Outreach Programs
Angel Tree
The Christmas Angel Tree program is a ministry in which parishioners purchase gifts anonymously for those less fortunate. Gender and age are received from the Salvation Army as well as various human service organizations throughout the community. Many families are blessed through the fellowship of both giving and receiving, as the gifts are delivered by parish volunteers to the Salvation Army in time for Christmas.
Bulletins/Mailers
Lay Ministers insert pages into the bulletin and help with bulk mailings as needed.
OLV Parish Office
Phone: 218-736-2429
Coffee & Rolls after Mass
The coffee and rolls ministry are part of our hospitality which is more than saying hello and welcome. Here we create a forum where families can gather with old friends and meet new ones. It may seem like a small thing, serving donuts and coffee, but relationships are built on time spent together. Groups and parish members of all ages volunteer to serve on Sunday mornings after the 9:30 Mass. Typically, 3-4 people are scheduled to set up, serve and clean up.
Drivers for Home Bound
Lay Ministers provide transportation to Mass, appointments, etc., for sick and home bound parishioners.
Food Shelf
The Food Shelf serves area families who are in need. Donations of nonperishable items and money are needed for the success of this mission. Nonperishable items may be dropped off in the gathering area and donations of money can be given through the weekly envelopes. Lay Ministers assist with transporting these items to our local food shelf. Lay Ministers also help distribute items at our local food shelf, stock shelves, serve on the board and unload trucks. Donations of produce from summer/fall gardens are appreciated. Monetary donations can be made through the weekly envelopes or directly to the Food Shelf.
Leader: Sharon Jurgens
Phone: 218-251-7237
Email: jurgenssharon@yahoo.com
Jail Ministry
"I was in prison, and you came to visit me." Matthew 25:36
Lay Ministers will be working with incarcerated men and women in the county jail. Requirements include having an open mind, open heart, and a willingness to be the hands of Christ to God's children who are temporarily separated from their faith communities. Lay Ministers are needed to: share the Sunday Scripture and offer Holy Eucharist; weekend REC retreat team, and prayer warriors who spend time in prayer either at home or in the adoration chapel asking Jesus to lead all those in need back into Him and asking the Holy Spirit to guide those who work directly with the incarcerated, especially during REC weekends.
Meals by Wheels
Quarterly, our parish takes its turn for a week, picking up meals from the Senior Center and delivering to homebound people in our community.
Photography
With the various events sponsored by our parish, there are many opportunities to capture our parish life on film. Individuals with their own cameras are needed to attend these important events to take photos of our parish family. Professionals and amateurs are invited to help.
Email: ministrypro@ffolvchruch.org
Prayer Shawl Ministry
A prayer shawl begins with the shawl maker saying prayers for the recipient. The intentions are continued during the creation of the shawl. Shawls are blessed by the Priest before being delivered. When a person wraps oneself in a prayer shawl, the shawl serves as a reminder of the mercy, peace, and compassion that can be found in God’s loving embrace.
Quilting Group
Our mission is to make quilts from recycled jeans. With the proceeds we purchase bibles for the First communion and Confirmation classes. We also have provided vestments for the priests, deacons and altar servers. New members are welcome. Meets after Mass Thursday mornings or 10 a.m. in St. Joseph’s room.
Co-Leader: Georgie Waasdorp
Phone: 218-736-4943
Email: glwaasdorp@hotmail.com
Stephen Ministry
Stephen Ministers are lay congregation members with 50 hours of training through a national Christian based program. Stephen Ministers walk alongside a person who is experiencing life challenges such as grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness, relocation or other difficulties. Stephen Ministers provide one-to-one emotional and spiritual support with listening, empathy, encouragement, helping the care-receiver process their feelings and connecting them with God by praying for and with them.
St. Roberts Mission Circle
Meetings begin with devotion and praying the Rosary. A business meeting is held, and we close with coffee. Membership is maintained with the St. Cloud Mission Office. Members donate homemade dish towels and clothes, hats, mittens, quilts, rosaries and other items for mission efforts. Donations are made to the St. Cloud Mission and St. Cloud Seminarians. Local donations are made to OLV Prayer Shawls, OLV Baptismal Garments, and Someplace Safe. Meeting: Third Tues. of the month at 1:30 pm Sept – May.
Leader: Adeline Kapphahn
Phone: 218-739-2797
St. Theresa Circle
This is a social group who gather to provide friendship, socialization and support for one another. It’s a good group (comprised mostly of senior women) to get to know fellow parishioners. All are welcome. Meeting: Second Tues of the month at 1:30 April – Dec.
Leader: Theresa Runick
Phone: 218-736-4924
Stewardship ACC Newsletter
The Journey is the newsletter of the Pelican Valley Area Catholic Community (ACC). The purpose of the newsletter is to help share about parish news, upcoming events, and spiritual formation in our ACC. We benefit from Lay Ministers from all three parishes who are willing to write articles, take pictures at events, and proofread.