MINISTRIES AND PROGRAMS

(call the office for a contact person)

Pastoral Council - Administrative Ministry

Finance Committee - As with any organization, financial prudence is required for the parish to thrive. The Finance Commission coordinates the parish budget preparation and oversees the accounting procedures of the parish. The Commission oversees the weekly parish collection, and organizes the United Catholic Appeal each year.

Building & Grounds- The Building and Grounds Commission maintains the parish facilities and plans and executes capital improvements of the Church, school, rectory, office building, cemetery, and parking lots/driveways.

Cemetery Committee

Stewardship Committee

Family Life and Social Concerns

Bereavement - The Bereavement Group (St. Mary's Caring Friends) supports one another in prayer and fellowship. They remember, with cards, members of the parish who have lost someone in death. They are also available for home help at the time of the funeral.

Community Hot Meals Program -

Funeral Meals - Funeral Meals are prepared and served to family and friends of deceased after funerals.

Pre-Baptism Program - Expectant couples and parents of newly born children are asked to participate in the Baptism Preparation Program. The purpose of the program is to help parents make the coming baptism of their child more than just a tradition or custom. Trained persons meet with new parents to reflect on the sacrament of baptism and the responsibilities of the parents and godparents will have by having their baby baptized into the Catholic Community. Pre-Baptism classes are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the parish office basement.

Pre-Marriage Instructions - This program is designed to help prepare engaged couples for the sacrament of marriage. The program helps the couple learn more about themselves, their partner and their relationship. It can identify some of the strengths of the relationship, as well as problematic areas.Engaged couples meet with the Father for their first session. Subsequent sessions are with a Sponsoring Couple who are are experienced in working with the Prepare Program. The final session is again with Father to make final wedding arrangements. The Prepare Program has been designed by the Office for Research and Program Development at the University of Oklahoma, and is approved by the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. The results are not intended to predict chance for marital success. It is hopeful the program will provide a foundation for growth in a Christian marriage. Wedding arrangements should be made in person with the parish priest, at least 6 months before the wedding prior to making other arrangements.

Pro-Life - The Pro-Life Committee is concerned with promoting awareness of all life issues, including euthanasia, abortion, AIDS, the elderly and handicapped, etc. Our goal is to educate the parish about these issues, and to emphasize the importance of all God's children (LIFE) at every stage. The Pro-Life Committee is a liaison between the Archdiocesan Pro-Life office and the parish, funneling information from the Archdiocese to the local level. The Committee is involved in planning masses for Respect Life Sunday and Sanctity of Life Sunday, as well as observances for the January 22 anniversary of the Roe vs. Wade decision to legalize abortion, and Mother's Day and Father's Day.

Puppets

R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) - R.C.I.A. is a program offered yearly beginning in the fall and ending in the spring after Easter. It is to welcome, instruct, and bring new members into our Church. Some adults who are already Catholic, but have missed a sacrament, such as Confirmation, also join the program. A team leads the weekly sessions.

Sick & Shut-Ins - Holy Communion is taken to the elderly and sick every other week. Inform the office if you wish to receive Holy Communion at home.

Social Committee - The Social Committee is responsible for the organization, preparation, serving and cleanup of various parish social events as requested. During the years, the activities may include providing refreshments and/or dinners for: R.C.I.A., Confirmation, receptions, Seder Meal, Parish Picnic, Ice Cream Social, Graduation Brunch, Chili Supper, Thanksgiving Service, Penance Service, cemetery cleanup, Deanery meetings, seminars and classes. Parish volunteers are called frequently for donations of bakes items, as well as service hours. The budget provided by the Council also includes provisions for an Annual Appreciation Dinner for all parish volunteers served by the Pastoral Staff.

St. Mary's Alumni & Friends Association (SMAFA) - SMAFA has as it's sole purpose, to ensure the continuation of Catholic education through the spiritual and financial support of St. Mary's School. Membership is open to all Alumni and interested friends, regardless of their location. Members pay dues, which provides monies to be used to operate the Association, and to finance various projects within the school. The organization also assists the school in updating the addresses of Alumni, raising funds for various needs within the school, and providing members to help with open houses and teacher appreciation events.

Youth Council -

Parish Groups

Daughters of Isabella- Daughters of Isabella, St. Mary's #75, was founded on October 17, 1917 by Lillian O'Day. There have been 27 Regents and presently nearly 200 members. The state project is St. Elizabeth's Home in Indianapolis. They also support St. Ann's Mission in South Dakota. They support the local Scout Troops, provide scholarships, and at Christmas and Easter a donation towards the purchase of flowers is made to St, Mary's, St. Maurice, St. John's Enochsburg and St. Mary's Millhousen. They provide a Christmas tree and ornaments for the children's ward at the hospital, and also make stuffed toys. They also support the K of C projects, and many other local projects with monetary donations.

St. Lawrence Auxiliary - This is a women's organization affiliated with the Knights of St. John. They are united to foster and create fraternity and sociability among their members. They are also actively engaged in home and foreign mission work of all types, and support many worthy projects for the benefit of church and community.

Knights of St. John - This is a men's organization involved in spiritual and charitable activities in the parish community.

Knights of Columbus - The Knights of Columbus (K of C) is a men's group actively involved in many spiritual, social, charitable and community programs.

Columbian Squires - This is an organization of Catholic boys between the ages of 12 and 18, which is sponsored and supervised by the K of C. Their immediate objective is the development of each member's potential for leadership.

Religious Education Ministry

St. Mary's Religious Education Program is held on Wednesday evenings during the school year for 4-year olds through 12th grade. Religious education classes are taught by volunteer catechists and aides. These volunteers are encouraged to be certified through classes promoted by our Archdiocese. Preschool though 8th grade classes are held at the parish school and office building. High school small group classes are held in volunteer's homes. Included in the curriculum at appropriate age levels is sacrament preparation for Eucharist, Reconciliation, and Confirmation. Parent/child meetings and celebrations are also a special part of the programs. Vacation Bible School is held for all St. Mary's children 4 through 6th grade during one week of the summer.

Adult Catechetical Team (ACT) - The adult catechetical team is to provide learning opportunities for members of the parish to grow in their faith with God and each other. ACT works with the Director of Religious Education to plan, execute and evaluate adult learning opportunities that respond to the needs of the parish community.

Faith Formation Commission - The Faith Formation Commission consists of six representatives (3 elected, 3 appointed), the pastor and the director of religious education at St. Mary's Parish. The functions of the commission are: 1) To determine goals and objectives for Catholic Education within its responsibilities. 2) To formulate policies that will guide the administrators in working towards the goals and objectives.  3) To formulate policies and decision made by the administrators in implementing policies. 4) To evaluate the effectiveness of the policy decisions in achieving the goals and objectives. The Commission is also responsible for submitting the parish education budget, and for reporting on the status of Catholic Education in the parish.

Spiritual Life Ministry

Liturgy & Spirituality - The role of the Liturgy & Spirituality Committee is to assess the needs that pertain to the development of the spiritual life of the community.

Spirituality is the spiritual input that nurtures the spiritual life of the Christian, and includes various forms of prayer and liturgy.

As the Committee carries out the Bishop’s guidelines on liturgy, and follows guidelines set down by the Archdiocese and the parish, they hope to provide liturgy that is prayerful and meaningful.

The Committee is composed of the pastor, and all liturgical ministry chairpersons.
Chairpersons are: Liturgy Director: Joan Koors 663-8427  Lectors: Peg Polanski  663-7361.

These are men and women who witness to the faith by proclaiming God’s word at liturgical assemblies. Special training is necessary to perform this ministry well.

Eucharistic Ministers:  Lorraine Bickle  662-6054

They are chosen men, women and youth (junior and senior), who are entrusted with administering the Eucharist, and taking communion to the sick. A special Orientation Program is conducted for all new Eucharistic Ministers.

Servers:  Vince Schwering  663-9272

The Servers’ Program is open to any St. Mary’s boy or girl from 6^th grad through 12^th grade. Permission of parents or guardian is requested, and faithful commitment to their responsibility is expected.

Ushers:  David Koors  663-6403

They are the official hosts of the parish community. Their crucial function is welcoming and hosting at all weekend masses, and other liturgical events. This ministry is open to men, women, and youth (junior and seniors).

Music Ministry:  Jerry Schwendenmann  663-3488

Schedule:

Greeters:  Tom Horan                    663-5862

These men and women have the important task of greeting all persons as they enter the church at all weekend masses. This ministry is open to men, women, and youth (junior and seniors).

Art/Environment:   Linda Ricke  663-6370

Through the constant vigilance of these people, the church and other areas (sacristies and sanctuary) are carefully cleaned and kept in order.

Pastoral Council Rep:   Peg Polanski  663-7361

This person attends Pastoral Council meetings and informs this group of any important events or changes discussed or proposed by the Liturgy & Spirituality Committee.

(Please contact any of these persons if you have questions or concerns. They will be happy to help in any way they can.)

Liturgy Planning

The Liturgy Planning Committee meets on a regular basis. The Liturgy chairperson and men, women, and youth of the parish have the function of planning the parish Sunday and Holy Day liturgies, and other liturgical celebrations throughout the year.

Music Ministry 

Adult Choir 

It is composed of men, women, and high school youth of the parish. The choir sings once or twice a month at weekend liturgies, and other special events (excluding summer months). 
Choir Director: Jean Scheidler  663-6014

Cantors & Organists

Cantors (leaders of song) are men and women who help the congregation sing, and add to the beauty and prayerfulness of the liturgy.

Organists work with the cantors in leading the congregation in song. By practice and dedication, their music makes liturgy prayerful and meaningful. Contact person: Joan Koors 663-8427  (663-6403).

Folk Group

It is composed of musicians and singers who lead the parish in sacred song. This group ministers once or twice a month at parish weekend masses and other special events. Contact person: Nancy Porter  663-9542.

Youth Choir

Junior High and High School Youth are invited to be a part of this group. The Choir sings for special events in the parish. Contact persons: Kristy Lowe  662-0401 and Tim McFarland  663-6136.

Handbell Choir

Is St. Mary’s newest musical group. All men and women, young and old, are invited to become a part of the Bell Ringers. The “Bells of St. Mary’s” ring at special liturgies and seasons of the church year. Contact person: Joan Koors  663-8427 (663-6403)

Youth Ministry- The Coordinator of Youth Ministries facilitates the response of the entire parish community to the needs of young people, and enables the sharing of the unique gifts of youth with the parish and the larger community. Total Youth Ministry focuses on seven components: word, worship, community, guidance, service, enablement, and advocacy.  Through various programs and activities, youth ministries strives to touch the lives of seventh through twelfth graders.

Communication Ministry

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