An opportunity to publicly proclaim the Word of God at Mass on Sundays, Holydays and other liturgical services on a rotation basis with 30 other lectors.

Training sessions which are held when the need arises

High school students and young adults the opportunity to participate in the Sunday Worship.

MUSIC MINISTRIES

Newcomers are most welcome to participate in the music ministry.

ADULT CHOIR

Coordinator: Director of Parish Music...Sister Alexa Meany, IHM

Folk Group Director...Mrs. Teresa Miller

The adult choir provides :

the enhancement and support of the overall quality of our Parish Sunday Worship at the Noon Mass every other Sunday.

harmony to the assembly's singing

preludes, postludes and hymns of thanksgiving after Communion.

CANTORS

Cantors provide :

motivation and leadership of the assembly to respond and participate fully in the liturgical worship at all Sunday and Holyday Masses

CHILDREN'S CHOIR

The Children's Choir provides an opportunity:

For boys and girls in grades three thru eight to enhance the liturgies with their vocal accompaniment.

To sing at school Masses, Bereavement Masses, Confirmation Masses, theChristmas Eve Mass and other designated Sunday Masses throughout the Liturgical year.

To participate in the Christmas and Easter Concerts of Sacred Music

To Practice at designated lunchtimes.

FOLK GROUP

Coordinator: Mrs. Teresa Miller

The Folk Group provides...

Guitar music accompaniment and choral leadership at the Saturday 5 p.m. Vigil Mass

Guitar music for additional programs in the Parish, including the Living Stations and Living Nativity.

A presentation of selections at the Easter and Christmas Concerts of sacred Music.

Rehearsals which rotate weekly at the homes of the members.

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION

Parishioners are invited by the Pastor to participate in this Ministry.

Coordinator: Father Stephen Katziner

The Ministry of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion provides:

A training session for those invited by the Pastor to serve as a minister of Holy Communion

The involvement of Laity in the ministerial role of the Church

The privilege of distributing the Precious Blood and Host at the daily or Sunday Masses.

The opportunity to bring the Eucharist to the homebound

The privilege of conducting a Communion Service to the residents of Wood River Village.

ALTAR SERVER SOCIETY

Coordinator: Father Richard Rudy

The Altar Server Society provides:

An opportunity for any student in grades 5-6-7-8 in Saint Ephrem School or the CCD/PREP program to join the society.

Training sessions which are held in Late Fall or when the need arises.

The privilege of assisting the priest or deacon at Mass and other liturgical services.

USHERS

Parishioners are invited to volunteer for this Ministry

Coordinator: Frank Mattozzi

The role of the usher is:

To make parishioners feel welcome, comfortable and at peace with their prayer in Church

To be a guardian at Mass and other Liturgical functions.

To assist people who may need physical assistance entering the building.

To assist in seating the parishioners.

To assist those who become ill.

To be watchful for disturbances that need to be addressed in a discreet manner.

PRAYER AND PRAISE MINISTRY

Parishioners are invited to join this ministry.

Coordinator: Sister Anne C. Gallagher, IHM

This prayer ministry provides:

A powerhouse or prayer for the parish and its parishioners.

A connection for the homebound parishioners of our parish.

A special prayer card to pray for the unity and holiness of the parish plus the specific intention of the day.

A ministry with no meetings or dues.

PILGRIM STATUES

Parishioners are invited to share in the devotion to Mary.

Coordinators: Gene DiGirolamo, Jeanne Kulesza, and George Flocco

There are three Pilgrim Statues of Mary that were purchased from Fatima by Gene Girolamo

The Pilgrim Statues are available to:

Inspire and increase devotion to Our Lady

To parishioners who sign up to have the statues at their homes for one week.

To have the rosary recited daily by the families and neighbors if they wish to join in.

To pass from family to family by the three representatives