MINISTRIES
"The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these
brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." - Matthew 25:40
Helping others isn't limited to mission trips or soup kitchens, we have brothers and sisters in our local community who are in need of assistance. Whether you donate goods, make a financial gift, or can lend a helping hand, the Mater Christi Food Pantry is always working to serve Christ’s people in the 12208 area of Albany, NY. The building is located at 3 W Erie St Albany, NY 12208
For more information please contact us at foodpantry@materchristi.org.
CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD
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Our youngest parishioners, ages 3-6, are invited to grow in their love for Jesus, the Good Shepherd, in a beautifully prepared hands-on space called the Atrium. The Atrium offers preschoolers a sacred space where they can meet God, learn the Mass, hear Sacred Scripture, and develop a life of prayer through this Montessori-inspired method of Faith Formation. CGS meets twice monthly on Saturday mornings, 9:30-11 am
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For more information please contact our program coordinator, Lauren Patterson, at cgs@materchristi.org.
Mater Christi Families of all ages are invited to join us for monthly sessions where we deepen our faith, grow in prayer, and strengthen our Catholic identity together. These are held monthly on Sunday mornings, 9-10:30 am. Additionally, students preparing for First Holy Communion or Confirmation meet monthly for classes in preparation for these Sacraments of Initiation. Please send us an email to get signed up - we hope you can join us to deepen your life of faith as a Catholic family!
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For more information please contact one of our family formation coordinators:
Lauren Patterson, at cgs@materchristi.org OR
Anne Conklin, at familyformation@materchristi.org
Do you have the desire to serve God by cultivating the fruits of the earth? Our parish gardeners work hard to weed and maintain the beauty of the grounds. If you would like to glorify God by cultivating the beauty of a garden please contact the parish office for information!
Our mission is "To affirm the humanity and dignity of homeless families and to engage our community in helping them achieve sustainable independence." Thirteen worship communities in the Capital Region work together to provide homeless families with food and shelter while they are seeking jobs, permanent housing, children's education, and financial stability. Mater Christi Parish serves as a "host site" four times each year and would welcome your help to fulfill the mission.
To join us, please contact the parish office at 518-489-3204 OR office@materchristi.org.
We have a variety of ministries to support members of our Parish who are unable to be with us in person. Volunteers make Pastoral Visits to provide communion and companionship, members of our Greeting Card Ministry sends monthly messages of hope and prayer to the home bound, and our Flower Ministry Team delivers flower arrangements to our home bound parishioners living in senior centers, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes.
To join our ministry, please contact the parish office at 518-489-3204 OR office@materchristi.org.
Is the Lord calling you to serve at Mater Christi? There are many opportunities for you to use your God-given gifts for His glory! Could you serve as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, a Lector proclaiming the scripture readings, an Altar Server, or in our Altar Ministry (washing the altar linens)?
Please contact the parish office if you are able to help.
Do you love to sing? Do you play an instrument? Consider joining our music ministry as a cantor, choir member, or instrumentalist! We have opportunities for both adults and children ages 8 and up to offer their musical talents at Mass. All talent levels welcomed!
To learn more, contact music@materchristi.org.
Our team of volunteers are experienced in helping families process the loss of a loved one. When a family requests a funeral at Mater Christi, these volunteers walk with families through the planning process and take on roles such as Sacristan, greeter, reader, candle bearer, and planners for the funeral Mass.
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If you would like to assist with this important ministry, please contact the parish office for details.
The members of the Prayer Shawl Ministry knit and/or crochet afghans and shawls that are distributed to our homebound parishioners as well as those who live in assisted living facilities. They also make pocket shawls that are given to families who are grieving the loss of a loved one. The crafters make many items for adults and children that are distributed to local nursing homes, hospitals, and several local charities.
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To learn more or join our group, please contact the parish office.