Parish Ministries
Parish Life & Worship Ministries
The Parish Life & Worship Ministries nourish and give direction to the liturgical aspect of parish life. These ministries ensure that parishioners are provided with opportunities to deepen their faith through a variety of prayer experiences and liturgical celebrations.
Altar Servers
Altar servers assist the presider at liturgies and services in order to promote a sense of reverence among the community. Altar servers will have an understanding of liturgy as well as knowledge of "behind-the-scenes" preparation for Mass. Altar serving is open to grades 4 and up. The servers have two training sessions a year and one general meeting.
Art & Environment
Art & Environment entails getting the church ready for major liturgies including Advent, Lent, Easter, and times in between. It encompasses putting up decorations and new themes for celebrations.
Cross Bearers
Cross Bearers assist in the Liturgy by leading the procession into the church at the beginning of Mass, and the recessional from the church at the conclusion of the Liturgy. There are no formal meetings, just a short informative session before you begin your ministry. If you do not have a lot of spare time, it is a great ministry in which to participate. The Cross Bearer ministry is open to grades 8 and up.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (Eucharistic Ministers)
The purpose of Extraordinary Ministers (Eucharistic Ministers) is to assist in distributing Holy Communion. There is a required training session. Attendance at the annual evening for liturgical ministers is expected.
Greeters
Greeters arrive at weekend liturgies 15 to 20 minutes early and stand at the church entrances to welcome everyone, and at the conclusion of Mass, distribute the weekly bulletin as the assembly leaves the church. Greeters also invite parishioners attending Mass to be gift bearers if no one has signed up. Greeters may choose to attend the Mass convenient for them and are scheduled every 4-6 weeks. Training is provided as needed. Attendance at the annual Evening of Spiritual Reflection is expected.
Lectors
Lectors proclaim The Word of God at weekend and special liturgies. A training session is required, as well as attendance at the annual Evening of Spiritual Reflection. Lectors are scheduled approximately once every four to six weeks at the Mass of your choice.
Liturgy Committee
Mass doesn't just happen-- it takes planning. The Liturgy Committee plans and coordinates our liturgies throughout the year. Anyone interested may join this ministry. All that is required is a desire to help out; no special training or education is needed. The Liturgy Committee is comprised of the pastor, representatives from each liturgical ministry, director of music ministry, a staff representative, and any interested parishioners. This committee meets once a month from September to June from 7 to 9 p.m.
Music Ministry
Parishioners of all ages are invited to share your love of music with others in the music ministry by singing and/or playing musical instruments at liturgies. Anyone who loves music is invited to contact the Music Office.
Adult Choir
Weekly rehearsals are Thursday nights from 7 to 9 p.m. for all weekend Masses. Extra rehearsals as needed for special liturgies, or special events such as preparing a Cantata. Anyone in Grade 9 and older is welcome to sing in the choir. The ability to read music is helpful, but not required! There is also no audition. Adult choir does not rehearse during the summer.
Funeral Choir
Provides musical support at funeral liturgies (usually weekday mornings). Funeral Choir meets 30 minutes before the funeral to rehearse music. Other rehearsals as needed.
Handbell Choir
Weekly rehearsals are Tuesday nights from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The Handbell choir plays periodically throughout the school year, including Holy Week, and Christmas. Anyone in Grade 9 and older is welcome! The ability to read music is helpful, but not required! There is no audition!
Instrumentalists
Everyone who plays an instrument is welcome to play at Mass. This includes guitars, string, woodwinds, brass, percussion and more! Instrumentalists, grade 7 and up are invited to play at all liturgies. Contact the Music Office for more detail.
Liturgical Dance
If you don't like sitting still, this ministry is for you. Liturgical Dance is prayer in motion; it is not people performing in pretty outfits. Our dancers add the beauty of moving prayer to various liturgies throughout the year. Although the group currently consists of women, men can also participate in liturgical dance. Rehearsals are once a week, during the 5 weeks prior to the date of the special liturgy. Any adult or youth parishioner in Grade 6 or above with an interest in dancing for God is welcome and encouraged to join this ministry.
Ushers
Ushers assist at Mass welcoming and seating people. They are responsible for taking up the collection. Attendance at the annual Evening of Spiritual Reflection is encouraged. Day and time of service: Ushers serve for a month at a time, every third month, at the Mass of their choice.