PARISH MEMBERSHIP: All are welcome at St. Mary Parish and invited to join the spiritual and temporal life of the parish community. You can register as a family, a Catholic spouse with or without children, or as a single unit. Upon reaching 18 years of age young adults are expected to register with the parish as a unit separate from their family; because along with adult rights and privileges also come adult responsibilities.
PRESENT MASS SCHEDULE: Weekends - Saturdays at 5:30 P.M.; Sundays at 8:30 A.M. Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:15 A.M. Mass is offered at St. Michael in Whitelaw on Wednesdays and Fridays at 7:00 A.M. Any weekly changes to this schedule are printed in the bulletin. Holy Days - 8:15 A.M. (during school months) or as listed in the bulletin, as needed.
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: Sundays 7:45 to 8:15 A.M. or by personal arrangement. Special reconciliation services and extra times for confession are provided before important Church feasts during the year.
PREPARATION FOR MARRIAGE: Must be arranged for at least 9 months in advance; ideally, let your priest know as soon as you can to insure times, dates, and adequate preparation. Weddings are usually performed in the bride’s parish, or the parish of the Catholic party, if that is the case. One or both of the parties must be parish members. If members elsewhere, a letter of delegation from that parish is required.
BAPTISM: Parents must be registered, practicing members of St. Mary Parish (or have delegation from parish where they have membership). At least one sponsor must be a confirmed, practicing Catholic. Ideally, it is best to call the rectory during pregnancy to make arrangements for required instructions. It is highly encouraged that Baptism be celebrated during a weekend liturgy of the parish.
ST. MARY/ST. MICHAEL CATHOLIC SCHOOL is available for all children of the parish or anyone, legally, who may wish to attend. Tuition grants can be arranged for those who cannot manage the full fee, with proof of need and a willingness to help with school projects and programs. With Christian-based instruction offered from 3-year old Pre-school and 4K through 8th grade, plus a certified music instructor, as well as computer education for all ages and a hands-on principal/administrator, we offer an excellent scholastic program as well as an opportunity for daily instructions in Christian living and our Catholic faith to reinforce your home training.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: A full-range Religious Education Program is offered for children enrolled in public elementary school as well as a high school program for Confirmation preparation. These are coordinated by our Director of Religious Education Teresa Pederson and administered by volunteers who give much in the way of time and effort for a small gratuity. Adult education and spiritual enrichment programs are facilitated as needed.
ORGANIZATIONS, MINISTRIES, AND ACTIVITIES: There are organizations and activities for everyone – Men’s Club, Marian Council for women, the Home & School Association, are the structured organizations of the parish and all are welcome. Ministries include Eucharistic Distributor at liturgies and Eucharist to the homebound, Lector, Usher, Altar Server, and choirs. Service on the Parish Council and Board of Education is another way to be an active part of the parish. There are opportunities to help with adult education, work with the athletic programs, visiting the hospitalized or homebound, help with the religious education program and many other volunteer committees.
LECTORS, DISTRIBUTORS, USHERS, SERVERS: If interested in any of these ministries, talk to Father Dick and he will arrange for instructions and get you signed up with the proper people.
ADULT MIXED CHOIR: Anyone who likes to sing, high school age or older, is invited to become a member of the choir; watch the bulletin for rehearsal notices and just come. Accompanist is Sharon Slager.
CHURCH SUPPORT: St. Mary’s encourages the entire Stewardship approach in our support of our parish. As stewards we should feel obliged to give back to God as He blesses us. This involves helping with projects as well as sharing our material goods. We are a “sacrificial giving” community – which means that we give according to God’s gifts to us. We ask that you consider ½ of what the bible asks of us (10%). The rest is up to the person’s discretion for other charities or causes. So, for example, if a person makes $35,000 a year, 5% of that would be $1,750 for the parish. We are all so different and, if we think about it, all so blessed. Also, because giving on a weekly or monthly basis is such a great help to personal and family budgeting, we most heartily encourage your use of the envelopes provided on a regular basis. On-line giving is also available. Call the parish office for information on how to sign up for that. When the end of the year comes, you don’t have to worry about big lump sums, your budget is balanced, you have lived within your means, and the parish is able to pay expenses as they become due.
PARISH CLERICAL STAFF: A parish secretary (Casey Braun) is employed on a part-time basis to help with record keeping, arrangements, communications, and keeping the office going. She is in the office on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 11:00 to 3:00. She can also be reached at home at 323-6713. Lisa Van Dyke is the bookkeeper for both parishes.
STIPEND DONATIONS: These amounts are set by the Diocese, and according to Diocesan policy, all stipend donations are returned to the parish. Donation amounts are: $10.00 for a Mass; $50.00 for a funeral Mass; $75.00 for a wedding; $10.00 for a baptism. Anything more than the required donation can be given to the minister of the sacrament, as you wish.
FLOWERS FOR CHURCH: Special donations asked for at Christmas and Easter. Please contact the parish office for flowers for special occasions or personal intentions during the year. Intentions can be published in the bulletin, if so desired.
RENTAL OF SCHOOL HALL OR HUB FOR PRIVATE USE: Upon reservation (reunions, showers, private parties, etc.), you will be given a set of rules for use and will be asked to pay $60 ($35 rental fee and a $25 deposit which will be returned to you upon determination that no damage has been done and the facility cleaned). Cost for using the room only (no stoves, hot water, etc.) is $20.00. Non-parishioners will be asked to pay double ($70 and $40) plus the returnable $25 deposit fee. A waiver form must be signed absolving the parish or diocese of any liability for accidents, etc. during the course of the event.
USE OF PARISH EQUIPMENT: Please be sure to reserve items ahead of time so that at busy times, such as graduations, the people who have reserved items will have them available to them. To cover normal wear and tear we ask that you use the following guide for your rental donation: .25 per chair used; .50 per card table; .75 per large table and $3.00 per Nesco.
CLEANING OF THE CHURCH & HUB: A part-time janitor is employed for the school; but since we do not employ a parish janitor, we assign three families each week to clean the church and the Hub once every other month. If anyone is not able to help, having been assigned, that person is to get a substitute or make arrangements that the job is not left to two or even one person to do. If you have a valid health reason making it impossible for you to take your turn, please call the rectory well before your turn to avoid much confusion. Assignment is done by alphabetical order and your turn comes only about every year and a half. Those over 75 are not assigned.
BULLETIN & SANCTUARY CANDLE SPONSORSHIP: Any family, individual, or group can sponsor the Sunday bulletin for a $15.00 donation. You can list your family name, announce a special occasion (anniversary, etc.), or advertise your business, if such is the case. The bulletin is typed and arranged for space on Wednesday so please have all notices to the parish office by that time. The Sanctuary Candle can be sponsored for a $10.00 donation and burns for a week.