Liturgical Ministries and Music Ministries 

1. Lector- proclaims the Scripture readings at Masses. Approximately once every other month. Training will be provided. 

2. Usher-assist elderly or handicap parishioners if needed, conduct the offertory 

collection, and bulletin handout at the end of Mass. Time commitment 1 1⁄2 hour a week. Also needed are people to just assist with offertory collection at Masses. 

3. Greeter- Open doors for parishioners as they come to Mass. Arrive 20 minutes before Mass and bring a smile! This is an opportunity for couples, families or individuals.

4. Eucharistic Minister- distributes Holy Eucharist at weekend Mass and Holy Days. Training will be provided. 

5. Altar Servers- assist the priest at Mass, carry the cross, get the altar candles lit, prepare the altar for the priest, bring water and towel for washing of the priest's hands, ring the bells, perform the duties asked by the priest. Must have made first Communion prior to serving as an altar server. 

6. Art and Environment crew- set up the Liturgical Environment for various seasons of the year. Major seasons of Christmas and Easter will require more time than ordinary time. Set up usually occurs during the day. 

7. Adult choir- Share your love for God as you sing with the choir during Mass, Holy Days and, if available, at funerals. Rehearsals will be held by Choir/music leaders. 

8. Church cleaning crew- volunteers of all ages are needed for cleaning throughout the year. The cleaning staff will supervise the duties needed. This would be during the day.

9. Purificators- a purificator is a rectangular linen that is used during Mass. The amount depends on the number of Masses and funerals each week. Volunteers will pick up, launder, press and return the purificators each week. 

10. Money counters- you will work with others to separate and sort, count, and safeguard the weekend collections. This takes about one hour per week. 

Faith Formation

1. Religious Education- provides instruction for students as they grow in their knowledge of our faith by using prepared lessons. Classes occur 3-4 times per month from September through April. Classes are 60-75 minutes each not including preparation prior to lesson. Faith formation staff will train and provide materials. Also needed are helpers for classes as well as special needs helpers for classes. 



2. RCIA sponsors- partner with an adult preparing for initiation into the Catholic Church. Participate in the process of faith sharing for 4-9 months, depending on the candidate. Each session varies in time. 

Ministries of Care

1. Comfort ministry- reach out with compassion and comfort to parishioners who have a 

loss of loved one or in need of support for health issues. 

2. Homebound Eucharistic Minister- bring the Eucharist to homebound parishioners, provide prayer and comfort as you visit the parishioner at home or in nursing home. Training is provided and the schedule varies. 

3. Beads of Hope- make rosaries that will be shared throughout the Diocese and with outreach programs worldwide. Supplies are provided and you make them at your own home and return them when finished. 

4. Prayer chain- become involved with this ministry to lift our fellow parishioners and their families in prayer. We need a leader for the ministry for us to have this ministry. 

5. Funeral helper- Be part of setting up, serving, and cleaning up for funerals held at our parish. 

6. Respect Life- assist in raising awareness that all life is a gift from God from conception to natural death. Promote and/or participate in events during the year, including: 40 Days for Life, Respect Life month (October). This would be a new ministry for St Mary's, so we are looking for someone to lead this. 

Parish Organizations and Services

1. Cemetery clean up- each spring and fall help clean up debris and tidy up the cemetery. Volunteer to clean old tombstones that have been neglected over time due to not having family in the area. Could also organize memorials to be placed on veterans' graves for holidays. This would be another great family ministry to get involved with. 

2. Raffle/fundraiser-help secure donations for the annual raffle fundraiser, help staple and distribute raffle tickets. Volunteer to sell the tickets after Mass or at the flea market or other locations. Deliver or pick up tickets from local businesses. 

3. Library-help keep our library organized and staffed after Masses. 

4. Knights of Columbus- formed in 1882, this fraternal organization helps local communities through charitable activities and volunteerism. Men 18 years or older who want to put their faith into action and grow in their faith to make a difference are invited 

5. Baker- may be called upon for funeral services or other events which need baked items.

6. Volunteers at Large- willing to assist as needed throughout the parish for one-time projects. If you have specific skills please let us know and we will notify you when your talent is needed.