V. Rev. Paul Albert, the pastor of Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral and Spiritual Director of Orthodox Outreach Detroit, said that the two items needed to begin the formation of a quality children’s creative arts area will cost up to about $2,500 (see pictures below). The Mother Maria Ministry is challenging and encouraging individuals in the diocese to partner with Orthodox Detroit Outreach in their work for the children of Southwest Detroit by matching this $1,000, or as they are able to give. This could be done on a parish level, an individual level, or through a Church School fundraising activity.
These two items are a necessary first step for Orthodox Detroit Outreach to develop a quality children’s arts and crafts area in Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral Church School wing, where some of their outreach meals and ministries will be held in 2020.
These items are hand made in the USA of Rock Maple, ensuring many years of productive use. Eventually, Orthodox Detroit Outreach envisions a space similar to what is depicted below.
About Orthodox Detroit Outreach
For the past four decades Southwest Detroit has been in steady economic decline. Many homes in the immediate vicinity of Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Cathedral lie derelict, and many of the church’s neighbors suffer from homelessness, poverty, and despair.
In 2012, Orthodox Christians from many Detroit area parishes founded Orthodox Detroit Outreach (ODO) in an effort to provide for their neighbors’ basic needs, presenting an opportunity for the Orthodox Church to serve Christ in our neighbors. In 2013, ODO Ministries partnered with Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral in the heart of Southwest Detroit.
Over the past seven years, Orthodox Detroit Outreach has coordinated volunteerism for the Greater Detroit area to serve the poor by regularly serving meals through the week, distributing clothing, hygiene items, and diapers, and hosting annual holiday dinners for the community. Local neighbors find compassion in the faces of volunteers, spiritual nourishment in the Divine Services of the Church, and hope in the Word of God. Approximately 1,500 volunteers per year provide thousands of hours of service and tens of thousands of meals to those in need.
About the Mother Maria of Paris Charitable Ministry
The mission of the Mother Maria of Paris Charitable Ministry is to advance ministry work being done by Orthodox Christians within the boundaries of the Diocese of the Midwest – Orthodox Church in America. Through fund raising, gifts-in-kind, and volunteerism, we support organizations and ministries that provide for the basic needs of the poor, needy, and under-served.
Find us online at https://www.facebook.com/mothermariaministry/ and email us at mothermariaministry@domoca.org if you would like more information on how to get involved.
