MINISTRIES3

Along with the responsibility of gathering our gifts to God during the Eucharistic Celebration, these ministers (Greeters and Ushers) have the pleasure and the opportunity to greet and share fellowship with our spiritual family as they enter church for Mass each week.

Greeters and ushers assist in finding seats for arrivals; receive the collection of donations; escort those carrying the gifts to the altar; direct an orderly pattern during the distribution of Holy Communion; distribute Sunday bulletins and Catholic newspapers after Mass.

Both men and women, at least 14 years of age, are invited to join this ministry.

Parish members who enjoy public speaking assist with community worship by proclaiming the Word of God during weekly Masses. This ministry is a sign of God's presence in our world. After attending a training session, lectors are scheduled to proclaim the scripture readings and general intercessions of the Sunday liturgy.

Ministers of the Eucharist assist the ordinary minister of the Eucharist, the priest, in distributing Holy Communion at the Sunday and Holy Day Masses. These ministers also take the Eucharist to the sick and shut-ins on the first Sunday of the month. Ministers of the Eucharist must be at least 18 years of age, confirmed, and possess a deep love and respect for the Body and Blood of Christ. Training is required.

Queen of the Rosary Choir is a traditional, four part choir and is open to all interested singers, 12 years of age through adulthood. This is an opportunity to share your musical talents in a group setting and help lead the liturgies. The choir sings one Sunday mass on on Holy Days and special masses. Rehearsals are in the choir loft on Wednesdays at

7 p.m.

Boys and girls from the third grade on may participate in this liturgical ministry by assisting the priest as Altar Servers. Special training sessions are required, and ministry is scheduled on a rotating basis.

Children's choir consists of all children 6 years and older with practice being held every other Wednesday evening at 6 p.m. in the church. Children will perform at the 9 a.m. Mass on Sunday morning.

Parishioners, 12 years of age and older, who play a musical instrument are encouraged to make themselves available to the music ministry by contacting the music director. Your talents will be put to use and you will be a great addition to the ministry of music. Rehearsals are in the choir loft on Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m.

The Prayer Ministry recognizes the power of prayer and praise to God. Participants receive a list of petitions for prayer from the coordinator each month. These ministers are encouraged to pray, in their own way, for these petitions. This ministry of prayer is appropriate for all parishioners, especially those who are unable to physically participate in other ministries of action. Prayer Group meets the first Tuesday of the month at 8:30 a.m.

A "Prayer Request Book" is located in the vestibule of the church and you are encouraged to enter your intentions at any time for whatever needs you may have. We will remember all of the prayers listed in the book and at every Mass during the offering of our general intercessions. Let us pray for one another and may our prayers rise up like incense before the Lord.

All are invited to attend the Holy Hour that takes place every Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Members of this ministry visit the funeral home, offer prayers for the deceased parishioners, attend the funeral Mass, and provide support for the grieving. As members of the Body of Christ we are all called to care for the needs of the dying, comfort those who mourn, and to pray for the dead.

These men and women of the parish are responsible for the envelopes and counting of money for ordinary, extra, and special collections on Sundays and Holy Days. They count the money on Sunday after the 8:30 a.m. Mass.