Social Justice Ministry

The Parish Family Social Justice Commission invites everyone to put faith into action by serving others and caring for God's creation. Whether it's donating to support neighbors in need, participating in outreach efforts, or helping keep our community beautiful through neighborhood cleanups, there are many ways to get involved.


Through these acts of compassion and service, we manifest the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to those around us. We invite you to join us and use your gifts to make a difference in our parish family and community.

St. Vincent de Paul Society

The St. Vincent de Paul Society assists the poor and needy within our parish boundaries through grocery, transportation and rent vouchers. Support by donating and volunteering with them. For more info, contact the following:



If you need assistance, please call Helpline Call Center at (206) 767-6449, M-F, 8 AM - 3 PM.

Knights of Columbus

The Knights of Columbus is a global organization of Catholic men committed to the principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism.


The local council supports the community through fundraising for local organizations, assisting with parish events, hosting pancake breakfasts, fish fry, crab feast and holding regular meetings to plan and grow its outreach.


For more info, contact the following:

St. Alphonsus: Louie Van Hollebeke - louiervh@gmail.com

St. John: Aaron Amort - aaronamort@gmail.com

St. Martin de Porres Sandwich Makers

St. Martin de Porres sandwich makers prepare a total of 800 sandwich lunches for men who live at the SMdP shelter in downtown Seattle.


The group meets on the first and third Monday of every month at 8:30 AM in the St. Benedict Parish Center.


Contact Vicky Briones at vicster912@gmail.com for more information.

Food Lifeline Sorters and Packers

Help sort and reclaim perfectly good food that would otherwise end up in a landfill! Repackaged food is distributed to more than 270 food banks throughout Western Washington. Sorting  and packing happens every first Wednesday of the month.


Note that all volunteers must register in advance (FLL recommends 5 days prior). If you don't have an FLL account (required), it usually takes 2-3 minutes to create the account.


Sign up here or contact Len Kannapell at kannapell@yahoo.com

Angel's Cafe

St. Alphonsus’ The Angels Café is a vibrant ministry of women who come together to cook and serve meals in the spirit of Matthew 20:28: “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.”


The group meets at least four times a year. Food preparation takes place on Saturday mornings, followed by cooking and serving after Sunday Mass. New members are always welcome to join this joyful service ministry.


For more information or to get involved, contact Shelle Bjolstad at shelleb2@gmail.com.

Hunger Project

St. Benedict Parish collects food donations that are sent to the Family Works Food Bank every month.


Donations may be placed using the “blue bags” provided at the box in the vestibule or brought over to the Parish Office.


For more info, contact Len Kannapel at kannapell@yahoo.com.

St. Francis of Assisi Ministry

The Parish Family 14 Saint Francis of Assisi Ministry is rooted in Catholic faith and inspired by the spirit of St. Francis. They bring together individuals who care deeply about the sanctity of the Earth and all life God has created.


They meet monthly (first Sunday of every month at 2 PM in the St. John Parish Admin Bldg) and take part in community-wide actions and initiatives that promote environmental stewardship and sustainability. Its mission is to educate, inspire, and encourage action to care for our common home.


All are welcome to join! Learn more at saintfrancisseattle.org or contact Paul Litwin at paul@thelitwins.com.


Grief Support Group

If you are grieving the loss of a loved one, you don’t have to go through it alone. Our Parish Family Grief Support Group is here to offer comfort, support, and a listening ear.


Grief and loss can have a significant impact on our lives long after the death of the person we love. The grieving process has no timeline and is unique to each individual, but meeting with others who are going through a similar experience can provide support and help us cope.


Regular monthly meetings happen during the summer, and weekly drop-in sessions in fall.


For more information, please reach out to Margaret Alquist at margaretalquist1@gmail.com.

Sancta Vita (Respect Life)

This ministry at St. Alphonsus is focused on promoting the Catholic Church's teaching on the sanctity of life, emphasizing that every human life is sacred and should be cherished from conception to natural death.


Some of their initiatives include Baby Bottle Fund Raising and Annual Gala to support the Next Step Pregnancy Services.


For more information, please contact Anne Rose at sanctavita@stalseattle.org.

Holy Name Society

St. Alphonsus’ Holy Name Society is a men's group dedicated to honoring the name of Jesus Christ and promoting reverence for it.


The Society participates in parish activities, like family breakfasts, events, and service projects.


To join and for more information, please contact Karl Hoffman at 206-784-7152 or karl3hoffmann@gmail.com.

Crafting for a Cause

Crafting for a Cause Ministry brings together creative hands and generous hearts. Members knit, make rosaries, and create a variety of handcrafted items that are sold to raise funds. Proceeds support our parish, school and provide assistance to neighbors in need.


Whether you're an experienced crafter or eager to learn, all are welcome to join. For more info, contact Flora Stratton at woeisme_2@hotmail.com.