The Altar Server Ministry involves the youth of the parish in service to God and the community by assisting the priest during Mass and other services. It is open to all youth of the parish who have made their First Communion. Any youth whose parents believe are ready and responsible enough to be trained and to serve as an altar server, please contact the Altar Server Coordinator directly or through the Church office. Training is provided twice a year, depending on need. Schedules are mailed to servers every quarter.
The Art & Environment Committee meets once a month to discuss and plan the decorating of the Sanctuary throughout the liturgical year. Committee members decorate the church for the liturgical seasons during the year. Meetings are held the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM in the Pastoral Center.
At the 8:30 AM and 11:30 AM Masses on Sunday, the children are invited to come forward to the altar to be blessed and then go to the Chapel for Children's Liturgy of the Word. During the Children's Liturgy of the Word, readings are taken from a Children's Lectionary and a short explanation of the readings is given. The children rejoin the main assembly for the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
Each Saturday morning from 8:00-9:00 AM, four or five parishioners volunteer to help clean the glass doors in the church, arrange missals and hymnals, dust statues, and give the church a light cleaning. The Sacristan Team (members of St. Ann's Society) consists of one person doing the monthly scheduling and six others taking turns, one per month, opening the church and showing the other volunteers what needs to be done. If you have an extra hour on Saturday mornings and would like to help, please volunteer for this ministry.
Eucharistic Adoration is a worldwide practice of the Catholic faithful. At OLPH, this ministry provides an opportunity for anyone to spend time of prayer and meditation in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament exposed in a monstrance in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, located north of the main church entrance. This “Sacrament of Love” is available and open to all Monday-Friday, 7am-9pm and Saturday, 7am-12Noon.
Eucharistic Ministers serve at the Table of the Lord assisting in the distribution of the Eucharist. It is the desire of this parish that everyone who approaches the table be able to receive both the Body and Blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ. To accomplish this task, a large number of ministers are needed every weekend and on each Holy Day. More than 250 parishioners volunteer once a month to help provide Holy Communion at all Eucharistic Celebrations. Eucharistic Ministers receive formation in the spirituality of the ministry, an overview of Catholic teaching on the Eucharist, and training in specifics of the ministry in liturgical celebrations in our parish.
This ministry provides assistance to families in the planning and preparation of funerals and is a contact point for the bereaved. Information on bereavement programs and support groups is available.
Ministers of the Word are a very important part of the Mass. Lectors do not “read,” but “proclaim” God's Word to His Holy People. Those interested in this special ministry will receive instruction and training in the Proclamation of the Word. All parishioners who have received the Sacrament of Confirmation are invited to join this ministry.
The Liturgy Committee meets monthly to learn and share insights with one another about liturgy and to prayerfully reflect on the importance of inspiring liturgical celebrations. Meetings are held the 2nd Monday of each month at 7:00 PM in the Pastoral Center. The Liturgy Committee discusses issues as they arise in regards to the logistics or the flow of the liturgy and also provides educational and formational materials regarding liturgy and worship through the weekly bulletin and handouts.
The Music Ministry is open to individuals who want to use their musical training and talents, either vocal or instrumental, in worship with the community. Members participate in the regular liturgies, as well as special services and events. There are no formal auditions for any of the choirs. Simply contact the Music Ministry Director of the choir of interest. Weekly rehearsals are scheduled and are published in the bulletin. Short rehearsals are also held prior to each of the liturgies and special occasions.
Two wonderful choirs lead worship at the 8:30am Mass on Sundays and other special liturgies throughout the year. The Cherub Choir is for our younger children through first grade who enjoy singing and playing instruments. The Joyful Sounds Choir and Band is for children and youth, second grade and up. Rehearsals for both groups are on Tuesday nights in the Pastoral Center choir room. The Joyful Sounds Choir and Band meets from 6:00-7:00 PM and the Cherub Choir meets from 7:00-7:30 PM. Come and join the fun!
The Traditional Choir provides music at the 10:00 AM Mass on Sundays and other special liturgies. Emphasis is on traditional music and classical hymns. Rehearsal is every Thursday at 7:00 PM in the Pastoral Center choir room.
The Folk Choir provides music for the 11:30 AM Mass on Sundays and other special liturgies. While music selections vary, it is usually contemporary in nature. If you enjoy this style of sung prayer and/or play an instrument, you are encouraged to join. Rehearsal is every Wednesday at 7:00 PM in the Church.
Your family will find this a comfortable and secure place for your children. This experience is the beginning of your children's understanding that they belong to a parish family who knows and cares about them. Childcare is provided by the parish during the 8:30 AM, 10:00 AM, & 11:30 AM Sunday Masses in the Child Development Center for children 18 months-3 years of age.
The Ministry of Usher/Greeter is a rewarding and gracious activity for those who serve. As the initial point of contact for people entering the Church, the Usher/Greeter sets the tone for the liturgy with their welcoming smile and greeting. Comprised of adults and youth who serve with their parents in providing this valuable service to the community, some of their primary responsibilities include:
A very important “behind the scenes” ministry is that of the Wedding Coordinators. After a couple has completed the preliminary preparation for the Sacrament of Marriage, a Wedding Coordinator steps in to work with the couple in planning the specifics of the wedding ceremony, facilitating the rehearsal, and functioning as parish contact on the day of the wedding.
