Outreach Ministries

Advent Giving Tree

During the weeks of Advent, a Christmas tree is decorated with tags with suggestions for gift donations for those in need. Tags can be chosen for infants through adults. Donated items are brought to the North Kent Community Service Center where families can “shop” for Christmas gifts that they may not otherwise be able to afford.

Card Ministry
Volunteers for this ministry will receive a list of people to whom cards can be sent. The parish pays for the cards and postage.

Cooking Ministries
• Funeral Luncheons
A variety of dishes are needed for the luncheon after a funeral. You will be called as needed.
• Parishioners in Need – Meals
When a need is expressed or discovered in the parish, volunteers are notified so that we can assist them. e.g.: New mothers, those who are ill, etc.
• Social Events
May we call you to bring a dish for various social events? Parishioners will be called as needed.

Dégagé Ministry to Serve the Homeless
Prepare and serve food at the Grand Rapids “Heartside” neighborhood and to the homeless. Volunteers must be high school age or older; persons under 18 must be accompanied by a parent.

Eucharistic Minister to the Homebound
Visit and bring the Eucharist to parishioners confined to their own homes or residents of local nursing homes. (If you are aware of someone who is unable to leave home to attend Mass, please let the parish office know.)

Funeral Ministries
Parishioners who serve at weekend liturgies as readers, Eucharistic ministers or altar servers can serve a meaningful role by offering their services for funerals. Funerals are most often celebrated at 11:00 am any day except Sunday.

Homebound Visitation
Bring family values and a ray of sunshine from our parish into the lives of those who are confined to their own homes or staying in local nursing homes. (If you are aware of someone who is unable to leave home, please let the parish office know.)

Jail Ministry
Provide word and community service for one or more inmates at Kent County Jail. Training and materials are provided by the Diocese. This is a rewarding experience for ministers as well inmates who share conversation, love and forgiveness.

Prayer Line
This is a network of people who pray for the needs of the parish and parishioners. Volunteers need no special training, just to trust in the power of prayer. You are free to pray in your own style. Requests for prayers are communicated through the prayer line by phone. No one needs to call more than two others on the prayer line. Calls are made between 9:00 am and 9:00 pm.

Relay for Life
Planning committee to organize and advertise Relay for Life-Sparta. This event raises funds for the American Cancer Society.

Respect Life
This committee involves itself in various projects throughout the year that help to promote reverence for human life and create a culture of life rather than a culture of death in our society. As believing disciples of Jesus we know that all life is God’s gift and life is always in God’s hands. By joining this committee you pray and work on projects that keep this basic teaching before the minds of fellow parishioners and our community.

Welcome New Parishioners Home Visits

As new parishioners join the parish, volunteers will contact them and schedule a time to visit them, give them a welcome basket and registration form, answer questions, and talk about the activities of the parish.