Social Concerns
01/28/2026 Update:
Learn about our upcoming Lenten Collections for 2026!
01/08/2026 Update:
Be Sure to Watch Our 2025 Giving Tree “Thank You” Video Below!
09/2025 Update:
Be Sure to Read “United in Prayer with Our Immigrant Community” by Bishop Barber.
The page following Bishop Barber’s remarks has suggestions for ways you can respond and help.
"Whatsoever you do to
the least of my brethren,
that you do unto me."
— Matthew 25:40
The Social Concerns Committee (SCC)
is the Primary Outreach Ministry of St Charles.
Its Role is to:
Educate parish members about global and local social needs, justice, and respect-of-life issues;
Encourage parishioners to take an active role in the relief of poverty and other social ills by giving direct service and financial support;
Provide specific opportunities for parish-wide participation in annual outreach projects: Lenten Collections, Backpack Project, and Christmas Giving Tree;
Manage and carefully distribute the parish's tithing funds. LIST OF RECIPIENTS, 2020-2025
It has been a value and tradition at St. Charles since its founding in 1964 to set aside a percentage of annual plate income (parishioner donations) for outreach. Beginning in January 2026, the Finance Council may allocate funds for outreach from plate income in a calendar year, depending on whether the parish meets certain financial goals in the preceding year.
Outreach funds are managed by the Social Concerns Committee and disbursed in the form of one-time grants to non-profits serving those on the margins.
Grant funds are formally requested by a parish sponsor, reviewed by an SCC subcommittee, approved by the Social Concerns Committee, and reviewed and approved by the Finance Council. Grants are normally disbursed in December each year. To request a form for the next grant cycle, please contact the SCC chairpersons listed below.
Community Outreach Activities and Partners
Supported by
SCC Members/Parish Volunteers:
Catholic Charities East Bay
Day-old food collection (“Golden Retrievers”)
Goodness Village
Habitat for Humanity
Interfaith Housing, Inc.
Interfaith Interconnect
Kids Bike Lane
Open Heart Kitchen
Local food pantries
St. Anthony's and St. Vincent de Paul Dining Rooms
Tri-Valley Haven
Meeting and Activities Schedule – All are Welcome!
Lent: Staff the Lenten Collections tables after Masses and distribute collections to recipient agencies
July-August: CISSP Backpack sales, filling, sorting, and distribution
November-December: Giving Tree gift collection, sorting, gift distribution.
All parishioners are welcome to join our committee meetings.
MEETING SCHEDULE:
Monday, April 20, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Oscar Romero Room.
Monday, August 17, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Oscar Romero Room.
Monday, October 19, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Oscar Romero Room.
Monday, November 16, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Oscar Romero Room.
Contact Us:
Co-Chair Marcia Elchesen, 925-321-0730, msedre@comcast.net
Co-Chair Mary Fair, 925-454-9919, fairmary2@comcast.net
Links:
• LOCAL RESOURCE LIST • TAKE ACTION • CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING
