Peer Ministry

>EUCHARISTIC CELEBRATIONS
 We are a Eucharistic People.  Because the Eucharist is the source and summit of Catholic life we celebrate together as a community about 12 times a calendar year for all holy days of obligation, as well as other special occasions during the year.  In addition, classes celebrate small liturgical services on a rotating basis.  Eucharist is reserved in our chapel for adoration throughout the school day and groups of parents and/or students gather there on occasions for shared prayer.

>RECONCILIATION
Chaplains are available to hear confessions as needed, and a communal service of God’s mercy is celebrated during the penitential season of Lent.

>EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
Called forth by God and affirmed by their teachers and pastors, seniors undertake Diocesan Training and serve as Eucharistic Ministers and as presiders of prayer during the holyseasons of Advent and Lent.  Eucharistic Ministers prepare and preside over these small prayer groups.

>PEER MINISTRY
Peer Ministers have the opportunity to be a positive and supportive influence in the life of our school community.  By living as Christian role models to their fellow students, to their teachers, to their families, and to the wider community, they serve to further the Kingdom of God on earth; sharing in the healing and teaching ministry of Jesus in their very lives.  Each spring sophomores and juniors apply to Peer Ministry by completing the application packet and interviewing with a campus minister.  With approval of the teaching staff, they are invited to commit themselves to one year of Peer Ministry.  They continue their own spiritual growth through prayer and retreats.

Peer Ministry Board 2007-2008

Seniors: Kristen Berzonsky, Molly Breiding, Michael Kovarik, Mtich Maggio, Cassandra Manna and Amy Smith

Juniors: Maddie Baugh, Kristen Bennett, Beth Breiding, Jill Brownfield, Nick Corpas, and Vince Pelini

>LIVING STATIONS

Eucharistic Ministers lead this community in the prayer of the church for Lent. Through role playing the Passion of Jesus, they lead us to prepare for the holiest celebration of the church year: The Triduum of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter.

>RETREATS
• Freshman & Sophomore classes attend a one-day experience at one of the area Metro Parks.
• Juniors spend a 24-hour overnight experience at Villa Maria Retreat Center, at the Humility of Mary Motherhouse.
• Seniors spend 72 hours together at Loyola of the Lakes engaged in an Anam Cara experience in Irish Spirituality.  This conversion retreat provides a suitable conclusion to their four years of St. Vincent – St. Mary, the home of the Irish! • All students may attend the 24-hour Wilderness Retreat at Camp Christopher enjoying the gifts of the Creator.
• St. Brigid’s Fire Service club spends a day at Loyola of the Lakes Retreat Center reflecting on their service to the “least of Jesus’ brothers and sisters.”
• Peer Ministers gather each year just before the beginning of the school year to prepare for their year of service through prayer and reflection together.
• Nazareth Farm Retreat:  A group of seniors travel to the hills of Appalachia to serve the poorest among us in prayer, community, and simplicity.

> ADOPT-A-FAMILY/ADOPT-A-BABY

During the seasons of Advent and Lent, the Peer Ministers lead the community in the charitable giving that involves us with outside agencies and the poor.  Gathering gifts for Christmas and for newborn babies the entire school joins in helping the least among us.

Big Brothers & Sisters/Freshman Mixer

Peer Ministers reach out to the newest members of our community with a welcome to the Irish Family.

Food Drives:

Throughout the year we contribute to the food pantry of local food banks to provide for those unable to do so for themselves.