Saint Margaret Mary
Good Samaritan Neighborhood Network
Purpose: The purpose of the Good Samaritan Neighborhood Network (GSNN) 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 neighborhoods 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? The neighborhoods will also be a used for social gatherings and formation, as well as any other opportunities for small group interaction and sharing our faith.
GSNN Contact Teams – a group of parishioners in each of the 15 neighborhoods 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 neighborhood, to serve as contact persons for the parish, and to relay information to the parish when pastoral needs arise among parishioners.
What Can I Do as a Parishioner?
Please contact 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 neighborhoods listed alphabetically by street name -- click here.
E. To find neighborhood contacts by neighborhood 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 creation of neighborhoods allows us to build the Good Samaritan Neighborhood Network in order to be "Good Samaritans" to each other when the need arises.
