St. Mary Parish
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Parish Activities

SPRING BRUNCH
The Spring of the year brings all the parishioners together with this activity. It involves our delicious Brunch along with a craft sale or basket sale and includes a raffle. Many hands are needed at this function.  Sign up sheets for volunteers are posted in the back of church before the event.

CRAFT/CANDY/COOKIE SALE
This sale is held the first Saturday in November.  It takes place in the new gym/activity center.  Volunteers work on crafts all year long.  Candy and cookies are also made right before the sale with many volunteers helping out.  We welcome any new ideas and help.

FALL BAZAAR
The Bazaar is held around the first week of November.  It is very well attended and offers all-day activities on Sunday.  We begin with the famous chicken dinner.  There is a cash raffle involved as well as games for all, craft sale, a huge stage raffle and food and refreshments all day.  All are urged to get involved.  Sign up sheets for volunteers are posted in the back of church before the event.

RUMMAGE SALES
The parish holds a rummage sale in the Spring and in the Fall each year. Items are collected several times during the year.  Help in setting up and taking down for these rummage sales is always needed.

SCRIP
The SCRIP program started in the Fall of 1994. It involves the sale of Gift Certificates and offers a percentage of profit for the parish and school.  School families can gain credit toward their tuition by using Scrip certificates as well as Religious Education families.

Committees, Organizations & Ministries

The role of the parish council is to examine and reflect on how the gifts and talents of all the members can be coordinated to make the parish a vibrant faith community working in the mission of the Church.

To create and demonstrate leadership in and for all matters relating to the spiritual and temporal affairs of St. Mary's parish.

To serve as a medium whereby any and all members of the parish may make known their views.

To promote the best interests of the parish and take positive action to ensure its good management and proper development.

To receive, examine, comment upon, and vote on all budgets prepared for use by the parish.

WORSHIP COMMITTEE
Nourishes and gives direction to the liturgical aspect of the parish life.  This committee overseas that the parishioners are provided with opportunites to deepen their faith through a variety of prayer experiences and liturgical celebrations.

SOCIAL CONCERNS
Develops and oversees programs and projects relating to social concerns, such as, Right to Life, Missions, homebound, food pantries, etc.  This committee reaches out to the wider community, especially the poor, and tries to meet those needs enlisting the active cooperation of parish members.

FINANCE COMMITTEE
Is concerned with the work of the financial operations of the parish.  The committee in cooperation with the other committees, researches and prepares the annual parish budget for both operating and capital expenditures.

BUILDING AND GROUNDS COMMITTEE
Surveys the physical condition of the parish property, its maintenance and upkeep.  This committee identifies and articulates the needs of the parish in this area.

STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE
Is concerned with the renewal of parish life and building community among all parish members.  The committee is the vehicle for the promotion of the concept of stewardship of time, talent and treasure in the parish.

CEMETERY COMMITTEE
Is responsible for the overall upkeep and beautifications of the cemetery grounds.

FAMILY LIFE COMMITTEE
Sponsors family gatherings such as Doughnut Sunday, Bible Studies, Youth Activities, welcomes new parish members and sets up family activities.  This committee also presents parishioners with yearly nomination of Council and Board members and helps with filling the committees and council membership.

PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE
Helps produce many publications of the parish and school, and supervises all media contact for parish events and activities.

CARE MINISTRY
The Care ministers, through his/her caring presence, ministers to the bereaved and the terminally ill.  With training and continuing education they are there to listen and walk with those in special needs.  With understanding, and confidentiality, they help comfort and support during times of crisis.

VISITORS
The parish visitor helps ease the loneliness of those in our parish and keeps them informed of church and parish community activities.  Also for those who feel comfortable, they provide some respite for the caregivier of a homebound person.

LEGION OF MARY
The Legion of Mary is an international organization in the Church.  The purpose of the Legion is to develop personal sanctification and to honor Christ through Mary by apostolic work, in cooperation with other groups in the parish.  Our members meet on Monday morning at 9:00 AM in the parish recroty for special prayers, the rosary, spiritual reading and reports on the work assigned to them.  Ever week active members are required to perform two hours of some specified apostolic work to bring Christ to others and others to Christ.  Auxiliary members are the praying members.  They promise to recite certain prayers and say the rosary every day. They are not required to attend any meetings.  They are the spiritual life line supplying the spiritual fuel for the works of Active Members.

THIRD ORDER OF ST. FRANCIS
Has fraternities all over the world.  It began in the 1200's by St. Francis when lay persons, married and single, male and female, wanted to join him and his capuchin friars.  This was first brought to Mt. Calvary, WI by Swiss Capuchins.  Later, the Francis Xavier Fraternity was canonically established in 1924 by Bishop Paul Peter Rhode, when Rev. John Hummel started it in Menasha.  St. Francis has been the closest follower of Jesus Christ.  Even though our rules are not bound by pain of sin, we commit ourselves to walk in his footsteps, following his examples of love, kindness, simplicity, peacemaking, works of mercy, helping the poor, prayers, poverty, chastity, etc.  We are also known as the Secular Franciscan Order.  We have Mass at 7:00 PM with a gathering following, on the 3rd Tuesday of the month, at Mt. Tabor Center, 522 Second St., Menasha.

LECTORS & COMMUNION DISTRIBUTORS
Parish members are involved in reading the Word of God and distributing Communion at most Masses, particularly on weekends and Holy Days. Parishioners are encouraged to help with this very important ministry. Call the rectory for more information. Training is offered. 

EUCHARIST MINISTERS
A group of Eucharistic ministers bring Communion to the homes of the parish's homebound. They spend a short time visiting and through their care and interest they show the shut-in that he/she is a part of the St. Mary Community. For more information contact the rectory.

USHERS
Guiding people to a pew at crowded Masses, collect offerings, and in general helping people in whatever way is necessary during the liturgies is the basic job of an usher.

ALTAR SERVER
Girls and boys are invited to be altar servers after the first of the year in the third grade of school. They are all invited to 2 or 3 training sessions and observe with another server before actually serving Mass.

ADULT CHOIR
This choir practices on Wednesday evenings in church and sings for the 4:45 Mass on Saturday. Mr. Roland Hebeler (722-1421) director, is always looking for new members.

FUNERAL CHOIR
This choir consists of volunteers who sing at funerals, usually at 11am. They generally have a practice before the funeral Mass. Volunteers are welcome to join this work of charity. Contact the rectory.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
The Knights of Columbus is a fraternity of Catholic men and meets at their clubhouse located at 746 Third St., Menasha. (725-5202). The Knights of Columbus are very active in the parish.

                                                                                                            
St. John the Baptist
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SACRAMENTS
Anointing of the Sick: Please call the parish office.

CHRISTIAN INITIATION of ADULTS (RCIA)
A 9-10 month process for a person who desires to be fully initiated (Baptism, Confirmation & Eucharist) into the Catholic Church. Christian Initiation of Children is for children of school age. Contact the Pastoral Associate at the parish office.

SCRIP
With our focus on Stewardship, using scrip is an excellent and easy way to raise money for our parish. Many stores upon each purchase by parishioners donate 3-8% of each dollar to the parish. These Scrip cards can be purchased at the parish office during regular office hours or before and after each weekend Mass.

Committees, Organizations & Ministries

ADULT PRAYER LEADER
Leads rosary before weekday & weekend Masses. Training provided.

RCIA TEAM
Works with the Pastoral Associate in planning and implementing the RCIA process.

MARRIAGE PREPARATION (FOCUS COUPLE)Married couples to meet with engaged couples to help prepare them for marriage. Training provided.

ALTAR SERVER
Mass server for weekday or weekend Masses. Open to anyone in 4th grade-adults. Training provided.

ENVIRONMENT & ART
Works in conjunction with the Worship Committee to decorate the church.

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
Minister Communion at weekday & weekend Masses. Open to all confirmed members 18 years and older. Training provided.

GIFT BEARERS
Present gifts at Mass. Families are encouraged to sign up.

GREETERS
Welcome people to Mass in the vestibule before each celebration. A great activity for families!

LECTOR
Proclaims the Scripture readings at weekday or weekend Masses. Open to all in 9th grade-adult. Training provided.

SACRISTAN
 Helps the priest in preparing for the celebration of the Eucharist and other services.

USHERS
Assist in greeting and seating people at Mass. Help in collection of monetary donations at Mass.

YOUTH MINISTRY
Assists as chaperones, special projects, and facilitate programs.

MUSIC MINISTRY
Includes choir – adults, children – Grades 1-8; funeral, Cantor, and Instrumentalist.

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL
Provides leadership and plans for the pastoral, spiritual, financial, social and educational affairs of the parish.

BUILDINGS and GROUNDS COMMITTEE
Meets on the third Thursday of the month. Makes decisions regarding building and maintenance, etc.

CEMETERY COMMITTEE
Maintains the parish cemetery.

FINANCE COMMITTEE
Develops the annual parish budget and reviews monthly income and expenses.

RESPECT FOR LIFE COMMITTEE
Provides materials and opportunities to learn about respect life issues.

STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE
Provides opportunities for parishioners to become stewards of prayer, service and sharing.

VISITATION COMMITTEE
Once a month members visit with one or more persons at the person’s place of residence. Training is provided.

ROSARY SOCIETY
Meets quarterly. Helps with the vestments used for Mass and takes care of the parish kitchen.

QUILTING
Meets every Wednesday mornings. Sewing can be done at home.

REFRESHMENTS/DESSERTS
 Bakes for special parish functions.

KITCHEN AIDE
Helps in the kitchen for various parish functions.

CHURCH CLEANER
Cleans the church once a month with a group.

COMPUTER SKILLS
Assists with brochures, flyers, etc. as needed. Can work at home.

COUNTERS CLUB
Rotating teams meet on Sunday mornings to count the membership, debt reduction, collections, and other contributions.

COFFEE & DONUT FAMILY SUNDAY
 Assists with serving coffee and rolls after Mass in the parish hall on the 1st Sunday of the month.

FAITH FORMATION
Volunteers - Catechists, substitute catechists, classroom aides, youth ministry teams, office aides, hall monitors, Prayer Buddies for 2nd grade, help plan Advent/Lent gatherings, help with fundraisers, and asist with spring cleaning of school.

Adult Faith Formation Committee:
Meets four times per year to devlop an intentional, organized and faithful adult faith formation opportunities.