LECTORS - At the weekly Masses, the Lectors proclaim God's word in the assembly, lead the Prayers of the Faithful and make announcements at the beginning of the Masses. Lectors should feel comfortable speaking in front of others with a text, and are scheduled to serve in this capacity usually once a month. Diane Santos co-ordinates our lectors.
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS - EM's, as they are known familiarly, share the Body and Blood of Christ at the weekend Masses. They go through a period of training and join others around the altar, receiving the hosts or cup from the priest or deacon and sharing them with the assembly. Eucharistic Ministers serve once or twice a month in this ministry. Andrea Schwartz schedules our minister.
EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS - This ministry calls forth members of our assembly to bring the Body and Blood of Christ to the members of our parish family that are unable to be with us, perhaps as family members, friends, neighbors or fellow parishioners. Extraordinary ministers bring the Lord and the love of His people. Deacon Norman LaPointe co-ordinates this ministry.
SERVERS - Boys and girls 4th grade and above, in our school and religious education program are encouraged to share in this ministry of assisting the priest and deacon in the celebration of the Mass. Servers are scheduled once a month and special celebrations of the year, such as Confirmation, Christmas and Holy Week. Adult servers assist in the celebration of Funeral Masses. Honora Griebel, our co-ordinator, trains and schedules our servers.
USHERS - Ushers represent the first face many people encounter in St. James Church. As well as co-ordinating the collection, ushers also provide guidance, answer questions, and help when situations may occur that may need their attention. Commitment is one hour per week at weekend Masses.
SACRISTANS - This ministry involves picking up linens used in the Mass and caring for them at your convienence in your home. Elena Branchini and Nancy Theriault serve in this capacity.
CHOIR / MUSICIANS - Singers and musicians share their extraordinary gifts in a multitude of ways here at St. James. Music Director, Peter Moore and associate director Andrea Schwartz share their diversity of song with the community with 3 choirs; Adult, Comtemporary and Children's Choirs. Members rehearse an hour a week and perform at Masses each week as designated. Additional duties include special ceremonies such as First Communion, Confirmation, Holy Week Services, as well as Christmas Eve. Commitment is 4 to 6 hours a month.
The Children's Choir follows the religious education calendar and sings the first Sunday of the month. Reheasals are prior to Mass.
LITURGY OF THE WORD FOR CHILDREN - This ministry, soon to be instituted, involves preparing for and leading the part of the Mass when children are sent from the assembly to a different area, where the readings and reflections are offered in words and ideas they can grasp. We ask for imagination, a love of children and a dedication to perhaps two hours a month. Andrea Schwartz will co-ordinate this ministry
WORSHIP COMMITTEE - This ministry directs and accentuates the Masses and other prayer services of our Parish Family. Meeting once a month, the committee plans themes that will be focused on throughout the year and co-ordinates the ministries that will be exercised. Commitment is one meeting a month. Andrea Schwartz is the chairperson of this committee.
ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE - This new committee, a branch of the Worship Committee, will help direct the decoration of the church and the co-ordination of the symbols that are used throughout the year. Committment is expected to be one hour a month.
WEDDING TEAM - A new development, assisting Fr. John, Fr. Larry and Deacon Norm in the co-ordination of Wedding Ceremonies. attending the rehearsals ( and if possible the wedding ) assisting the wedding parties in choreographing the procession and the ceremonies themselves. Committment is 2 hours per wedding, approximately 12 time a year. Fr. John will co-ordinate this ministry.
Educational Ministries :
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION TEACHERS - Parishioners serve in the role of catechists, who teach our children, from grade one through Confirmation, sharing their faith for an hour on Sunday mornings before Mass. Diane Santos directs grades one through eight program.
CONFIRMATION TEACHERS - On Sunday evenings our Confirmation students meet with teachers for a two year Confirmation preparation program. Classes run for 1 1/2 hours twice a month. Andrea Schwartz directs our Confirmation program.
BAPTISMAL PREPARATION - This is a new program we hope to develope. Teams of parish family members will work with the priests and deacon tp prepare a class and assist in the celebration of the monthly baptisms. The goal is that there would be a 2 hour committment
3 times a year. Fr. John will co-ordinate the development of this team.
RCIA / ADULT CONFIRMATION - This is a new initiative that we are developing Discussions and classes with those considering joining the Catholic Church will lead to bi-monthy classes of 1 1/2 hours each, leading to eventually the Rites of Christian Initiation celebrated throughout Lent to the Sacraments on Easter. Fr. John will co-ordinate this effort - all that is needed is your faith, hope and love; he'll have the rest.
BIBLE STUDY / ADULT FORMATION - Deacon LaPointe is working on this new program and opportunities to work together on this initiative will be announced soon.
SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS - Our school is always looking for enthusiastic, loving parishioners to help us in a variety of ways, from watching over our children in the school yard, to assisting in the classroom, to helping our custodian with projects around the school. Perhaps you have a unique skill or talent you can share with our children. Commitment depends to your availability. Please contact Lou Ann Melino, school principal.
SERVICE MINISTRIES:
PASTORAL COUNCIL - The committee, which soon will announce elections, is comprised of a variety of parish family members who look to the possibilities of our parish, helping to provide the pastor and staff with a picture of what direction our family is going. The Council meets every month, and sponsors opportunities for parish family members to gather; the PPC directed this summer's Family Fest.
FINANCE COUNCIL - This committee, chaired by the pastor with members of the parish appointed by him, charts the financial picture of the parish, advising on changes and opportunities to raise needed funds. This council meets monthly.
BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES COMMITTEE - This committee meets monthly to address the structural issues on the parish campus, from assessing the need of the handicapped access to the masonry and carpentry work that is required. The committee also sponsors work days in the spring and fall to clean up the campus and address specific problems. Deacon LaPointe chairs this committee.
BINGO TEAMS - Wednesday'sbingo is directed by Richard Julien and Marcel Nadeau, helps support St. Joseph School. The very important fundraisers needs your help in a variety of ways; as food preparers or servers, ticket sellers, recordkeeping, callers, card sellers, reporters and a variety of other roles. Committment is one evening a week.
ST VINCENT DE PAUL - Our St. Vincent De Paul Society is based in the international organization dedicated to the service of poor in our community. The group receives notices of people in need and responds with visits and donations to help offset utility bills, food vouchers, and sometimes clothing and furniture. The Society, which runs independently yet in connection with the parish and the city, appoints its members independently. Committment is once a month and on call duty for a month 3 times a year. John Dunne is the chairman.
BAZAAR - On the Friday and Saturday before Thankgiving, our Christmas Bazaar takes place. This is our most important fundraiser and major celebration of the year. We need help in every category - food preparers and handlers, ticket sellers, bakers, craft creators, knitters, donors, raffle table hosts, set-up, clean-up help, movers.......etc. But most of all enthusiastic people like - YOU !!!! Contact Betty Richards, Diane Santos, Laurie Kingston or Honora Greibel to lend a hand.
SOCIALITES - The St. James Socialites, taking in the St. James Dames, are a group that is committed to the spiritual development of each member and the community as well. Their work at the Christmas Bazaar is well known and provides a great service to the parish. A key aspect of the Socialites ministry is it's stewardship of the parish collection on Monday mornings. Committment depends on each person's availability.
