FARMINGTON — From providing nourishment to those in need of food, to offering warmth in the winter, St. Joseph Parish in Farmington and St. Rose of Lima Parish in Jay are able to better the lives of community members due to new parish social ministry endowments with the Catholic Foundation of Maine (CFM).

Established in 2003, the CFM utilizes endowment funds to benefit churches, parish programs, schools, social justice initiatives, vocations and other ministries across Maine.

Since March of 2020, the endowments have helped the two parishes carry out their service. The endowments have made it easier to assist through warming centers, hot meals in parish halls and food pantries in greater demand due to the pandemic.

“St. Rose of Lima also recently opened a thrift store, which offers used household goods and clothing at low prices,” said Fr. Paul Dumais, pastor of both parishes. “The money raised at the store supports other parish social ministries.”

St. Joseph Parish recently expanded the St. Joseph Nutrition Center, which offers classes on cooking, food budgeting and other topics, in addition to its ongoing food distribution efforts.

To help by volunteering or giving a gift, call Dumais at 207-778-2778 or Elizabeth Badger at 207-321-7820.

For more information, visit catholicfoundationmaine.org.

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