Apostolate - The work of an apostle, not only of the first followers of Christ but of all the faithful who carry on the original mission entrusted by the Savior to the twelve to "make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). The apostolate belongs essentially to the order of grace. Its purpose is not temporal welfare, however noble, but to bring people to the knowledge and love of Christ and, through obedience to his teaching, help them attain life everlasting.
- catholicculture.org
Many of you are likely more familiar with the term "ministries" when refering to activities of the lay faithful (non-ordained individuals). The use of this term, undoubtedly quite common, can be confusing and often times misleading. In a discourse at the symposium on "The Participation of the Lay Faithful in the Priestly Ministry," given on 22 April 1994, Pope St. John Paul II says:
For some time now, it has been customary to use the word ministries not only for the officia [offices] and non-ordained munera [functions] exercised by Pastors in virtue of the sacrament of Orders, but also for those exercised by the lay faithful in virtue of their baptismal priesthood. The terminological question becomes even more complex and delicate when all the faithful are recognized as having the possibility of supplying—by official deputation given by the Pastors—certain functions more proper to clerics, which, nevertheless, do not require the character of Orders (cf. Canon 230). It must be admitted that the language becomes doubtful, confused, and hence not helpful for expressing the doctrine of faith whenever the difference "of essence and not merely of degree" between the baptismal priesthood and the ordained priesthood is in any way obscured (Lumen Gentium 10).
Altar Servers
Abel Thomas, 858-382-2905
Fr. David Severson, 406-777-7214
Baptism Preparation
Preparing parents for the formation of their child’s faith.
Cemetery Committee
Members help maintain St. Mary Cemetery. Lynn Brinkman- chair 406-214-6095
Coffee Hour
Hosts and helpers needed for Coffee Hour on the first and last Sundays after the 9am Sunday Mass. The Ladies Altar Society hosts the 2nd Sunday and the Knights of Columbus host the 3rd Sunday.
Confirmation Preparation and High School Religious Education
Please register your child(ren) with Terri in the parish office for the upcoming school year.
office phone 406-777-3551 or email Katie McWilliam at [email protected]
Eucharistic Adoration
Friday's one hour after the 9:30am Mass at St. Mary's. The Blessed Sacrament is exposed and adored by all to pray before the Lord Jesus, present in the Monstrance. During Lent we have 12 hour adoration from 10am-10pm. Stop in anytime to adore Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.
Family Center Committee
Volunteers needed to help oversee improvements, plan and manage use of the space, and plan maintenance and identify possible structural changes to improve its efficiency and desirability as an event center. Jean Comer, 406-360-5304
Finance Council
Advises the Pastor on financial matters of the parish and school. Responsible for monitoring all income and expenses, and approving the annual budgets. Debbie Harper, Chairman
Flowers and Grounds
Volunteers who care for and beautify the grounds and church.
Steve Barlow 406-647-1475
Lector
Reader who proclaims the Scriptures at Mass and other services.
Lucia Wright 406-369-5573
Ladies Altar Society
Responsible for the preparation and care of the altar linens. This includes the washing and ironing of purificators, corporals, and altar linens.
Mary Jane Rice, 406-550-4108
Religious Education
Please register your child(ren) with Terri in the parish office, 406-777-3551.
Emma Hyde, K-8, 406-949-0273 Catechist; Katie McWilliam, DRE 702-498-6127
Sacred Music
Join together in song, under the talented direction of our choir coordinator. Rehearsals on Wednesday evenings, 4pm in St. Mary's Parish.
Lisa Weber, 907-570-6622
RCIA
Rite of Christian Initiation – preparation of adult candidates for Catholic sacraments. Currently meeting every other Thursday in the parish office at 6pm. Contact Fr. Severson
Offertory Counters
A group that counts the funds collected at Mass each week. Call the office to volunteer.
Our Lady of Fatima Rosary Prayer Group
Every First Saturday in St. Mary's church at 10am.
Contact Gerrie Blair with questions. 406-369-2489
Pro-Life
Unite as a community praying the Rosary for the sanctity of all life from conception until natural death. No experience required.
Eric Winegart, 406-777-0709
Womens Widow Support Group
Generally held the fourth Sunday after Mass in the Parish Family Center. Gerrie Blair 406-369-2489
Knit, Crochet, Quilt Group
Meets every 3rd Friday at 10:00am in the parish Family Center.
Tonja Becker, 406-303-0265
Stations of the Cross
Prayed every Friday during Lent at 9am and 7pm at St. Mary and 7pm at St. Josephs.
Usher
Volunteers who assist people to their seat if necessary. They also take up the collection.
If interested in any of these apostolates, please contact the rectory at 406-777-7214, or call the parish office at 406-777-3551, or email us at [email protected].