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Parish Liturgy

Lectors:

Men, women and youth who proclaim God’s Word as revealed in Scripture. (Once every 4-6 weeks)

Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist:

Persons 18 years and older who are called to assist in the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass. (Once or twice a month)

Ministry to the Sick and Homebound:

Within the boundaries of our Parish, we have a hospital, nursing homes, assisted living centers and several private care homes, all caring for the needs of our sick and infirm. Volunteers are needed to bring Christ to the many people residing in these facilities. (Commitment can be from 1 hour per month to 2 hours per week)

Ushers:

People are needed to assist in welcoming and seating the community; assist during Holy Communion and taking up the collection at all weekend and special Masses. Ushers are needed at all weekend Masses. (Weekly)

Altar Servers:

Youth who have received the Sacrament of the Eucharist who assist during the celebration of the Mass. (Once or twice a month)

Beautification Committee:

Volunteers who are able to spend about two hours, twice a month, cleaning and vacuuming the altar area, the Chapel, and occasionally the pews.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word:

For the first 20 minutes of the 10:00 a.m. Mass, children (Kindergarten-3) meet in the Sacristy where volunteers present the Sunday readings and Gospel in an age appropriate manner. The children return to their parents for the Liturgy and the Eucharist. This ministry needs volunteers to coordinate and plan Sunday lessons and activities, and aides to assist the lead catechists in teaching and ministering to the children.

Choirs:

Individuals of all ages who love to sing are invited to participate in the sung prayer of the Church as members of the 8:30 am, 10:00 am, and 11:30 am Mass Choirs. (Rehearsal schedules vary)

Education and Christian Formation

The Office of Faith Formation provides religious education classes to members of our parish from September through May. Parishioners preparing for the reception of sacraments including First Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Eucharist, receive instruction from a very committed group of volunteers. Without dedicated, reliable catechists, the Faith cannot be passed on to those who are the future of our Church. Please consider giving a year of volunteer time to the Faith Formation effort.

Volunteer opportunities include:
Catechists:

Catechists are needed to share their faith with students from Kindergarten through eighth grade, and for youth Confirmation classes (ages 14-17). Sacrament preparation for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist takes place in 3rd grade.

Catechist Aide:

There is a need for aides in all classes for children and teens.

Administrative Help:

Office help is needed to organize and file registration forms, data entry, and preparation of certificates.

One-Time Hospitality after RCIA and Confirmation Masses:

April and May of each year.

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults):

The process by which adults are initiated into the Roman Catholic Community through a process of faith development and catechetical instruction. This initiation process is open to all adults reflecting on the Sacraments; those in need of completing the Sacraments of Initiation; and those who have been away from the Church for some time. Volunteer opportunities include: Catechists, sponsors, administrative support and hospitality. Your time commitment may vary from weekly to once a month. Meetings are held Tuesday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Sacraments

Infant Baptism (to age 7 years):

Parents and godparents are required to attend classes which familiarize them with the Sacrament and its meaning. Volunteers are needed to become catechists to teach the 1 ½ hour Baptism class once a month for parents and sponsors.

Confirmation and First Eucharist:

Those youth who are receiving their First Eucharist will do at the same Mass at which they will be receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. Preparation for the Sacraments of First Eucharist and Confirmation will be done in conjunction with our faith formation program throughout the year.

Parish Life

Coffee and Donuts:

This after Mass social ministry is provided by groups of volunteers. This is an opportunity for families, friends and organizations to spend time together providing hospitality to fellow parishioners. Volunteers are needed to host after the 8:30 and 10:00 am Masses one Sunday a month. Duties include serving donuts, making beverages, and clean up.

Blankets and Booties:

This group meets twice a month to knit and crochet blankets and booties. The blankets go to APD, who distribute them to children that have been removed from their homes to a safe place, and the booties go to Birthright. This group welcomes newcomers who enjoy knitting and crocheting, and they are always grateful for any donation of 3-ply yarn in any and all colors.

Casserole Cooking:

Prepare, cook and freeze a casserole for the Good Shepherd Center to distribute to needy families in the Albuquerque area. Recipes and aluminum baking pans are provided by Good Shepherd.

Lenten Meals:

For the six Fridays of Lent, soup and bread meals are prepared and served in the Merrifield Room in the Parish Office immediately following the Stations of the Cross. Volunteers are needed to plan, prepare and serve the meals.

Parish Hospitality:

This group of volunteers will come together to plan and implement parish-wide events such as an anniversary celebration, Feast Day celebration, or annual parish picnic. Volunteers are needed to provide food, organize the event, and assist in the set-up and clean-up efforts.

Harvestfest:

This event is sponsored by the OLA Home and School Association, and volunteers are welcome in all areas.

Administrative

Reception Desk:

Volunteers are needed to assist in greeting visitors and answering phones during Parish Secretary’s absence (vacation, Dr.’s appointments, ect.). Spanish speaking volunteers are especially needed.

Translators:

Assist with the translating of documents from English to Spanish. This would include bulletin articles, letters, forms, etc. Commitment would be 1-3 hours weekly. This ministry can be done from home.

Money Counters:

These dedicated people come in on Monday mornings to process the weekend collections. Some experience is needed, and personal interviews will be conducted.

Groups and Ministries

Legion of Mary:

All those over the age of 18 are invited to attend these meetings and join the works of the Legion, which include home visitation, hospital visitation, rest home and care center visitation. This commitment would be for 2-3 hours a week.

St. Vincent de Paul:

OLA St. Vincent de Paul Society offers assistance to the needy residing within our Parish boundaries. Special activities include the Thanksgiving Food Drive and the Christmas Angel Tree program.

Knights of Columbus:

The Fr. Carl Hammer Council provides members and its families with volunteer opportunities to serve the Catholic Church, their communities, families and young people.

Website for Knights of Columbus Father Carl Hammer Council

Maintenance

Fall and Spring Cleaning – Church and School Grounds