Presentation of the
Blessed Virgin Mary Parish
SOCIAL MINISTRIES
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Parish
Social Ministries
Christian Women
Council is open to all women of the parish over the age of 18. This
organization promotes spirituality, service, and socializing. Members
organize and prepare funeral luncheons, receptions for Confirmation and
First Eucharist, and make Baptismal garments. The group supports local
food-banks, a monthly Feed the Hungry program at a North Side soup
kitchen, Sisters Place and Pro-Life. Socially, Christian Women sponsor
an annual mother-daughter dinner, lectures and fund-raising projects
including an annual art auction. New members are invited to join
anytime throughout the year and are always welcome. Advent "Giving Tree" gift collection. Description: This involves all
members of our parish in giving gifts to needy children and adults who
reside in our community. Families whose children might otherwise not
have gifts for Christmas can apply at the church office asking that
their children be included in the toy drive. Parishioners are asked to
bring gifts for a family member and place them under the Advent tree in
the church. A few days before Chrsitmas, Advent "Giving Tree" Ministry
bags the gifts so that l members assisted by our youth can deliver the
gifts.
A ministry that
promotes parish community, goodwill, and hospitality. It is an
expression of our motto - "There are no strangers here, only friends we
have not met." This outreach is provided after the 8:00 a.m. and the
10:30 a.m. Sunday Masses in the vestibule of the church. Our ministers
prepare the coffee, serve it, and clean up afterwards. Parish priests and the Social Minister make visits as needed to local hospitals to visit, comfort, and meet the needs of parishioners. If you are hospitalized, or know of someone who is hospitalized, please contact the Parish Center. A family member or friend must call the Parish to let us know someone is in the hospital. In times of acute need, hospital patients look for the opportunity to receive the Eucharist and regain a sense of peace and fulfillment. Parishioners from the
Parish are supporting the pastoral ministry effort at local hospitals.
Euchuaristic Ministers spend Sunday mornings visiting the sick and
taking Holy Communion to Catholic patients. Their ministry includes
such areas of the hospital as cardiology, neonatal, postoperative care,
psychiatry, intensive care, rehabilitation, respiratory therapy, and
orthopedics. These ladies are the
wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends of the Knights of
Columbus. The purpose of this group is to support and assist with the
activities of the Knights of Columbus. The ladies are also dedicated to
the youth of the parish in a special way. Scheduled Bake Sales and
other various activities are undertaken in order to add to the
scholarship fund. Donate potluck type food and help serve at the
repasts for family members and friends of deceased Guild members. Raise
funds for donations to several charitable organizations. Social events
include annual bingo/pot luck dinner, and a wine and cheese party in
combination with a fun auction. Pray the Rosary at October and May
meetings.
Helping Hands was established to provide free services for the elderly/needy parishioners of the parish. Some of the activities of the Helping Hands group are minor property maintenance and repair. The projects consist of house cleaning, painting, yard work, plumbing, plastering, replacing worn steps, doors, windows, locks, transportation, and shopping. Volunteer to help your fellow parishioners as needs arise on a one-time basis with such chores as baby sitting during a mother's illness or medical treatment, meal preparation for a sick family, calling on the phone or in person to a bereaved or lonely individual, drive an elderly person to the doctor or Mass? Please read Matthew 25: 31-46. If you would be willing to help occasionally with any of these acts of mercy. The Parish is divided into neighborhoods. When there is a need; e.g., food for a funeral, etc. people from that neighborhood are contacted for assistance. All are encouraged to know their neighbors. If you are aware of a parishioner's need from your neighborhood, you are encouraged to let the office know (e.g., someone in need of pastoral care, in the hospital, etc.) At times a ride to
church or elsewhere is needed. If you are available and would like to
provide this assistance at any time, please consider this ministry. The Boy Scout Troop is for boys between the ages of 11 and 18 who are interested in total development from boyhood to manhood - physical, mental and moral. It does this through camping, outdoor adventures, exploring hobbies and occupations, learning, developing and using leadership skills, stressing honor, responsibility and obligation to God, Country and other people. The boys and leaders are a great source of ministry to our parish through their many Eagle Scout Projects. The Cub
Scout Pack is for boys between the ages of 6 and 11 who are
interested in having fun in the company of their friends and under the
leadership of adults. The boys learn the discipline necessary to
progress through the ranks of scouting. The boys become familiar with
doing service projects, what it means to be a good citizen, the feeling
of accomplishment, and following their leaders. Each den has a meeting
with their leader once a week and then there is a Pack meeting (when
all dens gather) once a month on the first Thursday at 6:30 p.m in Presentation School Cafeteria. The Girl Scout Troop is comprised of girls in the 5th through 7th grade. They meet weekly. Meetings are scheduled from the end of August through May. This group works on crafts, badge requirements, community service projects, camping and goes on field trips. They are working on their Bronze Award, which involves a project of 16 hours of community service hours. A youth group for 9th
grade through High School, includes a coffee house (Habits) for youth
to gather and study. Computers are available.
The All Saints Mr and Mrs Club is a inter-parish group of Catholic married people providing good companionship while engaging in wholesome activities. Their goal is to make Christ the Head of every home, to make St. Joseph the model for every husband, and the Blessed Virgin the ideal of every wife and mother; to make every family, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, a place where God dwells in love and happiness. |