| ST. MARY`S PARISH MINISTRY GUIDE
These ministries and services are available to parishioners of St. Mary’s Parish.
PASTORAL COUNCIL · The Pastoral Council President Diane McGlauflin 792-6719 Pastoral Council Members assist and advise the Pastor in enhancing the growth and development of the faith life of the church and parishioners. Council members represent the parish at cluster meetings and serve on parish committees. They make plans for parish facilities that are needed by the church for worship and education. The Pastoral Council places notices of vacancies in the bulletin as needed and accepts letters of interest from those seeking to join. Members serve a 4 year term. Meetings are open for all.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION · Faith Formation ( Grades 1- 6 ) Jo Kaczmarek 792-0989 - ext. 15 This group of dedicated lay people teach the faith to our young children through their primary age. The program prepares the young people for the Sacraments of First Eucharist and Penance and gives instructions about the Christian Life. Teachers and assistants are always needed.
Youth Ministry & Faith Formation ( Grades 7 - 10 ) Maria Polidore 792-0989 - ext. 21 This ministry provides education of the faith for the youth of the parish through Formation Classes and other activities. Includes preparation for Confirmation. Catechists and assistants are needed . A “Youth Ministry Team” composed of teens and adults will plan future programs. People interested in working with youth are needed.
R.C.I.A. ( Right of Christian Initiation of Adults) Betty Ann Lortie 793-2458 & Deacon F. David Powers This ministry welcomes parishioners interested in serving as catechists and sponsors on behalf of adult persons wishing full communion with the church. ·
Baptismal Preparation Deacon F. David Powers 792-0989 - ext. 35 This program is currently run by the Deacon who holds a preparation class for those seeking to have their child baptized at St. Mary’s. An assistant to help in preparation is desired.
Formation For Ministry Betsy Rowe - Manning (Pastoral Center - Albany) 453-6670 This is a 2 year Diocesan program for all who are currently serving or desire to serve in the church. It provides a group centered approach to ministry formation, educating and strengthening those in lay ministry. Next Years Program is offered in Albany.
PRAYER AND WORSHIP · Lectors - Ministry of the Word Deacon F. David Powers 792-0989 - ext. 35 Proclaim the word of God during Mass by reading the first & second readings, the Psalm and prayer of the faithful.
Eucharistic Ministry Deacon F. David Powers 792-0989 - ext. 35 Serve God by administering the Eucharist during Mass and visiting the homebound. Ushers Association John Morphis 792-8934 and Dick Hurley 792-1906 Provides and creates an atmosphere for meaningful prayer and worship through welcoming and assistance in seating. Ushers also attend to the offertory and the presentation of gifts, as well as providing help when needed. Greeting & Welcoming Committee Faith Bouchard 792-8023 & Donna Sharp 793-5054 Create a Spirit of “Welcoming” by greeting parishioners and guests at the church entrances before and after Mass. Greeters will serve along with Ushers to meet people’s needs and assist newcomers and guests.
Altar Servers Susan DelSignore 792-0989 - ext.13 Girls and boys assisting the priest during Mass and at special prayer services. Must have made their first Communion.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word David Morrissey - 798-3169 Teachers “Bring the Scripture Alive” to young children,at the 9 AM Mass on Sunday. Children are gathered in the Sacristy and receive instruction suitable for their age. Parents and interested Teen’s are needed.
Sacristan Susan DelSignore 792-0989 - ext. 13 Sets up and organizes the Altar and Church for the Liturgy and other services: such as Baptisms. Oversees the essentials for a respectful and organized service. Also stays after Mass to put things back in place.
Adult Choir Susan DelSignore 792-0989 - ext. 13 Sings at major celebrations of the year; Christmas, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, confirmation and most Sundays at Mass. All are welcome – no auditions.
Children’s Choir Susan DelSignore 792-0989 ext. 13 Sings at special celebrations and seasons of the year. All school age are welcome. ·
Contemporary Music Group Susan DelSignore 792-0989 - ext. 13 Music for worship with a contemporary flare; using guitars, flute, violin, piano, drums and singing. Must have some musical ability, i.e. be able to read music or play an instrument.
MEMBERS NEEDED PARISH ASSOCIATED PRAYER GROUPS Community of God’s Love Prayer Group / Bible Study Deacon F. David Powers 792-0989 - ext. 35 Group meets to specifically pray for spiritual leaders, the church, our community and each other 1st and 3rd Tuesday. Plans annual Spiritual Renewal Liturgy. Bible Study alternates on 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the Month.
Contempletive Prayer Group Joe and Rita Byrne 745-7976 NEW Centering Prayer that leads to a deeper relationship with Jesus. Legion of Mary Mary Bethel 792-2526 Dedicated to the growth of an authentic ecclesial communion in their parishes in order to reawaken missionary zeal towards non-believers and believers who have abandoned the faith. Rosary Cenecle Gerry Connelly 793-7581 Weekly recitation of the Rosary, meets in Church Wednesdays at 7PM ·
3RD Order Carmelites Joyce Smith 792- 1827 The 3rd Order Carmelites are a Lay Community following the Carmelite Order. They dedicate their lives to prayer and service, and express it in their everyday lives. They pray a Daily Office and Rosary. Members meet on the First Tuesday each month at 9:30 AM in the Meeting room of the church. Eucharistic Adoration John O’Brien 793-7581 Weekly Adoration of the Eucharist and 24 hour exposition of the Blessed Sacrament for private worship and prayer. Traditional form of Eucharistic worship and prayer.
CHRISTIAN SERVICE · Community Spiritual Life Committee Tom Agresta 793-3971 Help bring parish renewal by enhancing involvement of parish members in parish activities and gatherings. Build fellowship by hosting special gatherings and inviting parish groups for Church Celebrations such as special Lenten, Advent, Pentecost, etc. services. Assist parish ministries and support new ministries.
Hospitality Committee Lynn White 792-5498 Provides coffee/refreshments after church services as needed promoting fellowship and fostering community among parish members. Bereavement Group Jane Sennett 798-8517 Reach out to families at a very difficult time, the death of a loved one. Assist in setting up liturgy for Funeral Mass and follow up with the family after the funeral. Plan November bereavement service. ·
Homebound Committee Mary Butler 793-0649 Provide assistance to homebound. Provide transportation for doctors visits. Assist homebound with help shopping and assist with other errands as needed. Volunteers take lead from pastor. Christian Women’s Crafters Guild Alicia Steele 792-0757 and Sue Kelleher 793-7524 NEW A women’s fellowship group that creates craft items. These are used as fund raisers or gifts for local charities. Altar Linens Robin Mattes 792-0989 ext. 10 Volunteers take turns laundering church linens. Parish Secretary coordinates schedule. New Members Welcome.
Food Pantry Danielle Woodward 792-0989 ext. 25 Collect and distribute food and essentials for individuals and families in need. Reach out to people in their greatest place of need. Food and Miscellaneous goods are always in need. Basket is at church entry.
Light Weigh JoAnn Nolan 793-0508 or Judy O’Brien 793-7581 NEW Light Weigh is a Catholic approach to lose and maintain your weight for a healthy body and spiritual life. Meets Weekly in Church Community Room. Programs begin on a regular basis. · Catholic Daughters of America ( Court McDermtt #188) Alice Sullivan 792-5604 Assist in the spread of faith and enhance the spiritual life of its members and their families. Christmas Party, fund raisers, and member support.
Knights of Columbus ( Glens Falls Council #194 ) Joseph Sullivan 792-5604 Fraternal order of Roman Catholic men in US. Support a variety of church and community needs through fund raisers and weekly Bingo. Local Chapter Hall available for gatherings. Provides member support and fellowship. St. Joseph’s House of Grace John O’Brien 793-5173 A place of rest for those in the last days of life who need support. Guests receive day to day care and support from volunteers and staff. The Home is supported by voluntary contributions from the community. Volunteers to sit with guests and assistance with fund raising are always needed. · Amanda’s House Amy Sponzo (Mngr . Amanda House ) 792-7212 Or Tony Cafaro 761-4103 Provides a place to stay for those who have a relative hospitalized and are burdened by travel to hospital need a place to stay near their loved ones at the hospital. Volunteers help run the day to day needs of the home.
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