Getting Involved

The Art and Environment ministry has been active at Immaculate Heart of Mary parish for over 15 years. The purpose of this ministry is to enhance the church area environment, primarily for weekend liturgies and liturgical seasons. This includes maintaining the plants, candles, flowers, altar cloths and other implements used in the celebrations. Creative effort is made toward ensuring that the environment for worship is aesthetically pleasing and in support of the church. The time commitment is flexible and you do not need to be an artist. Meetings are called on an “as needed” basis depending on proximity to major holidays.  Contact info

Sponsors support expectant parents by expressing the sacrament as the presence of Christ and the beginning of Christian life. Meetings are at 7:30 p.m. on the first Monday of the following months: February, April, June, August, October and December (you are only responsible for one of those meetings). Contact Info

If you have experienced a significant loss in your life, and you are feeling the need to be with others experiencing similar emotions, the Bereavement Support group is there to help meet your needs.  This initiative does not pretend to meet all the needs of those who grieve.  It is established to create a place of prayer and reflection. Contact Info       Click Here To Fill Out The Form

The blood drive ministry was founded over 30 years ago as a means to encourage our parishioners to donate blood to the Indiana Blood Center. The ministry coordinates blood drives three times each year in January, May, and September.  Contact Info

The Engaged Couples ministry was founded nearly 30 years ago to assist couples planning to marry assess the strengths and challenges of their relationship using a common tool (FOCUS). Engaged couples meet a minimum of 2 times with their sponsor couples to discuss results of the FOCUS survey. Sponsor couples are selected by the pastor.  Contact Info

This group provides fellowship, friendship, comfort and prayers to our parish families in times of sorrow by offering a meal following the funeral.  No meetings.  As needed, you will be notified via SignupGenius regarding needs for food, setup, cleanup, etc.   For more information, please contact one of the tri-chairs:  Laura Guntz at lhguntz@aol.com or (941) 705-1851, Estelle Huston at huston5959@aol.com or (317) 213-4358, or Anne Kennedy at kennedys88@mac.com or (317) 501-2933  Contact Info

If you would like to see the IHM grounds Beautiful and Healthy, then we need you to join this group. All of the jobs you do around your own yard will be done at IHM; spring clean-up, flower planting, mulching, weekly watering, fall leaf removal, and so on.  Contact Info

Illumination was founded in 2005 as an enhanced version of the “Bash” fundraiser. It is a formal dinner and dance which accompanies both a live and silent auction. It is held every other year at an off site location. The event is the primary large fundraiser for our school and parish. The committee meets regularly for 2 years preceding the event.  Contact Info

The Immaculate Heart of Mary Mothers’ Ministry is a group ministry inspired by our Mother Mary and committed to supporting mothers with children of all ages through opportunities for spiritual enrichment, support, social activities and service to the community. We welcome “seasoned” mothers to share their wisdom and experience, as well as, first-time and expecting mothers to share their joys and anticipations. New members are welcome at any time during the year.

To learn more click here.

Our objectives are to:

• Enhance our own spirituality as individuals, women, and mothers
• Offer opportunities for socialization
• Provide spiritual, social, and developmental opportunities for our children and families
• Provide service to our community

For questions, please contact mothersministry@ihmindy.org

The New Blessings Ministry provides meals to families within the parish who are welcoming a new child.  You can help us by contacting us if your’re expecting a new addition or know someone who is.  A volunteer or two will contact the family to make arrangements to deliver a meal to them at their home.  Also, the ministry would love additional volunteers to prepare and deliver meals.  Contact Info

Volunteers help in the Parish Office when deadlines and volume of work dictate a need for assistance. Duties include answering phones and doors (when office staff is short handed), helping with mailings by folding and stuffing envelopes, and affixing mailing labels. Some assistance may be needed making project phone calls which can be done from home. All help is on an “as needed” basis. Please contact Jeanne Whaley at 257-2266.

This ministry was founded in October of 2002 as a unique fundraising opportunity to raise money to offset both the church subsidy to our school and the cost of tuition. The Scrip committee purchases gift cards at a discount from retailers and then sells them to school families and parishioners at full face value for redemption at local and national retailers. The profits are divided equally between the church and school. Contact Info

As companions on the sacred journey, it is the mission of the FLFFC to:

• Support each parishioner at any point on his or her faith journey
• Offer channels through which each parishioner can know God
• Provide opportunities for parishioners to celebrate spiritual milestones together
• Encourage parishioners to minister to one another in Christ’s unconditional love

Contact Info

The finance commission was formed many years ago to confirm that financial resources were being used properly. The commission constructs the parish operating budget which includes the school subsidy. It is believed that the Finance Commission is a mandatory committee as set by Canon Law, Archdiocesan policy. Contact Info

The outreach commission is comprised of representatives of each of the Outreach Ministries at IHM. Members serve the administrative duties of maintaining open communication among the ministry heads and the pastor, while fostering mutual support among all Outreach Ministries at the parish. The members of the commission meet bi-monthly on the 2nd Thursdays in January, March, May, July, September, and November.  Contact Info

The school commission, in its current role, was founded in October of 2001 to serve in an advisory/consultation capacity to the school administrator. The Commission helps with the policy making and budget setting processes for the school. Meetings are held in the school library on the second Monday of each month except in July. The School Commission hosts the school open house and has recently organized a Spring Benefit Dinner to raise money for the school’s tuition assistance fund.  Contact Info

 Contact Info

The Technology Commission will work closely with the school principal and the priest to direct and manage the technology needs of the Parish and school.  The Technology Commission is responsible for maintaining and improving the information technology infrastructure of the church and school.Contact Info

Adults in this ministry teach children in grades 1-4 each Sunday during the 9:30 Mass. Emphasis is on experiencing the Sunday readings and Gospel in words they can understand. Children are sent forth from the church to a meeting place and return after the homily is completed.

Christ Renews His Parish or “Christ Renews” is a 1 and 1/2 day, Jesus centered, spiritual renewal where a team of men or women from our parish share their faith stories, attend Mass together, enjoy solitude, and celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation.The weekends provides an opportunity for both men and women of the parish to create new friendships, deepen their awareness of Christ’s activity in their lives, open themselves to a renewed sense of self and one’s capacity to be in relationship with God in ever new, life-giving ways. To register or inquire about the weekend contact Jennifer Neale ( jkeeferneale@indy.rr.com) for the women and Mark Graham (259-1452 | mgraham@networkstorageinc.com) for the men.

Christ Renews His Parish or “Christ Renews” is a 1 and 1/2 day, Jesus centered, spiritual renewal where a team of men or women from our parish share their faith stories, attend Mass together, enjoy solitude, and celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation.The weekends provides an opportunity for both men and women of the parish to create new friendships, deepen their awareness of Christ’s activity in their lives, open themselves to a renewed sense of self and one’s capacity to be in relationship with God in ever new, life-giving ways. To register or inquire about the weekend contact Jennifer Neale ( jkeeferneale@indy.rr.com) for the women and Mark Graham (259-1452 | mgraham@networkstorageinc.com) for the men.

“Good News, People” is a faith-sharing program published by JustFaith Ministries.  To look at the program go to www.justfaith.org and search for Good News, People.

This process includes instruction, prayer, ritual, and celebration which helps interested persons ask questions, and be integrated into the IHM faith community. Men and women who are baptized in another Christian church, not baptized, or baptized in the Roman Catholic Church and wanting to confirm their faith are all welcome. Group instruction begins in early September. Contact Info

This ministry offers religious education to children not attending our school. Sessions for parents and children meet Sunday mornings in the school library and then disperse to classrooms. Babysitting is offered in the kindergarten room and Adult Ed. continues in the library. An annual Christmas party is held at St. Patrick’s Church Contact Info.

The Sunday Pre-School ministry was established to introduce children to the goodness of God, to the Bible, and to Godly play. Parents register their children in late summer and the classes run September through April or May. Parents volunteer as teachers in the classrooms and teach or assist on a rotating basis. The pre-school classes are at 9:30 am in the school classrooms or in CR3. Contact Info

The Vacation Bible School ministry was established over 20 years ago to conduct a one week Bible school program for children 31/2 years of age through 4th grade. It meets from 9am-11:45am daily for one week in the summer.  More information

Contact Kim Elkins at kelkins@ihmindy.org.  Sixth, Seventh and Eighth grade students are invited to serve at our masses. To be trained as a new server, please contact Kim.    Click here for more info.

The collection counters ministry was established years ago to count the collection received at Masses. The committee consists of five teams of counters who determine when the collection is to be counted. Some count on Sunday mornings during Masses, while others count on Sunday nights. Contact Info

Contact Kim Elkins kelkins@ihmindy.org. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion serve their fellow parishioners by distributing communion at Sunday Mass as well as Holy Days.The ministers are scheduled three times each year September through January, February through June, and June through September. A schedule, guidelines, and a complete list of all ministers appear on the web site so substitutions can be arranged as needed.

Contact Ruth Durbin.  If you have need of a Eucharistic Minister to bring the Sacrament to the sick or shut-in, please contact Ruth at 257-2328 or RuthDur@aol.com

Contact Julie Huffman at julie.huffman@vzw.com .  Volunteers proclaim the Word at every liturgy with confidence, clarity, conviction, faith, and enthusiasm. The time commitment consists of reading at Mass approximately once every 6-7 weeks as well as one required training session each year. For more information, see the 2011 Lector Guidelines.

The Liturgy Committee serves two principal functions: First, the committee serves in an advisory capacity to the pastor with regard to parish liturgy (the public prayer and worship ceremonies of the community). The committee also is an umbrella group consisting of the heads of sub-committees of Lectors, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Greeters and Ushers, Art & Environment and the Music Ministry. The group meets bi-monthly on Thursdays.

The Music Ministry consists of several different groups that lead the congregation in musical prayer for weekly liturgies and other spiritual gatherings.

5:30 Saturday evening Masses 
Music ministries vary at the 5:30 Mass, as music is provided by small groups and cantors. Anyone interested in being a cantor for the 5:30 Mass should contact Carey Landry at careyland@aol.com or call 317-848-7538.

Sunday Liturgies 
Each Sunday liturgy is supported by a different group of musicians. If there is a specific service that you are interested in partipicating in the music for, please contact Carey Landry at careyland@aol.com or call 317-848-7538 and he will put you in contact with the musical coordinator for that liturgy.

• Morning Song: The morning song ministry began in 1998 with the intent of providing quality music at the Sunday 8:00 Mass. The group seeks to provide music for special liturgies (such as 8th grade graduation) as well as other activities in the parish. Anyone who likes to sing or play an instrument is encouraged to join. The group meets weekly on Monday evenings in the church. Anyone who is interested but cannot make weekly meetings is welcome on a part time basis.
• 9:30 Ensemble: This ministry was founded in 1988 when Cary Landry began leading the 9:30 liturgy. The group also provides music for weddings and special parish liturgies such as First Communion, etc.
• 11:30 Group: This sub group of the Music Ministry began in 2001 as a small ensemble and has grown to number 7 or 8 musicians as well as several vocalists. The group meets weekly at 11:30 for Mass and occasionally schedules extra rehearsals five or six times each year.

IHM Adult Choir
The IHM Adult Choir sings for Christmas Eve Mass and pre-Mass program, Holy Week liturgies and the Easter Vigil and other special celebrations during the year. With 25 members currently we are always looking for new members who love to sing. There are no “auditions” for the choir, only the desire to sing from your heart in praise of our God. Please contact Carey Landry at careyland@aol.com or call 317-848-7538 if you are interested.

  

IHM Children’s Choir 
The IHM Children’s Choir leads the music for the 4:00 Christmas eve liturgy in the Activity Center.  Children who are 8 years old and older are invited to join the choir.  Parents should contact Lori Bisser if interested.

IHM Youth Music 
The IHM youth Music is a group of teen vocalists and instrumentalists who support parish liturgies, which can include 11:30am Mass once a month and the Confirmation Mass.  Please contact Kyle Murphy at kmurphy@ihmindy.org or call 317-257-2266 if you are interested in sharing your talents with the IHM Youth Music Ministry.

Ushers and greeters are responsible for greeting Mass attendees in the foyers before liturgies and passing the collection baskets. Volunteers must attend one orientation meeting each year.  More information and contact.

The Confirmation Program at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church starts in August of each year. The classes are offered for high school sophomores and older. Classes include: Service, Being Catholic, Prayer, Baptism/Eucharist/Confirmation, the Traditions and Symbols of our Faith, the Rite of Confirmation, and an Evening Prayer and Rehearsal.  Call Kyle at 257-2266 or email at kmurphy@ihmindy.org for more information. Click here for more info.

The Lord’s Panty at Anna’s House is a community center on the near west side of Indianapolis, founded in the late 1990’s by the Reverend Lucious Newsome. IHM has two ministries it performs regularly at Anna’s House. One ministry is the Saturday morning collection of food from several donor grocery stores, and the transportation of the food to Anna’s House. There are six teams of people who rotate performing this food delivery task. Once food is delivered, our team members often stay at Anna’s House and help sort and distribute the food to those in need. The other regular ministry at Anna’s House for IHM is providing and serving a dinner meal on the 3rd Wednesday evening of each month. Many different IHM groups help with the Wednesday evening meals. Immaculate Heart also helps The Lord’s Pantry with fundraising, sponsorship of needy families at Christmas time as well as gathering school supplies for disadvantaged students. Parishioners are often needed to be on one of our six Saturday morning teams, and can always assist with a Wednesday dinner.  Contact Info

The Caring Community ministry began in 1997 and is two- fold in its mission. Members of this ministry assist senior members of IHM parish with spiritual and daily needs such as arranging for Eucharistic minister visits and anointing of the sick, as well as transportation to and from doctor appointments, and shut-in visitation. The ministry is also responsible for sending birthday and other holiday cards to parishioners 80 years and older. The second mission of this group is to provide volunteers for helping the elderly at A Caring Place, an adult day care facility located at 46th and Capital Ave. Duties include facilitating Bible studies, assisting on field trips, reading to the clients, pushing wheelchairs, and typing newsletters. Members of the Caring Community are also responsible for securing items for the silent auction and other fundraising endeavors at A Caring Place. The members meet monthly in the Parish Center.  Contact Info

 Committee members volunteer to staff the downtown Cathedral Soup Kitchen on the 4th Sunday of every other month. Responsibilities include preparing, serving, and cleaning up after the meal provided for our hungry inner city neighbors.

The Cathedral Soup Kitchen provides a brunch from 8:45 am to 10:00 am Monday through Friday and a noon meal on Sunday from noon to 12:45. The meals are open to everyone, and there are no eligibility requirements. Volunteers are needed on the 4th Sunday of every other month. Responsibilities include preparing, serving, and cleaning up after the meal provided for our hungry inner city neighbors. Contact Info

Growing Food for the Greater Good!

The community garden was founded in 2005 with the intent to celebrate the spirituality of gardening while generating quality produce for those in need. Gardening reminds us how precious God’s environment is and that small things can grow and thrive when nurtured.  A strong emphasis is also placed on introducing children to gardening. Children and their families learn how to plant a seed, tend the garden and donate the harvest to help feed people in need.  By delivering the produce to nearby food pantries, children and families can provide accessibility of fresh food, as well as experience the impact of giving back directly to the community around us. Having the ability to experience this right in our backyard is priceless. Click here for more information

 

Healthy Haughville is an annual day of service that enables the IHM community to share its numerous skills and talents with the broader community. Building on the work IHM is already doing on the near west-side at St. Anthony’s School, Healthy Haughville promotes healthy living through a health fair with screening, education, and resources for St. Anthony’s School and parish . A project involving grounds and building improvement generally occurs the same day.  Volunteers of all ages and skills are needed! Please contact Sheila McNelis (smnelis@marian.edu) for more information.

The Honduras mission was formed in 2000 to create an opportunity for Immaculate Heart of Mary to participate in an outreach program on a global level. This mission provides support and encourages development in Sociedad Amigos de Los Ninos through medical intervention and supplies, community development, and educational support. This ministry meets monthly and also sponsors a large group mission trip to Honduras in January as well as a smaller teen group mission trip in June or July. Contact Info  

The Knitting Ministry began early in 2005 to provide a relaxing, spiritual environment for individuals to knit or crochet shawls and lap blankets for our seriously ill parishioners. The blankets and shawls are blessed and distributed to offer comfort and prayerful support to those experiencing a serious illness. The group meets twice each month in members’ homes.  Contact Info

The mission of the Respect Life Committee is to defend and promote the dignity of the human person as given to us by the Creator. We recognize the most vulnerable of our brothers and sisters as the unborn, the elderly, the dying, and those subject to capital punishment. Our mission includes defending against direct attacks, educating the parish and community to bring awareness to their need, and promoting their cause to restore dignity to their lives. Activities include selling roses on Mother’s Day weekend, coordinating the Respect Life Chain in October and collecting gifts for Birthline.  Contact Info

One Saturday a month, a service project is arranged at one or more places.  We spend time with many different agencies over the months.  We at times, however, devote our Saturday to a traditional IHM cause such as Honduras, The Lord’s Pantry, or others. Visit Home Page Here 

The service/outreach ministry of the IHM Men’s Group has been involved with St. Anthony’s Catholic Grade School since 2001. The school is located on the near west side of Indianapolis. We provide mentors, tutors, class delegates and chaperones as well as maintenance and financial support.  Please contact Gary Ahlrichs for more information ahlrichs@sbcglobal.net

The annual St. Patrick’s Christmas party is a lovely way to celebrate Christmas as a family and with the children and families who attend religious education classes at St. Patrick’s parish. The party includes singing to reenact Mary and Joseph seeking shelter (known as Las Posadas) and volunteers bring gifts (books), hot chocolate, pan dulce (sweet bread), piñatas and decorations. Volunteers show up early to help decorate and the students and families stay late to help clean up. Donations are needed for the purchase of books, piñatas, and refreshments. Please contact Sarah Stelzner for more information sstelzne@iupui.edu.

Our food pantry collects bags of food or donated money from our parish to buy food for neighbors who live within the boundaries of the the parishes that support it.
The new pantry is located at 42nd and Boulevard Place. Any questions contact Trinda Metzger at 753-6837 or trindametzger@aol.com

Begun at IHM in 1972, volunteers support this international Catholic service organization by organizing and delivering food, clothing, and furniture to clients in need. Members of this ministry make home visits, answer the “help” line, assist in the food pantry and in the warehouse, drive trucks for deliveries and work at the dock where goods are received. The group meets monthly or as needed.

Boy Scout Troop #174 was formed in 1948 and has been active at Immaculate Heart of Mary for nearly 60 years. It is dedicated to the formation of leadership in young men through skills training and service opportunities. The troop meets Monday nights from 7:00-8:30 during the school year.  Contact Info

The Cub Scouts seek to do service oriented projects such as food drives and also provide help with the community garden. The dens meet bi-weekly and the pack meets one each month. New boys are welcome to join at any point during the year and the group is always seeking parent leadership positions. Boys in grades 1-5 are eligible to become Cub Scouts.  Contact Info

    

The IHM JOY Club meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month, usually in the Gathering Space.  Parishioners 50 yrs of age, or near, enjoy a speaker presentation, catered lunch, and fellowship.  Details are provided in the weekly bulletin.  For more information contact Joyce Buening at (317) 841-3327.

The Girl Scout ministry at IHM has seen dramatic growth in the last few years. Each grade level troop is independent, offering various opportunities for girls, both in our school and/or parish, to be involved in service projects, camping experiences as well as programs sponsored by the Central Indiana Girl Scout Council. Meeting times and days vary by each individual troop. Contact Info

The Men’s group ministry began in the 1970’s and was reinvented in 2000 to provide opportunities for men to enjoy fellowship through social events and participation in the group’s inner city school ministry. The group meets twice each year, in January for the football playoff chili event and in August for a golf outing. There is weekly participation at St. Anthony’s school at mentors, tutors, class delegates, as well as positive role models. The mission also provides labor for fish frys and odd jobs around the church. Contact Info