HANDE Ministry: Serving Christ In Our Community

People in today’s society are very focused on independence and having a “do it yourself” attitude. While there is something noble in that way of thinking, as we grow older we may find ourselves struggling to do everything on our own. God made us to live in communion with one another and to rely on one another. The HANDE ministry not only accomplishes home repair tasks for the disabled, elderly and homebound, it forges connections and replaces isolation with community.

The mission of the HANDE ministry team is to provide maintenance and home repairs for our parishioners who are disabled, homebound, or over 65. The services this ministry provides are invaluable to our parish, not only in the tasks that are completed, but also in the way it brings the Living Church to those in need. 

Volunteering for this ministry brings to mind the occupation of our Lord: a carpenter. Christ was a skilled craftsman who used his talents and abilities for the service of others. He no doubt put all his heart into his work, focusing diligently on his projects. A HANDE volunteer need not be a “jack of all trades.” Anyone with home maintenance skills, whether focused or broad, can serve. 

Volunteer Dave Moss explains his own experience: “Being the hands of Jesus for those who need His loving presence is a blessing, with graces that go both ways – for the recipient as well as the volunteer.  In fact, most of our volunteers will tell you that they experience a far greater reward in this ministry than those we’ve supported.  Everyone in the ministry has had the experience of seeing the face of Christ in those that we serve.”




Serving the Church through physical work brings incredible blessings. The feeling of accomplishing a project, one that wouldn’t otherwise be completed and is crucial to the operation of a home, is like nothing else. There is honor in fulfilling one’s duty and satisfaction in knowing that you have used your talents to serve others as Christ did. 

If you’re interested in volunteering, we welcome you to join us for the next HANDE Planning Meeting: Monday, March 18 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. at St. Faustina’s Church. The next HANDE Workday will be Saturday, March 23 from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. The location will be determined at the planning meeting. If you would like more information, Dave Moss can be reached via HANDE’s phone number (346-410-0414) or email (HANDE@saintfaustinachurch.org ) or visit the website at saintfaustinachurch.org/HANDE.