Outreach Center Proposal

Over the past two years, St Timothy’s has carefully considered creating an outreach center in room 12 of the parish center, the room formerly used as for daily Mass. The proposed initiative came about due to increased number of requests for assistance from distressed individuals/families, some of whom are experiencing homelessness. 

St. Timothy’s response is grounded in our parish mission of fully participating in Eucharist through active community service. Meeting basic human needs is an act of justice based on Gospel values. St. Timothy’s parishioners decades-long commitment to supporting the most vulnerable in our community is supported through the faithful and generous funding of our outreach fund,  and committing a dedicated staff person to respond to outreach requests. 

In December 2022, a survey was sent to all registered parishioner households to invite input on the proposal. This was followed by an informational session held in the church on January 26, 2023. Next, a task force was formed to consider feasibility and assess services currently provided by local governmental and private agencies to people in need. The Blaine City Police Department also offered suggestions and input. Private contractors submitted estimates for possible remodeling of Room 12. 

Over the last year and a half, parish leadership including Father Joe, parish staff, and the parish pastoral and finance councils, has carefully considered the information gathered and the questions raised through this process. Additional considerations emerged including significant capital improvement demands on parish operating and reserve budgets as well as a pending large Archdiocesan capital campaign. All of these circumstances raised policy questions regarding the distribution of limited funding for these various projects. Finally, changes in the current structure of the parish staff raise questions about how best to provide a dedicated staff person for outreach ministry.

In light of this, Father Joe and the Parish Pastoral Council have decided to initiate an outreach center ministry program in the following manner:   
   • The outreach center project will begin as a pilot project that is smaller in scale than what was initially proposed, but with the potential to expand if needed.
   • Rather than committing significant financial resources to remodel room 12, one or two classrooms on the upper level of the parish center will be set aside as an outreach meeting area. This will be a dedicated place for those seeking assistance to meet with staff.
   • Meetings regarding requests for financial assistance or for pastoral support will be scheduled on specific dates and times during the week, with no less than six and no more than 15 hours per week.
   • Room 12 will be recreated into a meeting space for general parish purposes and also be reserved as a space for extreme weather protection for people experiencing homelessness.
• Ideas related to better campus security and specifically parish center and church security will be considered as part of the overall capital improvement planning. They will be given appropriate priority in the planning and implementing of those expenses.
   • St. Timothy’s will continue to staff all outreach-related ministries as part of our core commitment to the parish’s historical and ongoing mission and ministry.

If you have questions about this plan, contact Father Joe Whalen in the parish office. Please hold in prayer our parish leadership as well as all those in need in our local community seeking assistance and support.