Parish Life & Services
Living Our Faith Through Community and Compassion
At the heart of our parish is a spirit of service, hospitality, and outreach. The Parish Life & Service ministries offer meaningful ways to connect with others, care for those in need, and deepen your relationship with Christ through action. Whether you’re joining a prayer group, organizing a fundraiser, welcoming new parishioners, or lending a hand to those who are homebound, there are many ways to serve. Together, we reflect the love of Christ in our parish and beyond.
Knights of Columbus
Faith, Charity, and Fellowship
The Knights of Columbus at Mary, Mother of God Parish is a fraternal organization of Catholic men committed to charity, unity, and faith. Our council actively supports parish and community through prayer, service, and fellowship.
Activities & Events
St. Patrick Knights of Columbus
Fr. John Menco Council #6707
Meetings are on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7:00pm at the VFW Hall at 300 Zinser Place in Washington, IL.
St. Monica Knights of Columbus
Monsignor E.L. Grzybowski Council #7580
Meetings are at the St. Monica Church Hall on the 3rd Tuesday of every month from 7-8 pm.
Get Involved
Men aged 18+ who are practicing Catholics are welcome. Contact the parish office (309‑444‑3524) for more information.
Ladies Guild
Women Serving Through Faith and Fellowship
The Ladies Guild promotes spiritual growth, community service, and friendship among women of our parish.
Activities & Membership
Regular meetings with fellowship and support for parish pastoral activities
Guild committees include Altar Linens, Altar Flowers, Vestments, Funeral Dinners, Prayer Chain, Prayer Shawl, and more
Meetings held on the 2nd Tuesday each month (Aug–Apr) at 6:30 PM in the St. Monica Church Hall
Funeral Luncheon Ministry
Serving Families with Comfort and Care
The Funeral Luncheon Ministry at Mary, Mother of God Parish provides compassion and hospitality to grieving families by hosting luncheons following funeral Masses. This ministry reflects our parish’s call to serve others in their time of need, offering a place of comfort and community during difficult moments.
Activities & Service
- Coordinate luncheons in the St. Patrick School gym or St. Monica Church Hall after funeral services
- Prepare and serve meals including sandwiches, salads, side dishes, desserts, and beverages
- Create a warm, welcoming environment for families and friends to gather and share memories
- Work together as a team to set up, serve, and clean up, lifting the burden for grieving families
How to Participate
In an effort to streamline sign-ups, the Funeral Luncheon Committee now uses Perfect Potluck to organize volunteers. Parishioners can easily sign up to provide a salad, dessert, or side dish online.
- Sign up via Perfect Potluck to volunteer for upcoming luncheons
- Prefer phone calls? You can still opt to receive a call when your help is needed
- Notifications are sent by email
- An “unsubscribe” option is available if you no longer wish to receive notifications
- No contribution is too small—even occasional help makes a meaningful difference
Why This Ministry Matters
Providing a meal in a time of sorrow is more than an act of service—it is an expression of love and support. Funeral luncheons allow families to come together, grieve, and remember in the presence of their parish community.
Serve With Us
Whether you can donate food, assist with setup, or help serve, your participation is deeply appreciated. For more information or to be added to the email or phone list, please contact the Parish Office.
Prayer Chain
Maintaining a Network of Prayerful Support
Our Prayer Chain ministry gathers intentions from parishioners and mobilizes a network of prayer support. Members commit to praying consistently for shared intentions, offering comfort and mercy through intercession.
Join Us in Prayer
Contact our parish office to join the prayer chain. If you are in need of prayer, submit your request below.
Hospitality & Welcome
Creating a Welcoming Parish Community
Our Hospitality ministry ensures everyone entering Mary, Mother of God Parish feels seen and welcomed—from guests to members.
Roles
Greeters at weekend Masses
Hospitality tables or hospitality Sunday events
Volunteers for parish events and newcomer welcome
Create a Community with Us
Contact the parish office to join and help us build a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Seniors Luncheon & Fun After 50
Fellowship & Enrichment for Our Senior Parishioners
- Senior Luncheon
Enjoy a potluck meal and a guest speaker or activity. A great time for seniors to connect and build community. Bring a dish to share! Second Tuesday of the month Sept-Dec; March-May
11:30am at 115 E. Jefferson St. Washington
- Fun After 50 is dedicated to our senior community, "Fun After 50" organizes monthly gatherings, social outings, and service projects.
Stay Involved and Connected
Through planned events designed for fellowship and community support. Contact the parish office to receive updates or get involved.
Food Collection Ministry
Feeding the Hungry in Our Community
Living out the Gospel call to feed the hungry, our parish organizes food drives and collects non-perishable items for local food banks and families in need.
Drop-off Location
Designated bins in the church vestibules—available every weekend. To learn more or help coordinate, please visit the Parish Office.
Parish Auction
Annual Fundraising & Community Celebration
The Parish Auction is our key fundraiser, bringing the community together for fellowship, fun, and fundraising.
Details
Volunteers needed for planning, setup, and event execution
Supports parish ministries, building needs, and charitable outreach
Stay Updated on the Auction!
Contact the parish office to be added to the planning team or receive auction updates.
Health & Wellness Ministry
Promoting Well-Being Within Our Parish
This ministry supports the physical and mental health of parishioners through educational programs, screenings, and support services. Healthcare professionals and wellness advocates are encouraged to share their time and expertise.
Join Our Ministry Today!
For current programs and volunteer opportunities, please contact the Parish Office.
Other Ministries
Serving Diverse Needs Across Our Parish
Mary, Mother of God Parish offers a variety of additional ministries to meet the spiritual and service needs of our community, including:
Hands of Christ
Direct assistance to parish families in need
Afrishare
A global outreach program supporting communities in Africa
Funeral Luncheon Ministry
Providing meals and hospitality following funerals at St. Monica
Rosary Cell Group
Prayer events centered around the rosary
St. Vincent de Paul
St. Patrick Parish contributes funds to provide services for those in need
Benevolence and Bereavement Teams
Coordinating care for grieving families
Discover Your Unique Ministry Opportunity
If your call to serve isn’t listed here, or you’d like to explore a ministry opportunity, please contact parish staff.
