SPB Ministerial & Apostolic Engagement 2024
All of us are called to both ministerial and apostolic work as baptized Catholics. What is the difference between these two forms of the work of our faith? Ministry is classically understood as works for the good of the Church (internal), while the apostolate is that which we do to spread the Good News (external). While this may be an oversimplification of the works of faith, and some works have a mix of both, they place a spotlight on the two-fold nature of our baptism: that we accept the responsibility for the structures of our faith community; and that we also accept responsibility for its growth as evangelizers who share the grace that has been shared with us. Since we cannot do either apart from the vine who is Christ, we need to constantly ground ourselves in an ever-deepening relationship with Christ in the Church. However, we cannot wait until some perceived future when I will be “worthy/ready” to go out and spread the Good News. Ministry and Apostolate are both the work of the Holy Spirit, and we are obligated and honored to say yes to the call. A few weeks ago, I preached a homily asking all of us if we see ourselves as “guests” or “hosts”. That reflection may be helpful as you discern. Guests think this is for someone other than me. Hosts know it is our calling.
FILL OUT A YELLOW FORM AT THE WELCOME DESK AND RETURN IT TO A MINISTER or THE PARISH OFFICE.
You can also call Melissa at 770-478-0178, ext. 150, to get started in ministry at SPB.
Ministry
Liturgical
Create a welcoming environment for parishioners, especially at liturgical events (Includes ushers, welcome desk, golf cart, parking, new parishioner welcome)
Assist with the distribution of the precious Body and Blood of Jesus during Mass.
Proclaim the Word of God from the pulpit during Mass/Liturgies.
Set up/put away the sacred vessels and other items needed before and after Mass.
Assist the priest/deacon during Mass. This is not just for young people.
Launder at home the linens used for Mass.
Assist in decorating the Church for special feasts and Sunday Mass flowers.
Lead 5–10-year-old children in a presentation of the Liturgy of the Word that is fitting for their age during Sunday Mass.
Sing or play a musical instrument for SPB liturgies.
Help count the Sunday Collection (one weekday morning)
Assist with video and audio during Mass.
Assist during weddings and quinceañera celebrations.
Office Help
Offer time in the Parish Office to answer phones and assist with light clerical work.
Event Arrangements
Coordinate the furniture arrangement/setup of rooms in all Church buildings for groups meeting in those areas.
Pastoral Council & Finance Council
Serve a term on one of the two parish consultative bodies.
Grounds
Assist with the manual labor maintenance of the 8 buildings and 40 acres of our parish campus.
Archives
Assist with the maintenance, ordering, and digital conversion of our parish archives.
Spanish/English Translators
Serve as a Spanish/English translator for written materials and/or for simultaneous translation of parish meetings/events.
Apostolate
St. Vincent de Paul
Assist our local chapter of SVdP in serving the material needs of the poor in our area.
Santa Ana
Assist with the relationship and support of our sister parish in Honduras.
Catechist
Serve as a spiritual companion to families and individuals who are deepening their commitment as disciples and preparing for sacraments.
Small Group Participant/Leader
Join with others to meet weekly as spiritual companions and to discuss the coming Sunday’s Gospel.
Funeral Apostolate
Provide a post-funeral luncheon for grieving family members and friends in Founders’ Hall.
Peace Garden
Cultivate/grow fresh vegetables on parish grounds to be offered to those in need.
Prayer Partners
Commit to prayer and offering of sufferings for specific individuals/needs of the parish. This Apostolate is reserved for the shut-ins of our parish.
Visiting Sick/Shut Ins
Weekly visit and communion delivery to one or a number of parishioners in need.