St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception & St. Mary Help of Christians

lifelong faith ministries

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lifelong faith liturgies

​Children's Liturgy of the Word (Portage)
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Children's Liturgy of the Word, or CLOW, is a youth program that is coordinated through Lifelong Faith Enrichment. Children's Liturgy of the Word seeks to make the scripture accessible to early-childhood students (Ages 3-First Grade). Children's Liturgy introduces children to both the structure of liturgical worship and the experience of worship so they grow in the understanding and love of God. Children's Liturgy of the Word meets most Sunday mornings at 9:30 am, but does not have the same instructor every week. If you would like to learn more about Children's Liturgy of the Word, please visit the "Children's Liturgy of the Word" page.

If you would like to volunteer, please contact the Parish Office at 608-742-6998.

Teachers & Aides - Youth Faith Formation (Portage)
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We are always looking for dedicated parishioners to help shape the spiritual growth of the next generation of young Catholics. Teachers and Aides work closely with the Director of Religious Education and Evangelization to create relevant lessons that help students grow in their faith. Youth Faith Formation classes begin in September and run through May; classes begin at 6:30 PM and last about an hour. 

​If you would like to volunteer, please contact the Parish Office at 608-742-6998.

RCIA Team
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The Rite of Christian Initiation is the process by which adults are brought into the Catholic Faith. The major component of this process is helping adults grow closer to God through the Catholic teachings. The RCIA team help new initiates navigate the process of becoming Catholic by meeting with them and creating a plan to meet all of the Sacramental goals before initiation at the Holy Vigil.

​If you would like to volunteer, please contact the Parish Office at 608-742-6998. (Portage) or Sister Anita at 608-981-2282 or by emailing stmaryhofc@maqs.net.

RCIA Sponsor
Much like other Confirmants to the Catholic Faith, RCIA Candidates are required to have an RCIA Sponsor who will guide them in their journey. These are typically people that are personally close to the candidate, but sometimes candidates don't have a person who can serve as a sponsor. These volunteers need to be open and affirming to the growth of the RCIA candidate. In addition, the RCIA Sponsor needs to be present at all events that the candidate is required to be at.

​If you would like to volunteer, please contact the Parish Office at 608-742-6998 (Portage) or Sister Anita at 608-981-2282 or by emailing stmaryhofc@maqs.net.
FOCCUS Couples
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Facilitate Open, Couple Communication, Understanding and Study, or FOCCUS, is a program that we use to help new couples prepare for the Sacrament of Marriage. In this process, new couples are paired with already-married couples within the parish who exemplify what it looks like to live in a Catholic marriage. FOCCUS Couples volunteer as mentors in how navigate all things Catholic and married life. To learn more about FOCCUS, please visit https://www.foccusinc.com.

If you would like to volunteer, please contact Fr. Gary Krahenbuhl at 608-742-6998 ext. 214 or by emailing gkrahebuhl@stmaryotic.org.

Love Begins Here Chaperone
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Love Begins Here is a Diocesan mission trip that St. Mary OTIC and HOC have been participating in for nearly 5 years. These week-long trips are an exciting and fun spin on a traditional service retreat, where students live out the mission of Jesus Christ while growing in their Catholic Faith. Space for students is limited on the number of chaperones, so we encourage as many adults to volunteer as possible. This is an overnight mission trip, so volunteers will be living on site while they serve their mission. For more information, visit our "Youth Ministry" page.

​If you would like to volunteer, please contact the Parish Office at 608-742-6998.

​Vacation Bible School
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Each year, St. Mary OTIC and HOC work together with several churches in the Portage area to create a Vacation Bible School experience unlike any other. What is unique about our VBS is that we stem beyond just the Catholic faith to work with other Christian families in our community. This is a week long even that happens the first full week of August and adults are needed to be group leaders, activity coordinators, and meal planners. For more information about Vacation Bible School, visit our "Youth Ministry" page.

​If you would like to volunteer, please contact the Parish Office at 608-742-6998 (Portage) or Sister Anita at 608-981-2282 or by emailing stmaryhofc@maqs.net.

St. Mary School Volunteer
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St. Mary's School is always looking for dedicated volunteers to help make their school the best that it can be. There are countless ways for parents and community members to help out, including, playground supervisors, bulletin-board helpers, field trip chaperones, and so much more! For more information, visit https://www.stmaryportage.org/about/family-involvement.

If you would like to volunteer, please contact Principal Josh Schuenemann at 608-742-4998 or by emailing josschuenemann@stmarysportage.org.

St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception & St. Mary Help of Christians

Home
About Us
Liturgy & Sacraments
Lifelong Faith Enrichment
Volunteer & Donate
​Pastoral & Spiritual Care
Our Mission
We, the parishes of St. Mary Help of Christians (Briggsville) and St. Mary of the Immaculate
Conception (Portage), in a spirit of faith and
service rooted in the mission of Christ as revealed
in the Gospel, are committed to creating
welcoming communities that actively pursue opportunities for formation in our Catholic faith,​
spiritual growth andoutreach to others in need.
St. Mary HOC
Briggsville, WI 
​P: 608-981-2282
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St. Mary OTIC
Portage, WI 53901
​P: 608-742-6998
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  • Home
  • Our Church, Our Future
    • St. Mary Renovation updates
  • About Us
    • Into the Deep
    • Mass Times
    • Publications >
      • Weekend Homilies
      • Recording Archive
      • Weekly Bulletins
    • History and Mission
    • Join the Parish
    • Parish Staff
    • Parish Leadership
    • St. Mary School - Portage
    • Contact Us
    • St. Mary Portage Facility Usage
  • Liturgy & Sacraments
    • Mass Livestream
    • Baptism
    • Reconciliation >
      • Advent Reconciliation 2021
    • Eucharist >
      • Adoration
    • Confirmation
    • Marriage
    • Holy Orders & Religious Life
    • Anointing of the Sick
  • Lifelong Faith Enrichment
    • He Walks With Us - Podcast Series
    • Children's Liturgy of the Word
    • Portage Faith Formation >
      • Make-Up Work
      • Works of Mercy & Service
    • Briggsville Faith Formation
    • Adult Faith Formation
    • Becoming Catholic - RCIA
    • Youth Ministry
    • Catholic Resources >
      • Podcasts for Catholic Men
    • ASK US!
    • Liturgical Resources >
      • Advent Resources
      • Christmas Resources
      • Ordinary Time Resources
      • Lenten Resources
      • Triduum Resources
      • Easter Resources
  • Volunteer & Donate
    • Volunteer Opportunities >
      • Parish Leadership Committees
      • Liturgical Ministries
      • Music Ministries
      • Art & Liturgical Environment Ministries
      • Lifelong Faith Ministries
      • Hospitality Ministries >
        • Marketing Committee
      • Pastoral Ministries
      • Parish Events >
        • 2022 Rededication Festival
        • St. Mary School Golf Outing
        • Parish Gala
        • Thanksgiving Dinner
      • Community Outreach
    • Financial Stewardship
    • SCRIP Program
  • Pastoral & Spiritual Care
    • Homebound Ministers & Communion Ministry
    • Joy of Mail
    • Prayer Chain & Prayer Requests
    • Prayer Shawl Ministry
    • Area Support Groups