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Bereavement: The Bereavement Ministers meet with the family of the deceased to plan the funeral liturgy. They describe the workings of the funeral liturgy and the meaning of the symbols used at the liturgy, help the family to select the readings and music, and gather memories of the deceased to be incorporated in the funeral homily. The minister is with the family at the funeral liturgy to help direct them as they participate in the various parts of the liturgy. It would be helpful if you are someone who is compassionate and supportive. Training is provided. Time Commitment is 6-8 hours per funeral
Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP) : CRHP is our key parish offering of spiritual renewal which invites parishioners, 18 years and older, into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ as a next step on their journey of faith. These casual weekend experiences provide a break from our busy schedules, to talk about our lives as Catholics in our modern complex society. Men and women attend separate weekend retreats led by fellow parishioners.
CRHP for Women
CRHP for Men
Funeral Luncheon
Women of the parish donate side dishes, prepare the room, and serve the funeral luncheon. They provide cleanup afterwards. Funeral luncheons are provided upon request to St. Joseph parishioners upon the death of a loved one.
Time commitment: as needed
Infant Baptism: Parents attend an evening of reflection held on the second Monday each month to prepare for the baptism of their infant children. Parents experience the power of baptism through the rich use of story and image as a means to uncover the deep meaning of the use of the sacrament. An experience of prayer completes the evening empowering parents in their role as primary teachers of their childrenBaptismal Garments
This ministry is one of service to the families who bring their children to begin their initiation into the Catholic Christian community through the Sacrament of Baptism, sewing the white baptismal garment given to the child at the time of their baptism. Sewing is done in your own home at your convenience.
Time Commitment: Variable depending on skill, usually 1-1 ½ hours for each group of garments.
Baptismal Preparation
This ministry helps parents prepare for the baptism of their infant children through reflection, prayer and exploration of the beauty of the liturgy. Several couples are sought to help expand this rewarding ministry.
• Please call the rectory at 847-362-2073 or e-mail info@stjoseph-libertyville.org
• Click here to read some Frequently Asked Questions about Baptism
Marriage Preparation: At St. Joseph Parish, both Pre-Cana Conference and FOCCUS (Facilitating Open Couple Communication and Study) are required. FOCCUS is administered here and is an instrument comprised of a questionnaire encompassing all aspects of married life. A married couple acts as companion and facilitates this discussion between the engaged.
• Contact Dorothy Renton 847-990-1228 or e-mail drenton@stjoseph-libertyville.org.
• Clcik here to download the .pdf version of the Marriage Preparation Booklet
• Also visit our Frequently Asked Questions about Marriage
Ministry of Care: There are many in our community who are unable to participate in the Mass each day. They may be sick at home, hospitalized, or reside in a nursing home. St. Joseph parishioners, through the Ministry of Care, bring the gift of Jesus to such people who might otherwise remain invisible and forgotten members of our Catholic community. Ministers of Care are sent forth from Mass each day to visit the sick, homebound and disabled at Condell, Manor Care, Liberty Towers, Spring Meadows and Winchester House in addition to visits to individual homes.
RCIA: The RCIA is the official process by which unbaptised adults and those adults who were baptized in another Christian denomination prepare to become members of the Catholic Church. This formation process begins when the Spirit moves the individual to call the Faith Formation Office. During your journey in the RCIA process, you will receive sessions on Catholic teaching and scripture. RCIA webpage
RCIA Catechist
Adult practicing Catholics who wish to help the men and women in the RCIA process to reflect upon the Sunday Scriptures and to help with the teaching sessions. Time Commitment: 9-11:30 Sunday mornings and some Monday evenings from 7-8:30pm plus preparation time which can vary.
RCIA Hospitality Minister
Work to create an inviting atmosphere for the RCIA process by setting up the meeting room for Monday evening sessions and greeting participants.
Time commitment: 6:00-7:00 pm one Monday a month from September to February and then every Monday from March through April.
RCIA Parish Sponsor
An adult practicing Catholic who accompanies the Catechumen or Candidate on his/her faith journey by attending Monday evening sessions once a month and Sunday morning sessions each week from 9-11 AM. Training includes one orientation meeting and periodic Monday evening meetings. Adult practicing Catholics who wish to help the men and women in the RCIA process to reflect upon the Sunday Scriptures and to help with the teaching sessions.
Time Commitment: 9-11:30 Sunday mornings and some Monday evenings from 7-8:30pm plus preparation time which can vary.
Baptismal Gown Sewers
When an adult is baptized they are presented with a long baptismal gown. In order to provide a gown for all of our elect, we need people who are willing to sew new garments each year. They are simple tunic style white garments with gold ribbon trim. We will provide the pattern and material if you will provide the sewing talent!
Time commitment: 4-6 hours
• Contact: Catherine Sims 847-990-1238 or e-mail csims@stjoseph-libertyville.org
SPRED: a program designed to meet the spiritual needs of persons with intellectual, developmental disabilities from age 6-94, no matter their abilities. Through friendship, our friends with autism, cerebral palsy, severe epilepsy and severe learning problems grow in faith and are helped to discover their own giftedness and dignity. Through participation in a SPRED group they will participate in a meaningful way int he Mass and the Sacraments. Contact: John Brodarick at 847-362-6787 or brodarick727@comcast.net.
Vocations Committee: Our mission is to foster, encourage and support vocations to the priesthood, religious life and lay ministries. Our activities include organizing special sessions for St. Joseph School and Religious Education students featuring speakers from the archdiocese, seminary, local religious and educators.
Worship Committee: The mission of the Worship Ministry Committee is to maintain and to promote authentic Roman Catholic worship. The Committee is made up of leaders from each worship ministry community and one at-large parishioner. Time commitment is 1½ hours once a month for 10 months yearly.
Altar Servers
The Ministry of Altar server is open to adults and children who are entering 5th grade and older, who wish to minister to the community by serving at Mass. Altar servers need to be members of St. Joseph Parish, and to have celebrated the Sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist (if children) and Confirmation, as well, if adults. After having successfully completed a minimum of 10 hours of training, you will be scheduled to serve at Mass.
Time commitment: Serve when scheduled - usually once or twice a month depending on the number of ministers.
Children's Liturgy of the Word
Children's Liturgy of the Word is an opportunity for children in Grades 1-4 to celebrate the Liturgy of the Word in an age-appropriate way. Adults, junior high and high school students share in the leadership roles for this children's liturgy. A planning team prepares the liturgical content and service for each session.
Environment and Art Teams
This Ministry strives to create a visual and artistic environment that encourages and stimulates the participation of the worshipping community in the celebration of the Liturgy. It consists of people who combine their love for the church with their willingness to share their gifts to provide a prayerful environment for our parish community planning and preparing the worship space for the liturgical season. Time Commitment: Three or four people are typically needed for a seasonal change. Time commitment is typically 2 to 3 hours for each season. The seasons of the liturgical year are Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter.
Eucharistic Minister (Extra-Ordinary Minister of the Eucharist)
The Extra-Ordinary Minister of Eucharist (EOM) is the instrument through which the community shares in the gift of the Eucharist. The minister shares the Body and Blood of Christ with the community, the Body of Christ. The ministry is open to fully initiated members of the community who are committed to responding to the call of their baptism by their humble service to the community during Eucharistic celebrations. Those who minister as EOMs give themselves in service of those who turn to the risen Lord for the nourishment that only He can give. Those who accept this responsibility need to have a spiritual attitude of reverence for the Body and Blood of Christ.
Time Commitment: Two training workshops, one yearly evening of reflection, as well as at least monthly or more scheduled ministry time at weekend liturgies.
Greeters
Greeters are individuals and families who welcome parishioners to the liturgy. By distributing worship aids and extending a warm greeting, they set the tone of hospitality that is part of our mission as a parish. This ministry is open to all parishioners (families, single people, young adults, teens, seniors or parish groups) who are willing to serve at parish liturgies. Time commitment: 20 minutes before the liturgy and 10 minutes following the liturgy, scheduled monthly or as often as necessary depending on your availability and the number of people in the ministry.
Liturgy Planning Team (Keepers of the Feast)
This group is made up of people of all ages and backgrounds who have a love for the worship life of the community. They meet throughout the year with the guidance of the Director of Liturgy and Director of Music to plan for the liturgical celebrations of the community. Materials are provided to help prepare for the seasons.
Time commitment: Two 1-2 hour planning sessions per Liturgical Season.
Music Ministry
This Ministry brings seasonally appropriate music to our daily and weekly liturgies, and invites us to participate more fully through hymns and sung prayer. Our Cantors, Traditional Choir, Contemporary Choir, Youth Choir, Hand Bell Choir, and Family Mass music provide us with inspiring voices and instrumentals each week. Our Resurrection Choir adds comforting vocal support to our Funeral Liturgies. A love of God, love of music, singing, playing an instrument, and leading others to Him through music at Worship are the most important qualifications.
Reader
Proclaim the Word of the Lord that is read at each liturgy. This ministry calls people who have a deep love of the Sacred Scriptures and are interested in sharing their gift with the community. Training is provided along with a yearly renewal.
Time commitment: One or more times a month as scheduled and thorough preparation.
Sacristan
Those who serve in this ministry do all that is necessary to keep our sanctuary, sacristy, vessels and vestments clean and in the best condition for our worship of God. This ministry is open to all who have a love for the liturgy and a desire to provide the best environment for the community worship. Training will be provided. Time Commitment: In addition to initial training, set-up time and clean-up time before and after each scheduled liturgy.
Usher
Those who serve in this ministry serve as hospitality ministers for those in the worshipping assembly. They welcome, seat people, accommodate special needs, solicit people to present the gifts, taking care of any emergencies and help facilitate the collection. This ministry is open to all who have a genuine love for the people of the community and a willingness to serve them as they worship. Training provided.
Time commitment: Arrive 20-30 minutes before the liturgy. In addition to the initial training and yearly evening of reflection, you will be scheduled bi-monthly or more often depending on the number of people ministering, as well as on special celebrations and Holy Days. Family Mass Ministry
Family Mass which is celebrated at 10:45 am on Sundays in the Koenig Center is an opportunity for families to worship together in a smaller, more intimate worship community. Family Mass Ministry offers families the opportunity to participate together as a family in ministerial roles during the liturgy. Available ministry opportunities are:
The Host Family prepares the altar before the liturgy and assists in putting things away after the liturgy with the assistance of the coordinating family. Training is provided.
Time commitment: ½ hour before and after the liturgy.
Readers Families who proclaim the reading from the Sacred Scriptures to the assembly.
Time Commitment: Training for adults and time to prepare each week following initial training. Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to assigned liturgy.
Altar Server Children entering 4th grade or older are invited to assist the priest at liturgy and lead the community in prayer. Training is provided.
Time commitment: initial training time and arrive at least 15 minutes prior to assigned liturgy.
Eucharistic Ministers Fully initiated members of the parish community who in response to the call of their baptism wish to serve the community by helping distribute the Body and Blood of Christ at liturgy. Training is provided in two sections, the spirituality and practicality of the ministry.
Time commitment: in addition to training, a yearly evening of renewal and arrival 10 minutes before the liturgy is expected. Three ministers are usually needed for each liturgy. Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to assigned liturgy.
Greeters and Ushers welcome families to Family Mass and distribute Worship Aids and Carpenters. This is a wonderful ministry in which all members of the family can participate. On the job training provided. Time Commitment: be at the liturgy 15 minutes before it begins to greet and usher people.
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Spiritual Life Commission