The winter 2017 issue of Vermont Catholic magazine looks at some of the ways parishioners of Catholic churches in the Diocese of Burlington are assisting persons in need. As she traveled throughout the state, Staff Reporter/Content Editor Cori Fugere Urban asked Vermont Catholics what ministries of the Church are important to them. Here are their responses.

Timothy E. Loescher, president/head of school at Mater Christi School, Burlington: “The ministry of Catholic education is important because at the root of every academic discipline – at the root of math, of social studies, of science – is God the designer, God the creator. To teach under the assumption that we can acknowledge God at the root of all things allows us to fulfill what it says at the entrance to our school: Christ is the reason for our school.”

Theresa Gingras, St. Thomas Parish, Underhill Center: “I think that the outreach that we do for the community food shelf is really important because it’s a simple thing for parishioners to be able to do. Every week the kids bring the food up to the basket (during Mass) and then once a month we do give food out to the local families and community. It’s just a simple thing to do and it’s really helpful.”

Allison Croce, sophomore, St. Michael’s College, Colchester: “The caring for the Earth ministry is important to me because as Pope Francis says, we can share a common home. And by sharing a common home, we have to respect future generations and practice conservation.”

Dr. Robert Goddard, vice president of academic affairs at the College of St. Joseph, Rutland: “I’m interested in our students being engaged in Bible study. I think that’s how they’re really going to grow as Christians.”

Joyce Roberts, Our Lady of Seven Dolors Parish, Fair Haven: “In the ministry of the Church is religious ed. I’d like to see more children participate in the Church and follow the way of Christ, the way He wants us to be part of His ministry, and bring more children and their friends to believe in the Lord and help guide them through life.”

Luella Aube, St. Jude Parish, Hinesburg: “The Church elderly care ministry is important to me because it provides ways to socialize and to know that people care and are there when are needed.”

Laura Limoge, St. Amadeus Parish, Alburgh: “What’s really nearest and dearest to me is all the services we provide to our seniors. I feel they are the most underserved group in our community, probably in the whole state. And so we provide meals at holiday time; we have clothing for them, food on a weekly basis. We’ve even helped some of them with their electrical bills and things when they’re up against the wall. That’s my favorite part of working here” at the parish.

Deacon John Guarino, St. Anthony Parish, White River Junction: “Emergency aid to people coming to the church for assistance is an important ministry because I think it offers us not only the opportunity to help with an immediate need but also to put folks in touch with people and agencies that can help them solve the long-term problems to make it more sustainable for them.”