In late August and early September during the Afghan Refugee Crisis, a number of parishioners wondered how St. Mary’s could be called to respond. After months of discernment, research, and discussion, a small group of parishioners led by Deacon Harrison Higgins and Outreach Committee Chair Charmaine Trice are ready to share a wonderful opportunity of how St. Mary’s can support refugees in the Richmond area. 

St. Mary’s is applying to partner with the International Rescue Committee (IRC). In partnering with the IRC of Richmond, we will sponsor a refugee family through their H.O.M.E. resettlement project. H.O.M.E. stands for housing, outreach, mentorship, and education. The program combines direct financial assistance and mentorship to assist Afghan refugee families on their path to self-sufficiency. St. Mary’s will serve as a refugee family’s closest ally, advocate, and guide, as well as a bridge to new resources in the community. IRC professionals provide support and training along they way to both the refugee family and sponsors. This is a six-month commitment with the hope of becoming lifelong friends. 

There are two main components of support – financial and relational. There are many more details to come on opportunities for the larger parish to participate. But if you would like to contribute financially or join the team of 10 parishioners who will work closely with the family, please contact Charmaine Trice. Specifically for those interested in joining the 10-person team, please be in touch by this Friday, February 4.

The Outreach Ministry Committee is continuing to offer an opportunity to assist GoochlandCARES in their Clothes Closet. The next volunteer opportunity at GoochlandCARES is scheduled for Sunday, February 13 after the 11 a.m. service. If you are interested in joining us, please contact Dick Thomas via email or call (804) 432-4158 or email Charmaine Trice.

St. Mary’s is partnering St. Andrew's School to support RVA Community Fridges through a Food and Essentials Drive. RVA Community Fridges is a local mutual aid group that has been fighting the issue of unreliable food sources in the Richmond area.

Click this link to see the full list. Some items they request are:

We are collecting items beginning this Sunday, February 6 through Sunday, February 20. Drop items in the grocery cart located on Sundays in the Narthex and outside the Parish Office during the week. Please email Ashley Cameron for more information.

Consider joining the Hope on the Ground Short-Term Mission Experience with Education Equals Hope (E=H) to Quito, Ecuador this Spring. A Hope on the Ground experience gives you the opportunity to become the “hands and feet” of Education Equals Hope. As E=H says, “On our Short-Term Missions Experiences, you’ll meet and serve with some of the most impoverished children in the world. All our Short-Term Missions Experiences give participants a chance to develop a deeper level of compassion and servant hearts.”

The dates are April 19-26, 2022. Learn more by watching a beautiful highlight video of the January 2020 experience. If you would like to say 'yes!' to this experience, email Ashley Cameron to learn about next steps and more details.

Peter Paul Development Center has two upcoming Pop-Up volunteer events. Email their volunteer coordinator, Joy Gilchrist, to learn more or volunteer.

The generosity of St. Mary's parishioners continues to be incredible! Thank you to all who donated towards the Giving Tree in 2021! St. Mary's gave a little over $5,000 in gift cards to Goochland Christmas Mother, Peter Paul Development Center, and CrossOver Healthcare Ministry. These gifts made an unbelievable difference to so many families this past Christmas! Thank you!