MINISTRIES

For more information or specific dates on any of these ministries, call the Rectory at 638-6718.

BEREAVEMENT SOCIETY - Recognizing that losing a loved one to death is the most difficult transition in life, the bereavement society members visit the home of the bereaved to help plan the funeral liturgy; they also offer to host a luncheon for those who attend the funeral. Society members also invite the families to a special All Souls Liturgy on November 2nd in honor of all deceased parish family members.

CHICKEN BARBECUE & ST. MARY/ST. MARK YARD SALE: The communities of of St. Mary & St. Mark enjoy cooking, serving and eating a generous chicken dinner with all the trimmings while buying and selling donated, previously enjoyed items and handmade crafts at the annual yard sale.

CHOIR - Members help parishioners join their voices together and give glory to God at all liturgical celebrations throughout the year. There are Adult Choir, Folk Choir, and the Glory Gang choir (grades 1-6).

COMMUNITY LOAF AND LADLE - Parish families prepare a meal on the third Saturday of every month. The soup kitchen is held every Saturday at St. Paul's Church, Jackson St., in cooperation with other area churches.

FINANCE COUNCIL - The Trustees and several appointed members of our churches advise the Pastor concerning the financial stewardship of our faith communities.

HOSPITAL/HOME VISITATIONS - Parishioners may contact the rectory to be included in monthly communion calls or to invite a staff member to visit them while in the hospital.

PASTORAL COUNCIL - Meets regularly to set priorities for the parish community; they help to organize activities and make recommendations to the pastor.

GREETERS/USHERS - create a sense of hospitality at liturgies (greeting people as they enter, helping with the collection, etc.)

LECTORS - proclaim the Word of the Lord at liturgies.

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS - assist the Pastor with the distribution of the Holy Eucharist and lead weekday Communion Services when the Priest is not available.

ALTAR SERVERS - assist the Pastor and the assembly at Liturgical Celebrations.

PRAYER/SCRIPTURE SHARING GROUPS - Small Christian Communities are the backbone of the Church. They give life to the Church and draw life from sacramental participation in the faith life of the community.

• Sunday Evening Bible Study at the Social Center
• Monday Evening Faith Based at the Social Center
• Tuesday Morning at the Social Center - Faith Sharing

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION OF CHILDREN - Faith Formation is important at every age, but especially for our young ones. Organized classes are taught by dedicated and qualified volunteers. Also families may grow together in their faith by joining our Family Education Program.

ALTAR SOCIETY - Members take turns serving the faith community by caring for and cleaning Altar linens.

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) and RCIC (Rite of Christian Initiation of Children) - This process includes informational meetings explaining the Catholic faith for non-Catholics interested in learning about the Catholic faith or for Catholics who find themselves asking about their faith.

SOCIAL LIFE IN MINISTRY (S.L.I.M.) - This long-standing St. Mary group encourages a community atmosphere at many parish events especially receptions and coffee hours after Masses. Members send cards to hospitalized parishioners and sponsor a day of food and entertainment for senior citizens in the Fall.

ST. JOSEPH TABLE - Patterned after an Italian custom, parish members gather at St. Mary on the feast of St. Joseph to enjoy a liturgical celebration, a Lenten meal and remember the poor in our community.

ST. ROCCO FESTIVAL - As the biggest single social and fund-raising event for the St. Rocco and St. Mary/St. Mark faith communities, the Festival features the largest Bocce Tournament in Western N.Y., numerous raffles, Nevada, delicious home made Italian food, games of skill for children and young people, dancing and entertainment for all ages.

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY - Following the example of their founder, this parish organization ministers to the community in very quiet and humble ways. They visit the sick in nursing homes and hospitals every week; with generous parish and community donations, they prepare and deliver food baskets to the poor at Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter; they organize and distribute emergency supplies such as crutches, walkers, hospital beds, clothing, food vouchers and even large appliances.

SPIRITUAL LIFE AND WORSHIP COMMISSION - The goal of this group is to create a meaningful environment for liturgical celebrations for our churches throughout the year, especially during the holy seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter.

YOUTH MINISTRY - Our goal is to build a foundation of support and resources for our youth. We investigate the gifts and resources in our community as well as the wants and needs of the young people.