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As a family of Jesus Christ, led by the Holy Spirit, we serve and support each other to build a strong, compassionate community.

  • Calling: We challenge each other to ignite our hearts for Jesus.
  • Serving: We share our gifts and give of our time.
  • Encouraging: We inspire each other to take the initiative to lead in meeting the needs of our parish family.

Ministry – Time & Talent

Time and Talent

 “Where heaven is concerned, it does not matter what we have, but what we give away.”

-Pope Francis

 

Ministry is about taking care of your Parish Family. At St. Mary Parish there are numerous opportunities to take care of your parish family. 

Weekend Liturgy (Worship)

Liturgical Music (Worship) 

Other Weekend Ministries 

Beacon Ministries (Youth Discipleship)

 

Social Events (Fellowship)

Creative Outlets (Fellowship)

Care for the Church (Ministry)

Community Outreach (Mission)


Weekend Liturgy (Worship)    [Back to Top]

Communion Ministers

Distributing the Body and Blood  of Christ to parishioners during Mass. 


Lectors

Proclaiming the scripture readings. Reading the intercessions, announcements.


Hospitality Ministers/Ushers

Greet at the main doors before Mass. Take up the collection. Assist parishioners at communion. Help direct people to restrooms, answer questions and assist with any other needs.

Servers

Assist the priest during Masses on the weekends, funerals, and holy days.

Church Screen Monitors

Running the PowerPoint presentation during Mass.


Sacristans

Setting out items needed for Mass, assisting with checking in liturgical ministers, and cleaning up items after Mass.


Liturgical Music (Worship)     [Back to Top]

Cantors

(Song Leaders ages 16-adult) Assists in leading the congregation in singing the Hymns and part of the Mass. The ability to read music notation is not necessary. Training will be provided. 

Musicians - any instruments

The music ministry is looking for musicians who play any variety of instruments who want to bring their gift for praise & worship.

Adult Choir

The music ministry is looking for parishioners who enjoy singing and want to bring their gift for praise & worship. Choir practice is held on Thursday evenings.

Contemporary Choir (ages 14 +)

Assists in leading the congregation in singing at the 9:45 a.m. Sunday Mass using a blend of contemporary and sacred liturgical music. 

Handbell Choir

The Bells of St. Mary Handbell Choir performs on Sundays, Christmas, and Easter.

Youth Choir (grades 2 - 12) ( grades 2-12)

Assists in leading the congregation in singing at the 9:45 a.m. Sunday Mass using a blend of contemporary and sacred liturgical music. Rehearsals are 6-6:25 Wednesday nights between Beacon programs. If there are enough participants, the choir may be divided into Children’s Choir (2-5) and Youth Choir (6-12).

 

Other Weekend Ministries     [Back to Top]

 Coffee & Donuts

Set up, serve and clean up coffee, donuts, snacks and beverages after the 7:45 or 9:45 am Sunday masses. May sign up as an individual or family.


4:30 Mass Social Committee

Help plan, set up, serve and clean up snacks and beverages after the 4:30 pm Saturday masses. 


Scrip Sellers

Collect the cash box, sit at the welcome desk in the Marion Way and help parishioners with the purchase of  their favorite scrip gift cards.  St. Mary earns a percentage of every gift card purchased. Commitment approximately once a month after your mass of choice for about 15 minutes. 


Children’s Liturgy of the Word

(9:45 Mass teachers and helpers) Lead the children out of Mass, teach a Liturgy of the Word service, and bring them back into Mass once the homily is concluded. Lessons are provided. 


Abacists/money counters (training provided)

Team up with other parish members to verify and deposit the stewardship donations given to the parish.  This involves counting the cash, opening and verifying the contents of the various envelopes, and preparing the bank deposit.  No special skills are needed, but computer or adding machine skills are beneficial.  Teams generally count once per month on a Monday or Sunday morning giving one to two hours depending on the stewardship collected.

Babysitting Ministry

Two adults are needed each Sunday to watch young children (ages 6 months - 3 years old) during the 9:45 Mass on Sundays. Adults must be VIRTUS trained.  Teens over age 12 can also help.

 

Beacon Ministries (Youth Discipleship)     [Back to Top]

 

Catechists or Catechist Sub for Elementary, Middle School and High School classes

(Wed. 4:45pm-6:00pm) Help our children to grow in their relationship with Jesus. Catechist responsibilities include reviewing lessons in advance as preparation and meeting about once a month for planning and team formation

Catechist Aide

(Wed. 4:45pm-6:00pm) Help our children to grow in their relationship with Jesus.  Adults must be VIRTUS trained.

General Support Team (special event help with food, baking, materials) (As needed)

Assist with food, materials and in-person assistance for special events such as a kick-off night. We will reach out to you when there are these special events.

Children’s Projects (cutting, piercing together projects)

Assist with materials for our young children’s projects. Cutting, organizing, piecing together. Materials are provided.

Beacon Middle School Core Team

(Wed. 6:30pm-7:45pm) Journey with a small group of 6th-8th grade students as they grow in their faith using the Edge model of gathering, building relationships, proclaiming a teaching/message, and then being sent on mission for the week ahead. Lesson plans and support provided. 

Beacon High School Core Team

(Wed. 6:30pm-7:45pm) Accompany our high school youth as they grow in their relationship with the Lord. Using the Life Teen model, we gather together with relationship-building, reflect on a lesson, discuss in small groups, and pray together. You can help support or lead in these activities. 

1st Communion Prep

Be part of our team helping 2nd graders prepare to receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion. You can commit to praying for them or be present at our learning and prayer times together in our preparation journey.

1st Reconciliation Prep

Be part of our team helping 2nd graders prepare to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. You can commit to praying for them or be present at our learning and prayer times together in our preparation journey.

Confirmation Prep

Be part of our team helping high school juniors prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. You can commit to praying for them or be present at our learning and prayer times together in our preparation journey.

Community Outreach (Mission)     [Back to Top] 

Neighbor 2 Neighbor (Meets monthly)

Finding ways for St. Mary Parish to be a good neighbor with those who live in our mission field. 


Pillars/COTS Food Ministry (subcommittee of Human Concerns):

Prepare and provide meals for Pillars and COTS. 

Care for Creation Committee

(Meets Biannually ) Educate and identify ways parishioners can care for creation in our parish and in their homes and workplaces. 


Matthew 25 (Meets monthly)

Provides financial assistance to organizations who bring about systemic change in our local community, nation, and world. 

E2F Pans

Volunteer to hand out pans and collect them the following weekend.

Pastoral Care (Ministry)     [Back to Top]

Intercessory Prayer

Ministers Praying for requests sent to the parish prayer chain.


The Prayer Shawl Group

Knit or crochet shawls to be used by people in need of prayerful comfort. 


Visit Nursing Homes & Homebound  

Visiting a parishioner who is not able to leave their home. This may include bringing the Body of Christ if requested. 


Communion to nursing homes and Assisted Living

Facilities  A team that brings the Body of Christ to Catholics in nursing homes or assisted living facilities.


Grief Support Group & Mentors

Walk with those suffering the loss of a loved one.


T.H.E.O. (To Help Each Other grief support)

Meets in the St. Mary Community Room.  From May - November: meets the first and third Monday of each month at 6:30 pm.  From December - April: Meets the first and third Saturday of each month at 9:00 am. 

Prayer (Worship) [Back to Top]

Weekly Adoration

Every Wednesday nights from 4:30 - 8:00 pm in the Church.

Rosary Group

Meets Tuesdays at 2 p.m in the Chapel.

Funeral Ministries (Worship)     [Back to Top]


Funeral Mass Servers

Assist the priest during funerals.


Funeral Luncheon Help

Be part of a team that sets up, serves, and cleans up our catered funeral luncheons. 


Resurrection Choir

Sing at funeral Masses.

Special Holiday Events (Fellowship)     [Back to Top]

Appleton Christmas Parade Open House

Help provide baked goods, set up, serve, or clean up for this parade watch party and “warming” reception held for the Appleton community and parade participants in our Community Room.


Decorate Church for Christmas & Easter  

Decorating the church for Christmas and Easter.


Lent Stations & Soup

Provide soup, help serve, set up and/or clean up for our Lenten Soup and Stations evenings.


Palm Braiding

Demonstration Show people how to braid their palms during the Palm Sunday Bake Sale after the Saturday evening and Sunday morning masses.


Holy Thursday Potluck  

Help set up and/or clean up for our parish Holy Thursday Potluck.  


Tailgate Party

Help set up, decorate, cook, or clean up for this Packer watch party held in our Community Room


Pancake Breakfast

Help set up, cook, serve, wash dishes and/or clean up for our parish Pancake Breakfasts.  


Advent & Palm Sunday

Bake Sales Help set up, bake, package, sell, or clean up for any of our annual bake sales. 

 

Social Events (Fellowship)     [Back to Top]

Bakers

Bake items for special events as needed.

Cooks

Cook items for special events as needed.


Event Help

Set up/clean up for bake sales, parish breakfast, and other parish events as needed. 


On Call Volunteers

Help with events, programs, activities, or projects on an as needed basis.


Young Couples and Family Ministry (Young/Adult Discipleship) 

This ministry is for young adult couples and families with up to elementary age children who are looking to grow in fellowship and community together.


Mom’s Group

This group is for parents of children ages 0-5 to socialize with other parents and their children.  It meets
weekly on Thursdays from 10 am - 12 pm in the Babysitting Room in the Parish Center.


Creative Outlets (Fellowship)     [Back to Top]

Art & Environment Committee

Planning and decorating the church for liturgical seasons.

Communications Team  (Ministry) (Meets Wednesday mornings)

Graphic design, social media, and/or website geniuses help the CTF in creating content to keep us connected.

Hooks & Needles - Crochet & Knitting

In addition to creating items for personal use, they have also held craft fairs and collected monetary donations for the Pillars/COTS Food Ministry.Quilting Group  In addition to creating items for personal use, they have also held craft fairs and collected monetary donations for the Pillars/COTS Food Ministry.

Quilt

Fellowship Decorating Committee

Planning and decorating the Community Room for liturgical seasons and special events.

Book Club

Meets monthly to discuss a book.  Composed of parishioners from both St. Mary and St. Joseph churches. 

Care for the Church     [Back to Top]


Launder Small Altar Linens (at home)

Rotate in a schedule to launder church linens such as altar cloths and towels.

Clean the Church

Rotate in a schedule to help with dusting and basic cleaning of the sacristy and the church. 

Facilities Helper (As needed)

Assist with a variety of projects such as helping with moving tables/chairs for room set ups, basic maintenance needs, organize storage areas, set up for holidays, etc.

Landscaping Assistance (As needed)

Spring and fall assistance with trimming shrubbery, laying wood chips and raking at the parish, school or cemetery properties.

 Sacramental Preparation     [Back to Top]

OCIA Catechist (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults)

Prepare adults to be received into the church. 

OCIA Sponsor (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults)

Sponsor adults to be received into the church. 

 Marriage Prep Couples (FOCCUS)

Couples meet privately with engaged couples several times prior to their marriage to help them celebrate their relationship strengths and communicate positively with each other about issues they may not have thoroughly addressed. As a couple prepares for marriage, the primary goal of facilitation is to help couples talk openly and respectfully to each other about topics that are important to lifelong healthy marriage satisfaction so they can apply that learning towards their future together.

Baptism Prep Couples

Facilitate a discussion with and lead formation for couples presenting their baby for Baptism, held monthly after the 9:45 AM Mass.

Confirmation, 1st communion & Reconciliation Prep 

 

Adult Discipleship

Men’s Group

The men’s group offers opportunities for men to connect, grow as disciples, and have fun and meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month from 6:30-8:00 pm. 

Small Group Facilitator

Facilitates a small group of adults that encourages a relationship with and becoming disciples of Jesus. Materials and training provided.

Small Group Participant 

Looking for a place to grow in faith and feel connected? Join a small group where real conversations, prayer, and community help you deepen your relationship with Jesus—together with others on the journey.  There are a variety of different small groups that meet at different times throughout the week to work with your schedule!

College Care Package Ministry

Assist in creating packages and/or cards for our college students two times a year that include items for staying connected to Jesus and the parish family, as well as items of comfort and special treats.

New Parishioners Committee

Focuses on the improving and streamlining the experience of new parishioners.


Boards, Planning Groups, Teams

Parish Council

(Meets Monthly during the school year) Works to continue building our vision and mission through our 5 focus pillars of Discipleship, Fellowship, Ministry, Mission, and Worship. Our council liaisons meet regularly with their pillar committees and share experiences and feedback monthly with the entire council.

Finance Council

(Meets Monthly) Leads the financial planning of the parish and advises the pastor in the areas of stewardship, financial support, accounting, investments, budgeting, financial reporting, internal controls, fundraising, property management, and other finance-related topics.

Fellowship Committee

Welcome new parishioners to the parish. Run events that build community in the parish.

Strategic Discipleship Committee

(Meets monthly on the 3rd Monday of the month) Our committee’s mission is:  Energized by Jesus’ love, we strive to think, feel, and act like Him.  Our goal is to create opportunities for parishioners to openly discuss their faith and spirituality.  In addition, we provide avenues for parishioners to discover and cultivate the gifts given to them by the Holy Spirit.  We empower our spiritual family to bring the message of Jesus to our family, friends, neighborhoods, and the world.

Discipleship Committee (Youth)

Plans opportunities that address the needs of our children and families, wherever they are on their discipleship journey.

Ministry Committee

Identify ways and plan events that call forth the gifts and charisms of the community in service to the parish.

Worship Committee

Planning liturgical celebrations and prayer services.

Mission Committee 

Human Concerns Committee (Meets monthly) Overseeing collections that provide in-kind donations to organizations in our local community.

Facilities Committee

(Meets monthly) Assists the Parish with determining priorities for capital expenditures and facilities planning.

Shamrock Shenanigans Committee

(Meets January - March) Help plan, set-up, run, and clean up our annual “fun”raiser! 


Stewardship/Time & Talent Committee

Assists parishioners in learning more about Ministry  opportunities at St. Mary’s Parish. 

Generosity Committee

This group helps parishioners grow in a Gospel understanding of financial generosity and provide innovative ways to call forth that generosity.

Safety Committee  

(Meets monthly) Assists in developing and executing a facilities safety plan for the protection of our parish family members and guests.

Health Committee

Reviews parish health and first aid policies and recommends updates to equipment and procedures. They also create a team of first responders to emergent health needs during Masses and parish events.

 

 Administrative     [Back to Top]

Parish Office reception desk

(Weekly half day or as needed) Assist in the Parish Office by answering phones, helping prepare the bulletin, and performing other miscellaneous tasks.


Special Project Assistance (As needed)

Help with various projects in the parish.

 

 

Pastoral Care (Ministry)

Prayer (Worship)

Funeral Ministries 

Special Holiday Events (Fellowship)

 Sacramental Preparation 

 Adult Discipleship

 Boards, Planning Groups, Teams 

 Administrative


 

 To learn more about ministry opportunities or sign up please contact Lori Lavalle at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.