The Parish and Community Life Commission’s goal is to build a deeper sense of Christian community for all ages and interest groups in the parish. The scope of the Commission includes 1) Socials, 2) Ministry, 3) Scouts, 4) Hospitality/Welcoming and 5) Parish Organizations.

1. Socials:

PARISH SOCIALS

The Parish Picnic is an annual event for fun and fellowship held in July, August or September, depending on the committee planners. The format of the picnic is based on the ideas of those planning it. Any person who wishes to help develop the picnic or those who are interested in working at the picnic are encouraged to sign up.

The Annual Festival of Lights is held one Sunday evening in December. We charter buses to take us on a tour of the wonderfully decorated homes of Derby. After the tour, we share cookies, treats and hot chocolate in the Parish Center (with Christmas music, of course).

Advent Angels is a program open to all parishioners where participants drop off little surprises for another participating individual or family at their home each Sunday of Advent. Dinner for 8 is a social event where participants meet in groups of 8 for dinner four times during the year.

Other parish social opportunities include coffee, donuts and fellowship after Mass once a month, an annual Chili Dinner, Turkey Bingo, Mardi Gras, Halloween party, New Year’s party and the K of C Steak Fry several times a year. Any person who would like to share his/her ideas & talents in suggesting, planning or working these or other social activities is encouraged to sign up to help us make parish social activities fun and enjoyable for all ages. Contact Kathy Barker at 776-9738.

CHILD CARE FOR PARISH ACTIVITIES

Several times throughout the year the need arises to provide childcare for families who wish to attend Mass or a parish function. We need a pool of experienced teens and adults to help us provide this service. Are you experienced and willing? Contact Kelly Welch at 776-9377.

2. Youth Ministry:

YOUTH MINISTRY

Jump into LIFE ! Learn about your faith and yourself, get Involved, have Fun and become Examples to others of committed Catholic youth. Middle school youth ministry (MSYM) and high school youth ministry (HSYM) activities include service projects, Bible study, lock-ins, retreats, lots of food, bowling, ice skating, pool parties and more! For the latest on what’s happening, email janet.clark@stmarysderby.com, or check the weekly bulletin. Contact Janet Clark, 788-5525 (w) or 789-9925(h).

Click here to find out more about LifeTeen/HSYM and On the EDGE/MSYM .

3. Scouts:

CUB SCOUTS/BOY SCOUTS

Scouting is fun for boys ages first grade through high school and their families. Scouting encourages members to build character, good citizenship, strengthen mind and body, do one’s best, and be helpful while promoting duty to God. The youngest boys meet with an adult partner once a month. Older boys meet in dens with two adult leaders on a weekly basis, and all dens come together once a month for a pack meeting. Sixth graders and older meet in patrols with boy leaders and have a troop for Court of Honors for awards. Contact:  Kent Lund at 788-6031 (Boy Scouts) or Bob Schif at 788-52333 (Cub Scouts).

GIRL SCOUTS

Girl Scouts are all ages from kindergarten through high school. Scouting provides an opportunity for girls to experience a wide variety of activities such as crafts, sports, outdoors activities, developing skills in leadership and communication, and working on community service projects. Troop meeting times, locations and duration vary. Contact Vicky Tully at 788-5525.

4. Hospitality/Welcoming:

HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE

As new families register in our parish, in an effort to welcome them into our parish family, the hospitality committee reaches out to the new families to try to serve them. The families are visited at their homes to make them feel more comfortable, and questions about our parish are answered. Contact Jessica Rose at 788-2994.

5. Parish Organizations:

ALTAR SOCIETY

All adult women of the parish (Catholic or non-Catholic) are invited to join Altar Society. Meetings are held on the second Thursday of the month. Goals include furthering the spiritual welfare of the members, corporal works of mercy, furnishing funds to care for the needs of the altar and other parish services approved by the pastor. The Society is made up of six working guilds. Membership in St. Bernadette, St. Francis, Marian and Our Lady of Lourdes guilds are determined by geographic location. The other two are St Anne’s, made up of younger women, and Sacred Heart Guild, which meets in the daytime. Contact: Vicky Tully (788-8867) or Cheryl Cribbs (788-6680).

FUNERAL DINNER VOLUNTEER/BAKING

When there is a death in our parish family, the funeral coordinator is contacted by the parish office. She contacts the family to let them know that a dinner will be served for them and their out-of-town friends after the funeral. The appropriate Guild, which works on a rotation basis, is then notified. Anyone willing to cook, bake or work with this very important stewardship activity is welcome to call Dee Ann Keffler at 788-5435.

WELCOME DINNER/BAKING

"For I was . . . a stranger and you welcomed me." (Matt. 25:35)

Newly registered parishioners are invited to a quarterly welcoming dinner hosted by the Altar Society and Harvest House. Those unable to attend are contacted personally.

PARISH LIBRARY

The parish library started in 1980 with a few donated books. Through the sponsorship of Altar Society and other generous donors, we have expanded our collection and now include many children’s books, especially for preschool ages and other young readers. We also have videotapes, many books on spirituality and saints’ biographies. Located in the church cry room, the library is available to all parishioners. Contact: Sylvia Sommerhauser at 776-0537.

HARVEST HOUSE

Harvest House is a social/educational program for adults 55 years of age or older, and younger spouses of those 55. Our normal meeting time is the second Wednesday of each month. Harvest House goals are social awareness, service, new religious experience, continuing education, community involvement, recreation and celebration. Contact: Dee Burnett at 788-4037.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

As a Catholic family organization, the Knights of Columbus provide unselfishly to the youth, family, Church, community and council of our parish. Membership is open to practicing Catholic men not less than 18 years of age. Knights are devoted to charity, fraternity, unity, patriotism and defense of priesthood. All Catholic men are invited and encouraged to join this social and fraternal organization. Contact Bob Stuhlsatz at 788-4234. Click here for Knights of Columbus web page.

SERRA CLUB

The purpose of the Serra Club is to foster vocations to the priesthood and religious life and to educate members on fulfilling their individual discipleship. The Serra Club is named after the Spanish priest, Blessed Junipero Serra, who founded nine missions along the coast of California. The bulletin board at the back of church has more vocation information. Continue to pray for vocations! Click here to visit the Serra Club website.  Contact: Gerry Kroening at 788-2187 or Tony Duran at 788-2251.