Parish Life & Hospitality
The ministry of hospitality is central to our parish mission. Our goal is to build a welcoming and vibrant parish community for all ages and walks of life. Through parish events, community meals, ministry involvement and other activities, we work to immerse new and current members into the life of our parish and strive to build a true “parish family.”At St. Mary, we believe that a healthy parish life is everyone’s responsibility and believe that members feel a vested interest in the life of the parish when they are involved. Our Director of Parish Life and Parish Life ministers work to seek out, register, and connect new members with the rest of our parish family. Our Parish Life Ministries also reach out to new families, the elderly, and offer activities, programming, and support to parishioners throughout their lives.
“Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us exercise them: If prophecy, in proportion to the faith; if ministry, in ministering; if one is a teacher, in teaching; if one exhorts, in exhortation; if one contributes, in generosity; if one is over others, with diligence; if one does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.” (Romans 12:6-8)
Hospitality Ministry
Hospitality is a hallmark of St. Mary! We love to celebrate and invite you to help us. During the year we have many different events, dinners and activities planned. Teams of parishioners volunteer and will be involved in all of the action, from set up to clean up or you can donate your favorite covered dish or finger food for whatever the occasion you choose.
This is a wonderful way to minister to your church family if you have limited time and need to schedule your volunteer time. To get involved in the Hospitality Ministry, please contact Lee Griggs, our Director of Parish Life at 425-1577 ext. 207.
The Coffee & Donuts Ministry
One of St. Mary’s most enjoyed Hospitality ministries is Coffee & Donuts after Sunday morning Mass. This gathering is attended by many parishioners and visitors and is a great way to meet members of the St. Mary family in a relaxed, fun atmosphere. As a coffee and donut volunteer, once every 4-6 weeks, you would order and pick up donuts, arrive 30-45 minutes early before Mass in Rager Hall to set-up, make coffee, orange juice and tray donuts. Before the final song you would slip out to be ready to meet and greet the coffee and donut crowd. Clean-up is simple as you do it with a smile on your face knowing you have played a vital role in the welcoming atmosphere here at St. Mary. If you are interested, please contact Joe McConnell at 426-6585.
The Circle of Care Ministers
Some members of St. Mary are not able to be present at Mass or participate in parish functions because of illness or disability. Also, we have St. Mary members in the hospital that are sick or facing surgery. We want these parishioners to know they are still a very important part of our parish assembly and valued members of our community. Circle of Care Ministers visit these parishioners and take them communion. They share with these parishioners the hope, prayer, love and peace that is so much a part of the spirit of St. Mary.
These St. Mary volunteers who bring not only the presence of Christ, but also the face of St. Mary Church to our home-bound parishioners, those in nursing homes and those hospitalized help keep faith alive and parishioners connected at a time when they may be facing loneliness and doubt. If you need more information or are interested in volunteering for this ministry please contact Lisa Covington, Director of Pastoral Formation, 425-1577 ext. 206.
The Meal Brigade
If you enjoy cooking and sharing the spirit of hospitality with others, this is a great ministry for you. Our meal brigade ministers take meals to families with new babies. You will have the opportunity to welcome our newest members of St. Mary as well as provide the parents with a much-needed hot meal. If you would like to volunteer for this ministry please contact Lee Griggs, our Director of Parish Life at 425-1577.
The Prayer Chain
St. Mary Church has always been dedicated to prayer and reaching out to those who are in need of prayer. As a church community we are supportive of one another and know within our hearts that prayer is a powerful expression of love.
Do you believe in the power of prayer? The members of our Prayer Chain Ministry do, and so do the many people who request their prayers. As an important “link” in our Prayer Chain we ask that you make a year-long commitment to pray in your own way for those who request it.
If you are committed to prayer, become a link! What a great way to express our love of and trust in God. Please contact Lee Griggs at 425-1577 ext 207.
The Resurrection Meals
Members of the Resurrection Luncheon ministry prepare and serve a delicious meal in Rager Hall for family and friends of deceased St. Mary members. In addition to the food and comfort provided by these gatherings, it allows the family and friends of the deceased to relax, visit, and share memories.
Parish members can participate in this ministry by providing your favorite salad, vegetable, or dessert when called, and/or join with others as we prepare the meats, drinks, set the tables, wash dishes, etc.
This is a wonderful ministry for those who like to cook and/or have a limited amount of time to give, to share their hospitality and compassion. Please contact Lee Griggs, our Director of Parish Life, for more information at 425-1577.
Garden Day Workers
The Garden Day Workers Ministry is a great way to use your love of the outdoors, green thumbs or working with your hands to beautify our parish grounds. In the Spring we gather on a Saturday to plant for the blooming season. In late fall we have a day that we clean up, rake, prune and get our grounds ready for the winter months.
If you love gardening think about using your talents here at St. Mary by adopting a spot to plant and care for throughout the year. For more information on this ministry please call Lee Griggs at 425-1577 ext 207.
The Collection Counters
Do you have a head for facts and figures? Do numbers and counting money intrigue you? Are you free on Monday mornings? We have the ministry for you! Our collection counters tally the collections from the weekend Masses every Monday morning. It is a position of great responsibility and confidentiality and a very important ministry to St. Mary Church.
There are five teams of volunteers who devote one Monday per month to this ministry. Two other parishioners prepare the bank deposits. It can be a challenging mission, especially on Rice Bowl Sundays during Lent when lots of pennies are brought by our children. It is also very humbling to see how through tithing we are able to reach out to so many. For more information or to volunteer, contact Sally Duncan, Administrative Assistant, at 425-1577.
When I stand before God at the end of my life I would hope that I would have not a single bit of talent left and could say… “I used everything you gave me!”
