Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women which serves as a support for recovering alcoholics.
Contact: Monsignor Jerry Ward, 662-7361, ext. 15
Caring for Clare House
Our church supports Clare House, a local food pantry by collecting donations of canned goods and baby items and serving as a storage satellite year round. Please contact Becky if it is in your heart to become more involved in this outreach.
Contact: Becky Skibo, 662-7361, ext. 22
Elizabeth Ministry
This ministry is a peer outreach to women during the joys and sorrows of motherhood. After attending an orientation, volunteers are available to offer support, resources, prayers and understanding to other women who may be experiencing similar circumstances in their journey as a mother (infertility, death of a child, illness, adoption, everyday challenges of motherhood, etc.).
Contact: Jana Schopp, Family Life Coordinator, 662-7361, ext. 17
Parish nurse Ministry
This ministry provides the means through which personal health needs may be addressed with an emphasis on mind, body and spirit. The wellness of the church is an integral part of Christ’s command of restoring the whole person to God. The parish nurses meet the needs of our parish community through interpersonal relationships, health education and referral assistance for special needs under the guidance of the pastor and staff of our parish.
Contact:
Becky Hatfield, R.N. 663-4847 (h), 830-0184 (c) E-mail
Karen Wyant, R.N. 309-725-8061 (h), 530-4225 (c)
Mary Jo Udell, R.N. 661-9363
GriefShare
GriefShare is a seminar and support group for people grieving the death of someone close. Each session includes a video seminar and group discussion. The videos feature top experts on grief recovery and real-life stories of people who have experienced losses like yours. During the small group discussion time you’ll have the opportunity to interact with others who have experienced a loss, learn about their experiences and share your own.
Contact: Andrea Arduini, 533-1895
Respect Life Group
This committee works to keep the Church’s teachings on the dignity of life before the community by highlighting issues affecting the unborn, the terminally ill, the elderly, and others whose lives are under threat.
Contact: Sr. Rita Ann, 662-7361, ext. 14
PURLS of St. Patrick, a CHAIN of PRAYER
This group gathers once a month to knit/crochet prayer shawls for our parish members who are undergoing difficulties in their lives. All skill levels are welcome, including beginners. Typically this ministry meets on the second Tuesday of each month with the choice of a day and evening time; 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Contact: Jana Schopp, Family Life Coordinator, 662-7361, ext. 17.
Society of St. Vincent DePaul
Our Mission
Inspired by Gospel values and in the tradition of its patron, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul leads people to grow spiritually by offering person-to–person service to those who are needy and suffering.
Our Purpose
Members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul are keenly aware that poverty, suffering and loneliness are present for many in our community. For that reason, we collaborate with all who seek to relieve need and address its causes.
We offer tangible assistance to those in need on a person-to-person basis. It is this personalized involvement that makes the work of the Society unique. This aid may take the form of intervention, consultation, or often through direct dollar or in-kind service. An essential precept of the work is to provide help while conscientiously maintaining the confidentiality and dignity of those who are served. The Society recognizes that it must assume, also, a role of advocacy for those who are defenseless or voiceless. Some 12 million persons are helped annually by Societies of St Vincent de Paul in the United States.
The list of services of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in the United States is endless. No work of charity is foreign to the Society. To quote our patron, St. Vincent de Paul:"Charity is infinitely inventive"
How to Get Help?
For assistance from the St. Patrick Church of Merna Society of St. Vincent de Paul, please contact the parish office to complete a request.
How you can help?
Your Prayers - The needy and those in the St. Vincent de Paul ministry always appreciate that you keep them in your prayers.
Your Eyes and Ears - Be aware of those in need in around you every day. When you learn of such a person, encourage them to contact us.
Your Time and Talents - If you would like to consider joining this ministry, please inquire at the parish office or leave your name at the Welcome Center.
Your Treasures - If you would like to help this ministry financially, donations will be accepted at the end of every Mass on the second Sunday each month, or envelopes are available at the Welcome Center.