The Parish Council meets on the last Monday of the month in Room 10 at 7pm.
Contact Kathie Day via email kathieday@christianlady.com
State of the Parish 2024
Good afternoon /Good morning - everyone.
I am speaking to you today as a representative of the parish council, we are the eyes and ears of the parish and are dedicated to making a difference, here and now, to everyone who comes to worship here at St. Mary, in Jesus name. We meet monthly, with the goal, to discuss ideas that will ultimately grow us together in UNITY and grow us, together in HOLINESS.
SO… What is the state of our parish, today? – I thought at first it would be about numbers of people returning after the shutdowns, but I came to realize that it was not about that at all… It is about the HEART of the those present here today, the HEART of those saying YES to God.
As I put together a list of all the prayer groups and scripture study groups, I was amazed by the number of new groups, and I realized that we are all witnessing an EXPLOSION OF GRACE here at St. Mary.
-All of us are on a faith journey, to grow in faith, and, in relationship with our Lord and Savior. We are living in a time when it seems that evil and hate are increasing all around us, but GOD’S GRACE will always be greater. Maybe that is what is happening here? For I am witnessing a greater joy, a greater love here. I feel that,
God Himself is giving us Eyes to see and Ears to hear:
-- I see people greeting me at the door when I come to Mass; children and adults joyfully welcoming me, opening the doors that lead to worship.
–And when I come to worship, I hear a new sound, for there is a new fire to our praise as we sing and worship together…
My witness to you- I feel a new freedom and joy in our fellowship and worship here at St. Mary. For, I can see and hear this explosion of New Grace - and I feel the Heartbeat of the people gathered here in this sacred space.
For we are living in a REMARKABLE TIME, a time when saints are made and a time when God is showering us with all the graces that we will need to endure as children of God.
The state of this parish ---is moving and breathing in the HOLY SPIRIT, I have heard it said:
If You Build it, they will come: - Have you noticed the ‘Trunk or Treat’ at Halloween? The Bingo games? The Pickle ball signup? The Euchre sign up? All the different Adoration and family prayer services? Do you know about our newest ministries, Lavender Grace, the men’s group, and the St. Paul Street evangelization group? Have you head the Praise and Worship? And… did you know we are offering a wonderful Valentine’s Day Gala, complete with childcare for young families? There is so much more going on here, we are growing in unity, we are growing in relationship with each other and IN JESUS.
What happens now?
-As we each are called to holiness and relationship, we then are called to go on mission…
We seek further the kingdom of God and His presence.
-Our Lenten Mission focuses on the REAL PRESENCE OF GOD IN THE EUCHARIST. On Feb. 25, 26 and 27 right here at St. Mary we will host a Lenten Mission, come out and join us these three-evenings starting at 7:00pm each night (Sun., Mon., Tues.)
-And to address our gifting in the Holy Spirit, St. Mary will host a CALLED AND GIFTED workshop on March 9th, Sat. 9am – 4pm., so come and find out what charisms (SPECIAL GRACES) God is gifting you in this season of your life.
-For we are living in a remarkable time.
Get equipped, continue to grow in holiness.
Let’s go on this mission together and continue to witness God’s movement here and now.
Remember, never be afraid to speak the name of Jesus and share the miracles in your life with others, no matter how big or small. For even God’s little miracles move HEARTS and allows others to hear God’s voice through you. God bless you and thank you for your attention.
---Kathie Day (Parish Council President 2024)
Mission Statement & Goals
St. Mary Parish Pastoral Council exists to support the pastor in promoting a Christ-centered, Spirit-filled parish.
In light of this mission, we will pray and strive to:
for sharing them
be knowledgeable of the various ministries in the parish to promote their work
use the mission statement of the parish as the central model for planning
Our 2023/2024 Parish Council members include:
Click here to read 20 ways to welcome
Click here to read area breakdown for welcomers
Click here to read 5 ways to be happier
Click here to read What is Discernment
