Committees and Organizations
Adult Education Committee
Contact: Sr. Grace Jeffery, O.S.F.
As stated by the U.S. Catholic Bishops in “Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us,” a Pastoral Plan for Adult Faith Formation in the United States: “Adult faith formation, by which people consciously grow in the life of Christ through experience, reflection, prayer, and study, must be ‘the central task in this catechetical enterprise,’ becoming ‘the axis around which revolves the catechesis of childhood and adolescence as well as that of old age.’ (General Catechetical Directory (GCD), no. 20). This can be done specifically through developing in adults a better understanding of and participation in the full sacramental life of the church. “
The role of the parish adult education committee is to strive to respond to the Bishops’ mandate by planning enrichment opportunities annually for the adult members of our parish. It seeks to accomplish its task through receiving input in the form of suggestions and evaluations from those who have participated in offerings, as well as through using questionnaires to respond to the current faith needs of our parishioners.
Art and Environment Committee
Contact: Parish Main Office 410 398-1100
Members of the Art and Environment Committee are responsible for the overall environment of both churches (Immaculate Conception and St. Jude’s), and for the inventory and maintenance of furnishings, vessels and vestments. Volunteers are responsible for the planning and preparation of the worship spaces for liturgical celebrations, which includes placement of potted flowers and plants. Volunteers are welcome as members or to offer their specific skills and talents, e.g. sewing, caring for altar linens, etc.
Athletic Association
Contact: Melinda DeLia The Athletic Association meets the second Tuesday of the month at 7:00 PM in the Parish Center.
The Immaculate Conception Athletic Association is a group of volunteers who work with parish youth of all ages, boys and girls. They organize, coach, referee, and support various sport and social activities. New members are welcome! Please see this page and related pages for more information.
Baptism Team
Contact: Religious Education Office 410 392-3551
The team consists of our parish Deacons and their spouses, who along with our parish Priests, facilitate the monthly Baptism Class. The team welcomes those present and offers ideas on how to share your faith with your child. The team meets once a year to share ideas and receive information. Call the Office of Religious Education if interested in becoming a team member.
Bible Study
Contact: Pat Kosman 302 834-8792
Interested in learning about the Scriptures and how to apply them to your life? A bible study group meets twice a month on Thursday mornings from 10-11:30 AM in the Parish Center Library. We are currently using a Catholic Scripture Study.
Blue Army of Our Lady of Fatima
Contact: Parish Main Office 410 398-1100
The Parish Cenacle of the Blue Army gathers for a Holy Hour on Tuesday mornings at 9:00 AM in the Daily Mass Chapel in Immaculate Conception Church, and also for First Saturday Devotions at 9:00 AM on the first Saturday of each month.
Building and Maintenance Committee
Contact: Parish Main Office 410 398-1100
These volunteers advise and assist with the necessary upkeep, repairs, and maintenance of the parish buildings and grounds.
Christian Formation Committee
Contact: Sr. Grace Jeffery, O.S.F. The CFC meets in the Parish Center at 3:00 PM the fourth Thursday of the Month.
The CFC is concerned with the total Catholic education in the parish. its function is to provide leadership and guidance and to formulate policy, when necessary, that will guide the total Catholic education programs for all of the children youth and adults of our parish. Adult Education Committee members include the Director of Religious Education, the School Principal, the Coordinator of Youth Ministry, and other parish members who volunteer as committee members. Please contact us if you would like to serve on this committee. New members are welcome!
Christmas Bazaar Committee
Contact: Parish Main Office 410 398-1100
The Christmas Bazaar, one of three major fundraisers for our parish, is held in mid November in the school building. Many volunteers are needed for organizing, set up, clean up, food service, craft tables, etc. If you’d like to help, please contact the parish office.
Finance Council
Contact: Peggy O’Donnell 410 398-1100
The Parish Finance Council is a consultative body of lay persons established to advise the Pastor in matters pertaining to the financial affairs of the parish. The Council assists the Pastor in the prudent planning and administration of all parish financial matters and in setting policy and establishing procedures to provide effective management of parish assets.
Golf Committee
Contact: Parish Main Office 410 398-1100
The Annual Golf Tournament is one of three major fundraisers for our parish. The Tournament is usually held in North East in late Spring. If you’d like to help, please contact the parish office.
Knight of Columbus, Bishop Becker Council 2427
Contact: 410 398-2427 K of C meets the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month, 8:00 PM, at the K of C Hall on Route 40 in Elkton.
For membership information or Hall or Pub rental, please call or [Email]. See our website at www.kofc2427.org.
The Knights of Columbus offer Catholic men the opportunity to come together in a fraternity of their fellows. Through membership in the Knights, Catholic men encourage and support one another to live out and witness to their Catholic faith in the church and in the nation, in our local parish and our local community.
All Catholic men of our parish are encouraged to consider joining the Knights of Columbus. Membership offers many benefits and opportunities for Catholic men and their families.
Liturgy Committee
Contact: Parish Main Office 410 398-1100
The Liturgy Committee bears the responsibility for coordination of the liturgical life of the parish. The committee is guided by the liturgical documents of the Church and approved diocesan guidelines. The committee is also responsible for determining the long-range goals and specific objectives for the liturgical life of Immaculate Conception and Saint Jude communities. This committee consists of the following subcommittees: Music, Art & Environment, RCIA, Children’s Liturgy of the Word.
Parish Administrative Volunteers
Contact: Parish Main Office 410 398-1100
These parishioners volunteer for various administrative and clerical tasks including offertory collection counters, computer work, stuffing envelopes, preparing parish mailings, and other clerical duties. Please contact the parish office it you would like to help.
Parish and Family Life Committee
Contact: Parish Main Office 410 398-1100
The purpose of the Parish and Family Life committee is to provide for the holistic growth and development of Immaculate Conception Parish and its many families, including all age groups and their varied needs. The committee strives to promote Christian community and to enrich family living within our parish community.
Parish Coffees
Parish Coffees are held the first Sunday of every month at Saint Jude Mission Church in North East following the 9:00 AM Mass and the second Sunday of the month at Immaculate Conception in the school cafeteria following the 10:15 AM Mass.
Leisure Club
The Leisure Club is for those who are over 55 years young. The group meets monthly for fellowship and to plan various fun activities. For information contact Shirley Discher at 410 398-7822.
Pastoral Council
Contact: Parish Main Office 410 398-1100. Pastoral Council meets at 7:00 PM in the Parish Center the third Wednesday of each month.
The Parish Pastoral Council is a consultative body to the Pastor. It is the coordinating and unifying structure of the Parish Community. Its function is to develop a deep, personal and communal commitment to and maximal participation in the total life of the parish by its members.
The Parish Pastoral Council is a body of elected and appointed representatives of the whole parish community, and serves as a means of communication, cooperation, and growth. The Council’s mission is to work in collaboration with the local pastor and his associate priests in planning, encouraging, guiding and directing all aspects of parish life. In living out this mission, the Council must discover and define the parish needs, formulate policy and goals based upon identified needs, and monitor and evaluate programs to meet stated needs.
Proverbs 31 Women’s Group
Contact: Parish Main Office 410 398-1100
“Charm is deceitful and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Proverbs 31:30. This Women’s Group meets on Friday from 9:30-11:30 AM in the Parish Center. The group exists to help foster growth in holiness as women, wives and mothers. The members also support one another in the challenges faced in their vocations as Christian women.
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
Contact: Joe Kosman 410 398-1100
The RCIA is an ongoing four-stage process within the parish life. It is designed to welcome new members into the Church and at the same time to lead every parishioner to a deeper belief and renewal of his or her own Christian faith.
RCIA is for those who:
- Are interested in becoming a Catholic
- Are Catholic but have never been confirmed
- Would like a deeper understanding of the faith.
RCIA Adapted for Children
Parents who would like to have their childen become members of our Catholic Christian community can receive additional information by calling Deacon Joe Kosman at 410 398-1100.
Scouting
Contact: Please see this page for contact information for each of our Scouting groups.
Boy Scouts
Boy Scouting is a program for boys 11-17 years of age. Scouting is a mostly an outdoor program designed to help boys develop character, citizenship, and fitness. Through Scouting, boys develop into well-rounded young men. Camping and other ourtoor activities are complemented by the merit badge program, which allows a Scout to investigate and pursue not only outdoor skills and knowledge, but also a wide variety of vocational hobby interests as well
Cub Scouts
Cub Scouting is a program for bys in grades 1-5 and their families. Through a varied program of outdoor activities, crafts, service projects, games, and ceremonies, boys develop character and learn about themselves, and the people and the world around them in fun and exciting ways.
Girl Scouts
Girl Scouts of the USA is the world’s preeminent organization dedicated solely to girls – all girls – where in an accepting and nurturing environment, girls build character and skills for success in the real world. In partnership with committed adult volunteers, girls develop qualities that will serve them all their lives, like leadership, strong values, social conscience, and conviction about their own potential and self-worth.
Social Concerns Committee
Contact: Parish Main Office 410 398 1100
The purpose of the Social Concerns Committee is to inform and involve the people and resources of Immaculate Conception Parish in service of one another and of the larger community.
In response to the Gospel message and Jesus command to love our neighbors as ourselves, the goals of this committee are as follows:
- Promote the sanctity of life and human dignity
- Provide Pastoral Care for the sick, the homebound, the caregiver, and the hospitalized
- Meet the needs of the bereaved
- Meet the social-economic needs of the community
- Inform the parish community on social just issues and encourage its participation in promoting justice for all God’s people.
Groups within the Social Concerns Committee include:
Visitors to the Sick
Contact: Deacon Mike Truman 410 398-0009
Visitors to fellow parishioners who are sick, homebound, or residing in nursing homes. All that is necessary is to possess a friendly, sincere and loving concern for those whom they visit. If the visitor is an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion he/she brings the spiritual nourishment of the Eucharist. Individuals, couples and families are invited to serve in this ministry. Visitors also visit those in nursing homes and at the hospital. Training and ongoing guidance is provided.
Respect Life
Contact: Mimi Szep
Through advocacy and education, the Respect Life Committee promotes the Catholic Church’s teachings on the dignity and sacredness of human life at all stages.
Lazarus Ministry
Contact: Deacon Mike Truman 410 398-0009
Volunteers for this ministry offer support and help to those grieving the loss of a loved one. Activities include providing desserts after a funeral, house-sitting during a funeral, etc. More bakers are needed to increase our volunteers so that each volunteer may only be called two or three times per year.
Parish Nurses
Contact: Parish Main Office 410 398-1100
Parish Nurses measure blood pressures after Masses on a monthly basis. The blood pressure screenings take place on coffee and donut Sundays. Nurses are needed to participate in this important service to our parishioners. The nurses present a health news column in the parish bulletin and inform the parish of area health resources.
Nursing Home Ministry
Contact: Deacon Mike Truman 410 398-0009
Mass or a Communion Service is held at each of the three area nursing homes served by the parish. If you are interested in attending these Masses contact Deacon Mike Truman. Help is needed to assist nursing home residents to and from rooms, with songbooks, etc. Parishioners are invited to attend monthly Mass held in each nursing home. Youngsters are welcome. Your presence and participation at Mass will enliven our celebration. The Nursing Home Mass Schedule is listed in the Sunday Bulletin.
Spring Fundraiser Dinner
Contact: Parish Main Office 410 398-1100
The Spring Fundraiser Dinner is one of three major fundraisers for our parish. The event is usually held at Singerly Fire Hall in Elkton. Each year we change the theme and include silent auction items, raffles, games, dinner, music and dancing. If you’d like to help, please contact the parish office.
