Photo: Pax Christi Parishioners host a Christmas Party every year for children in need in Monticello, Kentucky.
“If we wish to serve God and love our neighbor well, we must manifest our joy in the service we render to Him and them. Let us open wide our hearts. It is joy which invites us. Press forward and fear nothing.”
St. Katharine Drexel
Communion Visits to the Homebound
We continue with our mission to identify those of the parish in need of receiving the Blessed Sacrament. Those who are vulnerable or immune-compromised because of age, health, or medical reasons are still under no obligation to attend Mass at the risk of their well-being. This ministry is for those who are truly isolated either by age, medical issues, or transportation. If you, or someone you know fits this description and would like to receive the Blessed Sacrament, contact Deacon John Brannen at jbrannen@cdlex.org or 502-371-5779 or 859-273-9999 ext. 1551
Community Blood Drives
We are pleased to offer two blood drives per year for The Kentucky Blood Center. It is a huge blessing to be able to offer the gift of life through a life saving donation of blood. The blood drives are held in the Parish Hall typically in the Spring and Fall. This is an excellent opportunity for our parish to offer a community based event to help our local Kentuckians who depend on blood transfusions for life saving treatments, or for those who are injured and require emergency aid.
Visit The Kentucky Blood Center’s webpage for more information.
Knights of Columbus
The Knights of Columbus is an organization deeply rooted in the Catholic faith that is based on Charity, Unity, Fraternity & Patriotism with many great benefits for both the member and all of his family. We are here to serve our parish, and the greater faith community. Brandon Hedinger is the Grand Knight at Pax Christi and can be reached at brandon.hedinger@gmail.com
The Knights of Columbus host a 40 Cans for 40 Days Food Drive for the Catholic Action Center and God’s Pantry during Lent. The Knights of Columbus also organize drives throughout the year based on need; the most recent being the collection of items to aid in the clean up efforts for the flooding in Eastern Kentucky. The Knights of Columbus meet monthly and also coordinate our monthly First Friday Eucharistic Adoration.
First Friday Eucharistic Adoration
After Noon Mass
Benediction is at 6:15 p.m.
Please sign up for a time in the book in back of the sanctuary near the candles.
Contact Dcn. Ed with questions:
tparsons@cdlex.org or 502-382-0145
Giving Tree Ministry
Since 1994 The Giving Tree has been Pax Christi’s major Christian Service outreach project. Through the generosity of Pax Christi parishioners, our parish brings Christmas cheer to underprivileged children in Monticello and Wayne County Kentucky. Parishioners select a card and purchase a new toy and outfit for a child and are asked to bring the wrapped gifts to church. A team of parishioners take carloads of gifts to Monticello where they host a Christmas party for the kids and their families complete with activities, snacks, and a visit from Santa. If you are interested in learning more about The Giving Tree, or you are a parishioner who would like to join this Ministry, contact Isabella Schweighardt at isabella.schweighardt@uky.edu
God’s Pantry Food Bank
God’s Pantry Food Bank serves residents of 50 counties in Central and Eastern Kentucky. Pax Christi works closely with God’s Pantry through volunteering at a local pantry or the main warehouse. In addition, the Knights of Columbus host a Lenten 40 Cans for 40 Days non-perishable food drive for God’s Pantry. If you are in need of assistance, would like to volunteer, or donate, please visit God’s Pantry website.
Our God’s Pantry contact within our parish is Gloria Becker. Gloria will be happy to help you learn more about volunteering your time at one of the pantry’s in the area. bujazo17@gmail.com
Lighthouse Ministries
Lighthouse Ministries is our newest outreach Ministry. Lighthouse Minsitries physically, nutritionally, and spiritually serves people experiencing homelessness and low-income members of our community through four mission-centric ministries: Clean Start, Dining with Dignity, Michael’s Feet, and Self-Care. Pax Christi has two teams of volunteers who each serves dinner one night a month as part of the Dining with Dignity Ministry. Lighthouse Ministries is located in Lexington and is constant need of volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering time with any of their mission-centric ministries please visit their website, lighthouselex.org
If you have questions specific to the Dining with Dignity Teams at Pax Christi, please reach out to Kris Coons at kcoons@cdlex.org
Catholic Action Center
Our parish generously assists the Catholic Action Center throughout the year. The Catholic Action Center provides a community of hospitality, safety, and acceptance for those looking for a path from the streets to a home, giving an opportunity for the community to reach out to those who are disenfranchised, voiceless and left out of social service systems, and needing to experience the acceptance, accountability and love of a community while receiving the basic needs of food, shelter and connection to services.
The Pax Christi Knights of Columbus organizes a Lenten 40 Cans for 40 Days food drive for local charities and the Catholic Action Center is one of the recipients. Pax Christi also coordinates a parish wide collection of winter care items for the Catholic Action Center.