Adult Formation
Adult Confirmation
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
More information on the Elizabeth Ministry: Page 1 Page 2
Pastoral Care Ministry
In keeping with the mission of our community “to bring alive the message of Christ” it is important that a connection with the church be kept alive. There are many ways this can occur, but the primary way is during weekly Sunday Mass. Gathering as a community to worship the Lord through prayer and song on a regular basis helps us to form more fully into the family of God. This helps us see the importance of looking out for each other’s needs.
When it is not possible for you to keep connection with your faith community due to illness, age or some other reason, your church family would like to keep in touch with you. Please call the parish office and let us know what we can do to meet your needs. You may desire to receive the Sacraments like Eucharist, Anointing of the Sick or Confession. Other needs may include:
Wanting a friendly visit.
Coping with issues of grief due to a loss through death, divorce,
termination from a job or loss of mobility, etc.
Having a difficult time recuperating from a serious illness or surgery.
Our Pastoral Care Team is ready to be of service, but we need to be made aware of your needs. This can occur through a phone call from you or from a family member, friend or neighbor who knows of your need and your desire to receive a call from your pastoral care team.
Hospital Visits
When you enter a hospital as a patient, you will be asked if you wish your parish to be notified. If you say "yes," your pastoral staff should be notified, but this is not always the case. Please notify the parish office if you or a family member desires to be visited. We wish to walk with you in your time of need.
Homebound, Nursing Home, Assisted Living Visits
-If you or another member of the parish would like to receive a visit from our Pastoral Care Team, please call the office and let us know. We will be happy to visit.
Elizabeth Ministry
Based on the Scripture story of Mary’s visit to Elizabeth, found in Luke 1:46-56, volunteers from our faith community affirm the sacredness of life through visits, phone calls, cards, prayer, resources and assistance to women and their families during the joys, challenges and sorrows of the childbearing years.
Elizabeth Ministers share their presence, stories, and experience in the hope that they will encourage another women and their families. Ministers are women who offer peer support, mentoring and friendship only. No lengthy training is needed.
Elizabeth ministers are NOT counselors, trained mental health care providers, or medical care professionals. They offer support and affirmation through listening and sharing their own experiences.
The foundation for this ministry is realized in the scripture passage from Genesis 1:26-28, 31 that tells us that both women and men have been created in the image and likeness of God. Elizabeth Ministry is designed to foster the unique dignity of each person and celebrate the blessings of reproduction given as a gift from God, our Creator.
Women who would like to be an Elizabeth Minister can contact Kathy DeNoble in the Adult Formation office at 920-337-2330 Ext. 25 for more information.
If you would like to receive a visit from an Elizabeth Minister, please contact Kathy DeNoble in the Adult Formation/Pastoral Care office at 920-337-2330 Ext. 25.
Prayer Leaders at Harbor House Assisted Living Facility
Volunteers provide a weekly Liturgy of the Word with Communion service for the residents at Harbor House Assisted Living Facility. Training is provided. For more information, contact Kathy DeNoble in the Adult Formation/Pastoral Care office at 920-337-2330 Ext. 25.
Young-At-Heart Group (consists mostly of those ages 50 and above)
Newly formed in the Fall of 2004, this group gathers monthly to share a meal, friendship and fun. Typical gatherings include either a potluck lunch or meeting at a local restaurant with an activity to follow. The March 2005 meeting will be a potluck luncheon in the church social hall with an Irish Tenor singer and accompanist. For further information, contact LaVerne Heezen at 920-339-5276.
St. Vincent de Paul/St. Mary-DePere Conference
Reaching out to those in need, our St. Mary Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul responds to requests for help with food, shelter, clothing, household assistance and education scholarships. They currently meet the 4th Tuesday of every month. New volunteers are always welcomed as well as financial donations to help those in need.
The Conference responds to requests for help in the East DePere area by sending out two conference members to the home of the person requesting help. They listen to the story, verify the need, suggest other community resources when appropriate, and discern how the Conference can best help in the particular situation. Offering a listening presence, guidance, prayer, advocacy for the defenseless and those unable to speak for themselves as well as help with material needs, our Vincentian volunteers provide direct service to those in need.
Client privacy and dignity are essential precepts of Vincentians and their works. Although the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a Catholic-based organization, help is offered to all, regardless of any religious affiliation. For further information, whether you are someone in need of service or someone interested in becoming a Vincentian, please call Brian and Cindy Blavat at 920-336-2833.
