As disciples of Jesus we are called to serve but how?

That depends how I, or others, discern the talents with which I can serve, remembering that my talents are God's gifts. You are asked to reflect on the following ministries, humbly and honestly. Remember, humility is truth.

Mass Ministries

1. Minister of Communion: To serve the community by giving "communion". Jesus said: "Who is greater? The one who sits at table or the one who serves?" Maybe you need to reflect what is the greater: to receive the "Food"(Lord), or to serve the "Food"(Lord)?

2. Proclaimer of the word: Proclaim the first or second scripture reading at the Mass you attend.

3. Procession of gifts / family service: Ask yourself the question: Could I serve the Lord in His community by helping to prepare for the celebration, and then bringing the community's gifts to the altar?

4. Greeter at Church entrances: It is good to feel as though you belong. This sense of belonging begins at the church door. Maybe that is your gift - the ability to make people feel welcome: a friendly word and parish bulletin!

5. Collection of monetary gifts: A simple task of supervising the collection boxes, their movement through the pews, and delivering the collection to the gifts bearers.

6. Liturgy welcomer / Liturgy assistant: Primarily at Sunday Eucharist, welcomes the Assembly to the celebration, and assists the Presider where necessary during the liturgy. Presides at Sunday Celebration of Word and Communion when no priest is available.

7. Alter server: (St Patrick's only) Lead the procession into and out of the Church, and the procession of gifts. Serve the priest at the altar.

8. Musician and singer: What better place to acknowledge the gift God has given you than in the liturgy. "Church" musicians and singers seem to be scarce but the talent must be there! Monthly practices available.

9. Children's liturgy of the word leader: Children in Prep to Year 4 (those who have yet to receive First Communion) are dismissed at the beginning of Mass to go with a catechist for Children's Liturgy of the Word. Age-appropriate material is provided. Children return at the Preparation of Gifts in readiness for the liturgy of the Eucharist.

Outreach Ministries

10. Home Communion minister: This ministry links the "home-bound" with the celebrating community through the Sacrament of Christ's Real Presence.

11. Home visitation group: This is becoming a necessary ministry with an increasing number of housebound people needing to maintain contact with the church community.

12. Adopt-a-grandpa/ma/friend: Be a friend to an elderly, sick or handicapped person in whatever way you are able e.g. a regular phone call or visit.

13. Aged care instructions pastoral visitor: The Pastoral Visitors take communion to the "enclosed"; celebrate anointing/Masses with them; pray with them; link them to the wider faith community, and generally help them to find some joy in living and belonging.

14. Bereavement visitation minister: People exercising this ministry contact the family after the funeral to provide ongoing support where needed, and assist in the organization and presentation of the two memorial services held each year.

15. Hospitality to the bereaved: This group would be on call to provide refreshments to the family and friends of a deceased person after a funeral service.

16. CWL / Ladies group: These groups provide mutual support and raise funds for charity. Younger members are especially welcome.

17. Passionist family groups: Just a great way of meeting people offering support in a purely social setting. For families, including couples and singles. Currently five groups, meeting monthly.

18. St Vincent de Paul member: Join one of the four conferences and help on a practical basis.

Volunteers

19 - 27 Centacare, Kepnock Grove, Mater Hospital, Ozcare Community Services, S.V.D.P Shops, Shalom Catholic College and St Joseph's, St Mary's and St Patrick's Primary Schools. For more information on these ministries please refer to the Handbook for Volunteers, "Called to Serve", which is available at the main entrance to the Church.

Housekeeping

28. Parish Bulletin folder: A constant but important service that takes pressure off the secretaries. The volunteers meet on Friday mornings about 10.30am at the Parish office to fold the bulletins, and include inserts when necessary.

29. Environment and art (Decor): Our liturgies are enhanced by the use of symbols. One way of enhancing our worship space and particular celebrations is through the use of coloured banners, symbols to set a focus, flowers to add beauty. A ministry of imagination and creativity.

30. Hospitality group (for celebrations): What's the best way to get to know our fellow parishioners? Over a cuppa and a chat? At a social gathering after Mass? Maybe this is where you can help. Each Mass community has a monthly cuppa.

31. Collection counter: At present collections are counted after the 9.00am Mass (St Patrick's) and at the Parish office (behind Holy Rosary Church) at 5.30pm on Sunday. There is a system, but it is quickly learned on the job.

32. Church cleaner: The place where we celebrate liturgy belongs to the Church, the people. It is our place, and we should take pride in the way it is kept. This is a simple ministry in the sense that nearly everyone can do what is necessary to keep it clean. Volunteers are needed for Holy Rosary, St Mary's and St James'. Holy Rosary cleaners operate every Friday from 7.00am - same groups, same time, same place!!! St Mary's has a roster. Volunteers get a turn once every six weeks. St James' has a roster. Volunteers get a turn once every four weeks.

33. Washing / Sewing Church linen: Mainly washing the linen articles at the altar - purifiers, corporals, hand towels and sundries. Sewing banners, altar cloths, lectern drapes, simple repairs etc.

34. Grounds maintenance: Holy Rosary, St Mary's and St James' churches all depend on volunteers to keep lawns mowed, trees trimmed and garden beds tidy.

Education

35. Adult faith group: This group initiates, organizes and co-ordinates Adult Faith activities e.g. theology studies, retreats, visiting speakers etc.

36. "Catholics returning home" group: This group comes under the Adult Faith banner but has a specific and ongoing focus - to reach out to and "welcome home" Catholics who have become disconnected from their faith community.

37. State school catechist: There are over 900 Catholic children in the area's State Schools. The minimum commitment would be one half hour lesson per week. Resources and inservicing are available.

38. Sacremental team: The Team takes responsibility for preparing children to celebrate the sacraments of Penance (Reconciliation), Confirmation and Eucharist. It is led by a Sacramental Co-ordinator, with ex-officio members (the APREs of the Catholic primary schools) and catechists. Assistance from the parent body and wider community is necessary. People will take on simple but necessary organizational tasks e.g. preparing the meeting place and giving out books, freeing the teaching members of the team to concentrate on their important task. No inservicing is required but attending the planning meetings is important, usually one before the beginning of each of the three programs.

39. Social Justice group: In the short term this group would involve itself in promoting Project Compassion, Missions collections, Social Justice Sunday and Bishop's Statements, or helping the faith communities to be better informed on real issues relating to the wider community.

'Special' ministries

40. Baptism minister: This takes two forms:
a) Preparing parents for the baptism of their child/ren in the weeks prior to the celebration, or
b) Leading the celebration of Baptism of Infants after Mass.
Inservicing is necessary for these ministries.

41. Funeral minister: Helping bereaved families prepare and celebrate the end of a loved one's faith journey.
a) Liturgy and Preparation: Meet with the family members to prepare the liturgy and possibly assist the Presider during its celebration.
b) Liturgy Presider: Lead the gathered community in the celebration of the liturgy in the church, funeral parlour, crematorium or at the graveside.
Inservicing is Necessary for these ministries.

42. Liturgy preparation team: This group prepares Sunday and special occasion liturgies, meeting monthly.

43. R.C.I.A Catechist / Sponsor: Become a catechist or sponsor for someone as they journey to full membership in the Church. Meet weekly, except during holidays.

44. Youth ministry: For young people (and young of heart) who want to meet others with a common interest.

Other

45. Nominate your own: If you can't respond to one of the above, nominate your own.