Ministries

We realize that some of our parishioners are unable to join us in celebrating the Eucharist, whether due to illness, advanced age, or other reasons. In recognizing the importance of letting the homebound know of our care for them and their connection with the whole community in a special way, we offer parishioners the opportunity to bring Holy Communion. If you know of someone who is homebound, within our parish community, and desires to receive Communion, or if you wish to help in this ministry, please contact the Parish Office at 334-3518

If you feel that you or someone you know may have a call to the priesthood or religious life, please feel free to contact a parish staff member. You may also find out more information by calling the Diocesan Office for Vocations at 328-3228, ext. 229.

In considering Jesus' special love for those suffering an illness, whether it be physical, emotional, or mental, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, serves as a powerful means of experiencing our Lord's healing compassion. Although frequently thought of the Sacrament of "Last Rites" before death, this sacrament actually goes beyond this. When you or a loved one is seriously ill, preparing for surgery, enduring severe emotional distress, or weakened from the burdens of old age, consider this sacrament for God's grace, strength and hope.

Confirmation is a celebration of a growing relationship with God and the Catholic community. Candidates should regularly attend Mass, demonstrate willingness to participate in the life of the community, and plan to continue their faith formation after the celebration of this sacrament.

Sponsors for Confirmation, as for Baptism, must be fully initiated (Confirmed), practicing Catholics. The sponsor's role is to share their own faith experiences with the candidate and help the candidate integrate values and faith into their daily life.

Preparation for this sacrament of God's healing and forgiveness is offered each year. Parents are supported and guided as they prepare their children at home with materials provided. Children celebrate individually in the context of a communal service. There is a separate registration fee for Reconciliation preparation.

This sacrament is the ongoing sign of Jesus' love and presence with us. Through it we are nourished and supported in living a Christian life.

Signs of readiness are a desire to receive Eucharist, ability to distinguish it from ordinary bread, sufficient attention span for the sessions and related preparation book, regular attendance at Mass, and the family's pledge for continuing support for the child in their formation. Parents should begin looking for readiness during the primary grades.

At baptism we are embraced by love and enter into a lifelong relationship with our God and with the community of the Church. Parents should contact Margaret Churnetski at the Christian Formation Office, 334-3023 or mchurnet@dor.org, before the baby is born. Attendance at one class is required of parents. We encourage parents to plan the celebration of their child's baptism during the liturgy they usually attend so that their parish family can share their joy. Baptisms are not celebrated during the season of Lent.

“Let the children come to me and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Luke 18:16

Jesus used the dependence and vulnerability of children to show his disciples that the way to God’s kingdom was not complicated; we all should become like children in our reliance on God in all things. That same vulnerability, however, puts the well-being of children at risk when the adults in their lives are struggling with poverty.

According to the Catholic Campaign for Human Development

• Social ministry carries out activities to alleviate immediate need of individuals or groups. Activities deal with effects of a problem, not the causes. The ministry relationship is one of giver of resources and receiver of resources. Usually direct service is seen as admirable, not controversial.

Key themes that are at the heart of our Catholic social tradition.

Life and Dignity of the Human Person
Human life is sacred and the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society. People are more important than things. The measure of every institution is whether it threatens or enhances the life and dignity of the human person.

Call to Family, Community, and Participation