Neighborhood cleanup days in Fr. Mike's new Gary neighborhoods

Father Mike Surufka was recently assigned to be the administrator of two Gary parishes. Those neighborhoods could use a little cleanup, especially on the abandoned lots around the churches. So we’re putting together a few cleanup days where Holy Name parishioners and friends can do what Fr. Mike is doing: lending a helping hand to our neighbors in need! It’s an easy and fun way to live the Gospel.

Thursday, July 25 – Cathedral of Holy Angels area (west of downtown)

Meet at HN parking lot appr. 8am, work 9am-2pm (lunch provided), return to HN appr. 3:15pm

Drive-on-your-own directions: Cathedral, 640 Tyler St, Gary, IN 46402 (Google Maps)

Saturday, July 27 – Ss. Monica & Luke area (Emerson neighborhood, east of downtown)

Meet at HN parking lot appr. 8am, work 9am-2pm (lunch provided), return to HN appr. 3:15pm

Drive-on-your-own directions: Ss. Monica & Luke, 645 Rhode Island St, Gary, IN 46402 (Google Maps)

Attend one or both · ALL ARE WELCOME • Families & youth especially invited · Great opportunity for youth looking for hands-on service

The work is easy- simple cleanup of abandoned lots mostly. Bring a pair of work gloves, a rake if possible, comfy shoes and clothes and be prepared to get dirty. Also appreciated: trimmers, mowers, blowers, push brooms

Free transportation provided to Holy Name parishioners! Simply RSVP online on or before Monday, July 22.

Volunteers from outside Holy Name are also invited- more hands=more great work! Please contact Kevin Driscoll to make sure you/your group gets all the information. Permission forms required for youth. Please visit

Is safety a concern? These neighborhoods are poverty-stricken, largely abandoned neighborhoods. Catholic social teaching teaches us that, like Christ, we must reach out to the margins of society and lend a hand. We will do so responsibly, rest assured. To ensure our safety, Gary Police and a private security firm will conduct patrols at the worksites. Residents in the area love volunteers: cleanup makes their neighborhood safer!

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ONLINE RSVP IS HERE (please RSVP on or before Monday, July 22)

Download/print a PDF flyer for this event

Youth under 18 not participating with a parent, guardian, or chaperone are required to give this completed form (PDF) to Kevin Driscoll on the day of the event.

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As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another (1 Pet 4:10)

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