Parish Ministry
Catechism of the Catholic Church – 874 “Christ is himself the source of ministry in the Church. He instituted the Church. He gave her authority and mission, orientation and a goal. In order to shepherd the People of God and to increase its numbers without cease, Christ the Lord set up in his Church a variety of offices which aim at the good of the whole body. The holders of office, who are invested with a sacred power, are, in fact, dedicated to promoting the interests of their brethren, so that all who belong to the People of God . . . may attain to salvation.”
Involvement in a parish ministry creates a profound ripple effect of spiritual and communal growth across three distinct levels. For the individual, active participation fosters deeper personal faith, cultivates meaningful relationships with fellow parishioners, and provides a tangible way to discover and exercise God-given talents. For the local parish, these ministries serve as the vital lifeblood that drives liturgical vibrancy, strengthens community outreach, and ensures that pastoral care reaches those in need, transforming the church from a simple Sunday gathering into a living, supportive family. Ultimately, for the Roman Catholic Church at large, engaged volunteers build up the Mystical Body of Christ by advancing the universal mission of evangelization, strengthening global solidarity, and keeping the Church resilient, unified, and deeply rooted in the Gospel message across the world.
Altar Servers
To serve at the altar for liturgical celebrations is a great opportunity to increase your faith and knowledge about the Mass. The Mass is the source and summit of the Christian life, and your job as an altar server is to assist the priest so that Sunday Mass runs smoothly and parishioners can pray and worship better and with less distraction.
In order to be an altar server, you must be a practicing Catholic female or male, and you must attend the training sessions at your parish.
Adult Funeral Servers
To serve at funerals in the parish. Adult altar servers assist the celebrant wherever possible during the funeral liturgy.
Music Ministry
Music, a gift and a blessing from God, has played a very important role in Catholic Liturgy for the past two thousand years. The Bible resounds with praise and thanks to God through music. In the Old Testament, music played a number of different roles, including assisting in the memorisation of God’s truth and in reminding God’s people of their fallenness and salvation. In the New Testament, God’s people gather together to express their praise to him and to build one another up in the faith. A wide variety of music that is in harmony with the ministry of God’s word is a significant part of the life of the church and points towards the role of music in our praise of God.
Traditional Choir
To provide music for liturgies. You must feel called to the ministry of music, have some aptitude for music either vocally or by playing an instrument, attend weekly practices, and commit to attending services where the music ministry is required.
Folk Choir
To provide music for liturgies. You must feel called to the ministry of music, have some aptitude for music either vocally or by playing an instrument, attend weekly practices, and commit to attending services where the music ministry is required.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
During some Sunday Masses in parishes, programs in the Liturgy of the Word for Children who are in kindergarten right up to grade 4 and even beyond are offered. The children leave the Mass for the Liturgy of the Word and come back in time for the Liturgy of the Eucharist. This program usually runs from the end of September until the end of June.
Baptism Preparation Team
The team assists the parents of children about to be baptized. The Wednesday before the Sunday of Baptism, a meeting is held to review the sacrament, including reflection, questions, and a short video. Members of the preparation team assist at the Baptisms, which are held on the third Sunday of the month at 12:30 pm.
First Reconciliation and First Communion Preparation Team
Children in Grade 2 prepare for this important sacrament through parental instruction, the sacramental preparation team at the parish, and the Religious Education instruction from the Catholic school.
Confirmation Preparation Team
Children in Grade 7 prepare for this important sacrament through parental instruction, the sacramental preparation team at the parish, and the Religious Education instruction from the Catholic school.
Eucharistic Ministers
Eucharistic Ministers assist in the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass. The ideal candidates for this ministry are adult parishioners who are properly instructed and distinguish themselves by their Christian faith and life.
Ministers of the Word (Lectors)
Ministers of the Word proclaim Scripture and the Prayers of the Faithful for liturgical celebrations, primarily Sunday Mass. Ministers of the Word must be baptized, practicing Catholics of high school age and older. This ministry is supported by an ongoing commitment to study and pray with the Word of God.
Church Decoration Committee
Volunteers design, display, and provide ongoing care for decorations which are used for regular liturgies and special occasions. The time commitment varies, with the Christmas and Easter seasons being especially busy.