Ministries at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels Parish

Community Christmas Dinner The parish hosts a Christmas Dinner on Christmas day serving meals at the parish in our dining facility and making home deliveries of Christmas meals to approximately 900 people each year. Approximately 200 parishioners volunteer annually. Many youth participate in this service as part of their Confirmation program. 

Bereavement Ministry A team of parishioners providing hospitality and luncheons to families following funeral services. This is provided on an as-needed basis.  Twenty parishioners are involved.

Pro-Life Ministry A parish team with the mission to foster a greater respect for human life in the parish, in the region and in the nation. It operates in association with the Diocesan Office of Pro-Life Activities. Activities include a monthly Stand For Life public expression of pro-life values and messaging; an outdoor memorial (on parish grounds) for the unborn who lost their lives through abortion. In the past, it has included an annual trip for parishioners to march in the nation’s March For Life in Washington, DC.  Ten parishioners are involved in leading and assisting this ministry for the parish.

Catholic Vacation Bible Camp offered by Morning Star Family Holy Hour for children in the community ages pre-K through 10 years old. Bible stories and catechetical lessons on Catholic themes are presented. Mass and devotions are a part of the program. A great group of young adults help lead up to 30 children in the camp.

Stephen Ministry a parish-based, one-to-one lay caring ministry which equips and empowers lay caregivers to provide high-quality, confidential, Christ-centered care to people who are hurting. Fourteen parishioners are active, commissioned ministers.

GriefSupport a special help seminar and support group for people in the community coping with grief and loss. Fall and Winter sessions are offered each Wednesday evening.  Three people with seven assistants work this ministry which is part of a national program which provides professional resources. 

Angel Outreach Ministries a community outreach service of the parish which provides helping hands on an as-needed basis including assisting with odd jobs, welcoming new parishioners and making visits to neighbors. Nine parishioners help 70-75 people

BasilicaFEST Since 1971—a 3-day event on parish grounds which invites the community to enjoy delicious foods, free entertainment and amusements for children and adults. More than 400 parishioners volunteer to help with hospitality and service during this popular community event. Public religious processions are featured each day along with church tours.  More than 5,000 people are in attendance over the course of the festival. Proceeds help fund a variety of community outreach programs and parish ministries as well as upkeep of our historic building.

Hospitality Ministry is systematically worked into those parish ministries which deal directly with visitors to the parish grounds. 20-24 ushers are trained to not only seat visitors who enter for religious services, but offer warm hospitality in their greetings and how they address visitors’ needs while in the church. Training encompasses emergency preparedness and proper handling of monetary collections according to diocesan guidelines. Angel Outreach is drawn upon when extra greeters or guides are needed.  This group is augmented on occasion with the bereavement luncheon volunteers. Vacation Bible Schools also employ hospitality ministry in that program.  Each month 6-8 families volunteer for “Hospitality Sunday” which offers refreshments after weekend Masses in the Bradley Centennial Hall located in the lower level of the church.