Noticias del Ministerio
International Missions
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Mat 28:19-20-NAB.
Our response to His call is reflected in work with other organizations providing free medical and health services to needy regions internationally. Our parish members volunteer as doctors, nurses, translators, and health educators, etc. to Dominican Republic, Ghana, and Guatemala, etc. Medical and Health mission trip to the Dominican Republic conducted by Intercultural Nursing, Inc. provides healthcare and health prevention programs in poor rural areas in the western part of the Dominican Republic near the Haitian border.
Clinics are setup in local schools or churches in the Las Matas and Elias Pina Campos. Volunteers visit Mother Teresa Missionaries of Charity to assist with public health issues, nutrition and bringing love to children at the center. Those who cannot go can support others financially, morally and with their prayers.
Samaritan’s Purse - Operation Christmas Child
OCC is an annual project of Samaritan’s Purse. It is the world’s largest Christmas project. “Operation Christmas Child brings joy and hope to children in desperate situations around the world through gift-filled shoe boxes and the Good News of God's love.” This program provides an opportunity for our Faith Formation children and people of all ages to be involved in simple, hands-on missions’ project while focusing on the true meaning of Christmas-Jesus Christ.
For the past years with great support from the Knight of Columbus, St. James faith formation and RCIA for Youth has used OCC as one of their service projects. For St. James parish, packing gift-filled shoe boxes is a hands-on mission project and a great way to bring people together.
In our classrooms, Operation Christmas Child provides an opportunity to study other cultures and current events while responding to suffering with the love of Jesus Christ. This ministry is open to all parishioners and our community to share your Time, Talent, and Treasure with children all over the world.
Crop Walk
The Crop Walk is an international fundraiser for the poor and needy. In Cabarrus County and Kannapolis the event is organized by the Cooperative Christian Ministry. Twenty five percent of the proceeds help the needy in our local area. The remaining funds are used internationally. Individuals, groups and church communities obtain pledges and walk together on a pre-designated route on a Sunday afternoon in October. The route alternates each year between Concord and Kannapolis. The walker chooses the distance of their route 1 or 5 miles.
Children (with supervision) and adults of all ages can participate. Meeting people from other churches who believe in the same cause is a great perk too.
Care Givers Support Group
This support group is for people who are taking care of a loved one, or a relative, or maybe even a dependant person they know . It is stressful for all. Often, the caregivers need information and someone they can talk with to get answers and comfort. This ministry offers love, compassion, and understanding in a confidential and relaxed setting. Periodically guest speakers will address relevant issues at the request of the group. This ministry meets the third Monday of each month.
American Cancer Society Relay for Life
Angel Brigade (May)
Relay for Life is a unique, fun way to raise money for the American Cancer Society while celebrating cancer survivors and increasing cancer awareness in Cabarrus County. Relay for Life is the signature activity of the American Cancer Society and is held in every state in the nation as well as worldwide. Teams come from businesses, industries, churches, schools, neighborhoods, and other organizations. The St. James team is named the Angel Brigade.
Relay for Life is a unique, fun way to raise money for the American Cancer Society while celebrating cancer survivors and increasing cancer awareness in Cabarrus County. Relay for Life is the signature activity of the American Cancer Society and is held in every state in the nation as well as worldwide. Teams come from businesses, industries, churches, schools, neighborhoods, and other organizations. The St. James team is named the Angel Brigade.
The Cabarrus County event takes place in May, although fundraising efforts for the team can take place year round. Teams camp around the Cabarrus Arena track and participate in a variety of activities and fundraisers while taking turns walking around the track. This is a non-competitive, team-building event and you can attend as many of the 20 plus hours as you wish. All ages are welcome to join the team. Children under the age of 18 would need to have a parent present.
