“So
we are to use our different gifts in accordance with the grace
that God has given us. If our gift is
to preach God’s message,
we must do it according to the faith that we have. If our gift is to
preach God’s message, we must do it according to the faith that
we have. If it is to serve, we must serve. If it is to teach, we must
teach. If it is to encourage others, we must do so. Whoever shares
what he has with others, must do it generously; whoever has authority,
must work hard; whoever shows kindness to others, must do it cheerfully.” – Romans
12:6-8
Altar
Servers
Boys
and girls who have received First Communion can volunteer to be altar
servers at any Sunday or holy day mass. Servers assist the celebrant
at masses. Four training classes are required and are available once
in the spring and again in the fall. Adults interested in ministries
with the training and organizing are encouraged to call.
Adult altar servers minister at weekday morning and funeral masses. They assist
the priest at the altar by setting and clearing the altar. A short training
session is offered to those who are interested.
Once a month, a class is offered to parents and godparent of newborn
babies. The history and significance of the sacrament, along with
the specific activities to make the day more joy-filled, are discussed.
Questions and anxieties are put to rest in a relaxed environment
of fellowship.
Each
newly baptized infant is presented with a white bib during
the baptismal ceremony. These bibs are made by parishioners.
The ability to use a sewing machine is necessary. All materials
are supplied
by the parish. The ministry emphasizes the desire of
the parish to support the new Christian as a member of our community.
Contact: Jeanine Smith, 508-529-3766
A
Bible study is conducted for any person seeking to gain a greater
appreciation of the Word of God. The group has
also developed into a faith sharing group and meets
on Monday mornings. One book of the
Bible is chosen to be studied in great
detail and applied to each individual’s life. Parents with
young children are welcomed to let the children play
together during
the group. New members are
invited to join at any time.
This is a developing ministry in out parish community. It is hoped
that music can be an integral part of each mass at Holy Angels. The
various choirs can be augmented with the use of cantors (trained
singers), leading the congregation in a more visible and encouraging
way. Training in song leading can be provided and cantors scheduled
from among the volunteers to this ministry.
Contact: Diane Moruzzi, 508-529-6446
The
Catholics Working Together (CWT) Steering Committee provides leadership & guidance to the process of carrying out the will
of our parishes expressed in the April 9,2006 vote: "In preparing
for the future needs of Catholics residing in the Mendon and Upton,
Holy Angels and St. Michael's parishes will build a new church facility
and upon the completion of the new facility, a single new parish
will exist." With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the CWT Steering
Committee will, in the spirit of collaboration, respect, and compassion,
bring to fruition the aspirations of the parishes to become one.
In addition to the CWT Steering Committe, there are several committees
including finance, communications, development, & design. For
more information on a subcommitte or to get involved, please contatct
one of the Co-Chairpersons.
Contact: Rolland Morin, 508-473-7953, or Dan
Lambert, 508-529-6150;
CatholicsWorkingTogether@verizon.net
The
children’s choir is comprised
of any child in the parish who has a desire to praise God through
singing. They lead the
singing at special occasion
masses and sometimes fill in at the 10:30 mass.
Any child who can attend practices and masses is encouraged to
minister
to
their community in this way. Musicians
are also always welcome.
In this outreach program, parishioners fulfill the Christmas wishes
of over 100 needy children. Ministers can tag the tree with the Christmas
wishes of over 100 needy children. Ministers can tag the tree with
the requests, buy the gifts, sort or deliver the toys to various local
agencies. The drive runs from the Sunday before Thanksgiving to the
second or third Sunday of Advent.
This ministry conducts retreats for the youth of the parish. Retreats
are scheduled for Confirmation candidates. Retreat team meets monthly
to plan and share story. Any interested member of the parish is invited
to minister in this way.
This music ministry seeks to heighten the expression and sharing of
the faith through sacred music. They use voice, guitar, flute, and
tambourine, and are open to other creative involvement. They are
an integral part of the joy and enthusiasm shared during the 10:30
Sunday mass, confirmation, foirst communion, and special penance
and healing services. Practices are on Tuesday evenings from 7-8
in the choir loft.
Contact: Diane Moruzzi, 508-529-6446
This prepatory program for engaged couples planning a Catholic marriage meets
6-10 times in the home of the ministering couple. Discussion revolves around
families, finances, children, sexuality, and relationships. Topics and length/frequescy
of meetings is flexible to the individual need. All couple-to-couple ministers
are required to attend a 16 week training provided by the Diocesan Family Life
Ministry.
Contact:
Bob & Sue Carchedi, 508-529-6132
Contact: Bob & Pat Giles, 508-529-2393
Cursillo is an international movement having leaders in each diocese.
The purpose is to bring Christ into our environments. Exploring ways
to evangelize is offered in a 3-day weekend for men and women. Any
practicing Catholic who is willing to spread the work of Jesus in
their own environment is welcomed. Follow-up meetings are offered
to continue the support among members.
Eucharistic ministers bring the Holy Eucharist to their fellow parishioners.
New ministers are added periodically as needed and attend a 4-class discernment/training.
Each member chooses a preferred mass time and is scheduled for that mass along
with an 8:30am mass. The commitment is usually less than monthly. If an 8:30am
mass is scheduled the minister also bring the Eucharist to parishioners who
are unable to travel to church. The minister leads a short prayer service and
prays with the communicant. The communion call, part of the commitment, generally
takes about 11/2 hours.
The purpose of the Family Life Activities Committee is to organize
and present functions that bring families together to share wholesome
fun and support family values. It has included family movies, picnics,
field days, and trips. Ministers can organize various activities and
all are encouraged to participate.
Contact:
Dave & Cathy Frary,
508-529-9165
The
Festival Choir is an adult choir that ministers on special occasions
such as Christmas & Easter. They always
welcome new voices. Musical training is a plus, but not necessary.
Rehearsals are scheduled several
weeks before each holiday and are posted in the bulletin.
Contact: Diane Moruzzi, 508-529-6446
This is a committee of the Parish Council. It meets monthly to evaluate
and approve major parish expenditures. The members are appointed
by the pastor.
Non-perishable and dry goods are collected in a box located in the
vestibule of the church. Every two weeks the goods are sorted, packed
and delivered to either Winterhaven (located in Milford) or the Mustard
Seed (located in Worcester) shelters. Participation can be in contributing
the goods, helping to sort and pack or in delivery to one of the
shelters.
Contact: Joan Clafflin, 508-529-3367
Every
funeral celebrated at Holy Angels can be memorialized in a Mass
program. It contains songs & prayers chosen by the family and/or
loved ones in conjunction with Fr. Larry. Ministers can serve by volunteering
to set up the booklet on the rectory’s
computer
program,
print
and
finally
collate
the
finished
copies.
The
booklets
are
handed
out
at
the
funeral
mass
by
greeters.
Anyone
with
a
few
hours
on
the
day
or
two
before
a
funeral
and
who
is
interested
in
being
trained
is
asked
to call the rectory.
Contact: June Conors, 508-529-6385
This
committee meets monthly to discuss our parish’s twinning
relationship with Saint Anne’s
in Haiti, including
ongoing and new
projects,
the agenda
of future trips,
and current concerns
in our
Sister Parish.
These ministers help to bring the
Word of God to parishioners at all weekely masses. New lectors
are added as needed and simply require an interest and
a good speaking voice.
Contact: Betsy Gorman, 508-529-3752
Youth Lectors
This ministry currently occurs only at special services. Youngsters
who are not quite experienced enough to lector at regular holy
day masses can participate through this special need. Practices
are generally individual. Qualifications include a desire and
a good, strong voice.
This
ministry is under development. It is anticipated that activities
such as the Living Stations of the Cross, the Christian Pageant
and
Presentation of Gift dances will become an organized part
of the parish’s
worship. Any parishioner with an interest can join this ministry.
Those with a talent for dancing, ringing, acting, making
costumes,
organizing
groups, or writing scripts are invited to participate.
Contact: Lucy Lambert, 508-529-6150
Liturgy
committee members meet once a month to explore, implement, and
evaluate ways to make the celebration of the liturgy more meaningful
to the life of our parish community. Music, decoration, themes,
and
physical environment are addressed to encourage fuller participation.
The interest, desire, and talent to participate in forming and
implementing ideas are the only qualifications for members.
Contact:
Lucy Lambert, 508-529-6150
On the third Sunday of every month after the 8:30am and 10:30am masses,
coffee, punch, and pastry are offered in the parish hall. Newcomers
as well as long time parishioners are invited to share a cup and
a little fellowship. Funds are provided by the church and pastries
are picked up a local bakery. Ministry is as simple as pouring a
cup of coffee or washing a dish.
Contact: Cathy Frary 508-529-9165
This outreach group serves a monthly meal at the Mustard Seed
soup kitchen in Worcester. Two hundred people are served every
second Thursday
of every month. Participation can include baking a casserole
or dessert and delivering it to the church. Further ministering
includes buttering
bread or traveling to Worcester along with the supplies to serve
the guests at Mustard Seed. Donations are also accepted to cover
the cost
of bread, butter, coffee, and 10 gallons of milk.
Contact: Jen Manning, 508-529-3560
Offering collectors are an informal group of people who pass up the
aisles during the Offertory of the mass to collect together the offering.
Some masses have two offerings. There is no qualification for participation.
This group also assists people with finding seating during very crowded
masses.
The OLV Board consists of representatives from surrounding parished
and meets monthly at Our Lady of the Valley Regional School. It is
the governing body of this Catholic elementary school. The board member
is appointed by the Holy Angels pastor.
Contact: Pat Hebert, 508-529-9045
The
parish council is comprised of appointed and elected members who
seek to deliberate and resolve on matters which
concern the church.
Represented areas of concern include Family Life, Religious Education,
Social Activities, Litury, Finance, Properties, Youth Ministry,
Outreach and Seniors. Members’ names can be found on
the bulletin and minutes of their meetings, in the vestibule.
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Peace & Social
Justice Committee
This
committee has been established to oversee the outreach efforts
of the parish. The committee aims to foster
awareness
of local, national and international peace and justice concerns.
If you are interested in helping this effort either as a
leader
or as
a “doer,” please call the rectory.
The Prayer Group meets one time a week to pray the rosary, the Divine
Chaplet and to join in fellowship over coffee and pastries. The group
at times meets at the home of those who cannot travel, invites a
guest speaker, or travels to healing services. This group is not
limited to Holy Angels parishioners. Anyone with a desire to enjoy
the love and peace bestowed by the Blessed Mother is invited to participate.
This
is a vibrant, growth-oriented ministry at Holy Angels. 600 children
and their families are served every year. Religion classes are
offered to children 3 years old through high school. Sacramental
instruction
is offered on a non-graded basis. An intensive program is offered
to children for grade 5 and up during the summer months. Many
volunteer ministers are needed to continue the success of this
program. Anyone
seeking to spread the knowledge and love of God as a classroom
teacher, aide, facilitator or Board member is invited. Material
is provided
and training is available.
Any teen or adult wishing to become a member of the Catholic church
or returning to the church is invited to participate in the church
is invited to participate in the RCIA process. Meetings, which
are based on Sunday readings and catechesis, are held every Tuesday
evenings
at the rectory. Any parishioner is welcome to become a part of
the faith-sharing group supporting these new candidates. Children
(Grades
3-8) who are new to the church and cannot participate through the
usual Religious Education program may also receive sacraments through
this program.
This group of ministers has two primary functions. Every day they water and groom
plants and/or floral arrangements. Candles are changed and cleaned. All purificators,
altar clothes and vestments are cleaned and maintained. Any interested person
would be welcomed in this ministry.
Contact: Kathy Hewitt, 508-529-4909
Contact: Sue Oldfield, 508-529-3996
This group of ministers visits and spends time with older parishioners
who may be unable to easily leave their homes or who are in need
of some company.
Contact: Joan Clafflin, 508-529-3367
This group meets monthly to enrich its members and the community
with guest speakers and socialevents such as dinners. A nominal
yearly fee is collected. Any women with an interest is invited
to participate in this ministry.
Contact: 508-529-3972
The Funeral Hospitality Ministry,
a sub-committee of the Women’s
Guild, provides the grieving family, at theor request,
with pastries and coffee in the parish hall after the funeral
of a parishioner.
The primary purpose is to aid in the grieving process.
Contact: Joan Varney, 508-529-3915
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Weekend
retreats are offered to married couples to
help strengthen their relationship through
enhanced communication. Weekends are offered
four times a year in the Worcester diocese.
Ongoing sharing groups are available in the
parish. All married couples are encouraged
to seek more information.
Contact:
Dave & Karen Demers, 508-529-4245
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