Pastoral Council
St Mary’s Pastoral Council is composed of seven different commissions with each commission having one representative on the council. Each member serves a two year term, renewable one time. The commissions represented are:
Property Management Commission
Christian Formation Commission
Evangelization and Stewardship Commission
The Liturgy Commission meets monthly to learn about the liturgy and to prepare for the various liturgical seasons, feasts and special celebrations. It also sets policies with regard to how the liturgy is celebrated at St. Mary’s in accord with the directives of the Catholic Church.
Liturgical Ministries
Greeters, Ushers, Altar Servers, Lectors, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are trained in the fall of each year. Please call the parish office if you are interested in becoming a part of one or more of these ministries.
This commission promotes the Christ-centered growth and well-being of the family in all stages of life. Some of the areas this commission assists with are: the Sponsor Couple marriage preparation program, opportunities for families with young children, ministry to the homebound, and grief support.
The Property Management Commission meets monthly to discuss what actions are to be taken in order to maintain and improve church properties. This commission keeps a watchful eye on the church grounds and buildings. Its goal is to keep St. Mary’s attractive, safe and in excellent condition.
The mission of the Peace and Justice Commission is to respond to the needs of the local, regional and global communities. We depend upon parishioners to alert us to needs that they know about. We work to exercise the stewardship of tithing of funds and to acknowledge and promote the work that is being done in the areas of social justice in the name of our parish.
This commission develops ways for the parish community to meet socially. Coffee hours, receptions, and special dinners are just some of the ways fellowship is promoted. Developing brochures, bulletin board displays, and other informational materials help keep people informed about St. Mary's.
The Christian Formation Commission serves St. Mary's Parish by developing, promoting, and evaluating programs which will enrich the faith life of the parish community. The ministries and committees of the Commission include:
- St. Mary's Parish involvement with the Regina Inter-Parish Catholic Education Center.
- Sacramental preparation for Baptism, Reconciliation, and First Eucharist and coordination of the Children's Liturgy of the Word.
- Youth ministry (grades 6-12) and Confirmation preparation.
- Adult Formation, including evangelization; formation of adults - those confirmed and older; formation in the Catholic faith for catechumens and candidates.
- Vocations Committee, providing opportunities and encouragement for men and women of high school and college age and beyond who may have interest in the priesthood and /or religious life.
We want the youth of our parish to be involved in every aspect of the Liturgy, encouraging their full and active participation. We invite our youth to become involved in ministry and service projects to build their sense of responsibility for those in need around them. We foster their spiritual growth through retreats and youth rallies designed to challenge and build their understanding of what it means to live and love their Catholic faith. And we offer several social activities that bring our youth together for simply good fun!
Evangelization and Stewardship Commission
The Commission for Evangelization and Stewardship studies the Bishops' pastorals on Evangelization and Stewardship and creates and implements a plan for the parish to become an evangelizing and stewardship parish. Evangelization is proclaiming the message of Christ by word and the testimony of one's life. Stewardship is a way of life in which we recognize God as the giver of all gifts and we must share these gifts with one another and return in fullness to God.
Please also visit the web site for the Office of Evangelization and Stewardship for the greater Iowa City Catholic Community.
Contact Us to Get Involved!
For further information concerning the following commissions and ways to be involved at St. Mary's, please call the parish office at (319) 337-4314.