Altar Server – Lights and extinguishes the candles, holds the book for some prayers led by the priest, sets the altar at the Offertory, and similar helping details. Servers must have received First Communion and may continue through high school.
Cantor – Gives welcome and announcements before Mass and leads the congregation in the Psalm and hymns selected.
Choirs – We are blessed to have a variety of choirs who rehearse the music for Mass. Some choir members are cantors also. There is room for you too.
Greeters – At the door well before Mass begins, greeters welcome people into our church, answer questions (restrooms, special seating for Baptism family, handicap seating, etc.).
Minister of Holy Communion- Comes into the sanctuary after the Sign of Peace and after receiving Communion, goes to pre-assigned station to distribute Communion to the congregation. Finishing this, then proceeds to sacristy to wash patens, chalices etc. before putting them away.
Lector – Reviews readings in advance, processes in and out of Mass with priest, reads Scripture passages of the day and also petitions if deacon is not present.
Linen Care – Shares with others the responsibility for cleaning at home and returning the same week the smaller altar linens and towels.
Sacristans – Prepares the altar and gift table for Mass, ensuring enough hosts, wine and linens are set out. Recruits substitute if any scheduled ministers do not show.
Ushers – Encourages people to be seated by locating available pews. Takes up collection and places it in required security bags.
Musicians for Liturgy – Our music program is interested in talking to anyone who plays any instrument and is willing to also play at a weekend Mass or on special occasions or holidays.
Bringing the Eucharist to the Sick – The ministry of bringing Communion to the homebound, to GGH Living Centers, or to other establishments is a graced act of service that is dearly needed and sincerely appreciated. A variety of opportunities are available.
Funeral Server – Acts as sacristan and server for funerals in church. Rotates with others in this role. Men and women are welcome
Adoration Chapel Pray-er – Parishioners volunteer to spend an hour a week in silent prayer in the Eucharistic Adoration Chapel at St. Stephen’s. No training necessary, just presence.
Prayer Tree Network – You will be called and your prayers sought when a request is presented for a special intention, often for someone sick.
Pastoral Council – From the Constitution: “The purpose of this Council is to advise and assist the pastoral leader, staff and parishioners in the spiritual, pastoral, social and administrative activities of the parish.” Nominees are randomly selected with the guidance of the Holy Spirit to serve a three year term.
Spirituality Committee – Develops ways by which our community can strengthen our spiritual lives through resources such as lending book libraries in both church vestibules, selling educational CD’s at St Stephen’s, providing the “Little Rock Bible Study” series. (Tom Fitzgerald)
Social Ministry Committee – This committee makes efforts to be aware of the needs of the larger community and guide our parish in a helpful response, often in concert with other agencies. Examples are: support for the Center of Concern, the Pregnancy Care Center, the Community Lunch Program, annual Blood Drive, Christmas Giving Tree, Thanksgiving Baskets, monthly Hunger Collection, Right to Life Flower Sale, and more. Volunteers always are needed for such efforts. (Marie Milligan, Sue Rago, Joann Greco)
Martha Ministry – This group provides food and serves at luncheons in the Parish Center following parishioner funerals if the family requests. Phone calls go out and each member does whatever she/he can. Our coordinator is Dorothy Kalina.
Hispanic Ministry – The church here has had a Hispanic presence since the 1940’s and is very vibrant. Sr. Kay Schwenzer, RSM, is assigned by the diocese to the communities in this region. Help is needed in children’s sacramental preparation in conjunction with our Faith Formation staff and very likely would be in English. All are welcome to liturgical (weekly Mass and feast day) and social celebrations. Latino parishioners are on our Pastoral Council, form a monthly cleaning team for St Francis Church and do fundraising for the parish.
Church and Chapel Cleaners – Our two churches are cleaned on Monday mornings by regular teams. Our two chapels (Adoration and Daily Mass) also need cleaners and those teams gather on different days.
Collection Counters – Teams work together to tabulate and prepare deposits.
Faith Formation – Slowly consider these possibilities for yourself; Catechist or Catechist Aide; Vacation Bible School; Children’s Liturgy of the Word; Pre Cana Team; Sacrament Prep (Confirmation, First Penance; First Eucharist). Call 781-2624 to reach Don Cass or Mary Olsen. They would be happy to talk with you.
Youth Ministry – These are some of the roles open to you: Youth Group; Catechist, Teacher; Chaperone/Driver; Special Events. Mary Olsen is happy to meet with you.
Rosary Society – This society was begun at St Francis many years ago and continues today. It is open to women of our parish. They gather for spiritual and social activities as well as regular business meetings.
Men of Peace – Men of Peace was established as a group of Christian men whose goal is to inspire, equip and encourage themselves and other men to be better Catholics, husbands and fathers. To increase their knowledge of the bible from a man’s perspective and to become true disciples of Jesus Christ while serving as an example to their church, family, and the greater community. Men of Peace meets on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month at Our Lady of Peace Parish Center, Geneva at 8:00 a.m. Please visit our website—www.menofpeace.net for more information.
St Francis – St Stephen School – St. Francis-St. Stephen’s School – Our parish school provides a Catholic education to over 130 students from Geneva and surrounding communities. We are supported by tuition, parish subsidy and a number of fundraising efforts. Volunteers are always needed for positions in the school as lunch monitors, guest readers, teaching assistants, and occasional building improvements like painting and cleaning.