CRANBERRY TWP — A group of volunteers at the St. Ferdinand Roman Catholic Church started a new ministry in February aimed at helping the unemployed. The ministry is called Helping Others Pursue Employment, or H.O.P.E.

The ministry was started in February by parishioner Linda Weller, who currently serves as its coordinator.

Members say the ministry focuses on encouraging and assisting others in developing practical skills, attaining confidence and supporting each other in the quest to use their God-given talents and abilities.

The group held its first meet and greet March 4 in Oldenski Hall, which led the way for a series of workshops.

Although workshops will continue into December, topics already covered include resume writing, looking for work, networking and interviews.

The group also offers individualized support including online job search skills, financial advising, practical and pastoral support, and evaluating your job skills.

The group has grown from 12 to 105 members since March.

Volunteers are made up of working professionals with various backgrounds that include human resources, psychology, pastoral assistance, recruiting and engineering.

Weller said what sets this group apart from other job assistance groups is the parochial resources and the faith-based environment along with helping those find the social services.

"We believe this process takes a lot of strength, and faith gives us the strength," agreed ministry volunteer Cindy Fleeson, who said many of the volunteers have experienced unemployment and looking for work.

Volunteer John Coyne said based on the current down economy, the H.O.P.E. ministry is important to the community as well as the parish.

"It's an opportunity to use my talents and experience to help other people, to give back to the community and serve people. It's part of our Christian call to serve others," Coyne said.

The group has recently partnered with St. Kilian Roman Catholic Church in Mars to also reach out to that church's parishioners.

Although based out of St. Ferdinand, the workshops are open to the public. Weller said the group has people attending from as far as Bethel Park, Allegheny County.

Job seekers range from those searching for entry level jobs to executives who have lost their jobs in corporate downsizing.

During workshops, time is allotted for prayer and brief reflection. Networking and refreshments follow each session.

A workshop schedule is posted in the lobby of St. Ferdinand and can be found on the church's Web site at www.stferd.org under the "Social Ministry" link.

Weller said the ministry helps provide one-on-one counseling and helps attendees know the ministry cares about them as people.

Some people might not know where to begin or haven't done a resume in years and now are faced with these issues, said ministry volunteer Dan Stenger.

"We help give them direction and help re-establish themselves," he said.

The ministry provides these resources along with job contacts through encouraging local businesses to provide them with employment opportunities.

Weller said the ministry also has put together an informational packet to assist other parishes in forming partnerships so more parishioners can benefit from the talents of the core volunteer group.

The H.O.P.E. ministry of St. Ferdinand Roman Catholic Church meets for informal networking sessions from 8 to 9:30 a.m. the second and fourth Tuesday of each month in Room 2 of the St. Ferdinand Education Center.The group also will host these workshops in December.For more information, call the church at 724-776-2888.• 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1 — Staying Joyful in a Jobless Situation, Upper Room of St. Ferdinand Church, 2535 Rochester Road, Cranberry Township.• 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15 — LinkedIn 1-2-3, Upper Room of St. Ferdinand Church, of St. Ferdinand Church, 2535 Rochester Road, Cranberry Township.