Parish Organizations
AA: Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any causes.
Time Commitment: The Elm Grove Staying Sober AA group meets every Saturday mornings from 7:00-8:00 a.m. in the Senior Center.
Contact: Parish office for more information 262-782-4575.
Al-Anon: Al Anon meetings have but one purpose: to help families and friends of alcoholics. If you are concerned about someone else’s drinking, the Al-Anon program can help you. From the very beginning you learn that you are powerless to control an alcoholic’s drinking. The loving concern and help of other Al-Anon members will provide strong support to help you understand what the Al-Anon program can do for you.
Time Commitment: The Elm Grove Gratitude Al-Anon group meets every Tuesday from 7:00-8:00 p.m. in the Senior Center.
Contact: Parish office for more information 262-782-4575.
Bible Study: Peer-facilitated small groups meet for six sessions at a time in daytime or evening sessions. Groups generally use the Loyola Press Six Weeks with the Bible series, a “Guided Discovery of Our Scriptures.”
Most of us feel we are not equipped to read the Bible without help. It helps to read the Bible for ourselves, but not by ourselves because Scripture was written to be understood and applied in and with the Church and Church community. So, come and join us. The Loyola series has twenty different offerings based on books from both the Old and New Testaments including four offerings specifically written for teens. The Threshold series (Twenty-Third Publications) is topic oriented (e.g. Eucharist, People of the Passion…) Each series contains readings, background explanations, questions for discussion and questions for reflection. Each series can also be done on an individual basis if it is not possible to be a part of a group. Periodically, local Biblical scholars are brought in to give presentations and lead discussions.
Time Commitment: Six sessions of approximately one and a half hours.
Contact: Kathy Smith, 262-782-9470 or ksmith@stmaryeg.org
Christian Formation Committee: The purpose of the Christian Formation Committee is to give leadership to the parish, Parish Pastoral Council and Christian Formation staff in the areas of Christian Formation/Religious Education for children, youth, young adults, adults, families and many specialized groups. Their concerns include religious instruction, sacramental preparation, evangelization, family life, vocation, spirituality and ecumenical and interfaith activities. Periodically ad hoc sub-committees will be formed.
Time Commitment: The CF Committee meets 5 times each year, terms are staggered and run for 2 years with no more than 2 consecutive terms.
Contact: Call the Christian Formation Department, 262-782-9470 or ksmith@stmaryeg.org
Christian Women’s Society: The Mission Statement of the Christian Women’s Society is “to enhance the spirituality of the women of the parish and community” and by extension, all who come in contact with these women, especially their families. Programs and events are planned to minister to women of all ages and to refresh and renew the spirit. The hope is that each member’s participation is enriched through finding friends, fellowship, and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. All are welcome and encouraged to attend any or as many of the programs and events scheduled including the Sunday Speaker Series, the Annual Salad Supper, the Family Rosary, May Crowning, and the Annual Spring Luncheon.
Time Commitment: Member’s personal choice.
Contact: Beth Parey, 262-821-0691 or Jean Kelly, 262-797-0937. Brochures are available in the Parish offices.
Environment Committee: The volunteer art and environment coordinator works closely with the Liturgy and Music Office to design a plan for each liturgical event. The committee consists of parishioners who decorate the sanctuary and church throughout the liturgical year consistent with the various themes determined by each particular Church Season.
Time Commitment: Usually the day(s) before liturgical seasons or church feast days. Your commitment could be for one or several seasons.
Contact: Jenny Dascoli , 262-782-4485 or jdascoli@stmaryeg.org
Home & School Association: The H & S Association provides programs, opportunities and funds to assist our school children and families with educational, religious and community enhancement. Volunteer needs are as follows: Board Members; Chair or Co-Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and Volunteer Coordinator. Time Commitment: One school year with monthly board meetings. Committee/Program Chairs for the following programs: Hospitality; High Interest Day; Spiritwear; Book Fair; Library Aid; “SCRIP”; Parish Picnic; “Spooks ‘n’ Spoofs”; Chicago Trip; Market Day; Ice Cream Social; Auction for Education; “SMASH”; 8th Grade Graduation Dance Brunch & Basketball Game; Correspondence; Field Day; Magazine Drive; Forensics; Campbell Soup Labels; Box Tops; Milk Caps; Morning Office Assistant; Tutoring Group; New Parent Liasons; Yearbook; Wednesday Packet; Scouting and Lego League;
Time Commitment: One school year; time varies with program and event. Program Chairs organize volunteers within their committee.
Contact: School office, 262-782-7057.
Legion of Mary: The Legion of Mary promotes Christianity and Christian values through active works. Members may visit the sick and elderly and encourage Catholics to return to Mass and the Sacraments.
Time Commitment: Members say a daily prayer, attend weekly meetings and spend time doing active work.
Contact: Parish office, 262-782-4575.
Men’s Ministry: A Quad-Parish collaboration, there are single-time events and a group that meets regularly on a year-round basis. The ongoing men’s ministry meets every Saturday, 7:00-9:00 a.m. in Room 2 of the St. Dominic’s Marcy Center. A self-facilitated group, the topics vary from week to week. Those interested in forming a group within the St. Mary’s Visitation Community are invited to do so under the direction of the Adult and Family Ministry Office.
Time Commitment: Member’s choice.
Contact: Kathy Smith, 262-782-9470 or ksmith@stmaryeg.org or Rich Harder, Adult and Family Minister at St. Dominic’s Parish, 262- 781-3480.
Ministry to the Widowed and Divorced: Many programs and groups are ongoing or offered at different times and locations throughout the year. The Archdiocese, District 4 of our Archdiocese (eastern Waukesha County), the Quad Parish Cluster, and our own parish, St. Mary’s Visitation, all sponsor these offerings. These include: New Beginnings, New Horizons, Divorce Recovery Series, Single Again, seminars on Declarations of Invalidity, First Fridays in the Atrium and more. These offerings are listed on the website, in the weekly bulletins, flyers on the church bulletin boards, and brochures that are available in the parish offices and in the Christian Formation rack in the rear vestibule of church.
Time Commitment: Individual’s choice.
Contact: Kathy Smith, 262-782-9470 or ksmith@stmaryeg.org
M.O.M.S.: Ministry of Mothers Sharing (MOMS for short) is an opportunity for women to develop or improve self-esteem, relationship skills, and a more definite sense of their own spirituality. In a small group setting with trained facilitators, women of all ages learn to share with other women the stress, concerns and positive experiences that have influenced their personal growth. Women experience the support of other women while discovering the depths of their own spirituality. The group meets 6-7 times and is offered when requested, either during the day or the evening. Each session is an hour and a half in length and child care is provided for daytime sessions. The cost is $20 and includes one copy of the book MOMS – A Personal Journal by Paula Hagen and Vicki Jennett.
Time Commitment: Six to seven consecutive hour and a half sessions.
Contact: Kathy Smith, 262-782-9470 or ksmith@stmaryeg.org
New Beginnings: This quad parish organization is for widows and widowers of all faiths. It provides support for each other through spiritual, social and cultural activities. The activities have included art shows, travel, concerts, fish fries and retreats. Meetings have included presentations by several pastors and visiting priests.
Time Commitment: General meetings are held monthly.
Contact: Parish office, 262-782-4575 for more information.
Parish Finance Council: Members of the Finance Council have oversight responsibilities for all parish assets, physical and financial. The Council is advisory to the Pastor and has self-perpetuating membership. New members are confirmed by the Pastor. The Ad Hoc project committees report to the Parish Finance Council.
Time Commitment: The Council meets four times per year.
Contact: Mike George, 262-782-4575 for more information.
Parish Pastoral Council: Members of the Parish Council serve as an advisory body to the Pastor and parish staff in areas of spiritual leadership, governance, policy formation and planning. The council develops goals and objectives for St. Mary’s Parish and establishes priorities for implementing those goals through council sub committees; Christian Formation, School, Prayer & Worship. Matters pertaining to budget, stewardship, administration and building & grounds are guided by Ad Hoc project committees, called into existence as needed. The Ad Hoc project committees report to the Parish Finance Council.
Time Commitment: Members serve terms of three years, with three new members elected each year. The Council meets eight times each year, with a day of reflection also scheduled.
Contact: Kathy Janusz, 262-782-4575 for more information.
Prayer & Worship Committee Member: The Prayer and Worship Committee works closely with the Liturgy & Music Office to evaluate all aspects of liturgy at St. Mary’s and to develop ways to improve the worship, prayer and spiritual life of our parish community. The study of liturgical documents and texts throughout the year forms committee members for this task.
Time Commitment: Meetings are held six times a year (September-May). Terms run 2 years with no more than 2 consecutive terms.
Contact: Sr. Mary Jane Wagner, 262-782-4485 or mjwagner@stmaryeg.org
School Committee: School Committee serves as an advisory body to the principal. It coordinates the work of subcommittees, approves the budget and monitors the school plan. Subcommittees: Advancement handles school recruiting, publicity and marketing. Planning monitors student programs, seeks input, develops responses to needs. Policy reviews handbook, seeks input, develops proposals for policy additions or changes. Budget prepares and monitors annual budget for the school. Technology maintains technology plan, envisions growth and implements plans. Ad Hoc Projects assists in studying and planning for needs that arise throughout the school year.
Time Commitment: School Committee and Planning Committee meet once per month. Technology meets quarterly. Policy, budget and advancement meet as needed.
Contact: School office, 262-782-7057.
Seniors Club: This club provides an active social and educational opportunity for people in the area. Programs include dancers, speakers, musicians, occasional day trips, luncheons, or a game of bingo. This group is open to all seniors, couples and singles.
Time Commitment: Meetings are held on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month except January, July and August in the Senior Center (Handicap access). Attendance is your choice.
Contact: Parish office, 262-782-4575.
Social Committee: The parish Social Committee consists of a group of parishioners who enjoy planning social events and gatherings for parishioners.
Time Commitment: Your involvement is limited to the amount of time you would like to give to the committee planning and/or specific events/programs in which you have a particular interest.
Contact: Mary Wells Akers, 262-782-4575 or mwells@stmaryeg.org
St. Vincent De Paul Society: Founded in 1833 by six university students in Paris under the patronage of St. Vincent de Paul, today the Society includes almost 900,000 members spread among 46,000 co-fraternities in 130 countries of five continents. The Society’s purpose is to provide direct aid to those who suffer, and to help individuals reduce and even eliminate the causes of their suffering, themselves. Society members use their own resources, sharing not only possessions but the valuable gift of their presence.
Time Commitment: The St. Mary Visitation Parish St. Vincent Society Conference meets every Tuesday at 3:30 p.m.
Contact: St. Vincent de Paul Society members Tom Glatch, 262-784-2972, or Jerry Fennell, 262-787-0966.
Theology on Tap: If you are a young adult in your 20’s or 30’s (single or married, with or without children), Theology on Tap is for YOU! This four-week summer speaker series will connect you to Catholic adults your own age, your faith, and address issues of interest to young adults. Come to one session or come to many sessions, but don’t miss this opportunity to put a little faith into your summer activities. Food and drink provided. There are fifteen sites throughout the archdiocese. Dates are mid-July through the beginning of August. The series concludes with a Wrap Party with Bishop Sklba that includes a Mass followed by a picnic. Go to www.cross-connected.org or youngadult@archmil.org for additional information.
Time Commitment: YOU Decide.
Contact: Kathy Smith, 262-782-9470 or ksmith@stmaryeg.org
Y.A.C.C.: A metro-Milwaukee/Waukesha group for young Catholic adults ages 18 to 40, single or married, with or without children. Monthly activities and meetings are scheduled with groups that are peer facilitated, and involvement is as much or as little as you would like. Events are posted on their webpage, www.yacconline.org and on the St. Mary’s website under the Audlt and Family Calendar as well as in the SMV bulletin each month.
Time Commitment: Individual’s choice.
Contact: Mary Janowak, Adult and Family Minister at St. John Vianney, 262-796-3944 or maryk@stjohnv.org
