Ministries
Altar Servers
Altar Servers minister at Sunday and weekday liturgies, funerals, weddings and various other liturgical rites. They minister to the assembly by carrying the cross, candles, and incense, presenting the Sacramentary to the priests, preparing the altar, and undertaking other tasks that serve the liturgy. Initial and ongoing formation is provided. To function in this ministry one must be a baptized member of the Catholic Church, regular (i.e., weekly) in Sunday worship, and living in harmony with the teachings of the Church. Typically this ministry is undertaken by elementary and junior high students, but it is also open to high school and college age students as well as adults. Altar servers must be able to meet the physical demands required of this ministry and must cultivate a sense of reverence and detail for ritual action.
Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist
Extraordinary ministers of communion assist the priests and deacons (the "ordinary" ministers of communion) with the distribution of the Body and Blood of Christ. Initial and ongoing formation is provided. To serve in this ministry, one must be a baptized and confirmed member of the Catholic Church, a registered parishioner of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, and living in harmony with the teachings of the Catholic Church (e.g., if a person is married he/she must be married within the Catholic Church).
Council of Catholic Women (CCW)
The mission of CCW is carried out through the work of six commissions. Each Commission, under the direction of the diocesan commission chair, works to support and enhance activities at all rings of council, educates about issues of concern to Catholic Women and empowers women to respond in faith and with justice and compassion. The CCW Commission system is based on the second Vatican Council's Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity and under- standing of the nature of baptism and confirmation. Through baptism and confirmation the laity "are commissioned to be apostles by the Lord himself." The six commissions are: Church, Family Concerns, Community Concerns, International Concerns, Organization, Legislation. Monthly meetings starting in September on the second Tuesday of the month at 1:00PM. Meetings are held in the gym. All ladies of the parish are invited to attend.
Greeters
Greeters and ushers provide hospitable service at the liturgy by helping to keep order and a sense of safety within the worshipping assembly. Their tasks include: assisting parishioners with seating, procuring the gift bearers for the Offertory procession, taking up the collection, directing the communion procession, distributing the bulletins after the liturgy and providing assistance in the event of emergencies. This ministry is open to all registered men and women of the parish. They minister at all liturgies on Sunday, Holy Days of Obligation, First Holy Communion, Confirmation and the liturgies of Holy Week. Most ushers are assigned on a rotating basis.
Lectors
Readers proclaim the Scriptures at the Sunday Eucharist and other liturgical rites. In the absence of a deacon the readers also announce the Prayer of the Faithful. Initial and ongoing formation is provided as well as resources to assist in the preparation of their ministry.
To serve in this ministry, one must be a baptized and confirmed member of the Catholic Church, a registered parishioner of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, regular (i.e., weekly) in Sunday worship, and living in harmony with the teachings of the Catholic Church (e.g., if a person is married he/she must be married within the Catholic Church). Individuals who volunteer for this ministry are expected to have a facility for public reading and must be willing to spend time in private prayer and reflection on the biblical passage that they will proclaim.
Music Ministry
The organists and cantors at Our Lady of Perpetual Help lead the worshipping assemblies in song at Weekend and Holyday Masses.
Our Saturday 4:00PM organist - Jim Brodnicki
Our Sunday 9:00AM organist - Beverly Holt
Our Sunday 10:30AM guitarist - John Kohlhagen
Pastoral Council
The Pastoral Council is a group of parishioners that represents the needs of the parish community to the pastor. The council is advisory by nature. It seeks to safeguard and promote the unity of the parish and to assist in its growth and faith development.
OCIA
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is a process of growth and discernment regarding the Catholic faith and a person's free choice to become a member of the Church. It is designed to accommodate people of various backgrounds. Throughout this process, which begins in mid-Fall and culminates at Easter, converts engage in: the study of Catholic teachings, prayer, discussion and deliberation. At the conclusion of this instruction, and based on one's readiness, the candidate is initiated into the Catholic Church through Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. The O.C.I.A. process continues throughout the fifty days of Easter allowing the newly initiated to reflect on the sacraments they received and how these will affect their lives.
Catechists
Catechists assist in the formation of children and adults in sacramental preparation and in the traditions of our Catholic Faith. Catechists, substitute catechists and office aids are needed for Religious Education. Catechists also share insights into the scriptures during the Sunday morning Children's Liturgy of the Word celebrations. We are looking for dedicated people to join our Religious Education team. Teachers and Aides help guide our young people as they grow in their faith. Whether you are an experienced teacher, or just looking to get involved - we have a place for you. The commitment is one day a week during the school year and all training and tools will be provided. We are specifically looking for catechists and aids for our younger classes. Please contact Elizabeth Bravo, Director of Religious Education at 815-603-3101, email: ebravo@stjosephjoliet.org, or call the rectory at 815-727-9378.
