Our covenant lists what you can expect from Saint Mary’s and what Saint Mary’s asks of you. This by no means includes every possible situation but we hope that it includes the most important aspects of Parish life. The Key components of our covenant are derived from Saint Mary’s Parish mission:
Parish Mission
As it relates to our mission and covenant, here is what you can expect from Saint Mary Star of the Sea:
Celebrate. God’s presence in our midst by Mass, Sacraments, and Prayer;
- Offer engaging and uplifting Liturgies – Sundays, Daily and Holy Days throughout the liturgical year.
- Celebrate as well the other special seasons and feast days.
- Be a welcoming and inviting community to all
Serve. Live Christ’s love by serving others; especially the poor, neglected and suffering;
- Encourage and support ministries – see the Parish Ministries booklet.
- Reserve 5% of Parish funds to offer emergency assistance to community members in need.
- Host fundraising activities for those in need.
Share. The truths and values of our Catholic Tradition, teach them to our children, and proclaim them to those who do not know them;
- Offer faith formation programs starting at pre-school through young adults.
- Sacramental preparation.
- Offer continuing education programs — Guide and prepare Parishioners to evangelize and invite others to join/rejoin the Church.
Parishioners at Saint Mary Star of the Sea are encouraged to participate in the life and mission of the Parish by:
Celebrate. God’s presence in our midst by Mass, Sacraments, and Prayer;
- Participate actively at Mass, weekly and holy days.
- Partake in the Sacraments.
- Recognize Christ is in everyone and take advantage of opportunities to relate with others I do not know.
Serve. Live Christ’s love by serving others; especially the poor, neglected and suffering;
- Serve in at least one ministry that interests you – for information, see the Parish Ministries booklet located in the racks at the back of church for information.
- Invite others including former Catholics and non-Catholics to participate in our Parish – Mass, events, classes, social gatherings.
- Volunteer time at special events and activities.
- Pray for our Parish, the Parish Leadership, and the Universal Church.
- Look for opportunities to serve the Saint Mary’s community and beyond.
- Social justice to fight against discrimination in all forms, support Catholic values in the democratic process, and preserve the sanctity of life from conception to burial.
Share. The truths and values of our Catholic Tradition, teach them to our children, and proclaim them to those who do not know them;
- Spiritually grow through prayer, faith formation and time spent with God; attend other prayer opportunities, for example Eucharistic adoration, Rosary.
- Attend Faith Formation opportunities.
- Attend special lectures and read books on faith or spirituality. Read the Northwest Catholic magazine.
- Support the needs of others outside of the Parish and around the world– in prayer and physically / financially to the extent practicable.
- Caring for the earth and all living things – locally and globally.
- Contribute financially, to the extent practicable, in support of the Parish vision and mission.
You are the Church and the Church is you.
The Covenant is an attempt to encapsulate the expectations of both you and the Church into a single page. It is not intended to be everything to everybody; we are all different, with different needs, wants and resources. The truth is Saint Mary Star of the Sea is, and will only ever be, whatever we make it. Our Church doesn’t happen by chance. It only happens when you make it happen.