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Quick Links to Ministries (Just click on ministry link to jump to ministry)
LITURGICAL MINISTRIESAltar Servers are fortunate that he/she has been chosen by God to give his service during the celebration of the liturgy. The liturgy is a public act of worship that the church give to God, so the service of the Altar Server is extremely important. The Altar Server is one of the closest persons to the Altar and to the Priest representing Jesus Christ during the celebration of the Holy Mass and the administration of the Sacraments. Servers give their service with major attention and respect. Requirements for Altar Server Candidates:
Students interested contact Dan Casperson 573-0577. Art is the ability to make things that display forms; it is an expression of creativeness, while environment is the surrounding that affects people. This applies to the beautification of the church and its surroundings. God has given us many talents and it is up to us to develop them and put it to use. This ministry takes care of the church environment on a weekly basis. We maintain the care of the plants, the changing of the banners, and dress the altar according to the season, such as Eater, Advent and Christmas. During the holiday season decorations extend to the outside of the church. If you are interested please contact Rose Go at 772-8551. Volunteers are needed to help with the Sunday Children’s Liturgy Program. Weekly a volunteer prepares a child friendly version of the reading being shared at Mass. The children’s version uses props, acting, questions, etc. to help the children understand and remember the message for that Sunday. The church provides a printed lesson plan with ideas and even the exact words to say. Adults with enthusiasm are asked to commit to one Sunday a month. There are 2-3 other volunteers to assist with the behavior of the children. If you are interested in volunteering contact Mary Chapman 772-7769. Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist Being an extraordinary minister of the Eucharist is a call to be discerned in prayer. It is not like any other ministry. It is a call to handle the sacred, for which the ordinary ministers are priests and deacons. Hence this call to be an extraordinary minister of the Eucharist has to be treated seriously and conscientiously. A Catholic who wants to be an extraordinary minister of the Eucharist needs to be one of good standing with the Church. It means that the person practices his/her faith fully and diligently. If the person is married, he/she needs to be married in the Church and should be availing the sacrament of reconciliation as often as needed. This need is to be determined on the basis of an informed conscience, a conscience formed on the basis of the teachings of the Church. An aspirant to be an extraordinary minister of the Eucharist should not be a member of any organization rejected by the Church, for example Free Masons. Extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist help the priest in the distribution of the Holy Communion at Mass, when needed. They also help in bringing Holy Communion to the shut-in parishioners. They may be called upon to set up for the Mass and after the Mass to clean the sacred vessels. Before the Mass they meet and greet people as they come into the church. Their demeanor should be an expression of their faith, love and respect for the Lord really present in the Eucharist. We need more extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist. Students (high school and above) also are welcome to discern to be extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist. Proclaiming the word of God is an integral part of the Liturgical celebration. It needs to be done properly with a sense of dignity and purpose. Hence, being a proclaimer of the work of God is a great responsibility and one needs to be committed to it, doing all the preparation needed for the effective proclamation. The parish needs more lectors at the liturgical celebrations. They need to be practicing Catholics of good standing with the Church. Lectors need to be clear and articulate in proclaiming the word of God. Students (high school and above) also are welcome to be lectors. The entire worshiping community of Sacred Heart exercises a ministry of music through participation in singing. There are certain members of the community, however, by virtue of special interest and gifts, who seek to encourage the sung prayer of the people by providing musical leadership at liturgy. During Saturday evening Mass, Sunday morning (7:30) and several Holy Day Masses the invitation to sing is extended by a cantor. The qualification sought in a cantor includes a strong, pleasant singing voice, music reading ability, and poise. Cantors are committed to continuous training and growth. The Adult Choir leads the singing at the 9:30 am and 5:00 pm Mass and at special liturgies including Christmas Eve Midnight Mass and the Easter Tridium. Weekly rehearsals are on Thursday nights from 7:30 to 9:30 pm. Membership is open to any interested singer of high school age or older. Organ and piano are the primary instruments, however, other instrumentalists are welcome. Children’s choir leads the singing at the 11:30 Mass. Children who are able to read music and possess a love for singing are encourage to participate. Rehearsals are prior to mass at 11:00 am. If you are interested contact Lisa Weindorf at 772-6493. Lisa maintains a website for the choir at http://home.comcast.net/~laweindorf. The 5pm music group maintains a separate website at http://joekapusta.magix.net/website. Ushers are Ministers of Hospitality. They serve the parish community at liturgical celebrations. They perform a special role by welcoming people; their warm smile and friendly hello sets the tone for the Eucharistic Celebration. When the faithful enter the church, ushers assist them in finding seating and guide them to the altar for Communion. They maintain good order during worship, take up the Offertory collection, hand out bulletins after Mass, and help straighten up the sanctuary after Mass. Ushers should arrive at least twenty minutes prior to the Mass they are serving and stay until everyone is gone. Ushers are needed for all Masses on the weekend. Any many or woman, 18 years or older, wishing to be part of this ministry may call the parish office of contact Ben Quindoza 771-5992.
CATECHETICAL MINISTRIESA good education is a key to a successful life in today’s society. Much effort, time and expense in spent in obtaining a good education. Eighteen years or more might be spent on an education that will serve us for at most 50 or 60 years. For some reason we believe that a Christian education that hopefully will serve us for an eternity stops in the 8th grade. Wednesday evenings during CCD there is an adult class that meets at 6:30 and ends promptly at 7:30 pm. We are currently studying and discussing Christian prayer in section 4 of the Catechism. The atmosphere is casual, its free, light refreshments are served and there is no homework. Call Jeff Burgess at 278-7153 for more information. RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA) Becoming a CatholicAdults who are interested in exploring Catholic beliefs and practices are invited to participate in the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). This is a process of prayer, reflection and study spread over several months during which the inquirer participates in Catholic life and worship. The focus of the RCIA process is Christian conversion - a change of heart in which the individual turns toward God and away from whatever is in the way of living a full Christian life. Once one has decided to become a baptized Christian, the next question becomes, ‘Is the Catholic Church the faith tradition within which I can best live out my Christian life?’ The Christian faith is lived out in community and so the RCIA process will explore what Catholics believe and the implications of accepting those beliefs. The RCIA is a journey, marked by rites (ceremonies) that lead to the reception of the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Eucharist on the night before Easter (the Easter Vigil). These are called the sacraments of initiation. The process begins with a period of Inquiry. Stories are shared, questions are asked and the basics of Christianity are explored. The inquirer is invited to get to know the community and hopefully to see in that community an example of the Christian life. Each inquirer has a sponsor, a person who serves as a companion, a guide, an advocate. At the end of the Inquiry the first Rite takes place. In the Rite of Welcome participants ask to be formally enrolled into the Catechumenate. The word comes from the Greek term meaning to teach by word of mouth and suggests instruction in the faith. During the Catechumenate phase, participants prepare for the sacraments, attend Mass regularly with the community, share discussion on the Sunday scriptures and continue to learn and reflect on Catholic beliefs. They participate in the ministry and social life of the parish. Godparents or Sponsors accompany the candidates through the RCIA process. They are called to show the candidates good example of the Christian life, sustain the candidates in moments of hesitancy and anxiety, bear witness, and guide the candidate’s progress in the baptismal life. On the first Sunday of Lent, the Catechumenate period ends and the Rite of Election is celebrated. The church calls participants to the Easter sacraments and to deeper relationship with God. Lent, the forty days before Easter, is a special time in the Catholic Church. It focuses on nurturing spirituality, a personal relationship with God, with a community emphasis on prayer, fasting and almsgiving. We are called to examine our lives to see what is standing in the way of living a full Christian life. The Catholic tradition regards conversion as a lifetime process which begins at baptism and ends with death. Lent is a time for recommitting ourselves to conversion. During the period of Lent, participants are now called the Elect, and are led into a deeper prayer life and understanding of what it means to be followers of Christ. A retreat, or time apart for prayer and reflection, is part of the experience. On the second, third and fourth Sunday of Lent, the Elect participate in rites called “Scrutinies.” This is not a public examination of worthiness. The community prays for and with the Elect, reminding us that we all still need God’s saving power in the process of ongoing conversion. At the Easter Vigil, the Church invites those who have not been baptized to enter the waters of baptism, from which they emerge as new creations, sharing the life of the Risen Christ. All of the Elect then receive the sacrament of Confirmation to empower them in the Spirit. All are nourished at the Table of the Lord as they take communion for the first time. Their new way of life has begun! Post-Easter gatherings are held to reflect on the sacramental experience and to discern ministry in the community. Christian initiation through RCIA is now complete; the Christian journey of life is just beginning!
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM -(Formally known as CCD) CCD are the initials for Confraternity of Christian Doctrine and was established in 1905 by Pope Pius X. Today it is more commonly referred to as Faith Formation. Religious Education Program is for all children that attend a public school or are home-schooled. Children enrolled in Pre-K through 8th grade will learn about God and Church The children’s sacraments start in the Religious Education Program. Through out this program they are taught the various Sacraments and will eventually receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation. Volunteer catechists from the Parish teach the children. Men and women from our parish community volunteer to teach. It is not necessary to be a teacher; some of our volunteers are nurses, business people and nuns. The only requirement is a desire to teach the children. Class hours are: Wednesday 6:30 to 7:30 pm and Saturday 9:00 to 10:00 am Contact person: Santa Cochran 771-5800, ex. 23.
PARISH MINISTRIESThe scouting Program has been an active youth ministry for 44 years with over 2500 young men passing through the program. Outdoor adventures, citizenship training, learning new skills, character building and making lasting friends are benefits of being a Scout. A large number of Cubs and Boy Scouts have earned Catholic Religious Awards, Arrow of Light, Cub Scout highest youth award and 55 Boy Scouts have earned the Eagle Scout Award, the highest award a Boy Scout can earn. The scouts perform many service projects for the community and the Church. The scouts camp an average of 30 days a year including a week of Summer Camp. Scouting is a life time adventure to always be remembered. Adults can also enjoy and take part in the scouting program. Contact Bill Kendrick at 778-4645. Formerly known as the Ladies Guild the Council of Catholic Women is open to all women affiliated with the parish and school. Our project include Carnival, Religious Gift Shop, Thrift Store, Wednesday Pizza, Bereavement, Confirmation and Parish Receptions, Balm Braiding, St. Vincent de Paul and other parish events. Diocesan projects include Born Free, Camp I am Special, Anniversary Mass and All Saints Nursing Home. We invite you to join us for our monthly meetings held on the third Tuesday of the Month (Sept. – May) in the Family Life Center at 7:00 pm. For more information contact Bonnie Lekas 771-1107. The Thrift Shop is operated under the guide of the Council of Catholic Women. Donations are received from individuals both from the parish and outside of the parish. These items are priced nominally because the intent is not to make money but to help those who need a little help financially. However, the Thrift Shop manages to make a profit each year which is donated back to the Church. Volunteers are needed to sort, price and man the Thrift Shop during its open hours. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact: 771-2152 or 783-3451 Girl Scouts mission is to build girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. Out goal is to held girls develop a meaningful set of values and ethics that will guide her actions, to relate to others with increasing understanding, skill and respect; to contribute to the improvement of society through the use of her abilities and leadership skills, working in cooperation with others. Adult volunteers can help by parent support, troop committees, troop projects, substitute leaders and various other positions as deemed necessary by the troop leaders. There are Brownies, Juniors and Senior troops. Contact Karen O’Brien 771-8194 or Cheryl Reid 777-2227. This organization is the newest ministry at Sacred Heart. It is for all adults age 55 and older. We meet simply for fellowship and entertainment. Our meetings are the third Monday of the Month. Lunch is served at a cost of $3.00 per person. There is a program each month that is selected by a committee. Programs can be cards/games, a speaker or any thing that the group would like to have. It is wonderful for the seniors to reacquaint themselves with fellow parishioners or make new friends. Contact Penny Szot, 771-5824 or Barbara Koger 778-2677 for additional information. The Hispanic Community on the Westside has been increasing rapidly. Most of them are traditionally Catholics. We offer services in Spanish such as devotion to Our Lady, the Rosary every Saturday, the Mass in Her honor the first Saturday of May, the Rosary March the last Saturday of October. The implementation of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan for the Hispanic Community and the local church goals has been a priority. Other events like the “Posadas” nine days before Christmas, the distribution of basic things for the needy, the Christmas Dinner, the Family Day once a year, and participation in the Parish Carnival are events that build the community, improve the enthusiasm and increase the faith among our Hispanic brothers and sisters. Contact Chiqui Maldonada 772-0870 for additional information. The purpose of the Holy Name Society is to promote spiritual welfare to the men of the parish and perform work requested. All men of the parish, 18 years of age or have graduated from high school are eligible for membership. They meet in the Parish Hall 7:30pm on the second Tuesday of each month. The meeting last about an hour and is followed by a social period. A breakfast is hosted during the school year on the second Sunday of each month after the 7:30 and 9:30 Masses. Holy Name Men operate Bingo every Friday night and offer an array of food item for the Bingo players. They also conduct a Fish Fry on Friday nights during Lent. If you are interested contact: Benjamin Quindoza at 771-5992. The Legion of Mary is a worldwide organization and is a spiritual and apostolic ministry intended to render service to every person in the image of Christ, led by the spirit, and under the patronage of Mary, our Holy Mother. Membership requirements:
MINISTRY OF MOTHERS SHARING (MOMS) The MOMS group (Ministry of Mothers Sharing) is a 9-week spiritual journey where women are encouraged to see their motherhood as a ministry of Christ. MOMS gives women an opportunity to explore their emotional needs and the nurturing of their souls while facing the challenged of everyday life. MOMS is a place to meet other Christian mothers who share your values; a place to make ongoing friendships; and a place to grow spiritually. All mothers are welcome to join, whether your children are babies or adults. Mothers of any age can benefit from MOMS. After completing the 9-week spiritual journey, members are invited to continue with our monthly meetings. There are many activities throughout the year to encourage relaxation and growing friendships, such as MOMS Night Out, Weekend Getaways, Family Picnics, and Potluck Dinners. MOMS also coordinates an annual auction, the proceeds go to a needy family at Christmas. MOMS is not learning how to be a better mother, MOMS is about learning who that great mother really is. For more information contact Simone Croft 381-9527. This is a ministry of women over 50 who are members of Sacred Heart parish. A wide variety of activities is offered to help the older women have fun, be useful, develop friendships and experience new things. Meetings are the second Wednesday of each month in the Family Life Center. Each meeting is preceded with prayer and a meal. Contact Emily Edmondson at 772-6176 for additional information. Respect Life provides educational information and opportunities for you to be involved in respect life issues. These are abortion, embryonic stem cell research, assisted reproductive technology, euthanasia and capital punishment. It is important to be well informed when these issues arise in day to day conversations with family, friends or co-workers so that as a Catholic you can speak knowledgeably about the truth. For more information contact Shaun Burgess 278-7153. If you have time to spare Sacred Heart School is always in need of volunteers to help with Traffic Duty, Recess Duty, and Chuckwagon (our lunch program). In order to volunteer you need to have completed Protecting God's Children (sign up at Virtus.org) and been fingerprinted and screened through the Diocese. Contact the school office for further information 771-5800. This ministry is composed of individuals interested in learning and expressing themselves concerning their Catholic religion. Most groups are composed of 15 people or less. The material studied is left to the discretion of the coordinator and the participants of the group. We get to know each other and share each other’s joys and trials. We pray together and most especially thank God for the gift of laughter. For more information contact Donna Howard 215-4903. St. Vincent de Paul is a lay organization that helps the poor and those with temporary needs. It is not a social service agency. It is a person-to-person ministry that sees the face of Christ in those who are suffering. Volunteers are needed because of the increasing number of needy families struggling to rise out of poverty. Families, single parents and individuals who are having problems meeting their rent or electric bill can be assessed on an individual basis to determine if we can help them. Volunteers are needed to collect food, work in the office, visit the suffering and pray for those in need. If you are interested contact Debbie Kirkland at 781-7674. The Youth Group ministers to the high school students of our parish. Presently, eight local high schools are represented by over fifty registered youths. Opportunities are proved to serve those less fortunate throughout Jacksonville. Many are year-long commitments such as the St. Francis Soup Kitchen, Angel Kits for Catholic Charities and the Bed Race Fundraiser for the City Rescue Mission. Many hours are dedicated to the parish spring carnival and the Christmas Giving Tree. Youth members are given opportunities to deepen their faith and strengthen their relationship with God while forming new friendships at our weekly Sunday evening meetings in the Family Life Center from 6-8:00 pm. During the summer, we normally participate in two mission trips. In the past we have partnered with our friends at the Cathedral of St. Luke in Orlando for work at Grand Avenue Primary Learning Center, located in a poor downtown area. Over the past four summers we have made a significant impact on this facility including the surrounding landscape. We reach out to their staff and student body needs. We participate in the Diocesan Youth Rallies each year and the National Catholic Youth conference held every other year. These events keep the Youth Group busy and require fundraising of which our parishioners have been very supportive. Our youth represent the future of our Catholic Church and without the parish backing them their mission would not be nearly as successful. Contact Cindy or Brian Lynskey at 272-8218 or email lynskey@sacredheartjax.com for further information.
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