Outreach Ministries

Sick & Homebound Ministry


At St. Michael’s, we are committed to caring for those who are unable to attend Mass due to illness, age, or other circumstances.

Our Sick & Homebound Ministry provides spiritual support through home visits, prayer, and the distribution of Holy Communion. Whether recovering from surgery, facing long-term illness, or living in a care facility, parishioners can stay connected to the life and sacraments of the Church.

If you or a loved one would benefit from this ministry—or if you feel called to serve—we encourage you to contact the parish office.
Let us bring Christ’s love and presence to those who need it most.


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Sister Parish in Nicaragua

Since 2013, the Catholic churches of Shelby County have shared a special sister parish relationship with St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Villa Sandino, Nicaragua. This partnership has grown deeply over the years, with 17 parishioners from our community traveling to Nicaragua, forming meaningful bonds—especially with the youth of Villa Sandino.

Through these visits and ongoing collaboration, we've supported a variety of life-changing projects, including:

  • College scholarships for local students
  • English language classes
  • Training in honey production
  • Installation of solar panels in rural homes
  • Battery replacements to maintain solar systems
  • Distribution of water filters
  • Ongoing support for parish life and ministry

In 2015, we were blessed to welcome Padre Alexis, their parish priest at the time, to visit our local parishes. Most recently, in 2024, we proudly sponsored five Nicaraguans from our sister parish to work in the United States for two years, further strengthening the connection between our communities.

This sisterhood is more than a mission—it's a relationship built on faith, solidarity, and mutual love.

Fr. Clement's Dream Project

Father Clement Owusu, pastor of St. Michael’s Parish in Harlan, is seeing a lifelong dream being fulfilled with the construction of a permanent church for St. Anthony’s in Kwaso, Ghana—one of his childhood parishes. Once gathering in a simple steel shelter, the faithful community, made up mostly of youth, will soon worship in a beautiful new church building. Thanks to the generosity of the Knights of Columbus #3900 and the support of many parishioners, the project was fully funded and is being constructed, honoring both Father Clement’s vision and the legacy of Ghanaian priests serving the Diocese of Des Moines.

Hearts and Hands

Hearts and Hands is a dedicated outreach ministry at St. Michael’s that uses the gift of sewing to serve both our parish and the wider community. From handcrafted hospital gowns for our local healthcare providers to blankets and quilts for those in need, this ministry responds with compassion and creativity wherever there’s a need for comfort and care.

Their work reaches beyond our borders as well—members lovingly create items for Boxes of Joy, bringing Christmas cheer to children around the world. They also support parish life by sewing items used during Mass and throughout the liturgical seasons. Hearts and Hands is a beautiful expression of faith in action, stitching together community, kindness, and service.