Ways to Serve
St. Mary's is a community of Christian worship, well-being and service. Our Baptismal Covenant demands that we "seek and serve Christ in all persons," and love our neighbor as ourselves.
The ministry of service and outreach at St. Mary's allows everyone to participate in service to others in the greater community, especially through our strong relationship with The Dr. Martin Luther King Community Center.
The Dr. Martin Luther King Community Center
St. Mary's contributes time, talent, and treasure to the MLK Community Center. St. Mary's supports the MLKCC through various initiatives.
- Weekly collection and delivery for the food pantry - Jon Edwards at
- Christmas Giving Tree - Judy Hall at
Community Outreach Team
The mission of the Community Outreach Team is to explore opportunities for members of St. Mary's to move ministry out into the community through service projects.
We will support programs with which St. Mary's has had a long-standing relationship, such at the MLK Center, while expanding into new arenas.
For more details, or to help, contact
- Lynn Carlson -
St. Mary's Community Garden
St. Mary's Community Garden's donates fresh, organic produce to local food pantries and to help alleviate hunger on Aquidneck Island. Located on St. Mary's property, the garden has relied on the efforts of parishioners and friends to raise fresh vegetables for donation to area food banks, including the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, Lucy's Hearth, and the Salvation Army. Cutting flowers are also grown for use by the St. Mary's Pastoral Care Commission and community. The garden has contributed over 2000 pounds of fresh food in an effort to reduce hunger and food insecurity on Aquidneck Island.
The garden is open to members of the community with free seasonal plots. Our intention is to bring organic gardening within reach of a larger local population while encouraging gardeners to donate excess fruits and vegetables to local food pantries.
We are RIPTA accessible (bus route 60) and have garden tools and a watering hose available for onsite use.
Apply online for a plot. For more information, contact
- Elise LaParle Garcia at
Soup Kitchen
The people of St. Mary's have been involved with the local Soup Kitchen for a long time. We provide a complete dinner that includes a meat loaf, vegetables, fruit, dessert, and a drink on the second Thursday of every month at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Newport.
There are many ways to help - either by cooking a meat loaf ahead of time; helping prepare the meal at St. Paul's; offering hospitality by setting tables, greeting guests, or serving dinner; or cleaning up.
If you would like to help, please contact
- Dave Ferkinhoff at