Ministries
Altar Servers
Altar Servers minister at Sunday and weekday liturgies, funerals, weddings and various other liturgical rites. They minister to the assembly by carrying the cross, candles, and incense, presenting the Sacramentary to the priests, preparing the altar, and undertaking other tasks that serve the liturgy. Initial and ongoing formation is provided. To function in this ministry one must be a baptized member of the Catholic Church, regular (i.e., weekly) in Sunday worship, and living in harmony with the teachings of the Church. Typically this ministry is undertaken by elementary and junior high students, but it is also open to high school and college age students as well as adults. Altar servers must be able to meet the physical demands required of this ministry and must cultivate a sense of reverence and detail for ritual action.
Alumni Association
Coming soon.
Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist
Extraordinary ministers of communion assist the priests and deacons (the "ordinary" ministers of communion) with the distribution of the Body and Blood of Christ. Initial and ongoing formation is provided. To serve in this ministry, one must be a baptized and confirmed member of the Catholic Church, a registered parishioner of St Mary Magdalene parish, and living in harmony with the teachings of the Catholic Church (e.g., if a person is married he/she must be married within the Catholic Church).
Council of Catholic Women (CCW)
The mission of CCW is carried out through the work of six commissions. Each Commission, under the direction of the diocesan commission chair, works to support and enhance activities at all rings of council, educates about issues of concern to Catholic Women and empowers women to respond in faith and with justice and compassion. The CCW Commission system is based on the second Vatican Council's Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity and under- standing of the nature of baptism and confirmation. Through baptism and confirmation the laity "are commissioned to be apostles by the Lord himself."
The six commissions are:
Church, Family Concerns, Community Concerns, International Concerns, Organization, Legislation.
Greeters
Greeters and ushers provide hospitable service at the liturgy by helping to keep order and a sense of safety within the worshipping assembly. Their tasks include: assisting parishioners with seating, procuring the gift bearers for the Offertory procession, taking up the collection, directing the communion procession, distributing the bulletins after the liturgy and providing assistance in the event of emergencies. This ministry is open to all registered men and women of the parish. They minister at all liturgies on Sunday, Holy Days of Obligation, First Holy Communion, Confirmation and the liturgies of Holy Week. Most ushers are assigned on a rotating basis.
Healing Ministry
The St. Mary Magdalene Healing Ministry Team
offers Healing Prayer after the 11:30 am Mass
Hospitality
The Hospitality Ministry coordinates events and receptions that foster a spirit of community within the parish. These include the annual parish picnic and numerous receptions after liturgical events.
Lectors
Readers proclaim the Scriptures at the Sunday Eucharist and other liturgical rites. In the absence of a deacon the readers also announce the Prayer of the Faithful. Initial and ongoing formation is provided as well as resources to assist in the preparation of their ministry.
To serve in this ministry, one must be a baptized and confirmed member of the Catholic Church, a registered parishioner of St Mary Magdalene parish, regular (i.e., weekly) in Sunday worship, and living in harmony with the teachings of the Catholic Church (e.g., if a person is married he/she must be married within the Catholic Church). Individuals who volunteer for this ministry are expected to have a facility for public reading and must be willing to spend time in private prayer and reflection on the biblical passage that they will proclaim.
Music Ministry
The choir and cantors at St Mary Magdalene lead the worshipping assemblies in song at Sunday Masses and other major festivals and rites. Instrumentalists are also welcome
assist in our parish liturgies. Music ministry is open to all parishioners. There are no auditions, but members are expected to
regularly attend rehearsals.
Pastoral Council
The Pastoral Council is a group of parishioners that represents the needs of the parish community to the pastor. The council is advisory by nature. It seeks to safeguard and promote the unity of the parish and to assist in its growth and faith development.
OCIA
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is a process of growth and discernment regarding the Catholic faith and a person's free choice to become a member of the Church. It is designed to accommodate people of various backgrounds. Throughout this process, which begins in mid-Fall and culminates at Easter, converts engage in: the study of Catholic teachings, prayer, discussion and deliberation. At the conclusion of this instruction, and based on one's readiness, the candidate is initiated into the Catholic Church through Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. The
O.C.I.A. process continues throughout the fifty days of Easter allowing the newly initiated to reflect on the sacraments they received and how these will affect their lives. Volunteers are needed to assist with the catechetical sessions and to act as sponsors who accompany the candidates through their process of conversion.
Youth Ministry
High School Youth Ministry provides programs for high school age students that aim at deepening the students' Catholic faith as well as their commitment to the church community. Faith formation classes are held on ??
In addition to these, there are various activities throughout the year that are designed to foster personal holiness, develop leadership skills, and encourage participation with youth throughout the diocese.
Catechists
Catechists assist in the formation of children
and adults in sacramental preparation and in the
traditions of our Catholic Faith. Catechists,
substitute catechists and office aids are needed for
Religious Education. Catechists also share
insights into the scriptures during the Sunday
morning Children's Liturgy of the Word celebrations.
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.)
offers an important role for Catechists and
Sponsors/ Faith Companions to assist those
journeying toward initiation and membership in the
Catholic Church
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