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LITURGICAL MINISTRIESMUSIC MINISTRIESAdult Choir and Instrumentalists The Adult Choir adds beauty and solemnity to the liturgy. The choir primarily sings at the 10:00 AM Sunday Mass and at various other special liturgies such as Christmas, Confirmation and liturgies during Holy Week. Choir rehearsals are held weekly from September through May on Thursdays. Instrumentalists are welcome to play for special celebrations with the adult choir. Cantors Cantors lead the congregation in song at liturgy. They serve a vital role collaborating with the Director of Music Ministry to provide the music for worship. The Director of Music Ministry prepares tape recordings of all hymns and responses for the cantors. Children’s Choir The children’s choir is comprised of youth from grades K through 5. They assist in music at Liturgy on Christmas Eve and Easter and at one or two regular Sunday liturgies during the year. Rehearsals are on Monday evenings October through Easter. Handbell Choir Adult and youth (grades 4 and up) handbell choirs add to the beauty of the music at special liturgical celebrations and at one or two regular Sunday liturgies during the year. Adult handbell rehearsals are on Thursday evenings September through May and children’s handbell rehearsals are on Monday evenings September through May. Life Teen Choir and Instrumentalists Teens and adults are invited to participate in the Life Teen music ministry. Masses are held on Sunday at 5:00 PM from September through May. Rehearsals take place prior to the Mass beginning at 4:00 PM. ALTAR MINISTRIESLectors Proclaim the 1st and 2nd readings at Mass, lead the general intercessions and read the Mass announcements. This requires two separate-one hour training sessions. Meetings: Reflection every year Commitment: Lector at 1 or 2 Masses each month Liturgy of the Word for Children Catechists provide the liturgical readings for the children and an explanation on an age appropriate level. Materials are available. Meetings: Children’s Liturgy occurs twice a month during the 10:00 AM Sunday Mass, usually the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month Commitment: Approximately 20 minutes during Mass, 2 – 3 times a year and appropriate preparation time Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Distributes Holy Communion (Body and Blood of Christ) to the congregation and prepares and sets vessels for the next Mass. Meetings: Reflection every year Commitment: Once a month at Mass or more frequently if needed Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion to the Shut Ins Ministers distribute Holy Communion to those at home or in institutions. Meetings: Reflection every year Commitment: Each shut in should receive Holy Communion on a weekly basis. Altar Servers Assist the priest during Mass. Grades 3 through high school as well as adults are welcome. Masses: Saturday evening or Sunday morning Commitment: Initial training session totaling 6 hours, Mass scheduled approximately once a month. Holy Days of Obligation, Weddings, Funerals and other worship services require altar servers. Sacristans Preparation for all liturgical celebrations – placement of hosts, wine and water, setting of liturgical books. Meetings: As necessary Commitment: 30 minutes before Mass on Saturday evening or Sunday morning Arts and Environment Planning and decorating the church sanctuary and the Narthex. This also includes the social hall for Christmas and Easter Masses. Meetings: As needed Commitment: Decorating time for all liturgical feasts WELCOMING MINISTRYUshers Welcome parishioners to Mass, help with seating, take collections and distribute bulletins. Meetings: Reflection every year Commitment: 20 minutes before and 20 minutes after Mass on Saturday evening or Sunday morning FAITH FORMATION – ADULTBaptism Preparation These sessions provide instruction for new parents preparing for the Sacrament of Baptism. Classes offered the second Tuesday of each month at 8:00 PM Commitment: 1 hour session – 2 or 3 times per year. Bible Study Scripture study sessions are held every fall and spring on various Bible texts using varied sources. Sessions meet every other week on Tuesday evenings or Thursday mornings. Commitment: Preparation time and 90 minute sessions. Number of sessions varies depending on the study. Catechetical Studies (Diocesan) Various catechist certification courses are offered throughout the year at our parish facility and neighboring parishes. These courses cover methodology, morality, the creed and Sacraments. Please watch the bulletin for times and courses offered. Cursillo The “Little Course” equips individuals with the tools to live out their Christian lives with purpose and genuine love for our Lord. Meetings: 2nd and 4th Monday of the month 7:30-9:00 PM Commitment: Get away weekend followed by two meetings per month Marriage Encounter Offers weekend experience designed to give couples the opportunity to look deeply into their relationship with each other and God. Meetings: Monthly Commitment: Once a month for 3 hours of fellowship Marriage Preparation Provide engaged couples preparing for marriage with the opportunity to hear and reflect upon the experience and call of marriage within the Catholic Church. Meetings: Twice per year Commitment: 6 week session on Sunday evenings 2 hours each – offered in spring and fall Patio Gatherings Each summer, we gather in small groups for spiritual study and reflection to grow in faith, hope and love. Sessions meet every other week on an evening or Thursday morning. Commitment: Preparation time and 90 minute session. Number of sessions varies depending on the study. RCIA Team (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) This is a process which catechizes adults inquiring about the Catholic faith while leading them to the Easter Sacraments. Everyone is welcome to any or all of the sessions. Sessions: Thursday evenings – September through April – 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Commitment: Varies based on ministry: i.e., catechist, hospitality, sponsor Retreats Weekend of spiritual refreshment, renewal, and growth of body and soul at St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center in Pittsburgh. Meetings: Retreat weekend in February (men) and October (women) Commitment: Help with retreat promotion during the year Small Faith Communities In order to foster a deeper spirituality, we offer programs where we reflect on the Scripture readings for the upcoming Sunday or on a particular book of the Bible. We listen and are open to God who continues to reveal himself in the church represented in the small group where two or more are gathered in His name. Meetings: Once per week Commitment: Preparation time plus 90 minute session Church Library The Church Library, located in the narthex, offers a wide selection of religious books. Please feel free to visit and borrow any of the books. FAITH FORMATION – YOUTHCatholic Faith Formation Ministries Christian Initiation of Children (C.I.C.) This is a process designed to prepare children and teenagers who, for different reasons, have not received the sacraments in the traditional manner. We will tailor a program to help your child to receive the sacraments of our faith and grow in understanding and love of the Lord. ON-SITE AND HOME-SITE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS We offer weekly faith formation sessions both at our on-site campus and in neighborhood homes. Each “class” is staffed by volunteers as teachers and aides. Home-sites may also have home-site sponsors who offer hospitality and the location for meeting. The following formative opportunities are available in both on-site and home-site learning environments. While home-sites may be less classroom oriented, the curriculum and activities are identical in both environments insuring diocesan catechetical guidelines are accomplished for each age/grade level. Early Childhood Faith Formation Program: Full faith formation for 4 year olds and Kindergarten aged children. Curriculum centers on God as Creator, creation, family, the Church family and membership, relationships, introductory prayer and basic scripture learning. Much hands-on and discovery activities keep children involved and moving and are led by teachers and aides. This program is very popular and registration may be limited. Primary Grades 1-5 Faith Formation Program: Following a liturgy-centered model, this program is rooted in the experience of the Sunday Mass. In each session, the Sunday scriptures are proclaimed, studied, prayed and integrated as young members build their Catholic identity. The curriculum used takes a spiral approach to religious education and offers increasing depths of faith experiences and knowledge in Catholic doctrine, morality, and the sacraments in age appropriate faith levels based on the child’s age/grade. Like topics are studied in the different grades the same week so that discussion and integration may take place with siblings of differing age at home. Junior High Faith Formation Program for Grades 6-8: also based in a liturgy-centered model, the Junior High program offers curriculum in Scripture, “Creed and Prayer” and “Liturgy and Morality.” Each session is led by a teacher and aide employing dynamic methodology applicable to pre-teens. Family Program: The program uses the same curriculum as the on-site and home-site options. The formation of the children occurs primarily with the family in their home. Catechetical sessions are led by the child’s parents. Parents can plan a single lesson using plans that are available through eConnect, an online program developed by the publisher of the book series utilized at the parish. Students are to complete the reviews online or in the text and submit them to the Faith Formation Office. Families are also required to attend several events throughout the catechetical year to promote fellowship and a sense of community with families involved in the on-site and home-site programs. Students with Special Needs: We work with the parents/guardians of children with special needs to mainstream into our On-site, Home-Site and Family program options to the extent possible based upon the needed support structure as well as the abilities of our volunteer catechetical staff. Specific questions as to individual needs should be discussed with the Faith Formation staff. Vacation Bible School Vacation Bible School is a fun spirit-filled week for children from pre-school through grade five using Catholic curriculum. They experience the teachings of Jesus using fun activities and songs. Meetings: None Commitment: One week in June Middle School Ministry-EDGE The junior youth ministry has spiritual as well as social functions and is open for students in sixth, seventh and eighth grades. Activities of a wide variety are planned, with religious, educational and service projects of utmost importance in this stage of developing Christian awareness for those seeking to confirm their faith. Life Teen-Senior Youth Ministry Life Teen-Leading teens closer to Christ. Life Teen ministry is a combination of worship, education, service and social events for students in grades 9 through 12. Youth meet on Sunday evenings for catechesis, faith sharing, prayer, service opportunities and fellowship. Catechists We are always in need of catechists and aides to provide the religious education for the children in the parish Pre K through Grade 8. This includes the sacramental preparation for reconciliation, holy Eucharist and confirmation. Meetings: Follow faith formation times Commitment: Catechist – 6 hours per week including lesson planning, Aide – 2 hours per week and office help 2 hours per week. Life Teen and Edge Core Group Adults are always welcome to come to plan, handle public relations, setup and chaperone events for high school and junior high students. Meetings: Monthly planning meeting Commitment: Varies depending on activities DEVOTIONS AND PRAYERCharismatic Prayer Group Faithful Christians gather together to praise the Lord in prayer and song and are open to the charisms (gifts) of the Holy Spirit. Meetings: Every Tuesday at 8:00 PM Commitment: 90 minutes weekly Fatima Devotions Recitation of the Rosary and Fatima prayers before Mass. Meetings: 8:30 AM on the first Saturday of the month Commitment: Approximately 20 minutes Rosary Use the front pew and microphone to recite the rosary from beginning to end for the congregation prior to Mass during the months of May and October Commitment: Approximately 20 minutes before Mass begins Stations of the Cross Stations of the Cross are prayed on Fridays during Lent at 7:30 PM in the church. Life Teen presents Living Stations at 8:00 PM on one given Friday during the Lenten season. St. Francis of Assisi Blessing of Animals On October 4 (the feast of St. Francis of Assisi), animals are blessed on the patio in front of the church. Easter Blessing of Foods On Holy Saturday (the day before Easter Sunday), a blessing service is held in the church to bless all Easter foods. The service is held at 12:00 Noon. All Souls Memorial Mass On November 2, a Mass is celebrated to remember all beloved deceased relatives and friends. Those who were buried from our parish in the previous year are remembered in a special way. CARING FOR GOD’S PEOPLEBereavement Referrals to local support groups or counseling as needed Comfort Blanket Ministry This group makes comfort blankets to be given to those who are going through difficult times as a symbol of the prayers and concern of the parish family. Meetings: Mondays 9:30 AM – come when you can, work at home Commitment: Flexible: Many hands and various skills needed to complete projects Divorced and Separated Support Thirteen week DivorceCare program presented three times per year. Christian program supplemented by uniquely Catholic concerns. Meetings: Mondays 7:00 PM to 8:45 PM Funeral Luncheon Coordinates the setup, serving and cleanup for the funeral luncheons held in our parish social hall. Meetings: As necessary Commitment: 4 hours per luncheon Food Bank Pick up all food from donations at church and deliver to the North Hills Community Outreach. In December we distribute “Angel Gift Tags” and deliver gifts to the Lighthouse on Route 8. Meetings: As necessary Commitment: One day per month all year, approximately 1 – 1 ½ hours Good Neighbor Program Coordinates volunteers to provide: Meals for those in a crisis situation or who are dealing with serious illness; Handy Helpers to assist those who are temporarily unable to do simple household tasks; Caregiver Relief to provide companionship to a homebound person for a couple of hours, to enable their caregiver to leave the home. Meetings: As necessary Commitment: Flexible based on community needs and volunteer abilities Caregiver Relief volunteers must attend training session Nurses Blood pressure screening on first and third Sundays after 8:00 AM Mass. Meetings: As necessary Commitment: One Hour twice per month. Stephen Ministry Provides one on one Christian support to individuals going through life transition or crisis. Meetings: Twice monthly Commitment: Initial training of 50 hours is spread out over 4 months CARING FOR CHURCH PROPERTYOUTDOORS Grass Busters Mow lawns around the church area, parking lot islands, and perimeter of the parking lot. Meetings: As necessary Commitment: Approximately 2 ½ hours every 7 – 10 days – April – October Gardening Committee Maintain the outside gardens of the church: weeding, watering and pruning. Meetings: As necessary Commitment: 2 – 2 ½ hours a week-late May – September INDOORS Dust Busters Clean the church and narthex: dusting, vacuuming pews and mopping the floors. Meetings: As necessary Commitment: Approximately 1 ½ hours every five weeks Sanctuary Cleaners Dust and sweep sanctuary floor, refresh holy water and baptismal font. Refill vigil candles. Meetings: As necessary Commitment: 1 – 1 ½ hours every 5 weeks on Thursday or Friday Altar Linens/Cloths Launder and press the corporals and linens used at the altar during Mass. Meetings: As necessary Commitment: 3 hours every 3 months Plant Caregivers (Indoor) Water green plants in the sanctuary and in the narthex. Meetings: As necessary Commitment: 1 – 1 ½ hour every 5 weeks on a Thursday or Friday morning ADMINISTRATIONOffice Volunteers Counting collections, balancing each Mass, recording amounts and preparing deposit slips. Meetings: Sundays or Mondays Commitment: 3 to 4 hours each time – twice per month Office Helpers Preparing mailings, collating materials, assist in answering phone. Meetings: As necessary Commitment: Flexible PARISH ORGANIZATIONSCatholic Men’s Fellowship Provides spiritual growth and fellowship for men of any age. Meetings: Every Thursday evening at 9:00 PM Commitment: 2 hours per week Forever Young Welcomes anyone over 55! Our motto is “Fun, Food and Fellowship and stay Forever Young!” Meetings: 2nd Thursday of the month – 12:00 noon – September – May Commitment: Monthly meetings of 2 hours and $5.00 membership fee Ladies Group Provides fellowship for women of the parish – Come and enjoy!! Meetings: 3rd Monday of the month – 7:00 PM – September – May Commitment: 1 ½ – 2 hours a month Ladies of Charity Visiting shut-ins and nursing home patients Meetings: Once per month Commitment: 1 hour per month for visitation and 1 hour for meetings Men’s Group Provides fellowship for men of the parish – Come and enjoy!! Meetings: 2nd Tuesday of the month – 8:00 PM – September – May Commitment: Average 3 hours per activity Mission Group Provide spiritual and financial support primarily to an orphanage in Patzun, Guatemala throughout the year. We also make an annual trip to assess their needs and offer assistance. Meetings: 2nd Tuesday of the month – 8:00 PM Commitment: Time varies depending on fundraisers Respect Life Coordinates pro-life activities: March for Life, Life Chain, collections for pro-life groups and sponsor two blood drives a year. Meetings: Every other month Commitment: Varies depending on activity St. Vincent de Paul Society Leads women and men to join together to grow spiritually by offering person to person temporal assistance to those in need and suffering. Meetings: 1st Wednesday of the month – 7:00 PM Commitment: 1-4 hours a month or as needed COMMITTEESAdult Faith Formation Studies and reviews methodology for Adult Faith Formation Meetings: As necessary Commitment: 2 hours per meeting Stewardship Plans, promotes and supervises parish fund raising events. Meetings: As necessary Commitment: Average 6 hours per activity Temporality Committee Oversee maintenance for all church facilities and grounds. Make recommendations to pastor on construction and grounds projects. Meetings: 2nd Thursday of the month – 7:00 PM Commitment: 2 hours per meeting, plus other projects as needed Worship Committee Plan themes for Advent and Lenten seasons. Oversee all aspects of worship for liturgies, devotions and prayer services. Meetings: As necessary Commitment: 2 hours per meeting
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ST. RICHARD YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY |