General Parish Information

         


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AREAS OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION

Catholic Education consists of several Parish Programs to pass on the Catholic Faith. Our various programs are Catholic Elementary School, Religious Education Program for children who attend preschool through grade 5 in the public schools, Junior High Youth Ministry Program for all students in grades 6,7 and 8. High School Youth Ministry Program for all students in grades 9 through 12, and Adult Education Program for all adults, young and old, to continue to grow in their faith.

Saint Margaret Mary Catholic School
Saint Margaret Mary Catholic School is committed to Catholic Education, developing faith life, building community and Christian service. Our curriculum develops the total person through science, mathematics, social studies, language arts, the arts and religious studies. Programs are offered for Preschool (age 3) through grade 8. The following ministries are ways you can serve the needs of the Parish School.

School Advisory Board
This Advisory Board of nine appointed members formulates polices for the school, and establishes, encourages, and endorses programs within the framework of the Diocesan and Area Education Commissions.

School Advisory Board Committees
Foundations and Grants
This committee pursues new income sources for the School through foundations, and seeks grants beneficial to the School.

Planning & Development
This is a committee of involved parents who plan for the improvement of the facilities, and make recommendations to improve the quality of the school.

Public Relations
This committee informs the Parish community, the Diocesan community through The Observer, and the local Public community about Saint Margaret Mary School and its mission through regular publicity.

Student Activities Assoc.
This is a ministry to teach children good sportsmanship and teamwork, and thus allowing every child in the school to participate in basketball, Spirit Squad, track, and volleyball, regardless of their skill level. Volunteers are needed for coaching and other duties at home games.

Third Source Income
This is a group of parishioners dedicated to raising funds through various programs to offset the cost of a Catholic Education in our School.

Home & School Association
This is a parents' group dedicated to the betterment of our school and its environment through various fund-raising activities and events.

Market Day

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This is a food co-op through which you can order frozen foods and other items. Our school receives a portion of the proceeds. Volunteers are needed a few hours a month to help sort and distribute the food on sale day.




Saint Margaret Mary Religious Education
Religious Education (RE) provides Catechetical Instruction to children from age 3 through grade 5 who attend public schools. Adult volunteers are sought to fill various positions. We offer opportunities for training, Catechetical certification, and ongoing support to our volunteers. The following ministries are part of the Religious Education Program.

RE Advisory Board
This Advisory Board of appointed members supports the Director of Religious Education and the Religious Education program by developing policies for the Religious Education Program.

Catechist
The catechist is the teacher of the faith by word and example. Classes are held on several different days of the week in early evening, Saturday mornings and Sunday mornings. Catechists are trained both in teaching skills and Catholic beliefs.

Catechist's Assistant
The assistant helps the catechist with classroom responsibilities.

RE Office Staff
The office staff keeps attendance, distributes items to classes, runs off things for teachers, answers phones during the class sessions.

Vacation Bible School (VBS)
Each June, our parish offers a one week VBS to all children of the parish from age 4 through grade 6. Adult volunteers serve as religion teachers and classroom assistants. Coordinators are needed for Arts & Crafts, Music, Snacks, Recreation, and Nursery. High school student volunteers are needed as support staff.




Saint Margaret Mary Youth Ministry
Youth Ministry continues the Religious Education Program on the Junior High and Senior High School levels with classes of instruction, service projects, large group presentations, social activities and special trips and pilgrimages. As our youth grow into young adults, it is even more important that they integrate their learned faith into their life. It also supports the Young Adults in our parish. The following ministries are part of the Youth Ministry.

Y M Advisory Board
This Advisory Board is an adult and youth board which supports the Director of Youth Ministry and the Youth Ministry program by developing policies for the Youth Ministry Program.

Bullfrogs
(Building Up Life: Loyalty, Faithfulness, Respect, Obedience, Gratefulness, Spirituality) This group is for Jr. High (7th and 8th grade) youth who enjoy leadership roles in the parish. We build friendship, community and faith with each other through planning, ministry, and fun.

Confirmation Team
The Sacrament of Confirmation is generally received during the Freshman year of High School. The confirmation team leads the program in immediate preparation for this sacrament with instructional presentations, small group discussions and challenging activities. This can also include basic set up, clean up, taking attendance and help with snacks.

Chaperones
People are needed to chaperone the events of the Junior High and High School students. There are no costs to events for chaperones

Drivers
Many of the social events are smaller events which do not require the rental of a bus. Drivers are needed to transport students to and from the events.

Junior High Youth Catechist
The Junior High catechists minister by teaching the faith by word and example. They need to enjoy working with Junior High students and be willing to share the wisdom of an adult faith. The Junior High Faith Groups (instructional classes) are scheduled regularly. Training and ongoing support is provided.

Junior High Faith Group Aide
High School Students who work with an adult Faith Group Catechist (teacher) to minister to the Jr. High student by teaching them the faith by word and example.

L.A.N.D. (Leaders Accepting New Demands)
This is a team of High School youth that works with the Youth Ministry Adult team to plan Junior High events, such as, Bullfrogs, Socials and Parents’ Nights Out.




Office Coordinator
The Office Coordinator is the person who keeps attendance, distributes items to classes, runs off things for teachers, answers phones during the class sessions and checks with parents on absentees. The Coordinator is present to open and close the school on the evening of classes.

Party Planners
This team brings the Party to your home allowing you to host your children’s friends in a safe and relaxing setting. This team specialize in birthday parties for children ages 1 through 13 years of age and provide the games, the decorations, the party coordinators and all the fun to make your child’s next birthday party celebration unique for a donation to the Youth Ministry.

P. M. T. (Peer Ministry Team)
PMT is open to High School students who wish to help plan and execute the many youth ministry programs. They plan and prepare youth retreats, skits, lead discussions and assist the Director of Youth Ministry. Youth must apply annually in May to be part of this yearly commitment.

Senior High Youth Catechist
The Senior High catechists minister by teaching the faith by word and example. They need to enjoy the challenge of Senior High students and be willing to share the wisdom of an adult faith. The High School Faith Groups are Sunday evenings.

T.A.R.G.E.T. Team
Teens accepting real god experiences together Team is open to all High School students of the parish. This group is led by Youth Peer Ministers. TARGET has discussion and activities of controversial issues that relate to youths' life and faith today.

Youth Musicians & Choir
We have a special Youth Choir and Musical Instrumental Group to lead the music at the monthly Youth Masses on Sunday evenings and special events. We are always in need of both singers and people who play musical instruments.

Young Adult Ministry
This ministry provides opportunities for young adults who have graduated from high school and are either in college or working to continue their growth in faith with discussions, socials and service projects. Open to young adults, married or single, 20ish to 30something.




Saint Margaret Mary Adult Enrichment
Adult Enrichment provides programs and opportunities for adults to continue to grow in and understand their faith in Jesus and the doctrines of the Church.

Adult Enrichment Advisory Board
This Board supports the adult education of the parish by developing programs and policies.

Adult Confirmation Team
The confirmation team leads the program of immediate preparation of adults for this sacrament with special sessions including instructional presentations, small group discussions and challenging activities.

Adult Catechist
The catechist is the teacher of the faith by word and example. Catechists are trained both in teaching skills and our Catholic beliefs.

Why Catholic?
WHY CATHOLIC? This is a unique adult faith formation program that is solidly based on Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This adult faith formation process uses small Catholic communities to become more familiar with the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC). The entire Catechism is covered by eight sessions of six weeks each which offer an opportunity to deepen your knowledge of the Catholic faith and enrich your everyday life.   
     
Saint Margaret Mary is part of the Rockford Diocese.

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