Spiritual Growth & Outreach Programs
Faith Formation Director–Sister Marlene Meierhofer, OSB
685-8222 x108 Questions?
Email me
...
See the bulletin for weekly
information or updates.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH AT ST. BONIFACE
PARISH
Weekday mass: Mon. thru Fri. at 8am.
Morning Prayer: Mon, Wed, Fri at 6:30am.
Weekend Mass: Saturday 5 PM, Sunday 8:30 AM & 10:30 AM, 12:30
PM (Spanish Mass).
Reconciliation:
Celebrated in the Cry Home at 4 PM each Saturday, before
or after daily Masses (ask the celebrant) or by appointment by
calling 320 685-3280.
Eucharistic Adoration: Every Monday from 8:30am until 7pm, Eucharistic Adoration is held in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel at church. All are invited to stop in, spend a few moments or any time that fits your schedule.
Mary’s Cenacle Prayer Group: Meets every Monday, 7-8pm in church to pray the rosary & spend time praying for all local intentions. They also reflect on Mary’s messages. For more information contact Ann Salzer at 320 685-8228.
Little Rock Bible Study: This Bible Study meets every Thursday morning at 10:00 a.m. in the Adult Faith Formation room, located in St. Boniface School. They use the Little Rock Bible Study, published by St. John's Liturgical Press. It is a very open format, participants are welcome whenever it fits into their schedule. The leader is generally Sharon Skwira.
Adult Faith Formation: The Adult Faith Formation Committee provides various opportunities for life-long faith formation. These include: periodic speakers, book of the month, reflection booklets during Advent and Lent, small group faith sharing, and annual women's retreat.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA): RCIA is the process by which adults prepare for the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist) or for full communion in the Catholic Church. An adult preparing for Baptism, Confirmation, & Eucharist is called a catechumen. Those preparing for Confirmation, Eucharist or full communion in the Catholic Church are called candidates. All catechumens and candidates are asked to have a sponsor who will personally encourage them as they make this pilgrimage. Catechumens, candidates, their sponsors and the RCIA team meet three Sundays a month at 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. from mid October till Easter.
In addition the to classes they celebrate three Rites: Rite of Acceptance at St. Boniface Church, Rite of Election at St. Mary's Cathedral in St. Cloud and the final Rite at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday at St. Boniface. Contact S. Marlene Meierhofer, OSB, 320 685-8222 x108 if you want to participate in the RCIA process or have questions.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUTREACH AT ST. BONIFACE PARISH
Befriender Ministry: The role of a Befriender Ministry is to be a supportive companion on the journey to acceptance of healing through listening, presence, and compassion. Befriender ministers bring you the caring presence of God and the concern of the parish.
Befrienders are trained in areas in which they minister, and participate in ongoing training and spiritual reflection with the Befriender staff and team.
If you would like to talk with a Befriender or if someone you care about could benefit from a Befriender, call one of the coordinators to arrange a connection: Betty Powers 320 685-8580, Becky Terhaar 320 685-7628, Mary Milbert 320 685-3402, or S. Marlene Meierhofer OSB 320 685-8222 x108.
Widowed Support Group: The purpose of this group is to promote a healthy Christian grieving process.
Each month during the school year one support group session and one social event is scheduled. The support group sessions are held from 9:30 - 10:30 AM one Sunday a month in the Adult Faith Information Room at St. Boniface School.
Anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one is invited to participate in any or all of the support group sessions and or the social activities. For additional information contact Laura Theisen at 320 685-3986.
Interpreting Services: Judy Leach and Sue Geppert are available to provide interpreting services for the hearing impaired upon request on Sunday mornings ,for other worship services ,or for parish events. Contact Sister Marlene at 320 685-8222 x108 for any requests for interpreting services.
Parish Nurses: Nancy Kollmann and Sandy Stang provide personal health counseling, liaison and referral resources, and integrate health and faith to promote healing. This ministry by registered professional nurses is on a volunteer basis. If you—or someone you care about—could use their services, please call 320 685-3280.
SOCIAL MINISTRY COMMITTEE
The St. Boniface Social Ministry Committee enables parishioners to address social justice issues and to reach out to the needy. This ministry challenges every Christian to fulfill an essential obligation of the Gospel because we will be judged on how we have responded to the hungry, the sick, the stranger, those in prison, etc.
In response to a recent parish survey, Social Ministry is working with Casa Guadalupe to integrate Hispanics and Anglos of our community. They will help parishioners get to know one Hispanic person and family by attending Hispanic dinners, the bilingual Mass at 12:30 PM on Sundays or fiestas. Call Casa Guadalupe at 320 685-3949 for information on the many volunteer opportunities that help us integrate.
In February 2008 Social Ministry invited Dr. Bernie Evans from SJU to speak on the scriptural basis for the church’s involvement in social justice and works of charity. He also alluded to his new booklet, “Vote Catholic?” that guides people in voting for political candidates. Social Ministry will make several copies available this summer for parishioners.
Social Ministry also collects food for the Rocori Food Shelf, advocated for more funding for public schools and Anna Marie’s Shelter for abused women. It has informed people about opportunities to help with Habitat for Humanity, Bridging, Place of Hope, etc.
Social Ministry needs more members to expand
its outreach. We meet the second Tuesday of each month at 7 PM except June and
July. Call Mary Eickhoff at 685-8222 ext 105 at the parish office to get in
contact with the committee’s chairperson. Become involved with one of the
parish’s most important committees!