St. Margaret Mary Church: Hospitality and Social Ministries

Hospitality and Social Ministries

Greeters: Contact Dave Mader(304) 485-2706
A warm welcome awaits you when you walk into the church. A friendly smile and a cheery "hello!" let you know that the members of the parish community are glad to see you. Many are drawn to our parish by this ministry. It doesn't require much extra time, either - you just need to get to Mass a little early when you're scheduled to greet. Training can be provided at varied times, as needed - just call the Contact Person if you're interested.

Ushers: Contact: Dave Mader(304) 485-2706
The ushers extend hospitality, as well, and help people feel comfortable in our church home. They find seating places, select gift bearers, take up the collection, and direct the congregation for reception of the Eucharist. They also distribute bulletins at the end of Mass, and straighten up the church after Mass. We have male and female ushers at St. Margaret Mary. Don't hesitate to call the Contact Person if you're interested.


Interpreters for the Deaf: Contact: Gary Milliman (304) 422-6668
Interpreters for the Deaf deliver the parish experience to parishioners who are deaf or hard of hearing - their hospitality makes it possible for many to appreciate Mass. Interpreters prepare ahead of time and sign the Mass (usually 11:00) on Sunday, and on Holy Days. Sign language classes are available in our area, and our current interpreters are eager for more people to become involved; in time, it's hoped that many events in our parish might be made more accessible and enjoyable for the deaf.

Welcoming Team: Contact: Eleanor McCarthy (304) 464-4128
It's such an honor to be allowed to enter the homes of new members of our parish family, and spend a little time with them! That's what members of the Welcoming Team seek to do, and the welcomers are always enriched and often inspired by this experience. Team members arrange to visit those who've newly registered in the parish, bring a small gift for the family, and explore areas of parish life that may be of interest to new members. When appropriate, they help to connect new people with parish groups. This team meets monthly to exchange their good news and receive new names. The Welcoming Team would be happy to hear from you if you'd like to know more about helping with this enjoyable service.

Family Life Committee: Contact: Jon Bango (304) 422-1621
Getting to know each other is basic to building up the Kingdom of God in our parish. One good way to do this is to come to Coffee and Doughnut Sundays on the first Sunday of each month (except July and August). The food and drinks are presented by the Family Life Committee. Other projects include the Angel Tree at Christmas, and Easter baskets for needy children. Their meetings are generally during the Coffee and Donut Sundays, and they are very interested in anyone who'd like to join this friendly group!

Social Committe: Contact: Linda/Garren Nichols (304) 428-8111
If you like to have fun, and like to help others have fun, too, you'd enjoy the Social Committee. This group plans and puts on events that give our parishioners chances to meet and get to know each other - Family Game Night, Parents' Night Out, dinners and receptions. This group is very flexible and easy to get along with! Their meetings are open to anyone who is interested, so they can get as many thoughts and opinions as possible before making plans. Whether you like to share ideas and help with planning, or just show up for events and bring your "elbow grease", your help would be valued!

Prime Time Players: Contact: Mary Bango (304) 485-3187
If you're age 50 or better, you might enjoy this group. A lively bunch, they get together at a local restaurant one Thursday each month. At the meetings, they plan other social events (like wine tastings, dinner cruise, golf outing). It's a very informal group, with expectations only that you come to those events that you'd enjoy, and have a good time!

Sanctuary Society: Contact: Toni Knopp (304) 428-9510
Social, spiritual, and service activities engage the women of the Sanctuary Society. From September till June, active members gather for Noon Mass on First Fridays, then meet for lunch and a program in the Parish Hall. Programs are informative, entertaining, or service-oriented, like preparing gift bags for shut-ins. Sanctuary Society funds provide support for seminarians. Some members volunteer for very light cleaning tasks in the church, once a week for a month at a time. And as for fun, there's musical entertainment a couple of times and year, and Bridge Circles involve some of the members. Christmas and Mother's Day are celebrated with specially scheduled meetings. All women in the parish are encouraged to participate in the Sanctuary Society.

Sew Happy Stitchers: Contact: Marilyn Maher (304) 428-7424
Are you a sew-and-sew? You can get together with others like you, most Wednesday mornings in the Parish Hall. The group gathers from around 9:30 until noon, for fun and fellowship while quilting or doing other needlecrafts. If you've never done any quilting but want to learn, this is a good place to come - basic techniques are shared, and experienced quilters help the fledglings along. The group serves the community by making small quilts for the Gabriel Project, the Linus program, and shut-ins.