Ministries
Parish Councils
Pastoral Council is to be the eyes and ears of the Parish, to recognize needs and to establish goals and priorities. This council meets quarterly. Dates of meetings are published in the bulletin.
Finance Council advises the Pastor in financial administration of the parish. This council meets eight times a year. Dates of meetings are published in the bulletin.
Parish Committees
Liturgy Committee works with the pastor planning the worship life of the Parish. Dates of meetings are published in the bulletin.
Pro-Life Committee provides programs and materials aimed at raising consciousness about the sanctity of all human life and educating the parishioners about human life issues. Dates of meetings are published in the bulletin.
Vocations Committee exists both as an effort to encourage those who are considering a vocation to the priesthood, religious life or permanent deaconate and to educate people regarding the possibilities that exist within these callings. Dates of meetings are published in the bulletin.
Building and Grounds Committee is charged with the responsibility of advising the Pastor on the proper maintenance and upkeep of the parish physical plant. Dates of meetings are published in the bulletin.
Cemetery Committee assists the Pastor in the proper oversight and management of our parish cemeteries. Dates of meetings are published in the bulletin.
Liturgical Ministries
Altar Servers are adults and/or children (who have celebrated the sacrament of First Eucharist) who assist the priest during the celebration of the Mass and other liturgies. Adult servers are needed for weekdays and funerals.
Art and Environment makes plans for decorating our church in a manor that will enhance our celebrations during the various liturgical seasons of the year.
Communion Ministers assists the parish priest in the distribution of the Body and Blood of Christ to the parish community at Mass. Some Communion Ministers also assist the parish priest in bringing the Holy Eucharist to the homebound and hospitalized.
Music Ministry assists the local faith community in its worship of God. Our music ministry consists of vocalists and instrumentalists.
Readers proclaim the Word of God at liturgical celebrations. Training and ongoing support is offered periodically.
Sacristans assist the priest and the faith community in the preparation of the altar and sanctuary for various liturgical celebrations. They are also responsible for the proper care of the sacred vessels and other items used for liturgy.
Ushers and Greeters serve on Sundays, Holy Days, and special parish liturgies, greeting parishioners and visitors, assisting with seating, the offertory collection, and other special needs.
Check the Bulletin and upcoming events for latest developments in our new music ministries program.
Prayer Ministry
Eucharistic Adoration: An opportunity for adoration and personal prayer before the Blessed Sacrament is provided Friday between 8am and 3pm in the chapel on the ground floor of St. Mary's Church. For further information, contact Cathy Crary, 268-1320.
New Life Prayer Group: This ministry gathers for shared prayer, scripture reflection, hymns of praise, intercessory prayer each Monday, 7:30pm in the ground floor chapel. For more information contact Jerry Regan, 265-2278.
Prayer Line: Parish members share in intercession for the requested intentions and needs of the parish community and beyond. Contact Marcella Larabie, 265-9356 or Eleanor Farnsworth, 265-7691 with your prayer requests.
Consolation and Support
Pastoral Care of the Sick and Homebound: Regular visits by both the parish priest and/or lay ministers are made to the homebound and hospitalized. Please call the parish office with your needs, as well as those of your family members and neighbors.
Bereavement Committee: This ministry offers support in a variety of ways before, during and after the death of a loved one. Contact Mary Jones, 268-0903
Prayer Line: Parish members share in intercession for the requested intentions and needs of the parish community and beyond. Contact Marcella Larabie, 265-9356 or Eleanor Farnsworth, 265-7691 with your prayer requests.
Comfort Food: These meals are provided to families and individuals during a time of need i.e. death of a family member, birth of a child, or illness.
Hospitality Ministry: This ministry provides an opportunity for our parish community to come together in a variety of social settings.
Ministry to Children and Youth
Child Church: This ministry will be starting up in 2005-2006 school year during the 11:00am Sunday Mass. It provides an opportunity to experience the Word of God at a level that children can understand.
Youth Ministry - Our youth group is called CYOUTHERE (Catholic Youth Offering Unconditional Truth Hope Encouragement Respecting Everyone). The purpose of the group is to help Catholic youth build a firm foundation in Christ through meetings, outreach, social events, and liturgical involvement. The group is open to 7-12th graders. Contact Eric Loebs, 265-9680
Faith Formation
Faith Formation: Every Catholic is called to an ongoing process of formation and education in their Faith. In its effort to support this process St. Mary's offers a variety of programs and opportunities.
Adult Faith Formation: Provides for adults to grow in the knowledge and appreciation of the Catholic Faith through sacramental preparation, Bible study, faith-sharing, RCIA and other classroom opportunities.
Child and Youth Faith Formation: At the time of infant baptism, parents commit themselves to the faith formation of their child. St. Mary's, in an effort to support and assist parents in this role offers a formal religious education program of classroom opportunities for education in the Catholic Faith.
Sacramental Preparation
Catechists: The best way to learn something is to teach it. Catechists are individuals who, through the gift of their time and talent, share a knowledge and experience of the Faith with others.
Ministry to College Students and Young Adults
Campus Ministry: The purpose of Campus Ministry is to serve the students of Clarkson University and SUNY Potsdam in order to build Christ-centered community through worship, service, social activities and zeal for the Gospel.
Young Adult Ministry: This ministry targets those members of the parish community who are 21-39 years of age, both married and single. The aim of this ministry is to assist spiritual growth, build friendships and to serve the parish and community in which they live. Contact Eric Loebs, 265-9680.
Outreach
Matthew 25: This ministry, which operates on a variety of fronts and attempts to address the challenge, we find in Matthew 25 to help those in need of food, clothing and shelter. This is done through the maintaining of a food and clothing pantry, Thanksgiving baskets, the Christmas Shoe Box project, and working along with other local agencies. Contact Betty Rowe, 265-5413
Rummage Sale: Bi-annual rummage sales provide nearly-new clothing and household goods at very reduced prices. The proceeds are used to fund other outreach programs.
Fundraising
Parish Festival: Our Annual Parish Festival provides opportunities for the entire community and town to come together in fellowship. Proceeds from the festival are used to fund various parish programs. The planning process and committee meetings begin in January. Contact the Parish office, (315)265-9680.
Office Support
Office Angels: This ministry assists the parish in realizing its mission through a variety of office tasks on an as needed basis, i.e. computer data entry and mailings.
Matthew Guild: These individuals assist the parish in counting the weekly collection and preparing the bank deposit.
Societies
The Knights of Columbus is a fraternal order of Catholic men dedicated to the ideals of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism. Membership is available to Catholic men 18 years or older.
Altar Rosary Society perpetuates devotion to our Blessed Mother through the praying of the Rosary and assists in providing those items necessary for the celebration of Liturgy.