Adult Faith Formation - Several adult faith formation programs in English are offered throughout the year. Our regular gatherings occur during the hours children receive religious education: Sundays from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. Other special events will occur occasionally—check the bulletin and parish website for details. You do not have to register to attend most of our sessions. Show up and grow in your faith.
Ministry Leader: Drew Denton, (404) 636-1418, Ext. 223
Girls of Grace - Calling all middle school ladies! Come and join us for an afternoon of girl time! In this small group, we socialize, create and deepen friendships, and learn our calling as young Catholic ladies. We start the evening at 4:30 p.m. with a snack and social time, followed by a short devotional and discussion. The group will meet in the church's Lower Level and finishes at 5:30 p.m. Don't miss out on our relaxed, fun gathering!
Ministry Leader: Michele McPheely, (404) 636-1418
IHM School - Immaculate Heart of Mary School was established 1958 as a parish school. IHM School is an Archdiocesan Catholic school that serves a diverse population of students from Kindergarten through Grade 8. As a diverse Catholic Christian community, IHM School models Gospel values while striving to achieve excellence to develop positive, productive Christians serving society. In 2009, the school was recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Education. To learn more about our parish school, please visit www.ihmschool.org.
Principal: Laura Cichanski, (404) 636-4488 or lcichanski@ihmschool.org
Liturgy of the Word for Children (LOWC) - Children 4-7 years old are invited to participate in the LOWC offered at the 9:00 a.m. Mass on Sundays during the school year. The Liturgy of the Word for Children provides an alternative and a more hands-on approach to understanding the gospel message for children. The children participate in the introductory rites of the Mass with their family, leave before the first reading, and return to their parents for the Liturgy of the Eucharist. There is no registration required. Your child needs to come forward when the priest or deacon calls them.
Ministry Leader: Drew Denton, (404) 636-1418, Ext. 223
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (R.C.I.A.) - RCIA is the ancient process by which individuals learn more about the Catholic way of life. This process is for those adults who are not baptized or were baptized in other Christian traditions. RCIA provides preparation for full participation in the sacramental life of the church. Our English RCIA group meets on Wednesdays in the lower level from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. If you're already a practicing Catholic, we invite you to join the group as a sponsor, a catechist, or simply a welcoming presence.
Ministry Leader: Drew Denton, (404) 636-1418, Ext. 223
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults Adapted for Children - This process is for children over the age of seven who wish to receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist, or for teenagers (Grades 10-12) who have been baptized but have not yet received their First Communion. Two years of regular, grade-level religious education and one year of monthly sacramental preparation sessions are required. These sessions take place on the second Wednesday night of each month and are designed for parents and students to attend together.
Ministry Leader: Drew Denton, (404) 636-1418, Ext. 223
School of Religion (Growing in Faith Together-G.I.F.T.) - G.I.F.T. is our parish faith formation program for children in grades K-5. Our program is designed to reinforce and support parents in their role as the primary catechists of their children. Classes occur on Sunday mornings from 10:15 to 11:15 or on Sunday evenings from 6:15 to 7:30. You can find the registration forms in the church's gathering space, online, or in the parish office. Registration begins in April, and classes start in August. We always welcome new catechists and assistants. Don't hesitate to get in touch with us!
Ministry Leader: Drew Denton, (404) 636-1418, Ext. 223
Scripture Study - Do you long to deepen your prayer at Sunday Mass? Do you want a more vital understanding of the Bible? Thursday, the Scripture group will meet those longings. Each Sunday's Scripture readings are explored through lecture presentations and group discussions. The classes are presented in English and are open to everyone in the parish. Come by once a month or every Thursday. The classes meet on Thursday mornings at 9:30 a.m. or Thursday evenings at 7:00 p.m. in the church's lower level and are led by Dr. Louanne Bachner. Classes start in September.
Ministry Leader: Louanne Bachner
Sponsor Couple Ministry for the Engaged – The sponsor couple ministry is a couple-to-couple approach to marriage preparation. A husband and wife become sponsors for a couple engaged to be married. Together, the couples explore the realities of married life through reflection and dialogue with a sponsored couple already living in a Christian Marriage. The couple-to-couple parish-based ministry can more easily cater to the individual needs or interests of the engaged couple. The couples meet together for a series of five to six meetings. They are always looking for new sponsor couples. The members of this ministry must be couples who have been married for at least five years.
Ministry Leaders: Everett and Jaymee Morris.
Vacation Bible School - IHM hosts a weeklong Vacation Bible School each summer. Adult and teen volunteers are needed for this week of fun and learning.
Ministry Leader: Drew Denton, (404) 636-1418, Ext. 223 or vbs@ihmatlanta.org
Youth Ministry - At IHM, we enjoy working with young people and want to enable them to live as disciples through their involvement in ministry and leadership. At the heart of our youth ministry is the presence of caring and supportive relationships where youth experience the love of God. Our programs, EDGE (6th- 8th graders) and Life Teen (9th- 12th graders) are designed to lead teens closer to Christ.
EDGE and Life Teen meet on Sunday evenings at 6:15 p.m., immediately following the 5:00 p.m. Life Teen Mass. Teens are encouraged to serve and attend the 5:00 p.m. Mass. Ministry positions needed for the Life Teen Mass are Altar Servers, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Lectors, Ministers of Hospitality, and musicians and singers for the Life Teen Band.
We are also seeking adults (18 years and older) to become part of our core team and join us on this exciting journey. No experience is necessary! Training is provided to learn best practices in youth ministry, from leading a small group to chaperoning retreats. Please prayerfully consider becoming an active member of our Youth Ministry!
Ministry Leader: Michele McPheely, (404) 636-1418, Ext. 222