Community Outreach

Mission-Harrison House We have participated in the "Have-A-Heart" program since April, 1993. Volunteers from our church prepare and deliver meals to Harrison House, which cares for persons infected with HIV or AIDS. Presently, there are 8 residents. How did this program get started? Fr. John McCrone (Assumption parish, Paramus) tells that while he was walking to his car one day, on the parking lot of Bergen Regional Medical Center, he saw some people enjoying brownies and ice cream. " Dessert time?", he called out. "No, this is dinner." was the reply. They lived in Harrison House. So a need was identified, and he got others involved. Several Roman Catholic parishes actively support the group. We are the only Protestant church involved at present. A monthly schedule is sent out from Buddies of NJ, Inc. which we post on our bulletin board. Beside our church name, there is a suggested main dish. This is not a requirement, but a strong recommendation so that the Harrison House residents don't get the same dish, such as fried chicken, every night for a week! What else can we do? One participant always takes flowers with the meals she prepares. And many people spend time talking with the patients whenever they deliver food. Is this service appreciated? One woman said that she can no longer walk, therefore, she is more and more dependent for meals and companionship on outsiders. She is grateful that, when many in the community are too busy to bother, and others stay away out of fear, there are some who, motivated by the love of God, reach out in friendly ways. Have-A-Heart is a form of service no one among us could carry out alone-therefore, we are grateful to those among us who sign up regularly or will volunteer. Similarly, we in PCC could not do it ourselves - so we are appreciative to the Archdiocese of Newark for their initiative and support. Didn't Jesus tell us that there would be opportunities to serve in his name? Jesus said "I was hungry and you fed me, thirsty and you gave me a drink.. I was sick and you took care of me.. I tell you, whenever you did this for one of the least important of these brothers of mine, you did it for me!"  Matthew 25: 35,36,40 We hope that you will " Have-A-Heart" and sign up to help provide food for these seriously ill neighbors.