Our Ministries
STEWARDSHIP
"Whoever brings blessing will be blessed, and whoever waters will be watered!" (Proverbs 11:25) A simple saying, but a profound thought from the Book of Proverbs captures the spirit of generosity that should mark all of our actions as followers of Jesus. We don't give to someone in need just because we know we'll get repaid; sometimes that's not the case at all! But in a larger sense, we do know that we will be blessed, if not with immediate repayment, then with the awareness that we have contributed to the good of all members of the community by tending to the needs of one. This "spirit of generosity" is the basis of our Stewardship theme for this year, "Generous Hearts, Generous Hands."
This Ministry Guide serves as a presentation of the many different means of sharing the blessings of our time and talent within and outside of our parish community. Please take time to read over and reflect on the different opportunities for you to make a commitment to be of service to the mission of Christ. We recognize as well that not all of our "talent-sharing' happens in the ministries and activities of the parish. Many members of our parish share their time and talents in other ways, possibly in the wider community as volunteers, or at home, by caring for aging parents, young children, or family members who are ill or home-bound.
Sharing Our Faith Ministries
In celebration of the sacraments, especially in the Eucharist, we share our faith in the presence of the Risen Lord, and we are empowered by the Spirit to share that faith with others. The following are the ministries that help us share our faith.
To receive more information about any of the ministries, just click on the title to send an email.
Altar Servers are scheduled to assist at weekend Masses, as well as at weddings and funerals. This ministry is for young people who are in the seventh grade and older. Adult altar servers assist at the 8:00 Mass on Sunday mornings. Training for both adult and youth servers is provided. Servers are usually scheduled for Mass about one time per month.
These ministers proclaim the Word of God at Mass, and are scheduled monthly, as well as for other celebrations. Training is provided as needed.
These ministers assist with the distribution of communion at Masses, and also may take Communion to the homebound.
This traditional ministry welcomes visitors, takes up the collection, and assists in emergencies. Men and women of the parish have served as ushers in church for many years. Let us know if you would like to serve this way!
A group of decorators gather occasionally during the year to provide an appropriate worship environment for our liturgical celebrations. Help is especially needed at Easter and Christmas.
This ministry is celebrated during the 11:00 Mass each Sunday to help younger children of the parish understand the message of the Sunday Scripture readings. The children leave the Mass during the Opening Rite, and return at the time of the offering. Children's Liturgy leaders serve approximately once a month. Training is provided.
The adult choir sings at the 9:30 or 11:00 Masses each Sunday morning. In addition, this choir serves at Christmas, Easter, and other feast days and special occasions. No experience is necessary, but an enjoyment of music and a willingness to learn is required!
The members of this choir are children in grades 3 through 8. Rehearsals are held Tuesday afternoons, and the choir sings twice a month at the 9:30 Mass on Sunday, as well as on special occasions!
Women and men "of good voice" lead the congregation in song at weekend liturgies. Training is provided as needed. Scheduling is flexible.
Those who play wind, brass, or string instruments are invited to become part of the instrumental section of our Music Ministry. Musicians usually rehearse with the adult choir. Sight reading skills are helpful, and musical flexibility is necessary!
The men and women of this choir provide a special ministry of support to the families of those who have lost a loved one by participating in funeral liturgies. There are no regularly scheduled rehearsals, but if you enjoy singing, can be available on short notice, and are willing to help provide support to those who mourn, please call.
Learning Our Faith Ministries
Faith formation for all the members of the community is essential to the growth and development of the parish. In order to come to a deeper understanding of our faith, we reflect on the message of the Scriptures and study the traditions and teachings of the Church. The parish community offers various opportunities for the religious education and faith formation of all of the members of our parish community, of all generations and all life situations.
To receive more information about any of the ministries, just click on the title to send an email.
The mission of the PTT is to provide support, enrich home and school relationships, and encourage participation in activities among the students, families and staff of St. Matthew Parish School. PTT hosts meetings throughout the school year at which parents are encouraged to attend and share their ideas.
The parents of the parents of our students are actively involved in supporting the school in a variety of ways. Please call the school office for details about this important support group!
Our parish school offers a hot lunch program for our students every school day, and lots of volunteers are needed, to help supervise the children and to assist with small emergencies of all kinds! Please contact the school office if you are interested in volunteering.
The parish provides religious education opportunities for the children of the parish who attend public schools. PSR classes for children in Kindergarten through eighth grade are held on Sunday mornings from 8:45 to 10:00. Teachers and aides are needed in the student rooms, as well as help with occasional light office work.
Classroom aides are needed to assist the Catechist with the implementation of classroom activities and to help ensure that the classroom is a positive learning environment for the students. Duties will vary depending on the grade level and the individual Catechist.
To ensure the safety of the children in our PSR program individuals are needed to supervise the hallways of the school while the children are in class. Monitors also assist in relaying information from the Religious Education office to individual classrooms.
Teams of teachers and parents assist the young people of the parish to prepare to share the sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation. Training is provided.
Youth in grades six and above are encouraged to volunteer to supervise small groups of younger children as they participate in the activities the week of Vacation Bible School.
During the summer, the Religious Education Office sponsors a week-long “Bible School” for children ages ten and under. Adults and older children can offer their time and talent to help out! Announcements are made a few weeks before Bible School begins, so watch for details and information!
Young people are the foundation of the future of the Church, and our parish would like to develop a strong youth ministry program. Anyone willing to step forward to share time and talent on behalf of the youth of our parish will be greatly appreciated!
The process of the “Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults” (RCIA) leads adults to initiation into the Church through the celebration of the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist. The RCIA process is one of personal conversion, education in the Catholic faith, and spiritual formation. Gatherings are held for those inquiring about the teachings and beliefs of the Catholic Church. The immediate preparation process begins in the early fall, and culminates in the celebration of the sacraments at the Easter Vigil Mass on Holy Saturday, the evening before Easter Sunday. A team assists the participants during the preparation process. “Team members” attend sessions and assist with the process of preparation of the candidates for initiation and gather occasionally with the candidates to reflect on the Sunday Scripture readings, and provide hospitality and refreshments for the gatherings.
Through personal study, small group sharing, teaching, and prayer, the participants in the Bible Study come to a deeper understanding of the history, teaching, and interpretation of the Scriptures. Participants gather in two groups, on Thursday mornings and evenings. Sessions include the study of Bible commentaries as well as multimedia presentations.
Interested adults read a selected title with a spiritual or religious theme. Members gather for discussion led by trained facilitators. The timing and schedule of the gatherings will be determined by the participants. Information regarding the group is published regularly in the weekly bulletin.
The mission of the Saint Matthew Parish Faith Formation Team is to cultivate an atmosphere for spiritual growth in our Catholic faith by promoting active engagement in the life of the Church through fellowship, prayer, sacrament, and service.
Through the joys and challenges of their relationship, married couples gain much wisdom and understanding of the reality of family life. We invite married couples to share their wisdom and experience with the couples who are preparing for married life.
Women are invited to participate in a retreat day. The group spends time together experiencing different kinds of prayer, journaling, reading and sharing. Retreats are held occasionally throughout the year.
Parents of young children are sometimes looking for child care options during weekend Mass. This particular ministry depends on the willingness and availability of individuals who can provide responsible child care for an hour or so on a Sunday morning.
While respecting the traditional role of the church users, we are developing a more visible and active hospitality ministry in our parish. Individuals and families serve as “greeters” at Mass and other events, demonstrating the face of a “Welcoming Assembly.” Friendly faces are needed!
Parishioners contact the parish office to request prayers for the sick, the homebound, and those with special needs. The prayer line requests are passed on to parishioners for prayer support.
Living Our Faith Ministries
The Eucharist we celebrate empowers us to participate in the mission of Jesus Christ to proclaim the Kingdom of God. In participating in this mission, we imitate the example of the Teacher, who “came not to be served, but to serve.” The following are the ministries of service to the parish, and opportunities for outreach and service to the wider community. Please contact the persons indicated if you would like to know more about any of these ministries.
To receive more information about any of the ministries, just click on the title to send an email.
This group meets monthly and is responsible for overseeing the spiritual development and the growth of the parish community. Working with the pastor and the staff, the Council sets goals and creates a plan that will help the parish fulfill its mission. Some members are appointed by the pastor; others are chosen by the parish community.
This group collaborates with the pastor in the administration of parish financial resources. Members regularly review the finances of the parish, make recommendations that promote good stewardship of parish resources, and discuss the savings and investment plan of the parish. The Council meets each month and as needed for budgeting and planning.
A parish community depends on the combined effort of all of its members working as one. Based on the foundation of their own formation in the principles and practices of stewardship, the Parish Stewardship Team sponsors events every year that focus on the commitment of one’s time, talent, and treasure within the parish as well as the larger community. Team meetings are held in the weeks leading up to the stewardship events during the year.
This group serves the parish by organizing community events over the course of the year, including an annual parish picnic, the Town Hall/Pot Luck Dinner, the annual Appreciation Dinner, and other gatherings that serve to strengthen the bonds of friendship in our parish.
This group is open to all men and women of the parish, and is dedicated to the service of the parish community through sponsorship of community events and fundraising activities. The members of the Society meet on the second Wednesday of each month and gather at the 8:00 Mass on the second Sunday of each month to pray together.
The members of the SMCCW offer each other friendship and fellowship, share in the life of the parish, and work together to support the parish. Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month. Part of the ministry of the SMCCW is to cover the cost of many of the liturgical needs of the parish. The members of the Council also support Church missions as well as local charities. The major fund-raiser in support of these activities is the annual “Happy Holly Days Bazaar.” This organization is open to all women of the parish.
Our parish has an active group that offers assistance to those in need of food, clothing, or other emergency help. Funds to support the work of this group are collected in donation boxes in the church and through the collection. The members of the group make home visits or meet at the parish office those who call for assistance. Members provide personal care and financial assistance when warranted on behalf of Saint Matthew parishioners. The group meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. Members usually serve once a month as “first responders” to those in need of assistance.
Our parish community supports the “Father Hilkert Center” located at Visitation of Mary Church. Food and donations for this local outreach center are collected at the entrances to the Church. Willing assistants are needed to help at the Center.
Shawl makers gather on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. Intentions for those in need of prayer are kept in mind during the knitting or crocheting of the shawl. Upon completion, a final blessing is offered before the shawl is sent on its way to those who need prayer, comfort, and hope. Instruction is provided.
A dedicated group of men and women gather once a month to hand craft bead rosaries for distribution to anyone who is need of one, as well as to send to mission countries. This is a practical work of evangelization, publicizing an important Catholic custom, assisting those in need of prayer, and reaching out to other peoples to share the Word of God through this ministry of prayer!
The children and youth of the parish participate in many different sports, including softball, football, basketball, volleyball, and track. An Athletic Board oversees these activities, including the organization of teams, practices, and compliance with all State and Diocesan regulations. Adults are needed as sport coordinators, head coaches, and members of the Athletic Board.
Boys participate in activities that promote leadership, physical health, emotional well-being, learning, and friendship in a Christian setting. Boy Scout meetings are held Monday evenings from 6:45 to 8:00. Cub Scouts meet Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:00. All training and certification is provided for leaders and assistants.
With a variety of exciting activities, service projects, and educational sessions, young girls can build courage, confidence, and character! Girls meet monthly as Daisies, Brownies, or Girl Scouts. Meeting times, places, and activities vary according to age. All training and certification is provided for leaders and assistants as needed.
Parishioners are invited to the Father Silva Center on most Sundays after the 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM Masses to share in refreshments and fellowship. Responsibility is shared by “host families” to distribute refreshments and is supported by free-will offerings.
Providing comfort and support to grieving families by offering a meal following the funeral liturgy is the purpose of this ministry. The Team Leader is responsible for coordinating details for the Luncheon with the Parish Office and for collaborating with members of the team to facilitate the Luncheon.
Team Members are responsible for the set-up and serving of the Funeral Luncheon, as well as the clean-up after the meal. No small part of this ministry is the hospitality offered to the families of the deceased.
Individuals are contacted by a member of the Funeral Meal Team and are asked to provide a hot or cold dish or dessert for the Funeral Luncheon.
Cleaners are scheduled to help care for the sacristy and sanctuary areas of the church approximately once a month. Other assistants also provide washing and care of altar linens.
The Knights of Columbus is a group of Catholic men who work for and promote charity, unity, fraternalism, and patriotism. Membership is open to any man who is a practicing Catholic. The local Council (Charles Reymann #4664) has meetings on the first Monday of each month.
Occasional help is needed in the Parish Office to assist with large mailings and parish projects.
Do you have a “green thumb”? Parishioners who have interest in caring for our parish grounds are invited to be part of the “ministry of gardening”! A particular area of the parish grounds is assigned to an individual or group of gardeners in May, and the caretaking of that area is entrusted to those who help keep our parish grounds looking great!