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LITURGICAL
MINISTRIES
  
Lectors
The
Lectors proclaim the Word of God during Mass. It is Christ who
speaks when Holy Scripture is read aloud in the church.
Thus, lectors are privileged to assume the role of
God’s heralds in announcing the good news of salvation.
The proclamation of the scriptures fosters a greater
love for the Word and deeper insight into its meaning,
allowing others to live God’s Word in their lives, at home
and at work.
New
lectors attend a training workshop and receive coaching on
presentation in the church.
Extraordinary
Ministers of the Eucharist
A
special minister of the Eucharist primarily and sincerely
believes in Christ’s Eucharistic presence and deeply
appreciates the divine gift shared in ministry.
One needs to believe wholeheartedly in the Real
Presence, and exemplify in one’s life and actions a reverent
and respectful attitude.
A special minister of the Eucharist is a Catholic man
or woman in good standing, who, after preparation and
training, is approved by the Pastor to distribute Communion
during the liturgy or to carry the Eucharist to the sick in
hospitals, nursing homes, or to the homebound. New ministers
attend a training workshop and receive instructions on the
practical issues of technique and skills required in the
distribution of the Eucharist.
Eucharistic
Ministers to the Sick and Homebound
To
bring Communion to the sick is a most vital ministry because
it extends the parish liturgy to those who are unable to
attend Mass and visibly links them with the whole Church.
Criteria are listed above.
Altar
Guild
This
ministry, through the Catholic Daughters of America, handles
the maintenance and cleaning of the altar linens, purificators,
hand towels and corporals.
They also maintain the priest’s vestments, robes,
albs and minister’s robes and do any necessary mending and
repairs to the garments.
Altar
Servers
Any
boy or girl in the parish, who has entered the third grade,
may become an Altar Server.
Servers assist at Sunday Masses and other Parish
activities as needed. Server meetings are held once a month on
the third Saturday of the month in Church. Candidates are trained prior to serving Mass.
Senior
Altar Servers who are in High School assist at Sunday Masses
and other parish activities including weddings and funerals
and special celebrations as needed. Adult Altar Servers assist
daily at the 7:30 am Daily Mass and guide altar servers in the
Sunday Masses.
Music
Ministry (Choir)
The
Adult Choir provides vocal music at the 6:00 pm Saturday Vigil
Mass, the 10:30 am Sunday Mass, and at all special services.
Rehearsal is scheduled every Thursday evening from
October to May in the Choir loft as follows:
Spanish: 6:00
pm; English: 7:00 pm. Anyone
who is of high school age or older is welcome.
The
children’s choir is for children in grades 3-8. The choir sings at the 9:00 am Family Mass from October thru
May and for special occasions.
The children’s choir practices on Fridays after the
School Mass from 8:45 – 9:45 am.
Call 296-8453 for information.
RELIGIOUS
EDUCATION MINISTRIES
  
Baptismal
Preparation
ENGLISH:
Adult classes for parents and godparents of children to
be baptized take place at 7 pm on the third Wednesday of each
month in the Spiritual Renewal Center.
SPANISH:
Adult classes for parents and godparents of children to
be baptized take place at 7 pm on the second Tuesday of each
month at the Spiritual Renewal Center.
Ministry
of Catechesis (CCD)
Religious
Education classes for grades 1 - 8 are held on Wednesdays from
6:30 - 8:00 pm at Mary
Immaculate
Star of the Sea School, 700 Truman Ave. Classes meet from
mid-September until May.
Our calendar corresponds with the public school
calendar.
Reception
for the sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Eucharist
and Confirmation takes place within the parish Religious
Education program.
Rite
of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
RCIA
is a process of introducing interested adults to our Catholic
beliefs and practices. Adults
interested in becoming Catholic are invited to attend weekly
sessions at the parish. Meetings
are held on Monday evenings at 7:00 pm in the Spiritual
Renewal Center, beginning in mid-September.
These informal sessions lead to a more formal
commitment of time called the Catechumenate. Through the different
Rites
that are celebrated, the whole parish community becomes
involved in the process.
The Catechumenate usually lasts about six months.
The candidates and Catechumens are received into the
Church at the Easter Vigil Celebration. The new Catholics
continue to meet until Pentecost.
Pre-Cana
Marriage Preparation
This
is a required Catholic preparation course for those planning
to be married in the Church.
The class includes topics such as Communication, Family
of Origin, Natural Family Planning, What Is a Catholic
Marriage, and more. Classes
are held twice a year.
Scripture
Studies
The
Sacred Scriptures are the Word of God given to us as Spiritual
food and enlightenment. St.
Mary’s offers various ways for its parishioners to become
better acquainted with the history and messages contained in
the Books of the Bible.
Spanish
Bible Study
Weekly
studies of the Bible in Spanish are held at the Spiritual
Renewal Center on Thursdays at 7:30 pm.
They welcome and support brothers and sisters in Christ
that come for prayer and spiritual needs.
Grupo
Jesus Bible Study
Grupo
Jesus is a prayer group for young Hispanic adults and families
that meets every Thursday at 7:30 pm in the Spiritual Renewal
Center. The meetings include prayer, bible study and readings,
singing and praising the Lord.
They also have social activities that give the
opportunity to share with others and grow in union with our
Catholic faith.
MINISTRIES
OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH
Perpetual
Eucharistic Adoration
Members
of the parish sign up for one hour per week to spend in
continuous adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the Divine
Mercy Chapel. Adoration takes place around the clock, 24 hours per day, 7
days a week. All that is required is a deep love for the
Eucharist and faith that He hears our prayers when brought
before Him. All
are invited to sign up for one hour.
Light
of Christ Charismatic Prayer Group
This
prayer group gathers together on Tuesday evenings at 8:00 pm
in the Spiritual Renewal Center to worship in prayer and song,
read scriptures, share gifts of the Spirit and intercessory
prayer. By
worshipping the Lord, there is a special experience with Him.
Through this experience, we are taught by God and grow
in a deeper relationship with Him. Healing Mass is held on the
first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm in the Church. All are invited.
Pilgrimage
Virgin Mary
The
statue of Our Lady, Star of the Sea moves each week from
family to family within the parish to pray
the
Rosary daily as a family.
Bereavement
Group
A
Bereavement support group for those who have suffered the loss
of a loved one through death meets
on
Thursdays at 7:15 pm in the Spiritual Renewal Center. For family assistance in planning your loved one’s Funeral
Mass, call 294-1018.
MINISTRIES
OF COMMUNITY SPIRIT
Hospitality
Coffee
and doughnuts play an important part in building a warm
community spirit at St. Mary’s.
As a way of hospitality, the ministry serves coffee and
doughnuts after the 7:30 am, 9:00 am and 10:30 am Masses on
Sundays in the Spiritual Renewal Center.
This is another way to welcome new parishioners and
share fellowship among current parishioners.
The Hospitality Group is looking to renew its efforts
at St. Mary’s extending a hand by setting up and serving
refreshments for various parish functions, such as parish
celebrations, First Holy Communion and Confirmation receptions
and Baccalaurate.
Ministry
of Welcome – Ushers/Greeters
Ushers
render assistance as needed during the week-end Liturgies, and
other liturgical services, particularly with seating. They
also pass the collection baskets and assist in the
Presentation of the Gifts.
If you would like to make the Presentation of Gifts at
Mass, please advise our Ushers of this before Mass begins.
Then take a seat near the table where the Offertory
Gifts of Bread and Wine are set up for presentation.
Ushers are needed at most masses, especially during
Christmas and Easter. Greeters
specifically focus on welcoming all who enter the Church,
especially newcomers and visitors.
Mary
Immaculate Alumni Association
Convent of Mary Immaculate (CMI)
Mary Immaculate High School (MISS)
Mary Immaculate Star of the Sea (MISS)
All
graduates of Mary Immaculate schools are cordially invited to
attend the annual Banquet held on the last Saturday of April
each year. The graduate classes of 50 years and 25 years are
honored. Annual
dues are $10.00.
MINISTRIES
OF VISITATION
Prison
Ministry
This
ministry comprises a group of dedicated men and women who
bring the Good News to the inmates at the Monroe County
Detention Center. A two-hour training session is required and must be approved
by the Detention Center.
More participants are needed in this Ministry. The
group meets as follows:
Tuesdays
at 3:00 pm - Bible Study in Women’s Section; Thursdays at
8:00 pm for Men.
Homebound/Hospital
Ministry
This
ministry is essential to those parishioners who are unable to
attend Mass, and maintains a connection with the Parish.
Ministers bring Holy Communion and share time and love
with those in the hospital and Convalescent Center.
Nursing
Home Ministry
This
ministry visits the nursing homes at Bayshore Manor and Key
West Convalescent Center on Wednesdays.
They share love and fellowship with the residents and
sing songs, read scripture and pray with them.
They also bring Holy Communion to the residents.
If needed, they go to the Hospital as well.
Senior
Citizens
This
ministry visits the Henry Haskins Senior Citizen Plaza to
bring communion to those unable to attend Mass.
They also spend time with residents and provide a
connection to the church and the community, as many do not
have any family in Key West.
The visitation time is according to the schedule of the
residents.
MINISTRIES
OF SOCIAL JUSTICE
 
St.
Mary’s Soup Kitchen
Located
at 2706 Flagler Ave., the Soup Kitchen feeds the hungry and
homeless a full meal at 4:00 pm, seven days a week.
They also give moral support and refer those in need to
the appropriate agencies for assistance.
On Mondays at 3:00 pm they sponsor a 12-step program.
Volunteers who cook or can assist in serving the needy
are always welcome. For
information call 294-2772.
St.
Mary’s Outreach Mission
The
St. Mary’s Outreach Mission is located at 5640 McDonald Ave.
on Stock Island. The
Mission provides a Food Pantry that collects and distributes
non-perishable items to the poor and needy families of Key
West. They are
currently serving approximately 400 - 500 homeless and/or
needy families per week.
The Pantry is run on donations from the Parish and
community. The
Center also provides adult religious education classes in
Spanish, information of social service organizations, referral
programs and counseling.
They also have a Prescription Program.
Volunteers are greatly needed.
For information call 292-3013. or
St. Mary's
Outreach
Alcoholics
Anonymous
This
ministry meets Tuesdays and Thursdays at Sacred Heart Hall
(Mary Immaculate School) at
7:00
pm.
Spanish
Al-Anon
Spanish Al-Anon meetings
offering hope and help to families and friends affected by any
addictions including alcohol, drugs or co-dependency.
The meeting includes a 12-Step program and meets on Wednesdays
at 6:00 p.m. in the Spiritual Renewal Center.
Project
Rachel
A
ministry sponsored by the Archdiocese of Miami Respect Life
office, it is a program of mercy and forgiveness for all women
who have had an abortion.
It is a healing and reconciliation program administered
in strict confidence.
New
Beginnings (Right to Life)
This
ministry is a non-profit Respect Life organization offering
compassionate help to women and babies in need.
We offer pre-pregnancy tests and counseling, clothing
(babies), car seats, diapers, etc. to needy families.
We also provide referrals for adoptions. There is a
short training for new volunteers.
Angel’s
Closet
This
ministry assists families with children who are being baptized
or making First Holy Communion, and who are unable to provide
that special “outfit” for their sacrament.
Clothing must be cleaned and ready to wear.
All requests for clothing will be strictly
confidential.
PARISH
ORGANIZATIONS
St.
Mary’s Gift Shop
Our
beautiful Gift Shop is located in the Church parking lot
behind the Rectory building.
Many people are looking for an appropriate gift for
that special someone in their life, whether it is a child or
an adult. We have
many items that will be just right, along with greeting and
prayer cards. We
have gifts for all occasions, including a beautiful selection
of rosaries, crucifixes, statues, books, bibles and jewelry.
The Gift shop is open Wed. - Fri.
9:00 am - 2:00 pm, and before and after all Masses on
weekends. For
information call 294-0651.
St.
Mary’s Youth Group
All
youth of the Parish, grades 9 - 12, are invited to join this
vibrant group, which meets every Wednesday at 7:00 pm in the
Spiritual Renewal Center.
Share an evening of fellowship, prayer, discussion, fun
and food.
Knights
of Columbus
The
Knights of Columbus are an international service fraternity
made up of Catholic men.
They support the Church and its leaders, Catholic
education and the community through charitable works in
service to the Lord. The
Knights meet the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of
the month at 8:00 pm at 2700 Flagler Ave.
All Catholic men in our Parish are invited to join.
For information call 293-8259 or 747-4717.
The
Knights of Columbus 4th degree Fr. Joseph F. Beaver
Assembly is a chapter of the Knights of Columbus that supports
Catholic parishes throughout the Florida Keys.
They are the Knights of Columbus Color Corps -
Patriotic degree, and march in all parades.
They also act as Honor Guard for Parish celebrations
and support all Ministries in the parish.
Catholic
Daughters of America
The
CDA is the largest and oldest national organization of
Catholic women in the world dedicated to strengthen their
spiritual life through Christ and His Church.
The Catholic Daughters were founded in 1903 by the
Knights of Columbus in Utica, NY and have been growing ever
since. The
organization is open to all Catholic women who wish to
participate in social and charitable activities in the Parish.
They are involved in nearly all ministries in the
parish and community. They
meet together at the 9:00 am Sunday Mass on the first Sunday
of the month and follow with their monthly meeting and social.
Stella
Maris Fraternity
Stella
Maris is a secular Franciscan Fraternity of adults following
in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi, who strive to live
the Gospel in the manner of St. Francis by spreading the
Gospel by word and example in their homes, at work and in
their parishes. They
meet on the second Sunday of each month at 2:00 pm in the
Spiritual Renewal Center.
Cub
Scouts of America (Pack 271)
Cub
Scout Pack 271 offers the first opportunity for boys in grades
1 thru 5 to become involved in Scouting.
The Pack reinforces the values instilled at Mary
Immaculate by encouraging citizenship, respect for others and
service. The Cubs
meet on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 6:00 pm
at the school. They
also go on weekend campouts where they work on outdoor skills
and other educational activities.
Family members are encouraged to attend all meetings
and events. The
Pack
is open to boys in grades 1 - 5. For
information call 240-0002
or 240-1559.
Mary
Immaculate Star of the Sea School
Mary
Immaculate Star of the Sea School is a Catholic school for
children of all faiths in pre-kindergarten 3 through eighth
grades. The school is driven to provide learning opportunities which
foster growth in spiritual, academic, cultural and social
development. It
is committed to a total learning experience unique and
tailor-made for each child. Mary Immaculate offers a high-quality, spiritual education
where values, character and achievement are integral parts of
the academic environment.
Students are nurtured in the beliefs, practices and
traditions of the Catholic faith.
The school is fully accredited by the Florida Catholic
Conference Accreditation Program, one of the oldest and most
influential Catholic accreditation programs in the country. For
information call 294-1031 or visit the website at www.maryimmaculate.cc.
VOLUNTEERS
The
concept of volunteering is synonymous with giving and sharing.
St. Mary, Star of the Sea parishioners have always been
noted for their dedication and generosity in their gifts of
Time and Talent.
Volunteers
serve in many capacities.
Remember YOU are the Parish family.
Perhaps there is some special skill which you have that
you would be willing to share.
It is our hope that, after reviewing the many
ministries within our Parish, that you will find the
opportunity to share your gift.
If you would like more information about any of our
ministries, please contact Sue Barroso at 295-0306 or suebarroso@bellsouth.net.
“There are different gifts but the same
Spirit; there are different ministries but the same Lord;
There are different works but the same God who
accomplishes all of them in everyone.
(1Cor 12:4-6)
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