Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Community

Social Ministry: Encourages parishioners to apply gospel principles which promote social justice in a way that: increases awareness of human needs and social issues, provides opportunities for parishioners to advocate for social justice and empowers parishioners to demonstrate their faith in God through service to others. On-going projects include: Christmas Giving Tree, Work of Human Hands Sales, diocesan advocacy projects, education on social issues, as well as others.

Equal Exchange: Through this outreach the parish supports families and individuals in third-world countries by buying at fair trade prices such products as coffee, tea and chocolate bars that are produced by these families and individuals.

St. John’s Kenyan Outreach: St. John’s Small Home in Kenya, Africa was established to provide adequate housing and basic needs such as medical care and food to disabled children in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Nakuru, Kenya. Through the on-going financial support from Our Lady of the Lakes we are able to support the needs of these wonderful children.

My Brother’s Keeper Quilt Group: Our Brothers Keeper Quilt Group meets every other Monday from 10 a.m. to 2 pm. at St. Michael's Church hall to make beautiful quilts for distribution through the Christmas for the Needy program in Penn Yan. They average 200quilts annually for this ministry. If you can tie a knot, you can be an integral member of our ministry. Bring your lunch, all supplies are provided. (Meets September to June)

Casa Del Nino Orphanage Project: began in 1999 to meet some of the needs of the boys living in an orphanage in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Funding comes from donations and fundraisers. Funds provide for school supplies/uniforms, entertainment, shoes, clothing, bedding and unusual medical expenses. Occasional funding has provided for emergency needs. New members and sponsors are always welcome.

Grandma’s Kitchen: is a program that provides Penn Yan Academy's high school students a healthy snack option after school twice a week during the months of January and February. This is a collaborative with area churches, Pro Action of Steuben and Yates, Inc. and the Penn Yan School.

Prayer Shawl Ministry: Provide an opportunity for parishioners to gather and pray as they create prayer shawls and lap robes for those who are in need of comfort, care and love.

St. Pauley Textile Box: Located at St. Theresa’s, clothing and other textile articles can be dropped off to be reused. Money collected from the use of this box goes to support our youth.

Holy Mowers: Parishioners from St. Januarius volunteer to mow the grounds around St. Jan’s. Each volunteer’s commitment is approximately 3 times per mowing season for about 2 hours.

Helping Hands Funds: Financial assistance is available to those in need by contacting one of the parish offices. These funds go directly to vendors to assist with rent, utility bills, medical bills and other emergency needs.

St. J's 5K Run

St. J's 5K Run started in 2007 as a way to promote wellness and support local charities. Be sure and check it out!