We are happy you are visiting St. Mary Parish's website, and we invite you to become involved. This site will give you a better understanding of some ways you can be an active part of the parish. More information about any of the groups or organizations at St. Mary may be obtained from the parish office by calling 635-4188. We look forward to seeing you at Mass and at parish celebrations. We also look forward to working with you as we strive to make St. Mary Parish the best that we can be!
ADMINISTRATION Parish Council Parish Council is composed of 12 parishioners. They may either be nominated or nominate themselves for council. A subcommittee of existing council members selects three new members each year and recommends these to the pastor for his approval. Purpose: The purpose of Parish Council is to establish goals and objectives for the parish and to oversee their accomplishment. Parish Council acts as a consultative body to the pastor and to other committees within the parish. Council also serves as a forum for constructive dialogue within the parish community.
Board Of Catholic Education The Board is composed of 12 parishioners. They may either be nominated or nominate themselves for the Board. Membership and leadership is discerned. Ordinarily three new members are selected each year. Purpose: The Board of Catholic Education acts as an advisory group to the pastor, parish council, the D.R.E., and the school principal. The Board sets policy and oversees the administration of educational programs in the parish.
Finance Committee The Parish Finance Committee is composed 7 members appointed by the pastor. A normal term is three years. Purpose: The committee, in conjunction with the pastor and business manager, monitors the parish expenses, oversees and approves large expenditures, reviews and approves the budget. The committee must follow diocesan guidelines.
LITURGICAL MINISTRIES Lectors Lectors are ministers who proclaim the Word of God at the Eucharist and other celebrations. Eucharistic Ministers Eucharistic Ministers are ministers who distribute Communion at Mass and/or take Communion to individuals unable to attend Mass. Ushers Ushers are ministers who welcome the parishioners at weekend liturgies, take up the collection, and help the participants to find seating. Musicians The liturgical musicians are volunteers who aid the parish in our liturgies through singing and playing musical instruments. Servers Servers are volunteer children who assist the presider at Mass. Children's Liturgy of the Word (C.L.O.W.) Volunteers conduct a Liturgy of the Word for children during the Sunday 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. Masses. The children are dismissed from Mass before the Scripture readings and return during the Preparation of the Gifts. Scripture readings, music, and homily are age-appropriate. Held in the church undercroft, C.L.O.W. is for grades 1-6.
SCHOOL ACTIVITIES Parent Teacher Club (P.T.C.) The P.T.C. is composed of volunteers. Officers are elected annually via voting. Purpose: The purpose of P.T.C. is to promote the welfare of St. Mary School by bringing into closer contact the parents and the teachers. P.T.C. also provides funding for educational programs.
Boosters The Boosters organization is composed of volunteers. Officers are elected annually via voting. Purpose: The Boosters support the athletic program in the grade school and purchase playground equipment.
ENRICHMENT FOR ADULTS Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.) The R.C.I.A. is a process for those seeking full membership in the Catholic Church. Purpose: R.C.I.A. endeavors to prepare candidates for a lifetime of full participation in the church through worship and service. The process includes excellent presentations, liturgical rites and retreats. Normally R.C.I.A. begins in the summer and continues into the Easter season. The process is geared towards the renewal of the whole church.
Christ Renews His Parish (C.R.H.P.) This two-day retreat is offered to all parishioners and others who wish to participate. It is held annually for women and for men. Purpose: C.R.H.P. is for spiritual renewal and community- building. It is intended to strengthen personal faith commitments to God and to the parish.
Adult Formation Team (A.F.T.) A.F.T. is composed of 12 volunteers who are interested in the continuing education and formation of themselves and of the parish. Purpose: The A.F.T. provides opportunities for adult growth through learning about our faith and other topics. This group oversees the development of programs that are spiritual, educational, and experiential.
Baptism Team A team of parishioners meets new parents who want to have their child baptized. The leaders discuss the meaning and implications of Baptism, in addition to practical ways to live out faith in the home. Sponsor Couple Marriage Preparation Trained married couples meet with engaged couples to discuss issues concerning marriage. This is one of the essential components of marriage preparation in our parish. Senior Citizens Volunteers aged 55 and above make up the Senior Citizen group. Purpose: The Seniors meet monthly to socialize, have lunch, and hear speakers. Periodically they take social and educational trips.
SERVICE GROUPS Bereavement Members are volunteers who assist bereaved families with the planning of funeral liturgies and a post-funeral gathering. St. Vincent De Paul Conference Saint Vincent De Paul is made up of volunteers who help the needy of our community in the name of the parish. Purpose:The Conference participates in works of charity that require the personal service of the membership. The members solicit money, food, and clothing for needy people who request their assistance. The members also visit residents of long-term care facilities throughout the year and distribute food and toys during the Christmas Season. Blood Drive Volunteer donors participate in two semi-annual blood drives which benefit the residents of the Greater Cincinnati Area through Hoxworth Blood Center. Cavalier Club (Bingo)This club is comprised of volunteers who work our weekly parish Bingo. About 90 volunteers are required on an annual basis to run the Bingo. Purpose: The purpose of our weekly Bingo is to raise money for the school and parish. Bingo also has the goal of socialization.
Faith in Action Faith in Action is a group of volunteers who reach out to those in need through direct service to those who are poor. Purpose: The committee tries to educate the parish about social concerns. They conduct monthly collections to benefit various service organizations including St. Vincent De Paul, St. Bernard Food Pantry, the Diocesan Catholic Children’s Home, etc. They also work on projects such as Habitat for Humanity, Henry Hosea House, Right to Life, Ronald McDonald House, and Interfaith Hospitality Network.
Health Ministry The committee is composed of a number of parishioners who are nurses. They organize various health awareness programs in the parish and offer blood pressure testing once a month before and after Masses. Knights of Columbus (K of C) Father DeJaco Council 5220 Knights of Columbus are Catholic men, 18 years of age and older, who are committed to making their community a better place, while supporting their church. Social and intellectual fellowship is promoted among members and their families through educational, charitable, religious, and relief works. Monday Men This is a group of retired parishioners who are interested in the upkeep of the parish building and grounds. They provide their time and skills to assist in various projects and in the maintenance of the parish facilities. Families for Life This ministry promotes respect for human life as a Pro-Life committee. It focuses on the lives of the innocent unborn and those who are disabled, ill, dying. The goal is to plant the Gospel of Life and deepen respect for the life of every human being.
SPIRITUAL GROWTH FOR YOUTH Sunday Preschool Sunday Preschool is organized by a director who is assisted by numerous volunteer teachers and helpers. Purpose: Sunday Preschool exists for the purpose of a religion readiness program for children 3, 4, and 5 years of age. Classes are held during the 9:30 a.m. Sunday Mass, September through April.
Wednesday Evening Religious Education (W.E.R.E.) This program consists of two directors who are assisted by a large number of catechists and helpers. Purpose: W.E.R.E. provides religious instruction to parish students enrolled in the public schools and non-Catholic private schools in grades 1-8. The program supplements the role of the family in faith formation by providing quality Catholic religious education in a formal setting.
YOUTH ACTIVITIES Young Adult Ministry (ages 18-25) This growing ministry currently hosts a bi-weekly Prayer Group during the school year and a monthly Dinner & Discussion night. Service activities are available, especially with other parish ministries. Compass Ministry (grades 9-12) During the school year this ministry meets on Sunday nights from 7:00-9:00 p.m. in the Youth Room. These meetings provide teens a safe place to be themselves, share their faith, and learn more about God’s presence in everyday life. Youth in this ministry have the opportunity to develop leadership skills by helping to lead other youth at Confirmation events and W.E.R.E. classes. Various events are offered throughout the school year, including service opportunities with parish ministries, diocesan activities, lock-ins, Kings Island, and Florence Freedom Park. Core Ministry (grades 6-8) We offer regular meetings for youth on Thursday nights from 6:30-8:30 p.m. during the school year in the Youth Room (at the Parish Office). These meetings provide teens a safe place to be themselves, share their faith, and learn more about God’s presence in everyday life. Events are planned during the calendar year, including service opportunities with parish ministries, Kings Island, and Florence Freedom Park. Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts Any interested boy in the first through fifth grades may join the Cub Scouts. Any interested boy who has completed the fifth grade or is 11 years old but not yet 18 may join the Boy Scouts. Purpose: Both groups exist to promote the development of good character, good citizenship, and healthy spiritual life. Girl Scouts Any interested girl in the first grade through high school may join this group. Purpose: Girl Scouts builds courage, confidence, and character in girls who want to promote good citizenship and Christian values.
4-H Club Any interested student ages nine through nineteen may join this group. The St. Mary 4-H Club meets monthly September-May. Purpose: 4H promotes the development of youth into productive, self-directing and contributing members of society by developing self-confidence and communication skills, working cooperatively as part of a group, exploring projects that can lead to future careers and serving the community. Their motto: To make the best better. Catholic Order of Foresters This is a not-for-profit Fraternal Benefit Society, dedicated to providing members and the Catholic community with financial security and opportunities for spiritual, social, and charitable growth. The matching Funds Program of charitable giving and First Vantage/Pathways program for our school children allow courts to raise money for school, parish, community and humanitarian needs.
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