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. Both the English & Spanish retreat(s) begin on Thursday evening (around 6:00 pm) and ends Sunday morning after the 9:00 a.m. Mass for English and the 12:15p.m. Mass for Spanish at St. Mary of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church. There is a minimum age requirement of 21.

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. Classes are scheduled for a Saturday morning from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. in the church. 

Ladies of the Altar Society assist with the care of the church and it’s appointments, promote fellowship, assist the pastor in the spiritual and material undertaking for the welfare of the parish and encourage members to take an active part in the ecumenical spirit of the Church by supporting the aims of Church Women United in Texas City. Member’s dues and proceeds of their fundraising events are used for the purchase of flowers, candles, communion hosts, altar wine and such other items that are agreed upon by consensus of the members. Ladies of the parish are invited to join by calling Jami Clark, President. 

Groups of ladies from the Altar Society form the Bereavement Committee that assists with serving a bereavement meal after a funeral. The parish provides the main dish and side dishes are provided by the individual Altar Groups on a rotating basis. Contact:  Anita Bourgeois, (409) 945-2489.

Every three seconds someone needs blood. Each pint of blood donated can help save three lives.  There is no substitute for human blood. It can only be obtained from generous donors. 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.” They also host an annual Arts & Crafts Show to benefit local charities and educational scholarships.  Visit their meeting on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in Ponzini Family Life Center September through June. New members are most welcome. 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.  Our Divine Mercy Cenacles meet once a week to study the Diary of Saint Faustina in conjunction with the Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Our groups of men and women meet to learn the message of Divine Mercy, share in understanding the Diary of Saint Faustina and pray together the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.  We thrive to live out the message in our daily lives by doing acts of mercy. The Divine Mercy Cenacles meet at the following times: Monday evenings in English at 7pm in the Garner's home; Tuesday mornings in English at 9am in the Church Parlor; Wednesday afternoons in Spanish at noon in the Church Parlor.  If you are interested in joining one of these groups, please contact Ruth Garner at (409) 945-4057 for the English meetings and Susie Sauceda at (409) 739-0118 for the Spanish meeting.

Guardians of the Eucharist commit to coming to the chapel once a week (on the same day of the week, at the same hour).  They stay in the presence of Christ for one hour, so that hour-by-hour and day-by-day they form an unbroken chain of adoration to Jesus, who is truly present – body and blood, soul and divinity, in the Holy Eucharist. 

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. Extraordinary Ministers may be designated to distribute Holy Communion at Mass or to bring Holy Communion to the sick or homebound. 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 . Virtus or Safe Haven training is required. 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.  Safe environment training is required.

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. 

Greeters are parishioners who arrive before Mass and assist at the entrances to the church to enthusiastically and cordially welcome parishioners and visitors to Holy Mass. Virtus or Safe Haven training is required. Contact the parish office for information at 409-948-8448.

Esta congregación se origino en la cuidad de Mexico en el Tepeyac por el Papa Gregorio XIII en el año 1578.  En Julio del 1903 fue integrada a las Iglesias de México y el resto del mundao.  La Sociedad Guadalupana de Santa Maria de la Medalla Milagrosa de Texas City fue instalada oficialmente en el año 1996.  El propósity de la Sociedad Guadalupana: es la devoción a la Santísma Virgen Maria de Guadalupe, visitas a los hogares, orar con la familia, orar por las necesidades de la iglesia y la celebración de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe el 12 de diciembre de cada año.  Hemos celebrado este hermoso día de fiesta en la parroquia más de 35 años.  Para más información o llamar a la oficina de la parroquia al 409-948-8448.

The Knights of Columbus is a fraternal and service organization of Catholic men founded in 1882 under the leadership of Father Michael J. McGivney in New Haven, Connecticut (now the national headquarters).  There are four degrees of membership, with the respective mottos of unity, charity, fraternity and patriotism. The fourth degree, patriotism, is considered the “visible” degree because its members are authorized to wear Columbian regalia at public ceremonies and other appropriate occasions. The purpose of The Knights of Columbus is to protect and promote the Catholic faith through education, charity, and service; and, through its insurance department, to furnish at least temporary financial aid to the families of deceased members. Our Local Council 5236 meets once a month on a Thursday. For more information, contact Daniel Ortega, Membership Director or Manuel Perez, Financial Secretary. 

KJZT is a Catholic family fraternal organization under the patronage of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary that promotes the spiritual and material welfare of its members and their families. Members are encouraged in the practice of the Catholic Faith within their own families, but also in helping families of deceased members, especially the children, to remain faithful. A variety of insurance policies tailored to meet the needs of the entire family are available to members.

Legion of Mary

The Legion of Mary is an apostolate faithful to our Blessed Mother. A handbook is read and studied during the weekly meetings held on Wednesday mornings at 9am in the Hospitality Room next to the Parish Office. Members accept assignments from the President and offer daily prayer forming a chain that bonds all Legion of Mary members throughout the world. Auxiliary members do not attend meetings nor accept assignments but offer daily prayers to support the work of the members.  Contact:  Ellie Salinas, 409-948-3738.

Th ose 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.  Contact: Deacon Steve Mistretta through the Pastoral Secretary lmorris@stmarycctc.org ,  or call the parish office at 409-948-8448.

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. C ontact 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

The sewing ministry is an expansion of the Prayer Blanket Ministry that now includes making Baptismal bibs for Baptisms. The original prayer blanket ministry began at St. Mary of the Miraculous Medal in April of 2001.  Since then, more than 7,000 small lap size blankets have been produced. The ministry is comprised of volunteers who commit to constructing a small lap size blanket which is prayed over during construction, blessed by a member of the clergy and then distributed to physically and emotionally distressed men, women and children of our parish and far beyond, assuring them that they are not alone in their struggles and are covered in prayer by an entire community and a simple faith filled blanket.  The recipients are then put on a prayer list and are lifted in prayer each week.  Volunteers construct Baptismal bibs in a group setting or are individually sewn at home and then delivered to the church for use during Baptisms. If you would like more information on this wonderful ministry, contact Barbara Oberholtzer at 409-682-1995, or Lucy Amato at 409-771-8080.

Ushers ensure that the Mass flows smoothly by assisting people in being seated as they enter the church, taking up the collection, directing the Communion procession and handing out the parish bulletin as people exit the church. Training is provided. Virtus or Safe Haven training is also required.  Contact the parish office for information at 409-948-8448.
 

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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