COMMUNITY and SERVICE MINISTRIES

The Works of Mercy, by the Master of Alkmaar made for the Church of Saint Lawrence in Alkmaar, Netherlands. The wooden panels show the works of mercy in this order:
​ feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, bury the dead, shelter the traveler, comfort the sick, and free the imprisoned. Circa 1504.

Garden Ministry

For more information about or to join this ministry, call the Parish Office (335-2385),
or view the bulletin to find the date and time to attend the next meeting.

The Garden Group Ministry meets every Monday, from November through May from 9am-12 noon, and every other Monday from 9-11am from June through October, gathering at the Butterfly Garden, just outside the Parish Office.  During these work sessions, weeds are pulled; vegetation is planted and pruned; new plants are propagated; mulch is spread; and future planning is discussed while we work.  Depending upon the number present and the work to be done, members work in groups of 2 or more, so it is easy to become acquainted.  There are no meetings except general conversation over bagels or baked desserts during a break each workday, and communications when necessary via email.
​
Over the years, about 35 parishioners have actively participated in this Ministry, and currently there are 15 active members, many of whom are in the above photo (4 of them members for the past 10 years!). Due to members moving and attrition due to health reasons, we are always seeking new members who enjoy creating beauty with living plants. It is a ministry where friendships and flowers grow and bloom.

​Please call the office (335-2385) if you would like to help. No experience needed!

This Ministry was started in 2002 when the Stations of the Cross were installed along a new fence that had been built in front of the pond that existed prior to construction of Ryan Hall. The gazebo, which is just beyond the 15th Station of the Cross, was donated by the Men’s Club that year and subsequently landscaped by the Garden Group.

This Ministry was organized by Master Gardener Laurie Hart who was consulted regarding plantings required by the Parish Center building permit. She recommended Lakewood Jasmine hedges and other perennials, which were enthusiastically approved by the Building Committee and have been a great addition.  Discussions were held regarding plantings around the proposed Stations of the Cross, and several parishioners volunteered to join the ministry and help. Many members subsequently followed Laurie's example and took the University of Florida Master Gardener course! (She was an active member up until the past two years....We're all getting older!

Prior to the installation of the Stations of the Cross, hardly a flower existed on the Parish Grounds. At first, mostly annual flowers were planted, but as more gardens were added, the approach changed to planting mostly perennials to reduce repetitive work requirements, especially in the summer when Ministry worker attendance is reduced due to vacations and seasonal residents returning home.  However, the Ministry still maintains everything that has been planted.

Obituary: Richard Joseph Gerardy
Richard “Dick” Gerardy joined his wife Dorothy in heaven on Fathers Day, June 17, 2018. He was surrounded by his children and close friends as he made his journey to reunite with his wife of over 60 years.
Dick was born in Chicago to Francis and Kathryn (Shea) Gerardy on April 3, 1933. Dick met his wife Dorothy Delores DeVore while in high school, and married her on August 25, 1953. Dick served in the Korean conflict during the early years of their marriage. Dick and Dorothy raised five children together: Carol (Charlie) Little, Richard Gerardy Junior, Lyn Gooden, Mike Gerardy, and Chris (Lisa) Gerardy. Dick leaves behind 8 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings William (Anita) Gerardy, James Gerardy, and Kathleen (Thomas) Olejnik. He was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy, who passed in 2013, as well as his sisters Patricia (Gerald) Clifford and Nanette (Thomas) Glynn.
Dick had a successful 31 year engineering career with US Steel, retiring in 1986. He earned his engineering degree at night from Illinois Institute of Technology, completing his bachelors degree in 1962 after his fourth child was born, while working during the day.
Dick and Dorothy moved to Florida in 1988. Dick was a very active member of Holy Family Catholic Church, serving as the Project Engineer on the construction of the first parish center and main church building; his name is commemorated on the cornerstone of the church building. He enjoyed gardening and had a natural ability to create beautiful landscaping designs. Dick became a certified Master Gardener in 2003, and spent 15 years with the St. Lucie County Master Gardeners, along with his extensive involvement with the gardening club at Holy Family.
Services will be at Holy Family Catholic Church on Thursday, June 21, with visitation at 9am and the funeral service at 11. Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery in Palm City, alongside his beloved wife, Dorothy. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to the St. Lucie County Master Gardeners.

Dick Gerardy

Here are 3 helpful links; click on the one(s) you are interested in:
Of interest to those curious about plants that thrive in our area 

For those who want to follow Laurie's example and take the Master Gardener course

For additional information on any plant, type the name of the plant followed by a space, then UF in a search bar, then press ENTER

Or, the Master Gardener Office at Morningside Library accepts walk-in visitors at no charge Tuesdays through Fridays (1:00 to 3:00) and Saturdays (9:00-11:00).

"As stewards of God's creation, we are called to make the earth a beautiful garden for the human family..”

- POPE FRANCIS