Pastoral Outreach Anointing of the Sick
Regarding the Anointing of the Sick, please phone the parish office at 303-798-8506 if someone is ill or hospitalized and would like to be anointed. For sacramental emergencies outside parish office hours, call 303-798-8506 and follow the message instructions to be connected to a live operator with the parish answering service.
Please note that most hospitals will no longer release the names of their patients for privacy reasons, so we must rely on your informing the parish of a loved one in the hospital. Such information is also particularly helpful when our parish Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion visit the hospitals.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us that this sacrament “has as its purpose the conferral of a special grace on the Christian experiencing the difficulties inherent in the condition of grave illness or old age. The proper time for receiving this holy anointing has certainly arrived when the believer begins to be in danger of death because of illness or old age. Each time a Christian falls seriously ill, he or she may receive the Anointing of the Sick, and also when, after he or she has received it, illness worsens.”
Those preparing for surgery may also be anointed, even a few days in advance of the operation.
Stephen Ministry
Stephen Ministry is a program in our Parish that equips lay persons in providing distinctively Christian one - to - one care to those who are experiencing all kinds of life needs and circumstances, both in our Parish and Community. Stephen Ministers are committed people who receive 50 hours of training in important caring ministry skills and concepts.
Upon completion of training, a Stephen Minister visits another person regularly and dependably to offer Christian care and support. Stephen Ministers continue to grow and nurture their ministry through Supervision sessions with their fellow Ministers and in attending Continuing Education classes offered throughout the year.
Saint Mary Parish began Stephen Ministry on August 1, 1985. We were the first Catholic parish in the Archdiocese to implement this outreach program. We are truly excited to celebrate these many years with the good people of Saint Mary Parish. We thank our founder, Kathy Huling and those Stephen Leaders who throughout the years have provided support and leadership in this endeavor.
• Pray for our program. This support is invaluable to the program and Parish.
• Tell others in the Parish about our Ministry of Outreach.
• Receive Stephen Ministry help when you are in need of supportive Christian care.
• Consider serving as a Stephen Minister.
If you are in need of a Stephen Minister or would like to receive information about becoming a Stephen Minister, contact Caroline at 303-794-5818.
Support Groups
Caregivers
Caregivers is a support group for those who are caring for an elderly or ill family member at home or in a nursing home. Join us for emotional help during this difficult time of care. The group meets on the first Tuesday of every month, from 7:00pm to 8:30pm in the Parish Office. For more information, please contact contact Faye at 303-730-6992.
Grief and Bereavement (Footprints)
Parishioners who have experienced the death of a family member or other loved one are encouraged to attend this support group. We gather each month to share our loss and sorrow, meeting on the first Thursday of every month, from 7:00pm to 8:30pm in the Parish Office. For more information, please contact contact Dottie at 303-795-7217.
Al-Anon
IN THE NOW is a weekly Al-Anon group that meets at Saint Mary Parish which meets weekly on Wednesday from 12:00pm - 1:30pm in the Pastoral Center. Bring your lunch. Share Experience, Strength, Hope. For more information, contact 303-791-7373.
Divorce/Separated Support
Support groups are formed as the need arises. One-on-one support is also available through Stephen Ministry.
In addition, the Divorce and Beyond program is offered yearly. Divorce and Beyond is a healing program for Catholics navigating the emotion-laden times that accompany divorce. It helps with stress, anger, blame, loneliness, forgiveness, children, and other challenges. We also discuss the issues you face being divorced and remaining Catholic. All are always welcome.
For more information, please contact contact Caroline at 303-794-5818.
Hospital / Homebound Visits
The Pastoral Care Office coordinates volunteers who visit the sick, the shut-ins and the elderly of the parish and bring them communion.
In addition to going to people’s homes, their visitations include those in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living units, and Alzheimer units within the parish.
Communion Services and/or a Mass once a month for the various care facilities are provided within our parish boundaries. For more information, contact Deacon Greg Frank at 303-798-8506 or gfrank@stmarylittleton.org
Funeral Arrangements
After a death of a family member please contact Pastoral Care prior to making any arrangements for services.
The scheduling of services depends on the availability of a priest, the church, Marian Hall, parish music personnel, as well as, the members of the Altar and Rosary Society luncheon team.
Pastoral Care provides support in funeral planning between the family, our parish clergy, and the mortuary at the time of a death.
For more information on funeral planning, please contact Deacon Greg Frank at 303-798-8506 or gfrank@stmarylittleton.org
