THE STEWARDSHIP GUIDE TO MINISTRIES AND
PROGRAMS AVAILABLE THROUGH ST. ANDREW PARISH
Before you were born, I dedicated you (Jer 1:5)
Parishioners at the 2007 Ministries Fair |
Through the Sacrament of Initiation, the Holy Spirit has bestowed on us gifts that are intended to enhance the life of the Church and the lives of our brothers and sisters. As a member of our parish community, you are invited to share your gifts and talents in at least one of our parish ministries or activities. |
| At St. Andrew Parish, we embrace and celebrate Christian Stewardship as a planned, proportionate response of our time, talent and treasure to our loving and gracious God. In addition to prayer, worship and love of neighbor, we are called by God to volunteer our time in church and community activities that help others and promote justice. We truly understand that God has given each of us the ability and gifts to do certain things well and we are to develop those talents for the building of the parish community. We are happiest when we are using our gifts. |
We invite you to pray about sharing your talents and gifts with your Saint Andrew Parish community.
Below are descriptions of the various ministries here at St. Andrew Parish.
LITURGICAL MINISTRIES
Ushers - Pete Mulcahey
Ushers guide and assist the parishioners to their seats, are alert to their safety, help them to be comfortable in church, and direct them to the reception of the Holy Sacraments. Typically an usher hands out bulletins, maintains good order and responds to special or emergency situations. Ushers assist volunteers in bringing the gifts to the altar.
Requirements for an Usher:
• a caring and hospitable person
• arrive at the church at least 15 minutes prior to the start of Mass
• attention to detail
• willingness to be present when assigned or find a suitable replacement
• attend one training session during the year
Altar Servers - Michael Morrison
The Altar Servers are very important in the liturgy. During the Mass they assist the celebrant and help prepare the altar as well as add to the solemnity of the liturgy. This ministry is open to boys and girls who have made their First Communion.
Requirements for an Altar Server:
• be of sufficient maturity
• deep respect and knowledge of the Mass
• a willingness to learn the procedures for assisting at Mass.
• arrive 15-20 minutes ahead of time.
Training is offered twice yearly.
Lectors - Mark Merrill
A lector proclaims the Word of God during the liturgy and leads the General Intercessions as well as other prayers or litanies as the liturgy may require. Any confirmed Catholic of high school age or older is invited to serve the parish in this ministry.
Requirements for a lector:
• a deep reverence for the Word of God
• careful preparation beforehand so that the Word is proclaimed in a fitting manner
• a willingness to be present for lector formation classes
• arrive at the church 15 minutes ahead of time.
• ability to be present at assigned times or find a suitable placement.
Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist - Diane Cooper
An Extraordinary Eucharistic minister assists the celebrant in the distribution of Communion to the faithful at the liturgy. Extraordinary Eucharistic ministers often transfer the Eucharist from tabernacle to altar and purify the sacred vessels after communion.
Requirements for a Eucharistic Minister:
• a deep respect and reverence for Christ present in the Eucharist
• arriving 15 minutes before Mass
• attendance at training sessions
• presence at assigned liturgies or finding a suitable replacement.
Eucharistic Ministry to the Homebound - Marion Maroney
Eucharistic Ministers to the Homebound provide friendship and spiritual support to the homebound, persons in assisted-living and nursing homes. The Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist take the Eucharist to those unable to attend services at the parish. A commitment of two hours per week and one meeting per month is required.
Art and Environment - Lisa Klessens
The Art and Environment Ministry complements the worship space and the church building with decorations that highlights the liturgical calendar and enhances the worship environment. This ministry works closely with all groups in the parish in the planning and carrying out these goals.
Mass Greeters - Diane Asaro
(Before all masses)
Greeters are present at the entrance of the church before weekend Masses to greet and welcome parishioners and guests to the Mass celebration. Requirement: A happy, smiling face and being at the church 20 minutes before the Mass or staying after the Mass to greet people coming to the next Mass.
Altar Linens - Ruth Penisten: Server Albs/Lenita Walsh: Mass Linens
This ministry includes washing and ironing the altar linens used during the Masses. The albs and surplices need cleaning occasionally. The number of volunteers determines how often you will be asked to help but generally it is 3 hours per week for 1 month of the year for the linens and 3 hours every 2-3 months for the albs.
MUSIC MINISTRY
Music and song are an essential part of liturgical worship here at St. Andrew Parish. Everyone is encouraged to praise the Lord in song. The purpose of the choir is to lead the congregation in singing. Cantors are those who lead the congregation in singing acclamations and responses during the liturgy. Those who play some musical instrument are strongly encouraged to add their talents to our music ministry.
Requirements for choir members:
• the ability to sing or at least the willingness to learn
• the willingness to be present for practices
• the willingness to be present for liturgies where the choir will assist
• the willingness to notify the choir director when you must be absent from a practice or ceremony.
Music Ministers at the 2007 Ministries Fair
At St. Andrew Parish we are blessed with an incredible outpouring of musical talent encompassing a number of musical styles and instrumentations. We encourage you to stretch your musical wings and join one of the following groups:
Contemporary Ensemble - Travis Harrington
(Saturday 5:30 P.M. Mass)
The Contemporary Ensemble sings at the 5:30 P.M. Vigil Mass each Saturday. Instrumentalists arrive at 4:00 P.M. and singers arrive one hour prior to Mass. The Contemporary Ensemble sings year round. This group draws from a variety of instruments and sings 2 to 5 part harmonies. Instrumentalists should be fairly accomplished on their instruments and singers need a good heart and ear for music.
The Celebration Choir - Debbie Kontess
(Sunday, 9:30 A.M. Mass)
The Celebration Choir makes use of a variety of contemporary and traditional styles to enrich the midmorning liturgy. As we grow, we are looking to complete our ensemble with four part harmony and singers who can read music and harmonize. We also welcome anyone with an ear and love for music and a desire to praise God in song. Practices are held weekly.
Children’s Choir - Laura Albright
(Sunday 11:30 a.m. Mass)
The Children's Choir sings at the 11:30 Mass each Sunday. Choir members arrive one hour prior to Mass each Sunday (10:30 A.M..) during the choir season. Their season begins when elementary Faith Formation starts and ends when Faith Formation ends (at the end of April). The choir sings youth and children-related hymns in unison and in harmony. This choir is open to youth in third grade and above and also welcomes middle and high school singers and instrumentalists.
Schola Cantorum - Clair Shirey
(In Formation, Various Liturgies)
This is a group which preserves the rich heritage of our Catholic musical tradition including Gregorian chant, Palestrina, and various other classic compositions.
Handbell Choir -
Jason Woscek
(Various liturgies)
The Handbell Choir enriches various Sunday liturgies and other celebrations by accompanying singing and offering solo pieces to the glory of God. Ringers must be able to read music. One rehearsal per week is required.
Other Music Ministries
Several other music ministries are currently being formed, such as the Woodwind Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, Percussion, String Ensemble and Cantor. These groups will rehearse periodically to enhance prayer and worship at various times, especially during the high liturgical seasons. If interested, call Debbie Kontess, Parish Director of Music, 694-4486.
MINISTRIES OF SERVICE
The Pastoral Advisory Council
The Pastoral Advisory Council assists the Pastor in guiding and coordinating the life of the parish community by advising him in matters that affect the life and spirit of the parish. All liturgical ministries, education programs, organizations and activities that exist within the parish are represented on the Pastoral Advisory Council.
Our Pastoral Council consists of standing representatives from the
• Liturgy Committee
• Education Committee
• Stewardship Council
• Facilities Committee
• Parish Life Committee
• Saintly Seconds
• Two representatives-at-large and two youth representatives
Pastoral Council meetings are open to the community at large. To place an item on the agenda, please submit it in writing to the Parish Secretary at least ten days prior to the scheduled meeting. Meetings of the Pastoral Advisory Council are held quarterly
Finance Council
The Finance Council is an oversight body mandated by Canon Law and the Archdiocese of Anchorage for the purpose of monitoring fiscal resources and advising the Pastor on developing the parish budget and the utilization of parish financial resources. It consists of six members appointed by the Pastor in recognition of their financial expertise and the Parish Business Manager, who is an advisory member. The Council meets quarterly or as needed.
Stewardship Council
The Stewardship Council is responsible for advising the Pastor on developing and fostering the principles of good Christian Stewardship in the parish. This committee has several functions and meets monthly The committee educates the parish about God's Word on Stewardship and provides direction for utilizing the gifts of time, talent and treasure for the Kingdom of God. It supports and encourages all of us to strive to live as good Christian stewards.
Membership on the committee is for all interested parishioners. All committee members and officers serve for a term of three years which may be renewed twice.
Liturgy Committee
The Liturgy Committee is responsible for advising the pastor on matters pertaining to the public celebrations of the faith in the Parish and helping plan liturgical and devotional celebrations that ensure the full, conscious and active participation of all who come here to worship in faith.
Membership on the committee is for all interested parishioners. All committee members and officers serve for a term of one year which may be renewed for up to five years. The Liturgy Committee includes:
• each choir director
• a representative from the RCIA
• the coordinator of each liturgical ministry (servers, lectors, ushers, Eucharistic ministers, art and environment)
• at least two at-large members from the parish
Facilities Committee
The Facilities Committee is responsible for advising the Pastor on matters of maintenance, repair, upgrade, and management of physical facilities of the parish. These facilities include the church building and surrounding grounds, the office building, and the parish house and surrounding grounds.
Membership on the committee is for all interested parishioners. While it is not necessary for committee members to have skills in the construction industry or building trades, parishioners with such backgrounds are encouraged to join. All committee members and officers serve for a term of one year which may be renewed for up to five years.
Parish Life Committee
This committee’s privilege is fellowship. These are volunteers who are interested in planning and facilitating the social events which enhance our parish life and promote healthy interaction between parishioners.
Adult Supervisors in Nursery -
Caroline Balnius
In order to ensure a safe environment for our children, this ministry provides one adult volunteer per mass to assist the teen-age sitters in the nursery and provides adult guidance in case of emergencies. A background check and agreement with the Archdiocesan code of conduct is required.
Saintly Seconds/Bread of Life Volunteers -
Karen Hay
Our parish thrift store and Catholic goods store is a vital ministry of outreach in our community. This ministry involves only a few volunteer hours per week to help sort donations brought in and help keep the store neat and clean. There are no requirements on how many hours you volunteer or how often.
