“You received without paying; give without pay. Acquire no gold nor silver nor copper for your belts, no bag for your journey, nor two tunics nor sandals nor a staff, for the laborer deserves his food. And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart.”
Matthew 10:7-14
Mission Statement
Serve Christ. Share God’s love. Serve others.
Vision Statement
Outreach ministry shares Christ’s love by serving others
St. Mary’s in the Community!
May 30, 2026
St. Mary’s hosted a spot at Sparta Day. It was a fun day of conversations friends and neighbors. We brought 200 of our donated books that were happily taken to new homes. The kids’ tattoos were a big hit! We gave away St. Mary’s branded Koozies and book marks. Ted Staszak coordinated a game of “Guess the Tees In the Fishbowl”.
Ryan’s Case For Smiles Event
April, 2026
Several members of the non-profit group Ryan's Case for Smiles, including its Northern New Jersey coordinator, Cathy Parker, held a wonderful Outreach event at St. Mary’s. The group spent two hours making 60 colorful pillowcases which will be given to children in the cancer ward at two local hospitals, Newark Beth Israel and Morristown. Lots of laughter could be heard while sewing these spirit-raising items! A hearty thanks to everyone involved.
Stained Glass Window Tour
April, 2026
On a rainy, Sunday afternoon St. Mary’s opened our doors to the Sparta community to experience our beloved and historical stained-glass windows. People from the neighborhood and Sparta community came and were amazed at the beauty of the windows and the experience we offered them. After months of research and preparation, we provided a booklet that describes the content of the windows, the story from the families who donated the windows and a description on the making and installing of the windows. Copies of the booklet are available in the narthex. Thank you to the team pictured here for pulling this all together: Sharon Rockenfeller, Gates Parker, Leslie Boston, Mother Elizabeth and Liz Davis.
March, 2026
St. Mary’s Stitchers donated crocheted and quilted lapgans, walker bags and hats to veterans. Our own St. Mary’s Veterans attended the recognition luncheon.
Barn Fire Fund Raiser
March 2026
St. Mary’s, spearheaded by Carol Hinks, hosted a dinner/fundraiser for the displaced victims of the devastating fire at the Spring Valley Equestrian Center in Fredon. Nearly $3,000 was raised through donations, dinner attendance and a follow-up matching gift.
While all the horses were saved, the fire destroyed the living quarters of two stable workers, brothers Joe and Jeremy Szabo. They lost everything but the clothes on their backs. The dinner was attended by St. Mary’s congregants, Spring Valley's equestrian boarders and riders, and the staff of Newton Veterinary Hospital. Carol Hinks, who boards her horse at Spring Valley. Hinks said that upon hearing about the fire last November, “I knew I had to do something.” Speaking of Carol’s organizing of the dinner and fundraising efforts Leslie Boston, St. Mary’s Junior Warden said, “Single-handedly, Carol took this on.”
Sparta Food Pantry Resource Event
February 2026
St. Mary’s hosted the second annual Sparta Food Pantry Resource Event, inviting Sparta Food Pantry clients to meet in person with over 50 support organizations. Thanks to Bill and Pat Kibilidis and Pat Lloyd for greeting clients and vendors. We gave away crosses, angels, prayer cards, information pamphlets, bookmarks along with scarves and hats made by St. Mary’s Stitchers.
December 2025
Annual Santa Sack collection for Sussex County Social Services.
