LITURGY AND WORSHIP .................................................... 1
Altar Server .............................................................................. 1
Lector ........................................................................................ 1
Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion (EMHC) .... 1
Ministry of Caring (EMHC for Homebound) .................... 1
Liturgy and Worship Committee ......................................... 1
Liturgy of the Word for Children Ministry Team ............. 1
Ministry of Hospitality .......................................................... 2
Ushers ....................................................................................... 2
Sacristans.................................................................................. 2
Linen Care ................................................................................ 2
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament .................................... 2
Art and Environment ............................................................. 3
Music Ministry ........................................................................ 3
PASTORAL CARE .................................................................... 4
Saint Patrick Pastoral Council .............................................. 4
Hospital Care........................................................................... 4
Healing Prayer Ministry ........................................................ 4
Building and Grounds ........................................................... 5
Gardening Angels ................................................................... 5
Culinary Angels ...................................................................... 5
Martha’s Kitchen (Includes Funeral Dinners) .................... 5
Prayer Line ............................................................................... 5
Men’s Group ............................................................................ 5
Women's Faith Sharing .......................................................... 6
Program Leader ...................................................................... 7
FAITH FORMATION .............................................................. 6
Faith Formation and evangelization Commission ............ 6
The Adult Faith Formation Team ........................................ 6
YOUTH MINISTRY ................................................................. 7
High School Youth (Grades 9-12) ......................................... 7
Middle School Youth (Grades 7-8) ....................................... 7
PARISH ADMINISTRATION MINISTRIES ..................... 7
Saint Patrick Finance Council ............................................... 7
Festival of Tables..................................................................... 7
Coffee & Donuts ..…………………………………………..8
Lenten Soup Dinners .............................................................. 8
Cookie Club/Coffee & Donuts ............................................. 8
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Social Justice Committee ....................................................... 8
Couples Mentoring Program ................................................ 8
Summerfest .............................................................................. 9
SAINT PATRICK SCHOOL………………………………..10
(School Board/PTO)
Athletic Association ............................................................... 11
Father Flohe Foundation ....................................................... 11
Shamrock Newsletter Editorial Team ................................. 12
ADDITIONAL SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES..................... 12
Knights of Columbus ............................................................. 12
Couple to Couple League ...................................................... 12
Portland Right to Life ............................................................. 12
Right to Life Youth Society ................................................... 13
Catholic Order of Foresters ................................................... 13
2
LITURGY AND WORSHIP
ALTAR SERVER
Those called to serve at the altar are to “assist the deacon and to minister to
the priest…to attend to the service of the altar…in liturgical celebrations,
especially in the celebration of Mass.” This ministry is open to young
people beginning in 5th grade though the end of High School. Adults and
families may also volunteer as Mass Servers.
LECTOR
The role of the Lector in the Liturgy of the Word is crucial. Lectors assist in the mission of
the Church, which is to preach the Gospel to the whole world. Thus, the Ministry of
Lector is the key Lay Ministry in the celebration of the Eucharist. As the Lector proclaims
the Word of God, God Himself speaks to His people.
EXTRAORDINARY MINISTER OF HOLY COMMUNION (EMHC)
A Minister of Holy Communion is called to serve the very “life of the Church,
the living Body of Christ.” EMHCs are entrusted with “administering the
Eucharist, [and] with taking Communion to the sick.”
MINISTRY OF CARING (EMHC FOR HOMEBOUND)
These are Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHCs) who take Communion
to the sick and homebound.
LITURGY AND WORSHIP COMMITTEE
This Committee’s role is to anticipate the liturgical needs of the various Feasts
and Seasons of the Liturgical year and provide feedback on the Liturgies
celebrated. They also make recommendations to the Pastor on Liturgical issues.
LITURGY OF THE WORD FOR CHILDREN MINISTRY TEAM
Lead the Children’s Liturgy of the Word with others by taking the place of the priest and
the deacon for the first part of the Mass, the “Liturgy of the Word.” Help children in
Grades K through 3rd understand and apply the Scripture Readings for the particular
Sunday to their daily lives. Anyone of high school age or older is encouraged to share the
Word. Parents and older children/teenagers may form a team and do this together as a
family.
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MINISTRY OF HOSPITALITY
Ministers of Hospitality welcome people to the church at weekend Masses. They
represent the intent of our parish community to welcome and embrace all who
come to share prayer. It is part of our effort to become a more welcoming parish.
The goal is to make sure that nobody enters through our church doors without being
welcomed by someone. If you consider yourself to be a friendly and welcoming person,
whether you are single, married or have a family with children, we need you!
USHERS
Ushers take up the collection, seat late comers, and recruit volunteers for taking up the
gifts. More importantly, this ministry is to be “the Hands of Christ [extended] to the
living Body of Christ,” – opening doors, smiling a greeting, lending assistance to those in
need.
.
SACRISTANS
Sacristans provide the vital service of preparing the sanctuary and church for the
celebration of the Eucharistic Liturgy, and assisting the deacon and the priest as
needs arise.
LINEN CARE
Volunteers take soiled linens (soiled with remnants of the Precious Blood and
Sacred Host) home for laundering and ironing. This may include purificators,
corporals, hand towels, albs and/or altar cloths.
ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
Everybody is welcome to stop and pray anytime during Adoration hours, although,
we need committed individuals who can commit to one specific hour each week to
watch over the Blessed Sacrament.
Have you ever longed for a VERY, BEST FRIEND; someone with whom you could share your heart and
soul? Someone who could understand and know your thoughts, feelings, and desires and not judge you?
Someone who could share your joys and sorrows completely? This kind of friendship extends beyond the
limitations of any human relationships and is found only with God.
In our friend and family relationships, we want to spend quality time with those we love. Spending time
with God during Eucharistic Adoration shows God we love Him enough to spend quality time with Him.
By asking God to be with us throughout our day, guiding us in all we think, say, and do, we are giving
Him the opportunity to bless our day abundantly.
Our parish has a wonderful gift in giving us the opportunity to spend time with our loving and generous
God in Eucharistic Adoration! If you have never come to spend some quiet, quality time with our Lord,
please consider coming once. Whether you’re able to stay for 5 minutes or 30 minutes or 60 minutes,
you’ll find your time was not wasted! God WANTS to spend time with us as much as we NEED to spend
time with Him!
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ART AND ENVIRONMENT
As a sub-committee of the Liturgy and Worship Committee, this faith-filled
group is dedicated to the set-up and decoration of the Church environment in
order to enhance our Eucharistic celebrations for the various Feast Days and
Seasons of the Church year.
MUSIC MINISTRY
Do you enjoy praising God through music? Consider being part of the St. Patrick Music
Ministry team and help us make a joyful noise. As music ministers, we lead the
congregation in song during worship. Whether you sing or play an instrument such as
the organ, piano, guitar, bass, flute, trumpet, trombone, saxophone, violin, percussion, or
hand bells, we offer a variety of opportunities for you to share your talents.
Adult Choir
This group rotates singing at the 9:30am and 11:30am Sunday Masses
September thru June. Rehearsal is held in church every Wednesday evening
from 7:30pm – 9:00pm September – June.
Sunday Morning 9:30 Mass Contemporary Ensemble
This group sings every other week at the 9:30am Sunday morning Mass. Rehearsal is held
on Sunday morning from 8am -10am just prior to the Sunday Mass at which they sing.
Sunday Morning 11:30 Mass Contemporary Ensemble
This group sings every other week at the 11:30am Sunday morning Mass. Rehearsal is
held on Sunday morning from 10am -11am just prior to the Sunday Mass at which they
sing.
Saturday 4:30 Vigil Mass Contemporary Ensemble
This group sings every other week at 4:30pm Saturday evening Mass. Rehearsal is held
on the Thursday prior to the Saturday Mass at which they sing, from 7pm – 8:30pm.
Cantor Program
A Cantor leads the congregation in prayer through song. The cantor may also be the
Psalmist but does not have to be. Cantors are required to prepare prior to their scheduled
Masses.
Psalmist Program
A Psalmist proclaims the Word of God, the Psalm, in song. The Psalmist may also be the
cantor but does not have to be. Psalmists are required to prepare prior to their scheduled
Masses.
Children’s Christmas Choir
This group sings for the 4:30pm Christmas Eve children’s Mass. Rehearsal is held on
Saturday mornings from 10am - Noon from November – December.
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Hand bell Choir
This group rings hand bells for Mass on Christmas Day and for a Mass during the Easter
Season; either on Easter Sunday or Pentecost Sunday. Rehearsal is held in St. Patrick
School on Thursdays from 7pm – 8:30pm September – December and 7pm – 8:30pm
January – April.
No experience necessary ~ we will teach you everything you need to know!
Resurrection Choir
The Resurrection Choir sings for many of our Funeral Liturgies. Funeral Masses are held
at 11am or 1pm. Rehearsal is held twice a year from 10:30am – Noon on a weekday.
Music Committee
The Music Committee meets every other month during the school year. The music
committee is responsible for making decisions regarding the planning and use of music
for Masses. Time commitment is 1.5 hours every other month.
PASTORAL CARE
SAINT PATRICK PASTORAL COUNCIL
The Pastoral Council is the visioning and planning body for the pastoral and
spiritual concerns of the parish. It strives to identify the needs of the parish,
studies and reflects upon those needs, makes recommendations and plans as
to how those needs can be met, and evaluates the ministerial efforts of the
parish.
Qualifications: A person must be willing to participate in prayer and study, be prepared
to give time and attention to the work of the Council, able to dialogue and interact with
other members, be dedicated to advancing the common good of the parish as a whole.
HOSPITAL CARE
There is great need for hospital visitation, especially when clergy are
unavailable. Hospital Visiting is one way for the Church of St. Patrick to
say to someone who is sick that we care. Hospital visiting currently might
involve visiting any of the Lansing or Ionia hospitals when there is a need.
HEALING PRAYER MINISTRY
The purpose of our healing prayer ministry is to pray in the presence of Jesus in the
Blessed Sacrament for the spiritual, physical, and emotional healing of all who are in need
of such. We encourage anyone in need of any kind of healing to come and be in the
healing presence of the Blessed Sacrament, while we pray. If unable to attend, however,
we welcome anyone to call with any specific or general healing needs so that we may pray
in their behalf. We very much encourage those with healing needs to seek the Sacrament
of The Anointing of the Sick as well as prayer before the Eucharist. We also encourage
4
anyone who receives healing of any kind to let it be known in some way so that we can
offer praise and thanksgiving to Jesus, the Divine healer, and to help build the faith of our
parish family.
BUILDING AND GROUNDS
Recommends intermediate and long term property maintenance planning. Subcommittee of Finance Council.
GARDENING ANGELS
This is the perfect opportunity for anyone who enjoys gardening; from watering plants and
flowers to planting our beds or just maintaining our beautiful grounds.
CULINARY ANGELS
The Culinary Angels are parishioners who are willing to provide a "blessing"
meal to those who may be in need of support due to hospitalization, tragedy, or
a new baby or death in the family.
MARTHA’S KITCHEN (INCLUDES FUNERAL DINNERS)
A ministry focused on preparing and/or serving food at special events. Service
opportunities vary from coordinating food preparation for funeral dinners or other parish
events, helping to serve at these events, or to prepare a dish to share at an event.
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
We cover the ill, the homebound, the elderly, etc. with physical warmth
and spiritual support by making shawls, cap shawls, and hats & booties
(for newborns.) We also make hats, mittens, and scarves for the
Christmas baskets.
PRAYER LINE
Members of the St. Patrick Prayer Line pray for the intentions of those in need or
expressing thanks to God. Intentions are submitted by either someone in need or
by someone calling on their behalf. Members also pass this information on to the
other prayer line members using a phone tree.
MEN’S GROUP
The purpose of the Men’s Group is to support men in the Catholic Church who are trying
to live the true teachings of the Church. We have found for many men this to be a difficult
task because of all the contradictions that they are bombarded with. We established three
primary areas which we call the three S's i.e., Support, Study and Service. We meet every
5
Saturday of the month from 6:30 am to 8:00 AM at C.I.A. Headquarters. All men are
welcomed to join us. The study portion includes watching Catholic Videos, book studies,
bible studies and healthy dialogue. Some of the service projects the Men's Group have
organized include bringing speaker Marcelliano D' Ambrosio to St. Patrick’s three years
ago, inviting Jean Watson this past Christmas Season for a night of Christmas Music and
initiating the distribution of Matthew Kelly's book Rediscovering Catholicism.
WOMENS’S FAITH SHARING GROUP
The Women’s Faith Sharing Group was started in 2015 to give women of our parish a safe
place to share how Jesus has touched their lives. Through prayer, study, and fellowship
we strive to grow in our relationship with Jesus and each other. We share and reflect on
the Sunday readings, watch videos clips by Catholic speakers such as Matthew Kelly and
Dr. Taylor Marshall, and discuss books, movies, and activities that help us enrich our
faith. We discuss thoughts, issues, challenges related to living a Christian life as
women. We look forward to where the Holy Spirit will lead us in this ministry. We meet
twice a month on Saturday mornings and welcome women of all ages to join us.
FAITH FORMATION
FAITH FORMATION AND EVANGELIZATION COMMISSION
The Parish Faith Formation and Evangelization Commission (P.F.F.E.C.) assists the Pastor,
the Director of Faith Formation, and Evangelization, Coordinator of Youth Ministry in
developing and supporting a vision for effective parish based catechesis and faith
formation, as well as developing and supporting goals and programs for faith
formation/catechesis of adults, youth, children and families. P.F.F.E.C.’s role is advisory
and consultative to the Pastor, the Director of Faith Formation, and the Coordinator of
Youth Ministry.
Commission members are members of the parish, committed to prayer and study,
committed to the development of faith formation/catechesis for all parish members,
committed to regular meetings, and resourceful in assisting with the goals of parish faith
formation. The members should also have the ability to engage in dialogue that facilitates
consensus. Officers consist of a chairperson, an assistant chairperson, and a
secretary. Subcommittees may be formed as needed.
THE ADULT FAITH FORMATION TEAM
This group helps plan/organize our Adult Faith Formation programs and
evangelization efforts. Members assist Director to initiate and oversee
responsibilities of the programs; they extend their support and communicate to
the entire faith community; and they seek to improve the vision and mission of
Parish Faith Formation Programming and strategies.
6
PROGRAM LEADER
Program leaders work individually or as part of a team to develop, promote, implement,
and evaluate programs and strategies.
YOUTH MINISTRY
The purpose of St. Patrick Youth Ministry is to lead middle school and high school teens
to a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. We do this through fellowship and community
building, discipleship training, worship and prayer, service of others, and evangelism.
HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH (GRADES 9-12)
High School Ministry is every Sunday from 6:30-8:30 pm at C.I.A.
Headquarters. Major events during the year include: an alternative Spring
Break experience – Mission Trip, Dinner Theatre and Big Man for Christ
Pageant, Steubenville Youth Conferences and DYMO camp opportunities in
the summer months, as well as social events like Movie Nights, etc.
MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH (GRADES 7-8)
Middle School Ministry is every Friday from 2:30-4:00 pm at C.I.A. Headquarters.
PARISH ADMINISTRATION MINISTRIES
SAINT PATRICK FINANCE COUNCIL
The Finance Council is to advise the Pastor on financial matters and the administration of
parish property, assist in the preparation of the general parish budget, review the parish
financial, personnel, and administrative operations, review the care and maintenance of
parish property and buildings, develop long range planning for operational and capital
needs, and assist in encouraging parish financial stewardship. Some (or any) of these
responsibilities may be delegated to Committees of the Finance Council.
FESTIVAL OF TABLES
Festival of Tables is a women’s luncheon held in the winter. Volunteers
include: a coordinator; greeters; a decorator/ambiance specialist; a
kitchen crew (preferably men); and women to host their tables.
Hostesses are asked to decorate their tables with linen and tableware in
whatever theme they choose. This luncheon is hosted by the women of
St. Patrick’s, supported especially by the Welcoming & Social Committee,
and benefits the Portland Area Ministerial Association.
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COFFEE & DONUTS
Coordinate and assist with the Coffee and Donuts social gathering held after mass the first
Sunday of each month in the parish hall.
LENTEN SOUP DINNERS
Sponsor or assist with Lenten Soup Suppers held after Stations of the Cross on Friday
evenings during Lent.
COOKIE CLUB
The Cookie Club is a ministry for people that would like to welcome new
parishioners into our parish family. In teams of two, the members visit new
parishioners. They take gifts of homemade cookies or other baked goods.
They also take a packet containing the Stewardship and Ministries Book, the
Parish Directory, and a welcoming note written on St. Patrick Parish note
paper.
SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE
The Social Justice Committee began in 2015 with Deacon Dan Shumaker as our guide. It
is a committee in the making beginning with the introduction and education of
parishioners of St. Patrick to the seven basic themes of Catholic Social Teaching:
(1) Life and Dignity of the Human Person
(2) Call to Family, Community and Participation
(3) Rights and Responsibilities
(4) Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
(5) The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers
(6) Solidarity
(7) Care for God’s Creation
The mission of the Social Justice Committee is to educate and empower Catholics to practice
charity and justice defined by Catholic Social Teachings (as listed above). This will be
accomplished by working in collaboration with the other established ministries at St
Patrick, as well as coordinating activities when possible with our cluster Parish, St. Joseph,
Pewamo, along with continued education of our members.
COUPLES MENTORING PROGRAM
The couples mentoring program is in place to better serve our engaged couples as they
prepare for the sacrament of Holy Matrimony. Mentor couples receive training and meet
with engaged couples several times leading up to wedding. This group also plans "Date
Night" evenings for married couples of all ages.
8
SUMMERFEST
Various positions to fit everyone.
Ministry Position
Co-Chairs
Core Committee
3-on-3 Chair
3-on-3 Workers
5K Run Chair
5K Run Workers
5K Timer
Bike Rally
Chicken Dinner Chair
Chicken Dinner Cook
Chicken Dinner Cook Assts
Chicken Dinner Workers
Cooking
Food Tent Chair
Food Tent Workers
Fund Raising (Merchants)
Gathering Tent Chair
Gathering Tent Workers
Kids Games & Activities Chair
Kids Games/Activities Workers
Outdoor Mass Chair
Outdoor Mass Workers
Physical Properties Chair
Preparing Meat
Public Relations
Raffle Chair
Raffle Workers
Receive Desserts
Set-up Festival
Softball Tournament Chair
Softball Umpires
Tear-down Festival
Volleyball
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Total
#
6
5
2
20
1
5
1
4
2
1
15
20
1
1
50
1
2
50
2
50
2
5
2
1
1
2
14
1
30
2
10
30
2
Immediate Need
as of 11/1/205
2
2
0
20
5
1
2
15
20
1
50
1
0
50
50
5
0
2
14
1
30
10
30
SAINT PATRICK SCHOOL
Our Mission Statement
We Pray! We Learn! We Achieve!
Our Philosophy
"And whatever we (you) do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord
Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." (Colossians 3:17)
We depend upon hundreds of volunteers working in close partnership to carry
out our special mission. Giving time and talent helps the school provide
support in areas that either would not get done at all, or would get done only
by sacrificing another necessary service. School volunteering is a witness to the
students as well as to your faith.
Volunteer opportunities are too numerous to list. Some volunteer categories include, but
are not limited to, the following: maintenance; office help; website design and
maintenance, classroom assistance; lunch aids; fundraising efforts; and many more –
please call the school at 647-7551 or visit the school website at www.portlandstpats.com to
learn how you can help.
SCHOOL BOARD
The school board serves as an advisory board to the school administrators and pastor.
The activities of the school board include strategic planning, formulation and evaluation
of school policies, as well as oversight of financial operations and mission effectiveness.
PARENT/TEACHER ORGANIZATION
The mission of the St. Patrick Parent/Teacher Organization is to advance the welfare of
the students in St. Patrick School through the coordinated efforts of parents, teachers and
students, and to provide support in obtaining the necessary tools to aid in the educational
and spiritual development of the students.
Why get involved? The success of the PTO is dependent upon the efforts and ingenuity of
our St. Patrick family. One of our objectives is to increase volunteerism and stewardship.
Wide arrays of volunteer opportunities are available. Parent participation is necessary to
reach our goals. You can choose your level of involvement and area of interest. Together
we can make a measurable difference for our school. Join our team to help make our
group even stronger!
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ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
The organization’s original duty was to raise the money necessary to operate the
Shamrock athletic program, and its members have never veered from that goal. Currently
the athletic budget runs over $160,000 per year, and every penny of it is raised by this
group. Other than the Father Flohe Foundation, the Athletic Association is the single
largest revenue-generating group in the parish.
The income for the athletic program comes from these sources:

The Annual Fall Festival held the second Sunday of October

The Shamrock Auction held the last Saturday in April (The proceeds of the auction
are split 50/50 with the school.)

The Shamrock Sport Raffle which features four drawings each month

Gate/Door Income at games

Sale of concessions at games
Volunteers are needed for each of the above. Volunteer opportunities range from a
couple of hours working Fall Festival; Donating and/or making an item for auction; to
a commitment of chairing an event.
FATHER FLOHE FOUNDATION

The FFF is a 501(c) 3 organization. Contributions are tax deductible.

The FFF provides annual funding for St. Patrick School

Each June, the Foundation awards the Father Flohe Education Bell Award to an
alumnus of St. Patrick School who in their life has exemplified the high goals and
accomplishments that a graduate of St. Patrick can achieve.

The Foundation awards the Marie Leik Slowinski Scholarship each year to a student
who demonstrates good study habits, steady improvement and hard work.

The Foundation provides funding for the Shamrock Newsletter.
Since 2003 the Foundation has hosted the 50-Year Reunion for St. Patrick graduating
classes.
How to Support the Foundation
 Cash Contributions


Life Income Gifts and Life Insurance

Memorial Gifts and Bequests
Contributions can be made by various means. See the Parish web site for more details.
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SHAMROCK NEWSLETTER EDITORIAL TEAM
The Shamrock Newsletter Editorial Team is responsible for writing and mailing the
Shamrock Newsletter. The newsletter is mailed two times per year (in April and October)
to all members of the parish, all school alumni, and all donors to the Father Flohe
Foundation.
ADDITIONAL SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteer opportunities outside of St. Patrick Parish and School that further our mission.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
The Knights of Columbus was founded by Fr. Michael McGivney in 1882, and is the
largest Catholic service organization in the world. It is open to any practicing Catholic
man 18 years and older, and offers the opportunity for fellowship with people who share
the same beliefs. As an organization they help raise awareness for needy causes and
generate funds to support a variety of charitable activities. The Knights also encourage
and support those considering the priesthood and religious life, and are dedicated to the
Catholic Church, the Pope, our parishes, and our communities
COUPLE TO COUPLE LEAGUE
The Couple to Couple League (CCL) is an international, interfaith, non-profit organization
dedicated to teaching Natural Family Planning (NFP) to married and engaged couples. It
is essentially a volunteer organization because services are provided by professionallytrained volunteers who are supported by a relatively small staff at the international
headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio. Local Chapters of the organization consist mainly of
certified Teaching Couples and Promoters, along with other supportive members.
PORTLAND RIGHT TO LIFE
Right to Life is a non-sectarian, non-partisan organization of pro-life groups in the state of
Michigan, committed to articulating and protecting the right to life of defenseless human
beings, born and unborn. Portland is one of 100 Right to Life affiliates in Michigan who
raise money for programs and projects to achieve that goal. We strive to educate people
on Life issues and encourage community support for programs and legislation that foster
respect and protection for human life. We are vigilant in the struggle against assisted
suicide and euthanasia, and are regular contributors to Pregnancy Services of Ionia
County who support women in crisis pregnancies.
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RIGHT TO LIFE YOUTH SOCIETY
It is our goal is to show that being pro-life is more than a state of mind; it is a way of life.
We are a group of high school and college students committed to educating our peers on
the realities of abortion and assisted suicide. We are dedicated to speaking up for those
who are unable to speak for themselves. We strongly believe that every human being
should have the basic fundamental right to life, and strive to protect all individuals from
conception until natural death.
CATHOLIC ORDER OF FORESTERS
Catholic Order of Foresters is a not-for-profit fraternal insurance organization. COF is
people helping people, bonding together for mutual support, loving and serving God by
giving our physical, financial, and spiritual resources to make a difference. Each COF
member holds a Catholic Order of Foresters life insurance policy or annuity and is eligible
for COF's unique added-value fraternal benefits, which enhance membership and set us
apart from commercial companies. Among these added-value benefits are eligibility for
scholarships and educational awards, tuition assistance for Catholic school students and
public school students attending Catholic religious education programs, and newborn and
orphan benefits. For members facing terminal illness, we offer early access to life policy
proceeds through our Living Benefits accelerated rider. Our members form a fraternal
network of more than 400 local courts, offering social, educational, spiritual, and
benevolent activities. Members are also welcomed and encouraged to participate in the
Order's leadership and government. Through local courts, member volunteers have the
opportunity to support Catholic and community causes. Our successful Matching Funds
Program© of charitable giving allows courts to raise money for school, parish,
community, and humanitarian needs.
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Notes:
14
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