Ministries A to Z

Adoration, Community, Theology and Service are the themes for this retreat experience. Dates are scheduled for men and for women separately. The retreat goals are to deepen one’s relationship with Jesus Christ, renew oneself spiritually, give new meaning to one’s prayer life and build lasting friendships.

Volunteers sign up to visit the Chapel for silence, reading and reflection in the presence of Christ for 1 hour. Ana Jaramillo, 409-771-2547.
 

An Altar Server does the very important job of helping the priest to celebrate Holy Mass. Altar Servers assist the Priest and Deacons at Mass by carrying the candles, cross and occasionally incense during the procession. Catholic boys and girls in the fourth grade or higher who have celebrated their First Communion and who attend faith formation classes can attend a training class to become an Altar Server.

The Altar Society is charged with the important task of aiding in the care of the Church and its appointments and to assist the pastor in spiritual and material undertaking for the welfare of St. Mary of the Miraculous Medal.

Members of the Church form the Bereavement Committee that assist with serving a bereavement meal after a funeral, if requested by a parishioner.

Bereavement/Grief Support Group is available to anyone who has lost a loved one and experiencing a difficult time of grieving.

Every three seconds someone needs blood. Your donation can make the difference between life and death for someone else. The Blood Drive is scheduled on a regular basis to allow people in the parish and community the opportunity to donate their blood.  Coordinators:  Chuck and Jennie Horne.

Boy Scouts of America Troop 246  It is the mission of Boy Scouts of America to serve others by helping to instill values in young people and, in other ways, to prepare them to make wise choices over their lifetime in achieving their full potential. The purpose of the Boy Scouts of America is to promote youth to do things for themselves and others and to teach youth patriotism, courage, self-reliance and kindred virtues.

An active part of the parish for over 50 years Catholic Daughters of the Americas is the largest national organization of Catholic women (aged 18 years and older) in the world dedicated to strengthening the spiritual life of its members through Christ and His Church. They strive to embrace the principles of faith, working through love in the promotion of justice, equality and the advancement of human rights and human dignity for all. Their motto is “Unity and Charity.” You may also contact Myra Goodman, Regent, at 409.766.0006 for more information.

Cub Scout Pack 240  It is the mission of Cub Scouts of America to serve others by helping to instill values in young people and, in other ways, to prepare them to make wise choices over their lifetime in achieving their full potential. The purpose of the Cub Scouts of America is to promote the ability of youth to do things for themselves and others and to teach youth patriotism, courage, self-reliance and kindred virtues.

Our Lord, Jesus Christ, chose Saint Faustina as the Apostle and Secretary of His mercy and instructed her to share His urgent message of Divine Mercy with our troubled modern world.  Divine Mercy Cenacles meet once a week to study the Diary of Saint Faustina and recite the Chaplet for the sick and dying.

Extraordinary Ministers may be designated to distribute Holy Communion at Mass or to bring Holy Communion to the sick or homebound. Those who serve as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are at least 18 years of age (or a senior in high school), are registered in our parish, have received the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Holy Communion and Confirmation), are faithful in their attendance at Holy Mass, are living exemplary Catholic lives and have sound psychological maturity.  The person must have no impediment to sacramental reception. No one can begin this ministry without approval by the pastor, instruction and careful practical training, final approval by the bishop and formal commissioning at Mass. Contact the parish office for more information, 409-948-8448.

Adults and high school teens are needed as teachers, small group leaders and substitute teachers and to help out in the various classes, programs and events of the Faith Formation Program. Consider volunteering wtih a friend to take a class as partners! No experience is necessary - just a desire to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ to our children! Training will be provided and all teaching materials and supplies are provided.   Please call the Faith Formation Office at 409-948-1383 to learn how you can get involved.

Members of the Finance Council aid the pastor in administration of parish goods, preparation of an annual budget and preparation of an annual financial report to parishioners. They review parish income and expense reports, assist parish boards and organizations in preparing and submitting budgets, study parish revenues and make recommendations for increasing revenue. They familiarize themselves with all diocesan fiscal policies and encourage support of parish and diocesan stewardship programs. Members are appointed by the pastor for three-year terms. 

The purpose of the Society is devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary of Guadalupe, home visitation, praying with the family, praying for the needs of the church and the celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12 of each year.
 Para más información o llamar a la oficina de la parroquia al 409-948-8448.

Hospitality Ministers are important servants of the church and perform a variety of tasks before, during, and after Mass; they are the representative of the church to parishioners, as well as visitors – who often receive their first impression of the church from the Hospitality Ministers.  Ministers of Hospitality include Ushers and Greeters.  Contact the parish office for information at 409-948-8448.

The Knights of Columbus is a fraternal and service organization of Catholic men. Our Local Council 5236 meets once a month, Manuel Perez 409-941-9999

Legion of Mary/Legion de Maria

The Legion of Mary/Legion de Maria is an apostolate faithful to our Blessed Mother. A handbook is studied during the weekly meetings. English Cecilia Sellers 409-443-7826, Español Dolores Diaz 409-354-1372.
 

Those who serve as Readers of the Word of God are registered in our parish, have been baptized, are faithful in their attendance at Holy Mass, and have no impediments to sacramental reception.  They may be designated to proclaim the First and Second Reading during Holy Mass and may proclaim the Responsorial Psalm when a cantor is not present.  Each Reader is fully prepared for the ministry of the Word through attending a training class and through their use of the “Workbook for Lectors.” Virtus or Safe Haven training is required.

The Men’s Club’s mission is to assist the pastor in any way possible, whether financially, spiritually or physically. They care for the church grounds, perform maintenance work, and assist with special projects at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School. Their modest annual dues cover the cost of a good meal at the meetings held on the second Wednesday of each month at Kukral Hall, 7:00 p.m. Membership is open to all men of the parish. The Men’s Club is well-known for their famous “2+2+2” fellowship breakfast held on the second Sunday of the month in Ponzini Family Life Center where you get “two eggs, two biscuits, two slices of bacon, juice and coffee for three bucks.” Men are invited to join at a Wednesday meeting, or call Joe DeSanto at 409-948-1823.

The Mission Outreach Committee promotes participation in mission trips to Guatemala in cooperation with the non-profit organization, Sending Out Servants. The committee works to increase awareness regarding the mission field, and to raise funds for specific projects as agreed by the committee. They recruit from members of our parish to participate on a Travel Team and/or a Home Prayer Team. Mission Teams usually travel during the month of July - more information is sent out closer to the date of travel each year. After the trip, the missionaries hold an information night to share their experiences with the Home Team. They also bring back articles, usually handmade by the Guatemalan natives, to sell and help support our sister parish.  Call Deacon Steve Mistretta at 979-482-6289 to learn more.

Money counters work in small teams to count money received from the weekend offertory. Training is provided.  Contact the Parish Office at 409-948-8448 if interested in serving on a team.

Dedicated musicians and vocalists lead the assembly in song during the celebration of Holy Mass. Participants have a strong commitment to this ministry and faithful attendance. Prior music experience is helpful but not required. Virtus or Safe Haven training is required. Contact the parish office for more information at  409-948-8448.

Volunteers are an integral part of the daily parish office routine. Volunteers come to the office as scheduled to answer phones, help the staff and assist visitors. They may stuff inserts into parish bulletins, prepare mailings or complete other general tasks. Regular and substitute office volunteers are needed throughout the year.  Viruts or Safe Haven training is required. If you would like to be on the Parish Office Volunteer list, please contact the parish office at 409-948-8448.

St. Mary of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Community Parish Pastoral Council is a faith-based representative body committed to prayerful discernment of the movement of the Holy Spirit in understanding the needs of the parish in collaboration with the pastor.  The Pastoral Council identifies, articulates and communicates a vision to meet the needs of the greater community. The Pastoral Council promotes full, conscious and active participation in the Catholic faith.

Members of the Prison Ministry care for the pastoral needs of women and men incarcerated at Carol Young Medical Facility in Texas City. On Saturday mornings they lead a Communion service when the priest is not available to celebrate Holy Mass. They also teach RCIA, train Readers, Altar Servers and choir members to sing and/or play musical instruments.  Every Wednesday afternoon they lead and teach the rosary.  ACTS retreats are also conducted twice a year.  Two Friday evenings each month we also provide movie night that features faith-based subject matter.  Members must complete security training as required by the State of Texas and meet any requirements defined by the prison’s chaplain. Call the parish office to learn more.

Store currently closed. Staffed with parish volunteers when Mass is held and at various times during the year. During the closure, the Religious Articles Store located inside St. Mary’s Church can be visited by appointment. Please call the Parish Office @ (409) 948-8448 and make an appointment.

Sacristans are Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion who arrive early to Holy Mass and prepare the worship space by arranging the liturgical vessels and linens. They ensure that everything and everyone needed for Holy Mass is present and ready to serve. Sacristans must meet the same requirements as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. Virtus or Safe Haven training is required. Contact the parish office for more information at 409-948-8448.

Inspired by Gospel values, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, a Catholic lay organization, leads women and men to join together to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to those who are needy and suffering in the tradition of its founder, Blessed Frédéric Ozanam, and patron, St. Vincent de Paul. Vincentians, as they are called, come from every ethnic and cultural background, age group and economic level. They are united by their spirit of poverty, humility and sharing, which is nourished by prayer and reflection, mutually supportive gatherings and adherence to a basic Rule. An essential precept of the Society’s work is to provide help while conscientiously maintaining the confidentiality and dignity of those who are served. Volunteer by coming to the St. Vincent de Paul Society distribution center located in the Community Center at 21st Street and Texas Ave on Saturday mornings from 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Virtus or Safe Haven training is required. Contact: Ludger Dauphine, 409-594-9300.  President - Ludger Dauphine, Vice-President - Mike Chambers

Sewing Ministry: Volunteers sew Prayer Blankets for physically and emotionally distressed men, women and children and Baptismal Bibs for Baptisms.  Barbara Oberholtzer 409-682-1995, Lucy Amato 409-771-8080.
 

Word of Life

The Word of Life group meets weekly each Tuesday afternoon from 5pm to 6pm in the Church Parlor. Each month we take a sentence from Scripture to read and reflect upon and then share how each has lived out that scripture in our everyday lives. For more information, please contact 409-948-8448.

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