ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CATHOLIC CHURCH 13720 W. THOMAS ROAD AVONDALE, AZ 85392 PHONE: (623) 935-2151 WWW.STACC.NET MINISTRY GUIDE Become involved at St. Thomas Aquinas in a way that uses the gifts that God has lovingly given to you. Please use this guide to help you choose the Ministries/Groups that utilize your own gifts, strengths and convictions. This Guide is divided into two sections: Section 1: Section 2: The strengths, gifts and convictions that are listed in the Ministry Discernment Tool. A description of each ministry/group. Find the strengths, gifts or convictions that you personally identified and note the associated ministries. Then read the description of each ministry. Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. ~1 Corinthians 12:4-7
SECTION 1: Gifts, Strengths and Convictions WHAT ARE MY STRENGTHS? Find the areas you feel most drawn to in the listing below and then look at the Parish Ministry descriptions to see where you can share your gifts. The descriptions of these ministries are in the second part of this booklet. COMMUNICATING FAITH SHARING ORGANIZING Adult Sacrament Prep. Team/ R.C.I.A. Children s Liturgy of the Word (C.L.O.W.) Ministry Ministry of the Word (Lectors) Music Ministry Religious Education Catechist/ Aide EMPATHY Knit, Purl, Pray Group Ministry of Care (Homebound Ministry) Ministry of the Word (Lectors) St. Vincent de Paul FACILITATING Adult Sacrament Prep. Team/ R.C.I.A. Bible Study Leader Religious Education Catechist/ Aid Adult Sacrament Prep. Team/ R.C.I.A. Bible Study Leader Blue Knights Catholic Boys Club Catholic Daughters of America Charismatic Prayer Group Cub/Boy Scouts Children s Liturgy of the Word (C.L.O.W.) Ministry Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Knit, Purl, Pray Group Little Flowers Catholic Girls Group Ministry of the Word (Lectors) MOMS Ministry Music Ministry Religious Education Catechist/ Aide Secular Franciscan Order LISTENING Adult Sacrament Prep. Team/ R.C.I.A. Charismatic Prayer Group Greeter Ministry Knights of Columbus MOMS Ministry Sacristan Ministry St. Vincent de Paul Usher Ministry SUPPORTING Altar Server Ministry Liturgical Environment Ministry Cleaning Angels Ministry Martha & Mary Altar Linen Ministry Sacristan Ministry VISIONING Liturgical Environment Ministry WELCOMING / HOSPITALITY Funeral Reception Ministry Greeter Ministry Knights of Columbus Senior Angels Group Usher Ministry 2
WHERE DO I HAVE STRONG CONVICTIONS, FEEL REAL ENERGY? Find your strong convictions in the listing below, and see the Parish Ministries that employ your convictions and energy. The descriptions of these ministries are in the second part of this booklet. ASSISTANCE COMPASSION Christ Child Society Charismatic Prayer Group Cleaning Angels Christ Child Society Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Greeter Ministry Knit, Purl and Pray Group Knights of Columbus Ministry of Care (Homebound Ministry) Martha & Mary Altar Linen Ministry St. Vincent de Paul Sacristan Ministry Usher Ministry EVANGELIZATION Adult Sacrament Prep. Team/R.C.I.A. CELEBRATION Bible Study Leader Children s Liturgy of the Word (C.L.O.W.) Ministry Adult Sacrament Prep. Team /R.C.I.A. Religious Education Catechist/ Aide Altar Server Ministry Liturgical Environment Ministry Children s Liturgy of the Word (C.L.O.W.) Ministry Eucharistic Adoration STEWARDSHIP Greeter Ministry Knights of Columbus Music Ministry Religious Education Catechist/Aid Usher Ministry 3
SECTION 2: Ministry Descriptions TO LITURGY ALTAR SERVER MINISTRY Altar Servers assist the Presider at weekend Masses, Holy Days, and seasonal liturgies. They serve the community, (light the altar candles, hold the Missal, place vessels on the altar, etc.) Their prayerful presence adds reverence and dignity to each celebration of the Mass through their actions, prayers and songs. This ministry is open to boys and girls in the 4 th grade and older. Training is provided. GIFTS: Celebration, Supporting LITURGICAL ENVIRONMENT MINISTRY This ministry works to create an atmosphere of beauty that supports prayerful worship. Their work helps to make clear the differences in the Liturgical seasons Work sessions are scheduled, as needed, throughout the year, primarily for the seasons of Advent- Christmas-Epiphany and Lent-Easter-Pentecost. If you have an eye for design, are handy with a needle and thread, or just have some free time to work for our Lord, then come and join us. Sometimes heavy lifting help is needed. GIFTS: Celebration, Supporting, Visioning CLEANING ANGELS MINISTRY Did you know our big beautiful church is cleaned by volunteers? The Cleaning Angels meet on Wednesday and Thursday after the morning mass from 9-10:30am. GIFTS: Assistance, Supporting EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION This ministry is open to fully initiated Catholics, who have a deep love for the Eucharist and who realize each member of the worshiping community is called to be the Body of Christ to each other and to the world. Training sessions are provided several times throughout the year. GIFTS: Assistance, Faith-Sharing GREETER MINISTRY Do you have a friendly and welcoming personality? Do you like to talk to people? If you answered yes to either of those questions, our new Greeter Ministry would be perfect for you. A church greeter is one of the most important jobs in the church. You are the first and last person that people see when they are visiting. GIFTS: Assistance, Celebration, Organizing, Welcoming/Hospitality MARTHA & MARY ALTAR LINEN MINISTRY This ministry ensures that all cloths and linens used at Mass and liturgical ceremonies are properly laundered. Each volunteer cares for the linens for one month and then the job is passed on to the next person on the list. GIFTS: Assistance, Supporting MINISTRY OF THE WORD (LECTORS) God s Word is proclaimed so that it may be received and lived (CCC 1100). By prayerful preparation for this ministry the Lectors strive to engage the assembly in a living experience of the Word of God and of the presence of Christ in every celebration. GIFTS: Communicating, Empathy, Faith-sharing SACRISTAN MINISTRY Sacristans are trained to set up the church for liturgical celebrations and Masses. Their duties include setting up the vessels, hosts, and wine for each Mass along with putting the vessels away. This service assures the dignity and completeness of each liturgical celebration. GIFTS: Assistance, Organizing, Supporting USHER MINISTRY This ministry assists seating parishioners and with the collections during Mass. You would only be scheduled for the Mass you usually attend and only as often as you choose to serve. Training is provided. GIFTS: Assistance, Celebration, Organizing, Welcoming/Hospitality The Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith (CCC 1324)- the source, because everything else flows from it, and the summit, because there s nothing greater than it. 4
TO MUSIC ADULT CHOIR The Adult Choir is the principal vocal ensemble at St. Thomas Aquinas. The Choir is an image of the Church itself, in which there are many different gifts that are given in service to the Church. All levels of musical ability are welcome. The Adult Choir regularly sings at the 10:45 am Solemn Mass and for Solemnities and other special occasions. GIFTS: Celebration, Communicating, Faith Sharing JUBILATE SINGERS (CHILDREN S CHOIR) The Jubilate Singers (or simply Jubilate!) form the parish Children's Choir at St. Thomas Aquinas. The name Jubilate (pronounced yoo-bee-lah-teh); from the Latin "to make a joyful noise to the Lord," identifies us in our mission: to give musical praise to God. We explore the rich tradition of Catholic music and even music from other traditions as we develop a strong musical foundation. We have a lot of fun as we learn about music, team building, and the role of music in worship. GIFTS: Celebration, Communicating, Faith Sharing YOUTH & YOUNG ADULT CHOIR (WTL Way, Truth, Life) WTL is the regular ensemble at the 5:00 pm Sunday liturgy. This choir is comprised of High School and College-aged young adults, as well as professional singers and instrumentalists, who support and encourage the active participation of the assembly. The music is contemporary in style and uses a variety of instrumentation. Membership is open to all those who seek to serve musically in diverse styles, and who seek to have fun serving Christ and His Church. We are always in need of those who play instruments and anyone who loves to sing. GIFTS: Celebration, Communicating, Faith Sharing 5
FAITH FORMATION BIBLE STUDY LEADER The Sacred Scriptures contain the Word of God and, because they are inspired, they are truly the word of God. (DV 24) The Church accepts and venerates, as inspired, the 46 books of the Old Testament and the 27 books of the New Testament (CCC 138). The four Gospels occupy a central place because Christ Jesus is their center (CCC 139). We are called to read, study, and reflect upon the Scriptures so that they become God s living word in our daily lives. We offer various Bible studies throughout the year, watch the bulletin for more information. GIFTS: Evangelization, Facilitating, Faith Sharing, CHILDREN S LITURGY OF THE WORD (CLOW) MINISTRY This ministry leads the Liturgy of the Word to children, ages 4-6, during the 9 a.m. family Mass on the second and fourth Sunday of every month from Sept. through May. Prayer leaders are needed to read the liturgy from a script and lead the children in a discussion about the Gospel reading. Assistants are needed to help walk with the children from the church to St. Clare Hall and back, and to help supervise the children during the Liturgy of the Word. Training for both positions is provided. GIFTS: Celebration, Communicating Evangelization, Faith-sharing RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CATECHIST/AIDE Catechists are gifted with faith and the ability to share that faith creatively with children. They facilitate and lead faith formation sessions using ageappropriate material provided by the parish. Catechists are also willing to further their own personal faith growth by attending Diocesan and other local workshops. Training is provided. GIFTS: Celebration, Communicating, Evangelization, Facilitating, Faith-Sharing ADULT SACRAMENT PREP. TEAM/R.C.I.A. Provides a welcoming environment for those who contemplate full membership in the Catholic faith. A team of greeters, scripture-sharers, catechists and sponsors provide support, faith formation and hospitality. GIFTS: Celebration, Communicating, Evangelization, Facilitating, Faith-sharing, Listening YOUTH MINISTRY CORE LEADER This person provides a balance of spiritual and social activities, including community service and prayer. through our Edge (Jr. High) and Life Teen (High School) Ministries. GIFTS: Celebration, Communicating, Evangelization, Facilitating, Faith Sharing, Welcoming/Hospitality 6
TO PASTORAL CARE GRIEF TO HOPE MINISTRY This ministry offers support and consolation within our community of faith when a loved one has died. GIFTS: Compassion, Empathy, Facilitating, Listening, Welcoming /Hospitality MINISTRY OF CARE (HOMEBOUND MINISTRY) The Ministers of Care bring communion to the sick and homebound. These ministers foster prayer, hope and share the Gospel encouraging trust in God in the face of illness and death. Your commitment of time can be as little as three hours each month which includes meeting with other Ministers of Care. GIFTS: Compassion, Empathy ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY Vincentian members are united in an internal society of charity nourished by prayer, reflection and mutual supportive gatherings. This lay organization leads parishioners to join together and grow spiritually, by offering person-to-person service to the needy and suffering, according to the tradition of its patron, St. Vincent de Paul. Anyone interested in joining this ministry of caring for the needs of St. Thomas Aquinas poor and needy is welcomed. Generosity from the Parish-At-Large Fifth Sunday collection, food drives, and the Adopt-An-Angel Programs have touched many lives in our area. GIFTS: Compassion, Empathy, Organizing 7
TO PARISH LIFE & ACTIVITIES BLUE KNIGHTS CATHOLIC BOYS CLUB The STA Blue Knights Catholic Club is aimed at teaching the truths of the Catholic Faith to boys through Scripture, Saints biographies, games, crafts and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The club is open to any boy of the parish between 5-12 years of age that is interested in growing in his Catholic Faith. CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS OF AMERICA The Catholic Daughters of the Americas is one of the oldest and largest organizations of Catholic women in the Americas. The Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court St. Mary Magdalene #2708 meets once a month for 9 months of the year. Members are encouraged to attend, but it is not a requirement. We ask each and every woman of the parish to recall how Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene and sent her to spread the good news, I have seen the Lord. He is risen. Please consider how Jesus asks each one of us to spread the good news and continue His mission and good work here on earth. CHRIST CHILD SOCIETY We meet twice a month to make items for homeless and domestic violence Centers: Quilts, onesies, receiving blankets and burp cloths, afghans and sweater sets for newborns, knitted or crocheted hats for their cancer patients. Completed quilts and other items are distributed to various agencies including New Life Center, Southwest Family Advocacy, and Phoenix Children s Hospital Southwest Valley Center, Specialty and Urgent Care. Other items produced are taken to Mt. Claret for distribution to hospitals, homeless shelters, and pregnancy centers for distribution throughout the valley. GIFTS: Assistance, Compassion HOSPITALITY MINISTRY This ministry is a great way to share your talents of hospitality with the parish. Some activities of hospitality committee are cooking, serving, cleaning, greeting, organizing and planning. GIFTS: Celebration, Communicating, Organizing Stewardship, Supporting, Welcoming/Hospitality KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS The Knights of Columbus is an international brotherhood of Catholic laymen that conducts fundraising for worthwhile charities. The Knights of Columbus Council #11675 assists in various projects by organizing and conducting special events that promote spiritual growth and family welfare. GIFTS: Assistance, Celebration, Organizing Welcoming/Hospitality KNIT, PURL, PRAY GROUP We meet on Thursdays at 7pm to share our love of the art of knitting and crocheting and a willingness to share our gifts. All abilities, beginner, intermediate and advanced are welcome. Come and enjoy an hour and a half of prayer, worship, artistry, and camaraderie. GIFTS: Compassion, Empathy, Faith-Sharing 8
TO PARISH LIFE & ACTIVITIES (Cont.) CUB/BOY SCOUTS Cub Scout Pack 64 (for boys in 1-5 grade) & Troop 64 (for boys 6-12 grade) are traditional Boy Scout groups that work to shape and mentor boys into young citizen leaders in the world, with values and principles grounded in Judeo-Christian philosophy. LITTLE FLOWERS CATHOLIC GIRLS GROUP Are you interested in your daughter growing in her Catholic faith? Then the Little Flowers Girls' Club may be just what you're looking for! The club is open to any girl of the parish in 1st through 5th grade. She will have fun while learning about Catholic saints and virtues. Moms are encouraged to stay and participate with their daughters. The club meets one Saturday of each month from September May. Join us for service projects, field trips, faith enrichment and fun! MOMS MINISTRY Moms Ministry provides an opportunity for women of all ages and walks of life, to practice their common faith, nurture their spirituality, and encourage one another to slow down and celebrate the vocation of motherhood. Our ministry includes both spiritual, social and service events for Moms and their families. All Moms are welcome! Come celebrate fellowship with us., Organizing TO PRAYER CHARISMATIC PRAYER GROUP A charismatic prayer meeting is led by the Holy Spirit and is a work of power. Meetings consist of praying, sharing, and Scripture reading. Listening to the Lord is the foundation of a charismatic prayer meeting. Meetings are listed in the Parish bulletin. GIFTS: Compassion, Faith Sharing, Listening EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Come and deepen your faith and love for our God. Adorers needed: Our Lord sits in church every day waiting for us to come and say hello. Every Friday Adoration is available to us to come and visit with our God so we can deepen our faith and love for Him. Our God is very generous with his Love and Mercy. If you can spare an hour or even a half hour every Friday, come on Fridays to relax and sit with our God. Sign up for all times available so that our Lord is not left alone. Adoration hours are: Wednesday from 12-5pm and Friday from 8:30am to 2:00pm. GIFTS: Celebration SECULAR FRANCISCAN ORDER Third Order Franciscans are lay people who are influenced by Francis and want to follow his direction but cannot abandon family, homes and businesses. The rule and life of the Secular Franciscans is this: to observe the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ by following the example of St. Francis of Assisi who made Christ the inspiration and the center of his life with God and people. SENIOR ANGELS GROUP Provides opportunities for our senior parishioners to gather for social time and fun activities. GIFTS: Welcoming/Hospitality 9