A church is not a building, but a community of people coming together to serve God, each other and the community. There are many ministries in our parish and we want and need you to bring life to our faith. Please consider volunteering your time through one of these ministries or by serving on one of our many parish committees.

The Knights of Columbus

The Sussex Valley Knights of Columbus, Council #8213, came into existence in 1982 and started with only 13 members. Given the year the council was started and the original number of members, the council number 8213 was chosen. The Knights of Columbus have the rule that there must be at least 30 members to form a charter. Initially, the local council was part of the Saint John Council. Paul Shortall, Father Mitchell and Jarvis McQuinn, were the original organizers.

Each year the Sussex Valley Knights of Columbus provide thousands of man hours as well as many dollars to our community. This is done through such activities as annual suppers, the selling of lottery tickets and the holding of card parties.

Other activities include providing new winter coats for children in the community; this is done through the school system. We also give man-hours and money to the school breakfast program. Each year the Knights help raise money for Pro-Life through the annual salmon supper. We promote Keeping Christ in Christmas each year through the sale of car magnets. The Knights are also involved annually with the free throw basketball program for our youth. In addition, we hold Wednesday night card parties for our seniors.

The highlight over the years was the involvement of the Sussex Valley Knights of Columbus during the 1984 papal visit.

Lectors

The Liturgy of the Word consists of readings from the Old and New Testament as well as a responsorial psalm. Lectors are called upon to act as God’s messenger as they proclaim the word of God at each Mass. They are also responsible for offering the Prayers of the Faithful. The readings can be found in your home Missal and must be practiced and contemplated before Mass. At Mass, the first reader is responsible for processing with the lectionary. The second reader is responsible for offering the Prayers of the Faithful.

A schedule is posted each month to facilitate planning. A reminder of who serves the following week appears in the weekly bulletin. Preference is given as to whether you like to perform this ministry on Saturday or Sunday Mass. Workshops are held periodically for new Mass preparation ministers and those considering these ministries.

Anyone interested in volunteering for any of these ministries, please contact the office.

Extraordinary Eucharist Ministry

Eucharistic Ministers volunteer to assist the priest in the distribution of Holy Communion. At each Mass, we share the Body and Blood of Christ with our church family just as Jesus did at the Last Supper. Communion of the Sick trained volunteers will bring consecrated bread to those who are unable to attend Mass due to health reasons. To be a Eucharistic Minister you must be an adult practicing Catholic.

A schedule is posted each month to facilitate planning. A reminder of who serves the following week appears in the weekly bulletin. Preference is given as to whether you like to perform this ministry on Saturday or Sunday Mass. Workshops are held periodically for new Mass preparation ministers and those considering these ministries.

Ministry to the Sick & Homebound

This ministry involves providing assistance to the sick, elderly and shut-in of our Parish community.

There are many ways to participate, including:

• • Visiting residents in nursing homes and manors (including monthly Bingo night at the Kiwanis Nursing Home)
  • Driving parishioners to Mass
  • Sending cards to the hospitalized or bereaved
  • Communion of the Sick trained volunteers bring consecrated bread to those who are unable to attend Mass due to health reasons.

If you are interested in this ministry, please contact the office.

Social Committee

More information coming soon.