Our Parish Landscaping Ministry is a group of volunteers who care for the parish grounds. With seventeen acres of land in our care, keeping the gardens neat, the detention ponds clear, the prairie grasses maintained, and the lawn area cut is a three season project. There are usually three weekends set aside for volunteers to get the gardens ready for each season. With guidance from our landscaping contractor, there are also specific projects that are completed as needed. To volunteer, email Gary Schiappacasse at: g56reader@aol.com.
During the summer of 2008, as part of our 30th Anniversary celebration, we started putting together native wildflower gardens in our landscape to replace the invasive weeds and scrub brush that had choked the grounds. As stewards of the earth for our fellow creatures, we are creating the conditions to bring back their habitat - right on our own property.
We are proud that the St. Mary of Vernon Church property has been officially designated by the National Wildlife Federation as a certified Wildlife Habitat. When the project started, our native plant gardens were still in their beginning stages, but the almost 300 wildflowers planted then were more than enough to qualify our property for certification, which was awarded to us on July 27, 2008. Our certificate is displayed on the Parish Life bulletin board. An official Wildlife Habitat sign is posted along the prairie garden path south of the parking lot.
We are proud to announce that the St. Mary of Vernon Church property has been officially designated by the National Wildlife Federation as a certified Wildlife Habitat.
The Reflection Trail provides us a unique and wonderful opportunity to become closer to God, even when the church doors are closed. It is always open, offering us a chance to stroll through the church grounds and to sit in silent meditation and reflection on one of the many Aldo Leopold benches along the trail. The trail begins at the "Friendship Circle" behind the south parking lot and ends north of the garage behind the Parish Center. Just follow the trail markers.
Many people find a healing intimacy with God through quiet meditation and reflection while at church. Here at St. Mary of Vernon, every day we have a unique and wonderful opportunity to become closer to God, even when the church doors are locked.Our Reflection Trail is always open, offering us the chance to stroll through the church grounds and to sit on a bench in silent meditation.
The first portion of the Reflection Trail begins at the “Friendship Circle” behind the south parking lot. Just follow the trail markers.
“Meditation is likened to a child who in the presence of a mother says: ‘I'll not say a word, if you will just let me stay here and watch you.’ “ - Bishop Sheen