| MINISTRIES
*committees in development
Spiritual Life Commission
Liturgy Committee
This group plans the celebration of the various liturgical seasons of the year. Coordinates elements of the celebration including: the celebrant, assembly, Eucharistic ministers, sacristans, lectors, servers, greeters, gift bearers, ushers, music ministers, art, and environment. The Committee meets the second Thursday of each month. Contact: Carol Lenfert 812—944-6819
- Music Ministry
St. Mary’s weekend liturgies offer varied opportunities for those interested in being part of our music ministry at St. Mary’s weekend liturgies. Music at Saturday evening service is usually led by a cantor accompanied by the organ. Sunday’s early service (9:00 AM) is led by the choir; individuals of all ages singing with the organ. Sunday’s late morning service (11:30 AM) is led by singers and instrumentalists who comprise the Folk Ensemble. There is also a Funeral Choir that sings at funeral liturgies accompanied by the organ. Contacts:
Choir Director: Jeanne Van Bree 812-923-7967
Folk Ensemble: Jane Freeman 812-945-5891
Organist: Mary Vessels 812-945-7913
- Liturgical Ministries:
- Altar Servers
Serve during Mass for weekend services assisting the Celebrant with liturgical celebrations, as well as weddings, funerals, the way of the cross and other celebrations. The minimum age requirement for servers is 5th grade. Server training is required if new to the position and is conducted on periodic basis. Contact: Wanda Case 812-948-8252
- Gift Bearers
Carry up the bread and wine to the altar at the Offertory during Mass. Contact: Sue Buck 812-945-6117
- Greeters
Greeters welcome those attending services at St. Mary’s. Arrive at assigned door one half-hour before the liturgy begins, greet individuals as they arrive and welcome them to St. Mary's. Return to assigned door at the end of the Mass to thank people for coming and distribute bulletins. Contact: Julie Harper 812-282-0118
- Lectors/Readers
Read the first and second scripture readings and lead Prayers of the Faithful at Masses. Requires volunteers to prepare ahead of time and to speak clearly and distinctly in front of the community. Contact: Wanda Case 812-948-8252
- Sacristans
Assist in preparations for Mass and check that liturgical ministries are
covered for the Mass. Contact: Wanda Case 812-948-8252
- Ushers
Assist individuals when they arrive for Mass, take up the collection before the Offertory, and assist during the communion procession. Ushers are typically on a 3-month rotation, assigned to every third month. Young adults and adults are eligible to usher. Contact: Mike Smith 812-948-8523
Faith Formation and Youth Commission
- Catholic Faith Formation
Provides religious education to parish children beginning in Pre-School through 8th Grade. Sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation, First Communion, Confirmation and Youth RCIA. Various activities occur most Sundays from August through April. CFF also conducts Vacation Bible School. Contact: Parish Office 812-944-0417
- RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
The RCIA prepares adults who have indicated a desire to become Catholic through catechesis and witness. Parishioners interested in becoming a sponsor are encouraged to contact the parish office. Contact: Fr. Tully 812-944-0417
- Children’s Liturgy of the Word
Group strives to bring the words of Jesus to children ages 3-9 during the 11:30 AM service on Sundays. Children leave church at the beginning of the Mass, are grouped for their own Liturgy of the Word, and return to church during the Offertory. Interested parishioners need to be willing to share your faith with children. Contact: Chris Yarbrough 812-948-2209
- Youth Ministry
Provides spiritual, social, and community service opportunities for our adolescents in grades 6 through high school. Adolescents are the future of our Church and need proper guidance and teaching. The Youth Ministry has two leadership teams: a Junior High and a Senior High activity team. These groups meet four times per year to plan youth events. Other youth events happen in the Deanery and Archdiocese too. Volunteers are needed to chaperone for dances and retreats, lead Bible Study sessions, provide transportation, organize events, and coach sports teams. Contact: Parish Office 812-944-0417
If interested in helping to develop this committee, contact the Parish
Office 812-944-0417
If interested in helping to develop this committee, contact the Parish
Office 812-944-0417
Sponsor couples are married couples who meet with engaged couples
to assist them in preparing for marriage. The couples meet for 3 to 4
sessions to discuss the practical and spiritual dimensions of married life
based on the engaged couple’s responses to the FOCCUS
questionnaire. Training and resources are provided. For further
information, interested couples should contact: Peggy Ehlers
812-944-0417
Finance Commission
- Finance Committee
This committee meets monthly to support the pastor in stewardship planning and budgeting needs for the parish and school financial planning in order to support the mission of the church. This committee assists the pastor in setting the annual parish budget and monitoring parish income and expenses throughout the year. Members are appointed by the pastor.
This committee coordinates and manages the fund raising activities of
the various organizations within the parish throughout the year.
Contact: Steve Shannon 812-945-9506
- Festival Committee
This Committee plans the annual Summer Festival and Street Dance, a fundraiser for the parish, which is held during June. There are many opportunities for the use of one’s time and talent in planning and executing this fundraiser. Contact: Parish 812-944-0417 or School Office 812-944-0888.
- Gala Committee
This committee plans a fundraiser for the parish in the
early months of the year. This is a semi-formal affair for
adults. There are many opportunities for the use of one’s
time and talent. Contact: Rosie Shannon 812-945-9506
- Marketing/Development Committee
Volunteers will implement an ongoing marketing/development plan for the parish. The development and implementation of new marketing initiatives and ideas will require creative individuals who are willing to devote considerable time to this initiative. Contact: Paul Glaser 812-923-1526
- Building & Grounds Committee*
This committee provides maintenance and upkeep to parish facilities and landscaping of grounds. Contact: Parish Office 812-944-0417
This committee sponsors continual stewardship education and facilitates
the annual Stewardship campaign in the fall to encourage parishioners
to commit themselves to the mission of the church through their time,
talent and treasure. Contact: Parish Office 812-944-0417
This commission is an advisory body to the principal established to
support the academy in the areas of policy and planning. Contact:
Michelle Braden 812-944-9775
- St. Mary’s Catholic Academy
St. Mary’s Catholic Academy, rich in tradition since 1872, serving pre-
school through 8th grade, exists to provide a safe, spiritual, and
stimulating environment conducive to lifelong learning. We challenge a
diverse population of students to meet their full potential by
emphasizing academic excellence, strong moral values, and dedication
to community service. We believe in education and faith for life.
Contact: Jeff Purichia, Principal 812-944-0888
- St. Mary’s Parent Teacher Involvement (PTI)
Provides organizational and financial support for school extra-curricular activities, projects, and materials to enhance student achievement. Organizes school book fairs, Special Person's Day, supply kits, apparel orders, class & teacher Christmas gifts, field trips. Officers meet monthly, plus two general meetings per semester. Opportunities for involvement include “Room Parents” for each grade, plus four officers. Contact: Jodi Leonard 812-949-0811
Christian Services/Social Concerns Commission
This committee facilitates bereavement luncheons following funeral
masses for parishioners. Volunteers provide vegetables, salads, and
desserts for luncheons on a rotating basis. Volunteer teams also serve
the meals. Contact: Parish Office 812-944-0417
- Church Bus
This group provides transportation for the 9:00am Sunday Mass for parishioners who live in the New Albany area and have no other transportation. Driving responsibilities are shared on a rotating basis. D0ependable, courteous, and thoughtful drivers are needed for this ministry. Contact: Bill Medlock 812-949-0290
Members serve a spiritual ministry through visits to hospitals, nursing
and retirement homes and shut-ins. Members say the Rosary at funeral
homes when requested. The object is the glory of God through
development of holiness of the members; to serve others by Mary’s
example to bring them to Jesus. The Legion of Mary meets and
conducts assignments weekly. Contact: Sandy Neagle 812-948-0209
- Prayer Line
Parishioners who daily pray for requests received. Requests are communicated by email or a phone-call system when they are received. Contact: Wanda Case 812-948-8252
- Pro-Life Committee
Members represent the parish on the issue of respect for all life; contact local and national government officials on the importance of respect for life in all legislation. They strive to keep parishioners informed of upcoming legislation that may challenge respect for life. Contact: Julie Schindler-Withers 1-812-969-3112
- Social Justice Committee
This group coordinates activities that promote a Christian response to justice issues i.e., Interfaith Community Council Food Drive, Advent Tree, Red Cross Blood Drive, etc. Contact: Linda Bourne 812-945-8252
- St. Vincent DePaul Society
This organization provides assistance to those in need, depending on their hardship. Various forms of assistance are given including helping with utilities, and acquiring needed clothes or furniture, etc. Volunteers act as a helping hand to the community. Contact: Parish Office 812-944-0417
Parish & Family Life Commission
- Altar Society
The Altar Society is an organization for all women of the parish over age 18. This organization is social in nature meeting the third Tuesday of each month (September through June) at 7:00pm. Through their various fundraisers they provide supplies needed for church celebrations, such as the bread & wine, vestments, candles, etc. Contact: Parish Office 812-944-0417
- Athletic Committee
The Athletic Committee provides organizational support for the athletic teams for the parish youth to participate in the New Albany Deanery Youth Program. They facilitate team rosters, coaches, uniforms, concessions, and schedules in order to provide a well-rounded educational experience through sports. The committee meets once per month and actively participates in various aspects of games and events. Contact: Steve Shannon (812) 945-9506
- Marthas and Marys
This women’s interactive support group strives to bring relevancy from scripture to the context of today’s issues and challenges. The group is open to all women of the parish (age 18 or older), and meets on the first Wednesday evening each month. Contact: Theresa Simmons 812-987-1349
- Men’s Club
Members volunteer their time and talent to help with maintenance of St. Mary’s property, buildings, and shrine. They collect dues to defray costs and to fund an annual scholarship. The group meets on the third Monday each month (September thru June). All men of the parish over age 18 are welcome. Contact: Joe Hagedorn 812-945-7011
- Sewing Ladies
Ladies work on quilts and sewing projects for raffles, etc. They meet every Wednesday morning (September through July). Contact: Thelma Meddles 812-949-1255
- Welcome Committee
Participants welcome new members to our parish with outreach and support activities. They organize occasional welcoming receptions/meals. Volunteers are also needed to staff the Welcome Table at the Spring St. entrance of church before and after Masses. Contact: Carol Waterhouse 812-944-2998
Volunteers – Parish & Academy
Parishioners volunteer time in the parish to answer the phone, greet
guests, database entry, cleaning church and offices, etc. Contact: Ruth
Houghton 812-944-0417
The Academy uses many volunteers for its various programs: library,
cafeteria, teacher assistants, cleaning and office help, etc. The main
requirement is that each volunteer participates in the Archdiocesan
VIRTUS program and is willing to accept the responsibility associated
with the various duties. Contact: Jeff Purichia, Principal 812-944-0888
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