Adult Initiation/RCIA

The Adult Initiation Ministry of St. Mary prepares individuals for Christian Initiation through a small group process that includes spiritual formation, catechesis and a series of liturgical rites as prescribed in the Church’s Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. The Adult Initiation Team includes sponsors and catechists who accompany candidates and catechumens on the path to the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation. Initiation into the Church ordinarily culminates at the Easter Vigil with the celebration of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. St. Mary Parish currently utilizes a year–round approach which allows candidates and catechumens—according to their readiness—to also be initiated at other times during the year when appropriate.

Altar Servers

Altar Servers are trained to assist at all liturgical celebrations. This ministry is open to all students in grades 5 through 8 as well as all interested teens and adults.

Art & Environment

The Art and Environment Committee is responsible for the aesthetics and practical needs of the worship space. Floral arrangements, tapestries, seasonal décor, liturgical furnishings, vessels, and vesture are used to enhance the environment for liturgical prayer.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word

Every Saturday at the 5:00 pm and Sunday at the 9:30am Mass our young children are sent forward after the Opening Prayer to participate in the Liturgy of the Word, led by adult leaders of prayer. The children hear the scriptures proclaimed in a style that is age appropriate. They return to the church proper to worship with their parents for the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

Eucharistic Adoration

The Eucharistic Adoration Ministry is a community of parishioners committed to fostering a solid understanding of and love for the Holy Eucharist. Through study together, personal prayer and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament those who are committed to this ministry hope to be a leaven in the parish for drawing others more deeply into the mystery of the Eucharist as celebrated at Mass and in the practice of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. The Eucharistic Adoration Ministry schedules and organizes periods of Eucharistic adoration throughout the year.

Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist

Extraordinary Ministers of Communion are trained and formally mandated to assist in the distribution of Holy Communion under both forms at the Eucharistic Liturgy.

Family Mass

The Family Mass Ministry is committed to providing liturgical experiences that are inclusive of the entire family including children. By convening a special choir and musicians the Family Mass Ministry hopes to widen the musical repertoire of the parish.

Greeters

Greeters personally welcome those who come to worship on weekends, recognizing the presence of Christ in those they greet. They may also assist in distributing worship aids as needed.

Lectors

Lectors are trained and appointed to effectively proclaim the Scriptures at public worship. Lectors also lead the General Intercessions.

Liturgy Committee

The Parish Liturgy Committee is responsible for overseeing the public worship and devotional life of the parish. Planning for the feasts and seasons, preparing the Sunday liturgies, providing liturgical catechesis on a regular basis, and reviewing and evaluating the style and order of worship constitute the major work of the Liturgy Committee. Coordinating all the Liturgical Ministries and assuring formation of all lay ministers is an ongoing task of the Committee.

Ministers of Care

Ministers of Care visit the homes of the sick or homebound as well as the hospitalized to extend the community’s care, to pray with those who are visited, and bring the Gift of the Holy Eucharist to them. At the communal Anointing of the Sick Mass, ministers of care provide assistance to those being anointed. Ministers of Care receive special training and formation and are mandated for this ministry by the Archbishop.

Ministry of Praise

The Ministry of Praise, a sub-ministry of the Ministry of Care, is a spiritual ministry in which the members offer daily prayer for the needs of the Church and of St. Mary’s parish community.

Music Ministry

The music ministry of St. Mary glorifies God through the gift of music, primarily at the Sunday Eucharist. Sung and instrumental music assists the assembly to express and share their gift of faith, and to deepen the community’s spiritual relationship with God. The music ministry assumes a role of leadership, drawing the assembly into active sung prayer, and at other times it retains its own distinct ministry. Individuals serve as music ministers by participating in the adult choir, children’s choir, and hand bell choir, and as cantors, instrumentalists, and music ministers for the Children’s Liturgy of the Word.

Sacristans

Sacristans care for and put in place the items needed for the liturgy so that the ministers and assembly may properly and prayerfully celebrate the Eucharist, sacraments, and opportunities of prayer in a reverent and orderly manner. These include the books, vessels, linens, and supplies needed for worship.

Sanctuary Saints

The Sanctuary Saints are individuals who assist our sacristan and maintenance staff with the cleanliness of the church. These individuals dust the statues and furnishings of the sanctuary. They also act as workers in reserve for spring and fall cleaning projects.

Sunday Hospitality

The Hospitality Committee is committed to fostering a sense of community by providing refreshments in a welcoming spirit after all Masses on the last weekend of the month and on other special occasions.

Ushers

Ushers welcome the stranger and friend, help people find seats in church, take up the collection and coordinate the presentation of the wine and hosts, direct the Communion procession, and straighten the church after Mass. Ushers also keep an eye out for anyone in need of assistance, and are knowledgeable about the church building, its facilities, and emergency procedures.