Lay Ministers
02/23/08
AS A PEOPLE OF GOD, WE COME TOGETHER TO SHARE OUR GIFTS
The Vatican II Dogmatic Constitution on the Church (Lumen Gentium) tells us that the People of God all have a common calling and mission. As Baptized persons, we live as priest, prophet, and king. We are called to share the gifts we have received from the Spirit in order to help build God’s kingdom in the Church and in the world. All of us are called to give witness to the power of God by the way we live at home, at work, within the community, and in society as a whole.
The following pages are meant to give a brief overview of most of the ministries going on in the Parish. Please take time to read about the ministries, discuss them with the family, pray about them, and be open to the Spirit’s calling. On the weekend of September 15/16, Our Call to Ministry sign-up sheets will be handed out during Mass. On Sunday, September 9th, a ministry fair will take place during the pancake breakfast. Volunteers will be available to answer questions.
LITURGICAL MINISTRIES
MINISTERS OF COMMUNION (EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS)
Why Eucharistic Ministry?
The ordinary minister of the Eucharist is the priest who presides at the celebration. When there is a large community, extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist may assist in the distribution of Communion at Mass and take the Eucharist to the sick or dying (can. 230.3).
The Blessings of Being a Eucharistic Minister
It is a privilege to be called to serve as a Eucharistic Minister. We humbly assist in the celebration of the Eucharist to nourish the bodies and spirits of the people of God. As Ministers of the Eucharist, our lives are both being and giving the Body of Christ. Our reverence and care for the body and blood of Christ in the Eucharist is empty unless it carries over into our reverence and care for all God’s people.
Our Commitment
Ministers are scheduled approximately every month, but may also fill in when there is a need. Schedules are prepared well in advance and according to the liturgical year. Understanding liturgy and participating fully, consciously, and actively enables the Eucharistic ministers to embody the transformative, healing, and nurturing presence of God to all we serve.
Support
Workshops are offered in the fall and are mandatory. As well, pertinent information will be included on the schedules from time to time.
PROCLAIMERS OF THE WORD (LECTORS/READERS)
Why Proclaimers?
Proclaimers have the task of making God present to the community in the Liturgy of the Word. A prayerful and powerful proclamation can move the entire community.
The Blessings of Being a Proclaimer
Our knowledge, faith, and commitment determine our effectiveness as proclaimers of the Word. We must possess a love for the Word of God, for we proclaim God’s living Word, not just words on a page. Proclaimers need to be committed to preparing and properly delivering the Word of God.
Our Commitment
Ministers are scheduled at least twice per schedule. Schedules are prepared well in advance and according to the liturgical year. Each minister is responsible to proclaim when scheduled and to find a replacement if they are unable to proclaim. Proclaimers need to spend at least an hour preparing for his/her scheduled proclamation.
Support
Workshops are offered in the fall and are mandatory. As well, pertinent information will be included on the schedules from time to time. Workbook for Lectors and Gospel Readers is an excellent resource and is available for purchase at the beginning of the liturgical year.
USHERS
Why Ushers?
The ushers’ ministry, in a variety of ways, provides for the comfort of all and enables an orderly celebration of our parish liturgies.
The Blessings of Being an Usher
Ushers are people who enjoy people. We have warm, friendly, and inviting personalities with a strong commitment and an ability to maintain order.
Our Commitment
Volunteers for this ministry can select a Mass time and the time commitment is flexible. Ushers, working under the leadership of the head usher, assist with seating, select a family to bring up the gifts, hand out bulletins to people as they leave after mass, and are always ready to deal with unexpected situations which may arise. Some ushers assist with the collection. Ushers are required to be in the church and ready to serve at least 20 minutes prior to the celebration with the exception of head ushers who must be present one hour prior to the start of the liturgy.
Support
Workshops must be attended in the fall, and head ushers offer guidance at all masses.
GREETERS
Why Hospitality/Greeters?
The ministry of hospitality has its origins in the ancient biblical ethic of ‘welcoming the stranger’. Greeters act as a host in the person of Christ, inviting the people of God to share in the Eucharist or other liturgy. Newcomers, visitors, and parishioners are welcomed and made to feel at home.
The Blessings of Being a Hospitality Minister
Ministers of Hospitality are persons of faith who see Jesus present and alive in the gathering community. Greeters are not afraid to step forward, shake hands, and welcome all with a ‘Good afternoon’ or ‘Good Morning’. The attitude of hospitality exudes from the minister and creates a welcoming presence of joy and gratitude that rubs off on all who enter into the celebration.
Our Commitment
We can select a mass time and the time commitment is flexible. Ministers of Hospitality need to be committed to serve when scheduled and need to be present and ready to serve at least 20 minutes prior to the celebration. More people are needed for this essential ministry.
Support
Workshops are offered in the fall.
ALTAR SERVERS
Why altar servers?
Altar servers originated in the 9th century as young boys took on the role of ordained acolytes. Today, altar servers, both boys and girls, assist the priest in a number of ways including holding the sacramentary for the priest, bringing the sacred vessels to the altar at the presentation of the gifts, and presenting the wine and water to the presider. Altar servers must be at least eight years of age and have celebrated first Communion.
The Blessings of Being an Altar Server
We are called to be mature, reverent, joyful, and committed. An understanding and awareness of the Mass is essential.
Our Commitment
We can select a Mass time and the time commitment is flexible. Scheduling is done with the whole family in mind. This ministry is not focussed on the servers but rather on celebrating the Mass in a humble and reverent manner.
Support
Workshops are offered and training is provided. Other pertinent information will be placed on the schedules.
CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD
Why Children’s Liturgy of the Word?
Children’s Liturgy of the Word is exactly what the name implies: the Liturgy of the Word (the part of the Mass following the introductory rites) adapted to children. It is not catechism class or Sunday school and, while some crafts or colouring pictures may be used to help the children understand the Scripture, it is not primarily a time for crafts.
In Mark 10:13-16, Jesus tells his disciples to let the little children come to him. By sharing the Word of God with children ages 3-6, they gain an understanding of God’s Word for their own faith journey. Hopefully this sharing generates discussion at home with the whole family.
The Blessings of Being Involved in Children’s Liturgy of the Word
Those involved in Children’s Liturgy enjoy working with children, enjoy working in a group, and have a desire to pass on Christ’s teachings to the children. There is a willingness to learn more about our faith and a desire to deepen our faith together.
Our Commitment
There is a choice to serve at 5 pm, 9 am or 11 am Mass. We must be prepared, inspired, and committed to serve when scheduled. Young people of senior high school age and up are welcome to help.
Support
A resource book is available, and the parish team is here to answer questions and offer assistance. Training can be provided.
MUSIC MINISTRY
Why Music Ministry?
St. Augustine wrote that one who sings prays twice. Music is one of the single most important elements of the liturgy. The Music minister is not a performer, but a servant, encouraging and leading the people of God in song.
The Blessings of Being a Music Minister
Music Ministers must have a love of music and the ability to minister music to others. Regular commitment of time, working as part of a group, encouraging the assembly to participate, learning, and having fun are all important components of the Music Ministry.
Our Commitment
Our principal hymnal is Journeysongs, second edition, published by OCP Publications. We have other resources as well, especially for the psalm settings. Our youth choirs have also put together a booklet of their commonly used songs.
Music Ministers are committed to play and sing when scheduled, approximately once every two to four weeks. The schedule for summer enables more time off, since each group serves an entire weekend, allowing everyone to have a break. Everyone is invited to participate in a group effort for Christmas, Ash Wednesday, Holy Week, and Pilgrimage celebrations. Music selections for Sundays are chosen by the music ministers in their groups with the assistance of Today’s Liturgy, published by OCP, the Sunday missal, and peer support.
Prayerful and careful rehearsal is necessary while preparing to lead the assembly in song. Our role as song leaders requires confidence and predictability to enable the people’s song.
Support for Music Ministers
Training: There is at least one major workshop per year to learn about liturgy, ‘the work of the people’, which we serve. Also, we learn new music and parts of the Mass, as well as meet, encourage, and socialize with each other. Dates for workshops and speakers in the diocese are posted on the organ. If possible, guest speakers are brought to the parish from time to time.
Scheduling and Support: Confirmed schedules are available on the organ at least two weeks before the end of the current one. Scheduling for the entire year allows music ministers to plan music by seasons and to join with more than one group as well as to plan to attend rehearsals when held. If a group cannot serve when scheduled, it is responsible for finding a replacement. The Music coordinator can be reached by phone, e-mail, or by calling the parish office. All questions are welcome.
LITURGICAL ART AND ENVIRONMENT MINISTRY
Why a Liturgical Art and Environment Ministry?
The Liturgical Environment Ministry creates an aesthetic simplicity and beautifies the worship space inspiring the community into praise and worship. The guiding liturgical principle is to focus our attention on celebrating the Eucharist and everything that leads up to and flows from it.
The Blessings of a Liturgical Environment Ministry
An understanding of liturgical art and environment and a willingness to be open and flexible to the creative juices is essential. Our ideas, designs, plans, and creativity all flow together as we work on various liturgical celebrations to enhance and inspire a deeper participation in the Liturgy. Creativity and an eye for beauty are essential.
Our Commitment
As a member of this committee, there are four different areas that are available for your involvement:
1) Weekly flower arranging – approximately one hour on a Friday afternoon or evening once a month. Attendance at a workshop on Flower Arranging which will be held on a Saturday in October is mandatory if you wish to serve in this Ministry.
2) Decorating for specific liturgical celebrations or seasons (e.g., Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, ordinary time). This requires both men and women as well as youth (15+ years of age). Time commitment will be about 1 – 2 hours at each change of liturgical seasons.
3) Splitting palms for Palm Sunday. This entails about a one-hour commitment on the Saturday before Palm Sunday.
4) Preparation of decorations for the various liturgical seasons. Time commitment varies
depending on what needs to be done. Creativity and the ability to sew are assets.
Support
Guidance and support are always available. Supplies are provided. Workshops are available.
SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION
Why Sacramental Preparation?
As we, or our children, prepare to celebrate the sacramental milestones in our lives, it is important that we have an understanding of the meaning of the sacrament and of the commitment that we are making. This applies whether we are parents preparing our children for sacraments or adults preparing to enter into marriage.
The Catholic Church teaches that parents are the primary faith educators of their children. It is they who will help their children grow in faith. In the case of infant baptism, preparation is directed toward the parents. When it comes to sacramental preparation of older children for first Reconciliation, first Communion, and Confirmation, it is the responsibility of the parish, the primary faith community, to see that programs and resources are provided to assist parents in preparing their children. The Catholic school system is also a partner in this endeavour.
Our Commitment
For Baptism Preparation, there are 5 sessions per year (2 evenings/session) from 7:00-8:15 pm. Depending on the number of people, a person could be involved for two or three sessions a year.
For First Eucharist, First Reconciliation, and Confirmation there are two meetings per year for each sacrament (six in all). Some meetings include both parents and children, others are for parents only. Confirmation also usually includes two evening as well as two day long retreats.
Our marriage preparation program is going through a period of transition. Required commitment will depend on the final form of the program.
Support
Resources are available, workshops can be provided, and planning meetings are held as needed for information, feedback, and evaluation.
CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS AND CHILDREN
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the process by which adults as well as children of catechetical age (age 6 and up) become full members of the Catholic Church. It is a process of liturgical, catechetical, spiritual, and social formation, a process which takes place in the faith community and for which the whole community has a responsibility. The RCIA was designed specifically for the initiation of unbaptized persons, yet the rite also supports preparation of baptized uncatechized Catholic adults (those with little or no church background) for Confirmation and Eucharist, and for other baptized Christians seeking full communion with the Catholic Church.
The Blessings of RCIA
It is an awesome task to journey with those seeking Baptism – to share our stories of faith with them, to help them to name the ways that God has been acting in their lives through events, people, and places, and to pray for and support them as their own conversion to a deeper relationship with God grows. At the same time, we see that our own faith is awakened and deepened as we journey with them.
Our Commitment
Basically the most important part of ministering in faith is to have an active faith life, to be willing to share it, and also to have the ability to listen to the faith stories, the questions of newcomers, and to be prepared to gently journey with them, respecting the place they are at in their relationship with God. It also asks us to have an openness to learn and to sometimes be challenged by an adult understanding of our faith.
The adult group meets weekly on Wednesdays from 7-9 pm. There are opportunities to be a sponsor, godparent, catechist, or minister of hospitality. This year, in order to develop closer connections between the candidates and the community, we are inviting parishioners to volunteer to host a Wednesday night session or sessions in their home. The host would be responsible for providing refreshments. Members of the leadership team would facilitate the sessions as usual.
The children’s group meets weekly on Sunday mornings. The children’s group, especially, is in need of teachers and helpers.
Support
Training and support are offered on a regular basis. Resources are available.
PRAYER LAUDATORS
Why Prayer Laudators?
Prayer Laudators pray for the needs of our parish community. Prayer is very beneficial and essential especially for those who feel isolated from the community, so that they can maintain a connection with the community.
The Blessings of Being a Prayer Laudator
Prayer Laudators believe in the power of prayer, pray with an open mind, and are open to the outcome of prayer. The power of prayer is affirmed throughout Scripture. Strength, comfort, and compassion are given and received.
Our Commitment
Charity, compassion, and a willingness to be of service are essential. Laudators are contacted once a week with a prayer list. Prayers are for general and specific intentions and confidentiality is respected at all times. There are various ways to pray (rosary, book of prayers, spontaneous prayers from the heart, etc.), and each person is welcome to pray whatever way is comfortable to them.
Support
The group may get together for the occasional potluck to share their experiences and ideas. Resources and workshops can be requested.
PASTORAL CARE
Why Pastoral Care?
Pastoral Care connects people who are physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually frail to the parish community.
The Blessings of Pastoral Care
We are called to be Christ’s healing presence, offering comfort, support, prayers, and God’s love. Compassion, empathy, and commitment are essential. Being a good listener and being open to others and their stories requires flexibility in time commitments.
Our Commitment
Volunteers may choose their area of involvement, e.g., taking Communion to those who are homebound, hospital ministry, or leading a service at a nursing home. There needs to be a commitment of presence when a person is scheduled. Generally, once a week for 2 – 3 hours is all that is required. Volunteers at the hospital or other care facilities may have additional requirements such as paperwork, a police check, and/or a TB test, depending on the institution.
Support
Training for Pastoral Care at the Sturgeon Hospital involves 4 evenings twice a year. Resources are available as well as resource people who are willing to share their experiences. People who feel called to this ministry will be mentored with people already involved. A pastoral care training course is also available through the Archdiocese of Edmonton.
COMMUNITY LIFE
Why community life?
Our Catholic Christian notion of community is based on the Trinity: a communion of persons, each unique, existing in a relationship of love with one another. As a parish, we are called to be community, modeling that Trinitarian relationship of love, care, and support, each in our own unique way.
Our commitment
The social life of a parish is one of many ways in which we do this – through parish social gatherings such as the fall supper, parish picnic, refreshments after liturgical celebrations, etc. Other ways might include visiting and welcoming new parishioners, bidding a fond farewell to those moving away, sending a card to those who have suffered a loss – the possibilities are endless. The Parish Pastoral Council has determined that this is one area where we need to focus in a more determined way. Both your ideas and your physical assistance are needed. You could volunteer to help with or to coordinate a single large event (such as the fall supper) or in a more ongoing capacity.
Support
Orientation and planning meetings are held at various times during the year. Existing volunteers will also mentor and assist new people.
YOUTH MINISTRY
Why Youth Ministry?
The definition of this ministry and its significance is not something that can easily be summarized. It is an essential ministry that focuses on the holistic development of adolescence, youth, and young adults. Youth ministry works towards bringing the entire Body of Christ (regardless of age) into a closer relationship. It is important for all who are part of this community to feel welcomed and cherished. Those involved as leaders of Youth Ministry have the wonderful job of helping the young people of this community to feel at home.
The Blessings of Being a Youth Minister
Youth Ministers have the awesome ability to share their gifts in an infinite number of ways. Every person with every type of gift can contribute to the ministry of youth be it an individual who is a natural leader or a person with computer or baking skills. It is an opportunity to give and receive; those who are involved with Youth Ministry often grow in their own faith, learning from those they are teaching.
Our Commitment
There are many ways to be involved in Youth Ministry. Ministers are needed: to help plan and/or lead retreats, weekly youth groups or family gatherings; to be part of the Social Justice component for the youth (help plan and attend one of the social justice events aimed directly to the youth); to assist with youth facilitated liturgical celebrations (help recruit, assist with the liturgically correct training, and aid in the organizing); and to act as a support team member (donate time treasure and talents on a less regular basis in areas such as driving, cooking, sewing, carpentry, the possibilities are endless).
Support
All programs in Youth ministry are based around a team approach. It is the Youth Ministry Coordinator’s job to ensure that all involved have the proper training and support.
SOCIAL JUSTICE
Why Social Justice?
Social Justice is directed to the achievement of the common good for the whole of God’s Creation. The two feet of social justice are education, so we are made aware of the social issues that surround us within our own community, city, province, country, continent, and world, as well as social action, where we place ourselves at service for others. We live as Jesus lived, reaching out to the marginalized, the less fortunate, the poor, so we see the dignity of every person and treat everyone and everything with reverence and respect.
The Blessings of Social Justice
We come with our hearts on fire wanting to make the world a better place. We are aware of the discrepancies in basic needs, economic situations, and respect and rights. We have an understanding of individual and social justice, and a desire to do something about it.
Our Commitment and support
Acting in solidarity with the Parish Pastoral Council, the social justice committee endeavours to assist in honoring and giving witness to the parish mission of social justice. They actively participate in programs which have a global focus as well as a local focus.
Global focus:
The social justice committee is guided and empowered by the theme promoted by the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace. There are two main national programs each year, centering on global and third world issues.
The Fall Action Campaign which has an education and an action component.
The Share Lent Campaign which has an education and a fundraising component.
During the year, Development and Peace also responds to emergency issues and provides support in the form of aid.
Local focus:
The social justice committee, with the approval of parish council, also engages in social justice projects which have been selected for parish involvement and support. Examples include our refugee project 2006-2007, promotion and sale of Fair Trade products (ongoing), and the Ecuadorian Medical Mission support, 2006-2007.
SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT de PAUL, ST. ALBERT CONFERENCE
The Society invites you to join in works of charity. We need volunteers who will visit the poor who call on the Society for help and identify their needs. The Society will provide the training. We need volunteers who will drive the St.Vincent de Paul truck or come along as a swamper to pick-up and deliver furnishing and goods. Maybe you can help with the logistics of the scheduling of pick-ups and deliveries.
Learn more about the Society of St.Vincent de Paul and how you can serve the distressed and the marginalized by sharing the great gift of self to others. Our Conference meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at 7.30 pm (following 7 p.m. Mass) in the Parish Library. Drop in and find out what we are all about. The work of the Society is the Gospel message in action. I was hungry; I was thirsty; I was a stranger; I was naked; I was sick; I was in prison; AND YOU CARED!
ADULT FAITH EDUCATION
Faith development takes place on many levels – intellectual, moral (how we live our lives), affective (our relationship with God), and religious (how we pray). Learning about and growing in our faith is a life long process. While the basics of our faith do not change, our understanding of that faith and how we live out the questions will change as we grow and in response to life situations. Adult faith education is aimed at helping us to grow and develop in our faith as adults.
Ideally, adult faith education is integrated into every aspect of parish life.
Adult faith education takes many forms. Some of these might include having speakers on different topics, Bible studies, providing resources for reflection at home, e.g., our Advent and Lenten reflection booklets, short series on different topics, providing information on reliable websites, movie discussion groups–the list of possibilities is endless.
As parishioners, we want your input, ideas, and faith questions. As well, we are looking for people who will assist us in planning adult faith educations initiatives for the parish. Time involvement would vary according to your area of interest.
PARISH LIBRARY
Why a Parish Library?
The Parish Library offers a wide variety of materials for parishioners to develop and deepen their faith. It also offers hospitality, coffee, a place to view videos, and a small store to buy a few things.
The Blessings of being a Librarian
Parish librarians get to meet other parishioners and, indirectly, to assist them to grow in their faith through the resources that are provided. It is also an opportunity to build community and to develop one’s own knowledge of our Catholic faith.
Our Commitment
Those who are called to work in the Parish Library need to be book friendly and people friendly. Communication skills, organizational skills, and teamwork are essential qualities. Help is needed both on Sundays and weekdays. On Sundays, volunteers are needed to staff the library and provide coffee hospitality after the 9 and 11 am masses. The time commitment for this would be approximately three hours no more than once a month. The weekday commitment requires a couple of hours on Tuesday mornings as required to catalogue and shelve books.
Support
Those already working in the library will mentor people who feel called to this ministry.
GUATEMALA COMMITTEE
As a Church, we are called to reach out in friendship and service to the world, whether within our own communities or to the larger world community. In January of 2006, our parish responded to a request from the Oblate missionary team in Guatemala to enter into a twinning relationship with them. Our parish pastoral team and council were in agreement with this request as it was felt that this initiative would benefit both communities in terms of promoting openness to one another’s cultures and way of life and sharing our gifts with one another. A committee needs to be established.
ST. ALBERT PARISH CHARITY ACTION TEAM
This is a relatively new group, set up to assist in short term charitable projects for our Church and our community. Projects can vary widely from something such as helping to paint a room at the Church, to assisting organizations such as St. Vincent de Paul, to driving seniors to Mass. We need a wide variety of skills and talents. Time commitment will vary according to your interests and availability. The reward is in knowing that you are a blessing to others through your donation of your time and talents.