PARISH MINISTRY

Outreach to the Sick and Homebound

The parish tries to help those who are sick or homebound to keep in touch with the parish through various means.

The priest and deacon regularly visit Myrtue Hospital twice a week—and will visit any other time that there is an emergency.

There is a Mass celebrated at Elm Crest Nursing Home twice a month.

There are Eucharistic ministers who take communion to the homebound, to the hospital, and to those in Elm Crest and the County Care Facility on Sundays.

There is a communal anointing of the sick twice a year.

The priest, deacon, and others from the parish make visits to the home upon request and periodically.

One of the weekend Masses is recorded every week and broadcast on cable television. (On HMU Channel 25 at 4:00 on Sunday—and on Mediacom Channel 18 at 4:00 on Monday)

Prayer Groups

There are prayer groups that meet on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 7:00AM in the parish office. The Tuesday group is for men; the Wednesday group is for women. These groups meet for about an hour to discuss the Scripture of the following weekend. It is an opportunity to learn about the Scripture and to reflect upon its meaning with others who share the faith. No reservations necessary. All are welcome.

Annulments

Because of our Church’s teaching about the nature of sacramental marriage, marriages which end in divorce are not automatically ended in the eyes of the Church. If a former spouse is still living, no second marriage may be celebrated in the Church without an annulment. The priest or deacon is ready to help anyone who needs information about annulments or who would like help in petitioning for an annulment.

LITURGICAL MINISTRIES

--Mass Servers

Boys and girls from late in the fourth grade through high school are invited to be Mass servers. Their primary function is to assist at weekend Masses. They are also called upon to serve at funerals and weddings.

--Eucharistic Minister

Men and women who have been confirmed and who are in good sacramental standing in the Church are invited to become Eucharistic ministers. They help with the distribution of communion at weekend Masses and on holy days. Communion is generally offered under both species—the Body and Blood of Christ.

--Lectors

Men and women who have been confirmed and who are in good sacramental standing in the Church are invited to become lectors. They proclaim the Scripture and read the prayers of the faithful at weekend Masses and on holy days.

--Musicians and Singers

Men and women are invited to participate in music ministry. At present, there are no choirs in the parish. However, music is part of every celebration of Mass with the assistance of singers and instrumentalists. We welcome people who can play the piano and/or electronic keyboard, the guitar, and drums. We also use other instruments on special occasions.

--Ushers

Men and women are invited to serve as ushers. The ushers help with greeting people, especially any who are visiting and may need assistance. The ushers also help with taking up the collection, with special needs such as parish elections, and with distributing bulletins at the end of Mass.