PARISH COUNCIL
The Parish Council is group of parishioners who have agreed to represent us as a cross-section of our people leading us toward our Parish goals in line with our vision statement.
There are three parts to this group:
1. Members of the Pastoral team include the Pastor, Pastoral Associate, Religious Education Coordinator and the Youth Ministry Director.
2. The Commission Chairpersons include Worship, Education, Christian Service and Adminiatration along with a senior and youth representative.
3. Members at large, all of whom serve a three-year term.
All are welcome to serve: the only requirement being that you are a registered parishioner over the age of 18. Membership is by lottery selected each year. Officers of the Council, President, Vice-President and Secretary are elected by the council at large.
The Council meets monthly, September through June, on the fourth Monday of each month.
Tom Connelly, Chairperson - 248-685-1482
ADMINISTRATION COMMISSION
The Administration Commission is a service group, both to the Parish Council and to the other Commissions and has as its primary obligation that of planning, providing for and supervising the financial affairs and physical properties of the Parish, by recommending to the Council various actions that should be taken. The Administration Commission is concerned about three basic areas: the effective utilization of Parish resources, budget and church support.
Under the direction of the Administration Commission, capital improvements are planned and executed, parish facilities are maintained and recommendations on the business affairs of the Parish are made to both the Council and Pastor.
Meetings take place on the second Tuesday of the month at 7:30 PM.
FAITH FORMATION COMMISSION
The Faith Formation Commission is composed of a variety of staff and lay ministers working together to enrich and strengthen the faith formation of the people of St. Mary.
The Commission sets goals, prepares proposals, shares ideas, and stays in touch with the needs of the community.
Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month at 7:30 P.M. For further information contact Tony LaRoche at 248-926-6510
The number of people already serving the Parish community are impressive. We can be grateful for those who give generously of themselves to build the Parish into a caring spiritually alive Church. Of particular importance are those who pass on our faith to the younger members of our Parish as well as through Adult Formation. This is done in a variety of ways at St. Mary.
Faith Formation Areas
Elementary Level (grades 1-6)
These scripturaly based sessions are led by a trained catechist and
normally meets weekly (1 hour and 15 minutes) from Fall to Spring.
Middle School level (grades 7-8)
The middle school level has a unique Journey of Faith designed with
adolescence in mind, and takes into account doctrinal and
attitudunal development. Sessions are usually held bi-monthly
on Wednesdays and Thursdays
6:30 p.m. to 8:00p.m beginning in October and ending in April.
Sacramental Preparation for Children
Reconciliation and Eucharist preparation period begins in first
grade and the sacraments are celebrated in the second grade
Confirmation normally is a two-year preparation period and the
celebration of the sacrament takes place in the spring of the second
year.
For Parents - Parents of children being prepared to celebrate a
sacrament are helped with workshops for each sacrament
throughout the year.
Liturgy of the word for children (ages 4-8)
This celebration normally takes places on the weekend, during the same time the adults are celebrating their Liturgy of the Word during Mass at 10 a.m. Sundays. Teens and lay adults lead this celebration. For more information contact Anita Daroczy at 248-685-2702.
Adult Formation
For information on any of the following groups call 248-685-2702
The Adult Formation Ministry of the Parish is composed of several groups, working together with the Adult Formation Coordinator.
The groups take into consideration the spiritual, intellectual and psychological needs of the adult parishioners. A variety of topics and activities will be presented throughout the year.
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) - Through the RCIA process non-baptized persons, persons baptized in another Christian denomination, and Catholics who have been baptized but never catechized, have the possibility of becoming fully initiated Catholics. Sessions take place on Sunday mornings. Please see the calendar for specific dates and times.
Bible Study/Reflection - Sessions take place weekly and concentrate on the coming Sunday Scripture Readings. A facilitator, Bibles and hospitality are provided. Please see the calendar for specific dates and times.
MOSAIC
A gathering for women to pray, talk, reflect, laugh, eat, drink and share. Open to all women. Gatherings are held monthly.
Close Encounters
A faith program focusing on the spirituality of women. Program encounters are selected to deepen our awareness of God in everyday life. It is open to all women in the latter part of life.
Men's Thursday Fellowship Each Thursday morning men in the parish gather to share reflections and their thoughts on a variety of issues confronting Christianity, Catholicism and society today. At times, speakers versed in selected topics are invited to share their insights with the group.
An evening group also meets one Thursday evening per month.
MOMS
You are invited to join the St. Mary MOMS (Ministry of Mothers) Group. The goal of MOMS is to provide a Christ-centered, caring ministry for mothers which helps them to develop friendships, stimulate creativity and nurture a closer relationship with God. St. Mary MOMS welcomes all mothers, regardless of the ages of one`s children. MOMS usually meets the second and fourth Thursday of the month from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM.
Meetings include time for a guest speaker, work on a craft, and social time. Guest speakers address a variety of topics such as spirituality, parenting, child behavior, marriage, homemaking, health, and financial, just to name a few.
Infants, toddlers, and pre-school aged children are welcome. Childcare is provided for toddlers and pre-schoolers. They should be dropped off between 9 AM and 9:15 AM.
Infants age birth to 12 months may remain with their mothers.
For further information on MOMS, contact Bonnie Dunneback 248-926-6561.
Youth Ministry - Contact JV (Judy Vance) 248-685-1482
Our Youth Ministry is the Church reaching out into the daily lives of our young people and showing them the presence of God. It is primarily a relational ministry. It is a ministry that enhances the personal growth of individual teens, encourages healthy relationships within the church community and facilitates their growth in faith. They follow the Parish mission statement with its fourfold focus on fellowship, celebration, scripture and service.
Youth Group
Youth Group is open to all teens in high school (grades 9-12) and meets for discussion during the school year on Sunday evenings. Socials, service projects, retreats, liturgical participation and outreach to other community activities are planned through the meetings. Summers are devoted to softball and the Parish Fair.
CHRISTIAN SERVICE COMMISSION
The purpose of the Christian Service Commission is to make our Parish aware of God`s call through Baptism to Service and Social Justice. The Christian Service Commission reaches out to those in need in our community, the metropolitan Detroit Area, our nation and ultimately our world. The Christian Service Commission encourages other parish members to do the same.
The Commission meets the second Tuesday of the month at 7:30 PM. For additional information contact Val Thompson at 248-685-1482.
A number of people serve our Parish and village community from St. Mary. We are grateful to all those who serve and we always need new people to extend a helping hand in the community.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
The group meets every other month on the second Wednesday at 7:30 PM. John Hussey is the contact person, 248-676-8120.
St. Vincent de Paul is an international Parish-based organization which seeks in a spirit of justice and charity to help those in need regardless of race, creed or color. The efforts of our St. Mary Conference includes:
Emergency assistance and visiting of the needy.
Assistance with Thanksgiving and Christmas projects.
Support of the Community Sharing Food Pantry by conducting monthly Parish food drives.
Transporting of food to service centers.
Assistance with food distribution to Senior Citizens.
Parish clothing drive 2 times each year. Specific dates can be found on the calendar.
Occasional pick-up and/or delivery of furniture to those in need.
Yearly collection to support charitable activities and maintenance of the poor box.
Health Ministry
Service to West Hickory Haven Nursing Home - St. Mary Parishioners assist at WHH Nursing Home in a variety of ways. Sponsored through the church are the following:
Communion to residents - although resident are able to receive Communion twice a week, ministers are scheduled only one day per month on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays.
Bringing residents from their rooms to the activity center where Mass is celebrated on the first Monday morning of the month. Contact Theresa Byszkowski at 248-685-1482.
The Rosary is said every Saturday at 10 AM. Four teams from St. Mary and Holy Spirit go to the Nursing Home once a month with the residents. Contact Mary Lou Luke for more information at 248-685-1482.
Huron Valley Hospital - Members from St. Mary Parish join with members of the Church of the Holy Spirit and St. Patrick Parishes to bring Communion to the Catholic patients of Huron Valley Hospital. Schedule and training is coordinated by St. Patrick Parish - Call St. Mary for more information at 248-685-1482.
Health Ministry/Parish Nursing Ministry - A group of both nurses and health-concerned Parish members develop and provide health related programs for our Parish. The mission of the Health Ministry program is to assist parishioners in their efforts to live full, abundant lives. In doing so, the Parish nurse seeks to respect the dignity and worth of each individual and to enhance their capacity to assume responsibility for their own health through prayer, education, screening clinics, visitation and referrals.
Under the guidance of St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Oakland and our Pastoral team at St. Mary, a group of nurses with various backgrounds in nursing are developing a basic program for our Parish. Contact Karen Meserve at 248-889-8693, or Chris Cosnowski at 248-685-9085 for further information.
Communion to the Homebound - The Communion Ministers bring Christ`s presence to Milford Park Place and to the sick and homebound who are unable to attend Mass. Ministers take Communion once or twice each month. For further information contact Valerie Thompson at 248-685-1482.
Hospitality
Funeral Luncheons - At the time funeral preparations are made, a luncheon following the service is offered to members of St. Mary Parish. During this time of bereavement, families and friends are welcomed to our hall to extend condolences and share fellowship. Volunteers prepare food in their homes and/or work in the hall setting up, servicing, and cleaning up.
If you would care to join in any of these services, please contact Diana Cantalamisa at 248-787-0942, Cathy Carter at 248-366-5394 or Nancy Flake at 248-926-4298.
Coffee Socials - Coffee Socials are held on the second and fourth weekends of the month. Coffee, tea, juice, donuts and bagels are served after all Masses. Volunteers are assigned to serve after one Mass approximately four times per year. Families are welcome! For further information contact Claudia Wrobleski at 248-685-1482.
Outreach to the Community
Charitable Outreach Committee - This Committee meets at 7 PM on the second Monday each month to select the charities to receive Outreach funds allocated in the Parish budget which is 10% of monthly collections. Contact Pat Kowalski for further information at 248-685-1482.
Prayer and Squares - Prayers and Squares, St. Mary Milford is part of an interfaith outreach ministry that combines the gift of prayer with the gift of a hand-tied quilt. The purpose of the ministry is not to make and distribute quilts but rather to prommote prayer. Our motto is "it`s not about the quilt, it`s all about the prayers." Each quilt is an expression of love and concern from oour parish family, to someone with a special need of prayer and support. There are many reasons that people request a prayers quilt, be it illness or personal crisis. Our chapter meets on the first Friday of the month, at 10am at St. Mary, September through June. For further information, please call the church office at 248-685-1482 and they will help you get in touch with one of our members.
Community Sharing - These volunteers help Tuesdays at the Community Sharing Food Pantry located at 150 W. Summit. They aid in packing and distributing food to those in need in the Milford and Highland areas. Additionally, volunteers assist with the clothing closet at the same location. Volunteers for additional programs such as tutoring, financial counseling, and job search assistance are always needed. For further information contact Claudia Schimetz at 248-685-1482.
Grief Ministry - One area of Ministry that St. Mary would like to develop is that of reaching out a helping hand to those who have lost a loved one. If you are inerested in this Ministry, contact Marisa Vitalli 248-676-0885.
Card Ministry - Volunteers of St. Mary send cards to those who are ill. This is done one Thursday of every month. For further information contact Valerie Thompson at 248-685-1482.
Meals on Wheels - St. Mary Parishioners are needed one week each month for every weekday. A committment of 1 1/2 hours is required to pick up meals in Milford and deliver them to the clients. This program is now funded and coordinated through Trinity Continuing Care Services. For further information contact Val Thompson at 248-685-1482.
Special Interest Groups
Knights of Columbus - The Knights of Columbus were established in 1882 and have done charitable acts ever since for their organization, community and special groups that seek help. The organization has over 1.7 million members who pull together to try and make the lives of people better and the world a better place to live. They are pro-life, work against drugs and child abuse, support youth, try to help the mentally challenged, support vocations and help with Boysville.
The Knights are called upon many times each year to help people in the community anonymously. The selling of Christmas trees to help needy families in the Milford area has been going on since 1982. The Sweetheart Ball has helped many candidates lessen their debts. The Knights welcome any Parish member, old or new, to join a group that stands up to today`s challenges and tries to better the situation. Contact Bill Cosnowski for further information at 248-685-1482.
Alhambra - An international Catholic fraternal organization dedicated to assisting the developmentally disabled. Alhambra`s in Michigan have a clown unit, an oriental band, a drill team, a mini-car group, and maintain a group home in Clarkston as well as St. Francis Camp - in the Irish Hills. They also help at the St. Mary picnic for those with physical and developmental challenges. Call Ken Kress for more information at 248-685-1482.
Small Group Faith Sharing - This group meets two evenings a month in a home to share life experiences in the light of faith. For further information contact Marilyn Rogers at 248-685-1482.
Social Committee - The Social Committee is an open committee for fun loving parishioners to plan social activities as well as the Parish Dinner Dance. Contact Marcy Kubek for further information at 248-685-1482.
Family Life
Family life is a committee of volunteers whose focus is to celebrate and support family life in the Parish. This is currently accomplished through a variety of activities such as:, Mardi Gras, Kids` Night Out, Mother/Daughter Tea, Trunk of Treats, and Ash Wednesday Soup Supper. This committee is always looking for new members who can provide new ideas as well as support existing activities that will enrich Family Life here at St. Mary. For further information about any Family Life Activities contact Val Thompson at 248-685-1482.
Special Projects
Mass of the Anointing and luncheon is a celebration of those who are ill or infirm. This event takes place in April. Please see the calendar for specific date and time. For further information contact Valerie Thompson at 248-685-1482.
Red Cross Blood Drive takes place twice per year at St. Mary. Volunteers are needed to help with the Blood Drive and give blood. Please see the calendar for specific dates and times. For further information contact Rose Dunn or Fran Rabideau at 248-685-1482.
Crop Walk takes place in October. Exercise your "hearts and soles" to help the world`s hungry. 25% of the funds raised stay in the local area. Please see the calendar for specific dates and times. For further information contact Kevin Visger at 248-684-1066.
Giving Tree is sposored by St. Mary each year in December. Over one thousand packages and gift certificates are distributed in the Milford area. A multitude of volunteers are need for this project. For further information contact Valerie Thompson at 248-685-1482.
St. Patrick Detroit is provided with a luncheon three times each year by parishioners of St. Mary. Please see the calendar for specific dates and times. For further information contact Cheryl Hochstein at 248-685-1482.
Thanksgiving Baskets are provided to over one hundred families in need in the Milford area. Volunteers are need for sorting, packing and delivery of the baskets. For information contact Paul or Heather Chretien at 248-685-1482.
Christian Service/Alhambra Picnic for the Challenged usually occurs in late July or early August. Please see the calendar for specific dates and time. For further information contact Pat and Ken Kress at 248-685-1482.
Pregnancy Aid - A collection of new and gently used clothing and goods for needy moms is held approximately two times during the year. The items are given to Alternatives for Girls in Farmington Hills. Please see the calendar for specific dates. For further information contact Kathy LaFave at 248-676-8513.
Book Discussion Group is a group that meets quarterly. Favorite books of all types are shared and a light dinner is offered. Please see the calendar for specific dates and times. For further information contact Laura Olesko at 248-684-6096.
WORSHIP COMMISSION
The commission meets the second Tuesday of the month at 7:30 PM. Chairperson is Dan Anderson, 248-684-6455.
The Worship Comission services the parish in the area of liturgy and ecumenism. The Commission assists other commissions in coordinating special liturgies. It also schedules training sessions for new participants of liturgical ministries such as Lectors, Ministers of the Eucharist, Ushers, Altar Servers, Sacristans, and Music Ministers.
The Worship Commission provides education programs for members and introduces new music for parishioners. It is conscious of new liturgical innovations and provides art and environmental decorations of the various Liturgical Seasons.
Each Sunday, many people in a very quiet way help to make the Liturgy more meaningful for all parishioners. The Worship Commission looks over the many ministries that enhance our celebration of the Sunday Liturgy and sacraments. If you are interested in becoming involved in the Worship Commission, Dan Anderson is the Chairperson. Opportunities to enhance our worship include:
Parish Choir - Steve Hansen, Director
The Parish Choir sings at the 10 am Sunday Liturgy from October through May. Rehearsals begin in September the first week after Labor Day. Rehearsals are on Wednesday from 7 - 8:30 pm in the Music Room. The Choir also sings for COnfirmation, the Memorial Mass for the Deceased, Midnight Mass at Christmas, Holy Thursday, the Easter Vigil, and the Mass of the Anointing. All members are volunteer and the only requirement is that you enjoy singing. As a member of the choir you will have a "night out" with your friends, enjoy choir parties and Sunday brunc, and most of all, have fun singing and serving the Parish.
If you are interested or have any questions, please contact Steve Hansen at 810-231-3836.
Children`s Choir - Steve Hansen, Director
The Children`s Choir rehearses on Wednesday from 5 pm until 6:15 pm. It is open children in grades 2 through 8.
If you are interested or have any questions contact Steve Hansen at 810-231-3836.
New Covenant - Maureen Simms, Anita Daroczy, Directors
New Covenant is a teen music group consisting of Middle and High School students. They sing at various liturgies from September to June. Practice is on Sunday mornings from 11 AM until 12 PM.
If you are interested or have any questions contact either Maureen Simms or Anita Daroczy at 248-685-2702 or stmaryamd@comcast.net.
Ministers of the Word - Kay Lefevre, Coordinator
Ministers of the word proclaim the scriptural lessons at weekend and Holyday Masses on a rotational basis. People commit themselves to making the readings "come to life" for the congregation.
If you are interested, or have any questions contact Kay Lefevre at 248-685-3597.
Altar Servers - Valerie Thompson, Coordinator
This is a good opportunity for younger people to become spritually involved and perform a special service for our Parish. It is open to both boys and girls beginning in the fifth grade. Training is provided to all new Altar Servers. Scheduling is on a rotational basis, and children are scheduled with parents who are also involved in liturgical ministries.
If you are interested, or have any questions, contact Valerie Thompson at 248-685-1482.
Eucharistic Ministers - Father Ron Anderson, Coordinator
During Mass, the Eucharstic Ministers volunteer as needed to distribute communion. If you would like to share in this ministry, watch the Parish bulletin for announcements of periodic training sessions.
If you have any questions, contact the Parish offices at 248-685-1482.
Church Art and Environment Committee - Father Ron Anderson, Coordinator
This committee decorates the church for each liturgical season as well as special events. Decoration is done under the guidance of Barb Nowicki.
If you are interested, or have any questions, call the Parish offices at 248-685-1482.
Altar Care Persons (Sacristans) - Judy Vereecke, Coordinator
An Altar Care Person is one who prepares the altar prior to the weekend Masses. They set out the gifts (wine, hosts, and chalice) to be presented during Mass. After Mass they clean and straighten the Altar area for the next team member. Schedules are set ahead of time to coincide with your availability. Hands-on help and training is provided.
If you have any questions, or are interested in joing this ministry, contact Judy Vereecke at 248-684-0153.
Ushers - Kevin Reside, Coordinator
The Ushers at St. Mary are made up of men, women, and teens who assist at weekend Mass by welcoming worshippers, helping with the collection, and directing people to communion.
If you have any questions, or are interested in this ministry, contact Kevin Reside at 248-757-0627.
Wedding Consultants - Arlene Banka, Coordinator
Wedding consultants assist those being married at St. Mary, directing their wedding rehearsal and also assisting the day of the wedding ceremony.
If you are interested, or have any questions, contact Arlene Banka at 248-684-1559.
Thursday Afternoon Prayer Group - Arlene Loehr,
Coordinator
This group usually meets every Thursday at 1 PM in church to pray the Liturgy of the Hours, the Rosary, and other traditional prayers for the Catholic Church as well as personal intentions.
If you have any questions, contact Arlene Loehr at 248-685-3933.
|
