This subcommittee works to initiate and maintain action and support to established groups of individuals who require special attention through our efforts to assist, advocate, educate and pray for successful outcomes.  The goal of the efforts is always to promote human dignity as we were created by God.  For additional information, call Sandy Shamburek at 240-864-2514 unless otherwise listed.
 
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul/St. Raphael Conference is a Catholic lay organization of volunteers(called Vincentians) who work together to provide  person to person assistance to individuals and families in need.  Assistance can include rent/mortgage, food, clothing, medical & prescription needs and connection to legal assistance.  A primary requirement to be eligible for assistance is agreeing to have a home visit.  The conference meets the second and fourth Monday at 6:30 pm in the Parish Library.  New membership and volunteers are welcomed.
Interim St. Vincent de Paul Conference President (through October 31, 2019): Ursula Boesch at ursulaboesch@aol.com

How the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Helps:
 
One of the largest charitable organizations in the world, the  Society of St. Vincent de Paul ( www.svdpusa.org) is an international, nonprofit, Catholic lay organization of about 800,000 men and women who voluntarily join together to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to the needy and suffering in 153 countries on five continents. With the U.S. headquarters in St. Louis, Mo., membership in the United States totals nearly 100,000 in 4,400 communities.
 
At the conference level, volunteers meet on teh 2nd and 4th Monday of the month year round except if a holiday falls on a specific Monday.  The Conference does not meet in July.  The requirements for assistance are (1) the person lives within our parish boundaries (which covers zip code 20854 and 20550); (2) the person agrees to a home visit by a male and female meber of the conference; and (3) the person is a registered parishioner at St. Raphael.  SVdP offers  assistance for rent/mortgage payment; utility bills, prescription medications as well as a few other needs based on the individual's circumstances.  We can also refer individuals to other agencies/organizations for additional assistance. The Society assists indiividuals and families regardless of race, religion or national origin.
 
The Respect for Life Committee affirms that human life is a precious gift from God to be protected from conception to natural death.  Members work to promote compassion and love for the sacredness of all human life through prayer, education and witness through a variety of  scheduled events throughout the year.  Monthly meetings are held on the third Tuesday, September through June; please note the parish calendar for the specific time and room number.  New membership and volunteers are welcomed.    Co-Chairpersons: Meg Quickel at megquickel@gmail.com  and Maria Elena Crespo at mecrespo7@gmail.com.
 
The Gabriel Network,  Inc. is a organization that assist women in crisis pregnancies through various means of support: prayer, transportation, meals, and donation of baby clothing and products.  Another program run by this organization is the  Angel Friends Program.  This program is designed to pair a woman in a crisis pregnancy with one to two parishioners who will walk with them during the pregnancy.  The Angel Friends demonstrate how the mother can successfully provides stable and loving environment during as she prepares for the birth and provides education and counseling in order to help transition to independence after delivery.  Contact Carol DeGraba, Angel Friend Coordinator at cdegraba@gmail.com for more information.
 
Advent Giving Tree Program is  a 20 year+ parish tradition of coordinating the collection and distribution of Christmas toys and clothing for over 20 organizations that serve individuals and families in need, including our Twin Parish,  St. Martin of Tours in Washington, DC.    Co-Chairs:  Dianna Grimm, rgrimm1015@aol.com and Linda Trinh, lindamtrinh@gamil.com.
 
Prison Ministry:  Provides Masses and communion services on Sundays as well as catechism classes and Scripture sharing for incarcerated individuals (serving both English and Spanish speaking inmates) at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility located in Clarksburg, MD  (exit 18 off I-270).  There are opportunities for after care serving as a mentor to inmates who are released from the facility.    Coordinator:  Deacon Frank Salatto:   fsalatto@verizon.net.