Committies

ARE  YOU…

…new in the area?

…a long-time resident?

…wanting to become more involved in the community?

…wondering what opportunities already exist?

…seeking a little more information?

…needing to know who to contact?

Here are some ways you could use
the gifts and talents you have been blessed with!

ADULT CHOIR
Contact Trixie Meteyer 394-1220, x12 or 394-4684 (home)
St. Mary's Adult Choir sings at the 11:30 Sunday morning Mass most weeks from September - June, and for special liturgies. Rehearsals are Wednesday nights in the church. In addition to leading the congregational singing, the choir prepares special anthems to sing. New singers are always welcome, and we can teach you to read music! St. Bridget's Mass choir practices each Sunday before the 9:30 AM Mass.

ALTAR SERVERS
Contact Dawn Burdick 394-1220, x 39, dburdick@dor.org
It is the main job of the altar server to help the priest during Mass, by doing specific tasks at certain times. You also help set an example for the entire congregation by participating in the liturgy (singing the hymns, responding to the prayers, etc.) and by sitting or standing at the appropriate times. It may seem like a simple job, but it is a very important ministry! Training sessions are offered periodically. This ministry is open to anyone in grades 4 - 12. New servers are always welcome.

BELL CHOIR
Contact Trixie Meteyer 394-1220, x 12 or 394-4684 (home)
Our Bell Choir at St. Mary's has become one of the most popular ministries, and new members will be accepted as vacancies occur. (If enough people express an interest, we would love to start a second group!) We rehearse on Thursday nights and members are high school age and older. This is a wonderful chance for folks who love music, but don't feel they can sing, to participate in our music ministry! Reading music will not be a requirement for the new choir. Call Trixie today!

BELL CHOIR - Junior
Contact Trixie Meteyer 394-1220, x 12 or 394-4684 (home)
Our Junior Bell Choir will be designed for students in grades 4 - 8, if there is interest. You will play for selected liturgies and special holiday celebrations.

BIBLE STUDY (See SCRIPTURE STUDY)

CANANDAIGUA CHURCHES IN ACTION (CCIA)
For more information, contact Deacon Claude 394-1220, x 15, clester@dor.org
For several years now, St. Mary's has participated in the outreach ministries of the local churches. The offices for CCIA are located in the ground floor of 120 North Main Street (the former FF Thompson Hospital). In addition to the community food cupboard and other support services, 2008 will mark the opening of a health clinic intended to provide access to primary medical care for the working poor.

CHILDREN'S CHOIR (See JOYFUL NOISE)

CHILDREN'S LITURGY OF THE WORD
For St. Mary's & St. Bridget's, contact Deacon Claude 394-1220, x 15
At the 9 AM Sunday Eucharistic celebration at St. Mary's and at the 9:30 AM Sunday Eucharist at St. Bridget's, children from age 3 through third grade are invited to attend a CHILD CHURCH, as the rest of the faith community hears the Scripture and the homily proclaimed. After the children have conversation and an activity about the day's Scripture readings on their own level, they rejoin their families for the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

CHRISTMAS OUTREACH
For St. Mary's, contact Mary Ellen Gysel 394-1097
For St. Bridget's, contact Meg Murphy 657-7895
The Christmas holiday season holds special meaning for us all, and the Gift-Giving Tree offers a special ministry in which we can all partake. In conjunction with the work of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, St. Mary's coordinates a Gift-Giving Tree in December of food and presents to families in need, people in nursing homes and local shelters. At St. Bridget's, gifts are also collected for local needy families and individuals.

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
For St. Mary's, contact Elaine Radcliffe 394-7748
For St. Bridget's, contact Judie Worhacz 657-7626
This ministry puts you at the very heart of our Catholic Faith - distributing the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ to your brothers and sisters in faith. Eucharistic Ministers assist in distributing Holy Communion at Sunday Masses and Holy Days. Other Eucharistic Ministers help in bringing Holy Communion to the nursing homes and health facilities on Sundays.

FAITH FORMATION
For both St. Mary's and St. Bridget's, contact Deacon Claude 394-1220, x 15
clester@dor.org
A variety of program formats are offered.

FOR FAMILIES:
Affirming parents as the primary educators in their children's faith formation we support families by offering:

- A weekly, lectionary-based learning program. This successful model allows families to learn and grow together in their walk with God.
- 'Bible Basics' will be offered to students and parents of 6-8 graders. This program will meet weekly on Sunday evenings.

FOR ADULTS:
As we journey through life, we acknowledge the need to nourish, develop and sustain our faith in God. We are a community seeking and offering opportunities for adults to grow spiritually and to increase knowledge and understanding of their faith.

- Monthly gatherings throughout the year will provide the opportunity for presentations and discussions on our faith and spiritual journey.
- A 'PARISH BOOK READ' intends to give parishioners the chance to read and then discuss within a small group setting.
- 'Bible Basics' will be offered on Sunday evenings. In the course of the year, parishioners will delve into the story of salvation history as portrayed in the major Books of the Old and New Testaments.
- Scripture studies throughout the year will allow parishioners to study by topic, by liturgical season and by books of the bible.

FOR STUDENTS:
We believe that religious education (catechesis) of our faith community children is important. We provide weekly sessions for students in grades 1-5 at the parish. These sessions are meant to provide our children with a firm foundation in their Catholic faith in which they can continue to build and grow upon.

FOR SACRAMENTS:
Programs of sacramental preparation for Reconciliation (each fall, with parent involvement), Eucharist (each winter/spring, with parent involvement) and Confirmation (offered twice each academic year, with sponsor involvement) are offered on weeknight evenings.

FINANCE COMMITTEE
Contact Father Mull 394-1220, x 31, fmull@dor.org
The Finance Committee is comprised of the pastor, trustees, and representatives of the Parish Council and parishioners at large who understand that doing God's work requires strong financial responsibility! This committee meets four times per year and is consulted regarding budget, major repairs, personnel changes and legal questions.

FOOD CUPBOARD
For St. Mary's, contact Fay Connelly 394-1317
For St. Bridget's, contact Sandi Knopf 657-7200

'When I was hungry, you gave me bread.'
Over the last several years, the St. Mary's Social Ministry Food Cupboard has joined with other church food pantries in Canandaigua. The community food pantry is located at 120 North Main Street with the other ministries of Canandaigua Churches in Action. In Bloomfield, there is continued support to The Blessing Room-Renewalk Ministries.
You can help by bringing non-perishable food to church each week, or picking up bread donation from area restaurants, making computer generated signs for the church or volunteering to work at the pantry.

HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE
Contact Bernadette Strada 554-5179
As a sub-committee of Parish Life, this group reaches out to newcomers to welcome them to our parish community and to help them learn about the range of parish activities that we provide.

JAIL MINISTRY
Contact St. Mary's Parish Administration Center 394-1220
'I was in prison and you visited me,' Jesus said.
This ministry provides visitation with those incarcerated in the Ontario County Jail.

JOYFUL NOISE
Contact Trixie Meteyer 394-1220, x 12 or 394-4684 (home)
Joyful Noise is the parish children's choir for youngsters in grades 2 - 5. We rehearse every Wednesday afternoon from 3:30 - 4:30 PM from September through Easter and sing about once a month at selected liturgies. We welcome new children who are committed to a regular schedule of rehearsals and worship.

JOYFUL NOISE PLUS
Contact Trixie Meteyer 394-1220, x12 or 394-4684 (home)
A newly formed group, Joyful Noise Plus will be for children in grades 6-8. Rehearsals will be on Thursday afternoons at 2:30PM in the Canandaigua Middle School. Call for more information.

LECTORS
For St. Mary's, contact Sharon Henry 394-1220
For St. Bridget's, contact Sue Storke 657-7626
Lectors assist in proclaiming God's Word during liturgical celebrations. If you are interested in this very special ministry, please call today for training opportunities.

LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY
For St. Mary's & St. Bridget's, contact Cecilia Colosi 394-7037
Legislative Advocacy, working with the diocesan Public Policy Committee or our parish 'Witnessing with the Poor' subcommittee, presents issues to the local faith community based on principles of Catholic Social Teaching to promote human dignity, economic justice and to promote the common good. To achieve these ends we advocate for a more effective government responsive to the wishes of the people and cooperate with other community organizations in working to achieve an improved quality of life for all regardless of racial, ethnic, or cultural differences.

LITURGY COMMITTEE
Contact Father Mull 394-1220, x 31, fmull@dor.org
The St. Mary's Liturgy committee meets six times a year. It is responsible for the on-going scheduling of Liturgical Ministers. Members are active in seasonal planning and review. They also serve as a catalyst to parish worship.

LITURGICAL COORDINATORS
Contact Father Mull 394-1220, x 31, fmull@dor.org
At each weekend Mass, St. Bridget's assigns a parishioner as coordinator for that liturgy. It is that person's responsibility to prompt ushers and servers of any special event at that liturgy as well as assure that all persons who are assigned specific liturgical duties are present.

LITURGICAL MINISTERS
Contact Father Mull 394-1220, x 31, fmull@dor.org
Recognizing the call of the Second Vatican Council for 'full, active participation,' we invite our members to share in the liturgical ministries of:
Usher / Greeter Lector / Reader
Choir / Cantor Folk Group member
Eucharistic minister Children's Liturgy leader
Youth altar servers

MARTHA'S SERVERS
At St. Mary's & St. Bridget's, contact Valerie Haynes 394-1220, x 24
vhaynes@dor.org
Martha's Servers extend sympathy and support to parishioners following the death of a family member. Volunteers can choose to participate in a number of ways as we coordinate receptions in Dougherty Hall after funerals.

MEDIA TEAM
Contact Jack Joyce 398-3088, jjjoyce@naz.edu
Michele Fernaays 394-8838, mfernaays@yahoo.com
A sub-committee of Social Ministry, the Media Team prepares video materials that promote the spiritual meaning and mission of our faith community. The team's aim is to inform the members of our parish and the community of the various ministries that St. Mary's Church offers.

MORNING PRAYER
For St. Mary's & St. Bridget's, contact Cece Bodnar 396-0344
On Tuesday and Thursday mornings, this group gathers in the St. Bridget's Church sanctuary to pray and reflect. This time of prayer is open to everyone and usually is about one hour in length. Books and resources are provided.

OPERATION RICE BOWL
Contact Deacon Claude 394-1220, x 15, clester@dor.org
Operation Rice Bowl is a Lenten program which encourages persons to fast, pray and monetarily assist the poor in our country and overseas. Sponsored by Catholic Relief Services, ORB supports agricultural enterprises. The goal of all ORB projects is to improve the quality of life of the most vulnerable: the poor.

PARISH COUNCIL
Contact Father Mull 394-1220, x 31, fmull@dor.org
Parish Council serves in an advisory capacity to the pastor and staff of St. Mary's/St. Bridget's. It tries to make Christ more fully present in all who take part in our faith community. In May, new members are chosen through a selection process.

PARISH FESTIVAL
Contact Steve Tempest 398-2934
For almost forty years, the annual St. Mary's Summer Festival has been a great way to meet fellow parishioners and make new friends. You can work in one of the many booths, bake a cake, help set up, clean up or work at the lawn sale. You will have fun showing your support for St. Mary's. We invite you to share your time and talent with us.

PARISH HEALTH AND WELLNESS
At St. Mary's, contact Chickie Ernst 394-4564
Following the example of Jesus and mindful of our Lord's commands, we shall strive to support the people of St. Mary's community in their quest to be well. Parish Health and Wellness, in conjunction with F.F. Thompson Wellness Center and health-related professionals from St. Mary's Parish, provides services, training and educational materials on common health and wellness issues which face our parishioners today. Monthly blood pressure screenings after weekend liturgies at St. Mary's are one of the on-going services.

PARISH LIFE
At St. Mary's & St. Bridget's, contact Valerie Haynes 394-1220, x 24, vhaynes@dor.org
Parish Life is the building of family spirit in our faith community. It involves social activities such as dinners, outings and movies. Events are aimed at creating the realization that we are not just a parish, but a family.

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
RCIC (Rite of Christian Initiation of Children)
For St. Mary's & St. Bridget's, contact Alice Robeson 394-1220, x 37, arobeson@dor.org
The RCIA is a four-step process within the parish's life aimed at welcoming new adult members into the faith community and renewing the spiritual life of current members. Sessions are held on Sunday mornings from mid-August through Pentecost for those coming into the church with their sponsors. Our Parish community participates through prayer support, and service, through being a presenter, dismissal leader and hospitality. The RCIC is for children ages 7-16 who either have not been Baptized in any Christian tradition or were Baptized as Roman Catholic but have not received ongoing faith formation in any structured program. Weekly sessions break open Sacred Scripture and Church teachings for an experience of 'what does it mean to be a Catholic?'

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION
For St. Mary's & St. Bridget's, contact Deacon Claude 394-1220, x 15, clester@dor.org
BAPTISM sessions for couples in anticipation of the Baptism of their first child are offered every other month.
RECONCILIATION preparation is offered for families in anticipation of their child's First Reconciliation.
CONFIRMATION preparation involving candidate and sponsor is offered on a planning group level each fall and winter/spring.
EUCHARIST preparation is offered for families in anticipation of their child's First Communion.
MARRIAGE preparation is offered by the clergy member who will officiate at the couple's exchange of vows.

ST. MARY'S SCHOOL & ADVISORY COUNCIL
Contact Ann Marie Deutsch 394-4300, adeutsch@dor.org
St. Mary's School exists to integrate spirituality with the student's moral, academic, cultural, and physical development. The school fosters character, compassion and values through a Christ centered education. As an extension of the Roman Catholic Church ministry, we partner with parents and our community to provide the highest quality education. The Advisory Council is a consultative group of parents, parishioners and community members who work directly with the Principal and the Pastor to ensure the mission of St. Mary's School is fulfilled. All are welcome to join this council. Chairperson and other officers are selected from participants.

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY
Contact Annette Vitalone 394-6102
Susan Onze 394-9092
St. Vincent de Paul Society assists families and individuals in the greater Canandaigua area by providing short-term and emergency assistance. We welcome new members who could choose to volunteer in the:
1. Voucher Room, where assistance is given to those needing food, short-term housing or financial help with prescription drugs.
2. Clothing Room, where clothes, household items and toys are given, free of charge, to the needy.
3. Assistance with sorting, packing and distributing Christmas baskets.
Monthly meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month, September through May at 1:30 PM in Dougherty Hall.

SCRIPTURE STUDY
Contact Deacon Claude 394-1220, x 15, clester@dor.org
Studies of particular Books of the Bible, overview of Scripture or anticipation of the Scripture readings for the upcoming Sunday liturgical celebration form the focus of sessions throughout the year.

SOCIAL MINISTRY COMMITTEE
For St. Mary's, contact Cecilia Colosi 394-7037
Mary Ellen Gysel 394-1097
For St. Bridget's, contact Meg Huff 624-2970
Pat Crowley 657-6378
The Social Ministry Committee reflects the Gospel message by carrying out the Corporal Works of Mercy. Meetings provide a forum for small groups to share information and needs as well as to participate in decisions of the large group as a whole. The subcommittees (listed separately as PARISH WELLNESS, LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY, FOOD CUPBOARD, MEDIA TEAM, and WITNESSING WITH THE POOR) do the work of promoting social justice and performing works of Christian charity. Activities include Christmas outreach for needy families, Easter food baskets, school supply collection and parish response to national and international needs.

SPIRITUAL EXERCISES OF ST. IGNATIUS
For St. Mary's & St. Bridget's, contact Sister Dorothy Mulcahy 657-7235
Offered yearly, in September, this individual retreat is a process of letting God get deeper into your very being as a personal friend. This retreat is available for anyone who is searching for a meaningful relationship with God and who also wants to learn more about prayer.

TITHING COMMITTEE
For St. Mary's, contact John Cochol 394-8974
'Bring full tithes and dues to the storehouse, so that there may be food in my house and then see if I do not open the flood gates of heaven for you and pour out a blessing for you in abundance.' (Malachi 3:10) In 1982, our parish community joined the ranks of parishes throughout the country by tithing the first fruits of our offering collection. This tithe has been instrumental in feeding the hungry, supplying clothes, shelter and medicine to the needy, spreading the gospel, and many other good works.

VISITATION MINISTRY
For St. Mary's, contact Deacon Claude 394-1220, x 15, clester@dor.org
For St. Bridget's, contact Fr. Darling 657-7626
This all-inclusive and shared ministry of laity and clergy ensures that all Catholics - whether hospitalized, in a healthcare facility, a senior living center, hospice, or homebound - have the opportunity for consistent and regular pastoral visits, including reception of Holy Communion, from someone representing their Catholic community. Training is offered each year and monthly follow-up sessions are provided. Members of this ministry will tell you that the rewards you receive from visitation are far greater than the gifts you bear. All the parishes in our West Ontario Planning group jointly sponsor this ministry.

WITNESSING WITH THE POOR
Contact Judy Gelinas 393-1852
At St. Mary's, Witnessing with the Poor presents a series of brief educational updates to the parishioners at the end of Mass, about four times per year, on subjects deemed important to the poor of the parish, state or nation. Members of the group research particular problems which face our society and suggest an approach to overcome the situation. Past topics have included Child Health Plus, encouraging voter registration and affordable housing.

YOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Contact Dawn Burdick 394-1220, x 39, dburdick@dor.org
A group of adults and youth is needed to plan and carry out the various youth ministry programs. The committee has five planning teams, which they invite you to be part of: community building, prayer and worship, retreats, fundraising, and justice and service. The group meets five times per year.

YOUTH MINISTRY
For St. Mary's and St. Bridget's, contact Dawn Burdick 394-1220, x 39, dburdick@dor.org
Our desire is to give students from grades 6 - 12 an opportunity to draw closer to God, develop lasting relationships with caring, committed adults and other youth in our parish, and to reach out to other teens in our community. We offer a variety of programs that attempt to accomplish those goals: weekly youth meetings, semi-annual teen retreats, faith experiences, service opportunities, diocesan and national Catholic events, and much, much, more.