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Mary’s Ministry: Honoring Our Blessed Mother Through Service, Prayer and Devotion to Jesus
We honor Mary with the most utmost respect — she is the model of perfect love and obedience to Jesus. This is how members of Mary’s Ministry chose the ministry’s name. As the mother of our Lord, Mary serves as an example of service, prayer, and devotion to Jesus.
Formerly called the Elizabeth Ministry, Mary’s Ministry exists to help members follow the way of Mary through prayer and outreach. Recently, members decided to rename the ministry, to separate from the international Elizabeth Ministry. This way, they can plan their own activities and outreach.
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“Mary is the ultimate example of someone to live up to,” says Barb Schoen, who helps lead Mary’s Ministry. “When we got together to choose a name, we realized that with Mary the possibilities were endless.”
For now, Mary’s Ministry members are focusing on prayer, as they know that is one thing they can continue doing while the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing. However, the members have decided to continue developing outreach once the pandemic is over.
Each month, the group receives a list of all the Immaculate Conception funerals, Baptisms, and weddings, and the members pray for each of these. The group then sends the families of the newly baptized, the newly married couples, or the grieving families a prayer card, created by parishioner Jack Peterson — this lets them know they are in the group’s prayers. Members not in attendance at the monthly meetings receive the list so they can pray on their own.
“I try to think of it as if I were on the other end of it,” Barb says. “It is nice to know people are praying for you. For a marriage or Baptism, others are joining in your celebration. With funerals, it’s always comforting to know people are thinking of you.”
The ministry members also put together gift bags for the newly baptized. The gift bag includes a baby blanket made by the Prayer Shawl Ministry, holy water, a prayer card, tea, and chocolate. This is one way to make sure the family of a newly-baptized baby feels welcome at Immaculate Conception.
Ministry members also look forward to carrying on the tradition of the Mary’s Way Dinner, which had to be canceled for 2020 and this year. The women-only event includes a meal and a guest speaker.
Another project that members plan to continue is a diaper and wipes collection — the items are donated to a local pregnancy center. Barb also hopes to have a day for a 24-hour, all-parish Rosary — parishioners would sign up for a time slot so that the Rosary is constantly being prayed.
Gloria Seibert has been involved in Elizabeth Ministry, and now Mary’s Ministry, since 2012. She enjoys the opportunity for prayer and meeting new people.
“I wanted to get involved to meet other like-minded women of the parish,” Gloria says. “It helped me feel involved. By joining this ministry, it gave me the incentive to help and get involved in other ways and with other ministries, as well.”
Barb has appreciated getting to know other women through this ministry. Instead of just seeing familiar faces at church, she has gotten to know people. Having this opportunity means a lot to her.
“When I get to know people, it makes me feel like more a part of the parish,” she says. “I have developed friendships. I like being active in the parish, and I appreciate getting to know parishioners on a closer level.”
