See Projects list below for information on Thanksgiving and Christmas activities.

Our Mission:
Believing that we cannot proclaim a gospel we do not live, we dedicate our activities to promoting the welfare of those in need of comfort, shelter and food and, through education and action, to working for justice and peace.


CIA Prayer:
Dear Lord, you are the light that brings us together. We thank you for the gifts that you have given each of us to do your work. Help us to remember our blessings and to recognize the needs of your people. Grant that our minds and hearts are open to your will and give us the wisdom to know how we can serve you. In the spirit of St. Clare, may we respond with charity and love. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.




General Information:
Because of the coronavirus pandemic, CIA members have had to change the ways in which we fulfill our mission. We cannot accept donations at the food pantry box. We no longer are able to distribute lists to or collect items from parishioners for projects. Please know that the people of St. Clare Parish and School, the state of Texas and the world are in our prayers. The following is effective until further notice:

CIA is accepting calls for emergency outreach assistance, and is working with Interfaith Caring Ministries to assist those in need. If you know of anyone who needs emergency help with rent or utilities, please have them call 713-530-7452.

CIA members and other parishioners continue to feed the local homeless, in partnership with local charity The Mercy Tree. Though we can no longer serve lunches, church volunteers are able to bring prepared food to TMT workers, who then box lunches for recipients. For information on St. Clare’s participation, contact Debbie at 832-284-4920.

Projects/Events, Oct.-Dec.:
The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we can help the less fortunate, but it hasn’t lessened the importance of charity. Since we will be unable to sponsor the Thanksgiving Food Drive and Adopt-a-Family Project, CIA is offering a list of activities for you and your family to structure a “Thanksgiving-Do-It-Yourself” Project to help those in need. Web addresses offer additional, specific information for some of these items. Thank you and God bless you for helping give others a happier holiday.

Support Houston Food Bank: You can do this by making a donation, or better yet, by volunteering. Want to join St. Clare’s Knights of Columbus? Their next volunteer dates at the food bank are Nov. 7 and Dec. 5. www.houstonboodbank.org
Donate to a Local Pantry: Bring food donations to Clear Lake Food Pantry at Clear Lake Baptist Church, 15700 Space Center Blvd., from 3-4:30 p.m. Wednesday. If you’re interested in working as a volunteer, opportunities are available from 7:30-11:30 a.m., Monday-Thursday and 3-4:30 p.m. Wednesday. (This organization is one of our St. Clare Food Basket partners.)  www.clearlakefoodpantry.org 
Work at a Food Fair: St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Nassau Bay (18223 Point Lookout) distributes two truckloads of food to neighbors in need, at scheduled Saturday Food Fairs. Volunteers are needed for Nov. 14 and 21. Other dates to be posted as available. (This organization is one of our St. Clare Food Basket partners.) www.stpaulcatholic.org/svdp 
Fund a Thanksgiving Meal: Monetary donations for Star of Hope’s annual Thanksgiving meal are being matched 2 to 1 this year. The local 100+ year-old shelter helps to house and train the homeless. www.sohmission.org
Pray as a Family: Pray the Rosary. Read the Bible. Recite the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. Say a novena.


A modified Spirit of Christmas drive will benefit local non-profit Catholic shelter Casa Juan Diego. Once again, we will offer participants a list of needed items. But instead of handing out lists, CIA is asking participants to view CJD’s Christmas list here or on the church Bulletin Board. Beginning Nov. 21, purchase items from online merchants and ship donations directly to Casa Juan Diego, 4818 Rose, Houston, TX 77007. Since we are unable to accept donations for delivery to the shelter, this safe practice is a compromise to allow St. Clare parishioners to continue to share the Spirit of Christmas with those who may have nothing this season. CJD, which assists battered and pregnant women and their children and families struggling without proper nourishment and shelter, is a long-term recipient of St. Clare parishioner generosity. Questions? Call Karen/Gordon at 281-486-4403.


Ongoing Support:
Because parishioner contributions to CIA’s monthly envelope pay for nearly all of CIA’s financial outreach assistance to the needy, we humbly request your continued support. To donate, please use your monthly envelope entitled CIA Aid to the Poor and Needy. It is collected the fourth weekend of each month. If you don’t have an envelope, just note “for CIA” at lower left on your check. You can mail or deliver your donation with your regular St. Clare contribution. Thank you for making a difference to those in need.

Link your Kroger Plus Card to KM540 and St. Clare’s Christians In Action will earn money to help clients who need emergency outreach assistance. You need to link your card only once, either at a store customer desk or by visiting www.Kroger.com.


Prayer During Coronavirus Pandemic:
O clement, O loving, O sweet Mother Mary, we, your children of every nation, turn to you in this pandemic. Our troubles are numerous; our fears are great. Grant that we might deposit them at your feet, take refuge in your Immaculate Heart, and obtain peace, healing, rescue, and timely help in all our needs. You are our Mother. Pray for us to your Son. Amen.


If you have questions, please call Brigid at 281-488-5957.