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Pastoral Council - Members consist of
parishioners, staff and the pastor to address and coordinate with the
pastor, the spiritual and temporal needs of the parish. Finance Council
- The members of the St. Mary's Finance Council are appointed
by the pastor and bring to the Council a variety of work related
experience in business, accounting, and law. The Council works with the
pastor in an advisory capacity on matters including maintenance, use and
security of parish property, preparation and monitoring of parish budget,
personnel matters, means of assuring adequate parish income,
prioritization and funding of capitol expenditures and annual report to
parishioners.
Major capitol expenditures over the past few years include purchase of
an office center at 3 Massaco St., which provides expanded working and
meeting space for the staff and organizations. The Church has been totally
refurbished including painting, new lighting, carpeting, pews were
refurbished, new kneelers installed, outside screens, new electronic organ, and new
wood flooring in the sanctuary. Exterior lighting has been added to the grounds.
Maintenance of the school and rectory has been kept up to date with new
bathrooms in the school and new windows in the rectory. Future capitol
improvements include replacing wood fascia on the school and parish center
and a new roof. The Finance Council administers a Charitable Outreach
Program which last year gave funds to a variety of organizations and
activities requesting assistance. Some of the organizations which received
funds included Newman Centers at colleges where our students attend,
Hurricane Katrina relief , Habitat for Humanity and the Office for Urban
Affairs. Parishioners are encouraged to contact the Finance Council
through the Parish office with suggestions. The Council Chair is Rick Lenz, 658-2752. |
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Rite of Christian
Initiation for Adults (RCIA) - is a spiritual formation
program. This group helps people wanting to join our faith. Members of the
parish serve
in the role of sponsor, teacher or as one wishing to share their faith
story. Groups meet weekly on Mondays at 7:30 p.m. for prayer, lecture,
discussion and reflection. For more information, call Jean Hamilton,
659-7627. Human Concerns Committee
- Formerly called the Social Action Committee, members of this
group do a wide variety of outreach initiatives. Monthly they serve hot
meals at Mercy Shelter in Hartford. To help call Lou Basta 651-9217.
Meals are served at the Immaculate Conception Shelter monthly from
November - April, To help, call Paul Roderick, 658-5257. Desserts and
fruit are requested to be left in the church basement on the dates listed
monthly in the church bulletin.
Clothing is collected and sorted in the Church basement
every Tuesday evening.
Clothing is distributed as needed in Simsbury and the Valley. Other
clothing is picked up by the Salvation Army. To help or if there is a
need, call Marilyn Gabrielle, 658-7305.
Christmas toys are collected by
our children in the Religious Education Program and distributed to needy groups in Hartford. Contact
Judy Eagen for information.
Habitat for
Humanity St. Mary's is involved with Habitat for Humanity
Build. Last year 14 parishioners participated and helped raise over
$17,000. This year our build will take place in May. For further
information please contact the parish office.
On-going programs throughout the year
include Food Drives, Hat and mitten collection (which last year collected
over 560 pieces which were delivered to The House of Bread, Gifts of
Love, Mercy Housing & Shelter and to St. Agnes Home & Shelter.) Other
projects are held as needed.
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