PASTORAL COUNCIL
The purpose of Pastoral Council is to help meet the pastoral needs of the parish. Pastoral Council is primarily a consultative group representing the wisdom of the parish community at large and dealing with broad directions and goals. This is in contrast to the various commissions, activities and associations which represent a specific service function and deal mainly with specific means and strategies. These various commission, activities and associations report to the Pastoral Council, thereby maintaining proper direction and leadership. Pastoral Council consists of nine members elected at large.
“If you have an issue you would like to present to Pastoral Council, please contact the Chairman or other member of Pastoral Council to be placed on the agenda.”
The purpose of the pastoral care Commission is to foster and support various parish ministries which extend the gentle healing touch of Jesus Christ to those in need.
The membership of the commission is drawn from representatives of these various ministries:
Babysitting: This ministry provides names of competent babysitters to parent who work full or part time and who have children at home. Occasionally, babysitters are provided for weekends. Names of those who are able to provide childcare (both adults and teens) are always accepted.
Bereavement: This committee helps the family of the deceased plan the funeral liturgy. Members are present at the Mass to pass out programs, direct those unfamiliar with our church, lector and distribute Communion (when necessary) and assist where needed. The committee also provides "After Care" to the bereaved by contacting them with a book called "Good Grief" and calling them several times up to one year.
Emergency Meals: Provides weekday meals up to two weeks when there is an emergency situation in a family, such as hospitalization, serious illness, etc.
Emergency Outreach Committee: This committee responds to families experiencing sudden crises which they can not manage by themselves. A response team assesses the needs and rallies parishioner support to provide appropriate responses which could include temporary housing, meals, transportation etc. Financial, emotional and prayer support my also be offered.
Hospital Visitors: Visits parishioners in surrounding hospitals. Provides information regarding our Network of Care ministries
Riverview Bingo: Coordinates a monthly bingo for the residents of Riverview Nursing Home.
Riverview Liturgies: Liturgies are celebrated once a month at Riverview Nursing Home. Volunteers are always needed to assist with the residents.
Special Prayers: A special prayer chain which includes commission members provides prayers for parishioners who call for special prayer requests.
Transportation: Provides transportation to Mass, doctor, hospital or in an emergency situation.
The purpose of the Education Commission is to recommend policy which shall govern parish educational programs, subject to the approval of the pastor. The Education Commission will serve as a vital link in assisting the pastor and parish administrators in the development of a long range plan for parish educational programs in compliance with Archdiocesan Standards and Policies and to offer counsel and advice to the pastor and parish administrators in the operation of these programs.
FINANCE COMMISSION
The purpose of the Finance Commission is to serve the Pastor and Pastoral Council regarding financial issues of the parish as needed. This will be accomplished through the research and analysis of the facts surrounding the issues. Once formulated, the financial plans and the budgets developed will be implemented through the Pastor and the Pastoral Council.
LITURGY PLANNING COMMITTEE
The purpose of the Liturgy Planning Committee is to share in the responsibility for promoting good worship whenever members of the parish gather to pray and celebrate. Special liturgies during the Christmas season and the Lent/ Easter season require extra planning and preparation. The committee cares for the worship environment and makes sure that every need is carefully prepared for each liturgy. The Liturgy Planning Committee is a function of the Worship Commission.
The Mission Committee is comprised of a small group of OLV parishioners brought together by a desire to help those serving in the Mission field. Our Mission statement embraces the challenge of our baptism commitment to Jesus Christ by initiating spiritual and monetary programs involving the parish community.
The purpose of the Peace and Justice Commission is to establish, facilitate, and review activities and educational programs that promote the principles set forth in the Mission Statement: "to educate, inform, and call all members of our parish community to a responsible and Christ-like action regarding social, economic, political, environmental, or any other issue that concerns human dignity and the quality of human life worldwide".
Some of the programs include: Campaign for Human Development, Care Barrels, Christmas in July, The Giving Tree, Tender Mercies, letter writing for Legislative Advocacy, Project 5000, Matthew 25 in conjunction with the Mission Committee, Ribbons for Peace, and other important issues, that include: Fair Trade Coffee Sales, Thanksgiving and Christmas Food Baskets, and support for Dr. Rich Fry’s Medical Mission Trips.
The meetings are always open and we welcome everyone to come, listen and learn. One person can make a difference! Can you?
The Worship Commission develops policies for the application of the guidelines of the Archdiocesan Worship Commission and is responsible for all policies under which parish liturgical worship is conducted. Included in its responsibilities is the recruiting and training of liturgical ministers, preparing liturgical celebrations, determining parish policy on liturgical matters and liturgical education of the parish. Its membership consists of competent, interested, and responsible persons from our parish community who share in the responsibility of promoting good worship on an ongoing basis in our parish.
Liturgical Ministries...
HOLY COMMUNION TO THE SICK
The clergy make regular First Friday visits to a nursing home and visits to the homebound as requested. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (lay persons) visit and bring Holy Communion to the homebound and nursing homes on a weekly basis. If you wish to receive Holy Communion please call the parish office.
EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION AND LECTORS
Extraordinary ministers distribute Holy Communion at Mass under both forms, consecrated bread and wine. They “sign in” when they come to Sunday and Holy Day Masses. Lectors proclaim the Scripture readings at Sunday and Holy Day Masses. Lectors are scheduled for weekend Masses so they may prepare in advance for weekly readings. Some lectors are listed as “subs” to fill in when needed.
MUSIC DEPARTMENT
The music department includes: the Parish Adult and Teen Choir, the Contemporary Music Group, and the Voices of Victory Youth Choir which is comprised of students in grades 5-8.
CONTEMPORARY MUSIC GROUP
The Contemporary music group, consisting of singers and musicians serves the parish by leading the people in song at the 11:15 a.m. Sunday liturgy and other celebrations. Their mission is to provide the parish with quality contemporary liturgical music.
ALTAR SERVERS
The servers assist the priest during the celebration of all liturgies. Their ministry involves preparations before, during and after the liturgy. This ministry is currently open to both boys and girls who have begun the seventh grade through high school.
USHERS
Ushers perform many duties including assisting people at Mass to make them comfortable, finding available seating, directing Communion and or taking up the collection. An usher coordinator is responsible for assigning a captain at each Mass who is assisted by four to six additional ushers to oversee all functions. Greeting parishioners as they arrive and passing out bulletins at the end of the Mass.
Other Ministries…...
BLOOD BANK
Through this program all members and their approved dependents can receive blood when needed. The blood replacement is covered by the advance deposit. Blood may also be given at the Hoxworth Center at 2041 Anderson Ferry Road.
MARRIAGE MINISTRY
The Marriage Ministry is a group of married couples who prepare engaged couples for the sacrament of Matrimony. This preparation consists of a series of one-on-one meetings with each couple to administer the FOCCUS Inventory and then review the results with the engaged couple. The goal of FOCCUS is to help couples learn more about themselves by identifying and working through key issues before marriage. Marriage Ministry helps couples to realize the significance of the commitment they are making to each other and enriches their relationship with God and the Church.