Saint Aidan Parish Mercy on theMount Outreach Ministry

By Paula Green

Saint Aidan Parish in Wexford is launching an outreach ministry to benefit those in need. Everyone is invited to a “grand unveiling” event for the Saint Aidan Parish Mercy on the Mount Outreach Ministry on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 12, immediately following the 10:00 am Mass at Saint Alexis Church. After Mass, attendees can go downstairs for a blessing of the space and an introduction to the new outreach.

This pivotal ministry will provide food, clothing, and toiletries to those in need, and will include a baby boutique in partnership with Walking with Moms in Need. Sr. Pawla Witula, Saint Aidan’s Divine Mercy & Pastoral Outreach Minister, shared her enthusiasm: “I’m excited about this ministry, as many of our parishioners already serve others. For example, the Ladies of Charity do wonderful work, and we hope to partner with them and other ministries to expand our outreach," she said.

 Sr. Pawla began working at Saint Aidan in August 2025.

“Our pastor, Fr. DJ Egan brought me to Saint Aidan, hoping to expand parish outreach, reach those less fortunate, and involve more parishioners in works of mercy by using my experience as a social worker," Sr. Pawla said.

Inspiration for the outreach also came from parishioner Mallory Chileski’s concerns for the community. After the reduction in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Mallory reached out to the parish, recognizing that many families were suddenly left without adequate support. Her proactive approach helped inspire this new outreach initiative.

Prior to joining Saint Aidan, Sr. Pawla gained extensive experience at the Red Door Ministry at Saint Mary of Mercy Church in Divine Mercy Parish, where she worked for six years.

“I first helped serve lunches, and after COVID, we expanded the program to serve dinners Monday through Friday. I was also involved for one year in the Warming Center for people experiencing homelessness. For the last three years, I mainly ran Saint Faustina’s Gate, distributing clothing, toiletries, and other essential items to people who are homeless or experiencing financial hardship,” Sr. Pawla remarked.

Saint Aidan Parish Mercy on the Mount Outreach Ministry will hold its “grand opening” on Tuesday, April 14, from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. Afterward, the ministry will be open every Tuesday during those hours. You may volunteer for a full or partial shift during these hours.

To support this work, you can donate gently used clothing by placing items in the Jesus in Disguise bins located at Saint Alexis Church and Saint Alphonsus Church. To make a monetary donation, please visit the Amazon Wish List available through their website. Your generosity will bring hope and relief to those in need.

“I'm very excited about Saint Aidan Parish's Mercy on the Mount Outreach Ministry. It will be a great blessing to many people in the Wexford area because it will provide both visitors and volunteers the opportunity to encounter Jesus Christ and experience the mercy of God,” said Father DJ.

Sr. Pawla noted, “Ultimately, we are trying to respond to Christ’s call. Jesus said to Saint Faustina Kowalska, ‘I demand from you works of mercy.’ Jesus also said, ‘I came to serve, not to be served.’ This ministry is a beautiful way for us to follow Him by serving our neighbors.”

For more information or to support the Saint Aidan Parish Mercy on the Mount Outreach Ministry, visit saintaidanparish.org/mercy, volunteer, or donate. You can also contact Sr. Pawla at sr.pawla@saintaidanparish.org or call (724) 935-4343 x220.