Thanks to a generous donation from the Cody Development Group, the Diocese of Columbus is piloting a new Mobile Outreach Ministry designed to take the Good News to the streets.
Cody Coughlin, a local race car driver and property developer, recently donated a large cargo van decorated with Catholic imagery to the Diocese. The van will be shared among the ministry groups of three parishes to extend existing and new ministries beyond campus. The Lancaster parishes of the Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption and St. Bernadette, and St. John in Logan will share the use of the vehicle.
“I’m deeply humbled and moved to be able to donate a vehicle to help nourish those in need throughout the Catholic Diocese of Columbus. It’s a small way to support a mission that truly changes lives, and I’m grateful to be part of something that helps bring food and hope to families who need it most.”
Cody Coughlin
“My hope is that this campaign proves to be successful so that we can continue expanding the fleet with more vans in the future. One of the great strengths of a mobile ministry is its flexibility. It can go directly to the communities where help is needed most, which allows for the highest level of impact and effectiveness for this kind of mission.”
“We also see potential to use this platform for other types of outreach and support and we’re currently exploring those opportunities as well. I look forward to seeing this effort grow and to the great success it can bring in serving those in need.”
The van’s maiden voyage was to Fisher Catholic High School on Ash Wednesday, where students packed it with over 6,000 donations for the food pantries in the region.
Deacons Jeff Hurdley and Matt Shaw are coordinating the use of the vehicle locally with help from Deacon Dave Bezusko, Director of the Diocesan Office of Charities. Plans are being developed to utilize the van for all sorts of charitable and evangelization projects in parish-based ministry, as it will serve as a rolling billboard reminding all who see it of the Church’s presence in the community. Volunteers may use the van for food, clothing, and furniture distributions in low-income neighborhoods or outlying areas; take it on Communion visits to the nursing home; set up at local festivals and community events to distribute free food or drinks and prayer cards or rosaries; drive it in local parades; have an Easter egg hunt at a local park. The possibilities are endless. This is a unique opportunity to be creative, take the Church into the community, and invite people back to the parish.
Bishop Fernandes blessed the new Mobile Outreach Ministry van during a brief ceremony at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption in Lancaster on Sunday, March 8th.
Organizers envision this program being replicated elsewhere in the Diocese with additional support.
For more information, please call Deacon Dave Bezusko at 614-241-2540.
Bishop Earl K. Fernandes blesses the Mobile Outreach Ministry van
The Mobile Outreach Ministry van has already been put to good use, including delivering furniture to those in need and gathering donations organized by students at Fisher Catholic High School.
The Mobile Outreach Ministry Van was generously donated by Cody Development Group
