Administration - In keeping with our Catholic faith values, we are being good stewards of our limited resources and are keeping all channels of communication open with our Parish Community.

• Finance Council:  The Parish Finance Council is a group of parishioners with expertise in finance and business. They meet periodically to review parish finances and advise the pastor on fiscal matters.
• Facilities Committee: The Facilities Committee is a group of parishioners and staff who meet periodically to discuss the maintenance of the grounds ad facilities of Immaculate Conception Church and Mission of the Sacred Heart. They advise the pastor on maintenance and building issues.
• Stewardship Commitee: This program was developed to evangelize parishioners to give their time, talents and treasures to the church. Three areas comprise the Total Stewardship Program of Prayer, Finance and Ministry.
• Bulletin Collators: This is a group of volunteers that stuff inserts into the bulletin on an as needed basis. 
• Office Volunteers: If you can spare a couple of ours a week or a few days a week, you can help the office staff with preparation of bulletins and flyers; mailings, updating files, and many special projects.

Communitty Life - Goal: We are building Catholic Values and relationships by answering the Gospel call to service, and having fun together as a Christian community.

• Hospitality Committee: This group assists at parish social activities by setting up and serving refreshments. They oversee the Coffee and Donuts Social which is offered every first Sunday for the months of February, May, August and November after the 7:00 and 9:00 a.m. Masses. Each quarter the Coffee and Donuts Social is sponsored by a different ministry or organization in our parish. 
• Celebration of Marriage: Every June, we honor the marriages of couples who will have milestone anniversaries during the year. Couples celebrating 25, 30, 40, 45, 50, 55 and 60 years or more of marriage gather for a celebration Mass and reception. Join us if you will celebrate a milestone anniversary or if you have the gift of hospitality and would like to help with the reception. Contact Gwen Richard at 225.665.5926; ext. 223 or [email protected]  We hope to schedule this event in 2022.
• Vocations Committee: Parishioners who are interested in finding ways to promote vocations to the priesthood and religious life are invited to join the work of this group. We especially encourage parents and grandparents interested in learning more about promoting vocations in their family to join us. We also need people willing to devote prayer time for those considering a vocation to priestly service or religious life. Contact the Church Office at 225.665.5359. *Traveling Chalice for Vocations - The Catholic Daughters sponsor “the Traveling Chalice” as part of the Diocesan Vocation Awareness Program. The program is designed to promote prayers for vocations in the family home. Each Sunday at Mass, a family will accept the responsibility of praying for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. The family will be provided with the prayers and a chalice as a focal point for prayerful reflection. The family will be called forward at the end of Mass and presented with the chalice, be blessed by the priest, and reminded that they take the prayers of the community with them as they make this very special prayer commitment. At the end of the week, the chalice is returned to the parish office or the Sacristy. If your family is interested in praying for vocations with the Traveling Chalice.

• Boy Scouts: All boys are welcomed by scouting. The principles of scouting will help build young men who are “physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.” The boys will find friends to last a lifetime, and build lots of exciting memories along the way. Young men ages 11-18 are welcomed by Scout Master Jim Holliday 225.933.2562 into Boy Scout Troop 283. During the school year, the troop meets on Thursday evenings at 7:00 p.m. in the Scout Rooms behind the Early Learning Center. The troop is active in the parish and helps out at the Spring Festival annually. They also go camping and hiking monthly and usually schedule an annual high adventure outing. You can find out a little more about them by checking out their Facebook page: “Troop 283 - Denham Springs.”
• Catholic Daughters of America: Our local court, Court Saint Kateri Tekakwitha #2331, chartered in 1990, is very active in the parish. They sponsor the Traveling Chalice, sell sodas at the Parish Fair and Parish Picnic, send packages to soldiers, sponsor a Lenten Supper, and support St. Vincent DePaul and Harvest Manor Nursing Home throughout the year. They also work with RCIA, CDA Kids, Crusade for Kids at Christmas, Assess the Need, and Respect Life. Donations  are collected to aid victims of disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and provide gifts to the Church, Morality in Media’s White Ribbon Against Pornography campaign, adopt a seminarian, host  “coffee and doughnuts,” and a graduate breakfast each April.  Meetings are held the third Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. Contact Julie Panek at 225.610.6975.
• Knights of Columbus: Founded in 1882, this organization helps Catholic men to remain steadfast in their faith through mutual encouragement, to promote closer ties of fraternity among them, and to set up an elementary system of insurance so the widows and children of members in the group would not find themselves in dire financial straits. ICC Council 6326 was chartered in 1971 with 58 members. Today, as dedicated Knights of Columbus, they are doing the work of God on earth by following the many programs that have been developed for councils. They provide for the spiritual and cultural enrichments of their members. They help carry the cross for the poor, the disabled and the mentally handicapped, and try to heal the wounds of the suffering, the aged, and the disadvantaged. They spread the good news of the Lord, visit the sick, help bury the dead, and lend a helping hand to widows and orphans. Full support is given to the Church, and they help mold the character of the young. Contact Olin Hall at 225.369.2268.
• ICC Men’s Club: This is an informal organization of the men of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and the Mission of the Sacred Heart. Its purpose is to provide opportunities for Christian fellowship and service to our Church in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. They provide a variety of social functions for men, for couples and for families. They also do service projects that provide opportunities for fellowship and at the same time benefit the Church Parish. Meetings are held on the last Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Small Hall. A meal and drinks are provided. Membership is open to all men 21 years or older who are friends or parishioners of Immaculate Conception Church and the Mission of the Sacred Heart. Dues are $25.00 per year. Contact Rudy Stahl at 225.665.5359.
• Young at Heart: This group is a social and spiritual ministry designed for those 50 years and older. The organization focuses on improving the individual’s outlook on the aging process. This diversified group provides friendship and the spirit of community by improving communications and gaining resources to help meet the needs of each member as well as preserving the quality of life with dignity and respect. Meetings are held on the 2nd Wednesday of the month September through May. Pot luck dinners, game days, spiritual reflections, guest speakers, entertainment, and field trips round out the various programs. All senior citizens are encouraged to attend. Contact Linda Lopez at 225.665.3202.

• Parish Festival: An annual fund raising event is held in October which includes carnival rides, games, food and entertainment for the entire family. It is a great time for our parishioners to come together for fellowship and service. Volunteer your time and talent by working game or food booths, setup and cleanup, auction, entertainment or publicity. Contact Mary Stringfellow at 225.266.7651.
• Friends of St. Joseph (St. Joseph’s Altar): The tradition of St. Joseph Altars began in the Middle Ages and was brought to this country by Sicilian immigrants. Today, individuals work on the altars to fulfill their own promises to St. Joseph “to share their blessing with those in need.” There are no formal meetings, but there is a potluck supper before the cooking begins. The ministry gets together to bake cookies, prepare the altar, gather donations, help with publicity and cleanup. All leftovers are given to the poor. Commitment is during the month before and up to the Feast of St. Joseph. Whatever time you can give is welcome. Contact Rosie Moak at 225.664.0070.

Formation - Goal: We are committed to lifelong learning of our Catholic faith and discovering the sacramental presence of God in our lives.

WHOLE COMMUNITY CATECHESIS:

• Adult Formation: Immaculate Conception offers a wide variety of learning opportunities open to all adults including non-parishioners and non-Catholics. We have regularly scheduled Bible studies for people with all levels of bible knowledge. Parish missions and retreats, apologetics, faith sharing groups, as well as frequent guest speakers are also offered. Guest speakers include clergy, religious and lay persons on topics such as Church Doctrine, Sacraments, parenting, current social issues, and spirituality. Babysitting is available if requested through the Church office the day before. Contact Deacon Rudy Stahl at 225.665.5359 or [email protected]
• Adult Confirmation: Classes for those adults who have been baptized Catholic, have received First Communion but have not been confirmed are held annually. For more information, contact Gwen Richard at 225.665.5926 [email protected]
• Bible Study Ministry: Using the Great Adventure Series and other programs from Ascension Press several groups meet each week to learn and grow in their faith.  Over 200 people have participated in these study groups.  A sampling of courses – The Bible Timeline, Matthew, Acts, Revelation, James, Psalms, Exodus, Galatians, the Mass, Mary and Catholicism.  The Bible studies have both Fall and Spring semesters, day and evening classes and meet on several days of the week.  New technology makes being part of a group easier than you may think.  Come, join a study!  Call Deacon Rudy Stahl at 225.665.5359 or Gwen Richard at 225.665.5926 or [email protected] for more information.
• Marriage Preparation: Couples planning to be married are asked to contact the parish office at least six months prior to their planned wedding date to begin preparation. Contact the office at 225.665.5359.
• Sponsor Couples: This team of married couples assist in administering pre-marital inventories used in helping couples prepare for marriage. These married couples share this ministry and the blessings of their marriage with young couples preparing to begin living this sacrament. Interested married couples should contact Deacon Rudy Stahl at 225.665.5359.
• RCIA:  The Catholic Church welcomes all adults who are interested in the Catholic faith. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is designed to assist the candidate in learning Christian teaching, in accepting Christian values and morality, in fostering a deep relationship with Jesus and the Church, and in developing a life of prayer.  The first phase of the process begins in August on Thursday nights.  This is an Inquiry period and there is no obligation.  In November, the sessions switch to Sunday mornings in connection with the 9:00 a.m. Mass and go through the Easter season. Contact Tammy Jackson at       225. 665-5359. RCIA Team - The Core Team offers support at the regular sessions as well as retreats and Rites.
• RCIA Sponsor - Sponsors are chosen from the parish to walk the journey of faith with someone in the RCIA process.  From November through May, sponsors attend 9:00 Mass each Sunday followed by a session until 11:00.
• RCIA-C: The Rite of Christian Initiation for Children is for school age students who may have not been baptized or received Reconciliation or Holy Eucharist and have not been formally taught the Catholic faith. They may prepare for and receive these sacraments through the RCIA-C.
• That Man is You: This group is an interactive men’s program modeled after some of the country’s leading men’s programs. It combines Scripture, solid secular research and a little fun to address the pressures and temptations facing men in our modern culture. Join a group of about 30 other men as we seek to do the right thing for ourselves, our wives, and our families. There are two semesters of thirteen weeks each, one in the Fall and one in the Spring. Our Thursday night sessions meet at 6:30 p.m. for light refreshments; the presentation begins at 7:00 p.m. with small group discussion from 7:30-8:00 p.m. The same session is presented on Saturday mornings with breakfast at 7:00 a.m., the presentation at 7:30 a.m., and small group discussion from 8:00-8:30 a.m. You can be home before your wife knows you were gone. Contact Deacon Rudy Stahl, at 225.665.5359.
• Early Learning Center: The ELC teaching program strives to prepare children ages 2-4 years old for kindergarten. Our program is faith-based to introduce our Catholic faith at the early learning stages. They welcome students of all denominations.  Parents are encourage to volunteer to assist in the classroom, to help with outings, and at special functions and parties. Contact Mandy Haley at 225.664.8968.
• The Parish School of Religion (PSR) is the leading and guiding right arm of YES! PSR provides a positive relationship between the family and church through the ability to engage youth in meaningful reflections on the relationship between faith and life experiences. The staff, with the help of competent and caring catechists, provides a total parish program for religious education through formal instruction, preparation for sacraments, involvement in parish liturgical events, youth ministry activities, special days of prayer and reflection, strong social justice teachings and human service projects. Instruction sessions are provided throughout the week to enable families the opportunity to select a time for their children to attend religious education classes most suitable for the family.  

• First Eucharist/Reconciliation: Sacramental Preparation takes place in the parish in which the family is registered. Second grade students are prepared during the weekly religion classes for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist. Parents attend seminars to facilitate their taking a more active role in preparing their children for God’s loving forgiveness and the reception of Christ in the Eucharist. Parents wishing to have their baptized child presented for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist must enroll in the preparation program. According to Diocesan policy, students must attend 1st grade before registering for 2nd grade sacramental preparation.  Contact Barbara Normand in the Parish School of Religion office at 225.665.5926.
• Confirmation: To be eligible for the sacrament of Confirmation, one must be baptized, regularly participating in the Eucharist, be in the 11th grade, and have taken Confirmation Year 1 in the 10th grade.  According to Diocesan policy on Confirmation, students participating in the sacrament of Confirmation must have several years of formation in a Catholic School or a Parish School of Religion prior to being admitted to the Confirmation preparation process. Registration with the Parish School of Religion Office at 225.665.5926 is required.
• Vacation Bible School: Every June, students entering Kindergarten through 5th grade are welcomed to a week-long program of fun, faith, food and fellowship. Parents join the fun! Volunteers are needed. Contact Barbara Normand at 225.665.5926.
• Catechists: Jesus told his disciples: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” (Matthew 28: 19-20)  A parish catechist has the opportunity to help shape the minds and hearts of young people and, therefore, shape the future of the Church.  There is always a need for catechists, classroom aides, substitute catechists, office help, and security/parking lot monitors. Your time commitment would be approximately 2 hours per week for catechists and approximately 1 hour for all other positions. Contact Gwen Richard at 225.665.5926 or [email protected].  A Parish School of Religion Catechist is one who instructs children in the Catholic faith by way of echoing the teachings of Jesus. This is done through living one’s life as an example of discipleship, and by way of desiring to spread the good news through one’s Christian presence, prayer, trust, and love. A catechist must be at least 21 years old, a practicing Catholic, registered in the parish, and in good standing with the Church. A catechist is urged to attend the Catechist meeting. All catechists are required to conform to the Diocesan Office of Child and Youth Protection Regulations and Policies.

Outreach - Goal: We are sent by Christ as His Body to care for the sick, and those in need and to engage inactive parishioners to reconnect with the Eucharist making them feel welcome and a vital part of ICC/MSH.

PASTORAL MINISTRY:

• Bereavement Ministries: Members of this ministry offer support to the families who have lost a loved one. They provide food for the family of the deceased after the funeral and pray the Scriptural Rosary at the funeral home at the request of the family. Four teams rotate preparing food. For ICC contact Juanita Resetar at 225.664.7097, or Tee Campagna at 225.664.8823. For MSH contact Janie Lott at 225.667.5052.
• Health Ministry: Our Parish Nurse leads this ministry. Activities include weekly blood pressure screenings, the annual Health Fair and other health educational opportunities. The parish nurse is also available for information, questions, and for resources as it relates to health issues. Contact Stephanie Gaudin, RN at the parish office, 225.665.5359 on Monday - Wednesday each week.
• Nursing Home/Assisted Living Visitation: Offer a hand of love and caring to our elderly. Services include Mass monthly, Rosary and Novena weekly, Communion service weekly, and visitation anytime. Gifts are given at Christmas and Easter. Services are offered to Catholic residents at Golden Age and Harvest Manor Nursing Homes and La Plantation and Southern Pines Retirement Centers. Contact Cookie Wesley at 225.664.5806.
• Prayer Line: Individual members of the Prayer Line offer intercessory prayers for the requests received. Prayer requests are not shared by anyone outside those who are offering prayers. Requests can be for any reason including but not limited to health, financial, emotional, and spiritual needs. Contact Sandra Spradley at 225.305.5535.
• Welcome Committee: This group greets and welcomes newcomers to our parish family. Responsibilities include making a few phone calls to chat with new residents, verifying that they received welcome packets, and sending an invitation to the all-new members’ dinner held in April/May. Contact the church office 225.665.5359 to join.

• Respect Life: We wish to raise the consciousness of the parish on life issues that impact the Christian community, through prayer, education, and political action. October is “Respect for Life” month and January is for the unborn and our stance against abortion. Every Friday at noon in the Adoration Chapel a pro-life rosary and chaplet for priests is prayed. The committee meets four times a year. Contact Elaine Matherne at 225.665.5359.

Worship - Goal: We are a place where people can come for communal and private prayer and active involvement in our Catholic faith and worship.

LITURGICAL MINISTRIES: 

• Environment: Volunteers are involved in the design of the environment in the church throughout the liturgical year. Responsibilities include hanging banners, setting up displays, and arranging plants and flowers around the altar. Additional volunteers are needed for the Christmas and Easter seasons.  Commitment may involve two to four hours during the day as needed seasonally. Contact Tonda Delahoussaye at 225.664.9617.
• Ladies Altar Guild: The purpose of the Altar Guild is to furnish all necessary altar linens, candles, hosts, wine, and vestments to be used at the altar, and to wash and iron church linens for Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and the Mission of the Sacred Heart. There is a rotating schedule for the linens. They also provide the white baptismal bib for each child receiving the sacrament of baptism. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month in the church hall at 9:00 a.m. You may join as an active or inactive member. Contact Sandy Thompson 225.241.9085.
• Mary’s Servants is a ‘prayer in action’ flower on the Tree of Worship. One group meets each Friday after the 8:30 morning Eucharist to clean the ‘house’, the church building. Friday is a day of penance; actions become prayers offered up as: penance, prayer for personal intentions, prayer for priests, and/or for special intentions. They vacuum, sweep, mop, clean bathrooms, clean windows-whatever is needed to make the Lord’s House welcoming. There are many specific housekeeping duties involved so if you have a preference and cannot participate on Friday, when possible, you could honor your commitment at a time convenient for you. Contact Gussie Davis at 225.572.3947.
• Adult Choir: The Adult Choir sings at the 9:00 a.m. Sunday Mass, Holy Days, the Easter Triduum, Midnight Mass and other special services. You may join the choir in August or January. Rehearsals are on Tuesdays from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Contact Christina Vallegjo at 225.588.4314.
• Children Choir: Children in grades 3 through 8 are invited to join the Children’s choir. The children sing the first Sunday of month at the 11:00 a.m. Mass. Rehearsals are on Wednesday from 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Contact Glen Forbes at 225.572-8461.
• Eucharistic Ministers: Men and women are appointed by the pastor and assist in the distribution of the precious Body and Blood of our Lord and Savior to the community. Must be 18 years of age or older, confirmed, and able to receive the Eucharist. Ministers are needed to take the Eucharist to the homebound and those in nursing homes in our parish on a weekly basis. Ministers serve on a rotating basis at the Mass they prefer. Eucharistic ministers are asked to volunteer to serve for Holy Days and weekday Masses. Training sessions are offered quarterly. Contact Sherry Leger or Deacon Rudy Stahl at 225.665.5359.
• Lectors: Lay Ministry of the Word is open to any parishioner who has been confirmed and able to receive Holy Communion. Ministers of the Word prepare each week to deliver the Word of our Lord at Mass. Lectors read the first or second readings each Sunday and on Holy Days of Obligation. Training workshops are offered quarterly. Contact Deacon Rudy Stahl or Sherry Leger at 225.665.5359.
• Sacristans: All of the activities of the Sacristan are behind-the-scenes setting up of the church, the altar and the offertory gifts. Sacristans also prepare the different vessels used in Holy Mass including the chalices and bowls as well as the linens used during Holy Communion. When the service is over, the Sacristan cleans the vessels and prepares for the next service. Sacristans are needed for both weekday and weekend liturgies. Training sessions are offered quarterly. Contact Deacon Rudy Stahl, or Sherry Leger at 225.665.5359.
• Servers: Boys and girls in grades 3 through 12 and any adult who has received Holy Communion may be altar servers. They assist at Saturday or Sunday masses, and they may be asked to assist at Masses on Holy Days of Obligation, weddings, funerals, and special celebrations. Servers take part in training sessions and in-service meetings during the year. If you are interested in this ministry, contact Deacon Rudy Stahl at 225.665.5359.
• Ushers/Greeters: Both men and women are invited to become ushers or greeters. Volunteers are ambassadors of good will. At Sunday Mass they greet churchgoers, make parish newcomers feel welcome, assist in seating the congregation, help the communion lines move smoothly, and see that the collection is passed in an orderly fashion. Contact Deacon Rudy Stahl at 225.665.5359.
• Funeral/Wake Servers: Men and women who are available during the daytime hours, generally, to assist in preparing the Church and altar serve at funeral and wake services. Training sessions are provided as needed. Contact Deacon Rudy Stahl at 225.665.5359.

• Soul Core:  is a contemporary new movement that pairs the prayers of the rosary with core strengthening, stretching, and full body exercises.  Soul Core is a sensory experience that combines candlelight and music, providing participants the opportunity to nourish body, mind, & soul while contemplating the mysteries and fruits of the rosary. The sessions are weekly on Wednesday mornings at 9:15 AM. Participants are asked to bring an exercise mat. For more information, please contact Amanda Milton at 225.938.5236 or [email protected]
• Cenacle Rosary: The Rosary is prayed with Cenacle prayers every Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Activity Center on Cockerham Rd. and is open to all parishioners. Please join us as we pray the rosary to honor Mary and nurture our growing dedication to the Will of God in our own lives. Contact Olan Hall at 225.590.4634. There is also a Sunday evening group open to all parishioners that meets at 6:00 p.m. Contact Glen Forbes at 225.324.5361 for the location.
• Perpetual Adoration: Perpetual Adoration Chapel is open to all parishioners. Its purpose is to adore the Blessed Sacrament on a continuous basis 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Those who sign up to spend one hour a week before the Blessed Sacrament in Immaculate Conception’s Chapel are asked to commit to the same hour each week. Two prayer partners are needed for each hour. Prayer partners, hourly coordinators and shift coordinators may be called upon in emergencies to insure perpetual coverage. Contact Allison Renfrow at 225.665.1424.