Community Service
St. Fidelis Parish ministers to the wider community through many of its ministries and programs and also hosts many secular programs that benefit the Butler area.
The St. Vincent de Paul Society down through the centuries has loved God and looked upon the poor with hearts of compassion. Most of the people who work for the St. Vincent DePaul Society are little known or talked about. In Butler there is a food pantry open 9:00 to 10:00 am Monday thru Friday at 400 East Locust St. where over 500 people are helped each month. Food donations are welcomed by the Society. The Society also operates a thrift store at the Greater Butler Mart. Members pay visits to those who need help, quietly serving the needs of the poor, visiting the sick, the bereaved and counseling the oppressed. For information, contact Karen Callihan 724-482-2340.
The Community Meal hosted by St. Paul's Church on Tuesdays is the shared responsibility of the Catholic Churches in Butler. St. Fidelis Parishioners graciously donate their time and energy to help plan, prepare and serve delicious meals for the less fortunate. St. Fidelis has helped serve over 1200 meals to the needy of Butler since October of 2002. Our parish serves a hot meal to the poor 5 - 6 times during the year. If you are interested in this ministry contact Claudia Higgins at 724-789-7880.
St. Columba - Outreach to the global community takes place through our missionary relationship with St. Columba Parish located in Ogoja, Nigeria, Western Africa. St. Fidelis Parish adopted St. Columba as our sister parish to assist with their needs. St. Columba was founded in 1952 with 2000 parishioners. Ninety percent of the people are farmers in this very hot equatorial climate. There are no cars, phones or email. St. Fidelis has purchased a van for St. Columba, helps with parish expenses and is funding a generating plant for electricity. For more information, contact Ray Ferguson at 724-282-4298.
The Bereavement Support Ministry and Separated and Divorced Support Group are open to the community. See 'Ministries' for information.
The Angel Tree is a project which entails providing Christmas gifts for the many clients of Lifesteps community homes.
The Parish helps with Meals on Wheels during the month of October. For more information, please contact Karen Callihan at 724-482-2340.
PALMS ( Preschoolers and Loving Mothers): PALMS provides a caring ministry with a spiritual emphasis for mothers with preschool children (infant - kindergarten). The meetings include a craft time to promote creativity and a sense of accomplishment, food, fellowship and guest speakers. Meetings are held the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month from 9:00 - 11:30 am at the Parish Hall.
MARC (Meridian Area Retired Citizens) meet monthly in the parish hall. Meetings include guest speakers and a potluck luncheon. For more information contact Margaret Hoffman at 724-282-4454.
The parish also hosts the following youth groups open to the community: Girl Scouts, Brownies, Basketball, Baseball, and Volleyball. For information on any of the groups please call Ellen at 724-482-2690.