CHRISTIAN SERVICE + SUPPORT

Benevolence: This committee responds to the needs that are presented for consideration. Deacon Ken Baldwin consults with this committee to establish guidelines for financial assistance. They organize various kinds of drives: food, school supplies, cleaning supplies (after a local disaster), and monetary collections in time of local, national or global disaster.

Bereavement: Bereavement ministers accompany a family on their first year’s journey after the death of a loved one. Each bereavement minister is assigned one or two families, depending upon the number of volunteers and the number of deaths. A phone call is made or card is sent to the next of kin periodically throughout the year as well as other important dates, i.e., wedding anniversaries, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter, and the first year’s anniversary. Contact: Deacon Ken Baldwin, 241-4477 Ex. 101

Blood Drive: Immaculate Heart of Mary sponsors a blood drive twice a year, once in the fall and once in the spring. Contact: Gina Zanotti, 916-6835

Burmese Refugee Community: Approximately 70 Burmese Refugees now call IHM parish home. To get involved in this exciting ministry contact Deacon Ken Baldwin, 241-4477 Ex. 101

Capitol Lunch: Immaculate Heart of Mary prepares and serves a meal at God’s Kitchen on the second Sunday of each month. Volunteers are divided into two teams, one for cooking and one for serving. Thanks to our many generous volunteers, each team is called upon once a year. More volunteers can be added to any team. Contact: Arnette Kraus, 957-4914

Funeral Buffet: These volunteers prepare and serve a buffet lunch for families after the death of a loved one. Volunteers are called upon as needed and serve as their schedule allows. Contact: Sue Kris, 452-0739 or Ruth Popiel, 452-8964

Home Service and Repair: Volunteer to help with home repair projects for the greater Grand Rapids needy on the first Saturday from October through April. Projects vary monthly. Past projects include drywall, plumbing, painting, electrical and other various repairs. Volunteers serve as their schedule allows. Contact: Dan Heintz, 560-8982 or drheintz@fedins.com

Kitchen Cleaning Teams: This ministry volunteers on a regular basis to clean the Parish Center kitchen weekly. Rotation would depend on the number of volunteers. Contact: Sue Kris, 452-0739

Knights of Columbus: This fraternal organization promotes the sanctity of life, enables young people to grow holistically through sports and essay contests and provides fellowship for Catholic men. Contact: Bob Wasinski, 452-2659

Meals and Helping Hands: Please call if you can prepare a meal and give assistance to a Parishioner who is recovering from surgery. Contact Deacon Ken Baldwin, 241-4477 Ex. 101

Sick and Homebound Ministry:

• Eucharistic Visitors: These members of Immaculate Heart of Mary carry the Eucharist weekly to those members of Christ’s Body who are sick and suffering. As our community ages, we are always in need of volunteers for this very important ministry. Contact: Deacon Ken Baldwin, 241-4477 Ex. 101
• Christmas & Easter Cards: Reach out to our sick and homebound members by sending Christmas and Easter cards. Contact: Deacon Ken Baldwin, 241-4477 Ext.101