The heart of discipleship is in serving.  Jesus calls us to be strengthened through Mass and the Sacraments so we can be His hands and feet in the world.


Photographers
If taking photos is something that you are gifted with, then St Mary’s needs you.  We are looking for people who are willing to take pictures at special events held at our Parish, and share them on our web site and Facebook page.  Please call the office if you are able to help with this ministry.

Baptism Hosts
This ministry provides a unique opportunity to share intimately in the joy of family at the time of their child’s baptism.  These men and women assist the Priest or Deacon in preparing the church for the baptism just prior to the family’s arrival and also greet the family when they arrive.  They assist in answering questions the family may have and escort them to their designated seats.  They assist as needed during the ceremony.

Garden Ministry
People who love to work in a garden and desire the parish gardens to be places of beauty which give honor and glory to God and provide inspiration and a source of pleasure to God’s people may feel called to join in this ministry. We need people to mow, people to trim and prune, people to weed and spread mulch, and people to cultivate and fertilize the plants.  All the gardening tasks are done by parishioners who volunteer their time from early in the spring through the fall.  You set your own schedule to do the work.  Gardening equipment and supplies are available.  We need your helping hands.

Ministry of Care
Ministry of Care is an outreach service of Saint Mary Parish to those who are unable to participate in the celebration of the Eucharist due to sickness or age. Minsters of Care are parishioners who are commissioned by the Parish to offer compassion, prayer and Holy Communion to those who are sick or homebound. This ministry allows those who are sick and homebound to experience the nearness of God and the Christian community through the presence of the Minister of Care and through the reception of the Eucharist at life’s most difficult moments. They bring the Eucharist to Catholic patients in healthcare facilities and hospitals as well.

Ministry of Encouragement
The Ministry of Encouragement is a special ministry for those who would like to write notes of appreciation or congratulations to members of the Parish to mark special events such as initial reception of sacraments.  This ministry is ideal for homebound parishioners and anyone else who enjoys writing.  The Parish will supply names, occasions, and materials.

Money Counters
Parish members gather for about two hours each Monday morning to tally the weekend donations.  Substitute volunteers are needed.  With enough volunteers, a rotating schedule can be developed.

New Member Welcoming Comittee
The Welcome Ministry’s goal is to provide a warm welcome to families and adults who are new to our parish and encourage current members to become active and involved in our parish in countless ways. The Welcome Ministry also strives to ensure that all who visit our church feel welcome. The Welcome Ministry would be very pleased to welcome you! We are always looking for new members to help us with our efforts!

Sacramental Preparation for Baptism
The sacramental life of the individual and for the community begins with Baptism. All other sacraments flow from this great beginning. The primary function of the Baptism Ministry is to help parents prepare for the Baptism of their child. This is accomplished by parents attending a Baptism gathering (class) which is held on the first Saturday of every month at 9:00 A.M. in the Parish Center. At this time parents are welcomed into our community. We provide instruction on the celebration of the sacrament of Baptism.   We also review guidelines on the selection of godparents.  The class also includes discussion about what we believe happens spiritually at baptism and also goes through the Rite of Baptism.  Training will be provided to prepare you to teach or assist in the class.

Ministry of Prayer
As Catholic Christians we have many opportunities for prayer, most of which happen in a formal way at Mass and other liturgies. The Ministry of Prayer asks us to extend our prayers for the parish community in a private way and in our own time. Prayer intentions, along with some liturgical thoughts for the month are provided to each minister through the mail. This ministry is open to anyone: adults, teens and/or families who would like to enrich their prayer lives. If you are interested in joining the ministry or if you would simply like to ask for prayer please call the Parish office.

Parish Bulletin Stuffers
At times we have a need for help folding and stuffing bulletins.  If you are available on an as needed basis please call the office.  We invite you to join this fun and needed activity.

Wedding Coordination Comittee
The St. Mary Wedding Committee provides a complimentary service to each couple being married at St Mary. Two coordinators are assigned for each wedding, attending both the rehearsal and wedding ceremony to ensure it runs smoothly. The ministry is designed to take as much worry out of the day as possible for the couple.  The coordinators will meet a month before wedding to help with music and readings. They will be at the rehearsal to organize the service and then assist the day of the wedding by gathering the bridal party in place and instructing them when to walk down the aisle, helping with the Eucharist, and so on.

Since people have different versions of their own "dream" wedding, no two weddings are ever the same. Whether they are large, small, formal, casual, with ring bearers, with flower girls, traditional or non-traditional weddings, it is always a joy to be among a church full of people celebrating the beginning of a new relationship through marriage.

Spiritual Motherhood
Is God calling you to pray for priests and vocations? 

As women, God has given us the gift of a motherly heart, whether we have physical children or not.  With Mary, our Mother, we have the unique gift to compassionately see the needs of our Priests, Seminarians and the Church. Spiritual Motherhood is a calling to pray and spiritually support our priests and rise up laborers of the harvest through Eucharistic Adoration, prayer and growth in personal holiness. For more information click here.

Cook for Hope Haven
Hope Haven’s shelter, which operates the Emergency Shelter and the Transitional Housing Program for families, is located at  1145 Rushmore Drive in DeKalb. The Permanent Housing Project for Chronically Homeless Individuals with Disabilities, or Dresser Court, is located at  965 West Dresser Road in DeKalb.
We as a parish are dedicated to helping Hope Haven meet the needs of this community population by providing dinner meal every Sunday.   Individuals, families, or groups can sign up for a Sunday to cook dinner for Hope Haven.  You will cook at home and deliver to the facility.  If interested please contact the parish office.

Cook Meals for Priests
The meals for the priest ministry, provides meals to our parish priests on Thursday of each week. Meals are to be dropped off at the parish office on the date you have chosen by 4:30 p.m.

Cookie/Cake Angels
Do you love to bake? Have a favorite cookie or cake that everyone raves about? You might be a   cookie/cake angel and not even know it! Cookie/Cake Angels are a group of parishioners who bake  desserts for our special events. If a request goes out and you are unable to assist, just let us know and we can ask you the next time.  If this ministry sounds right for you, contact the parish office. 

Soup/Bread Makers
To assist in giving our parish a 'homey' feel, we serve homemade soup and bread at some of our events. Our “Soup & Bread Makers” provide bread and/or soup for events such as Soup and Speaker nights, Dinner and a Movie Night, and other get togethers. Get creative  the more variety we have the better!  If this is your specialty give the office a call.

Funeral Lunch Comittee
The Funeral Meal Ministry is designed to give comfort to those attending a funeral here at St. Mary.  Volunteers help those grieving by providing a meal for the attendees of the funeral mass.  Volunteers can help with shopping, ordering supplies, food preparation, clean-up, or telephone calling.  If you would like to contribute to this ministry, please contact the parish office.

Overnight Housing of Special Guest
There are times during the year that the Parish has a need for overnight hosts.  Special guest speakers, visitors assisting with camps, or special ministries visiting our community.  All that is needed is a kind and friendly reception, a warm bed, and possibly a meal.  If you are able to help with this calling please call the parish office and you will be placed on our list of Host Families. 

If you are interested in any of these ministries, please call or e-mail the Parish Office at          (815)-758-5432 or [email protected]