Ministries & Organizations
Serving Together in Faith
Discover how our parish family grows through ministry, service, and fellowship.
At IHM, ministries and organizations are at the heart of our community life. They give us opportunities to live out our faith, serve others, and grow together as the Body of Christ. Each ministry provides a unique way to share our gifts, whether through prayer, service, fellowship, or education.
This page highlights the many groups within our parish family, each dedicated to building up the Church and supporting one another in faith. We invite you to explore, get involved, and discover where God may be calling you to serve. Whether you are looking for spiritual enrichment, outreach opportunities, or simply a way to connect with others, there is a place for you here.
Ministries:
A Brush with Our Lady Icon Group
A prayerful community where members create sacred icons of Our Lady and other holy figures, combining art and faith to grow closer to Christ and one another.
Contact: Maureen Connolly — text 505-660-8602
Adoration Ministry
The Adoration Ministry is dedicated to fostering love for the Eucharist through prayer and adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. Parishioners commit to spending time with the Lord, ensuring that He is never alone and that our community is continually lifted in prayer.
Contacts: Erik Haroz — (505) 662-6193; Email: adoration@ihmcc.org
Altar Flowers
The Altar Flowers Ministry beautifies our worship space by arranging fresh flowers for the altar and sacred areas throughout the liturgical year. Through their creativity and care, ministry members honor God’s creation and help uplift the spiritual atmosphere for all who attend Mass. For any questions, please
Contact: the Parish Office, (505)662-6193
Altar Servers & Acolytes
Altar Servers assist the priest during Mass and other liturgical celebrations, helping create a prayerful and reverent environment. Serving at the altar is a special way for youth and adults to grow in faith, learn about the Mass, and participate more fully in the life of the Church.
Please contact Caren Stephens for the Altar Servers, (505)662-7773, dre@ihmcc.org. With any questions about acolytes, please contact the office.
Choir
Saturday 5:00 PM Contemporary Choir:
Vocal & instrumental ensemble blending traditional & contemporary pieces.
Contact: Lindsey Bezek; lindseybezek@gmail.com
Sunday 9:00 AM Traditional Choir focusing on traditional sacred music and SATB choral selections.
Contact: Jerry Morzinski, jamcjl@gmail.com
Children’s Choir: Sunday 9:00 AM: 1st Sundays of the month; 2nd grade & older - introducing young singers to music for Mass with traditional favorites alongside newer songs.
Contact: Caren Stephens, dre@ihmcc.org
Sunday 5:00 PM Youth Choir: High School/college - contemporary choir focused on modern sacred music and praise & worship.
Contact: Nick Denissen nick.denissen@gmail.com
Coffee & Donuts
Join us for coffee and donuts after the 9 AM Mass.
Enjoy good company and conversation in the parish hall.
If you’d like to help with Coffee and Donuts, please call the parish office to volunteer. (505)662-6193
Dominican Laity
More informationThe Dominican Laity are lay members of the Order of Preachers who live out the Dominican charism through prayer, study, community, and apostolic work. Rooted in the Gospel and inspired by St. Dominic, they seek to deepen their faith and share the truth of Christ in their daily lives.
Contact: Carolyn Connor, st-albert-lay-dominicans-contact@googlegroups.com, with any questions.
Family Life Ministry
The Family Life Ministry supports and strengthens families through faith-based programs, fellowship, and service. By nurturing relationships and promoting Christian values, the ministry helps families grow closer to God and to one another in every stage of life.
Contact Megan Lausen, megs551@yahoo.com, or Jessica Booton, cjbooton@gmail.com
Extraordinary Ministers
Extraordinary Ministers assist the priest and deacon in distributing the Body and Blood of Christ during Mass and, when needed, bring Communion to the sick and homebound. Through their service, they help foster reverence, unity, and love for the Eucharist within the parish community.
Contact: Tom Bowles - tom_bowles@comcast.net
FIAT Women's Group
More InformationAll women are welcome! Meetings on the first Saturday of each month, 7:30–8:45 a.m. for food, fellowship, and small group discussion. Current study information may be accessed on the calendar.
For reminders and updates, contact Gloria Dunning, djgdunning@comcast.net or Mary Ann Stroud, stroud@cybermesa.com
Gardening Committee
The Gardening Committee cares for the parish grounds by planting, watering, and maintaining flowers, trees, and landscaping throughout the seasons. Their work helps create a welcoming and beautiful environment for prayer and community gatherings.
Committee Leader: Ruth Doyle — 505-695-9355 | nmrad00@gmail.com Please contact her with any questions or if you’d like to help care for our parish gardens.
Home School Co-op
The Homeschool Co-op brings together families who educate their children at home to share faith, learning, and community. Through group activities, classes, and parish involvement, the co-op supports both parents and students in growing academically and spiritually.
Contact: Jessica Boston — cjbooton@gmail.com
Please reach out to her with any questions or for more information.
Lectors
Lectors proclaim the Word of God during Mass and other liturgical celebrations, helping the congregation encounter Scripture with clarity and reverence. This ministry is open to those who wish to grow in their faith and share God’s message through the power of His Word.
Contact: Rebecca Hehl (rebecca.hehl@nyu.edu)
Please reach out with any questions or if you’re interested in serving as a lector.
Library
The Parish Library offers a variety of books and resources to help parishioners grow in faith, prayer, and understanding of the Church. Everyone is welcome to browse, borrow, and enjoy materials that inspire spiritual growth and lifelong learning.
Contact: Tina Syzmanski, ihmlib3700@gmail.com — Please reach out to the parish office for more information or to volunteer with the library.
Martha's Ministry
Martha’s Ministry serves the parish by caring for the sacred linens used during Mass. Members reverently wash, iron, and prepare altar cloths, purificators, and other linens to ensure the sanctuary is always clean and beautiful for worship.
Please contact the parish office for more information or to volunteer with Martha’s Ministry.
Sacred Heart Ladies Auxiliary
The Sacred Hearts Ladies Auxiliary supports the parish and community through service, prayer, and fellowship. Members assist with parish events, charitable projects, and spiritual activities that reflect devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. They also host a pancake breakfast on the last Sunday of each month.
Contact: Pam Weiss — (609) 432-0259 | jetsmom41@gmail.com
Please contact Pam for more information or to join the Ladies Auxiliary.
Ushers
Ushers warmly welcome parishioners and visitors, assist with seating, collect the offertory, and help maintain a respectful and prayerful environment during Mass. Their service ensures that each liturgy flows smoothly and that everyone feels at home in our parish community.
Contact: Charles Richardson — 505-662-9894 | curly_richardson@yahoo.com
Please reach out to him with any questions or if you’re interested in serving as an usher in Los Alamos and White Rock.
Corporal/ Spiritual Works of mercy
Christian Concern Committee
The CCC is a group that helps people in need in Los Alamos and Northern New Mexico. All donations go directly to help with food, rent, utilities, medicine, and other expenses.
You can give anytime online or during the quarterly yellow-envelope collections.
Your generosity makes this work possible. To learn more, contact Nancy Arendt, 5052499641
Eucharistic for Home Bound
This ministry brings the comfort and presence of Christ in the Eucharist to parishioners who are unable to attend Mass due to illness, age, or other circumstances. Ministers visit homes, hospitals, and care facilities, offering prayer, companionship, and a vital connection to the parish community.
Contact: Mary Ann Stroud — stroud@cybermesa.com | 505-930-0800
Please reach out to her with any questions or if you’re interested in serving in this ministry.
Homeless Bags
Immaculate Heart of Mary’s Homeless Bag Ministry reaches out to those experiencing homelessness by providing care bags filled with practical and spiritual items. These bags offer comfort, nourishment, and a reminder of God’s love to those in need. Each one contains nonperishable snacks, water, socks, toiletries, pain relievers, a Rosary, a Divine Mercy Prayer Card, and information on local shelters and services.
Bags are available in the narthex at IHM. Parishioners are encouraged to take a few and share them with people in need during trips to Albuquerque or Santa Fe along with a kind word and a smile that reminds them they are seen and loved.
How You Can Help
We assemble about 200 bags each quarter and rely on donations to make this ministry possible. Our greatest needs include socks, toiletries, and nonperishable snacks. Please bring donated items to the collection box in the Parish Hall.
Items Needed:
- Socks
- Baby wipes (small packets)
- Toothbrushes & toothbrush caps
- Toothpaste (travel size)
- Shampoo & conditioner (travel size)
- Lotion & sunblock (travel size)
- Soap
- Pain relievers (Advil or Tylenol packets)
- Band-Aids
- Beef jerky, fruit snacks, soft granola bars
- 8 oz bottle of water
- Vienna sausages
- Rosaries & Divine Mercy prayer cards
- Business cards for CFRs and shelters
- Ziplock bags (quart and sandwich)
- Hand warmers
- Toilet paper
- Laundry soap (single load)
- Hats and scarves
For more information or to help at our next bag-stuffing event, please contact the Greg Erpenbeck, (505)660-1678.
Loaves & Fishes
The Loaves and Fishes ministry helps Bienvenidos
Outreach Inc. of Santa Fe feed the hungry.
When: 2nd Sunday of each month
Time: After the 9:00 a.m. Mass
Where: Parish Hall
Main Contact: Stacy McLaughlin
The Loaves and Fishes ministry helps Bienvenidos Outreach Inc. of Santa Fe feed the hungry. They meet the 2nd Sunday of every month after the 9:00 a.m. Mass in the Parish Hall.
The group’s first objective is to make as many sack lunches as their food resources allow.
Each sack lunch (generally around 120) includes a sandwich, drink, cookies, fruit, & chips. In the hot summer months, this group also provides a large salad (green salad or pasta), and hard-boiled eggs. They also have either iced tea or lemonade to quench the thirst.
The second objective is to have these delicious sack lunches in Santa Fe no later than 12 noon to distribute to the homeless and needy.
An assembly of sandwich makers and sack lunch stuffers are in high gear on the 2nd Sunday of each month after the 9:00 a.m. mass in the Parish Hall. Please feel free to stop by and lend a hand. Any and all help is greatly appreciated.
For more information, please contact: Stacy McLaughlin, anastasia_mclaughlin@yahoo.com
My Brother's Keeper
My Brother’s Keeper is an international group making sleeping bags for the homeless from recycled materials. We are in continuous need of used/old/slightly-damaged blankets, quilts, mattress pads, sheets, heavy fabrics (draperies, double knit, corduroy, etc. for outer coverings). Please bring to IHM Main Office at any time or to St. Joseph’s. We meet at St. Joseph’s Hall on Friday mornings from 9:00-11:30 a.m.
For more information contact Bridget Willson (505-709-7730).Thank you!
Prayer Chain
The Prayer Chain Ministry offers spiritual support for those in need through the power of prayer. Members unite in prayer for parishioners, families, and friends who request intentions, bringing comfort and hope to those facing challenges.
Contact: Lucille Kleczka — 505-672-1532
Please contact Lucille with any prayer requests or to join the Prayer Chain Ministry.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
The Prayer Shawl Ministry combines prayer and creativity to provide handmade shawls, blankets, and other items to those in need of comfort and healing. Each piece is lovingly crafted and blessed, serving as a reminder of God’s care and the parish’s prayers for those who receive them.
Contact: Jackie Petersen — 505-660-3290 | Jackiepete1@gmail.com
Please reach out to Jackie with any questions or to help create or deliver shawls.
Engagement
Finance Council
The Finance Council assists the pastor in overseeing the parish’s financial health by reviewing budgets, monitoring expenses, and providing guidance on stewardship and resource management. Members help ensure transparency, accountability, and the responsible use of parish funds in support of the Church’s mission.
Contact: Zeke Aragon — 505-672-3002 | zekearagon@msn.com
Please reach out to Zeke with any questions or for more information about the Finance Council.
Knights of Columbus
The Knights of Columbus is a fraternal organization of Catholic men dedicated to charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. Members support the parish and local community through service projects, charitable works, and spiritual growth. The Knights strive to put faith into action while building fellowship among men of the Church.
Grand Knight: Charles Richardson — 505-662-9894 | curly_richardson@yahoo.com
Please contact Charles for more information or to learn how to join the Knights of Columbus.
Little Flowers Girls' Club
The Little Flowers Girls’ Club helps young girls grow in faith, friendship, and virtue through fun activities, crafts, and lessons inspired by the lives of the saints. Guided by the virtues of the Church and the example of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, members learn to love and serve God in their daily lives.
Contact: Gina Peterson — 505-695-9305
Please reach out to Gina for more information or to join the Little Flowers Girls’ Club.
Natural Family Planning-Fertility Care
The Natural Family Planning (NFP) and FertilityCare Ministry provides education and support for couples seeking to understand and appreciate their fertility through Church-approved methods. Using the Creighton Model System, this ministry helps couples live out God’s plan for marriage, health, and family life in harmony with faith and respect for life.
Contact: Leslie Esquibel — Leslie.esquibel@comcast.net
Please reach out to Leslie for more information or to schedule an introductory session.
Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos
Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos, meaning “Our Little Brothers and Sisters,” supports orphaned and vulnerable children in Latin America and the Caribbean by providing them with a safe home, education, and loving community. Our parish partners with NPH through prayer, fundraising, and awareness efforts to share God’s love and hope with these children.
Contact: Cheryl Wampler — 505-699-9580
Please reach out to Cheryl for more information or to learn how you can support NPH.
Pastoral Council
The Pastoral Council is an advisory Council for the Pastor of the parish. The primary purpose of the Council is to consider matters related to the activity and Pastoral needs of the Parish, and to formulate practical conclusions concerning them. The Council is a consultative body primarily made up of leadership of the ministries and organizations that are part of the Parish.
Contact: Main Office 505-662-6193; ihm@ihmcc.org
Please call the Parish Office with comments, questions, or suggestions.
St. Joseph's Helpers
St. Joseph’s Helpers assist with maintenance and repair projects around the parish, helping care for the church buildings and grounds. Inspired by St. Joseph’s example of humble service and craftsmanship, members use their time and skills to keep our parish safe, functional, and welcoming.
Contact: John Bernardin — moxyboy6@yahoo.com
Please reach out to John for more information or to volunteer with St. Joseph’s Helpers.
Teams of Our Lady (TOOLS)
Teams of Our Lady is a ministry for married couples who want to grow in faith and strengthen their relationship. Small groups of couples and a spiritual advisor meet once a month to share a meal, pray, and talk about living a Christian marriage. The goal is to help couples grow closer to each other and to God through prayer, friendship, and support.
Contacts: Greg and Heather Erpenbeck — earpg@aol.com

