Parish Ministry Name: Legion of Mary
Coordinator’s Name: Rhoda Nicola
Coordinator’s Contact Info (Phone & email): 816-454-8633
Ministry Description: The Legion of Mary, under the standard of Mary, is a Catholic family organization of lay Catholics who become instruments of the Holy Spirit through prayer and work. Active members of the Legion of Mary meet weekly in a family setting for a prayerful meeting, and do two hours of active work in a spirit of prayer and in union with Mary, our Mother. Auxiliary Members of the Legion of Mary Pray the Rosary and a few additional prayers daily.
Brief History of Group: The object of the Legion of Mary is the glory of God through the holiness of its members developed by prayer and active co-operation, under ecclesiastical guidance, in Mary's and the Church's work of crushing the head of the serpent and advancing the reign of Christ.
The Legion of Mary is the largest apostolic organization of lay people in the Catholic Church, with about 3 million active members in almost every country of the world. The Legion of Mary has been active in the United States (USA) since 1931, has been approved by 7 Popes, and was endorsed by the Second Vatican Council. The main purpose of the Legion of Mary is to give glory to God through the sanctification of its members.
Members of the Legion of Mary become instruments of the Holy Spirit through a balanced program of prayer and service in a family atmosphere. Works include door-to-door evangelization, parishioner visitation, visitation of the sick or aged, Catholic education, visiting the newly baptized, visiting families, and meeting the other spiritual needs of the parish community. Legionaries are under the guidance of a spiritual director named by the pastor. The Legion of Mary is, in essence, an extension of the heart and hands of the pastor.
Members meet weekly for prayer, planning and discussion in a family setting. Then members do two hours of definite work each week in pairs and under the guidance of their spiritual director.
The Legion of Mary is open to all Catholics who:
faithfully practice their religion;
are animated by the desire to fulfil their role in the Catholic Church's apostolate through membership of the Legion;
are prepared to fulfil each and every duty which active membership of the Legion involves.
Usual Meeting Date and Time: Meetings are held 11:00 A.M. to 12 Noon every Thursday St. Andrew’s Father Pilecki Room, Gladstone, MO.
Activities:
bring communion to and pray rosary with seniors who live in senior facilities
door to door evangelization
pray for intentions
Personal Testimonies: The Legion has given me a home away from home and a welcoming family. It is refreshing to have warm friends with the same spiritual guidance and giving hearts. They allow the Virgin Mary to be our guiding light. Michelle Scherder