Social Action

Current Chair: Pat Finan

The Social Action Commission provides opportunities for parishioners to learn about, act on, and advocate for issues relating to social justice within the context of Catholic Social Teaching.

CRS Rice Bowl

Coordinate the education about the yearly CRS Rice Bowl Campaign including distribution and collections of Rice Bowls and education about the many people in need throughout our world who benefit from Catholic Relief Services.

Thanksgiving and Christmas Food Baskets

Coordinate collection, sorting, packing, and distribution of food for families in need at holidays.

Fair Trade Craft Sale

Help set up and sell items for the annual Fair Trade Craft Sale in November.

Habitat for Humanity

Coordinate parish sign-up for Habitat of Humanity of Marion County work days. Sharing of skills to build Habitat homes in Marion County.

End-of-Month Meals

Bake cakes for meals served to low-income families at the end of the month.

Helping Hands

Package donated items on twice-monthly “food days” (St. Anthony Catholic Church’s month is January, but help is needed every month). Regular help is also needed sorting donated clothing.

School Supply Drive

Collect, sort, and distribute school supplies to help local students by providing supplies to area schools.

Meals on Wheels

Deliver meals to elderly and home bound people two weeks in June from 11-11:45 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Salvation Army Bell Ringer

Volunteer your time to collect change for the Salvation Army during the holiday season.

Please contact Pat Finan to be a part of the Social Action Committee.

Useful links relating to Social Action
Iowa Catholic Conference
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops – Issues and Actions
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops – Take Action Now
Catholic Relief Services
Catholics Confront Global Poverty
Catholic Climate Covenant
Catholic Charities

Thank You for supporting Social Action Causes

Each year our parish donates a percentage of its budget to support local charities. 

The Social Action Committee distributes the charitable funds through a grant process.
The 2019-2020 grant recipients were:

  • Birthright – $500 for general operational needs
  • Crisis Intervention Services – $1,500 for purchase of living room furniture for emergency shelter
  • Freedom for Youth – $1,000 toward the costs of creating a permanent woodshop
  • Habitat for Humanity –  $500 for general home construction or renovation costs
  • Helping Hands – $1,500 for food
  • IMPACT Community Action – $1,100 for emergency food vouchers
  • Neighbor Helping Neighbor – $1,500 for emergency assistance
  • The Well – $500 toward purchase of washer and dryer for client use

If you know of other local charities that should be considered for next year, please contact Social Action Commission Chair Pat Finan at the church office. 

“I would like to express IMPACT’s gratitude for Saint Anthony Catholic Church’s support. Your support of our homeless prevention program (rent, deposit, mortgage assistance) in Marion County truly has a big IMPACT on our families and our community at large. Thank you for helping our mission and making our community stronger.”
                                                                                 Thank you,
​                                                                                 Amber Wallingford