Ministries

Armor of God presents a number of different events to help men pursue spiritual leadership, including monthly Spiritual Briefings which include a different speaker and discussion, workshops, retreats, and more.  A new recruit can join Armor of God at any time and stage in their spiritual journey. 

Learn about our upcoming events, past recordings, etc. on our website here.

Nick Gray: 373-1526

If you would like to participate in service activities to help St. Henry Parish in Fort Wayne (one of our "twinned" parishes), please contact Nick and his team.  Activities include helping to gather truckloads of gently used items for their Thrift Shoppe at different times of the year, assisting them with sorting and selling items at the Thrift Shoppe, helping with their Community Garden project, and doing work in the neighborhoods. 

Carpenter's Sons is a ministry of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, serving low-income homeowners in the community with minor home repairs. Most projects are for older adults and persons with disabilities. This ministry meets weekly on Tuesday mornings in the Life Center, before departing in teams for the service of the day.   

If you are interested in volunteering with Carpenter's Sons, contact Mark Schmidt: 414-6109 or [email protected].

The Catholic Medical Guild of Fort Wayne is open to anyone in healthcare and will meet monthly for fellowship, prayer, and discussions. We meet at St Vincent de Paul on the third Saturday of each month at 9:00 am, usually in the Spiritual Center.  There is no need to prepare beforehand. Visit our website or call 260-222-6978 for more details or to get on our email list for events.

Craig & Vicki Welch:  [email protected]

Saint Vincent de Paul Parish collects gifts, household products, and donations for several Fort Wayne charitable organizations and families in need during Advent each year.  Simply take a tag off the tree, purchase the item listed, and return it to the tree with the tag attached.

Communion of Moms is a parish ministry for moms of children newborn to 5 years old. Each month Communion of Moms hosts an informal playdate in the Life Center. Playdates are typically held on the first Friday of the month from 9:30am-11:30am.  
Breakfast and toys are provided. After the welcome and meal prayer moms and children can eat, play and mingle. 

This ministry is free; however, we ask moms to sign-up for each playdate so we have an accurate food count. 

REGISTER HERE

The Eucharistic Apostles of The Divine Mercy (EADM) is building the Body of Christ through its worldwide network of Cenacles. This guided study program for prayer communities includes the study of Sacred Scripture, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and the Diary of St. Faustina. Participants gather in local communities to learn more about God, the Holy Catholic Church, and their place in the Body of Christ.

Eucharistic Apostles of Divine Mercy meet every 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel.

This committee strategies and plans for efforts in outreach and evangelization.  The central question that this committee seeks to address is "How are we communicating the Gospel inside our parish and out forth from our parish, in order to invite each person into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ?"

Contact: Michael Dopp, [email protected]

Tom Schuerman: 489-3537 x 209

Patty Jackson: 471-5370

These compassionate people assist with serving at the Funeral Luncheon for the family members and friends of the deceased.  Positions are also available to prepare desserts, make telephone calls for desserts, or as a Team Coordinator for one or two months per year.  This is a Corporal Work of Mercy.

Harvest House is a group of people, age 55 and over, who meet to enjoy social, educational, spiritual, and community service.  Contact Carolyn Reith (637-6042) about joining.

Meets in the Spiritual Center Chapel and Room A

Holy League is Rekindle the Fire's monthly prayer group at Saint Vincent's.  It is a network of men united in devotion to the Blessed Sacrament.  All men of the parish are invited to join in Eucharistic Adoration, Confession, Silent Prayer, and Fraternity.  Holy League usually meets on the first Thursday of the month at 7:00 pm in the church (rosary at 6:30 PM).

LEARN MORE HERE

Saint Vincent de Paul Homebound Ministry takes the Holy Eucharist to the homebound and those in institutions (including nursing homes and hospitals).  These volunteers are trained and commissioned Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.

Scott Kruse: (260) 627-6455; Juli Lapp (260) 705-5971

St. Vincent de Paul Parish assists other parishes both locally and internationally through our parish tithe.  Additionally, the parish hosts an annual medical and dental mission trip to our sister parish in Honduras.  We need help in planning, raising funds, and attending a mission trip.

The Knights of Columbus is a group open to all practicing (receiving the sacraments) Catholic men of the parish, 18 years of age or older.  Services that the Knights perform include Red Cross Blood Drives, Free Throw Contest for youth, Old St.Vincent Cemetery Clean-Up, Pro-Life  Community Service, Traffic Direction, Parish improvements & Maintenance, and more!

Founded by Fr. Michael J. McGivney, a young parish priest now on the path to sainthood, the Knights of Columbus has helped strengthen men, their families, their parishes, and their communities since 1882.  Today, there are more than 1.9 million members of the K of C doing good works across the world.  The Knights of Columbus stands as the strong right arm of the Church, and challenges members to grow in their faith through programs, fraternity, and service to the Catholic Church, its priests, and their parish community. 

Learn More Here

Legatus is a Catholic business professionals’ group with the mission to study, live, and spread the Catholic Faith in our business, professional, and personal lives.

Legatus meets monthly at Saint Vincent's for Mass, dinner, speaker, and fellowship.  Visit our website for more information.

Lunch ‘N Learn is a monthly gathering of people age 55 and over who meet to learn more about topics of interest, enjoy some hospitality, and socialize with others over a meal of delicious food.  Anyone age 55 or over is welcome to attend these events on the second Monday of each month from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm. 

RSVP is required for each Lunch N Learn to the Parish Office:  [email protected] or (260) 489-3537

The Parish Pastoral Council advises the pastor on pastoral issues and is responsible for parish planning.  Members are chosen as representatives of various ministries in the parish as well as “at-large” members.  The Council meets monthly in the Church Conference Room.

The St. Vincent’s Prayer Shawl ministry is open to any parishioner who enjoys knitting, crocheting, or would like to learn.  The prayer shawls are given to people in need of comfort and prayer.  This group meets every three weeks on Tuesdays.  Prayer shawls are available in plastic bins located in the cupboard under the Welcome Center.  Instructions for taking one are with the prayer shawls.  

For more information: Contact Rosemary Parent: 489-9491

Seven Sisters Apostolate is a group of at least seven women who commit to praying for one priest, for one hour, one day a week, for one year before the Blessed Sacrament. 

"By strengthening the priest, you strengthen the whole foundation, you strengthen everything in the Church."  - Fr. Gerald Fitzgerald, S.P.

For more information, call the Parish Office at 260-489-3537

The Exercises are an in-depth spiritual formation program designed for those who have already been invested in their spiritual growth and now desire to grow deeper in their prayer life and personal discernment.  The retreat has 14-week and 35-week formats which are “closed” groups, meaning participants begin and complete the entire program and others cannot join until the next retreat is offered.  

Retreatants commit to daily prayer and journaling with scripture and the retreat materials at home as well as participation in a weekly group session. 

For more information, please contact Sarah Lane: (260)466-5244, [email protected].

Dan Rohloff: 403-1051

Sharing words to create truth and beauty that reflect human experiences and bring glory to God can be as complex as writing a novel or as short and sweet as sending a note of encouragement to a friend.  No matter your style or method, writing is a charism from God, and if it’s one of yours, or even if it’s a strong desire you wish to explore, we want you to join us in a Writers’ Group at St. Vincent’s on the third Thursday of the month.

Communication through the written word presents endless possibilities for discovering meaning, purpose, and joy in our relationship with God and the Church.  Through a safe and loving environment of friendship and trust, we can teach and learn from each other how best to accomplish our mission as intentional disciples.

Saint Vincent Parish Chapter of the Society

To Volunteer or for Help

Become the man, leader, husband, father, friend, and co-worker God is calling you to be.  All men, including former Christ Renews His Parish attendees, are welcome to join this ministry for men who wish to rekindle the fire of the Holy Spirit.  This ministry meets on the third Sunday evening of the month.
 
 Learn More Here

Christine Binns: 338-0765

The Rosary Society is an organization for women of St. Vincent’s parish.  Meetings are normally held the first Monday of each month during the school year and begin with the Rosary at 6:00 pm in the Spiritual Center.

For more information, contact Theresa Hughes: 260-637-3279.

WINGS is a faith-sharing, mutual support, and study group for women. The current schedule includes Wednesday morning meetings from 9:00 am to 11:00 am in the Life Center.  WINGS assists in monthly service projects throughout the community as well as faith studies and community.  Children are welcome. 

For more information please contact: Ann Lushis, [email protected]

MORE INFO HERE

WINGS II is a specialized Small Christian Community that is geared toward the journey of the older woman for the following purposes: study and reflection on spirituality and theology, Christian service, and concern for each other in the faith community.  This group meets 9:00 - 11:00 AM on Thursdays in the Spiritual Center from September through May.  

For more information, please contact Carol Stopher: 260-489-1796

MORE INFO HERE

Altar Servers:  Serving at Mass is open to all boys and girls attending St. Vincent’s school, all public schools and home school students in grades 6 through 8.  Altar servers are scheduled for Saturday morning, 8:15 am, and all weekend Masses.  In addition, altar servers may be asked to serve at funerals and weddings.  They may also volunteer to be servers for summer 8:15 am Masses during the week.  Training is required prior to serving. 

Lead Servers:  Lead Servers are young men in grade 8 or high school who are responsible for guiding the altar servers throughout the Mass.  Training is required prior to serving. 

Mary Smith: 637-6994  |  Margaret Schenkel: 490-8233

Extraordinary Ministers assist at parish liturgies by distributing the Eucharist during Communion.  An Extraordinary Minister should be a practicing Catholic, attending Mass every Sunday and on Holy Days of Obligation.  The person should have a love for the Lord and the Church, striving to grow in holiness.  If married, Extraordinary Ministers must be married in the Catholic Church.  A training session is required, including catechesis on the Eucharist, along with annual days of reflection that focus on the Eucharist and the life of prayer.

Lectors proclaim the word of God at Sunday Mass and other liturgies.  A lector should be a practicing Catholic, attending Mass every Sunday and on Holy Days of Obligation. 

The person should have a love for the Lord and the Church, striving to grow in holiness.  If married, lectors must be married in the Catholic Church.  An initial training is required, and all lectors attend an annual day of reflection.

Each Sunday, through the gifts of vocal and instrumental music, the music ministry leads the people of Saint Vincent de Paul to full, conscious, and active participation in the liturgy. In keeping with the liturgical documents, the parish musician takes seriously the call to be a disciple first, then a minister. All parish musicians embrace their calling when approaching every note and every chord, being disciples of Christ first while striving to give breath to the spiritual life within each song.

Volunteers carve and paint candles used for our baptisms as well as our Easter candle.  This group meets weekly on Wednesday evenings.  For more information, contact Mary Shoaff: 260-450-3203

Jessica Hayes: [email protected], 260-489-3537 x224

Ushers are important members of the hospitality team of the parish.  Ushers assist with seating people and help take the offertory collection at the Sunday and Holy Day liturgies.  They are also available to greet and assist people before, during, and after Mass.  Men and women of the parish are invited to consider this wonderful ministry, especially if you have the charisms of hospitality, helps, encouragement or service.  Training will be provided.

Becca Glander: 918-7464

A.D.O.P.T. (Always Depending on (God’s) Plan Together)

A.D.O.P.T. is a community of families that share in adoption experiences.  Monthly meetings provide an environment for parents and children to interact, share experiences and celebrate the families God has given us.  A.D.O.P.T. also serves as a resource and network to couples contemplating adoption.

Al Anon is a support group for loved ones of those suffering from alcohol addiction. The group at St. Vincent's meets on Thursdays in the Spiritual Center, Room G. Enter through Door 4. 

Al Anon Website

If you are going through the annulment process or are thinking about it, help and support are available.  Your questions and concerns will be addressed.

Catholic in Recovery seeks to serve those suffering from addictions and unhealthy attachments (including alcoholism, drug addiction, pornography addiction, sex and relationship addiction, compulsive overeating and food addictions, gambling addiction, codependency and the impact on family, and general fear, control, and anxiety). Catholic in Recovery to shares the Good News that God can bring about healing and recovery, even in the most hopeless of cases.

FIND A MEETING 

Cancer Support Ministry is a monthly gathering for all who are currently or have been affected by cancer.  These meetings offer some knowledge and information, as well as encouragement for dealing with life’s circumstances. 

Chronic Joy® is a support group for those suffering from chronic illness and their caregivers. The group provides a safe space for those experiencing the pain, anxiety, and isolation of living with chronic illness to connect, share and support one another. Chronic Joy meets on the 2^nd and 4^th Monday of the month, 6:30-8:00 in Spiritual Center Room G (enter through door # 4.) As there is no formal program, meetings are open to members attending as they are able. 
For more information, contact: Bryon Scott: (260)385-6386 or Renee Scott: (260)385-6387; [email protected]

Sound Catholic counselors are available to parishioners seeking help and/or support for personal or family difficulties.  The cost for these services will be determined on an individual basis and confidentiality will be strictly maintained.  

Call the Parish Office for contact information, 260-489-3537.

The Disabilities Ministry assists those special people in our parish with challenges to take part as fully as possible in parish community life.  Once a year, in the spring, this ministry sponsors a day retreat open to persons in the diocese with various disabilities. Disability Ministry members also refer people to the Diocesan initiatives for those who have special needs and want to attend the liturgy best suited for their particular situation or need.  

For more information, contact Michael Dopp, [email protected].

Belonging: Ministry with Persons with Disabilities

Belonging Website

Belonging is made up of individuals from different parishes who want to help their loved ones and others with special needs feel part of their parish communities.  We continue to grow and welcome anyone who wants to be part of our efforts.  

This diocesan ministry is committed to supporting our pastors, parish staffs, parishioners, and parents as we work together and towards building faith communities where every person feels a sense of belonging. Through prayer, support, advocacy, and catechesis, we strive to be inclusive of all individuals with disabilities or special needs and help them know that they are welcomed, accepted, and necessary in contributing their gifts to our parish life.  

The parish of St. Charles Borromeo (4916 Trier Road, Fort Wayne) hosts the Divorced/Separated meetings in their Community Room (located off of the Gathering Space of the Church).   

Overeaters Anonymous is a fellowship of individuals who, through shared experience, strength, and hope, are recovering from compulsive eating.  We welcome everyone who wants to stop eating compulsively. Our primary purpose is to abstain from compulsive eating and compulsive food behaviors and to carry the message of recovery through the Twelve Steps of OA to those who still suffer.

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS WEBSITE

Confidential Phone Line | 1-855-722-4354]

Project Rachel is a Catholic support group ministry run by the diocese which is devoted to post-abortive healing.  Locations and times of meetings are confidential due to the personal nature of this ministry.

Project Rachel Website

Divine Mercy Ministry is a Catholic ministry devoted to the healing of all women suffering from the wound of abortion.  
Read More Here

The Saint Augustine Men’s Group, a diocesan ministry, with chapters in Fort Wayne and South Bend, seeks to free men from the shackles of pornography and sexual sin to live according to God’s plan of chastity. For more information, please contact [email protected] or visit https://diocesefwsb.org/augustine/

Courage is a Diocesan ministry for those individuals who struggle with same-sex attraction and seek to live chaste lives in accordance with God’s will.  EnCourage is for family members who want to fully support those men and women.  This local chapter is sponsored by the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend and is facilitated by Fr. Francis Chukwuma and the diocesan Office of Family Life. 

For more information: Fr. Francis Chukwuma:  [email protected]

Courage Website

Unbound Ministry is a safe, loving, simple, and reproductive prayer model that addresses areas of pain, sin, and weakness and leads us to lay claim to the freedom that is ours through our baptism.  It helps us personally and helps us help others to move beyond the spiritual obstacles that prevent us from moving forward in our relationship with Jesus Christ and with those He has placed in our lives.

Learn More About Unbound

The Rescue Project is an 8 week event of great meals, engaging conversations and answers to life’s tough questions.

 During each weekly session, you'll gather for food, watch a video prepared by Fr. Riccardo and the team at ACTS XXIX and have conversations in response to what you've encountered. 

 The Rescue Project offers a way of seeing reality, and of making sense of the world, history, and life that is vastly different from the story our modern culture tells.

Learn where you're called in service based on your God-given gifts.   This workshop is scheduled on a Saturday each Fall and Spring.  

Learn More Here

These Men's and Women's weekend retreats are offered each Fall and Spring.  Christ Renews is a great place to make lasting parish friendships and find spiritual renewal.  Every parishioner is encouraged to attend as soon as you are able.  

More Information Here