Ministries
Community Outreach
Food Pantry
The Food Pantry ministry provideds a warm and welcoming contact to the hungry in our local and greater community area. Housed within, this ministry collects and distributes food items and other necessities to the needy in our community. Saint Mary's Food Pantry hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 - 8 PM.
For information on how to volunteer for this ministry please contact the office at 804-448-9064 Ext. 3
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity is an international nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry. The Caroline County Habitat for Humanity, part of the international organization, strives to assist families and individuals in our community.
A needs based assessment is made in selecting the Habitat home participants and each selectee is fully engaged with their new home and ultimately responsible for its financial payoff and physical upkeep.
Caroline County Habitat for Humanity currently has over four acres that are being prepared for up to six new homes. St. Mary’s hosts the Caroline County Habitat and looks for volunteers within both our community and the support of the greater community for each building project.
For more information, please contact Skip Smith at 4inva@aol.com.
Haiti Twinning Ministry
We support the education & classroom needs of St. Martin's School located in the mountain town of Hinche in Haiti. This ministry is part of the Diocese of Richmond Haiti Commission that began in 1984. Volunteers are needed to help this ministry develop our exchange with St. Martin’s and strengthen our relationship.
For more information, please contact Dorothy Summers (804) 633-1936, email ddsummers@verizon.net, or Deborah Dowling at ddlandorlake@yahoo.com.
Legislative Advocacy Ministry
The Legislative Advocacy ministry of Saint Mary’s seeks to address legislative issues based on Catholic social teachings. As faithful Catholic citizens, we are able to participate in the political process and support public policy that serves the common good through Legislative Advocacy.
The Virginia Catholic Conference (VCC) established by Bishop Loverde and Bishop DiLorenzo of the Diocese of Richmond helps Catholics take part in important policy decisions. The VCC e-mail advocacy network sends regular alerts on respect life, social justice and education issues considered by state and federal lawmakers; pre drafted messages that you can send to your elected representatives; updates on the progress and outcomes of advocacy items and advocacy events.
Please contact Jennifer Rosenberg @804-448-9079 or jadpr@verizon.net for more information on our Legislative Advocacy ministry, or visit www.vacatholic.org.
Ministry to the Homeless
Volunteers cook and provide meals to the homeless shelters, which are Micah Ministry at Shiloh Baptist and Thurman Brisben Center. Meals are generally provided once a month and on special occasions.
If you would like to volunteer please contact Penny Geary (540) 972-7939 or Duke Storen (540) 898-8244.
Prison Ministry
Volunteers (as lay ministers) visit, present, and discuss Catholic scripture to the men and women inmates at Peumansend Creek Regional Jail (PCRJ). This is in keeping with the biblical injunction by Jesus: I was “…in prison and you visited me” (Matthew 25:36).
PCRJ is a medium to low security jail about 5 miles north of Bowling Green just off Route 301. Normally, scripture sharing is done in English, but volunteers who can speak, read and understand Spanish are needed. Women volunteers are also needed to share the Word with the women inmates.
Once a month with our Sacramental Priest, we offer the inmates a Mass or a “Eucharistic Service” . Initially, a one and half-hour evening orientation session is required for volunteers of any type at the PCRJ facility.
For more detailed information please contact Robert Luiggi 804-448-1987 (cell #804-994-3777); or Gloria Bolecek 804-633-4340 (cell #804-513-9123); or contact the office.
Faith Formation
Adult Education
COMING SOON
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
This Ministry is an instructional program for our 3-4-5 year olds and provides an interactive and hands-on approach to the Catholic Faith. Classes are every Sunday at 12:15 and Monday evenings at 6:00 PM at the Church.
Please contact Sarah LaMontagne at (412) 848-0639 for more information.
Children's Liturgy
Our Children’s Liturgy program is designed for our children generally ages 3-5, to learn and experience the Liturgy of the Word through interactive and hands on methods that are developed specifically for them. The children are dismissed from the main worship area during the Liturgy of the Word to receive and experience the Word through listening to the Gospel , interacting with other children, coloring, doing crafts and singing. They return to Mass after the homily.
Currently 8 teachers and assistants each volunteer once a month. More assistants are needed. Lessons are planned out and taken from an approved book.
For more information or to volunteer contact Annette Ganrude at annetteg65@yahoo.com.
RCIA
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults - is the process of introducing the Catholic faith to those interested in being baptized or coming into full communion with the Church. RCIA classes are every Tuesday evening at 7:00 PM.
For information on how to participate please contact Deacon Dave Geary at (804) 448-9064.
Vacation Bible School
COMING SOON
Liturgical Ministries
Altar Servers
Open to the youth of our parish. Altar Servers assist at the Saturday and Sunday Masses, but are also needed for special services (e.g., funerals) and holy days. Training is provided. Acolytes are scheduled to serve several times each month.
Please contact Gregory Martin 804-448-4005 for more information.
Collection Recorder (Money-Counter)
The counting team is responsible for the accurate accounting of and recording of Offertory and Special collections after each Mass. Member’s assistance with this ministry helps the Pastor, Senior Pastoral Associate, and Finance Council in the fiscal management of the monies given to the parish.
For more information, contact Joan Cormier, e-mail whitedoveJEC@aol.com 804-448-8006.
Eucharistic Ministers
COMING SOON
Lectors
COMING SOON
Liturgy Committe
COMING SOON
Music & Choir
A little musical knowledge is helpful but the only real requirements are a love of singing praise to the Lord, practice, and a good sense of humor! We also welcome anyone with instrumental talents such as keyboard, flute, oboe, guitar, or violin! Members may also volunteer to help at special liturgies such as weddings, funerals, children's pageants, etc. Choir practice is currently held on Saturdays at 10:00 AM
For more information about the new liturgical music for 2011 or to become a member please contact Debbie Brooks at (804) 994-4174 or leave a message at the Church office (804) 446-9064.
Sacristans
Sacristans prepare the Church for Mass. Duties include assuring the Lectionary and Book of the Gospels are set, linens and vessels are in place, sacraments are ready, etc. Sacristans set up and clean up on Saturdays and Sunday mornings before and after Masses. Training is provided.
For more information, please contact Esther or Bob Luiggi at (804) 448-1987 or rrluiggi@aol.com
Parishioner Outreach
Building and Grounds Committee
COMING SOON
Hospitality & Welcoming
COMING SOON
Ushers
Often known as Ministers of Hospitality, ushers ensure that our parish is one where "All are welcome." As the first face to many attending our liturgies, the ushers greet parishioners and visitors alike, help them to find a pew, distribute worship aides, and provide assistance to those with special needs.
During the Liturgy, ushers are responsible for assisting attendees, coordinating seating, participating in the Liturgy, taking collections, distributing bulletins and being available to help in the event of emergencies. Ushers are needed at all Masses but especially for the Sunday 11:00 AM Mass.
Please contact Pastoral Council Chairperson: Robert Luiggi
Email: RRLuigi@aol.com
804-448-1987 for more information.
Parish Life
COMING SOON
Social Events
COMING SOON
Parish Wellness
COMING SOON
Sick and Homebound
This ministry assists those with health concerns by providing advocacy, prayer and comfort, shopping, transportation and visitations. Acting as liason with other ministries, the Sick and Hombound volunteers also minister to those in need by seeking support through the Food Pantry as needed but most importantly by sharing the Eucharist as often as possible.
For more information please contact Jessica Moore (804) 633-0182
Youth Ministry
COMING SOON
Prayer Ministry
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
COMING SOON
Rosary for Life
COMING SOON
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