Saint Mary's Church - Ministries

A sacristan prepares the “House of the Lord” before Mass. The majority of the Sacristan’s duties are done prior to the Mass. The sacristan’s role begins in the sacristy and involves organizing all sacred vessels and other items used during the Celebration, and making sure they are arranged properly in the sanctuary as well as on the table at the back of the church. “Gather Your People O Lord,” the sacristan also ensures positions for all the ministries have been filled prior to Mass time.

Those in this ministry assist parishioners and newcomers to our Sunday Worship. Welcoming is a virtue so apparent in the early Church, and still so important. We, as Christians, are called to serve one another. In doing so, we live out Jesus' great commandment: LOVE ONE ANOTHER AS I HAVE LOVED YOU.

Lectors give voice to the Word of God. We, the Church, Look to that Word to shore us up and encourage us when we need it, to console us when we are hurting as well as shake us up and challenge us when we are getting too comfortable. The Church values the Scripture as central to Her life.

Our music ministry is for adults and /or children who enjoy singing or can play a musical instrument to help enrich our celebrations. We currently have 5 choirs in our parish family. Each of our Masses has its own choir as well as we have our Mass ALIVE choir and our Funeral choir.

Eucharistic Ministers distribute Communion and offer blessing during Mass to children and those who do not receive Communion. Everyone who receives Communion from your hands has a right to the full human and divine value of this Holy moment.

Altar servers are examples of the respect and honor we show to the Lord. Altar servers assist priests before, during and after Mass. Extensive training is provided and the opportunity to learn different responsibilities is provided using ‘shadow positions’ during initial stages of training. If you are in grade three and have received First Eucharist, you can be trained to be an altar server.

The Eucharistic Ministers visit the sick on Sunday's to bring them Communion at the Lodge, Nursing, Auxiliary and the Hospital. Communion is also brought to the sick in their homes when it is requested through the parish office.

A group of men and women in our parish who are actively involved in visiting the sick and confined in the hospital, nursing home, pioneer villa, etc.... This group is based on the belief as Catholics that the Word of God calls us to reach out.

This ministry greets and welcomes all parishioners and represents the parish community as they present the gifts at the Sunday liturgies. Everyone from the parish is welcome to particpate in the bringing up of the gifts. All you have to do is let the Greeters know you would like to do it.

Yes! This too is a Liturgical ministry. Sometimes we forget the gifts of service that are not so visible to us, but that doesn't make them any less important. Collection counters are groups of people, usually 4 in a group, who gather to count the weekend collection for all the Masses from St. Mary's Parish.

On the 4th Saturday of each month from September to June, the Saturday evening Mass is devoted to a children's Mass celebration. This Mass has maximum participation by the small fry of our parish. They participate by doing the readings, bring up the gifts, and act as Ushers and Greeters. All children in grades 1 - 6 are welcome to participate.

On the 2nd Sunday of each month from September to June, the 5:00pm Life Teen Mass is devoted to the youth of our parish. The Mass has maximum participation by the Teen's from our parish. All youth in grade's 7 - 12 and their families are welcome to participate.

Children's Liturgy is a specially designed program for 3 - 6 year olds. The program takes place during the first half of every Mass. Parents are asked to volunteer if your child is in the Children's Liturgy Program.