Saint Margaret Mary
Good Samaritan Network Website

Purpose: The Good Samarian Network is based on the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:29-37.  The purpose of the GSN is to create new “tables of human interaction” (cf. SMM Mission Statement) that will assist the pastor and parish in identifying and providing more effectively for the pastoral care of the parishioners residing in the 15 areas of St. Margaret Mary Parish.  The question that continuously needs to be asked:  “What is going on in people’s lives around us requiring pastoral care, and who in the parish should respond?

1. Network structure

 A.  Network Leadership Team – 6 members (3 couples) who assist the pastor in overseeing the overall network comprised of 15 areas.  Each couple will oversee 5 areas of the parish and maintain regular contact with area contact teams in those 5 areas.

2008-2009 Leadership Team Members
Areas 1 – 5: Ray and Darlene Polinski,
email: rthepos@comcast.net
701 Montclair Dr., New Kensington
Phone: 724-337-4197
Click here for contact team information.

Areas 6 – 10: Fred and Audrey Heidenreich,
email: fredaud@comcast.net
531 Chester Dr., Lower Burrell
Phone: 724-335-1556
Click here for contact team information.

Areas 11 – 15: Pat and Eileen O’Connor
email: pjoconn@comcast.net or eoconn@comcast.net
4247 Fostoria Dr., New Kensington
Phone: 724-335-5639
Click here for contact team information.

B. Area Contact Teams – a group of parishioners in each of the 15 areas who are appointed by the pastor for a term of 2 years.  Each team will meet on a periodic basis to become aware of parishioner makeup of the area, to serve as contact persons for the parish, and to relay information to the parish when pastoral needs arise among parishioners.  Area contact Teams are to maintain regular contact with the Leadership Team throughout the year.

C. What Can I Do as a Parishioner?

Please contact your area contact or the parish office when you become aware of a person in need of spiritual support from the parish or help from a neighbor.

D. To find Areas listed alphabetically by Street name -- click here.

E. To find Area Contacts by Area number (1 through 15) -- click here.

"Pastoral care" is the ministry or service provided by a priest (only the priest can celebrate the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick), but in all other things by members of the Church (who care for one another in many ways). Pastoral care is the support and assistance given by people of faith (clergy and laity) to others to strengthen in their faith when they are in need. Years ago, people looked only to the priest for pastoral care. Now we realize that all those who are baptized participate in this work every day.

Pastoral care includes such activities as welcoming, listening, supporting, encouraging, making referrals, offering hospitality, providing a service, giving financial support, befriending, etc.

The GSN is, in short, a way of helping parishioners to be "Good Samaritans" to each other when the need arises.

3. Some Situations Requiring Pastoral Care