Parish Ministries
The beautiful charism for each parishioner is to be church, to be the Body of Christ,
to love and care for one another, to minister wherever there is need,
to be a person of hospitality, to stand united in a world torn by discord and strife.
Together we will be church and continue to become church.
In order to be church, we need each parishioner and we need their gifts;
please bring them to our parish table. Share them and use them well.
Time & Talent
Volunteering Opportunities within the Church
Eucharistic Minister
In order to provide adequate pastoral care to God's faithful, the church has extended the ministry of distributing the Holy Eucharist to non-ordained adults in extraordinary circumstances. When another priest or deacon is not available, or if there are not enough priests and deacons available, an extraordinary minister may distribute the Body and Blood of Christ at Mass.
Requirements:
Great devotion to the Eucharist both in attending Mass and in appreciation for the
presence of Our Lord in the Eucharist.
Attend the St. Leo’s training to learn the ins and outs of our own parish Liturgies.
If you are interested in becoming an Communion Minister, please call or e-mail the office.
Communion for the Homebound
Sometimes parishioners are not able to join us at church to celebrate the Eucharist due to illness or infirmity. If you feel called to help others who are in need, perhaps the Communion to the Homebound ministry is for you. We need Ministers of the Eucharist who are able to visit parishioners at home or in nursing homes to bring the Eucharist to those who cannot join us at Mass. If you are interested in this ministry, please contact the office.
Linens
If you can wash/dry/iron clothes, you're the one we are looking for! This is an easy ministry that only asks for your talents one month each year. All you have to do is wash the napkins and towels used during Communion each week. Take the used linens home by Tuesday or Wednesday and return the cleaned linens back to church before the next weekend's Mass on Saturday.
Please contact the office.
Sacristans
The St. Leo's sacristans ensure that each liturgy takes place in a space carefully prepared to reflect the importance of the relationship between the worshipping community and the appearance of where they pray.
The sacristan provides a vital service to the community. They do all the things necessary to keep the sanctuary and sacristy clean and orderly. The duties include making sure that everyone who will participate in the celebration has arrived or substitutes have been found, ensuring that everyone involved in the celebration knows what is expected of them and taking care of any other details that would detract from the celebrant's ability to serve the community.
The ideal candidate will have an eye for detail and work well under pressure. If you are interested in becoming a Sacristan, please contact the office.
Altar Server
Being an altar server means serving God and His people at Mass. Serving at liturgy is a joyful privilege. Servers stand close to the altar, hold the holy cups and bowls, carry the cross, carry the light of Christ, wear the robe of Baptism and hold the book of prayer.
Boys and girls fifth grade and older may choose to become servers. They need to complete a training session. Following the training session, those who desire will be scheduled to serve at one of the weekend Masses.
Plans are being developed to train selected ninth grade and older experienced servers to become Altar Server Mentors. These young people will take on leadership duties in the ministry to assist in various ways with younger servers and the weekend ministry. They will be called upon to serve as cross bearers and will be asked to serve at special liturgies throughout the year.
Lector
The lector shares in the work of the Holy Spirit who opens our hearts to God's holy word. It is much more than announcing the news or reading a public announcement. It is the task of telling our family story, the story of salvation and proclaiming the true and saving word of God.
Requirements:
Strong faith in the Word of God and good speaking skills
Attend the St. Leo’s training to learn the specifics of our own parish Liturgies
If you are interested in becoming a Lector, contact the office.
Commentator
The Commentator’s Ministry is to prayerfully pray the General Intercessions during the liturgy and make announcements at Mass.
Requirements:
Good speaking skills
Attend the St. Leo’s training to learn specifics to this ministry
If you are interested in being a Commentator, contact the offic
Decorating
Volunteers for this ministry assist in decorating the church for the current season or holiday. The greatest need is, of course, for the Easter and Christmas holidays, although this committee is responsible for decorating the church year round.
If you would like to help with this ministry or have any questions, please call the office.
Music
The music ministry is a vibrant and diverse group of volunteers who generously give their time and talent to the church. There are several different areas in which you can serve the parish family musically:
Adult Choir Youth Choir (3rd Sunday) Children's Choir (Christmas only)
Instrument Accompaniment Keyboard Accompaniment (piano, Clavinova, organ)
If you are interested in helping with any areas within this ministry or have any questions, please contact Terri : [email protected] .
Hospitality-Greeter
The ministry of hospitality is a part of the foundation on which all of the ministries of the liturgy are built. The center of the ministry of Christian hospitality is the service of one to another. In serving and being served, we find Christ there in our midst.
We, at St. Leo’s strive to make our parish and church a welcoming community, a place to not only worship but also share life with those of our faith community.
Requirements:
Able to be outgoing and extend a warm welcome to those arriving for services.
Attend the St. Leo’s training to learn specifics of this ministry.
If you are interested in helping with any areas within this ministry or have any questions, please call the office.
Sound Room
Volunteering time for the sound room requires that the volunteer be available to operate the sound board during Mass and for special occasions. It also can include learning how to videotape services.
Requirements:
Attendance at training session on how to operate the sound board & equipment.
To help with this ministry, please contact the office.
Community Outreach
St. Leos’ offers a variety of ways one can donate goods, time and service to the parish and community. For community involvement, contact Donna D., check the weekly bulletin or contact the office.
Catechist
We are looking for these qualifications in our catechists: a person who is a practicing Catholic, a visible participant in Parish Life, has a basic understanding of the Church’s teachings, a person of faith, and a person who can express their faith to others. This person should be able to communicate with children/youth, work with groups and able to follow the steps of the lesson plan. This special volunteer needs to possess a willingness to learn about their faith and religion and be prepared to reap many rewards.
As per Diocesan policy, the catechists will become certified within our Catholic Doctrine. This certification process is offered by the Diocese and supported by our parish.
We seek catechists for the elementary level for each grade starting with Pre-Kindergarten through 5th grade. As per Diocesan directions, we need at least 2 adults per grade. We try to incorporate a co-catechist approach assisted by aides. If this ministry interests you, please contact our director of children’s ministry.
Empower Youth Ministries
Middle School Adult Leader - Grades 6th through 8th
High School Adult Leader – Grades 9th through 12th
Core Values
-Inviting and welcoming attitude
-Relationship building:
youth to God; youth to youth; youth to adult leaders
-Evangelization
-Catechesis in the Catholic Faith
Core Purpose
Loving youth into a passionate and vibrate relationship with
Jesus, in the church, so that they continue to live their faith.
“Ministry with adolescents mobilizes all of the resources of the faith community in a comprehensive and integrated approach” (Renewing the Vision document by the USCCB).
Youth ministry flourishes when adults and youth assume leadership in the ministry. Without leaders who are willing to help plan sessions, recruit the participants, lead the sessions, send out the e-mails and mailings, and do all the other necessary leadership tasks, youth ministry can’t happen.
There are many opportunities to use your gifts in Empower Youth Ministries. Some of the adult leadership roles that are available are:
session facilitator hospitality prayer leader greeter
community builder administration small-group facilitator event planning
activity leader chaperone faith sharer driver
scripture reflector snack shack expert presenter
There are also opportunities for non-gathered (behind the scenes) activities. These roles include youth advocates and strategy planners.
To volunteer or get more information, contact our director of youth ministry.
Volunteering Opportunities within the Church
Eucharistic Minister
In order to provide adequate pastoral care to God's faithful, the church has extended the ministry of distributing the Holy Eucharist to non-ordained adults in extraordinary circumstances. When another priest or deacon is not available, or if there are not enough priests and deacons available, an extraordinary minister may distribute the Body and Blood of Christ at Mass.
Requirements:
Great devotion to the Eucharist both in attending Mass and in appreciation for the
presence of Our Lord in the Eucharist.
Attend the St. Leo’s training to learn the ins and outs of our own parish Liturgies.
If you are interested in becoming an Communion Minister, please call or e-mail the office.
Communion for the Homebound
Sometimes parishioners are not able to join us at church to celebrate the Eucharist due to illness or infirmity. If you feel called to help others who are in need, perhaps the Communion to the Homebound ministry is for you. We need Ministers of the Eucharist who are able to visit parishioners at home or in nursing homes to bring the Eucharist to those who cannot join us at Mass. If you are interested in this ministry, please contact the office.
Linens
If you can wash/dry/iron clothes, you're the one we are looking for! This is an easy ministry that only asks for your talents one month each year. All you have to do is wash the napkins and towels used during Communion each week. Take the used linens home by Tuesday or Wednesday and return the cleaned linens back to church before the next weekend's Mass on Saturday.
Please contact the office.
Sacristans
The St. Leo's sacristans ensure that each liturgy takes place in a space carefully prepared to reflect the importance of the relationship between the worshipping community and the appearance of where they pray.
The sacristan provides a vital service to the community. They do all the things necessary to keep the sanctuary and sacristy clean and orderly. The duties include making sure that everyone who will participate in the celebration has arrived or substitutes have been found, ensuring that everyone involved in the celebration knows what is expected of them and taking care of any other details that would detract from the celebrant's ability to serve the community.
The ideal candidate will have an eye for detail and work well under pressure. If you are interested in becoming a Sacristan, please contact the office.
Altar Server
Being an altar server means serving God and His people at Mass. Serving at liturgy is a joyful privilege. Servers stand close to the altar, hold the holy cups and bowls, carry the cross, carry the light of Christ, wear the robe of Baptism and hold the book of prayer.
Boys and girls fifth grade and older may choose to become servers. They need to complete a training session. Following the training session, those who desire will be scheduled to serve at one of the weekend Masses.
Plans are being developed to train selected ninth grade and older experienced servers to become Altar Server Mentors. These young people will take on leadership duties in the ministry to assist in various ways with younger servers and the weekend ministry. They will be called upon to serve as cross bearers and will be asked to serve at special liturgies throughout the year.
Lector
The lector shares in the work of the Holy Spirit who opens our hearts to God's holy word. It is much more than announcing the news or reading a public announcement. It is the task of telling our family story, the story of salvation and proclaiming the true and saving word of God.
Requirements:
Strong faith in the Word of God and good speaking skills
Attend the St. Leo’s training to learn the specifics of our own parish Liturgies
If you are interested in becoming a Lector, contact the office.
Commentator
The Commentator’s Ministry is to prayerfully pray the General Intercessions during the liturgy and make announcements at Mass.
Requirements:
Good speaking skills
Attend the St. Leo’s training to learn specifics to this ministry
If you are interested in being a Commentator, contact the offic
Decorating
Volunteers for this ministry assist in decorating the church for the current season or holiday. The greatest need is, of course, for the Easter and Christmas holidays, although this committee is responsible for decorating the church year round.
If you would like to help with this ministry or have any questions, please call the office.
Music
The music ministry is a vibrant and diverse group of volunteers who generously give their time and talent to the church. There are several different areas in which you can serve the parish family musically:
Adult Choir Youth Choir (3rd Sunday) Children's Choir (Christmas only)
Instrument Accompaniment Keyboard Accompaniment (piano, Clavinova, organ)
If you are interested in helping with any areas within this ministry or have any questions, please contact Terri : [email protected] .
Hospitality-Greeter
The ministry of hospitality is a part of the foundation on which all of the ministries of the liturgy are built. The center of the ministry of Christian hospitality is the service of one to another. In serving and being served, we find Christ there in our midst.
We, at St. Leo’s strive to make our parish and church a welcoming community, a place to not only worship but also share life with those of our faith community.
Requirements:
Able to be outgoing and extend a warm welcome to those arriving for services.
Attend the St. Leo’s training to learn specifics of this ministry.
If you are interested in helping with any areas within this ministry or have any questions, please call the office.
Sound Room
Volunteering time for the sound room requires that the volunteer be available to operate the sound board during Mass and for special occasions. It also can include learning how to videotape services.
Requirements:
Attendance at training session on how to operate the sound board & equipment.
To help with this ministry, please contact the office.
Community Outreach
St. Leos’ offers a variety of ways one can donate goods, time and service to the parish and community. For community involvement, contact Donna D., check the weekly bulletin or contact the office.
Catechist
We are looking for these qualifications in our catechists: a person who is a practicing Catholic, a visible participant in Parish Life, has a basic understanding of the Church’s teachings, a person of faith, and a person who can express their faith to others. This person should be able to communicate with children/youth, work with groups and able to follow the steps of the lesson plan. This special volunteer needs to possess a willingness to learn about their faith and religion and be prepared to reap many rewards.
As per Diocesan policy, the catechists will become certified within our Catholic Doctrine. This certification process is offered by the Diocese and supported by our parish.
We seek catechists for the elementary level for each grade starting with Pre-Kindergarten through 5th grade. As per Diocesan directions, we need at least 2 adults per grade. We try to incorporate a co-catechist approach assisted by aides. If this ministry interests you, please contact our director of children’s ministry.
Empower Youth Ministries
Middle School Adult Leader - Grades 6th through 8th
High School Adult Leader – Grades 9th through 12th
Core Values
-Inviting and welcoming attitude
-Relationship building:
youth to God; youth to youth; youth to adult leaders
-Evangelization
-Catechesis in the Catholic Faith
Core Purpose
Loving youth into a passionate and vibrate relationship with
Jesus, in the church, so that they continue to live their faith.
“Ministry with adolescents mobilizes all of the resources of the faith community in a comprehensive and integrated approach” (Renewing the Vision document by the USCCB).
Youth ministry flourishes when adults and youth assume leadership in the ministry. Without leaders who are willing to help plan sessions, recruit the participants, lead the sessions, send out the e-mails and mailings, and do all the other necessary leadership tasks, youth ministry can’t happen.
There are many opportunities to use your gifts in Empower Youth Ministries. Some of the adult leadership roles that are available are:
session facilitator hospitality prayer leader greeter
community builder administration small-group facilitator event planning
activity leader chaperone faith sharer driver
scripture reflector snack shack expert presenter
There are also opportunities for non-gathered (behind the scenes) activities. These roles include youth advocates and strategy planners.
To volunteer or get more information, contact our director of youth ministry.