Ministry of Welcoming

To feel welcome is the most comforting feeling a family can be blessed with upon their arrival at a new home and parish.  This committee was started to accomplish that very important and extremely pleasurable task.

The purpose of the Welcoming Committee is to make personal contact with each newly registered parishioner soon after registration.  The goals of this initial contact are, first and foremost, to welcome them to the parish, and then to provide useful information about St. Jane Frances Parish.  This contact will be made by way of a phone call.  The call will be followed up with the mailing of an information folder which provides additional facts about each organization and ministry functioning in the Parish.

New parishioners are encouraged to read the material, think about each opportunity presented to them, and hopefully find something which appeals to them and then volunteer to join and help that particular group.

ST. MONICA MINISTRY  

             (John Ena, 410-437-6522)

         (Deacon Robert Vlecj 443 817-2260)

St. Monica Ministry
  The Saint Monica ministry is a pastoral outreach to all those adults who have friends and relatives who are not active in their practice of the Catholic faith at this time.  For many of these adults, this experience is a source of hurt and deep disappointment.  Many times these people wonder:  “How can this be?” or “Why is this happening?” or “What can I do about this?

While there are many responses to these and associated questions, the Saint Monica ministry, developed around the life experiences of Saint Monica, suggests that the best response is to use this experience as a means of drawing closer to Christ yourself.   

This is what our call to sainthood is about.  In becoming more Christ-like ourselves, we permit our Lord to be reflected more clearly through us to others, including our inactive relatives and friends, and thus touch them in the way and time of His choosing.

Following an overview on the life of Saint Monica, we will help you explore some of the issues that you may be struggling with or have concerns about; issues like:

     ·        Why hurting is legitimate when loved ones do not attend Mass   

·        Faith – its purpose and role in our lives

·        Prayer – its essence and necessity

·        Pastoral responses to commonly asked questions.

Monica was born in Tagaste in Roman Africa.  After 30 years of prayer, she obtained the conversion of her pagan husband and, with the guidance of Saint Ambrose, won the conversion of her eldest son, Augustine, who we know as Saint Augustine.  Saint Monica is the patron saint of mothers.  The Church celebrates the Feast of Saint Monica on August 27^th, and Saint Augustine on August 28^th.          

           Saint Monica ministry will highlight the virtues of faith and prayer and assist you to become more like Saint Monica in your conviction that the grace of Christ will change hearts and lives.

                        (John Ena, 410-437-6522)

               (Kathy Vlcej 443 817-2260)