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Christian Service - How Can I Get Involved?

CHRISTIAN SERVICE

The Christian Service Commission promotes programs which strive to address human needs within the parish community and in the broader community. Your time and talent is greatly appreciated. Please contact the Christian Service office at 248.547.1818 ext 238.

RESPECT LIFE COMMITTEE

This Committee works within the parish to foster awareness of all issues concerning the dignity of the human person. Members provide educational information and host various activities in support of life issues in order to strengthen and encourage a strong Catholic response to the sacredness of life from conception to natural death.

MEN’S FELLOWSHIP GROUP

The Men’s Fellowship meets at 6AM each Tuesday at the St. Mary Fellowship Center. It offers a time for men to gather for fellowship and offers an opportunity to enjoy personal and spiritual growth. Your participation and assistance is welcomed and needed. Call Byron Kuxhaus at 248.219.4491 and get involved!

MINISTERS OF COMMUNION TO THE HOMEBOUND

Twice a month, trained volunteers from the parish community visit and bring holy communion to parishioners who are unable to participate in the Sunday Liturgy. These visits are arranged in advance with the homebound parishioner and usually occur on Tuesday mornings. For more information, call Bernadine Wojcik at 248.547.1818.

SHELTER PROGRAMS FOR THE HOMELESS

St. Mary Parish hosts a Warming Center for the homeless for two weeks during the winter months. There are a number of areas in which you may serve. Volunteers have the option to greet guests, act as overnight hosts, prepare and serve supper and early breakfast, make bag lunches or wash bedding. They may also provide guests with transportation to work or to appointments during the day. For more information, call Meg Eib at 248.547.1818 ext. 238.

CLOTHING CLOSET

Our parish provides a limited clothing closet for homeless guests and/or parishioners that might need clothing. Volunteers sort and label clothing and display clothing/shoes/belts/hats/coats that are donated and assist guests with their selection. Donations of clothing items are always needed.

FOOD PANTRY

St. Mary Parish provides food and bag lunches for individuals that need temporary assistance. Volunteers make up the bag lunches and shop for food and bring donated food from the church to the parish office.

Non-perishable food donations are also accepted.

PARISH NURSE PROGRAM

This program includes all health professionals in service to others to promote preventative health care and education. They act as resource persons and can be doctors, nurses, pharmacists, occupational and physical therapists, social workers, dentists or nurse’s aides. All are invited to be part of our resource team. A blood drive, organized in conjunction with Red Cross, is held twice a year. Volunteers help to set up, serve refreshments, and organize check-in and appointment times.

VAN DRIVERS

Van drivers help to transport senior residents from Barton Towers and Royal Oak Manor to the 9:00 AM Sunday mass. A yearly schedule is posted. Contact Kathy Lewis at 248.547.1810 Ext 215 for more information.

GIVING TREE

Each year our parish provides gifts for families in need of specific items for their well-being during the winter months. Organizers help to set up the Giving Tree, and collect, wrap and deliver the donated gifts. Call Meg Eib at 248.547.1818 ext. 238 for more information.

WOMEN’S GUILD

A great gathering of women that share like-minded values and desire to serve the parish community in a variety of ways through education, service and fellowship, the Women’s Guild schedules masses for deceased members of the parish and organizes reflective time to recite the rosary. They sponsor annual fund raisers to support the parish and various other programs such as the Christ Child Shower held in support of the Council of Catholic Women’s “Operation Layette.” They sponsor an annual Ecumenical gathering to invite women from the Royal Oak Pastor’s Association, Works of Peace and the International Book Project. Think about joining! Call Marilyn Lile at 248.542.4724, Betty Glaza at 248.548.3724 or Marge Elliott at 248.398.8410.

FRIENDSHIP CLUB (Seniors)
This group meets to play bingo and cards, and to socialize and support one another in their continued journey of faith. It is an opportunity for elder members of our faith community to come together on the first and third Wednesday of the month. Call Edie Peoples at 248.544.0658 for more information.

MEN’S CLUB

This parish organization involves men in the planning and execution of various activities in support of the parish and school. They are ‘fun-raisers’ that sponsor pancake breakfasts, support school athletics and team up to collect parking fees in the church parking lot for city events. Providing a social outlet and encouraging camaraderie, the group meets once a month except during the summer.

GENERAL CLERICAL ASSISTANCE

Are you available DURING THE DAY? There are times when a project needs many hands for stuffing envelopes, collating papers or preparing mailings. Would you be willing to be on an “on call” list? It is a great gift to know who we might call on for such a service. Contact Bernadine Wojcik at 248.547.1818 for more information.

GENERAL HOSPITALITY
Do you enjoy setting up and serving or decorating for a variety of events? Do you have a favorite cookie or cake recipe? Would you be willing to bake something for a teacher meeting, sacrament reception or other special parish gathering? You may not be able to commit to a specific activity but would be willing to be called upon to serve for some parish activities. We will call when the need arises.