Harvest Sunday is one of the ways the parish community helps the unfortunate in our community. The Quest groups distribute flyers to homes in our parish boundaries the week before the collection and then return the following Sunday to collect the non-perishable food items that people have left on their front porch. The items are taken to SMMP Parish Center where they are sorted and boxed by the Jr. High parishoners and their families and other parishoners. The boxes of food are then distributed to local charities.

Four other area Catholic parishes participate in the Harvest Sunday Food Drive. The donations help keep about 15 local area food fantries stocked. The donations also help alleviate the hunger of many families and individuals this winter season.

Types of food items especially needed each year include soups, jelly, chili, crackers, sugar, flour, instant mixes, canned vegetables, peanut butter, canned fruit, boxed macaroni and cheese, cooking oil, canned tuna, bags of rice, black beans, boxed meals, and spaghetti-O's. Non food items needed include deodorants, toothpaste, diapers, bar soaps, toilet paper, paper towels, facial tissues, and baby wipes.

This year's dates for Harvest Sunday are:

Sunday, November 6 - Distribute flyers by the Quest groups

Sunday, November 13 - Collect the donations and return to SMMP by 1 p.m. by the Quest groups. Sort the donations into boxes from 1 - 3 p.m. by the Journey classes and other parishioners.