Social Ministry

Befrienders

Mother Teresa said the work is done, "..to Jesus, for Jesus and with Jesus...that's what makes it count."

Befriending is...
Offfering a supportive shoulder
Listening with an inner ear
A warm hug & a tender hand squeeze
Driving to the doctor's office & the grocery store
A phone call that says "I was thinking of you"
Feeling with a friend
Sharing memories, pictures & tears
A visit that takes away some of the loneliness
Praying together & sharing the Eucharist
Being one more person who cares & lets you know
Simply "being there" for someone else.

To befriend is to add a dimension to the life of another person that may make it more comfortable & worthwhile, more caring, loving, happier and friendlier!

Befrienders are care givers. Their work is their love for Jesus in action through wholehearted and free service to those with special needs.

The needs arise in times of sickness, hospitalization, depression, alienation, grief, crisis, loneliness and homebound or nursing home living. The services given include visiting, listening, praying, offering referrals, supporting, comforting, Eucharistic ministry and simply being present to someone.

Some Befrienders visit Colonial Acres and Trevilla Nursing Homes weekly to prepare and participate in Eucharist and prayer services. Anointings are celebrated in these homes twice yearly. Back to Top

Neighbor-to-Neighbor
Neighbor-to-Neighbor is a parish social service program. Monthly donations through the fourth Sunday envelope provide funds for Neighbor-to-Neighbor to help support about a dozen local organizations each year and provide emergency assistance for individuals and families in need. Neighbor-to-Neighbor sponsors regular and emergency projects in the parish throughout the year including food collections for the local food shelf (PRISM), collection of Christmas gifts for delivery to local organizations, and provides funds for a meal each month at Sharing and Caring Hands. The committee meets as needed. Back to Top

PRISM (People Responding in Social Ministry)
PRISM is a diversified social service agency serving the cities of Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center, Crystal, Golden Valley, New Hope, Plymouth and Robbinsdale. PRISM’s mission is to “walk alongside families by providing support-based programs that encourage self-sufficiency.” As a church member of PRISM, St. Mary’s provides one representative who serves on PRISM’s church board. St. Mary’s provides funds, food, Christmas gifts and volunteers for PRISM. Back to Top

Sharing & Caring Hands
Sharing and Caring Hands is a day shelter providing a bridge between existing services and the inner-city poor. Once a month a meal is prepared in the evening in our parish kitchen by parish volunteers; the next morning the food is warmed and delivered to Sharing and Caring’s kitchen where we serve a noon meal to inner-city poor. Back to Top

Sowers of Justice
The Sowers of Justice Committee supports the Archdiocesan Office for Social Justice on the parish level. It educates about Church social teaching, provides opportunities for legislative advocacy and other action, forms task forces addressing problems such as homelessness and communicates with other parishes and the wider community. Working for justice means looking for root causes. It means attempting to resolve social problems through communal action to change minds and hearts, policies, systems and institutions. The committee welcomes new members. It usually meets on the second Thursday of the month. Back to Top

Families Moving Forward (FMF)
The Families Moving Forward (FMF) is part of The Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN), an organization dedicated to providing emergency housing to homeless families. FMF is the only program in the Twin Cities in which families remain together through their homeless crisis. There are over 40 participating churches, each taking up to 16 homeless people (usually 3-4 families) into their churches every 14 weeks. It has been going for about 12 years at St Mary of the Lake. Volunteers at St. Mary’s set up bedrooms, plan and prepare meals, and organize more than 60 volunteers for the week our homeless guests are here. Our families arrive around 6 pm, just before dinner. Volunteers have dinner with our guests, are available to play with children, and serve breakfast in the morning before the guests leave for the Day Center (between 6-7 am). At the Day Center, the children go to school and parents go to work, look for jobs or receive other services. At the end of each day during our week the families return to St. Mary’s. Back to Top

Funeral Luncheons
St. Mary’s has a fine tradition of ministering to bereaved parish families by providing a luncheon on the day of a funeral. We ask all parishioners to be involved in this ministry by bringing food when called. This is a parish ministry and is not left to just a few people. As your part of this ministry, please agree to bring a salad or dessert when a funeral caller calls you. In addition to bringing food, some parishioners also volunteer as funeral coordinators, callers or servers. Funeral workers do not have meetings. Back to Top

A Community Caring for Life
A Community Caring for Life (ACCL) supports the Archdiocesan effort to address the needs of women and families facing a crisis pregnancy. The committee usually meets monthly to explore and plan for parish activities which will support those in our community experiencing a pregnancy in which social stigmas, financial concerns, medical complications and other hardships may lead them to regard abortion as their only option. The committee also cares for living children in need by supporting the Crisis Nursery lunch program, “Cook for Kids” on a monthly basis. Back to Top

Welcoming
Fellowship and a sense of community is encouraged by the Welcoming Committee’s involvement in the greeter ministry, production of an occasional pictorial directory, weekend coffee after liturgy, sponsoring community night dinners and welcoming new parishioners by letter, and information packet. The committee meets as needed. Back to Top

Faith Formation
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd - 3 yrs. old - 6th grade

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is an approach to the religious formation of children 3-12 years of age. It originated in 1954 with the founding of the first atrium or classroom in Rome, Italy, by Sophia Cavalletti, and was inspired by the principles of Maria Montessori. The Catechesis is based on the conviction that God and the child are in relationship. The child has a deep need to experience, and a special capacity to enjoy, the presence of God. The task of the adult is to help the child fully live the encounter with God and Jesus, the Good Shepherd. When helped to do so, this experience becomes formative of the child’s whole person and generates great joy.

You can participate by: Being a specially trained volunteer catechist or assistant catechist. These adults facilitate the sessions with the children. Catechists are expected to attend one meeting a month from September through April to prepare for presenting the materials to the children. We are always in need of more catechists and assistant catechists! The children really enjoy having men and high school students in the atrium too.

Registration takes place the end of August and beginning of September for children 3 years through 10th grade. Please see bulletin for details, or go to the Religious Education webpage.
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Preschool - Level I (ages 3 years through kindergarten)
The CGS offers children the most essential elements of our faith. God’s love is announced in the person of the Good Shepherd, who died, is risen, and who is with us. The mystery of Christ’s life and teachings are made concrete through a prepared environment called the atrium. Geography materials establish Jesus as a real person in time and place. The Infancy Narratives announce the Incarnation. A model of the city of Jerusalem and the Empty Tomb introduce the Paschal (Easter) mystery which the child lives in a special way in celebrating the Liturgy of the Light. Parables, particularly the Parable of the Good Shepherd, serve as keys to unlock the mystery of the Kingdom of God.

Through arranging the chalice, paten, altar, altar cloth, candles, and crucifix, the child becomes familiar with the articles of the Mass. The child enters the mystery of the Mass through observing the gestures of the epiclesis, the offering, peace, and the preparation of the chalice. The Mass emerges as the Sacrament of the Gift. The liturgical colors, church calendar, prayer time, and music all enhance the rituals and celebrations of our Catholic faith.

Level I sessions are held from the beginning of October through the end of April. Classes meet the first three Sundays of the month from 9:15-10:15, while the parents are in Mass. Back to Top

Elementary - Level II ( Grades 1-3, Ages 6-8)
The children of this age are captured by the image of the True Vine – “I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me, bears fruit in plenty; for cut off from me you can do nothing.” They come to a better relationship with God, family, friends and the larger community. The Moral Parables fulfill the child’s need for guidelines. The parables of the Found Sheep, Found Coin, and Forgiving Father help the child prepare for Sacramental Reconciliation since the proclamation and meditation stress God’s love, which is constantly forgiving. These children see the parts of the Mass – Liturgy of the Word, Preparation of the Gifts, the Eucharistic Prayer, and Communion – as one unity. The History of Salvation is studied by using a timeline beginning with Creation, moving through Redemption, and ending with the Parousia (when all things will be in all). The children focus on the many gifts of creation, ending in God’s gift of His own divine life in the person of Jesus Christ, a gift which will pervade the whole universe at the completion of history. Level II sessions are held from the middle of September through April. There are generally three sessions per month on Wednesdays from 4:30 to 6:00 or 6:30-8:00 pm. Back to Top

Elementary - Level III (Grades 4-6, Ages 8-12)
The imagination of the older child and his/her agility with the concept of time are powerful stimuli to explore the past and the future. The children look at the Plan of God as a plan of communion, a plan which links all people together, past, present, and future. The emphasis is on our response to this unfolding generosity of God and the responsibilities that come with receiving God’s great gifts. “What is the kingdom of God and my place in it?” is a question which begins to lay the foundation for a life’s commitment. Level III sessions are held from the middle of September through April. There are generally three sessions per month on Wednesdays from 4:30-6:00 or 6:30-8:00 pm. Back to Top

Sacramental Preparation
--First Reconciliation (Confession) and
--First Communion
Sacramental First Reconciliation and First Communion are prepared for and celebrated with families during the child’s second-grade year. Besides the regular Religious Education sessions on Wednesday evenings, families participate in a family interview with the Pastor, special Family Sessions, four Rituals in church with the larger community, a family celebration of individual Reconciliation (Confession), and a three-session Retreat the week before the children celebrate their First Communion. First Communion is celebrated at a special 6:00 pm Saturday Mass the end of April or beginning of May.

For children in 3rd - 12th grade who are in need of either or both of these Sacraments, please contact the Religious Education Staff for more information about your options. Back to Top

Youth (Grades 7th-10th)
Ministry to youth is a special ministry attempting to meet the particularly unique needs of teen-aged people. We present youth with the knowledge of Jesus Christ and explore what the implications of a relationship with Him can have. Our primary focus is educational - sharing with youth our wealth of understanding and tradition. Relationships are key to Youth Ministry and so social activities are interspersed throughout the year. Service to the community is encouraged, and parental involvement is a necessity in the program. Sessions are held from the middle of September through April. There are generally three sessions per month on Wednesdays from 6:30-7:45 pm. Back to Top

Confirmation
We understand the celebration of Confirmation to be an experience of renewal for our entire community. During their process of preparation, 10th graders work with adult sponsors, are involved in service opportunities within our community, take part in a retreat experience and attend Confirmation classes (October through April). Our goal is for the confirmants to grow closer to their Lord as they enter our Christian community as adult members. Parents as well as other adults from our community are needed to share their faith. The Sacrament of Confirmation occurs the end of April. Back to Top

Adult
Adult Faith Formation strives to offer adults of our parish an opportunity to participate in programs that will enrich their faith lives and help them become the person each one of us is capable of being in Jesus Christ. Back to Top

Marriage
A principal component for marriage preparation is the Prepare Inventory which each engaged couple experiences with the Pastor of the parish. After this is completed, the couple plan their wedding liturgy. Back to Top

Sacraments
The parish celebrates the mystery of our faith through support of individuals and families as they receive the Sacraments throughout the year. Back to Top

Infant Baptism
The welcoming of a new child into a family is the most joyous of human experiences, and so is the joy the Christian community experiences when it welcomes new members into its fellowship. Baptism is a Sacrament of Initiation. Infant Baptism is scheduled by the pastor. A preparation session for parents is required. Baptismal garments are made by parish volunteers. Back to Top

Administration

Pastoral Council
The Pastoral Council, composed of the pastor, to whose care the spiritual and material goods of the parish are entrusted, and representatives of the parish community, shall act collegially to discern the will of God and guide the parish in its mission of furthering Christ’s work on earth, all in conformity with canon law and Archdiocesan guidelines. Specifically, the Pastoral Council is called to consult with the pastor on those matters within his care, and in this consultation to:

a. Act in a partnership in faith;
b. Answer the call to holiness by being a praying community;
c. Be a communion of disciples;
d. Foster, nurture and develop the gifts given to the Pastoral Council and the parish;
e. Be a community that ministers healing;
f. Proclaim the gospel through evangelization;
g. Adopt a world vision; and
h. Most importantly, serve the faith community.

Pastoral Council members are nominated and elected by the parish. Back to Top

Finance Council
The Finance Council is required by the Code of Canon Law and is established to advise the pastor on financial matters, to assist in the preparation and review of financial budgets and reports and to recommend financial goals for the parish. Their major activities include:

a. Preparing finance budgets and reports
b. Working with other committees to prepare budgets and monitor expenses
c. Working with the Sacrificial Giving Committee on the appeals to parishioners for financial support
d. Working with the Sunday Money Counters who are responsible for counting Sunday collections
e. Reviewing and selecting bids from contractors for construction and services contracts
f. Bringing all finances into conformity with Archdiocesan guidelines

The committee members serve one, two or three year terms and meet every other month. Members are invited to serve. Back to Top

Call to Ministry Core
This committee serves as the Vocations Committee for our parish, whose purpose is to promote the ideal that all baptized persons are called to ministry. The focus of the group is to encourage persons to serve in full-time lay, religious and ordained ministry and to call parishioners to participate more fully in the ministries of the parish. One of its tasks is to administer the “Called By Name” program initiated by the Archdiocese which was used by the early church to build community through servant ministry. The Call to Ministry Core facilitates the Pastoral Council nomination and election process. The committee meets monthly from September to May.
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Sacrificial Giving
Active from summer to late November, the Sacrificial Giving Committee is responsible for soliciting financial pledges from the parishioners. It is upon these pledges that the Finance Council bases its decisions regarding the annual operating budget. Conducting an annual pledge drive involves developing a schedule, designing pledge cards, creating verbal and written publicity, conducting the pledge drive, making follow-up phone calls to parishioners and tabulating and reporting the results to the Finance Council and Pastoral Council. Back to Top

Kitchen
The parish kitchen is used heavily and is in constant need of cleaning and straightening. Regular help an hour or two at a time is needed. We also maintain a list of people who are willing to launder and iron table cloths after parish dinners. Back to Top

Maintenance
Parishioners are invited to help with both indoor and outdoor projects at an Annual Spring Work Day and Potluck, usually held on a Saturday in May. The parish maintains a list of people who are willing to be called to help with other occasional projects. Regular volunteers are also welcome throughout the year to help with a wide range of projects from dusting the church to maintaining flower gardens in the summer. Back to Top

Parish Office
Several people regularly help the office staff by volunteering a half-day per week. A group of volunteers stuff the parish bulletin one morning per month. We occasionally need computer assistance: persons with access to desk top publishing for preparation of flyers or brochures. Artists are also needed for preparation of brochures. Back to Top

Annual Blood Drive
We hold at least two joint Blood Drives at St. Mary’s each year with Oak Knoll Lutheran Church, generally July and October. Sign up occurs after liturgies several weekends prior to the date. Back to Top