FDJ Teams
Informed by Catholic social teaching and the example of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the Faith Doing Justice Ministry at St. Mary Student Parish seeks to provide opportunities for students and parishioners to grow in faith and love through acts of justice and charity. Explore the ministry teams below to find a community where you can serve, learn, and grow.
Advocacy & Education
These ministry teams work to raise awareness, educate our community, and advocate for systemic change rooted in the Gospel and Catholic social teaching.
Anti-Racism Working Group
The St. Mary Student Parish Anti-Racism Working Group seeks concrete solutions to confront and dismantle racism through education, action, and accompaniment. Together, we hope to help create a Beloved Community in the image of Jesus’s love.
Contact: Julia Novotny ([email protected])
Immigration Team
Inspired by Pope Leo XIV, the United States Catholic Bishops, and Catholic social teaching, the Immigration Team supports and accompanies immigrants, refugees, and their families, and advocates for just immigration policies that affirm human dignity. The team also offers English as a Second Language (ESL) classes at St. Mary. The team meets monthly.
Contact for Immigration Team: Molly Mahony ([email protected])
Contact for ESL: Rosa Luz Postigo ([email protected])
Pro-Life Ministry
St. Mary Pro-Life Ministry is dedicated to protecting and promoting the sanctity of life in all stages through education and volunteer opportunities.
Contact: Fr. Kyle ([email protected])
Faith Doing Justice Team
The Faith Doing Justice Team comprises leaders of the many Faith Doing Justice ministries. The team meets monthly to share ministry specific updates and opportunities for collaboration, as well as inform the strategic direction of Faith Doing Justice.
Service & Meal Ministries
These teams respond to the call to feed the hungry and welcome the stranger through hands-on service in our local community.
Hope Clinic Meal Team
The Hope Clinic Meal Team prepares and serves a meal for clients at Hope Clinic on the second Thursday of each month. No previous experience required. Volunteer as you are able.
Contact: Julia Novotny ([email protected])
LABRE Student Ministry
Each Friday during the academic year, our University of Michigan students prepare a simple meal to share with our unhoused friends in the community.
Contact: Rebeca Calderon ([email protected])
Mercy House Meal Team
Each Saturday morning, the Mercy House Meal Team prepares meals and delivers them to individuals and families living in homes and hotels across Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and Superior Township.
Contact: Jessie Sahakian ([email protected])
Eucharistic Outreach Team
The Eucharistic Outreach Ministry, coordinated by Catholic Charities of Washtenaw County, trains parish volunteers to bring Holy Communion to the sick and isolated in care and correctional facilities around Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. Volunteers also pray with those whom they visit, share the Word of God, offer an attentive and compassionate presence, and lead or assist with Communion services. In doing so, volunteers help individuals maintain their connection to the local Catholic community.
Contact: Michelle Kazanjian at (734) 971-9781 ext. 338 or [email protected]
Community & Care
These ministry teams foster community, care for creation, and offer pastoral support and accompaniment to all who seek a place of belonging.
Care for Creation Team
The Care for Creation Team is a response to Pope Francis’ Encyclical, Laudato si: On Care for Our Common Home, and the Universal Apostolic Preference of the Society of Jesus to “Care for Our Common Home.” This team aims to inspire our St. Mary community in its own ecological conversion through educational initiatives, opportunities for prayer and reflection, outings which connect us with nature and each other, and advocacy. The team meets the third Wednesday of each month from 7–8:30pm.
Contact: Julia Novotny ([email protected])
LGBTQ Outreach Ministry
A community of care, support, formation, reconciliation, and witness to justice with and among gay and lesbian persons, parents, family members, and friends. Join for a private and confidential meeting on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month. An annual LGBTQ retreat is also organized.
Contact: Rodrigo ([email protected])
Contact: Cynthia ([email protected])