"As each has received a gift, employ it for one another as good stewards of God's varied grace." (1 Peter 4:10)

Being a member of a parish is being part of a community, a family. Just as in any community, the involvement of all is needed if the community is to be successful. And, ultimately, we are the ones who benefit when we use God's gifts to show our love of Him and of neighbor.

Take a look at all the different opportunities for being involved in the parish. Volunteers needed at both St. Olaf Church and St. Peter Mission. Contact the parish office for more information on any particular group or if you would like to inquire about starting a new group.

Consultative Bodies

Pastoral Council

Gives counsel and input to pastor concerning all aspects of parish life and ministry. Assists the pastor in listening to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the hopes and dreams, needs and concerns of parishioners. Works with pastor in goal setting and evaluation of mission and vision of the parish. Works to formulate and implement a pastoral plan for the parish community.

Commitment: Three years, 6-8 monthly meetings per year.

Finance

Finance Council

Assists in the development of the parish budget within the general recommendations and guidelines set by Pastoral Council as recommended to the Pastoral Leadership. Is concerned with the following: (1) the revenue projections; (2) determining essential costs; (3) developing guidelines and timelines for operating and capital budget development; (4) budget review; (5) presentation of budget options for ultimate consideration by Pastoral leadership. Also assists with annual parish stewardship drive and annual Catholic Appeal.

Commitment: Three years, 11 monthly meetings per year.

Stewardship Commission

Assists the Pastor in promoting and building the vision and value of stewardship. Seeks to find ways to encourage people to generously share their God-given gifts of time, talents, and treasures not only within the parish community but at large throughout the larger community. Directs the parish's annual Stewardship Commitment, Annual Report, and Ministry Guide activities.

Commitment: Three years, with monthly meetings and additional trainings.

Liturgy

Liturgy Commission

Assists in the areas of spiritual life and worship, liturgical renewal, and liturgical art and environment. Helps the pastor evaluate, plan, and reflect upon the parish's celebration of the Sacred Liturgy. Membership is comprised of the coordinators of the parish's liturgical ministries.

Commitment: Three years, with monthly meetings.

Facilities

Maintenance & Facilities

Helps plan and organize the maintenance and improvement projects of all parish facilities. Directs activities of grounds crews and seasonal cleanups. Sounding board for the Pastoral Assistant for Administration.

Commitment: Monthly.

Peace & Justice Committee

Assists in the promotion and implementation of Catholic social teaching. It assists the pastor "to foster works through which the spirit of the gospel is promoted, even that which pertains to social justice."

Its role includes:

Commitment: Periodic.

Liturgy

Altar Vessels

Mass Set-up

Help with setting up the sanctuary (e.g, altar vessels, linens) before weekend Mass and cleaning the communion vessels after Mass.

Commitment: One weekend mass for one month per year; about 2 hours total per year.

Altar Servers

Altar Servers

Open to all parishioners who have made their first Holy Communion. Assist the priest at the altar during the sacrifice of the mass and at other liturgical celebrations.

Commitment: 1-2 times per month. Mostly weekends, but help needed on Wednesday/Holy Day masses as well.

Lectionary

Lectors

Proclaim the word of God by reading the assigned scripture at Mass. Only weekend masses are scheduled, but lectors are also needed for weekday and Holy Day Masses.

Commitment: 1-2 times per month. Scheduled lectors are responsible for at least two Sunday Masses within a three-month period.

Eucharist

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

Priests and Deacons are the ordinary ministers of Holy Communion. Extraordinary ministers are formally trained and designated to assist when not enough ordinary ministers are present to efficiently distribute Holy Communion at Mass.

Commitment: At least one weekend mass per month, but extraordinary ministers may also needed at weekday Masses.

Music

Music Ministry

Opportunity for everyone to raise their voices or instruments in praise to the Lord. Options include

Commitment: 2 hours weekly.

Ushers

Ushers

This is a liturgical ministry of hospitality. Ushers welcome mass attendees, assist with seating, pass out assisted listening devices, collect the Mass offering, and distribute the parish bulletin.

Commitment: Weekends, 1-2 times per month.

Pyx

Holy Communion to the Sick & Homebound

Celebrate liturgy of the Word (as feasible) with, and bring Holy Communion to, those unable to attend Mass. Training and pastor's designation required.

Commitment: Weekly, as needed.

Linens

Linen/Vestments Cleaning

Launder and iron the linens (finger towels, purificators, etc.) used at the celebration of the sacred liturgy. Also cleaning of the vestments and paraments (e.g., priest albs, mass server robes); some for laundry, some for dry cleaning.

Commitment: Weekly - monthly.

Cleaning

Church Cleaning

Give one hour, once per week for one month, to clean and ready our Church for the weekend liturgies. Cleaning includes light dusting and vacuuming.

Commitment: Four times per year, 1 hour each.

Cleaning Pews

Other Cleaning/Re-stocking

Clean and re-stock the pews with visitor envelopes and straighten hymnals each week prior to weekend liturgies. Stock pews with envelopes when special collections are taken. Others needed to keep clean and replenish the votive candle holders at St. Olaf and St. Peter's.

Commitment: Weekly and as needed.

Banners

Banner Making & Hanging

Designing and making, plus changing, the liturgical banners to be used in decorating the sanctuary space at St. Olaf Church. Materials provided

Commitment: Designing/making is as needed. Hanging happens about 13 times per year (roughly once per month).

Baptism

Baptismal Gown Makers

Enjoy sewing? Help make the white baptism garments to clothe infants and toddlers at baptism liturgies.

Commitment: Quarterly, as needed.

Evangelization / Service

Books

Book Group

The group reads, and has lively discussions and theological reflections upon a wide variety of books from old-time classics to current best-sellers. Meets monthly.

Cursillo

Cursillo

Helps people discover and fulfill their personal vocations by participating in three-day retreats that include prayer, discussion and reflection. Part of a national organization.

There is a monthly gathering of Cursillistas, called an Ultreya, at St. Olaf or another local parish. Retreats are in the spring and fall.

Adoration

Eucharistic Adoration

Devote one hour per week of prayer and meditation with Christ Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. St. Olaf Parish has a Eucharistic chapel, with exposition of the Holy Eucharist, that is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.

Commitment: One hour per week plus more as desired. Committing to one hour a week allows the parish to continue this valuable devotion. For currently open slots, see the parish bulletin.

Christ

Faith Formation

Opportunities to work with children, youth, or adults.

Knights

Knights of Columbus

A Catholic fraternal organization open to all practicing Catholic men. Assists the pastor and archdiocese as needed with functions and projects. Part of a national organization.

The Msgr. O'Flaherty Council of the Knights here at St. Olaf hosts monthly pancake breakfasts, Sunday coffee & donuts after mass, parish movie nights, and many other activities. They support seminarians, provide college scholarships, and aid to local charities. For more information, see the local council's website.

Legion of Mary

Legion of Mary

Legion members initiate spiritual outreach within the parish through prayer, apostolic works, and consecration to Mary. Services include visits to the sick and homebound, prayer ministry, teaching faith formation, and staffing the parish gift shop.

Commitment: weekly meeting and two hours of weekly service. Part of a national organization.

Prayer

Prayer Group

Meets weekly to pray for the ministries of the parish and for special prayer intentions. Prayer intention forms are available next to the Parish book of intentions at St. Olaf Church.

All are welcome to join.

St. Catherine's Society / Martha's Helpers

A women's group that meets at the homes of members for prayer, socializing, and works of mercy. Meets monthly (except January, July, August). Those unable to make the meetings can join Marth's Helpers who prepare, set up, and host meals for funeral receptions.

St. Vincent

St. Vincent dePaul Society

Confidentially assists parishioners and local community members both financially and spiritually. Manages collection and distribution of school supplies in August, and food baskets at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Meetings twice per month. Part of a national organization.

Franciscans

Secular Franciscans

Enables the Franciscan charism to be lived out by married and single members of the laity and by diocesan clergy. An international order in the Church with a national council for the USA, the Secular Franciscans were established by St. Francis in the 13th century.

Members strive to spread the Gospel by word and example in their homes, at work, and in their parishes. Monthly fraternity meetings with common prayer, formation, and fellowship.

General Parish Support

Office

Parish Office Support

The parish office staff is in need of continuing volunteers for several activities. These including counting the monetary collections from the weekend Masses, assembling the weekly parish bulletin, and assisting with various parish mailings and worship booklets. Help with one or more activities.

Commitment: Weekly, and as needed.

Page Updated: 22 November 2011 | Parish Homepage

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