Ministries

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish hosts a variety of ministries that assist our parish, our community, and our world. Scroll through to learn more about some of the groups that work through and for the OLMC family. 
 

Education and Spiritual Development

Bereavement Ministry
This newly formed ministry focuses on supporting those who are grieving the loss of a loved one. A six-week workshop series will be offered twice a year. (currently not meeting)

Men’s Prayer Group
All men of the parish are invited to join together in prayer every Saturday morning.

Women’s Book Group
In today’s world, we seek to deepen our faith through the study of Church documents and Catholic writings. Each Monday morning, we meet to pray, discuss, and reflect.

Social Concerns and Caring

Christ calls us all to love our neighbors. As Catholics, we recognize the importance of serving our brothers and sisters. OLMC has been able to help those in need, and through the love of our parishioners and their desire to grow service to others, we will continue to be able to deliver these services. 

Paper/Cardboard/Clothing Recycling
As a part of our environmental campaign, parishioners are asked to drop off newspapers, magazines, etc. into the recycling bins located in our parking lot.

Sandwich Makers
Sandwich makers meet monthly to prepare food to be donated to St. Agnes/Our Lady of Fatima Outreach Meal Program in the inner city. Annually, they make 3,600 sandwiches. Project Hope for the Homeless in Painesville receives 360 hot meals.  

St. Vincent de Paul Outreach / Monday Night Meal / Christmas Giving Tree
One of our largest ministries, SVDP supports Wickliffe residents and families through a food pantry and other forms of assistance. Each Monday night, guests are invited to come pickup a hot meal to take home. The Food Pantry is open Thursdays at 5:00 PM. This ministry provides an opportunity to provide meals to all. Each year, many families are helped at Christmas thanks to your generosity from the Christmas Giving Tree.

Van Drivers (NOT OPERATING DUE TO COVID)
As an outreach to our seniors who are unable to obtain transportation to weekend services, we provide a free pickup service for 4:00 pm Saturday and 9:30 am Sunday Masses. If you are interested in driving the van or helping load passengers, we could use your help.

Wickliffe Knights of Columbus / Council #5405
Joining your local council of the Knights of Columbus can change your life. As a Knight, you have the opportunity to strengthen your parish, give back to your community, grow in your faith and gain exclusive access to our portfolio of top-quality insurance products to financially protect your family. Councils conduct many programs that support your parish and community.

Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to males 18 years of age or older who are practical (that is, practicing) Catholics. If you are interested in joining the Knights of Columbus, please contact any member of the Knights for information.  You can also  complete an online form, and a Knight in your area will contact you.

The Wickliffe Council #5405 meets every Second and Fourth Thursday of every Month at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, usually in the Peter Christopher room. The meetings start at approximately 7:30 pm.

Service to the Parish

OLMC has been a staple of the Wickliffe community since 1920. Through the generosity of our parishioners, we are able to supply our local Wickliffe family with opportunities to worship, serve, and learn. All families require the support and energy of its members. Consider joining us in helping to sustain our facilities and infrastructure.

Collection Counters
Every Monday members of this group gather to open and count the weekend collection.

Grounds Beautification
This seasonal group works to prepare, plant, and maintain our flower beds, shrubbery, etc. Their efforts help make OLMC a warm and inviting community and enhances the overall appearance of the property which is centrally located in the city. 

Finance Council
The Parish Finance Council is a consultative body that helps the pastor in the administration of parish property and goods, financial resources, buildings, and grounds. Members of the Finance Council provide expertise in finance, administration, business, and law. Membership is by appointment of the pastor. 

Music Ministry
The Music Ministry consists of multiple choirs and cantors that provide music for our weekend and special liturgies. They also put on a yearly Christmas Concert, which benefits our St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Pastoral Council
The Parish Pastoral Council is a consultative body that shares the responsibility with the pastor in setting the direction of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish. The Council seeks to listen to the Holy Spirit to discern what is best for the community in light of the Gospel, the Church’s teaching, and the needs of the people.

Parish Life and Community

Beyond worshiping together, OLMC provides all parishioners and guests opportunities to grow together in a community of faith. Groups and ministries are available for all ages. In the words of our pastor, Fr. Behrend,
“You are strangers until you come into our doors. Then you are part of our family!”

Isabella Guild
The women’s auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus (Isabella Guild) serves to: provide for the general welfare of its members, both socially and spiritually; promote Catholic action and education; and to engage in charitable works.

Legion of Mary
These dedicated women visit the homebound of our parish and also visit the local nursing homes to provide caring conversation and Eucharist for those who wish and are able to receive.

Mt. Carmel Players
The Mt. Carmel Players is the only local parish-sponsored performing arts group in the area. The history of the Mt. Carmel Players extends back over 50 years and they are always looking for an extra hand or voice to join them. (currently not meeting)

Mt. Carmel Society
The mission of the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Society is to promote the practice of Christian life and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary through prayer, (especially the rosary) and to support the Church through creative fundraising projects.

The Mt. Carmel Society was founded in 1926 by six ladies of the parish.  Twice yearly, the Mt. Carmel Society hosts a traditional spaghetti dinner sale. Three times a year, we hold bake sales. All proceeds from our fundraising efforts are donated to the parish. 

We meet the first Tuesday of the month (with the exception of July, August, December and January) in the Peter Christopher room at 7:00 pm. Meetings open with prayer, continue with the chaplet and end each meeting by praying the rosary. For more information, please contact TJ DeBaltzo at 216-262-1422. All ladies are welcome to come to a meeting and check us out!  

Parish Festival
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel’s annual summer festival is an important local event hosted by our parish. It is our biggest fundraiser for the year and all work (food, set-up, break-down, etc.) is done by parish volunteers. It is a wonderful way to gather with friends for the good of the parish.

Thanksgiving Brunch
This event is scheduled each year after Thanksgiving morning after 8:30 am Mass. It is a buffet style brunch hosted by parishioners to promote community and thanksgiving for the many gifts God has bestowed on all of us.