Outreach

Clare's Camp: The flagship outreach program of St. Clare’s, Clare’s Camp is so much more than a two-week summer camp. Born of a heartfelt response to the tragedy of 6,000 children hitting the streets of Richmond during the summer months with no parental supervision, Clare’s Camp endeavors to challenge the deeper racial issues that divide the city of Richmond.

Reunion Events: An essential extension of Clare’s Camp, the reunion events create the opportunity to build on the relationships begun during the summer. Beginning with the Fall Festival in October, the ongoing schedule includes a Thanksgiving Dinner event, the Live Outdoor Nativity at Christmas, the Twelfth Night celebration in early January, the Robotics Competition in the spring, and the Spring Progressive Dinner. Each of these events allows the members of St. Clare’s to engage in deeper relationships with both the children and the parents from the East End of Richmond.

Tutoring at Fairfield Court Elementary School: Dr. Irene Williams, Principal of Fairfield, has made it very clear to the people of St. Clare’s that the front door to her school stands wide open. Dr. Williams’ dream is for every student to have a mentor. Barbara Houlgrave leads the classroom mentors from St. Clare’s and Helen Auton heads up the volunteers who participate in the Thursday afternoon enrichment program.

Nursing Home Ministry: Jerry Barton and Joyce Gasparovic conduct monthly Sunday worship services at two area nursing homes: Beth Shalom and Ginter Hall West. Both Jerry and Joyce welcome others to join them in this ministry.

Blessing of the Animals: October 4 is set aside in the Church Year to celebrate the life of Francis of Assisi and his loving concern for the salvation of all living creatures. St. Clare’s hosts a community-wide service for the Blessing of the Animals on the Saturday closest to the date as well as a special liturgy on the Sunday closest to October 4.

Live Outdoor Nativity: During December, St. Clare’s constructs its small barn on the church property and then hosts a presentation of a live outdoor Nativity for the entire community to enjoy. Volunteers are always welcome to play a role in the silent drama.

Twelfth Night:  Twelve days after Christmas, on January 6th, all of the Christmas greens:  trees, hangings, wreaths, and branches are piled together to form one large bonfire to mark the beginning of the season of Epiphany.  Once the flames have died down, everyone is invited to roast marshmallows and make s’mores.  This is event is usually held at the Diocesan Conference Center at Roslyn on River Road.