We hope that the new year will offer you the opportunity to become more involved in the faith community here at St. Mary.  Living your faith through love in action can be enjoyed by every member of your family.  Please look through this list of ministries and consider how your family can become more involved in the parish.  Please contact the parish office at 540-373-6491 or at stmary@stmaryfred.org and we will forward your interest to the contact person for your desired ministry.  Thanks!

Follow these links to go to the various sections of parish life:

education ministry

liturgical ministry

parish operations

community building

outreach ministry

membership in parish groups

Education Ministry

Religious Education (Kindergarten through 12th Grade):

Catechists (Teachers), Teachers’ Aides, Babysitters during Class Times, Office/Clerical Volunteers, Special Projects Volunteers

Duties:  The whole range of responsibilities undertaken by the parish in serving about 1,200 young people in faith formation.
Time:  As much as you are able.  Classes are held on a weekly basis, nearly every afternoon and evening.  Virtus training required.
Special Skills:  None required, but ability to teach and inspire out of your own love for the faith and our Church is most desirable.  Training and certification is made available to all to ensure that we are educated in the faith we teach.
Coordinator:  Diane McFall, Director.  540-373-7770, dmcfall@stmaryfred.org

Holy Cross Academy:

Tutors, Library Aides, Afterschool Care Volunteers, Cafeteria and Playground Volunteers, Art Room Aides, Gardens

Duties:  Too many to list here, there is a full spectrum of opportunity at Holy Cross.
Time:  Weekly commitment (if possible), plus initial training adn ongoing formation sessions, if needed.  Again, as much or as little time as you are able to give will be deeply appreciated.  Virtus training required.
Special Skills:  A love of education and children is foremost, and the desire to fill a needed role in an environment where Christ is our focus.  Skills vary according to need.
Principal:  Sister Susan Louise, OSFS.  540-286-7770, hcaprincipal@verizon.net

Youth Ministry:

Youth Ministry:

Confirmation Team Leaders

Duties:  Serve a team of 10 7th/8th Graders who are preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation as a spiritual mentor and coordinator of team service projects.  Loving adults who are needed to witness their love and commitment to the Church and inspire our young people to grow into the Chruch community as active and faithful members.
Time:  Monthly meeting with teams in various places for activities, doing spiritual and corporal works of mercy as groups, and reflection.  Accompanying Youth to Confirmation Retreat, a couple of formation meetings as leaders.  Virtus training required.
Special Skills:  A love of God and young people; organization and discipline.
Coordinator:  Leo Chavarria, Director of Youth Ministry  540.373.1926  leo@stmaryfred

Adult Education

R.C.I.A. Team Members and Sponsors

Duties:  Facilitate the process of initiating new members into our Roman Catholic community of faith through Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist, by providing personal presence which seeks to accompany inquirers throughout the process of coming to the Sacraments.  Some teaching and discussion group work is possible, along with all the priests and other faculty.
Time:  Two-hour weekly meeting, Mondays at 8pm; some other weekend activities.
Special Skills:  Requires people of prayer and faith with a strong sense of community, witnesses to the Gospel, good listeners, sharers.  Sponsors must be fully initiated themselves as members of the Church and be active in living their faith.
Coordinators:  Charlie Herbek, Director, and Fr. Don Rooney, frrooney@stmaryfred.org

Adult Education:

English as a Second Language (ESL) Teachers/Volunteers

Duties:  Two levels of English classes are offered each week in the Activity Center.
Time:  Sundays, 12-2pm.
Special Skills:  Language skills, desire to teach.
Coordinators:  Ray Houpt, rjdhoupt@aol.com

Vacation Bible School:

Volunteers

Duties:  Participate in vacation learning environment where participants are immersed in particular Bible themes to foster knowledge and love of the Lord in young people; many leadership teams are needed, as well as planning and administrative activities.
Time:  One full week in the summer (late June), with planning and preparations in advance.
Special Skills:  Love for young people, specific talents welcome but not required.
Coordinators:  Renee Palmer  540-373-7770, rpalmer@stmaryfred.org

Get the word out:

Liturgical Ministry

Altar Servers (5th Graders and older, boys and girls)

Duties:  Assist in the celebration of the Mass adn other liturgies (weddings, funerals, benediction, etc.).
Time:  One Mass every two weeks or so (arrive 15 minutes early) plus initial training and annual formation sessions.  Schedule is flexible and finding substitutes is required.
Special Skills:  An ability to be edifying, attentive and reverent at Mass; dependability and family commitment.
Coordinator:  Jack Kopcak   jack_itbs@msn.com

Masters of Ceremonies (Young men, high school age and older)

Duties:  Within the context of serving at Mass, additional opportunities are available to serve as coordinators of altar servers at Masses on Sundays, Holy Days of Obligation and other parish celebrations.
Time:  Meetings are planned every couple of months and additional training is required.
Special Skills:  An ability to edifying, attentive and reverent at Mass; dependability, commitment, leadership ability.
Coordinators:  Jack Kopcak   jack_itbs@msn.com

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (Adults)

Duties:  Distribution of the Eucharist, sometimes cleaning vessels after Communion, Sunday distribution to the sick (monthly).  Schedule is flexible and finding own substitute is required when unable to serve as scheduled.
Time:  Weekly commitment, if possible, plus initial diocesan and parish training and ongoing formation sessions.
Special Skills:  Love and reverence for the Eucharist, ease in public settings; Catholic in good standing who has received the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist).  Candidates must be mandated by Bishop Loverde.
Coordinators:  James Crockett, james.a.crockett@uscg.mil and Fr. Don Rooney, frrooney@stmaryfred.org 

Lectors (Adults and Teens)

 

The Music Ministry welcomes singers and instrumentalists who want to share their gifts to help foster the sung prayer of our parish.  We have five choirs that sing at Sunday (or Saturday evening) Mass and for special occasions. Below are the rehearsal and Mass times for each choir. If you enjoy singing or play an appropriate instrument and would like to contribute your talents to the parish liturgies in this special way, please contact David Mathers, Director of Sacred Music, at the Music Ministry office: dmathers@stmaryfred.org or (540) 373-6491 x 217.

 

Adult Choir

Sings for the Sunday 10:30am Mass from September to June, as well as Christmas Midnight Mass, and the main liturgies of the Easter Triduum. Repertoire includes the broad range of excellent Catholic liturgical music including chant, polyphony, classical and contemporary styles. Time: Sunday, 9:45am warm-up, Mass at 10:30am. Rehearsal Thursdays 7:30pm-9:15pm. Directed by David Mathers.

 

Folk Choir

Sings for the Saturday 5:00pm Mass throughout the year and for Christmas, Easter and other special feast days. Players of appropriate instruments are also encouraged to join.  Saturdays, 4:00pm warm-up, Mass at 5:00pm. Rehearsals (September to June), Wednesdays 7:45pm-9:00pm. Donna Green director of the Folk Choir can be contacted at donnagreen90@yahoo.com .

 

Spanish Choir

Sings/plays for the Sunday 2:00pm Mass throughout the year and for Christmas and Easter and other parish celebrations. Singers who enjoy singing in Spanish and players of appropriate instruments are most welcome to join. Time: Sunday, 12:30pm warm-up, Mass at 2:00pm. Rehearsals are Fridays at 7:30pm. Directed by Melissa McCoy. Call 540-429-8423 or mccoy3020@aol.com .

 

Children’s Choir (Grades 2-7)

Sings for Sundays 8:30am Mass about every other Sunday from September to June, as well as for Christmas Vigil, and Easter Sunday, and Confirmation. Sundays, 7:45am warm-up, Mass at 8:30am. Rehearsal, every Thursday 6:00pm-7:00pm. Directed by Mrs. Linda Long. Parents, please call the Music Ministry Office: 540-373-6491 x 217 for more information or e-mail llong@stmaryfred.org

 

Youth Choir (Grades 8-12)

Sing or play appropriate instruments for Sunday 5:00pm Mass from September to June and for Christmas Midnight Mass, Good Friday Tre ore and the Easter Vigil. Sunday, 4:00pm warm-up, Mass at 5:00pm. Rehearsals Tuesdays 7:00pm-8:30pm. Directed by David Mathers, dmathers@stmaryfred.org or (540) 373-6491 x 217

Magdalenes

Duties:  Contact family of deceased to offer any help which may be needed, participate in funeral Vigils and Masses, recite the rosary at the Vigil when requested by family, and after the Funeral Mass.
Time:  As needed when funerals occur on weekdays or weekends.
Special Skills:  A desire to support families in grief.
Coordinators:  Jean Johnson stmary@stmaryfred.org

Funeral Reception Committee

Greeters (Adults and Teens)

Duties:  Welcome parishioners with a warm smile and a greeting; distribute liturgy sheets; pay special attention to visitors with special needs and assist ushers as needed.
Time:  Usually a weekly commitment (arrive 15 minutes early), plus initial training and one annual formation session.  Schedule is flexible and finding one’s own substitute is required when unable to serve as scheduled.
Special Skills:  An outgoing and warm personality, a deep sense of Christ in all people.
Coordinators:  Katherine Pereira, katyp111@hotmail.com 

Linens Caretakers

Duties:  Take home used vestments, altar cloths, altar linens and towels and clean/press them.
Time:  About three hours a month.
Special Skills:  A caring eye for detail.
Coordinators:  Sharon McKenna, Sacristan, stmary@stmaryfred.org  

Seasonal Church Decorators

Duties:  Preparing the church for primary seasons during the year, especially for installations at Christmas and Easter (both in the church and the Expo Center).
Time:  We usually can get the job done in one day, usually the Saturday before major feast days.  Some weeknights may be necessary.  Other opportunities are available during the year as well.
Special Skills:  A good dye for beauty as well as taste which leads those attending Mass to enter more deeply into the Mysteries we celebrate.
Coordinators:  Sister Susan Louise, OSFS, hcaprincipal@verizon.net  

Parish Operations

Stewardship Commission

Duties:  Facilitate parishioners’ understanding and practice of stewardship in all areas of their lives.
Time:  Monthly meetings, between-meetings assignments as needed.
Special Skills:  A heart for stewardship, a love for the church, enjoy planning, training and resources will be provided.
Coordinator:  Rick Caporali rcaporali@stmaryfred.org and Fr. Don Rooney, frrooney@stmaryfred.org

Development Committee

Duties:  Planning and organizing parish activities and long-term goals and working toward fulfilling them.  Some fundraising work as well.  This committee is still forming and the goals of the parish are themselves in development.
Time:  Probably monthly meetings, individual activities TBD.
Special Skills:  Commitment to parish vision, training provided as needed.
Coordinators:  Fr. Don Rooney, frrooney@stmaryfred.org 

Facilities CommitteeDuties:  Work with the Operations Committee of the Parish Advisory Board to assist in planning and managing maintenance and necessary scheduled maintenance and improvements of buildings and grounds.
Time:  Committee meetings as needed, more on an as-needed basis.
Special Skills:  No training necessary, architects, engineers, any building trade (carpenter, plumber, electrician, painter, etc.) helpful.
Coordinators:  James Schwartz, drschwartzdds@aol.com

Landscaping Committee

Duties:  Work to enhance grounds of St. Mary campus.
Time:  Seasonal, specific activities in late spring, summer and early fall.
Special Skills:  Gardening experience and enjoyment, and landscaping skills/knowledge helpful.
Coordinators:  Susan Hohenberg, bggreenscape@aol.com

Clerical/Administrative Support

Duties:  Assist in preparing mailings, bulletin inserts, worship guides, catechetical resources and/or computer work, such as data entry, transcribing notes, layout and design.
Time:  Varies with job:  some one-time projects, others recurring.
Special Skills:  Telephone, computer skills helpful, knowledge of Microsoft Office programs.  Sometimes it’s stuffing and mailing!
Coordinators:  Kelly Keiser, kkeiser@stmaryfred.org 

Bishop’s Lenten Appeal Committee

Duties:  Plan and organize the annual Lenten Appeal at St. Mary; encourage full participation through planning, publicity, tracking and reporting.
Time:  Seasonal (January through May); 1 or 2 training meetings as well as ongoing activities.
Special Skills:  Commitment to parish vision, training provided as needed. 
Coordinators:  Fr. Don Rooney, frrooney@stmaryfred.org   

Outreach Ministry

Parish Advisory Board Outreach Committee

Duties:  Work with Parish Advisory Board Outreach Committee.  Lead the parish in increasing awareness of Catholic Social Teaching; motivate parishioners to reach out to others in the community in service, justice, advocacy and solidarity.
Time:  Bi-monthly two-hour meetings; time for preparation and follow-up.
Coordinator:  Mary Louise Holmes, mlhomes99@aol.com

Micah Ecumenical Ministries/Refugee Assistance

Duties:  Joining with volunteers from churches of Fredericksburg to serve the chronic homeless population through the new Hospitality Center, cold-weather shelter, and other services offered.  Periodically we sponsor families in helping them to get settled in their new home and acclimated to our culture and area.
Time:  Very variable:  the harvest is great, laborers are few.
Coordinator:  Rick Caporali, rcaporali@stmaryfred.org 

Jail/Prison OutreachDuties:  Visit local jail to share love of Catholic faith and join with inmates in prayer.
Time:  Once a month, approximately 2-4 hours.
Special Skills:  Willingness to work in a prison environment.  Ability to listen, pray and share faith, to be an inviting and welcoming presence.
Coordinators:  Mary Preston, mompres@aol.com 

Saint Vincent de Paul Society and Thrift Store

Duties:  Collect and inventory thrift store items, serve as cashier; case worker for intake of financial need applicants.
Time:  Thrift Store hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-3pm; Case Workers needed every Thursday evening, 6:30pm.
Special Skills:  A strong back, or a friend with a strong back, for inventory collection.  Will train cashiers.
Coordinator:  Maureen Jones, clintonoxford@aol.com

Dolphins

Duties:  Visit homebound individuals for social visits and friendships.  This ministry is inter-faith.
Time:  Flexible, determined by volunteer and individual in need.
Special Skills:  Interest in sharing and learning from an individual with limited mobility and/or resources.
Coordinators:  Sandy Nini, jnini@comcast.net

Manna Project: Supporting F’burg Food Bank

Duties:  Coordinate food collection at St. Mary and delivery to Fredericksburg Food Bank.  Accomplish two major collections each year.
Time:  2 hours, every other month.
Special Skills:  Requires ability to lift food packages (or ability to recruit others to do it for you!). 
Coordinators:  Ken Kroko, kkroko@earthlink.net

Birthright/Fredericksburg

Duties:  Assist women in crisis pregnancies through various types of support - prayer, transportation, meals, clothing, and baby products; opportunity to provide “shepherding home,” a loving a stable environment and befriend a woman in need.  This is a non-denominational ministry.
Time:  Varies according to assignment and need; periodic orientation sessions; written materials also available; biannual state-wide training.
Special Skills:  Ability to show unconditional love, set boundaries; parenting skills welcome (not necessary); good listening skills helpful; willingness to show respect for life by combining special power of prayer with commitment to service.
Coordinator:  Maria Cackett, mcackett@comcast.

Membership in Parish Groups

St. Mary Council of Catholic Women

You could be the new leadership needed to organize and enliven the participation of women in the life of St. Mary parish!  All women are already members:  activate your membership!  Monthly meetings, special events and service to the parish, the annual Yard Sale and Christmas Craft Fair are waiting for your involvement.
Contact:  Mary Keeton, keetonfam@msn.com

Craft Guild

Duties:  Create crafts to present for sale at the annual CCW Craft Fair.  Proceeds benefit CCW Charitable Fund.
Time:  Participate in established weekly craft meetings in the Activity Center or work at home.
Special Skills:  Creativity!
Coordinator:  Wanda Cushing, wcushing@cox.net

Respect Life Ministry

To promote pro-life and pro-family values, this committee responds to trends in today’s culture with prayer and support of life issues.  Organization of activities include the annual March for Life and the Life Chain in October.
Contact:  Elaine Stanislawski, estanislawski@stmaryfred.org

Knights of Columbus

Catholic men who seek fellowship and community service in this respected tradition.  Annual events include monthly Parish Dinners on the first Saturday of each month, the Parish Picnic (last Sunday before the last day of school at Holy Cross Academy), the Christmas Tree Sale, and many other opportunities to get involved in the life of the parish.  The Council holds monthly meetings at the Council Center on Harrison Road on the 2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month at 7:30pm

Contact:  Mark Janda, Grand Knight 540.752.9690 grandknight@kofccouncil4034.org or visit us at http://www.kofccouncil4034.org

Moms’ Group

Offers moms a chance to get together to discuss topics relevant to faith.  Usually every 3rd Friday.
Contact:  Barb Frasher, rbfrasher@cox.net

St.Mary Men’s Group

Offers men of the parish a chance to get together monthly for prayer and discussion.
Contact:  Matt Muggeridge, mmuggeridge@yahoo.com  

Catholic Homeschoolers’ GroupSt. Mary’s association of families who educate their children at home.
Contact:  Kristin Bullock, kristinbullock02@yahoo.com

Book Club

Read and discuss books monthly.
Contact:  Kathleen Mahoney, bmah761569@aol.com 

Legion of MaryAn apostolic group following the model of Mary and committed to the spiritual formation of its members, evangelization and acts of charity.  Adult, intermediate and junior groups:
     Monday morning,   Contact:  Mary Owen, hmowen@cox.net
     Monday evening,   Contact:  Pam Biedenbender, b12p2@verizon.net
     Juniors,   Contact:  Catherine Loughlin, thomasloughlin@worldnet.att.net
    Spanish,   Contact:  Alvin Gaitan, pauydany@yahoo.com

Saint Mary Prayer Groups:

Rosary Groups

A full schedule of groups who meet in the church before or after weekday Masses, often other times.
Contact:  Sharon McKenna, Sacristan, stmary@stmaryfred.org 

Immaculata Fraternity of the Secular Franciscans

An institution within the Church called to live the Gospel life in the manner of St. Francis as Third Order Franciscans, or Tertiaries, called to build up the Church by their word and example.  The Franciscan Prayer Chain receives daily requests which are forwarded to prayer chain members.  Also, we promote adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and help organize the schedules for all-night adoration on first Fridays as well as the annual celebration of Forty Hours.
Contact:  John Wagner, jfwagnerjr@verizon.net 

Spanish Prayer Group

Join us Thursday nights in the John Paul II House, welcome to the prayer group formed by Spanish-speaking parishioners.
Contact:  Ismael Bermudez, stmary@stmaryfred.org 

Little Flower Society of PrayerOur sole mission is to pray for priests, especially our parish and diocesan priests and seminarians!  Your only commitment is to pray “A Rosary for Priests” at least once a week to give our priests the gift of our prayers for all that they sacrifice for us.  “A Rosary for Priests” prayerbook is available at your request.
Contact:  Elaine Stanislawski, estanislawski@stmaryfred.org

Cursillo

Join a team that seeks to deepen spirituality within the context of our everyday life.
Contact:  Laura Lyon, laurajoelyon@cox.net  

Retreat Programs 

Yearly retreats scheduled for men and women.  Contact the Parish Office for more information.
Contact:  women, Elaine Stanislawski; men, Robert McDevitt 898-1758; Christian Family Life Retreat Center (NC), Joyce O’Toole. stmary@stmaryfred.org 

Ancient Order of HiberniansA Catholic order of men of Irish origin, organized to serve the Church.
Contact:  William Halpin (President)  Contact: Jeff Fitzpatrick 540.898.8597