Parish Liturgy
Lectors:
Men, women and youth
who proclaim God’s Word as revealed in Scripture. (Once every 4-6
weeks)
Extraordinary
Ministers of the Eucharist:
Persons 18 years and
older who are called to assist in the distribution of Holy Communion at
Mass. (Once or twice a month)
Ministry to the Sick
and Homebound:
Within the boundaries
of our Parish, we have a hospital, nursing homes, assisted living
centers and several private care homes, all caring for the needs of our
sick and infirm. Volunteers are needed to bring Christ to the
many people residing in these facilities. (Commitment can be from
1 hour per month to 2 hours per week)
Ushers:
People are needed to
assist in welcoming and seating the community; assist during Holy
Communion and taking up the collection at all weekend and special
Masses. Ushers are needed at all weekend Masses. (Weekly)
Altar Servers:
Youth who have
received the Sacrament of the Eucharist who assist during the
celebration of the Mass. (Once or twice a month)
Beautification Committee:
Volunteers who are
able to spend about two hours, twice a month, cleaning and vacuuming
the altar area, the Chapel, and occasionally the pews.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word:
For the first 20
minutes of the 10:00 a.m. Mass, children (Kindergarten-3) meet in the
Sacristy where volunteers present the Sunday readings and Gospel in an
age appropriate manner. The children return to their parents for
the Liturgy and the Eucharist. This ministry needs volunteers to
coordinate and plan Sunday lessons and activities, and aides to assist
the lead catechists in teaching and ministering to the children.
Choirs:
Individuals of all
ages who love to sing are invited to participate in the sung prayer of
the Church as members of the 8:30 am, 10:00 am, and 11:30 am Mass
Choirs. (Rehearsal schedules vary)
Education and
Christian Formation
The Office of Faith Formation provides religious education classes to
members of our parish from September through May. Parishioners
preparing for the reception of sacraments including First
Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Eucharist, receive instruction
from a very committed group of volunteers. Without dedicated,
reliable catechists, the Faith cannot be passed on to those who are the
future of our Church. Please consider giving a year of volunteer
time to the Faith Formation effort.
Volunteer
opportunities include:
Catechists:
Catechists are needed
to share their faith with students from Kindergarten through eighth
grade, and for youth Confirmation classes (ages 14-17). Sacrament
preparation for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist takes place in
3rd grade.
Catechist Aide:
There is a need for
aides in all classes for children and teens.
Administrative Help:
Office help is needed
to organize and file registration forms, data entry, and preparation of
certificates.
One-Time Hospitality after RCIA and Confirmation Masses:
April and May of each
year.
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults):
The process by which
adults are initiated into the Roman Catholic Community through a
process of faith development and catechetical instruction. This
initiation process is open to all adults reflecting on the Sacraments;
those in need of completing the Sacraments of Initiation; and those who
have been away from the Church for some time. Volunteer
opportunities include: Catechists, sponsors, administrative
support and hospitality. Your time commitment may vary from
weekly to once a month. Meetings are held Tuesday evenings from
7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Sacraments
Infant Baptism (to
age 7 years):
Parents and
godparents are required to attend classes which familiarize them with
the Sacrament and its meaning. Volunteers are needed to become
catechists to teach the 1 ½ hour Baptism class once a month for
parents and sponsors.
Confirmation and
First Eucharist:
Those youth who are
receiving their First Eucharist will do at the same Mass at which they
will be receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. Preparation for
the Sacraments of First Eucharist and Confirmation will be done in
conjunction with our faith formation program throughout the year.
Parish Life
Coffee and Donuts:
This after Mass
social ministry is provided by groups of volunteers. This is an
opportunity for families, friends and organizations to spend time
together providing hospitality to fellow parishioners. Volunteers
are needed to host after the 8:30 and 10:00 am Masses one Sunday a
month. Duties include serving donuts, making beverages, and clean
up.
Blankets and Booties:
This group meets
twice a month to knit and crochet blankets and booties. The
blankets go to APD, who distribute them to children that have been
removed from their homes to a safe place, and the booties go to
Birthright. This group welcomes newcomers who enjoy knitting and
crocheting, and they are always grateful for any donation of 3-ply yarn
in any and all colors.
Casserole Cooking:
Prepare, cook and
freeze a casserole for the Good Shepherd Center to distribute to needy
families in the Albuquerque area. Recipes and aluminum baking
pans are provided by Good Shepherd.
Lenten Meals:
For the six Fridays
of Lent, soup and bread meals are prepared and served in the Merrifield
Room in the Parish Office immediately following the Stations of the
Cross. Volunteers are needed to plan, prepare and serve the meals.
Parish Hospitality:
This group of
volunteers will come together to plan and implement parish-wide events
such as an anniversary celebration, Feast Day celebration, or annual
parish picnic. Volunteers are needed to provide food, organize
the event, and assist in the set-up and clean-up efforts.
Harvestfest:
This event is
sponsored by the OLA Home and School Association, and volunteers are
welcome in all areas.
Administrative
Reception Desk:
Volunteers are needed
to assist in greeting visitors and answering phones during Parish
Secretary’s absence (vacation, Dr.’s appointments, ect.).
Spanish speaking volunteers are especially needed.
Translators:
Assist with the
translating of documents from English to Spanish. This would
include bulletin articles, letters, forms, etc. Commitment would
be 1-3 hours weekly. This ministry can be done from home.
Money Counters:
These dedicated
people come in on Monday mornings to process the weekend
collections. Some experience is needed, and personal interviews
will be conducted.
Groups and
Ministries
Legion of Mary:
All those over the
age of 18 are invited to attend these meetings and join the works of
the Legion, which include home visitation, hospital visitation, rest
home and care center visitation. This commitment would be for 2-3
hours a week.
St. Vincent de Paul:
OLA St. Vincent de
Paul Society offers assistance to the needy residing within our Parish
boundaries. Special activities include the Thanksgiving Food
Drive and the Christmas Angel Tree program.
Knights of Columbus:
Maintenance
Fall and Spring
Cleaning – Church and School Grounds
