Parish Ministries

Contact: Bob Anderson and  Anne Carlson

LITURGICAL MINISTRY

Contact: Bob Anderson or Anne Carlson 

The unique spirit of St. James is evident in our Sunday Mass. Every time we celebrate the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, we celebrate God’s love for us and for all.  The Liturgical Ministry coordinates all aspects of the liturgy (hymns, homily, readings, prayers of petition, ministers, special events) in providing a Sunday Mass in which parishioners can celebrate their relationship with God. The Liturgical Ministry welcomes participation in these roles:

• Music
  Open to adult parishioners including confirmed high school students, the Adult Choir sings at the 10 a.m. Mass and other special liturgies. Rehearsals are held on Thursday evenings from 7:00-8:00 p.m. Weekly rehearsals on Thursdays and a half-hour warm-up prior to Mass on Sundays are required to participate in this choir.  Contact Robert Basolo if you would like to participate.
  • Adult choir is open to adults.
  • Children’s Choir participates in every Christmas Eve Mass at 4pm. There are several Sunday rehearsals prior to this Mass.
  • Cantors intone the responsorial response through individual singing as well as leading the congregation in song.
• Lectors
  Lectors proclaim the Word of God at Mass and at other services.  Lectors are asked to read one of the scripture readings for the Sunday liturgy.  The lectors follow a calendar on which they are assigned Sundays to read.  Click here if you would like to be a lector.
• Eucharistic Ministers
  At most of our Eucharistic liturgies, five adults distribute communion to the congregation.  One distributes the hosts with the priest/celebrant, one distributes the low-gluten hosts, and two offer the chalice to the congregation.  If you wish to become a Eucharistic Minister, please contact Bob Anderson to arrange training.
• Altar Servers
  Altar servers assist the priest throughout Mass.   We have several youth members who perform this ministry as well as a few adults who also assist.  If you wish to participate in this ministry, please contact Bob Anderson.  To be a server, you should have already received first communion.
• Gift Bearers
  Three people carry the bread, wine, and collection from the back of the church to the altar at the Presentation of the Gifts.  If you would like to serve as a gift bearer, contact Anne Carlson.
• Intention Book Bearers
  After the homily, a lay minister carries the book forward to include the intentions that parishioners or guests have written in the Prayer of the Faithful.  If you would like to participate, contact Anne Carlson.
• Greeters
  Greeters welcome worshippers coming to Mass and distribute weekly missals and hymnals.    If you would like to serve as a greeter, contact Denise Simeone.
• Ushers
  Ushers pass the collection basket to help gather the collection and assist parishioners going to communion.   If you would like to serve as an usher, contact Anne Carlson.
• Liturgy Committee
  This committee coordinates all aspects of the liturgy (hymns, homily, readings, prayers of petition, ministers, special events) in providing a Sunday Mass in which parishioners can celebrate their relationship with God.  To join the Liturgy Committee, contact Bob Anderson.

MINISTRY TO THE HOMEBOUND

Following Mass, volunteers take the Eucharist to parishioners who are unable to attend Mass.

FAITH FORMATION

Bonnie Haghirian, our Faith Formation Director, plans and assesses ways to help grow the St. James Community in its essential identity as baptized followers of Jesus. Bonnie provides programs that draws from the scriptural, doctrinal and liturgical treasures of the Church. Faith Formation covers ongoing formation for adults and sacramental preparation for youth and children.  

• • Children’s Liturgy of the Word
    From September through May, children are invited to come forward right after the Opening Prayer to participate separately in the Children’s Liturgy of the Word where they study the Sunday’s readings at their own level.  All children present for Mass are welcome, including visitors.  Parents, teachers and teen helpers who would like to help with this ministry.  Contact Bonnie.
    
  • Faith Formation Sundays
    Bonnie plans an event for the parish on the third Sunday of the month.  Look on the parish calendar on the website for details.
    
  • Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
    The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.) is a formal process for those who are interested in learning about the Catholic Faith.  This is a great opportunity for faith-sharing and evangelization in which both inquirers  and parishioners can journey together in knowledge of the Catholic Faith.

PANTRY SUNDAY

On the first Sunday of the month, parishioners bring donations of food, personal care items and other necessities to Mass for the Bishop Sullivan Center pantry.  At the offertory procession, these gifts are carried to the altar by the children of St. James. After Mass, the donations are gathered for delivery to the Pantry.  Click here if you would like more information.

ST. JAMES COMMUNAL GARDEN
Contact:  Sarah Hirsch

The garden gang works on Saturdays in the garden doing the weekly work as directed by Sarah.  Look for information in the weekly Friday email.

Click here for a full description of the St. James Communal Garden >>