Liturgy
The Liturgy of the Church is the summit and center of our Christian life. This committee is in charge of seeing to it that the liturgical year is celebrated with dignity and decorum, from the celebration of Holy Week, especially the Triduum, to Sunday Masses to Penance Services, to devotions, etc.
Good Shepherd and Immaculate Conception Ministry Contacts
For more information on any of these ministries, please contact the parish office.
Altar Society
The duty of the Altar Society is to prepare the church and the items to be used during the celebration of the Eucharist or any of the other Sacraments of the church. We work closely together with the Pastor in the care of all that is needed for the right worship of God, including the decorations of the church according to the liturgical season.
The ladies of the Altar Society is responsible for the cleaning of the altar, chalices and patens used during each Mass; seeing that the priest's vestments and the Altar Server's albs are clean and the right color for the church season; cleaning, ironing, and repairing the large and small linens used during the Mass; providing the altar bread and wine; and making sure there is always holy water on hand.
The work of the Altar Society is an essential part of the worship at our church. When it is done carefully and competently, it helps us worship in an orderly, beautiful way. Being a member of the Altar Society is a privileged discipline, a service of love, and an offering of time in these days when we have little time. It is work done joyfully in thanksgiving for all the many things that God has done for us.
Altar Servers
Boys and girls who have made their First Communion are eligible to become Altar Servers. Altar Servers are assigned to assist the priest at Sunday and Holy Day Masses, Weddings, and Funerals. Altar Server requirements are to be dependable (show up and be on time when scheduled), be neatly dressed, and to serve at the altar with a mature, reverent attitude.
Eucharistic Adoration
This long standing tradition of the Church consists in spending time in adoration in front of the Blessed Sacrament exposed in the monstrance in our chapel. We believe Jesus Christ is truly present in this way and countless blessings are promised to those who pray in this way.
Each hour you spend with Jesus will deepen His Divine Peace in your heart. "Come to me all of you who are weary and find life burdensome and I will refresh you." "Cast all of your anxieties upon the One who cares for you. My peace is My gift to you."(Mt 11:28; 5:7; JN 14:17)
You may sign up for one or more hours per week to pray before the Lord, exposed in the monstrance. It means that you can have some time alone with Jesus to recite your favorite prayers, read the Bible, pray a rosary or do whatever type of prayerful devotion that suits you. You can just sit and say nothing simply keeping him company, just as you would with a dear friend.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
This liturgical ministry is vital to the flow of Mass, especially in Sunday Masses. Ext. Ministers assist the priest in the distribution of the Body and Blood of Christ at Communion time. These ministers ought to be in full communion with the Catholic Church and lead lives worthy of the calling they have received in Baptism.
Baptismal Class
The initiation of Christian Life is the reception of the sacrament of Baptism. In order to prepare the parents of the child to be baptized, teams are needed to help teach or remind about the theology of this sacrament, assist with all the logistics of gathering the proper documentation and the actual ceremony. Please CLICK HERE for more information on the Sacraments (Baptism).
Nursing Home and Homebound Ministry
This ministry serves as a link between the parish and faithful Catholics who are no longer able to attend Mass or participate in the life of the community. The people we visit are hungry for Our Lord. In some cases, we are their only visitors. They feel blessed that someone cares enough to bring them the Eucharist and appreciate our visits. However, you will find we are the ones who are truly blessed. We visit and provide them with the type of Communion appropriate to their situation. Most, receive both prayer and the Eucharistic Jesus. For some, we can only pray with them.
Lectors
Lectors are volunteer parishioners - women, men, and teenagers (practicing Catholics) - who are interested in committing themselves to proclaiming the word of God at Eucharistic celebrations. Parishioners who are interested in becoming a Lector must be willing to learn the principles of reading the Scriptures appropriately. Practicing Catholics are those who are baptized, received First Communion and Confirmation, and if married, it must be within the Catholic Church.
Music / Choirs
Music is an important part of any liturgy, helps us enter into the proper mood for prayer and be conscious of God's presence in our midst. There is always a need for more singers or instrumentalists. You do not have to be able to read music to join a choir, but must have an average singing ability. We have different choirs according to the Sunday Mass. Come and join us praise the Lord in song.
Sacristan
Sacristans provide support to the Deacons and the Pastor by preparing the altar and the vessels used for Mass.
Ushers
Ushers provide a sense of hospitality, welcome and order to the liturgical celebration. As the initial point of contact for people entering the Church, the usher sets the tone for the liturgy with their welcoming smile and greeting. Any man or woman, high school ages or older is invited to join in this ministry.