Community Outreach

Serving Our Neighbours

Faith That Acts in the World

For St. Michael's Parish, faith is not only expressed in prayer and worship — it is lived out in acts of service to our neighbours. Following the example of Jesus Christ, who came "not to be served but to serve," our parish community reaches beyond our church doors to support the people of Bell Island and the surrounding Conception Bay region.

Our outreach programs address real needs in our community: food insecurity, social isolation, grief, family stress, and more. We do this work not as a political or social agenda, but as a direct expression of our Gospel mandate to love God and love our neighbour. Every act of service is an act of faith.

We invite all parishioners and community members to join us in this important work. There are many ways to get involved — through volunteering, supporting our programs, or simply reaching out to a neighbour in need. Together, we make Bell Island a more compassionate and connected community.

How We Serve

Our Outreach Programs

🍴

Food Security Programs

We support Bell Island families facing food insecurity through food hamper distributions, meal programs, and partnerships with local food banks. No family on our island should go without. Our volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that those in need receive nutritious food and feel the care and dignity of their community.

❤️

Visiting the Sick & Homebound

Our parish volunteers and ministers visit parishioners who are ill, elderly, or homebound — bringing Holy Communion, prayers, conversation, and companionship. No one in St. Michael's community should feel forgotten or alone. These visits are among the most meaningful and impactful works of mercy we carry out.

💕

Bereavement Support

The loss of a loved one is one of life's most difficult experiences. St. Michael's Parish accompanies bereaved families through funeral ministry, memorial Masses, grief support resources, and pastoral counseling. Our bereavement ministry ensures that no one walks through grief alone, offering compassion, prayer, and practical support in difficult times.

👪

Youth & Family Support

We offer programs and referrals to support the well-being of young people and families on Bell Island. Through after-school programming, youth events, and connections to community social services, St. Michael's works to ensure that every child on our island has the support and encouragement they need to thrive.

🏛

Heritage Preservation

St. Michael's Parish is a steward of Bell Island's cultural and religious heritage. We partner with local museums, historical societies, and community groups to preserve the records, stories, and artifacts of our island's past. Our parish archives are a valuable resource for historians, genealogists, and anyone seeking to connect with Bell Island's rich history.

🙏

Newcomer Welcome

Bell Island continues to welcome new residents and families. St. Michael's Parish makes a point of extending a warm welcome to newcomers — inviting them to join our community, connecting them with local resources, and ensuring they feel at home on our island. We believe that every new face is a gift to our community.

Get Involved

Volunteer With Us

Our outreach programs are powered by the generosity and dedication of our volunteers. Whether you have a few hours a month or a few hours a week, there is a meaningful role for you in our parish community. Volunteers are the heart of everything we do.

We welcome volunteers for food hamper preparation and delivery, visiting the sick and homebound, youth program facilitation, administrative support, event coordination, and more. All volunteers receive an orientation and are supported by our parish staff and ministry coordinators.

If you are interested in volunteering with St. Michael's Parish, please contact our parish office. We would love to welcome you to our team of dedicated servants.

Inquire About Volunteering

🤝 Community Partners

St. Michael's Parish works alongside trusted community organizations to extend our reach and serve Bell Island more effectively:

✓ Bell Island Municipal Council
✓ Bell Island Community Food Bank
✓ Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St. John's
✓ No. 2 Mine Museum & Heritage Committee
✓ Bell Island Health Centre
✓ Newfoundland & Labrador Catholic Schools