Ministries at St. Raymond de Penafort

St. Raymond de Penafort Parish is a vibrant community where service is deeply woven into the fabric of parish life. With over 50 ministries, the parish stands out for its commitment to living out the gospel in ways that impact both the local community and the wider world. Kathy Nuelle, the Development and Engagement Coordinator, and Sharon Moeykens, the Director of Lifelong Faith Formation, share insights into what makes St. Raymond’s ministries unique.

Ministries that Shine

One of the most remarkable aspects of St. Raymond’s is the way parishioners have responded to the needs of immigrant refugees. As part of their Lenten Mission, the parish partnered with Exodus World Service to help welcome two refugee families, with small groups of parishioners stepping up to prepare their apartments and offer support. “Our parishioners have been incredibly generous, both with their time and finances,” says Nuelle. The hope is to expand this partnership into a new ministry. "It’s truly inspiring to see how our community comes together to serve those in need."

Another ministry that has flourished is the Racial Justice Ministry, which was developed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moeykens explains, “A graduate of Notre Dame working toward her MDiv, who was back home due to the pandemic, felt a strong calling to create a space for dialogue around racial justice. This ministry has become a place of hospitality and ongoing learning, meeting monthly to discuss articles, books, and films.”

St. Raymond’s also has a longstanding commitment to service ministries. For over 30 years, the parish has partnered with St. Mark Lutheran Church for the PADs ministry, providing food and volunteers to support 30-50 homeless individuals on Monday nights. Nuelle highlights the success of this collaboration: “It’s been a wonderful partnership with St. Mark’s, and our parishioners are deeply committed to this work.”

The parish’s Rosary Makers ministry is another example of dedication and service. For three decades, they have crafted over 10,930 rosaries, which have been sent to countries like Nicaragua, Ukraine, and Haiti, as well as local hospitals. “These rosaries have touched lives all over the world,” Nuelle notes.

A Culture of Service

The longevity of these ministries is a testament to the parishioners’ devotion. Nuelle, who has been a parishioner for 25 years and in her current staff position for a year, observes, “So many people are devoted to their service. We have 75- and 80-year-olds running ministries out of love for what they do, which kept these ministries alive during Covid. It’s very fulfilling and important to them.”

Moeykens, who has worked at St. Raymond’s for five years and recently became a parishioner, adds, “This parish is inspiring. While some parishes focus on internal conversion, St. Raymond’s balances that with taking the love of Christ out into the community. We offer so many opportunities for both spiritual growth and service, and we’re always open to new initiatives.”

St. Raymond’s is also focused on engaging young people and families in service. “We’re seeing a lot of young parents and families eager to be involved,” says Moeykens. “Service is an easy entry point for them, and our goal is to get them involved in service and then help them grow spiritually.”

A Welcoming Community

Both Nuelle and Moeykens emphasize the welcoming and inclusive nature of the parish. “It is a blessing to be in this position, to try to make a difference in the parish and keep these ministries going,” says Nuelle. Moeykens adds, “This is a very unique parish. You have to come and immerse yourself in it to fully appreciate and see the vision. Plus, I have so much fun here!”

With a commitment to service, community, and faith, St. Raymond de Penafort Parish continues to be a beacon of light and hope, making a profound impact both within and beyond its parish boundaries.