who are suffering.  We, at St. Susanna, work toward this goal by making house calls to the needy and by working in the Indianapolis Council warehouse where clothing and furniture are collected, sorted and given at no cost to those who are in need. 

Prison Ministry

We believe that no life is beyond the reach of God's power.  Prison Ministry focuses primarily on a spiritual approach with inmates who want to understand and strengthen their relationship with God.  Inmates who deepen their faith and grow in understanding of scripture will become less likely to offend others after they are released.  St. Susanna's Prison Ministry assists with Mass and Communion services as well as providing Bibles, rosaries and faith study materials to inmates here in Hendricks County.  Special training may be required for anyone interested in this ministry. 

Mercy Meals

St. Susanna's Mercy Meal Ministry provides a home-cooked meal for family and friends who have lost a loved one.  The meal is served following the funeral Mass.  Our parish is grateful to be able to provide the grieving family with a much-needed environment where family and friends can gather after the funeral.  This time allows family and friends to visit and comfort one another as the grieving process continues.  Volunteers are needed to prepare and serve food as well as help with set-up and clean-up.  This is an on call ministry.  People involved serve on an as needed basis.  If you are interested in helping with this ministry, please contact the Parish Office.

Respect Life

The Respect Life Ministry provides education and advocacy about the sanctity of human life from conception until natural death. We support the work of parishes, ministries, and organizations that are dedicated to promoting the gift of life and protecting the most vulnerable in our society.

Gabriel Project

Gabriel Project provides practical help to women who might otherwise not choose life for their unborn babies. Gabriel angels support the mother's choice for life through prayer, ongoing friendship, and encouragement. The Gabriel Project Provides: A loving and caring environment, Emotional and Spiritual support, Understanding and concern, Immediate and practical help, Pregnancy information, Community resources, and Clothing and baby items.

Home / Hospital / Health Care

St. Susanna's Homebound and Hospital Ministry provides visits and assistance to parish members who may be ill or homebound or a resident of a healthcare facility.  These visits may include distribution of Holy Communion.  Volunteers are also needed to occasionally provide transportation to church or appointments.  Please contact the Parish Office if you are interested in volunteering for this very important ministry.