There are many ways to get involved as a fully engaged member of the community at St. Mary’s. Whether you’re looking for an opportunity to serve, or for a place to feel fulfilled and connected, we are ready and excited to help you find our place with us.
Connect with the St. Mary’s Community
Families: St. Mary’s welcomes families of all ages and compositions and we believe that a family that prays together, stays together. To that end our worship involves children of all ages along with adults and all aspects of our parish life are designed to meet the needs of all God’s children from age 3 to 93 and beyond. Our worship, fellowship times, steel band practices, and youth activities are all focused on engaging young people in a safe and loving environment. Blended families, non-traditional families, and families with children with special needs are welcome here and we hope that we can be a part of the joy you share together.
Twenties and Thirties Fellowship: Our 20s/30s group meets monthly in the evening for prayer, friendship, and a potluck supper and periodically throughout the year for other activities such as salsa dance. Contact fellow@stmarysdorchester.org for more information on gatherings and initiatives.
Fifty Plus Fellowship: Our 50+ group meets monthly for vibrant discussion, prayer, and food and drink. All adults 50 and older (they don’t check IDs!) are welcome.
Brunch Ministry and Hospitality Team: In addition to welcoming the community to worship each Sunday, the Hospitality Team is responsible for organizing everything from our weekly Sunday Brunch to our larger community events and celebrations. It is also actively involved in engaging new members of the parish and in finding ways for those members to be involved in parish life.
Altar Guild, LEM, & Readers: Serving during worship is not only a great way to form a deeper connection to St. Mary’s, it is vital to our Sunday services. Email rector@stmarysdorchester.org to get involved, or ask someone serving when you come in on Sunday who is in charge.
Serve Upham’s Corner, greater Boston, and beyond
Food Pantry: The food pantry runs every Tuesday from 9:30 to 11 am, supplying between 100 and 140 families and individuals with groceries. We welcome newcomers and visitors. To learn more about volunteer opportunities or to support the food pantry with food or monetary donations, contact rector@stmarysdorchester.org.
Steel Pans: The Heavenly Fire Steel Band is always looking for new members to join our music ministry! We rehearse every Sunday from 2-4pm.
Spanish Language Meetups: Our biweekly meetups and practice sessions are a lot of fun. Members of our bilingual church help bridge the language gap and empower neighbors to connect with each other.
Healing Ministry: Emerging out of contemplative Christian practices, we welcome parishioners and community members alike to gather for reconciliation and restoration.
Social Justice: We have an active Social Justice Team made up of parishioners and neighbors which focuses on issues central to Upham’s Corner. In the past, the group has hosted listening campaigns and thrown a neighborhood block party! We are a Level 1 Sanctuary Church, willing to house undocumented immigrants facing deportation. We also collaborate with other parishes in our Mission Hub area and work with community organizers on campaigns around voter registration and awareness as well as housing issues.