Community Outreach Ministry


The Beginning of Our Story -- Community Dinners

Our story begins during a pastoral council meeting where we were asked to think of ways to serve our community. The idea was sparked by a newspaper headline revealing that one in four people in Oswego County face food insecurity. In response, we launched a monthly community dinner—our first in May 2024, where 28 meals were served. Since then, the ministry has grown tremendously; as of October 2025, we now serve over 300 meals each month.


On the last Wednesday of each month, we host a community dinner and also provide clothing and other essential items to those in need. Beyond meeting practical needs, this ministry fosters fellowship, encouragement, and hope—creating a welcoming space where every guest is reminded of their dignity and worth.


The Continuation of Our Story -- St. Martin's Closet

Through our community dinners, we realized many neighbors had needs beyond a warm meal. What began as a simple gesture—offering guests a chance to look through donated clothing—quickly grew into St. Martin’s Closet.


St. Martin's Closet is a dedicated space where guests can choose what they need with dignity and care. Inspired by Saint Martin of Tours, whose act of compassion in sharing his cloak with a beggar revealed his deep charity and humility, the closet continues his legacy of generosity. As the patron saint of soldiers, the poor, tailors, and conscientious objectors, Saint Martin’s example guides our commitment to serving those in need.


We hope this pairing of a shared meal and shared resources reflects the heart of our parish: hospitality, compassion, and solidarity with our neighbors.



  • Community Outreach Committee

    We’re inviting new members to join our committee and help us plan monthly dinners and other community outreach activities. In addition, we’re looking for volunteers to connect with local businesses to seek donations—whether financial support, food items, or other essentials—to sustain and grow this ministry of care.


    Please reach out to Len Langdon at 315-412-6063 or lenlangdon06@gmail.com or one of the other members for more informaiton:


    Paul Campolieta

    Wanda Langdon

    Nicole Merrill

    Joe & Lisa Munger

    Steve & Nancy Phelps

    Shelly Shephard



  • Volunteers Needed for the Community Dinner

    We’re looking for helping hands on the day of our monthly community dinner! Volunteers can assist with assembling meals, setting up tables and chairs, preparing place settings, greeting guests, serving dinners, busing tables, washing dishes, and assisting with donation items.


    Timeline

    - 2:30–4:00 p.m.: Set up tables, chairs, and meals

    - 4:00–6:00 p.m.: Greet guests, serve dinners, bus tables, assist with donation items, wash dishes, and other functions as needed.


    Your time and energy make a big difference in creating a warm, welcoming space for our neighbors.

  • Partnering with Local Businesses

    Local businesses play a vital role in helping us sustain this outreach. You can support in several meaningful ways: through monetary donations, contributions of food and supplies, or by volunteering as an honorary business group at our monthly community dinner.


    To learn more about how your business can get involved, please contact Len Langdon at 315-412-6063 or lenlangdon06@gmail.com.


  • St. Martin's Closet

    St. Martin’s Closet will be open during our monthly Community Dinners. Guests are welcome to browse items and take what they need at no cost.


    Available items may include:

    - Everyday clothing: shirts, pants, sweaters, and more

    - Outerwear: coats, jackets, hats, scarves, gloves, and mittens

    - Seasonal items: warm layers for winter and lighter clothing for warmer months

    - Footwear: shoes and boots for a variety of ages and sizes


    All items are donated, cleaned, and organized so guests can browse freely and choose what best fits their needs and preferences.


    If you wish to support this ministry,  consider:

    - donating gently used clothing and outerwear

    - volunteering to help sort, organize, or host during community dinners

    - praying for those who visit St. Martin’s Closet and our outreach efforts