Health and Wellness Committee
The Health and Wellness Ministry, with the Parish Nurse, offers monthly Blood Pressure Screenings, health information in the Health and Wellness Newsletter and bulletin articles, family support through the Friendly Visitors Program, and serves as a resource and advocate for our parishioners.
Knights of Columbus / Women's Auxiliary
The Knights of Columbus Marian Council number 3827(www.kofc3827.com) is the local Bloomington chapter of this national fraternal organization. Parishioners of Nativity of Mary (both men and women) are well represented in the Order, which practices the principles of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism. Nativity's Knights of Columbus Roundtable have completed many maintenance projects such as renovating school bathrooms and painting many areas of the campus.
Parish Nursing
Parish Nurse Ministry is a health ministry that encourages the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of each individual in keeping with their relationship with God, family and neighbor. This ministry promotes an understanding of the relationship between lifestyle, attitudes, faith and well-being by discussing health concerns with parishioners in a variety of settings. The Parish Nursing Ministry recruits and coordinates volunteers and support groups, acting as advocate for parish families to access community resources and services. Nativity of Mary’s parish nurse program is a member of the Faith Community Nurse Network (www.fcnntc.org) which links with other parish nurses in the surrounding area.
Scouting
As a ministry to youth and families, Scouting offers opportunities for learning new skills, serving others, developing leadership skills, and growing in faith. Nativity of Mary is the charter partner for Cub Scout Pack 374 (www.cubscoutpack374.org) and Boy Scout Troop 374, as well as a home and meeting place for Girl Scout Troops of all ages. The relationship between the Scout groups and the Nativity of Mary community is characterized by service. Over the years, Scouts have organized food and item drives as well as a variety of maintenance and upkeep projects to benefit our parish and the larger community. Every Scout (boy or girl) is encouraged to earn the religious emblem for his or her age level, beginning in grade 1 and continuing through high school.
SPARKS......Special People Are Really Keen Seniors
SPARKS is an organized group of Nativity parishioners and friends (55 and older) that provides an opportunity for seniors to participate more fully in Parish Life and Ministry through fellowship, prayer and parish service. A short meeting, lunch and program are offered on the second Wednesday of the month (September through April).
Vocations Team
The Vocations Team promotes awareness of our vocation to serve Christ's purpose in our daily lives and encourages the discernment of priestly and religious vocations. During Vocations Awareness Week in January, the team sponsors a morning of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. The team has participated in the Archdiocesan Called by Name process as well as other activities.
Volunteer Ministry Committee
Plans and implements volunteer ministry programs to ensure the future vitality of volunteerism in the parish. Our vision is to help our parish become a community where parishioners are aware of their gifts, eager to place them at the service of the community, and able to find clearly define ministries that make it easier for them to live out their Baptismal call to ministry.