Altar Servers – Altar servers assist the priest and our parish community for weekend, holy day, and special liturgies. This ministry is open to all parishioners currently in 4 ^th grade and older. Those altar servers who attend St. Mary School also assist at the weekday school liturgies. The Training Session(s) will be announced in the bulletin.  Please call the Parish Office if your child would be interested in becoming an Altar Server.

Baptismal Preparation – The Baptismal Preparation is necessary for those who wish to have their child age infant to 7 years old baptized in the Catholic Church. (For children 7 years or older see RCIC on pg. 37) The priest meets once with the parents, either before or after the birth of their child, and helps them plan and prepare for the sacrament of Baptism. We encourage the parents to look at their own faith, explain the symbols and meaning of baptism, and discuss any questions or concerns they may have about baptism. Anyone who is registered at St. Mary Parish is eligible to have their child baptized.

Bereavement Ministry – With Jesus as our model of compassion, this ministry seeks to comfort those who have suffered the death of a loved one. Each individual’s unique response to grief is recognized, and support and hope is offered. Our goal is “No Member of Our Parish Shall Grieve Alone.” This is accomplished by personal contacts, monthly grief support groups, bi-annual workshops, and a Memorial Mass each November. This ministry is open to anyone in the parish who feels a calling to share their heart in this way.

Bingo– All parishioners age 21 or older interested in volunteering at the Knights of Columbus Bingo Hall are encouraged to do so. Volunteer opportunities include counting pull-tabs, working the front desk, distributing payouts, etc. Bingo is held each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evening. St. Mary Elementary and Pope John Paul II Middle Schools benefits from a share in the proceeds each month based on the number of parish/school volunteers.

Boy Scouts – Boy Scout Troop 39 is chartered by St. Mary Parish and provides the "Aims of Scouting" for boys ages 11 to 18. The "Aims of Scouting" include character building, citizenship training, and personal fitness. The Scouts are taught ideals based on the Scout Oath, Scout Law, Scout Slogan, and Scout Motto. Any boy who meets the age requirements may join Troop 39. Boy Scout Troops are organized into Patrols. The Troop and Patrols are boy-led with guidance from adult leaders. There is also a monthly Troop Activity. These activities, selected by the Scouts, have included camping, caving, hiking, rock climbing, and skiing. We meet every Monday at 6:30 p.m. in Noll Hall.

Cub Scouts – Cub Scout Pack 42 is chartered by St. Mary Parish and provides learning experiences for boys in grades 1–5. Any boy, whether enrolled in St. Mary School, registered at St. Mary Parish, or simply a Delaware County resident may register with Pack 42. Small groups (dens) are organized by grade level and meet approximately once a month. The large group (pack) usually meets on the 3 ^rd Thursday of each month in the St. Mary School cafeteria. Parent and/or parish volunteers lead each group and plan activities and extracurricular outings. Nominal fees are involved and scholarships are available as no boy is denied the scouting experience.

Extraordinary Ministers of Communion – Any parishioner that has been fully initiated into the Church (i.e., Baptism, Communion, and Confirmation) may serve in this ministry. Extraordinary Ministers of Communion must have a deep love and commitment to Christ in the Eucharist. They are humble in their service to the assembly and may also assist in bringing Communion to the homebound and shut-ins. Ministers are trained annually and officially commissioned on the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ.  Within the group of Extraordinary ministers are those that volunteer to perform a very important service to the assembly by preparing the gifts of bread and wine before Mass begins. They set the communion cups, patens, and priest’s chalice in place in the sanctuary. They also ensure the proper number of altar servers, readers, and Ministers of Communion are prepared for the celebration of the Mass.

Family Life Ministry – Family Life Ministry strives to provide opportunities to promote spiritually healthy families, to get involved in our parish, and to meet many of the fantastic people within our faith community.  Living Your Strengths, Family Advent Wreath Night, attending the March for Life in Washington DC, and Natural Family Planning (NFP) are a few ongoing examples. Volunteers are always welcome and appreciated.

Garden Ministry – The Garden Ministry was initiated in the spring of 2007 as a form of stewardship of the St. Mary grounds.  Through the parish community, we beautify and maintain the parish campus. Each spring, individuals, families and/or friends participate by making a 1-year commitment to an available garden. This commitment entails cleaning, weeding, and maintaining an existing garden or developing and maintaining a newly established garden. This commitment can be renewed on a yearly basis. Others may participate in this ministry by providing perennials from their own gardens. This ministry is based on community, desiring to deepen ties between parishioners, the school, and the community at large.

Girl Scouts – Girl Scout Troop 420 is chartered by St. Mary Parish and provides learning experiences for girls in grades K–6. Any girl, whether enrolled in St. Mary School, registered at St. Mary Parish, or simply a Delaware County resident may register with our troop. Daisy Girl Scouts (K,1), Brownie Girl Scouts (2 ^nd and 3 ^rd grade) and Junior Girl Scouts (4 ^th, 5 ^th, and 6 ^th grade) meet approximately twice a month. Parent and/or parish volunteers lead each group and plan activities and extracurricular outings. Nominal fees are involved.

Grounds and Facilities Maintenance Volunteers – Any parishioner interested in helping with light maintenance work around the parish buildings and grounds is encouraged to become a grounds and facilities maintenance volunteer. Volunteer opportunities may include (but are not limited to) painting, grounds clean up, light construction repair work, etc. Any amount of time given is appreciated.

Hospital Ministry – This ministry is open to all Ministers of Communion who would like to visit and bring the Eucharist to parishioners who are homebound or in the hospital. If you are not currently a Minister of Communion and would be interested in being one for this ministry, contact the parish office. This caring ministry brings comfort and strength to our members who are isolated from us because of injury or illness. Training is conducted throughout the year as the need arises.

Legion of Mary – The Legion of Mary is an international apostolic organization of Catholic lay people. Members of St. Mary Parish that belong to the Legion of Mary meet weekly. They provide spiritual support to the sick and shut-ins of our parish at their home, hospital, or nursing home. The group also visits inactive Catholics. Legion of Mary members work in pairs. All parishioners are welcome and encouraged to join the Legion of Mary.

Liturgical Art & Environment– Parishioners take care of arranging and maintaining flowers and plants for the different seasons of the liturgical year along with making, maintaining and arranging other seasonal decorations. They water when needed and in general help to create an environment of peace and beauty throughout the church. No special skills are necessary, but a love of flowers and plants helps. All parishioners are encouraged and welcome to participate in this ministry. Training is provided and any time you are able to give is appreciated.

Marriage Preparation – A major part of marriage preparation at St. Mary Parish includes four sessions in the home of a sponsor couple. Sponsor couples are parishioners who have been married at least five years and are willing to share their married life experiences with engaged couples. We welcome sponsor couples whose life journey may include a previous marriage or a marriage that celebrates the blending of religious faiths. Sponsor couples receive training which incorporates video presentations, workbooks, and facilitation by the sponsor couple.

Men’s Bible Study – St Mary Men’s Bible Study is open to all men of our parish. Prayer, passion and the thirst for expanding the knowledge of our faith are the main elements of our meetings. The group meets weekly on Monday evenings. Our mission statement is: Guided by the Holy Sprite we are men thirsting for a greater understanding and appreciation of our Faith. We yearn to be the strong, spiritual foundation for our families. We will attain this through prayer, study, fellowship and service.

Ministry of the Fibers – Women of the parish join together for spirituality, community, and to learn knitting, crocheting or other skills to make prayer items, such as shawls, to be given to those in need, as a celebration, for illness, or for bereavement. Currently, two groups of women come together on the third Wednesday of each month – one in the morning and one in the evening. All women parishioners are invited to join this ministry.

Music Ministry – The Music Ministry of St. Mary Parish exists to use the gift of music to glorify God, edify the Church, and evangelize souls for Christ.  Parishioners are invited to join as singers and instrumentalists.  Please see our Music Ministry page.

Natural Family Planning (NFP) – Natural Family Planning, or NFP, is a method of family planning that uses the natural fertility cycle of a woman’s body. The classes at St Mary teach the Sympto-thermal Method that is promoted by the Couple to Couple League. The class series consists of three classes taught over a three-month period. For more information visit the Couple to Couple League website at www.ccli.org or contact the Lundys.

Parent/Teacher Organization – This association is a volunteer organization within the parish whose mission is to enhance the education process of St. Mary Elementary and Pope John Paul II Middle Schools through the support and interaction of parents, teachers, administrators, and parishioners. All parents and faculty of St. Mary Elementary & Pope John Paul II Middle Schools, as well as all members of St. Mary Parish are considered members of this association. The objectives of this volunteer organization include (a) social interaction: to promote a sense of community by engaging parents, teachers, students, and parishioners in a variety of social activities; (b) partners in education: to assist the parish and teachers by supporting the educational and spiritual missions of St. Mary School; and (c) fundraising: to aid the parish and school by raising funds to help support educational programs, teacher objectives, and other school needs.

Parish Archives – Parishioners who work in the St. Mary Parish archives catalog and access materials, write articles based on the archives, and conduct oral history interviews. Thousands of parish documents and photos have been filed, but the work is ongoing. The archives staff is always looking for additional help and all parishioners are encouraged to participate.

Parish Athletic Program – The parish athletic program includes opportunities for both coaches and players to become involved.
All St. Mary Elementary and Pope John Paul II Middle School children in 4 ^th – 8 ^th grade may become involved in a variety of athletic programs including boys basketball (3 ^rd, 4 ^th/5 ^th grade and middle school), girls basketball (4 ^th/5 ^th grade and middle school), girls volleyball (4 ^th/5 ^th grade and middle school), co-ed soccer (middle school) and boys and girls track (4 ^th and 5 ^th grade).
If you are interested in coaching any of these children’s sports, please contact the school principal who works with the Athletic Director to oversee these programs.

Parish Library – The Fr. Grady Memorial Parish Library is located in the lower level of the Parish Office. Parishioners are encouraged to browse and check out books by recording their name and the name of the book in the notebook provided. All returned books are to be placed in the basket. The library is open during normal Parish Office hours and when the room is not in use for a meeting. Volunteers are always needed to help maintain the library and restock books.

Parish Office Volunteers – Several volunteer opportunities exist for parishioners wishing to help in the Parish Office. Activities may include copying, assembling the bulletin, filing, preparing mass mailings, etc.

Parish Feast Day Festival – Each year in late summer, to commemorate the Marian Feast Day, St. Mary Parish holds a picnic  on the parish grounds. A committee is formed by the Parish Council in the spring to begin planning for the picnic. Anyone interested in helping on the committee is encouraged to do so. All parishioners are invited to attend the picnic and are welcome to bring a dish to share if they can. The picnic provides a wonderful opportunity to get acquainted with new parishioners, socialize with friends, and have fun as a parish family.

Pro-Life Ministries
            Spiritual Adoption Corner - The late Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen encouraged the spiritual adoption of an unborn child; praying every day that one unknown baby be spared death and be allowed to continue to live. Those participating say the prayer that Archbishop Sheen composed every day for 9 months beginning Jan 22, the anniversary of legalized abortion. At St Mary, a Spiritual Adoption corner has been set up in the vestibule. Several prayer aids are available to help with this effort.
            40 Days for Life - St. Mary participates in the 40 Days for Life twice a year.  40 Days for Life is the largest non denominational pro-life witness in the world and encompasses an intensive effort designed to raise awareness, save lives, bring healing and lead our nation to repentance for the sin of abortion through three components: 40 days of prayer and fasting, 40 days of peaceful vigil and 40 days of community outreach.  
  40 Days for Life was first started in 2004 in College Station, Texas when four Texas A&M pro-life college students organized a grassroots movement of volunteers to do penance, to pray for and witness to an end to abortion. During this time 1000 people committed themselves to doing something over the course of 40 Days to promote the Culture of Life and put an end to abortion.   Their goal: The Body of Christ seeks God’s graces to change to a Culture of Life, end abortion. Through their efforts, abortions were reduced 28%.
 
“ How can I help?”
1.   Commit to do something for the 40 Days for Life, either praying and/or fasting (with the specific intention of promoting life and seeking an end to abortion. 
     2.   Join us each Friday morning in Lent.  We will leave St. Mary after the 8:15 am Mass and head to an abortion center to pray and witness in front of the center.  Meet in the Church after Mass.  Even if you can only make one of the Fridays, it would be great.  Last year we had a wonderful showing from St. Mary and Muncie.
3.   For more information on 40 Days for Life go to their
 web site: www.40daysforlife.com/about.cfm

Readers – Readers prayerfully proclaim the Word of God during the celebration of Mass. Readers receive periodic training in the art of public proclamation of the Word of God and should possess a clear, projecting proclamation voice. All parishioners are welcome to join this ministry.

Religious Education Program—As Catholics we recognize that growth in faith, wisdom, and understanding is a life-long process which does not end until death.  The Religious Education Program at St Mary Parish seeks to involve all parishioners in ongoing faith renewal, formation, and conversion. A firm foundation in the teachings of the Catholic Church gives us the means that enables us to live more fully as Christ’s disciples for others.  The Religious Education Program consists of many components which include:
 
       Vacation Bible School:  Vacation Bible School is a one-week (Monday-Friday evening) gathering children in Pre-K through 5 ^th grade centered on a specific catechetical theme that incorporates scripture, music, snacks, and activities into biblical lessons of faith.  A Middle School Program is offered at the same time but with different lessons.  VBS usually takes place in July and all parishioners interested in helping with VBS are invited to do so.
 
        Grades K-8:  K-8 Religious Education takes place on Sunday mornings from 9:45 am-10:45am beginning in September and ending in May.  Time off is planned for Fall and Spring breaks, as well as holidays.  The program is an additional support to help parents with their children’s faith formation.  Registration takes place prior to the start of the September sessions, but new families are welcome to register their children and begin anytime throughout the year.
  
      Sacrament Preparation for 2^nd Graders:  This is a program to prepare the children in the 2nd grade to receive the Sacraments of Confession and Communion for the first time.  The reception of 1 ^st Confession follows a retreat on a Saturday morning in December.  First Communion is usually the first Saturday in May.  At least one parent and the child are expected to attend the preparation sessions which focuses on the teachings of the church regarding these sacraments.
        Confirmation Preparation:  Our Confirmation program engages candidates with presentations, activities, and small group breakouts.   Candidates and a Core Team of leaders meet with the candidates 2 Sundays a month, following Sunday evening Mass.  Preparation includes two retreats, service hours, and a commitment to active participation.  There is a registration fee (not inclusive of retreat fees) and the program runs for two years, beginning in the fall of the even years.  Students register as freshmen or sophomores.
           
        Adult Formation:  St Mary Parish offers a variety of opportunities for adult faith formation and education.  Books and pamphlets are made available in the library for self-study.  Many additional talks, events, workshops, and retreats in the local area are published in the parish bulletin throughout the year.  Please consult the parish bulletin and/or website for the many adult formation opportunities available at any given time.
 
      RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults):  RCIA is the process through which those seeking to join the Catholic Church are prepared for the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.  This process traditionally begins on the Tuesday of the second week in September and continues for several weeks after Easter.  It includes liturgical rites, dating from the early centuries of the Church, and catechetical instructions.            
 
       RCIA Sponsors: Parishioners who wish to become RCIA sponsors are encouraged to become involved in the RCIA program.  Sponsors are needed to welcome the Catechumens (those who have not been baptized) and Candidates (those who have a valid baptism) into the parish community.  The criteria for being a sponsor are:  the sponsor must be at least 16 years of age; fully initiated through the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist; not the parent or spouse, and actively participating in the Catholic Church.  Most sponsors find they grow in faith as they attend the session and prepare in a new way to spiritually renew their own initiation in the Catholic faith.  All parishioners are invited to attend the RCIA sessions to refresh and enrich their faith.
 
      RCIC (Rite of Christian Initiation of Children):  The RCIC is modeled upon RCIA (see above) for all children (age 7 and older) who wish to become Catholic.  Often a parent will be participating in RCIA and his/her children will receive instruction through RCIC.  It is tailored to where the children are in chronological age, spirituality, and prior scriptural knowledge and includes participation in the Religious Education Program or attend St Mary/Blessed Pope John Paul Middle School.
           
      Volunteer opportunities abound in all areas of the Religious Education Program.  Opportunities include help with presentations before events, volunteers to assist with Vacation Bible School, and catechists, aides, substitute catechists, facilitators, and volunteers to assist at all age levels (K-adult) for regular sessions, sacramental preparation programs, and special retreats and events.

Sacristans – Sacristans work behind the scenes to clean and maintain the sanctuary and sacristy, to clean and prepare altar linens, and to set up for special occasions. No special skills are necessary, but anyone willing to give an hour once a week is most welcome. Additional assistance is needed for heavier cleaning or setup on various special occasions throughout the year.

Schools-St. Mary Elementary & Pope John Paul II Middle
St. Mary Elementary and Pope John Paul II Middle Schools educate and form children in a Catholic faith setting. All parishioners are welcome and encouraged to become involved at the school. Some volunteer opportunities are listed below.  Additional opportunities appear in the parish bulletin and/or school parent letter as they arise. Contact: School 288-5878
           
          Classroom Volunteers: Classroom volunteers are occasionally needed to assist the teachers with special events and classroom activities (e.g., holiday activities, field trips, classroom work, etc.). These opportunities emerge according to individual teacher needs throughout the school year. (Volunteers need to complete a Child Protection Protocol Inservice prior to working with children.)
 
        Hot Lunch Program Volunteers: St. Mary Elementary & Pope John Paul II Middle Schools offer hot lunch to its students each day. Lunches are catered and brought hot to the school cafeteria, and volunteers are needed each day to serve lunch to the students. This volunteer opportunity is open to all parishioners. Volunteers are asked to arrive to the school cafeteria by 10:30 am. and are finished with clean up by 1:00 pm. Volunteer schedules are prepared on a monthly basis so you can adjust your volunteer hours each month if necessary.
 
        School Library Volunteers: Any parishioner wishing to help children check out books, read to the younger children, or help organize and reshelf books is encouraged to volunteer in the school library. Volunteer opportunities are available throughout the week and volunteer schedules are prepared on a monthly basis.
 
        Enrichment Activities:  The school offers a variety of activities in addition to the regular school day.  These enrichment activities may include such things as science fair, Science Olympiad, athletics, Student Council and other community service projects.  Parishioners with experience and talents in these fields are encouraged to volunteer and share their expertise with the students.
 
      Substitute teachers:  Parishioners who have Indiana Teaching Certification or who obtain an Indiana Substitute Teaching License may apply to teach in the school.  In addition, substitute teachers may be called upon to administer state required tests.

S.E.E.D. (Seeking Evangelization through Eucharistic Devotion) – The purpose of this group is Seeking Evangelization through Eucharistic Devotion, in word and action, and developing a more intimate relationship with God in community. This group is open to all parishioners and will meet once a month to pray, encourage, and promote Eucharistic Devotions, whether it is through the rosary, silent prayer, scripture meditation, study of the saints, small retreats, or Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.

Ushers – Ushers assist members of the parish community during Mass. They help those with special needs, take up the collection during Mass, and distribute bulletins following the liturgy. Ushers can be either male or female and must be warm, helpful, engaging, and welcoming to all who enter the church. They receive on-the-job training and the support of the entire parish.  The ushers need to be in the Church 15 minutes before the start of Mass to greet the people.

Women’s Association – All women of the parish belong to the Women’s Association. This dedicated group promotes the honor and glory of God and the Blessed Mother. The Women’s Association, through its officers and various committees, plays a vital role in the life of our parish by providing social and spiritual outlets for our members, maintaining important parish functions and funding improvements within the parish. The Women's Association maintains the kitchen at Noll Hall and often serves as the hostess of the church. The Funeral Committee provides funeral luncheons for our parishioners, the Welcoming Committee welcomes and recognizes new members to our parish, the Sanctuary Committee maintains the church, altar and sacristy and the Social Concerns Committee keeps us involved in worthy causes outside our parish.  Due to our wide and varied contributions, there are numerous opportunities for the women of our parish to work together for spiritual growth as well as educational, societal and cultural improvement. Several events are planned each year from September through May that offer women the opportunity to come together in prayer and fellowship. The payment of dues and the Holiday Bazaar in November are the main sources of revenue for the Women's Association.  The association awards a $1,000 scholarship to a qualified and deserving high school senior every spring.  The remaining funds are used for various parish needs identified by our members and our pastor.  Dues of $10.00 per year are requested, but not required, for membership.  All women of the parish are invited and encouraged to help fulfill our mission of "making our parish all that it can be."

Women’s Bible Study Group – Women of the parish of all ages come together to study the Bible and other materials so that they may grow in faith. This group also participates in small service projects throughout the year. All women of the parish are welcome and encouraged to attend. The group meets every Tuesday from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. from September through May.

 

Youth Ministry - With Jesus as our model, the Youth Ministry works with our Middle and High School students to:

Soup Kitchen of Muncie – The Soup Kitchen of Muncie prepares and serves meals to the needy in Delaware County. The Soup Kitchen was established in 1994. It is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., serving more than 100 guests daily. Parishioners may volunteer by helping prepare food to be served in the dining room or by making sack lunches for take-out. Sack lunches can also be assembled off premises and brought to the kitchen before 9:00 a.m. each day. The kitchen also accepts food donations, such as canned food, purchased or home-grown vegetables and fruit, pastas, rice, and meat.

Health Care Centers Ministry – This ministry is open to all Ministers of Communion who would like to visit and bring the Eucharist to the Catholics who are residents in the health-care centers. Ministers from all three parishes work together to cover the 15 health-care centers in our area. If you are not currently a Minister of Communion and would be interested in being one for this ministry, contact the parish office. This important ministry allows our three parishes to not only work together but to truly bring Eucharist in sacrament and presence. Training is conducted throughout the year as the need arises.

Knights of Columbus – The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic men's fraternal benefit society that was formed to render spiritual and social support and 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. All men of the parish, age 18 and older, are welcome and encouraged to join the Knights of Columbus.

Secular Franciscan Order – The Secular Franciscan Order (formerly the Third Order of St. Francis) is an official, canonically -established Order of the Catholic Church that traces its beginnings to St. Francis of Assisi himself in the early 13 ^th century.  The order is open to Catholic lay men and women, single and married, who strive to follow Christ in the footsteps of Francis and Clare while living in the secular environment. After  a period of initial formation, members profess a Rule (promulgated by Paul VI in 1978) that calls for continuous striving toward a Spirit-filled, Gospel-centered, holy life characterized by love of God, neighbor, and all creation; fidelity to the Church and its teachings; humility; detachment from material things; a preference for peace; and commitment to serving others.  The Order is organized into local and regional fraternities, whose regular meetings serve as “community” for members.  St. Anthony Fraternity, Muncie, includes members from all three Catholic parishes.

St. Vincent de Paul Society (SVDP) – The St. Vincent de Paul Society is an international Catholic lay organization founded in France in 1833 by Blessed Frederic Ozanam. Under the patronage of St. Vincent de Paul, the Society seeks to foster the spiritual growth of its members through person-to-person service to the poor and marginalized in society. The local SVDP conference, started in 1980, includes men and women from all three Catholic parishes in Muncie and is committed to serving needy residents of Delaware County, regardless of religious affiliation. Throughout the year, local Vincentians collect and deliver food to indigent households, provide financial assistance for rent and utilities, and operate and staff the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store, located at 920 E. Charles Street. The store offers donated clothing, household and miscellaneous items at low cost to the general public or free to our clients, depending on need. Other projects sponsored by the Muncie conference include the annual “Blanket Sunday” collection and preparation and distribution of Christmas baskets to needy families.