St. Joseph's Ministry serves the St. Mary's community by providing several ways for parishioners with an interest in building trades to contribute to parish life. First, we provide the project management backbone for the annual Rebuilding Together (Christmas in April) effort. This is a nationwide event that connects volunteer workers to community needs for home repair and cleanup. St. Mary's has long been a powerhouse in the Arlington Rebuilding Together effort. Our last Saturday in April is always a lot of fun, hard work, and camaraderie for those of us who enjoy a hard day's work capped by a real sense of accomplishment. We have made a real difference in the lives of those we help and it has never rained on this event!

Second, the participants in St. Joseph's Ministry volunteer to be available to the church for small maintenance issues around the buildings. This involves being available for perhaps one or two Saturday afternoons per year, should they need a light bulb changed in the Nave, a hinge, or a broken sink fixed. St. Joseph's Ministry also supports a co-operative labor exchange in service to the parish debt. Those who are able to donate a day's work to a parishioner's home improvement project are rewarded with a donation in their name to the parish debt fund. It's another excuse to get outside, have fun building something, and contribute to the life of the parish. Call the Parish Office at (703) 527-6800 if you are interested or contact Jane Shafran.

Click here to view more pictures from Rebuilding Together 2008.