If I, who am your Teacher and Lord, have washed your feet, then you must wash each other’s feet.
~ John 13.14
Our Parish Family invites you to join in the celebration!
There are many ways to serve the Lord and one another. One way is to be of service in the ministry of the Church. It is not a question of being worthy or perfect, we are looking for individuals who have a hunger to grow in their relationship with God and a desire to share their gifts to make our Parishes communities of faith, hope and charity. Below are just some of the ways that you can get involved in our Faith Families of St. Mary’s and Our Lady of Lourdes. We warmly invite you to consider one of them as a way to fulfill the Lord’s call to serve.
Altar Servers
Altar Servers carry the cross and candles at Mass and help the priest and the deacon at the altar. Servers must have their First Communion for this ministry. Commitment is one or two Masses a month.
Atmosphere Ministers
This ministry is responsible for the decoration of the church for the various seasons and celebrations throughout the year, to create a prayerful and reflective place of worship. Commitment is two or three times a year.
Children’s Liturgy Ministers
This ministry seeks to help the children of our Parish grow in their faith and love of God through activities which teach them the message of the Sunday Gospel. Commitment is one Mass a month.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion assist in the distribution of Holy Communion wen there are not enough priests or deacons present to fulfill this ministry at Mass. Depending on the Sunday Mass you attend, commitment is one or two Masses a month.
Hospitality Ministers (Greeters & Ushers)
This friendly bunch of people welcomes you every Sunday to church, helps visitors find a seat and takes up the collection. Commitment is one Mass a month, and for special celebrations throughout the year.
Lectors
Lectors assist the congregation in reflecting on the Word of God by proclaiming the First and Second Readings and offering the Prayers of the Faithful.
Sacred Scripture is our “family history” remembered and proclaimed in the heart of the Christian community. The ministry of the lector calls for a person to grow in a loving knowledge of Scripture, so to reveal to the assembly the person of Jesus and his message of the coming of the Kingdom.
Depending on the Sunday Mass you attend, commitment is one or two Masses a month.
Music Ministers & Musicians
It is said that those who sing, pray twice. Our music ministries help lead the congregation in raising our voices in praise to God. Commitment is each weekly Sunday Mass, including a weekly rehearsal.
Creating Safe Environments
The Diocese of Thunder Bay is committed to creating and maintaining safe environments in our Faith Communities for those who work, volunteer and gather within our Parishes and institutions. In keeping with Diocesan policy, involvement in parish ministry requires a mandatory screening process for all applicants. Ministries which will place the applicant in the company of vulnerable individuals will require additional screening, including a criminal record check.
Interested? What’s the next step…
If you are interested in assisting with one of these ministries, please contact the Parish Office to learn more and to register, or download the volunteer ministry application and return it to the Parish Office.