Worship Ministries
WAYS TO SERVE
Every Sunday, over sixty people serve as ushers, youth acolytes, readers, chalice bearers, singers, musicians, intercessors, and as members of the Altar Guild and Flower Guild. These ministries are open to all members of our parish and include group or one-on-one training.
List of Services
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Altar and Flower GuildsList Item 2
A volunteer group of the parish whose ministry is to care for the altar, vestments, vessels, and altar linens of the parish. Altar Guild members prepare the sanctuary for services, and clean up afterwards. Altar Guild and Flower Guild members frequently work together with the decoration of the sanctuary of the parish.
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Catechesis of the Good ShepherdList Item 3
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) is a religious formation experience for children ages 3-12 years old. It is based on the belief that young children have their own unique relationship with God. It is the role of the catechist to help foster and develop that relationship. The work of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is done in a specially prepared environment called an atrium. In the atrium, children use hands-on materials to explore and meditate upon scripture, prayer, and liturgy. Together, children and adults reflect on the great mysteries of the Christian faith.
PROGRAM ORIGINS
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori approach to religious formation. It was developed by Dr. Sofia Cavalletti, a Roman Catholic who was a Hebrew scripture scholar, and Gianna Gobbi, a Montessori educator, more than 50 years ago in Rome. Today the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd exists in 37 countries worldwide. CGS also has a large presence in Birmingham, Alabama in many Christian churches of various faith traditions due to the beauty and richness of the program.
LEVEL OVERVIEWS
The Level I course is the foundation for the work in the atrium. Upon completion of the Level I course, participants will have received the entire catechetical work for 3-6 year old children and will receive certification from the National Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. The same goes for a Level II Course completed for the 6-9 year old child and a Level III Course for the 9-12 year old child.
READY TO REGISTER?
Please contact Katie Dewees at 205.933.1140 or via email, so she can assist in registering you and paying the course fee of $600-$900.
LEADER NEEDED / LEVEL III
This course covers the content used in atria with 9-12 year old children. No fee for St. Mary's Parishioners. For others, the course fee is $900. Payable over 3 years. Childcare available in the afternoons Monday-Friday with a reservation and a fee. Formation Leader / Anna Hurdle
BECOME A CATECHESIS LEADER
Please contact Katie Dewees at 205.933.1140 or via email if you are ready to become a Catechesis Leader.
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Episcopal Church Women
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
The Episcopal Church Women of St. Mary’s welcomes and encourages all women of the parish to become involved in the life of St. Mary’s through participation in the many activities provided by the ECW and its Guilds and Units.
EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
The ECW hosts several events throughout the year: luncheons with interesting and engaging speakers, a Fall Fundraiser benefiting the St. Mary's GED Program, and much more. Check this page or the latest copy of The Messenger to see what's coming up.
Peace be with you.
