Altar Society

St. Martin of Tours Altar Society is a service organization with the mission to coordinate many ongoing projects that fill the needs of our Parish and to represent our Parish in the community for the honor and glory of God. Our primary service is the care of the Altar and Sanctuary. We are specifically dedicated to maintaining the Altar and related ceremonial objects used during worship; essentially serving the needs of our parish community by caring for the liturgical space. Altar flowers are lovingly chosen and arranged with care, purchased with money received from donations and fundraisers.  Baptismal bibs, embroidered by volunteers and given to all babies as they are baptized, also paid with donations and fundraising money. Altar Linen Care, including Vestment Care is part of our ministry. This sacred ministry can be a blessing to those parishioners who choose to volunteer. If you feel inclined to help with altar linen care, call the Parish Office (765) 342-6379 to learn more about it. Server robes are laundered 3 to 4 times a year, or as needed (7 robes = 1 load). No worries, you will be trained. Funeral Meals are prepared and served in Sexton Hall. Altar Society ladies cook and serve the funeral meals. This ministry is provided to our Parishioners at no charge. Donations are gratefully accepted. Volunteers are needed to help with this ministry. Homemade desserts are needed for each funeral meal. To donate desserts or help prepare or serve funeral meals, call Bev Kitchen or Karen Cox – or call the Parish Office for their phone numbers.

Our annual fundraiser, a Spaghetti Supper is held in January. In March, we host a morning Mini-Retreat for all ladies of the parish. Each May, we host a Ladies’ Spring Celebration. Every year on the Saturday following Thanksgiving, the Altar Society places a Giving Tree near the Baptismal Font, with suggestions for gifts to local Seniors and Families in need of extra Christmas Cheer. Parishioners choose a card, wrap and prepare their present then return it to church.  Semi-annual Cookie Bakes are held in the Sexton Hall kitchen. 100 cookies are baked and packaged for use in prison retreats through the Kairos Prison Ministry.  Watch the bulletin for other special events and dates.  There is always need for volunteers. Please consider helping with any or all of the events above as well as any not listed.

All ladies of the parish are considered members. You are invited to join us! Your support and participation are welcomed and appreciated. Annual dues of $5.00 are collected in the month of July to support our ministries. Dues are payable through either the envelopes provided and placed in the collection basket or through Online Giving through the parish website. (Dues accepted any time of year.) Many parishioners volunteer their time but choose not to attend monthly meetings, and that is perfectly fine.

The Altar society meets on the SECOND Thursday of most months at 6:30 p.m. in Sexton Hall, but occasionally via Zoom.  Please check the monthly parish calendar and the weekly bulletin for confirmation of meetings. We hope to see you there!

Current President: Helen Smith

CONTACT the Parish Office (765) 342-6379 if you would like to join the Altar Society of Volunteer for any of our Ministries or Fundraisers.