St. Mary parishioners aid community in “Great Day of Service”

PONCA CITY – On a recent sunny Sunday morning, parishioners from Saint Mary Catholic Church in Ponca City joined congregations from across the Ponca City community in the annual “Great Day of Service.”

The event returned this year after a two-year break due to COVID-19.

The event is held to help homeowners who don’t have the ability to take care of their own yards.

“There are so many people who need help who can’t do it themselves,” said Doris Love, a volunteer from Saint Mary.

Many Christian denominations take part in the day. Saint Mary parishioners have participated since 2017.

“This is a community-wide event. Most of the churches in Ponca City participate,” said Rick Steichen, chairman of Saint Mary activities, along with Billy Steichen, Mike Blando and John Hercyk.

Each congregation receives a section of the community to improve, which changes annually, although some groups work collectively.

Once areas are selected, volunteers fan out to identify properties that could benefit from the program. The volunteers submit a list of properties to the city of Ponca City, whose staff then approaches homeowners with flyers containing contact information for church volunteers. 

“We pick an area, the city puts out flyers and the homeowners contact the church to come out and clean,” Steichen said. 

During this year’s event on March 20, nearly 40 parishioners and family members gathered after the 8 a.m. Mass to learn which team they were joining and where they would work. 

Team leaders met with homeowners at four properties to discuss what they wanted to change. Work included cutting and removal of trees and shrubs, trash and leaf cleanup, mowing and anything else the homeowners asked.

The homeowners told volunteers they were very happy with the work performed.

“They are appreciative because they just can’t get out there and do it,” Steichen said. 

Those who volunteer said they do so for a variety of reasons, whether it’s to help their fellow citizens or simply to help do what they already love.

Mary Meyer was one parishioner who devoted her time to the cleanup of Ponca City properties.

“A lot of people need help and as long as I’m able, I’ll help,” she said. “The homeowner was very appreciative. He stepped out on his porch and said, ‘Thank you.’”

Everett Brazil is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.