For the purpose of assisting the work of the common priesthood of the faithful, other particular ministries also exist, not consecrated by the sacrament of Holy Orders; their functions are determined by the bishops, in accord with liturgical traditions and pastoral needs. ” Servers, readers, commentators, and members of the choir also exercise a genuine liturgical function.”
In the celebration of the sacraments it is thus the whole assembly that is leitourgos, each according to his function, but in the “unity of the Spirit” who acts in all. “In liturgical celebrations each person, minister or layman, who has an office to perform, should carry out all and only those parts which pertain to his office by the nature of the rite and the norms of the liturgy.”
– Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1143 – 1144
Altar Servers
Altar Servers assist the priest at each Mass and serve as an example for parishioners in expressing the dignity and solemnity of each Mass. They serve on a rotating basis at all Masses, including weekend Masses. Holy Days of Obligation, St, Charles School Masses, weddings, and funerals.
The Ministry of Altar Servers is open to any boy or girl who meets the following requirements:
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- Has received the Sacraments of Baptism and First Communion in the Roman Catholic Church.
- Is in fourth grade or above and has the maturity to be a server.
- Fully understand the importance of the ministry and is committed to it.
- Has attended a training session to learn the duties and responsibilities of serving at Mass.
- Agrees to attend all mandatory meetings held throughout the year.
Training: Training is provided by the parish through mentoring with existing Altar Servers and training by the Altar Server coordinator.
Time Commitment: Altar Servers serve approximately two or three Masses per month. Parents are asked to ensure servers fulfill their commitments and are prepared to participate fully in each celebration.
Art
The Art and Environment Committee plans, prepare and sets up the environments in the church that reflects the themes of the liturgical seasons. Assignments include steaming banners, polish brass and arranging flowers and plats. Ministers are responsible for the physical placement of objects in the church and the attending of flowers and plants in the church as well as the maintenance of the plants in the green house.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion assist in distributing the Body and Blood of Christ an Mass. Ministers must be fully initiated members of the Catholic Church.
Training: An Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion must attend one five- hour diocesan training session on a Saturday, and a one-hour parish workshop to learn the procedures specific to St. Charles.
Time Commitment and Age Requirements: Ministers select preferred Masses at which to serve, but occasionally may be asked to serve at other Masses. Ministers usually serve several times a month. Ministers must be at least 15 years old.
Linen Ministry
Ministers ensure altar linens are cleaned and pressed. Ministers pick up the liners from the church and return the laundered linens to the church. Linens are washed, pressed and folded according to specific guidelines.
Training: Instruction is given by the Linens coordinator who will demonstrate every step of the process.
Time Commitment: Linens Ministers sign up to assist on a rotating basis.
Music Ministry
The music Ministry supports worship through leading the community in song and prayer at Mass and other liturgical celebrations. There is an English language Adult Choirs, Spanish language Adult Choir, Youth Choir, and Children’s Choir. Singers and instrumentalist are welcome. Singing skills are preferred, and auditions are held to determine vocal range an ability to match pitch. Instrumentalist are also required to audition and must have the ability to read music in different keys and styles. Rehearsals are held weekly.
Lectors
Lectors read Scriptures to the congregation during Sunday Masses. Holy Days of Obligation, Sacramental preparation sessions and as needed by the parish. Ministers pray, reflect and practice throughout the week prior to the assigned readings.
Training and requirements: Initially, Lectors are trained during 90-minute training session with the Reader’s Parish Coordinator. Optional workshops are available periodically through the Diocese. Lectors must be fully initiated Catholic(Baptism. Communion, Confirmation)
Time Commitment: Ministers select preferred Masses at which to serve, but occasionally may be asked to serve at other Masses. Ministers usually serve several times a month.
Sacristans
It is the responsibility of the sacristan to make sure altar servers, lectors, and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion have checked-in for Massa. If there are unfilled positions, the sacristan finds experienced ministers to fill the open positions. there are parishioners available to assist the sacristan with this task.
Sacristans is responsible for setting out the vessels, an appropriate number of host, a sufficient amount of wine, and the ritual books for each Mass.
Training: Trainings are provided by the parish through mentoring with parish sacristans and reviewing written guidelines. Training does not include a formal workshop.
Time Commitment: Sacristans are needed for the weekend Masses, Holy Days of Obligation, and special event Masses. They are not required to be at school or weekday Masses.
Age requirements: Ministers should be adults who are dependable and detail oriented.
Ministers of Hospitality
The purpose of the Hospitality Ministers is to welcome all to St. Charles’ parish celebrations and liturgies. Never underestimate the power of a simple smile or handshake when greeting parishioners and guest.
Ushers welcome all as they enter the church and assist in finding open seating when necessary. Ushers are responsible for inviting Mass attendees to carry the gifts to the Altar, and providing others services to anyone in need during the Mass.
Ushers help straighten pews after Mass, take up the Offertory Collection, guide parishioners and visitors to the altar in preparations to receive Communion, and distribute bulletins after Mass.
Training: No formal training is required, just willingness to help.
Sacramental Preparation
Sacramental catechesis offers an opportunity for all parishioners to grow in their understanding of thee Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist while they support children, parents and OCIA members in their immediate preparation of First Reconciliation and Frist Eucharist. The Sacramental catechesis sessions include parent participation, classroom catechesis for students and prayer time. Eight sessions are scheduled throughout the year on Sundays from 9:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Sacramental Catechesis for Confirmation is offered from February through October. Open to all parishioners, these sessions lead eighth graders and high schoolers to the celebration of Confirmation during the month of November.
OCIA: Order of Christian Initiation for Adults and Children
The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults and Children ministry prepares Christian and unbaptized adults and children for initiation into the Catholic Church.
This ministry prepares individuals over the age of seven for Baptism in the Catholic Church. This ministry also prepares baptized Christians to enter into Full Communion with the Catholic Church by making a Profession of Faith.
OCIA catechists and volunteers must be fully initiated members of the Catholic Church. Many ministers are needed to support this catechetical preparation.
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- Sponsors
- Prayers partners
- Catechists
Time Commitment: OCIA preparation is held once a week, usually between August and the following Easter. Other events are held periodically. Training is provided.
Faith Formation for Children:
Faith Formation sessions for public school children in kindergarten through eight grade are held Sundays, September through May, from 9:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Training is provided.
Volunteering for Faith Formation Programs:
Catechists, catechist assistants and volunteers are needed. High School students willing to commit to regular participation for service hours are welcome to serve.
The goal is to have both catechist and an assistant in each class. Hall monitors are also needed. A love of children and the Catholic faith is essential for this ministry.
Hall monitors are models of Catholic hospitality. They unlock classrooms, distribute materials, guide parents and children to their areas, and remain in the hall throughout the catechesis session to assist where needed. At the end of the session, they assist with returning materials and locking up.
Prior to ministering in any capacity in Faith Formation, it is necessary that volunteers 16 years of age or older, be fingerprinted, undergo an FBI/Pole background check, complete the Safe Environment Training, and receive approval from the Diocese.
There requirements are in accord with the Diocesan Policy for Safe Environment Training.
Adult Faith Formation
Adult Faith Formation is an eight-week bible study offered twice a year, once in the Soring and once in the Fall. These sessions offer opportunities to adults 18 years and older for growing in faith through study of Scripture, faith sharing, and praying together. Sessions are held Tuesday from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Bereavement Ministry
The Bereavement Committee assists both the parish and the family of deceased parishioners in planning and celebrating the vigil and funeral.
Members meet with the family o plan the funeral and assist in the selection of readings and music for the funeral Mass. Information is gathered from the family to help prepare for the vigil and funeral. When the vigil is held in the church, some members of the Bereavement Committee attend and assist as needed. At the funeral, Bereavement Committee members act as sacristans and greeters and may also act as gift bearers, Extraordinary Ministers of Communion and lectors.
Training: Informal training is giving through committee instruction. Some members attend a four-day Diocesan Workshop.
Time Commitment: Bereavement Ministers participate in funereal planning and at funereal Masses as needed.
Ministry to the Sick and Homebound
Ministers of the Sick and Homebound are ambassadors of love and concern the St. Charles faith community has for those who suffers from illness or infirmity. Ministers bring Holy Communion to hospital patients, nursing home residents, and homebound individuals.
Nearby nursing home are visited weekly and homebound parishioners are visited as requested.
Training: The Diocesan Minister to the Sick certification is obtained after completion of the two-day basic Minister of the Sick training and one-day Eucharistic Ministry training workshops. New Ministers accompany experienced ministers of first visits for “on-the-job” training.
The Little Flower Ministry
Members of The Little Flower Ministry assist St. Charles Office personnel. Task include sorting, filling, preparing materials, etc.
Training: Members of this ministry receive security clearance through the diocese for which the parish covers the cost. Training for assigned task is provided by office personnel.
Mother’s Cupboard Ministry
Mother’s Cupboard Ministry provides personal hygiene items for women in need for the Agape Mission Market in Orlando. Meeting are held monthly for about one hour in the afternoon to assemble the bags.
Training: attend periodically one-hour meetings at the parish to make up bags.
Organizations and Councils
Council of Catholic Women (CCW)
The St. Charles Council of Catholic Women is affiliated with the National Council of Catholic Women, and the Orlando Diocese Council of Catholic Women. Prayer, service, and leadership development are important elements of the council. Members serve in numerous ministries in the parish. Proceeds from activities such Bingo and Bunco fund service enrichment and leadership skill development.
Knights of Columbus
Knights of Our lady of the Lakes Council #5150 serve as lectors, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, ushers, catechists, money counters, and arts and environment team members. Fund raising events supports the parish and school. These include the Annual Golf Tournament and dessert sales. The Knights also host events as the annual Lenten fish fry, and feed the homeless.