Ministries
St. Mary’s Parish offers a variety of ministries for young and old alike. If you have any questions about these ministries, please contact the parish office for more details.
Ministries include but are not limited to:
Altar Servers – We encourage all boys and girls of the parish 3rd grade or older to participate in the ministry of Altar Server. You may approach the pastor or the parish office at any time if you are interested in becoming a server. We also need servers for special liturgies such as weddings and funerals. If you are interested in serving for any of these please contact the parish office. We are also in need of adult men and women servers to help at weekend Masses and special events. Please let the pastor or parish office know if you are interested! For children and adults we will make sure you receive any training you may require for your services.
Art & Environment (Year Round) – We are in need of an individual or several individuals with some decorating experience (not necessarily in church) to help arrange the environment of the church throughout the liturgical year. Some times of the year will require more attention than others. If you are interested please contact the pastor of parish office. The pastor will assist you in this process – education, training, etc.
Art and Environment (Seasonal) – A larger group of helpers is needed to arrange the environment of the church for Christmas and Easter. Please contact the parish office if you are interested in being a part of this group.
C. C. W. – Council of Catholic Women – All ladies of the parish 18 years of age are automatically members for the CCW. The CCW hosts a Spring and Fall plant sale, a Christmas Poinsettia sale,sponsors a Back to School Supply Drive in July, and holds meeting throughout the year.
Catholic Order of Foresters Men – Members server Catholics, help the community, and insure life. Men Foresters meet monthly on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at St. Mary’s.
Ministers of Communion –Extraordinary ministers are confirmed Catholics who assist our priests in the distribution of Holy Communion at our weekend Masses. Training is required. You may also take Holy Communion to individuals in the hospital, nursing homes, and private homes.
Faith Formation – Dedicated to preparing children of the parish to receive their sacraments (First Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation) and provide instruction to them teaching them about their Catholic faith.
Knights of Columbus – The Knights of Columbus are an international Catholic Men’s Organization including parishioners belonging to St. Mary and the Church of Holy Apostles parishes in McHenry, Illinois. The Order was founded in Connecticut by Father Michael J. McGivney on March 29, 1882 and is still true to its founding principles of charity, unity, and fraternity. Local activities include providing food baskets to those in need during Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays and organizing a “Coats for Kids” drive. We sponsor youth activities including a basketball Free-Throw contest, Spelling Bee and Scouting programs. We continue to support our parishes and those in need by hosting fund raisers such as pancake breakfasts, flower sales and our popular Tootsie Roll Drive. Monthly member business meetings are held starting at 7:30pm the second Tuesday of each month at the Church of Holy Apostles, 5211 W. Bull Valley Road. For more information, please visit koc1288.org or call the parish office at 815-385-0024.
Lectors – Parishioners that proclaim the Word during the Sunday and Holy Day Masses. Training and workbook are provided.
Music Ministry – Musicians and singers that come together to enhance the Sunday and Holy Day liturgies. This ministry includes singers, cantors, organists, guitarists, drummers, flautists, etc., that enjoy praising God through their talents. St. Mary’s has choir practices on Thursday evenings at 7:30pm. If you enjoy singing or playing an instrument, come join us! Remember, when you sing you pray twice.
Right to life Ministry – Ministry that supports life from the “womb to the tomb”. The Right to Life Ministry participates in the Right to Life Chain the first Sunday of October (located in front of St. Mary’s), sale of carnations on Mother’s Day and the baby bottle promotion in October as fundraisers to support this ministry and the First Way Pregnancy Crisis Center in Johnsburg, joins other McHenry and surrounding parishes in the Fiesta Days Parade with a float supporting life, Spiritual Adoption Program which concludes with a baby shower with products needed for new mothers distributed through First Way Pregnancy Crisis Center, participate in a Right to Life booth at the McHenry County Fair in Woodstock, IL.
SMYL – St. Mary Youth Leadership offers the next step for youth in their Catholic faith. The purpose is through mentorship and stewardship to help bring forth the gifts God has given you to better our community. Young adults will organize, coach, lead, model and perform various activities.
St. Mary’s Golden Diners – Seniors who get out together for dinner the second Thursday of the month. Seniors partake in affordable dinners and sharing conversation and a night at local restaurants in the McHenry area. (April thru December).
St. Vincent de Paul Society – The society encompasses the parishes of St. Mary, St. Patrick, and the Church of Holy Apostles. Members are men and women who offer person to person service to individuals in need. The office for St. Vincent de Paul is located at the Church of Holy Apostles. Donations are sent directly there from the participating parishes.
Temple Treasures – These volunteers are truly “treasures” to Mary’s Church.They are men and women who work “behind the scenes” making sure that our church is dusted and vacuumed – always looking our “Sunday best.”
Ushers – Also can be greeters and are making sure those attending Mass are comfortable, directing parishioners during the distribution of the Eucharist, securing the collection, and distributing bulletins at the end of Mass.
