Parish Ministries, Spiritual Formation & Life

LITURGICAL MINISTRIES

 

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION

Parishioners over the age of 16 who have received the Sacraments of Initiation and are trained and commissioned to help distribute the blessed Sacrament at celebrations of the Mass.

 

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS to the sick

Parishioners over the age of 21 who have received the Sacraments of Initiation and are trained and commissioned to provide homebound parishioners unable to attend Mass with the Eucharist. Extraordinary Ministers to the Sick visit on the third Sunday of the month after the

9:00 am Mass.

 

LECTOR

Parishioners who are fully initiated into the church, who are comfortable with public speaking, and speak clearly with intonation proclaiming the Word of God at Mass and other liturgical celebrations.

 

USHERS

Ushers minister at Mass by assisting and greeting parishioners and guests. Ushers are responsible for taking up the Offertory Collection, arrange for people to take up the offertory gifts when necessary, and pass out bulletins after Mass. They also provide assistance in emergency situations.

 

ADULT ALTAR SERVERS

Adults who serve for daily Mass (September—May), funerals and other occasions as needed.

 

ALTAR SERVERS

This ministry is open to all boys and girls in grades 3-8 who have received First Eucharist. Altar Servers assist the celebrant at Mass and other liturgical functions.

 

MASTERS OF CEREMONY

This ministry is open to young people, male or female, in high school (grades 9-12). Masters of Ceremony assist the celebrant at the Altar during Mass and other liturgical celebrations.

 

CANTOR

Those with a singing voice able to lead the parish in sung prayer at weekend liturgies and Holy Days. Cantors need not belong to the Adult Choir.

 

ADULT CHOIR

Members lead the congregation in sung prayer at the 9:00 a.m. Mass each Sunday, and other celebrations, September through May.  Rehearsal is on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. Babysitting is available.

 

RESURECTION CHOIR

Open to all adult members of the parish able to participate at funeral liturgies. Funeral Choir members bring comfort and consolation to families who suffer the loss of a loved one. No practice sessions are scheduled and all voices are welcomed!

 

Liturgy of the Word Catechist

Adults are trained and use a step-by-step program for celebrating the Liturgy with the children.

 

Liturgy of the Word Student Aide

Students in grades 6-12 assist the Catechist in areas needed.

 

Liturgy and Decorating Committee

Helps to plan the decorations for the inside & outside of the Church for various liturgies & liturgical seasons.

 

 

SPIRITUAL FORMATION & EDUCATION

 

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Is a weekly program offered for children from the parish in grades 1-5 who attend public school. Classes are held on Monday evenings from 6:00-7:30 pm. This program systematically explores Christian attitudes and basic doctrine. Parents are encouraged to become involved in the religious education of their children by reading and studying together the religion books brought home.

 

YOUTH MINISTRY PROGRAM

Is open to all students in the parish from both parochial and public school in grades 6-12. This ministry program encourages the overall personal and spiritual growth of each person and brings young people to responsible participation in the life, mission and work of the faith community. Students gather to socialize as well as participate in community and parish oriented services and activities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SPIRITUAL FORMATION & EDUCATION (continued)

 

RCIA - Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

Prepares the un-baptized and those already baptized in another Christian Church to become participating members of our faith. Program is also open to parishioners desiring to enrich their faith. The RCIA Program begins in September and concludes with the Easter vigil when Candidates and Catechumens enter into full communion of the Catholic Faith.

 

RCIC - Rite of Christian Initiation of Children

Prepares children over the age of 7 without Sacramental Preparation who are un-baptized or baptized in another faith, to receive the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter vigil.

 

MARRIAGE SPONSOR COUPLES

Catholic Married Couples are trained to provide private, one-on-one marriage preparation for engaged couples in their own homes.

 

 

PARISH LIFE AND SOCIAL MINISTRIES

 

ALTAR ROSARY SOCIETY

Members enhance the experience of the liturgy by providing flowers on and around the altar and outside of the church; cleaning the church for holidays; providing for the cleaning of altar linens.  During times of bereavement, members offer the praying of the Rosary for the deceased in the funeral home. Members meet on the first Tuesday of the month at 6:00 pm.

 

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY

St. Vincent de Paul is designated as the patron saint for all charitable organizations. In our parish, this small conference of men and women provide emergency help for the poor and needy of the parish and community. Help is confidential and is generally on a one-time basis. Members meet on the first Sunday of the month following the 9:00 am Mass.

 

SUNSHINE CLUB

Membership is open to men and women 50 years of age and older. Many spiritual and social activities are provided and enjoyed throughout the year. Members also assist with Funeral Luncheons in Edwardian Hall. Members meet on the last Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm.

 

HERMINIE FOOD BANK

This is not a parish ministry but a County Service. St. Edward Church provides our facility as a distribution center for the local food bank. Food is distributed on the first Wednesday of the month from 10:30-11:30 am. Volunteers unload, separate, and distribute food for about 100 families.

 

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Anyone who Knits or Crochets is invited to participate twice a month on Wednesday afternoons from 1:00-3:00 pm.

 

Facilities Committee

A group of parishioners who  help to evaluate and schedule maintenance and needed repairs to the parish buildings and grounds.

 

Babysitting for Choir Rehearsal

Adults babysit at the church on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:30 pm so parents can attend rehearsal.

 

Pastoral Council Member

Helps to identify & organize the pastoral efforts of the parish.  Meets on the 3rd Thursday of Feb., May, Sept.  & Nov.

 

Finance Council Member

Helps to advise the pastor on the financial matters of the parish.  Meets on the 3rd Thursday of January, April, June and October

 

Parish Festival

Through the cooperation of the many organizations of the parish, this family oriented event is held in August.

 

Parish Golf Outing Committee

Helps to organize the annual golf outing held in the spring or early summer.  Helps to get Tee, Ad and Gift Sponsors.