We're glad you asked!  Each month we'll post some ideas related to the intentions for that month.  You may have other ideas.  We'd love to hear them!  Send one of us an email:

• Vicki Ramsey - St. Mary, Urbana:  [email protected]
• Melissa Jessen - St. Mary, Vinton:  [email protected]
• Joyce Conrad - Sacred Heart, Walker:  [email protected]
• Marcia Reilly - [email protected]

Intentions:  Those experiencing homelessness | People who have had to relocate and leave behind family and friends

Possible Actions:
© Sign up to be part of the group of parishioners from the Heart of Mary cluster that provide a meal once a month to the residents at the Catholic Worker House in Cedar Rapids.  Contact Deb Ford ([email protected]) or Vicki Ramsey ([email protected]) to learn more.
© Families of students in our Faith Formation classes are collecting items to put in blessing bags for the homeless in Cedar Rapids.  The bags will be given to Metro Catholic Outreach who will distribute them to those in need. 
© Donate items to the food pantries at Sacred Heart or St. Mary, Urbana or to the Vinton Food Pantry.
© Cleaning closets?  Out shopping and spot a deal to good to pass up, but you don’t really need one more fleece blanket or a new winter coat?  Find out if a local shelter has any specific needs.  The Catherine McAuley Center in Cedar Rapids is accepting cold weather clothing through Dec. 15.  Call ahead at 319-200-5067 to schedule your drop-off during their business hours.
© Notice a new family in your neighborhood? Introduce yourself and welcome them to the   community.  Make them some Christmas cookies!  Inquire if they need help finding services or         referrals for doctors, dentists, mechanics, or babysitters! 
© Invite an individual or family that is new to the area to join you for Mass.
© PRAY for those who are homeless and those who are away from family and friends.  

Intentions:  All those who grieve the loss of loved ones, and especially survivors of suicide.

Possible Actions:
© Make a point to attend the visitation services and/or funerals of fellow parishioners, neighbors, etc.
© Offer to help with funeral luncheons.  Provide a salad or dessert or help the day of the luncheon.  Call the parish office to learn more about this ministry. 
© Send a card to let the family know you are praying for them and their loved one.  If you knew the person well, share a favorite memory. 
© Call or drop a note to family members on significant dates: birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, the anniversary of the person’s death, etc. 
© Learn more about the indicators of suicide and where to go for help. 
© Attend Matt Betterton’s talk “It’s OK to not be OK” on Nov. 29.
© If you would be interested in helping start a bereavement ministry in our cluster, please talk to Marcia.
©PRAY for all those who have died and for those who mourn their deaths.

Intentions:  Couples facing unexpected pregnancies | Babies at risk | Those who have lost a child through miscarriage or stillbirth | Couples struggling with infertility | Those impacted by abortion
 
Possible Actions:
© Participate in our Social Justice Committee’s drive for donations for Birthright.  A list of items needed can be found in the bulletin or on our website: https://heartofmary.org/social-justice. 
© Be generous later this month when a Knight offers you a rose for Respect Life month.  The money they collect also goes to Birthright.
© Prayerfully consider taking the training for Behold Your Child ministry.
© Share an applicable CareNote with a friend or family member.  Take one for yourself too!
© Pass on the information about resources highlighted on this page to someone who may be looking for support.  Encourage them to reach out for help.  Or, if you’re the one needing support, make that phone call!
© As Fr. Jim often says, “Lots of times we might be the only one who knows what we’re going through.”  If a person seems down or out-of-sorts, show them some extra kindness and love.
© PRAY for all those included in our monthly intentions.

Intention:  Those suffering from major or chronic illnesses as well as those experiencing the debilitating effects of aging.
 
Possible Actions:
© Visit someone who is sick or in a care center.
© Sign up to be part of our parish Prayer Chains.
© Be commissioned to take Holy Communion to the Homebound.
© Prepare a homemade meal for a family that has someone who is sick.
© Offer to rake leaves or do other yardwork for an elderly person.
© PRAY for those who are sick.