Mission: 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.

Description/History:

The Legion of Mary was formed in Dublin Ireland in 1921. It is by design, a highly structured organization of prayer and service to the mission of the Blessed Mother. The legion grew into an international organization. The legion has a handbook and operates under the same rules in each group nationwide. Each Praesidium, or parish unit, attempts to work with the pastor in assisting with necessary apostolic works. The Legion gets its name and organization from the Roman Legions, using the structure those armies used to conquer the world for Rome to conquer the world for Christ and His Mother.

Contacts:
President Cherie Horn 393-9898 or email Bill Barshinger at loneheart@comcast.net. Feel free to visit at any meeting or let us know if you want to be part of the prayer Auxilary.

Meeting Time and Location:
The Praesidium meets Thurdsays at 6:30PM in Room 1.

Active Membership:

Active membership is open to all Catholic men and women over 18 who are willing to perform the following duties

• Attend a weekly meeting of the Praesidium
• Daily recite the Catena (Legion Prayer)
• Perform two hours of apostolic work weekly
• Keep all information discussed concerning the work at the meetings confidential.

Auxilary Membership:
Auxilary Members are the supply lines for the Active Members in the Legion. They make a personal commitment to pray the Rosary and all the prayers found in the Tessera ( a small folder containing opening and concluding prayers and the Catena) each day. This takes approx 30 minutes of devotion. It is not always easy to make such a commitment and Auxilary Members remain on 90 days probation until officially enrolled.

What is Ecumenism?
From the Greek words "oikos" meaning "household" and "oikoumene" meaning "the inhabited world" is derived the term ecumenism. Modern Christians use the word to describe "the household of God".

The unity of Christians is a key desire for the new millennium The ecumenical movement is at once two things. It is the recognition that the church is not united, and it is the expression of the idea of unity within diversity, and works for dialogue to bring churches closer together.

Participation is open to anyone regardless of faith.

Goals:
Our goals can be broken down into two main categories. They are intra-parish and inter-faith. Intra-parish deals mostly with servicing the needs of non-Catholic spouses and other families within our St. Leo The Great parish. Inter-faith is a desire on the part of our catholic community to participate in discussion and events that will foster a greater understanding with other faiths in our area.

Mission:
At the time of death, our parishioners wish to comfort and help the bereaved family. If desired, St. Leo's Parish will serve a luncheon to family members and friends in the social hall.

History and Description:
The funeral luncheon committee was organized under the Social Welfare and Social Justice Committee in September of 1980. Start-up funding came from Social Welfare, Women of St Leo, Men of St. Leo, and the Friendship Club. The committee has been self-sufficient since.

Meeting Time and Location:
The committee meets as needed after receiving a request for a luncheon. Often on 1 or 2 days notice. There is a nominal fee of $2.00 per person. If a family would like a luncheon but cannot afford the fee, the fee can be waived at Father Sullivan's discretion.


Contacts:
Helen Kline 392-3920

Mission:
To promote physical, mental, and emotional well being of members.

History and Description:
Founded in 1974, the Friendship Club serves anyone over 50 and is open to all denominations. The Club is under the umbrella of HEAD (Help Experienced Adults Development) in Harrisburg.

Meeting Time and Location:
Third Tuesday 12:30PM Rms. 3&4 from September to June

The club also holds other spiritual and social activities throughout the year.

Contacts:

Pat Rodriquez 392-0007

Mission:
To provide an extra avenue of prayer for parishioners, who can leave their requests anonymously if they choose.

History and Description:
Approximately seven years ago, members of the Marian Prayer Group decided to give those in need of prayer more people to lift their intentions to heaven. Some twenty members of the chain keep in contact entirely by phone. There are no meetings. To participate simply call or email your request to Bill Barshinger at leoprays@comcast.net or call 823-9994. You do not need to join the prayer chain to submit your request, but you are welcome to do so. While no name is required, the prayer chain does request that you inform them when a prayer request has been answered or circumstances have changed.