| MINISTRIES
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 Tuesday
of each month. Interested parishioners are encouraged to
contact the parish office (812) 944-0417.
Children’s Liturgy
Group strives to bring the words of Jesus to children ages 3-12
during the 11:30 AM service on Sundays. Children leave
church at the beginning of the Mass, are grouped for the own
Liturgy of the Word, and return to church just prior to Communion. Interested
parishioners need to be willing to share your faith in Jesus
with children. For more information please contact the
following:
Chris Yarbrough (812)948-2209
Eucharistic Ministers
Assist the priest in distribution of the Holy Eucharist during
the celebration of the Mass. Many Eucharistic Ministers
also take Communion to shut-ins and others who are unable to
attend Mass. Interested parishioners are encouraged to
contact the following:
Maggie Dyer (812) 944-9134
Gift Bearers
Carry up the bread and wine to the altar at the Offertory during
Mass.
Contact: Sue Buck (812) 945-6117
Greeters
This group warmly welcomes those attending services at St. Mary’s. Arrive
at assigned door one half-hour before the liturgy begins, greet
individuals as they arrive and distribute a liturgy sheet to
each person. Return to assigned door at the end of the
liturgy to thank people for coming and hand them a bulletin. Interested
parishioners are encouraged to contact the following:
Julie Harper (812) 282-0118
Lectors/Readers
Deliver God’s Word through the readings at Masses and church
services. Requires volunteers to prepare ahead of time
and able to speak clearly and distinctly in front of the community.
Contact: Kathy Sears (812) 945-5163
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 soloist or duet 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 Group. There is also a Funeral Choir
that sings at funeral liturgies accompanied by the organ. Any
interested parishioners are encouraged to contact the following:
Choir Director: Jeanne Van Bree (812) 923-7967
Guitar Group: Jane Freeman (812) 945-5891
Organist: Mary Vessels (812) 945-7913
Sunday Bus
This group provides transportation to/from Sunday Mass for those
who either don’t have any other way or cannot afford publicly
available transportation. Driving responsibilities are
shared on a rotating basis. Drivers with a clean driving
record, who are dependable, courteous, and thoughtful are needed
for this ministry. Any parishioner interested in volunteering
for this organization should contact:
Bill Medlock (812) 949-0290
Ushers
Assist individuals in finding a seat when they arrive for Mass,
and take up the collection before the Offertory. Ushers
are typically on a 3-month rotation, so volunteers are assigned
to every third month. Young adults and older are eligible
to usher. Any parishioner interested in volunteering for
this group should contact:
Mike Smith
(812) 948-8523
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.
Interested parishioners should contact the parish office or
Denise Mennemeyer (812) 590-2935
Youth Ministry
Provides spiritual, social, and community service opportunities
for our adolescents in grades 6 through high school. Confirmation
typically occurs during the 9th grade. 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. Any
parishioner interested in volunteering for this group should
contact:
Parish Office (812) 944-0417
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St. Mary’s Catholic School
St. Mary’s Catholic School, rich in tradition since 1872,
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 a dedication to
community service. We believe in education and faith for
life. The school uses many volunteers for its various programs:
Library, cafeteria help, teaching assistants and substitutes,
office help, Home-School parent organization, Board of Education,
Building and Grounds, and athletics. Good volunteers come
in all ages, shapes, and sizes and the only real requirement
is that they are safe people who would not pose any type of threat
to our children, and are willing to accept the responsibility
associated with the various duties. Any interested parishioners
are encouraged to contact the school office.
Contact:
Andy Kraft, School Principal (812) 944-0888
Our Lady of Providence High School
Our Lady
of Providence High School educates the youth of the New Albany
Deanery in the Catholic tradition to prepare them for future
roles in the community, where they can contribute a Christian
influence on society. It is our firm belief
that Catholic schools are the best way to educate and prepare
students to be future citizens of the Church and State – and
to pass on the faith of our fathers to succeeding generations. Our
Lady of Providence is an expression of our shared faith-belief
in the uniqueness and the dignity of every person as a child
of God. In accordance with this philosophy, the community
of Providence continually strives to develop the talents of students
through quality in experience, learning, discipline and relationships.
Web site: www.providencehigh.net
Telephone: (812) 945-2538
Contacts: Mindy
Ernstberger, Principal
Ray
Day, Director of Development
Joan
Hurley, President
St. Mary’s Parent Teacher Involvement
Provides organizational and financial support for school extra-curricular
activities, projects, and materials to enhance student achievement. Organizes
school book fairs, Grandparents 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. Interested parishioners are
encouraged to contact the following:
Ton'i Medlock (812) 288-6292
Athletic Committee
The Athletic Committee provides organizational support for the
athletic teams for St. Mary’s Catholic School and 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. Any
interested parishioner or school parent is encouraged to contact
the committee.
Contact:
Steve Shannon (812) 945-9506
Catholic Faith Formation
Provides religious education to parish children beginning in
Pre-School through 8th Grade. Sacramental preparation for First
Reconciliation, First Communion, Conformation and Youth RCIA. Various
activities occur most Sundays from August through April. CFF
also conducts Vacation Bible School. Interested parishioners
are encouraged to contact the following:
Parish Office (812) 944-0417
Cougar Academy Pre-School
In 2005 our Parish formed Cougar Academy Pre-School to provide
pre-Kindergarten Catholic educational opportunities for children
in this region. We currently offer sessions for 3- and
4- year-olds. This is a developing ministry with various
needs and opportunities for volunteers. Interested parishioners
should contact:
School Principal (812) 944-0888
St. Mary's School Alumni Association
Volunteers are needed to help in establishing an Alumni Association
that will assist in raising revenue for a tuition assistance
fund and for needed projects for the school. Efforts
are underway to connect with the many wonderful alumni from
throughout the school’s long history to request their
involvement in benefiting the school. Volunteers
are also needed to assist in writing grants. Any interested
parishioners are encouraged to contact the school.
Contact:
School Principal (812)944-0888
Marketing/Development
Volunteers will implement an ongoing marketing/development plan
for the school. Volunteers are also needed to make contacts
and follow-up phone calls and cards to prospective parents,
recently baptized infants, etc. The development and implementation
of new marketing initiatives and ideas will require creative
individuals who are willing to devote considerable time to
this initiative. Any interested parishioners are encouraged
to contact the school office.
Contact: School Principal (812) 944-0888
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Legion of Mary
A spiritual ministry under the parish priest for any form of
social service. Volunteers visit hospitals, nursing & retirement
homes, shut-ins, and the jail. Other members say the Rosary
at funeral homes. 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. Any interested parishioner
is encouraged to contact:
Parish Office: (812) 944-0417
RCIA
The RCIA prepares those who have indicated a desire to become
Catholic though, catechesis and witness. Parishioners interested
in instructing or becoming a sponsor is encouraged to contact
the parish office.
Contact:
Fr. Tully (812) 944-0417
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Altar Society
The Altar Society raises funds to help maintain the Altar and
purchase supplies such as the Bread & Wine for the Altar. They
sponsor the flowers for Christmas and Easter Masses and oversee
the upkeep of the Altar. Funding is accomplished primarily
by having an annual Christmas boutique, Rummage Sale, and Card
Party. Women (over age 18) in the parish who participate
pay an annual dues. The Altar Society meets the third Tuesday
of each month at 7:00pm; all women of the parish are encouraged to attend.
Contact: Parish Office (812) 944-0417
Bereavement Committee
Coordinates parish and school resources to facilitate bereavement
luncheons following funeral masses for parishioners. Provide
a “family” feeling to members who have lost a loved
one, and to share the family’s loss by coming together
during a meal to recall and share highlights of the life of
the deceased. Volunteers provide vegetables, salads,
and deserts for luncheons on a rotating basis.
Contact: Brandy Daly (812)725-3182
Deanery Hispanic Ministry
This New Albany Deanery ministry provides religious and social
support programs for members of local Hispanic communities. Assists
local Hispanic people with their integration into our society.
Contact: Lillian Rose (812) 944-1292 or (812) 944-0527
Interfaith Community Council
This organization exists to help families with every day necessities
and address the needs of our community. The organization
is supported by forty area churches, and sponsors the Food
Pantry & Family Services, Senior Day College, Retired/Senior
Volunteer Program, Operation Santa Claus, Clothe-A-Teen, and
Kids Café. Any interested parishioner is encouraged
to contact the Rectory.
Parish Office (812) 944-0417.
K of C (Knights of Columbus Cardinal Ritter Council 1221)
The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic men's fraternal benefit
society that was formed to render financial aid to members and
their families. Mutual aid and assistance are offered to sick,
disabled and needy members and their families. Social and intellectual
fellowship is promoted among members and their families through
educational, charitable, religious, social welfare, war relief
and public relief works. The local chapter is located just a
block away from St. Mary’s church on 809 E. Main St. New
Albany IN.
Contact: K of C New Albany (812) 944-0891
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. Any interested female parishioner is encouraged
to contact the following:
Theresa Simmons (812) 987-1349 or email: simmons1965@yahoo.com
Men’s Club
Members volunteer their time and talent to do maintenance and
general upkeep of St. Mary’s property, buildings, and shrines. They
collect dues to defray costs and to fund and annual scholarship. The
group meets on the third Monday each month (September thru June). All
men of the parish are welcome.
If interested, please contact:
Joe Hagedorn (812) 945-7011
Prayer Line
Parishioners who daily pray for requests received. Leaders
communicate requests by a phone-call system when they are received.
Contact: Wanda Case (812) 948-8252
Right to Life Committee
Represents the parish on the issue of respect for all life; contacts
local and national government officials on the importance of
respect for life in all legislation. Strives to keep
parishioners informed of upcoming legislation that may challenge
respect for life. Any parishioner interested in participating
on this committee should contact:
Chris Golembeski (812) 948-5898
Sewing Ladies
Ladies make hospital gowns and work on craft items for the Summer
Festival. Women meet every Wednesday (September through July). Interested
women may contact:
Thelma Meddles (812) 949-1255
Social Justice Committee
Informs, reminds, and educates parishioners of the vital social
needs of the community and leads the church into areas of active
involvement. Promote a Christian sense of justice to
the parish. This committee meets bi-monthly to plan parish
awareness sessions and publish newsletter articles. Any
parishioner interested in participating on this committee should
contact:
Gloria Hess
(812) 945-0891
Soup Kitchen
Offers an evening meal every Monday evening from 6:00PM – 7:00PM
to feed the hungry within our local community. No special
skills are required of volunteers, just the willingness to help
cook, serve, and clean up. Financial support is provided
by Pennies from Heaven and some local donors. Any parishioner
interested in volunteering for the Soup Kitchen organization
should contact:
Barbara
Gray (812) 945-1904
St. Vincent DePaul Society
This organization provides assistance to those in need, depending
on their hardship. Various forms of assistance include
helping with rent or utilities, providing transportation for
medical needs, and acquiring needed clothes or furniture. Volunteers
act as a helping hand to the community. Any parishioner
interested in volunteering for this organization should contact
the parish office (812) 944-0417
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Building & Grounds
Volunteers provide upkeep to parish facilities; primarily landscaping
during spring through fall. Any interested parishioner
is encouraged to contact this group.
Contact: Parish Office (812) 944-0417
Finance Committee
Committee volunteers meet 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. If interested please contact the parish office (812) 944-0417.
Office Staff Volunteers
A group of volunteers who offer their time in the parish office
either from 9:00 AM to Noon, or Noon until 3:00 PM on weekdays. Volunteers
answer the phone, greet visitors, and help with mailings and
other needs. If interested please contact:
Ruth Houghton (812) 944-0417
Pastoral Council
The Pastoral Council assists the Pastor in leading the parish
in discernment and expression of its mission. In communication
and cooperation with parish staff, finance council, parish
organizations and committees, and all parishioners, the Council
focuses the vision of the parish on the essential elements
of parish life. Interested parishioners are encouraged
to contact:
Steve Shannon (812) 945-9506
Communications
Facilitates various parish communications including the parish
website.
Contact: Mark Ernstberger
(812)923-7195
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Summer Festival Committee
This Committee plans the largest fundraiser for the parish,
the annual Summer Festival and Street Dance which are held
during June. There are many opportunities for the use
of one’s
time and talent, including setup and maintenance, marketing
and advertising, food deli workers, silent auction participation,
and many more. Any parishioner interested in volunteering
for this organization should contact the Parish or School Office.
Welcome/New Member Committee
Participants welcome new members to our parish with outreach
and support activities. Organizes occasional welcoming
receptions after Masses. Volunteers are needed to help
contact new families as they join the parish to assist them
in becoming familiar with the church and to facilitate networking.
Any parishioner interested in volunteering for this organization
should contact:
Courtney Lewis
(502)807-1739
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