Ministries ~ Liturgy
The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is the source and summit of everything we do. The Liturgy Committee assists our parish in keeping the Mass as the center of our worshiping community. All those who volunteer for liturgical ministries witness to the presence of Christ in our midst and strengthen us as a community centered on Jesus present in the Eucharist and in his living Word. There are many Liturgical Ministries which assist the Priest in the celebration of the Mass. We sing His praises, proclaim His Word, serve at His altar, welcome His people, care for His altar and His house, and assist in the distribution of Holy Communion, at Mass and to the homebound. There are many ministries and many gifts needed to support the liturgy in our parish. The Liturgy Committee Chair is Fr. John Mosimann.
Adoration
Mission: To spend time with our Lord in prayer during Adoation
Time: One hour. Adoration is everyday between 6:30am and 9am Mass, and Wednesdays from 12noon until Fridays after the 9am Mass. 2 people are required to be with the Lord at all times.
Coordinator: Contact one of our Schedulers at adoration@stmaryfred.org
Altar Servers
Mission: A unique ministry by which boys and girls 4th grade and older can help to spread the word and the love of Christ through their actions and words by assisting the principal celebrant during Mass. To be an Altar Server is a special honor and a great privilege. Opportunities are available for other liturgies as well such as weddings, funerals, benediction, etc.
Time: Generally two Masses per month. Arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of Mass. Initial training and formation sessions. Schedule is flexible and finding a substitute if needed is required.
Talent: A desire to serve God. Attentiveness and reverence at Mass. Must be dependable.
Coordinators: Jack and Vicky Kopcak
Altar Society
Mission: To clean the sanctuary and sacred vessels, take home used vestments, altar cloths, purificators and towels to be cleaned, pressed or repaired.
Time: Every Friday, approximately 1-2 hours. Cleaning of linens, monthly.
Talent: A caring eye for detail.
Coordinator: Ginny Christina
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Mission: To assist in the distribution of the Holy Eucharist on Sundays, Holy Days and/or daily Mass, and to share ministry with the homebound and institutionalized.
Time: Weekly commitment (if possible). Schedule is flexible and finding a substitute is required. Formation and training sessions also required.
Talent: Love and reverence for the Holy Eucharist; ease in public settings, Catholic in good standing who has received the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation). Must be invited to serve by the Pastor and formally mandated by Bishop Burbidge, usually annually in May. If you are interested, please contact Fr. Mosimann directly for an appointment.
Coordinators: Deacon Alberto Bernaola
Ministry to the Homebound/Sick
Mission: To bring the Holy Eucharist, pray and visit with those who are homebound or institutionalized.
Time: Weekly commitment (if possible). 1-2 hours weekly. Annual Training.
Talent: Love and reverence for the Holy Eucharist; friendly and compassionate with the ability to comfort. Catholic in good standing who has received the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation). Must be invited to serve by the Pastor and formally mandated by Bishop Burbidge, usually annually in May. If you are interested, please contact Fr. Mosimann directly for an appointment.
Coordinators: Kristen Baroody on behalf of Fr. John Mosimann
Hospitality: Greeters
The role of a greeter is different from an usher, who works inside the church helping people to find seats and facilitate the flow of the collection(s) and Communion procession. The greeter is at the door, helping people in, giving them liturgy sheets. To date, we have not had much response to this ministry, which could be the most effective of all, giving welcome to people who come to Mass on Sundays and other special liturgies.
Mission: Welcome all parishioners and visitors to Mass with a warm smile and friendly greeting. Some greeters will be asked to stand outside and assist people who need assistance from their cars to their pew. Distribute liturgy sheets and assist ushers as needed. Adults and teens welcome.
Time: Weekly commitment desired, not required (arrive 15 minutes prior to Mass). Schedule is flexible and finding a substitute is required. Initial training and annual meeting.
Talent: An ability to help people be aware they belong; a deep sense of Christ in all people.
Coordinator: Pat Fish, patfish53@gmail.com
Hospitality: Ushers
Mission: To provide assistance to our fellow parishioners during regular Masses, Holy Days and also during special liturgical events. This assistance includes a variety of tasks such as extending greeting to all those that enter, seating people, assisting at Communion time, taking up the collection and distributing the church bulletin at the conclusion of Mass.
Time: Weekly commitment (arrive 15 minutes prior to Mass). Initial training.
Talent: An ability to help people be aware they belong; a deep sense of Christ in all people.
Coordinator: Tom Fish
Spanish Mass Coordinator: Javier Flores
Lectors
Mission: To proclaim the Scripture readings at Masses, Holy Days and at other special liturgical events with reverence and understanding. This requires spending time with the Word before your assigned Mass, prayerful contemplation and an openness to letting the Holy Spirit Lead. Adults and teens eligible.
Time: Usually one Mass every two weeks, with one annual formation session. Schedule is flexible and finding a substitute is required.
Talent: A love for God’s word. A clear speaking voice and ease speaking in front of people. Appropriate dress is required.
Coordinators: Karin Lea and David James
Spanish Mass Coordinator: Alvin Romero
Music Ministry
The Music Ministry welcomes singers and instrumentalists who want to share their gifts to help foster the sung prayer of our parish. Over 120 adults and children participate in one or more of the six choral ensembles, which provide music for weekend liturgies as well as all solemnities and special occasions. The Music Ministry also provides musical leadership, through our cantors and organists, for all weddings and funerals.
In addition to choral, instrumental and cantor programs, St. Mary continues to foster the performing arts through its’ Concert Series which features internationally renowned solo recitalists and performing ensembles as well as programs presented by the choirs of St. Mary. Also, monthly, the St. Mary Music Ministry presents Taizé, a contemplative form of ecumenical worship combining sung and chanted prayers, readings and meditation.
Parish Choir
The St. Mary Parish Choir provides music primarily for the 10:30 a.m. Sunday liturgy as well as all solemnities. In addition, the Parish Choir presents special programs throughout the year as part of the St. Mary Concert Series. In the past, the Parish Choir has presented programs at other area churches and in 2016, made a performing tour in Italy. The repertoire of the Parish Choir includes a broad range or choral literature from chant and polyphony through contemporary compositions of the 20th and 21st centuries. Members of high-school graduate age and above welcome.
Time: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. warm-up rehearsal with Mass following at 10:30 a.m. Rehearsal on Thursday, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Choirmaster: musicministry@stmaryfred.org
Magnificat Choir (Youth)
The Magnificat Choir provides music primarily for the 12:30 p.m. Sunday liturgy and, on occasion, for solemnities and special occasions throughout the year. The repertoire of the Magnificat Choir ranges from early music of the church through contemporary compositions. Membership is open to young adults from grade 7-12.
Time: Sunday, 11:45 warm-up rehearsal with Mass following at 12:30 p.m. Rehearsal on Tuesday, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Choirmaster: musicministry@stmaryfred.org
St. Cecilia Choir (Children)
The St. Cecilia Choir provides music primarily for the 8:30 a.m. Sunday liturgy and, on occasion, for solemnities and special occasions throughout the church year. The St. Cecilia choir follows the instructional model set forth by the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM). The RSCM model implements instruction of proper vocal production, music theory and liturgical aspects. Membership is open to children grades 2-6.
Time: Sunday, 8:00 a.m. warm-up rehearsal with Mass following at 8:30 a.m. Rehearsal on Thursday, 4:45 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Choirmaster: musicministry@stmaryfred.org
Spanish Choir
The Spanish Choir is a group of singers and instrumentalists whom provide music for the 2:30 p.m. Spanish liturgy on Sunday and various solemnities and events throughout the church year. Singers who enjoy singing in Spanish and players of appropriate instruments are most welcome to join.
Time: Sunday, 12:30 warm-up rehearsal with Mass following at 2:30 p.m. Rehearsal on Friday, 7:00 p.m.
Coordinator: Balmore Diaz or 540-993-8739
Seasonal Decorators
Mission: To prepare the church for primary liturgical seasons, creating designs that lead those aending Mass to enter more deeply into the Mysteries we celebrate.
Time: Usually the Saturday before a major feast day. Other dates as needed throughout the year.
Talent: An eye for design, able to lift, use ladders.
Coordinators: tkbaroody@stmaryfred.org