Non-Parish Based Organizations (NPBO)

In accordance with the Diocesan Safe Environment Program, all staff and volunteers working in ministries and organizations involving children, youth, and vulnerable adults need to secure safety clearance and a picture ID badge. Further information may be obtained through the parish website www.stritaparish.net, or by contacting Susan Podkrash, Parish Safety Director, 214-451-6514.
 

Organizations that have a welcome presence at St. Rita Catholic Community
but have a primary relationship to a group or organization outside of the parish
(and which controls their programs, personnel, finances, etc.).

The listing of these Non-Parish Based Organization (NPBO) does not imply the endorsement by St. Rita Parish Community, or knowledge of the activities of the said group”.

The Knights of Columbus
The Knights of Columbus (Council #11169) is a fraternal service organization of men, founded under the principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. This organization provides men a vehicle for building up the parish community and family life with an emphasis on family, youth, church, council, and community activities. The Knights sponsor several very well attended fund raising events throughout the year such as pancake breakfasts, Father-Daughter Dance, Scout Sunday                                and assist with the Parish Picnic.
                             Contact: David Stack, 972-467-4896

Stephen Ministry
Stephen Ministry is an extension of Pastoral Care.  Our mission is to equip lay volunteers to provide one-to-one Christian care giving to hurting people.  Stephen Ministers complete 50 hours of training and are commissioned by our Pastor.  A Stephen Minister will meet with a care receiver once a week for about an hour for as long as the care receiver will benefit by the relationship.  The visits will offer listening, support, encouragement and prayer to those experiencing difficulty                                       and hurt in their lives.  The ministry is completely confidential and                                         free of charge.  If you would like to meet with a Stephen Minister, or                                       volunteer to be one, please call the confidential hotline below.  
                             Stephen Ministry Program - Confidential Hotline
                                214-451-6503 or stephenministry@stritaparish.net
 
The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul
The St. Rita St. Vincent de Paul ministry helps the needy within our parish boundaries. When an individual or family requests assistance in paying rent, utilities or other necessities, two members of the Society visit their homes and determine their need. The group maintains the parish food pantry for supplying food to those in need. Additionally, volunteers are needed for communications, computer, and organizational tasks. We meet Thursday evenings at 6:00 p.m. in Room D246 of the                                      Staubach Family Wing.
                             Call the St. Vincent de Paul Hotline: 972-232-1393 for more information.

Austin Street Shelter
On the fourth Tuesday of every month for over 30 years, parishioners from St. Rita have served dinner to approximately 400 less fortunate homeless men and women that receive shelter at the Austin Street  Center near downtown.  Almost 75 volunteers provide sandwiches, hard boiled eggs, bananas, drinks or desserts each month.  The St. Rita School 7th graders also provide sandwiches and help serve dinner during the school year. Our volunteers are usually contacted via email and can choose to sign up to provide a specific type of food and/or                                                help deliver and serve the dinner.  Most parishioners on our                                                      volunteer list participate about 3 times per year.  
                                         Anne Wilson, 214-450-9275, annetex39@sbcglobal.net  

 
Boy Scout Troop 838
The Boy Scout program teaches citizenship, character, physical fitness, and leadership skills.  The boys participate in fun outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, swimming, canoeing, snow skiing, water skiing, backpacking, firearms training, and other activities.  The boys earn merit badges in a variety of different topics and earn religious awards.  The boys lead the Troop and organize trips and events.  However, the Troop has a large number of parents who provide assistance to the                                                    Scoutmaster in helping the boys run a program that prepares them to                                    make ethical and moral choices over their lifetime. 
                             Contact: Scott Dunkerley, 214-215-4944
 
Cub Scouts Pack 838
Open to all boys in the Parish in 1st-5th grade.  Boys participate in Den meetings where they learn individual skills and participate in numerous activities that are designed to make their scouting experience fun and to prepare them for Boy Scouts.  In addition to Den meetings, the boys attend a monthly Pack meeting where they are recognized for their accomplishments and continue to learn about their faith, leadership and citizenship.  Other activities include two family campouts per year, the                                  always exciting Pinewood Derby and the Cake Bake. All of our activities                                are open to the whole family!
                             Contact: Pat Doyle, 214-957-1968

 
Girl Scouts
The Girl Scouts help girls to develop in all aspects of life: physically, mentally, and spiritually. Fun activities and service projects help each girl to learn about herself and others.
Contact: Sharis Hauder, 214-361-9631
 


American Heritage Girls

American Heritage Girls Ministry, for girls ages 5-18, develops Christ-following servant leaders who are honoring, relational, anchored and competent. Our activities include faith, service and fun such as earning badges, performing service projects and going camping. 
Contact: Sara Hamilton, 469-417-8391
                                             Julie Billmeier, 214-868-4049


Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities of Dallas serves those in need in all nine counties of the Diocese of Dallas by strengthening families, alleviating hunger, preventing homelessness, and welcoming the stranger; and calls the community to action. Catholic Charities serves the community through the Santa Clara Community Center offering after school programs and parent-child ESL courses, the Brady Senior Center, a licensed Pregnancy & Adoption program for birth mothers and
                                 adoptive parents, food assistance, individual financial                                              counseling and job placement, the Refugee Resettlement                                        program, and the Immigration & Legal Services program.
                                 Catholic Charities of Dallas couldn’t exist without the                                                support of the St. Rita community!
                                 For information on getting help or giving help,                                                            contact Michelle Gagne, 469-801-8107 or visit                                                            www.ccdallas.org

Dallas Area Interfaith (DAI)
Dallas Area Interfaith is a grassroots organizing effort with members from more than 40 congregations in Dallas and Collin counties. The organization teaches citizens how to negotiate effectively with civic and school organizations that affect their lives. DAI only takes up issues that come from the member congregations. Those issues frequently are concerned with good schools, safe neighborhoods, health care and living wage strategies. DAI attempts to bring about systemic social change.
                             Contact: Johanna Parkinson, 972-416-9260.
 

Dallas CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates)
Children who are removed from their homes due to neglect or abuse enter into an impersonal and overloaded system of courts and foster homes.  CASA is a national organization of Court Appointed Special Advocates that provide reliable                                          support to these children.  They investigate their home                                            situations and keep track of the child as he or she finds a                                        stable place to call home.  There is a tremendous need for                                      volunteers who will help these children.  Training is provided.
                               Contact: Larry Dolan, 214-357-0815

Juvenile Prison Ministry

In partnership with the Diocese, the Juvenile Detention Ministry provides a seven-week faith-based Life Skills training series to residents of Wade Juvenile Detention Center. Sessions focus on Anger Management, Self-Awareness, Peer Pressure, Independent Thinking, and a 3-week series on Finding and Keeping a Job. We volunteer on Wednesday evenings.
Contact: John Beatty, 972-679-5572




North Dallas Shared Ministries
St. Rita is a founding member of NDSM, a cooperative effort with other North Dallas-area interdenominational congregations. An extension of our parish’s devotion to Christ and our neighbors, our volunteers help in many ways at NDSM.  NDSM provides emergency assistance while                                                promoting self-respect and responsibility. NDSM helps our                                      neighbors in need with food, rent and utility assistance,                                            medical and dental care, mental health and job counseling,                                      ESL classes, clothing, school supplies and uniforms, and                                        more.
                               Contact: Carole George, 972-243-5359
 
Serra Club
The Serra Club is an international organization of Catholic men and women who foster, promote and affirm vocations to the priesthood and religious life, and to encourage members in fellowship through education to fulfill their Christian vocations to service. The club meets twice monthly: on 1^st Friday at a designated parish for early Mass followed by breakfast and                                     program, and on 3^rd Friday at Park City Club for luncheon and                                 program. Programs sponsored by the Club include: VAP - A                                    Weekend of Discernment for Single Catholic Men and Women at                            Holy Trinity Seminary; the Annual Religious Women’s                                                Appreciation Mass and Dinner; plus, several additional activities                            to show our appreciation for seminarians, clergy and religious.
                         Contact: John Vallala, 972-849-5494