Altar Linen Ministry

Responsible for the care and preparation of sacred altar linens, ensuring cleanliness and reverence for use in liturgical celebrations. Training is provided and ironing/folding instructions are given.



Time commitment: 3 hours per scheduled turn, at home

Altar Servers

Assisting the priest and deacon at Mass is an important responsibility and a special way to praise God in the Eucharist.
Youth (4th grade and above) and/or adult volunteers,
who have been trained as altar servers, are responsible
for assisting during Mass, helping the priest and sacristan (if needed), carrying liturgical items, setting a good worship example for the congregation, and ensuring
the smooth conduct of the liturgy. Servers must have
a reliable ride to church and arrive 15—20 minutes before their scheduled Mass and stay 10 minutes after Mass
for clean-up. Training is provided.

Time commitment: 1.5 hours per scheduled mass

Canossa Ministry

Members of this ministry offer their gift of voice, talent, and time in songs and praise during Mass and other events at St. Josephine Bakhita. We represent a vast diversity of cultures found in Africa and Asia, and are open to people of every cultural background. We are ONE family of multicultural dimensions working to keep this community as vibrant and attractive to all.

Time commitment: 2 hours of rehearsal time every other Saturday and 2 hours on scheduled Sunday Masses.

Eucharistic Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC)

Members of the laity that assist in distributing the Body and Blood of Christ during Mass, facilitating reception of the Eucharist to the faithful.
Training and certification required.

Time commitment: 1.25 hours, once per month at scheduled mass.

Lectors

Individuals who proclaim Scripture during Mass through clear and reverent reading, to foster the congregation's encounter with the living Word of God.
Training is provided.

Time commitment: 1.25 hours per scheduled Mass.

Music Ministry

Our Music Ministry is composed of singers and instrumentalists who joyfully serve the liturgy through music at Mass and other parish celebrations. Through song, we support the assembly in prayer and praise, encouraging active participation in the liturgy. Musical experience helpful but not required. All are welcome.

Time commitment: Approx. 4 hours a week (2 for mass and 2 for rehearsal) -can be year-round or seasonal.

Sacristans

Volunteers who work behind the scenes organizing the liturgical items, preparing the sanctuary for Mass, assisting in the smooth conduct of liturgical services, and returning liturgical items to their proper place after mass. Training is provided.

Time commitment: 2 hours, twice per month at scheduled mass.

Ushers

Volunteers who facilitate a warm, welcoming environment during liturgical services by guiding, assisting, and seating parishioners and guests, especially those with special needs, as necessary. Ushers take up the offertory collection and any second collections as directed. These individuals provide a watchful presence to maintain safety as “onsite” first responders until first responders arrive. Special training offered and required.

Time commitment: 1.5 hours, twice per month at scheduled mass.

Wedding Coordinators

individuals that ensure all participants and sacramental items are in place for the wedding ceremony. Responsibilities include working with families, bridal party, groomsmen in organizing and facilitating wedding with adherence to Catholic liturgical norms. The coordinators oversee rehearsals, unlock the church and rooms for the bridal party, direct florists, photographers, and videographers. They coordinate with the celebrant, staff, and music director enabling the presider and families to focus on the liturgy. Training is provided. Small stipend included.

Time commitment: 5-6 hours per wedding including phone calls, rehearsal, wedding ceremony.