Bereavement Ministry
 
All of us have at one time or another suffered the terrible pain of the loss of a loved one. When we look back, we know that it was the comfort and support of our family, friends, neighbors, and all who surrounded us with their love that helped us to get us through. When we look deeper, we realize that it was the Lord Himself, working through them, who healed us and enabled us to go on. The Bereavement Ministry at the Catholic Church of St. Mary will function at several levels. Individuals can participate at any or all aspects of the ministry, subject to their own availability and comfort level. This various levels include: visiting the family bringing the condolences of the parish as well as bringing them the materials containing the readings and hymns they can choose for the funeral liturgy; serve as emcee at the funeral liturgy, assisting the readers to and from the ambo; serving as a Lector in the absence of family members; being an altar server; follow-up with phone calls to see how the person/family is doing and seeing if the parish can be of further assistance; advise the person/family of area support groups and resources to assist in the healing process.
 

Growing in Faith Together - GIFT
 
Developed in 1998, this committee strives to nourish and nurture the faith lives of our parishioners through many programs, projects, materials, and experiences that connect faith with real life.

Current plans are to organize programs that will attract small groups that can plan their own meetings and formats.  In particular, considerations are being given to book reflection groups and video programs that will lead to a deeper faith formation.

This ministry meets only 3 or 4 times a year and yet a great deal is accomplished.  Come and join them!
 

Intercessory Prayer Line
 
We Catholics believe that together we are the Body of Christ and that what happens to one becomes the concern of us all.  We have a spiritual energy within us, and prayer channels that energy so that whenever we think about another person and pray for his or her needs with love, it has a powerful, positive effect.

This ministry is devoted to supporting the needs of parishioners who request prayers for special intentions.  There are no meetings.  The only involvement requires a commitment to daily intercessory prayer.

The Prayer Line operates as follows: persons call in their intentions to Sr. Peggy who then passes it on to another and so on, until all members have been contacted.  The members of this ministry have a sacred trust and therefore confidentiality regarding names and intentions is taken very seriously.

Parish Missions
 
These are held each year during Lent for four (4) consecutive days.  An outside presenter is invited to lead the mission as a time of prayer and personal renewal for all.

Spiritual Growth
 
Opportunities for spiritual growth are provided through retreat days, evenings of prayer and meditation classes.

Youth - Family Life
 
Faith-based, teen social group.