Ministries
Liturgy Ministries
Eucharistic Ministers are parishioners who assist in the distribution of Communion, offering the Body and Blood of Christ to the assembly of God's People. Eucharistic ministers also bring Communion to parishioners who are homebound or unable to attend Mass at the church. They are chosen and commissioned by the pastor. Lectors (Readers) proclaim the Scriptures as parish liturgies. They are scheduled two weeks at a time throughout the Church Year. Ushers are the ministers of hospitality to the assembly of God's People. They also manage the Sunday offering and assist in people's needs during the liturgy. All parishioners, men, women and young people, are invited to be ushers. Servers help in the celebration of the Mass and other liturgies. Fourth graders or older may be servers. Adults also serve regularly. Training is held and schedules published regularly. Sacristans are usually members of the Liturgy Committee and help with the routine preparation for liturgies. They also help with the seasonal environment (decoration) of the church. Music Ministries - Musicians, choirs, and cantors lead the assembly in musical praise of God. A parish choir, folk group and several ensembles alternate leading music at Sunday, holy day and feast day liturgies. All parishioners are always welcome to join the choir or folk group or to offer musical talents and skills. For more information if interested call Dawn Carrillo 320-256-4207. Hispanic Ministry The Hispanic Ministry committee is a network of parishioners interested in focusing on issues affecting the Hispanic community in Melrose. This is an "open" committee, meaning that meetings and activities are open to any interested parishioner. Meetings are run in both English and Spanish. Hispanic parishioners are especially encouraged to become active on this committee. We hope this committee can become a model of Anglo and Hispanic parishioners working together for common goals. For current information about this committee including meeting places and times, contact the parish office 320-256-4207. Adult Faith Formation At the Church of St. Mary's in Melrose there are many opportunities for all parishioners to become involved in the ministry of God's word. All adult parishioners are welcome and encouraged to become a part of one or more of the following groups. For more information about the activities of the groups and meeting places and times, call the parish office at 320-256-4207. Scripture Study: Gather in a group to ponder the word of God. Initiation Ministry: Explore the Catholic faith if you are considering becoming Catholic, or renew our faith if you are already Catholic. Young Married Couples Ministry: Meet with other young married couples for faith sharing, support, and education. Rites of Christian Initiation for Adults (R.C.I.A.) A team of instructors and resource people forms each year for the Rites of Christian Initiation for Adults. Classes begin in the fall and continue through the Lenten and Easter season each year for those asking for Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist or to join full communion with the Catholic Church. Team members are always welcome as companions on this journey of faith with the catechumens and candidates. Contact Deacon Ernie Kociemba at 320-256-4207. Social Concerns The Social Concerns committee is a network of parishioners interested in focusing on issues of peace, justice, and education other than those addressed by the Hispanic Ministry committee. This is an open committee, meaning that meetings and activities are open to any interested parishioner. This committee seeks practical ways to share the love of Jesus with the world outside our Church doors. For current information about this committee, including meeting places and times, contact Deacon Ernie Kociemba at 320-256-4207. |
Marriage Preparation
Information courtesy of the Diocese of St. Cloud Family Life Office. A Sponsor Couple is a couple-to-couple ministry in which married couples mentor engaged couples to help them prepare for Christian marriage. The goal is to: * Foster a sense of care and concern to the engaged couples and help them prepare for their commitment within the Church and community. * Explore with the engaged couples issues through the results of the marriage preparation instrument (FOCCUS). * Help the engaged learn to pray together. * Provide engaged couples an opportunity to understand Sacramental Marriage through their own lived experience. What does the training involve? The six-hour training uses many different learning modes; group interaction, lectures and role playing. Some topics are: * Role of the Sponsor Couple * Working Together as a Couple * Using the Relationship Assessment Tool (FOCCUS) * Overview of Marriage Preparation * Marital Spirituality * Special Areas of Concern, i.e. cohabitation, premarital sex, interfaith Suggested Qualities of a Sponsor Couple * Believe in marriage as a permanent and faithful commitment. * Belief in God and Church are necessary to a successful relationship. * Are generous, warm and nonjudgmental. * Are realistic and hopeful regarding the day-to-day living of marriage. * Are open-minded and can share their own lived witness of the sacrament. * Have the ability to listen well, reflect back and encourage participation without threatening. * Can be witnesses and companions with the engaged couples in their continued search for a fulfilling and successful marriage. * Have been married for at least three years, are following the teachings of the Catholic Church, and support the diocesan guidelines in preparing couples for marriage. * Endorse and support the teachings of the Church such as birth control, premarital sex, cohabitation, etc. * Understand the principle of confidentiality. Marriage Preparation Sponsor Couples: Glen & Deb Klaphake Joey & Tricia Klaphake Kevin & Karen Wensman Ernie & Denise Kociemba Ken & Eileen Maus Mitch & Mary Depute Joe & Audrey Spengler Kevin & Ann Viere Bernie & Lisa Brixius Andy & Judy Heinen Chris & Terri Ellering Kurt & Mary Schwieters John & Cathy Walburn Chad & Vicky Doetkott Eric & Joann Budde Bob & Jan Leukam |