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New Wine is a lay ministry formation program offered through the Diocese of Fresno. It consists of 11 courses and 2 overnight retreats taught by priests, deacons and qualified lay leaders over the course of 3 years.
The curriculum includes courses on scripture, Sacraments, church history, ministry, communication and leadership skills, etc. Through your participation in New Wine, both you and our parish community will be greatly enriched. Below you will find much more information about the program:
The web address for the Office of Ministries for the Diocese of Fresno. You can contact them if you have any questions about the application process.
http://www.dioceseoffresno.org/Ministry/ministries.html
The application for the next session must be to the Office of Ministries no later than July 15th, 2006. Below are downloadable forms you will need:
New Wine Informational Letter (PDF format)
New Wine Application Form (PDF format)
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT NEW WINE
 | New Wine is a three year formation program for men and women that develops ministry and leadership as well as strengthens competence and confidence to live out one’s unique call to ministry. |
| New Wine is an ideal learning experience for men and women willing to take leadership in ministry. |
| It provides basic foundation in theology and pastoral skills. |
| You must have the support and recommendation of your pastor. |
| The curriculum includes courses on scripture, sacraments, church history, ministry, communication and leadership skills, etc. Theological reflection is an important component within the sequence of courses. |
| Participants prepare for class by reading assigned texts and completing focus questions. |
| Weekly classes are 2.5 hours each and include prayer, small and large group discussion and activities, lectures, skill development and time for individual reflection. |
| The process we use values our Catholic tradition, individual experience and input, critical reflection and group formation. |
| Although New Wine is a requirement for the permanent diaconate program, completion of New Wine does not guarantee acceptance for men into the permanent diaconate program. Likewise, you will not automatically receive a master catechist certificate, both must be applied for through the proper Diocesan offices. |
| The site of the next class has not been determined, it depends on the number of applicants received from the various areas in the Tulare/Kings Deanery. We would like to host it here in Visalia, so help us to get the word out and encourage people to apply. |
| Once a site has been chosen, an evening for the classes will be determined based on availability of facilities. |
| Deadline for all applications to be to the Office of Ministries is July 15th. |
| You can obtain an application by visiting the Office of Ministries website http://www.dioceseoffresno.org/formation.html or you can call Alice Shelton at 627-3541 and she would be happy to email the application to you. |
| Tuition is $225 each year, and will be made in three payments of $75 each, due throughout the year. There are two mandatory overnight retreats in the 2nd and 3rd years that cost approximately $100 each. Total estimated cost of books and materials for the three years is about $220. Financial aid may be available for those in need, speak to your pastor. |
| Sr. Rosa Maria Guembe, R.C.M. is the director of ministries for the Diocese of Fresno and she can be reached at (559) 488-7474 or 1550 North Fresno Street, Fresno, CA 93703-3788. |
Through study, the group seeks to know God better in the words of the Bible. Through this contemplative Catholic setting the group learns more about the meaning of the inspired word of God as well as builds a support structure for one's spiritual journey.
The Bible study group meets beginning in September and ending sometime in March depending on participation. There are two sessions both held every Wednesday;
Morning Bible Study - Regularly meets 9:00am to 11:00am
Evening Bible Study - Regularly meets 7:00pm to 9:00pm
If you are a high school senior or older, you can register for your choice of sessions as announced in the Parish bulletin during summer months.
A registration fee of $10 will be charged in order to pay for the study set.
This honored ministry is conveyed upon baptized Catholics who have a special devotion to the Blood and Body of our Lord Jesus Christ. These faithful people are charged with maintaining the proper respect and care in distributing the Body (Host) and the Blood (Wine) during the normal weekend Masses.
Appointment to Eucharistic Ministry is upon approval by the Pastor. Anyone seeking to become a Eucharistic Minister should contact the Parish Office and speak with the Pastor directly about the opportunity to serve.
As we have now added additional Eucharistic Ministers to administer the Blood at weekend Masses, we ardently urge you to take the step forward in serving our Lord at his banquet.
"Many are called but few are chosen...." Matthew 20:16
| Parish Office 732-9522 |
This is a special type of Eucharistic Minister that delivers the Body of Christ to those who cannot attend Mass regularly. These special people bring the Body of Christ to the infirmed at their homes, the hospital or at nursing facilities. They are devoted to helping bring our Lord to the sick and in spending some time with the faithful Catholics who cannot attend Mass.
Appointment to Christopher Ministry is upon approval by the Pastor. Anyone seeking to become a Eucharistic Minister should contact the Parish Office and speak with the Pastor directly about the opportunity to serve.
| Parish Office 732-9522 |
Gentlemen of the parish faithfully open doors, "direct traffic," answer questions, take up the Offertory collection, and other duties at each weekend Mass.
This is an especially important ministry of St. Mary's as we wish to always offer a welcome to those who are visiting our Parish as well as to those who are live long members. These men are charged with making the Church the "Body of Christ" here in our community.
Ministers are always needed and welcome. If you are a practicing Catholic male, we strongly encourage you to inquire about this special ministry.
| Parish Office - Ruthanne Parlier 732-9522 |
Lectors are called to proclaim the Word of the Lord during Mass. They are called to be reverent and prepared to proclaim the Word properly and succinctly in each reading.
This is a very special ministry in that the ministers are called to research each reading and to proclaim it with the same zeal as the apostles.
All practicing Catholics can apply to be a Lector following their Confirmation. Arrangements can be made through the Parish Office.
| Parish Office 732-9522 |
The youth of our parish are not excluded from being able to serve the Lord. Those youth who are of age, can participate as Alter Servers during the the regular weekend Masses, Stations of the Cross, Benediction, Funerals and Weddings.
Young men and women who are at least in the 4th grade can apply to be an Alter Server. Servers of older age and experience are assigned to more prominent and important ceremonies. A lot of the training happens by watching the more experienced servers in "peer to peer" training.
Younger children can participate with the Children's Liturgy of the Word during the 10:00am Mass every Sunday.
During the Adult Liturgy of the Word, children grades 1 through 6 leave Sunday Mass and follow their "leaders" over to an open classroom at George Mc Cann to attend a special "kid level" reading of the weekly Scripture.
This special group is designed to give the children a more differentiated and leveled look at the Holy Scriptures as well as how they apply to the lives of children.
Pre-registration is not required. Help is always needed (involves about an hour a week to prepare the session).
Social Catholic Outreach Groups
There are many groups and organizations in our Parish designed to bring faithful Catholics together to build their Faith and to enrich our Parish. The following are just a few of the groups that meet regularly:
| MEN'S CLUB |
The St. Mary's Men's Club is an action group which selects specific projects to build community and raise funds for various causes. Members of the club pledge their efforts toward reinforcing the identity of the Catholic community of St. Mary's.
They meet the 2nd Thursday of each month at the Parish Center for (very good) dinner and to complete regular club business.
| WOMEN'S GUILD |
The Women's Guild promotes and provides social, religious, educational and cultural events and activities for the Parish. Members meet in the larger Women's Guild group as well as in several smaller circles within the Guild. This group is an excellent way to meet other Catholics and get involved with the Parish on a small scale.
Smaller groups include; Bunco and Bridge party activities, Moms R Us for Catholic mothers of the Parish, Good Time Girls for older Catholic women, Funeral Support, Craft Circles, and Baby Bonnetts.
Regular group meetings are the 4th Wednesday of the month at 7:00pm in the Parish Center. Annual dues are $10.
| CATHOLIC SINGLES GROUP |
A gathering of single adults of age 30. New people to the area are encouraged to join and meet others who share your Catholic faith and are facing the same day to day issues as you are. This is an excellent way to meet people, learn more about your faith and find fellowship in our community.
Regular group meetings and activities are arranged by the group.
| CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS |
This group engages in creative and spiritual programs which provide members with opportunity to develop their special God-given talents in a meaningful way to positively influence the welfare of the Church and all people throughout the world through charitable works.
Regular group meetings are the 1st Monday of the month at 6:45pm for the Rosary followed by a meeting for regular group business. Annual dues are $20.
These groups in our Parish are designed to help particular Catholics to deal with issues they are facing in a supportive and "God-centered" way. The following are just a few of the groups that meet regularly:
| ST. MARY'S GRIEF SUPPORT |
This group is specifically for those members of our Parish who are widows or widowers or for those who have suffered any kind of loss such as that of a child or even a hurtful divorce. They meet on the 1st Saturday of the month as announced in the Parish bulletin.
| MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER |
Worldwide Marriage Encounter is a renewal weekend presented by Encounter couples and attended by a Priest. This encounter is for those couples who have an average to good marriage but would like to spend some time focusing on their relationship in a non-threatening environment.
The focus of the group is on good communication between husband and wife as well as to give time to reflect on how God is a part of and living in their marriage today.
Weekends are usually held at St Anthony's retreat center in Three Rivers.
| RETROUVAILLE |
Retrouvaille is a lifeline for troubled marriages. The program is designed to provide the tools to help put your marriage back in order again. Whether you have been married for two years or twenty years, it will give you the opportunity to rediscover each other and to examine your lives together in a new and positive way.
CORE (Continuing Our Retrovaille Experience) meetings are held on the last Friday of the month at 7:00pm in the Parish Center for those who have already attended a retreat.
| ELIZABETH MINISTRY |
A women to women ministry through the childbearing years. The ministry deals with issues of waiting to conceive, pregnancy support, pregnancy complications, celebration of birth, adoption, child and infant crisis, child and infant death, as well as grandparent support.
This celebration honors our Blessed Virgin Mother, Mary, our Patroness. All proceeds from the September/October celebration are for the operating expenses of the George Mc Cann School.
Help is always needed with the planning and preparation for the celebration. Meetings are held on the 3rd Thursdays of every month beginning in January. Parishioners of any age are welcome as there are a variety of ways to get involved.
This group makes and distributes as well as repairs rosaries for the missions. They also promote praying the rosary to spread devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mother and to pray for peace throughout the world. They sponsor Parish sales in April and October, enabling their ministry to continue. Work with your hands through a spiritual hobby that you can do at home. The initial kit is just $16 and future supplies are free.
Society members gracefully clean the church and sanctuary space every weekend. They are the invisible "greeters," welcoming all to celebration by the fitting environment that they make possible week after week.
The organization has six information business meetings each year, preceded by Mass and an informal luncheon. Dues are a modest $1 per month.
We encourage any participation we can get for this important and necessary function.
After his conversion, St. Francis began living a radically new way of life, totally dedicated to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His impressive example of renouncing the world for the sake of the Gospel, inspired many to follow him as Religious brothers and nuns.
Other men and women, who were married or single and not able to live in a religious community, were attracted to the life of St. Francis. St. Francis, seeing how these people desired to live the Gospel more profoundly, founded his Third Order, which is now called the Secular Franciscan Order. They live in this world, but not of this world and support each other in their vocation to live the Gospel.
Meetings of the Secular Franciscan Order are held on the 3rd Tuesday at 7:00pm in the Parish Center. All who are called are encouraged to come!
In the tradition of Father Junipero Serra, this club seeks to bring young men to the ministry of the Church.
Meetings of the Serra Club are to be determined. See Rick Miller for more details.
This ministry meets to support those who are in need of fellowship and counsel in coping with life's trials.
Meetings that take place on Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m., in Room 4 at Parish Center.