DETROIT — How would Metro Detroit be different if every Catholic in southeast Michigan pitched in and helped their neighbor for just one day?

That’s what Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan wants to find out as its hosts its first-ever regional Mercy in Action Service Day on Oct. 1.

“In light of the Year of Mercy and the message of Pope Francis, we felt compelled to bring parishes together to respond to needs in their own local neighborhoods,” said Joyce Hyttinen, director of Christian service and health care ministries for Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan.

During the Day of Service, parishes are asked to take up a service project in their own neighborhood, be it helping elderly neighbors with household chores, stocking a local food pantry or cleaning up a local cemetery.

“(Catholic Charities CEO) Jason Shanks and I met with some Christian service coordinators and presented the idea of inviting all parishes to provide a day of service on Oct. 1. They were unanimous in their agreement.”

So far, 96 parishes have signed up to take part in the effort, representing all corners of the Archdiocese of Detroit. Individuals who are interested in helping can contact their parish or one of several regional leaders to be placed with a project.

There are dozens of projects from which to choose, Hyttinen said, so volunteers needn’t worry about finding the “right” opportunity. For those who can’t do manual labor, opportunities such as collecting donations or clothing, baking cookies or writing letters to veterans and senior citizens exist, too.

Gathering parishes together on one day is important to show the local Church is “united in Christ and serving our brothers and sisters in need ... a solidarity,” Hyttinen said.

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Help out
To volunteer during CCSEM’s Mercy in Action Day of Service on Oct. 1, contact Joyce Hyttinen at (248) 537-3304.

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