Dayton Marianist Family

Full of Grace Ministry is inspired by the dedication of long-time members of Our Lady of Grace parish (Corpus Christi Campus) and the Marianist family who wish to continue Mary’s mission of bringing Jesus into the world. The vision for this ministry is to help address the spiritual, social, physical, and mental health needs of our neighbors in Five Oaks just north of downtown Dayton.

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In late 2022, we established this partnership and it has changed and evolved in response to the signs of the times in which we live.

 

Currently, we support a parish-led outreach called “Food, Games, and Fellowship”.  Volunteers from the parish and Marianist communities gather at the Madonna Room to serve a simple sit-down supper, play Bingo with guests, talk and visit with them, and distribute respite bags to the guests as they depart.  If you are interested in volunteering to help on either the first or third Wednesday of each month, please contact Donna O’Neill at dtjoneill@aol.com.  Volunteers are needed from 3:30-6:00 pm.  The meal is served at 4:30ish, Bingo begins at 5:00ish, and cleanup begins at 5:30ish.  If you can’t come for the full time, just let Donna know what time you are available. We’d love to have you. Individuals and communities can sign up to fill respite bags of shelf-stable food and hygiene items to be distributed at Food, Games, and Fellowship.

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​​​We also collaborate with the Five Oaks Neighborhood Improvement Association (FONIA) by providing hospitality (coffee, juice, bagels, and donuts) and “sweat equity” at neighborhood clean-up events that happen twice a year.

Looking to the future, we are considering new possibilities, such as:

• a warm clothing collection and distribution to Five Oaks neighbors (If there is a Marianist community that would like to champion this project, we would love to hear from you!)

• working with Conscious Connect to offer Summer Reading programs and activities in Carrick’s Corner.

• a collaboration with the Ignation Spirituality Project which hosts retreats at Bergamo for people in recovery from homelessness and addiction.