St. Florence Catholic Church

THE LAZARUS MISSION

Established: October 7, 2013

Latest Update: March 24, 2023

The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus

“There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linen and dined sumptuously each day. And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scraps that fell from the rich man’s table. Dogs even used to come and lick his sores. When the poor man died, he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried, and from the netherworld where he was in torment, he raised his eves and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he cried out, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me. Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am suffering torment in these flames.’ Abraham replied, ‘My child, remember that you received what was good during your lifetime while Lazarus likewise received what was bad; but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented. Moreover, between us and you a great chasm is established to prevent anyone from crossing who might wish to go from our side to yours or from your side to ours.’ He said, ‘Then I beg you, father, send him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they too come to this place of torment.’ But Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets. Let them listen to them.’ He said, ‘Oh no, father Abraham, but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ Then Abraham said, ‘if they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.’ ” (Luke 16: 19-31)

The LAZARUS MISSION is a St. Florence outreach initiative which is a response to the demands of the Gospel and the desires of our Holy Father Pope Francis, that we go out into our communities to encounter and minister to the poor and less fortunate through the sharing of our talents and gifts, and in doing so, help bring to fruition the kingdom of God. For more information concerning meetings, structure, ministry goals, etc., please scroll down this page!

HIGHLIGHTED AD HOC VOLUNTEER MINISTRIES: Something YOU CAN DO starting TODAY:

Assist a Resident At Pineview Assisted Living (Eden): We want to spruce up his room and make it homier by doing some cleaning, decorating, etc. If you would like to help, contact John Stevens at stevreo@msn.com. Thank you.

Lamb Of God Maternity Home: Is pleased to recently open a home in North Salt Lake where they can provide a safe haven for women with unplanned pregnancies. Now they need help buying all the household items it takes to run a home (towels, dishes, pots & pans, etc.). They are registered at both Walmart & Target under Lamb of God Maternity Home. Please consider buying something and having it sent to the new home. Contact Grace Dulaney for info gracedlife@gmail.com

Lamb of God Maternity Home Blessing Baskets – click here.

CCS Volunteer Opportunity: Catholic Community Services is looking for volunteers to help at their warehouse (sorting & bagging food) and Pantry (stocking shelves and assisting clients as they pick up food). They need help in the warehouse Mon-Fri 7:00a-3:00pm and in the Pantry Tues-Fri 9:00a-12:00pm. There is no minimum required hours, it can be for 1-2hrs or more. Kids 13 yrs old and up are also welcomed. Both the Warehouse and the Pantry are located at 2504 F Ave Ogden UT 84401. Contact Rachel Martin for more info and to volunteer: 385-358-7518 or RMartin@ccsutah.org. This could be a great way to spend some time and give back to the community this summer!

Helping Hands Project (Click Here)

Send Me Relief Ministries Update: St. Florence members Carl & Paula Califano are co-founders of Send Me Relief Ministries which provides for the spiritual and material needs of poverty-stricken families in the Lashio area of Myanmar (formerly Burma). The area has been plagued for over 50 years by a bloody civil war that has cause thousand of families to flee their homes with only the clothes on their backs. Send Me Relief Ministries relieves the suffering of the refugee population in the area by providing food, clothing, medical care, housing, and educational opportunities. They appreciate your financial support to help them provide more aid to the people they serve. Please go to http://www.sendmerelief.org to learn about their programs and make a donation through PayPal or with a debit or credit card. For any questions, contact Carl cccalifano@gmail.com. Thank you!

Calendar of Giving Opportunities

Jan/Feb – Souper Bowl of Caring: Let’s change the game! Help turn the nation’s largest weekend of football into the largest weekend of caring! Please bring in non-perishable food items to tackle hunger and poverty in our community. All donations will be given to the Northern Utah Catholic Community Services, Joyce Hansen Food Bank. They especially need: Peanut Butter, Tuna, Pasta, Rice, Mac & Cheese, Cereal, Oatmeal, canned fruit, snacks like crackers & granola bars, Diapers (esp. size 4,5,6) and Baby Food. Donation boxes will be located in the Social Hall. All donations are due by Super Bowl Sunday. You can also make monetary donations online which they will use to buyer perishable items like milk and meat at https://ccsnorthernutah.org/donate Thank you for your support.

Lent – Various Giving projects (check bulletin and news tab)

April – Snowbasin Road Cleanup: Many years ago, St. Florence adopted the road from Trappers Loop up to Snowbasin Resort. We are responsible to pick up trash along it 2x a year. Watch the bulletin and/or News tab for dates on next Spring clean up.

May – Walk for life for Pregnancy Medical Clinic: Sponsored by the Pregnancy Medical Clinic. The PMC is your local, Christian, life-affirming ministry that serves women and families across Weber, Davis, and Morgan counties. Our aim is to provide compassionate help for women facing an unexpected pregnancy, and help them discover positive alternatives to abortion.  We also share the Gospel and support women as they cope with post abortion stress. When you Walk or Sponsor Walkers, the funds you raise will make an impact by helping many women decide to give their unborn baby LIFE!

June/July/Aug – Gardening: St. Florence pays to have the lawn cut however relies on volunteers to maintain the gardens. Feel free to stop by and pull weeds, trim shrubs, plant flower, etc to help keep our church looking nice.

July/Aug – Backpack Bonanza: Please help Catholic Community Services provide 2,400 local students with new backpacks filled with all the necessary school supplies. Donations are needed of the following brand-new items:

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October – Snowbasin Road Cleanup: Many years ago, St. Florence adopted the road from Trappers Loop up to Snowbasin Resort. We are responsible to pick up trash along it 2x a year. Watch the bulletin and/or News tab for dates on next Fall clean up.

November

– Turkey Drive: monetary donations are collected to buy turkeys and hams for those in our area who wouldn’t otherwise have a Thanksgiving meal. Turkeys and Hams can also be dropped off at the United Way (2955 Harrison Blvd, Ogden) and Catholic Community Services (2504 F Ave. Ogden UT 84401)

– Thanksgiving Run/Walk for charity: Thanksgiving Day at Ogden Regional Medical Center, 5475 S 500 E (Adams Ave). Registration begins at 8:15 a.m. The event starts at 9:00 a.m. The five-mile run or two-mile walk starts in the west parking lot at Ogden Regional Medical Center. Pre-registration forms can be picked up at Ogden Regional. This event is non-competitive and is held regardless of weather conditions. Entry fees for the event consist of any donation of nonperishable foods, goods or monetary contributions. All donations will support the Ogden Rescue Mission, St. Anne’s Center, Catholic Community Services, and the Salvation Army in Ogden. Checks may be made payable to the Newman Center. “The importance of this event has never been greater than it is at this time.” says Sister Stephanie Mongeon, former Director of Mission and Community Relations at Ogden Regional “Our Thanksgiving Run and Walk was established to help those in need in our community. We have so many who require help. By supporting these worthy organizations, we are able to reach out to others. This is the greatest sign of gratitude for our many blessings. We experience the true meaning of Thanksgiving. Our reward is a good feeling knowing that we have helped make a difference in someone’s life. And, as a bonus, we get the chance to work off a bit of that big dinner we’re due to have later that day!” The run/walk is co-sponsored as a community service by Ogden Regional Medical Center and the Newman Center at Weber State University.

Advent – various projects (Giving Tree, Shoebox project, etc), check news tab and bulletins

On-Going

• Collection for Lantern House Homeless Shelter and St. Anne’s Kitchen: donations of nonperishable food, personal care items and plastic bags can be placed in the wooden box in the back of the social hall.   The items are given to the Lantern House Homeless Shelter and St. Anne’s Kitchen for distribution to their clients. There are also collection jars for monetary donations by the Church doors. The money is used to buy supplies for St. Anne’s Kitchen. Checks can be made out to St. Florence Church. Thank you for your support.

• Aluminum Pull Tab Collection: Did you know that we collect Aluminum Pull Tabs for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Intermountain Area Inc? Please save the pull tabs from cans such as pet food, soda, nuts, snack cans, tuna, assorted drinks and more. Drop them in the collection bin on the shelf of the bookcase in the office/copier room at the back of the social hall. The tabs are recycled to raise money for Ronald McDonald Charities. Thanks for your help.

ARE YOU SEARCHING FOR AN OPPORTUNITY TO SUPPORT AND SERVE OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN OUR COMMUNITY? OUTREACH MINISTRIES: (Last updated: July 5, 2021)

Ogden Valley

• Pineview Assisted Living (formerly Stoneybrook)- Located in Eden, Currently a St. Florence member takes Communion weekly and holds a Communion service (several people rotate).
  • John Stevens is contact for taking Communion & information: Stevreo@msn.com

Outside Ogden Valley

• Lantern House Homeless Shelter/St. Anne’s Kitchen
  • Located 269 W 33rd St. Ogden UT 84401 (west of Wall Ave)
  • St. Florence volunteers serve lunch every Thursday 11:30-1:30
    • Sign up at www.StFlorenceHuntsville.org under St. Anne’s Center (Lantern House tab) or contact Ann Zieve aezieve@gmail.com
    • Serve Cafeteria style lunch; no food prep involved
  • May be other volunteer opportunities 801-621-5036
• Pregnancy Medical Clinic (PregnancyMedicalClinic.org)
  • Located in Roy.
  • The PMC provides counseling and alternatives to woman in crisis pregnancy and also ultra sound screening
  • They need volunteers to help with events, shopping, admin tasks, PR, facility maintenance (see website for current list).
  • Call 801-820-51517
  • Natalie James from St. Florence is involved and a good resource: NateSkate3610@gmail.com
• Catholic Community Services (CCS) 801-394-5944
  • Located 2504 F ave Ogden UT 84401
  • Bridging the Gap
    • Several times a year, St. Florence Volunteers help distribute food at local elementary school. Contact Ann Zieve to get on the volunteer list: aezieve@gmail.com
  • Volunteers needed to help at their warehouse (sorting & bagging food) and Pantry (stocking shelves and assisting clients as they pick up food).
    • They need help in the warehouse Mon-Fri 7:00a-3:00pm and in the Pantry Tues-Fri 9:00a-12:00pm.
      • There is no minimum required hours, it can be for 1-2hrs or more.
    • Kids 13 yrs old and up are also welcomed.
    • Both the Warehouse and the Pantry are located at 2504 F Ave Ogden UT 84401.
    • Contact Rachel Martin for more info and to volunteer: 385-358-7518 or RMartin@ccsutah.org.
• Give Me A Chance, Inc. (www.givemeachanceutah.org)
  • Volunteer to help the limited-income women and their children of Ogden for the after-school academy. Help is needed tutoring math and reading skills during the school year; activities during the Summer Academy, and other areas such as computer training, sewing, music/art classes and vocational training.
  • Volunteers are also needed for marketing and assisting with event planning for the annual fund raisers.
  • 801-627-2235
  • Paula Califano and several other parishioners are active with them and can provide info. PDCalifano@gmail.com
• George E Wahlen Ogden Veterans Home
  • 1102 N 1200 W Ogden UT 84404, 801-334-4300
  • www.avalonhealthcare.com/ogden
  • Dawn Mendez takes communion and visits on a weekly basis.
  • Talk to Dawn about joining her and possibly do more. DawnMendez@centurylink.net
• Ogden Youth Futures (2760 Adams Ave Ogden 801-528-1214) www.YouthFuturesUtah.org. Shelter for homeless youth
  • Need help assembling hygiene kits (shampoo, conditioner, lotion, etc.) for street outreach team to distribute
    • Can be done at their admin building in West Haven or pick up items from them and assemble at our facility and return assembled kits.
    • Generally 5-10 people can assembler about 250 kits/day
  • Organize a donation drive for specific items (food, hygiene, etc.)
    • Hand out flyers to an area (they can provide sample flyer)
    • Do on-line campaign asking for donations to be dropped off at a specific place and time
  • Contact Cheri Bambrough
    • community@yfut.org or CBambrough@yfut.org
    • 801-528-1214 x 107
• Cottages of Hope
  • Mission: To provide meaningful, no -cost programs and services that help individuals and households realize their potential and achieve greater levels of financial stability
  • Serve: adults living in Ogden/Weber area who
    • are living near or below poverty level
    • have been referred to the program
    • are motivated to make meaningful life changes
  • Volunteer opportunities
    • Computer lab receptionist (greeter)
    • Computer lab assistant (coach)
    • Income tax assistance – tax preparer, greeter, coordinator
    • Cleaning assistant
    • Landscape maintenance
  • Contact info
    • 801-393-4011
    • volunteer@cottagesofhope.org
    • CottagesOfHope.org
• Habitat for Humanity
  • Volunteers need to help with
    • numerous projects on home build sites,
    • with home repair
    • at the Weber & Davis ReStores
    • help with events and fundraising
  • Contact info
    • 801-475-9821
    • Email: info@habitatwd.org
    • More info at www.habitatwd.org
• Your Community Connection (YCC)
  • YCC Family Crisis Center works to prevent and alleviate domestic violence, sexual assault and homelessness by providing safety, services and resources. Also provide services to support & enhance the quality of life for woman, children and families.
  • 2261 Adams Ave. Ogden UT 84401
  • Volunteers needed in following areas:
    • Work the front desk
    • Working in the shelter
    • Special events
  • To volunteer, contact Sandy Corole
    • 801-689-1730
    • sandy.c@yccogden.org
• Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)
  • Volunteer opportunities for people age 55+
    • Don’t have to be retired, just 55+
  • Many opportunities in Weber, Morgan & Box Elder County
    • Reading & helping kids in schools
    • Providing information at Union Station, Dinosaur Park, Archery Range, Shooting Range, etc
    • Helping with classes at Senior Centers
    • Transportation for home bound people to medical appts, shopping
      • helping them shop
    • Visit homebound seniors to chat, play games, check on them
    • Call homebound seniors to be a friendly voice who cares
  • Contact Stephanie Wilson 801-778-6897
  • St. Florence Member Natalie James is involved and can also provide info: NateSkate3610@gmail.com