Matthew 25
“I was hungry and you gave me food… I was a stranger and you welcomed me,
I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me,
I was in prison and you visited me…
just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family,
you did it to me.”
– Matthew 25:35-36, 40
In Matthew 25, Jesus teaches that serving those who are overlooked is not only an act of justice but also a way of encountering him. Throughout Lent, we will gather to serve together and also offer ways to participate individually, focusing on five areas drawn from Jesus’ words: feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger, clothing those in need, caring for the sick, and visiting the imprisoned.
Local needs across Fairfield County and beyond continue to grow, from food insecurity and reduced benefits for families, to low blood supplies, to the challenges faced by immigrants, those experiencing homelessness, and people impacted by incarceration.
Through simple yet meaningful acts of service, we seek to respond to our Lord’s call and to deepen our life together in him.
Feeding the Hungry
Serve at Open Doors + Parish Food Drive
Together: Prepare + Serve Dinner at Open Doors
Sunday, February 22
Shifts: 12:15–2:30pm (Prep/cooking) and/or 2:15–4:30pm (Serving + cleanup)
Open Doors, Norwalk
Join a small St. Mark’s team serving guests at Open Doors, an organization working toward housing stability for those experiencing homelessness in our region. Sign up for one or both shifts. Volunteers must be 16+.
On your own: Food Drive for the New Canaan Food Pantry
February 22–April 5
Donation boxes in the narthex
Non-perishable food donations help address growing food insecurity affecting thousands of Fairfield County families.
Caring for the Sick
Red Cross Blood Drive
Together: Give Blood at a Red Cross Blood Drive
Tuesday, March 3, 1:00–6:30pm
Morrill Hall
Hospitals in Connecticut depend on donated blood for surgeries, cancer treatment, and emergency care, and supplies are low. Each donation can help save multiple lives.
Appointments are needed. Schedule online or call 1-800-RED CROSS.
On your own: Visit the Red Cross website to find additional donation opportunities if you cannot attend on March 3.
Clothing Those in Need
Laundry Love + Clothes to Kids clothing drive
Together: Laundry Love
Wednesday, March 4
Shifts: 1–3pm, 3–5pm, or 5–7pm (choose one or more)
Giant Laundry East Norwalk
Laundry Love offers practical support and dignity by helping neighbors who are struggling financially with their laundry.
Email Fr. John to sign up.
On your own: Clothing Drive for Clothes to Kids of Fairfield County
Sunday, March 15–Sunday, April 5 (Easter)
Donation boxes in the narthex
Coats, hats, gloves, and other winter essentials are especially needed during these colder months.
Visiting the Prisoner
Lucy Baney Family Reunification Center + Frederick Douglass Project for Justice
Together: Dinner and Fellowship with The Lucy Baney Family Reunification Center
Tuesday, March 24, 5:30 PM (Dinner at 6PM)
Location: St. Mark’s Library
Share an evening of hospitality and community with the residents and staff of a halfway house serving women who were formerly incarcerate. PLease bring a for-friendly side to share.
On your own: Virtual Visits through the Frederick Douglass Project for Justice
Online prison visitation sessions are available through the Frederick Douglass Project for Justice offering the opportunity for thoughtful conversation, listening, and deeper understanding.
Welcoming the Stranger
Serving Day Workers with Building One Community
Together: Breakfast Outreach in Stamford
Saturday, March 28, 8–9am
Help distribute breakfast and coffee to migrant day workers alongside Building One Community, an organization dedicated to supporting immigrant families in our region.
On your own: Learn about volunteering with Building One Community, IRIS (Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services), or Episcopal Migration Ministries through their websites and ongoing programs.
Guest Speakers during Lent
11:30AM – 12:30PM in the St. Mark’s Library
Sunday, March 1 – The Rev. (Deacon) Donald F. Burr
Archdeacon Donald Burr will share about local needs and the ministry of Laundry Love.
Sunday, March 8 – Michele Conderino, Executive Director of Open Doors
Michele will speak about the realities of homelessness and poverty in our area, the work of Open Doors, and ways to get involved.
Sunday, March 15 – Maggie Mitchell Salem, Executive Director of IRIS
Maggie will speak about refugee resettlement and opportunities for involvement.