Prayer and Worship

Prayer and Worship is a standing Committee of the Parish Council.  In 2008-2009 the Committee will meet 6 times, usually on the 3rd Thursday of the month.  The Committee, under the leadership of Judy Wargin, Director of Liturgy & Music,  oversees the policies and practices of the liturgical and prayer life of the parish.

The following Sub-Groups/Ministries are part of Prayer and Worship

  • Seasonal Planning Committee: does the overall planning and evaluation of the major liturgical seasons of Advent/Christmas and Lent/Easter
  • Decorating Committee: the committee plans, creates, designs, buys needed materials, sets up and takes down the environments in the church, Gathering Space throughout the year.
  • Liturgical Ministries: Lectors, Servers, Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist, Ministers of Hospitality (Ushers & Greeters)
  • Music Ministries: recruited, trained, rehearsed by Judy Wargin
    • Adult Choir:  rehearse Thursday evenings and sing at the 9:30am Sunday Mass, September through May
    • Resurrection Choir: sing at funerals; attendance varies according to availability of members when a funeral occurs
    • Children’s Choir: open to parish children in grades 2-7 (from  school and religious formation); rehearse on scheduled Sundays after the 9:30am Mass; sing at Christmas 4pm and 2-3 times at the 9:30am Sunday Mass during the “school” year.
    • Cantors: lead the singing at 5pm and 7:30am Masses and at the 9:30am Mass when the choir is not singing.
    • Instrumentalists: currently regular guitarists, plus drummer for special occasions.
  • Prayer Network: headed by Nikki Sunn; answering prayer needs of parishioners.
  • Sacristans: those who do laundry, general cleaning

Highlights of the 2007-2008 Year

  • Purchase of Hymnal carts: saves space in church; helps “life” of hymnal
  • Environment of church/Gathering Space: Decorators have adjusted to new worship space with creativity while “decorating on a dime.”
  • Successful Implementation of compliance with liturgical norms and subsequent  retraining for all liturgical ministers to bring us in compliance (beginning in Lent)  with Church regulations regarding the Eucharistic procedures.
  • Continued Formation of PAW Committee on liturgy and its principles and formation for people in the liturgical ministries
  • More children from Religious Education programs have become involved in Children’s Choir and as Servers.
  • Collaborative celebration of Confirmation with our cluster parishes (combined choirs; planning by people from all four parishes); collaborate with St. Mary’s for schedule of Masses for Holy Days.