Ministries

PASTORAL COUNCIL
The role of a Pastoral Council is to assist in fostering pastoral activity; that is, to investigate and consider matters relating to the parish and to formulate practical conclusions as recommendations to the pastor. Membership consists of four elected members and one appointed member at large to enter into pastoral planning with the pastor.

LECTOR (Proclaimer of the Word)
The ministry of Lector is to proclaim the Word of God from the Old and New Testaments as found in the book called, “The Lectionary.” This is to be done in a distinctive manner that will strengthen the faith of God’s people and touch their hearts to enter into a joyful celebration of Eucharist. The proclaimer of the Word comes to the Sunday celebration fully prepared to share his/her talent with God’s people gathered to worship.

EXTRAORDINARY EUCHARISTIC MINISTER
The ministry of distributing Communion to those in attendance at Mass is a great privilege: A ministry that is to be carried out with great reverence. It is a ministry of awe at our “oneness” in Christ. The call to this ministry comes through our Baptism and Confirmation. The qualifications include regular attendance at Mass, receiving Communion, a desire to be a minister of the Eucharist and willing to participate in the necessary training. Both men and women are invited to consider this very important ministry.

MUSIC
This is a vital ministry in the Church. Music sets the tone for gathering us together for worship. Our hearts are lifted up when we have participated in a Mass enhanced with good music. It is a ministry that takes time as well as talent. It is a ministry that cannot be left to the individual music leader or director. It is a ministry that involves everyone who has a song in his or her heart.

FINANCE COMMITTEE
The Finance Committee is an advisory body appointed by the pastor to assist him in the financial aspects of the parish. There are five members who serve for three year term. Emphasis for membership is on financial, legal or managerial experience.

OUTREACH
The Outreach Program volunteers service to 60 families with food boxes which are filled Friday and distributed on the 3rd Saturday of each month at OLT parish hall. This ministry also ministers to other needs such as information/newsletter, furniture, clothing, books and misc. household items, counseling and Christmas gifts for children.

ENVIRONMENT
This ministry “Keeps Our Lord’s House Clean” by cleaning and caring for the altar and the church. The members of this ministry decorate the church for all the seasons, maintain flowers on the altar and keep other parts of the church clean and inviting.

HOSPITALITY
“I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” This quote from St. Matthew’s Gospel forms the heart of the mission of the Hospitality Ministry as we meet, greet and welcome friends and visitors alike as they arrive at Mass.

PRAYER HEART
This parish ministry is an on-going weekly prayer chain. At each weekend Mass parishioners and visitors can write down special prayer intentions. On Monday the Prayer Heart co-ordinator begins the phone chain that will contact all the Prayer Heart volunteers with the prayer requests. These special intentions will be prayerfully remembered all during the week.

SMALL CHURCH COMMUNITIES
Fridays at 10AM (Fridays before and after Outreach). Small Church Communities are groups of individuals who meet regularly to discuss how their lives relate to God in the context of Sunday scripture readings. Meetings are typically every 2 weeks and last from 1 ½ to 2 hours. Belonging to a group is quite an awakening for one’s prayer life and involvement with the parish.

MEN’S FELLOWSHIP
The Men’s Fellowship consists of men of the parish who meet monthly in a social atmosphere for a dinner and meeting. The men annually host a St. Patrick’s Day dinner and a Columbus Day dinner, and perform many small jobs for the church. This is a great way to meet other Catholic men and to become involved in the good of the parish.

WOMEN’S GUILD
The Women’s Guild consists of a group of ladies who wish to provide various services to the church as well as have an opportunity to meet each other on a social basis six times a year. The ladies provide assistance for the Christmas Dinner, the altar linens, and raising money through pine cone crafts and the boutique. Come join us and help your spiritual life grow.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION FOR YOUTH
This ministry provides children of elementary and high school age a growing experience of and a reverence for Sacred Scripture and church tradition. Teachers provide a faithful presentation of the Church’s teachings and meaningful participation in the communal, sacramental and liturgical life of the Church.

ALTAR SERVERS
A group of boys and girls of our parish from grade three and higher assist the celebrant on the altar at Sunday liturgies and special occasions. Adults are also welcome. Training sessions are scheduled periodically.

PARISH LIBRARY
The parish library contains books, magazines, videos and audiotapes for use by all parishioners. It is located in the parish hall on the second floor and is run on the honor system. It contains everything from religious videos for children and teenagers to tapes on drug/alcohol addiction for adults.

MINISTRY TO THE SICK
This ministry is two-fold: those who visit and bring Communion to the sick and those who visit and/or assist the sick, elderly or shut-ins. This ministry is referred to as “An Important Office of Immense Love.” Training sessions are provided for those interested in this ministry. This ministry is a good way to share the good news of Christ’s love and peace.

BEREAVEMENT
Our parish is in the process of forming its newest ministry: the Ministry to the Bereaved. Its purpose and goal is to “Bury the Dead” by providing the fullest celebration of the life for our deceased brother or sister and by reaching out to their family and to the parish as we all grieve their passing.

VOCATIONS
The Vocation ministry is the responsibility of all
parishioners to pray for and foster vocations to the priesthood and religious life.

PINE CONE LADIES
A group of parishioners who gather on Tuesday mornings to make ornamental and religious decorations from pinecones. The proceeds go to the Women’s Guild.

COFFEE AND DONUTS
Ministry volunteers prepare and serve coffee and donuts on scheduled Sundays after the 10:00 Mass. This service helps to foster fellowship within the parish.