Ministries for the Mass
The purpose of the Liturgy is to lift minds and hearts to God in prayer, to empower our parish to announce the reign of God, to turn away from sin and believe in the gospel, to awaken a sense of unity among us, and to deepen love of neighbor. We do this by calling forth an array of ministries ordered by the charisms and needs of the community to serve the worship life of our parish.
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMs) assist in ministering Christ’s body and blood to the People of God.
The following are expectations of this ministry:
Commitment of one Sunday/Saturday per month, or whatever time you are able to give
Participation in our Liturgy 101 training session
Accountable to the liturgy schedule you sign up for — the community is the one who suffers when you do not follow through with your time commitments
Requires an instruction into the ministry
Requires apprenticing with experienced Eucharistic Ministers
Lectors
The Lector Ministry includes women, men, and teens who represent the greater parish community. Through their study, prayer, and preparation, Lectors share their faith by proclaiming the Word of God to the liturgical assembly. With their public presentation skills and love of sacred Scripture, they are willing to spend whatever time is required in order to properly prepare for each proclamation. Lectors are periodically scheduled for weekend liturgies with opportunities to also participate in Holy Day liturgies, daily liturgies, and other faith-related liturgies. A certification or parish provided training is expected.
The following are expectations of this ministry:
Commitment of one Sunday/Saturday per month, or whatever time you are able to give
Participation in our Liturgy 101 training session
Accountable to the liturgy schedule you sign up up for — the community is the one who suffers when you do not follow through with your time commitments
Requires an instruction into the ministry
Requires apprenticing with experienced Lectors
Contact Sandy LaMorte to get started in these ministries or for more information.
admin@stbridget.org or 480-924-9111 x308
SACRISTAN – Mass Coordinators
The Sacristan – Mass Coordinator ensures that all preparations have been completed for the celebration and that all assigned liturgical ministers of communion are present.
This position is one of great importance for our parish community and it requires sound training. It would be helpful to have previous experience in another liturgical ministry in order to perform in this role.
The following are expectations of this ministry:
Participation in our Liturgy 101 training session
Commitment to one Mass each Sunday is expected
Requires an instruction into the ministry
Requires apprenticing with experienced Lectors Ministers.
Contact Sandy LaMorte to get started in these ministries or for more information.
admin@stbridget.org or 480-924-9111 x308
Music Ministry
Music is an essential part of worship at St. Bridget. We are always welcoming new members to one of the following musical ministries:
Choir
Song leaders/psalmists/cantors
Instrumentalists
Guitar (should be able to read charts)
Piano (good sight reader and able to play chord charts)
Bass
Drum, Percussion (drum set, congas, auxiliary)
String players (violin, viola, cello)
Wind players (especially flute)
The choir meets weekly for rehearsal on Thursdays (September through May) at 7pm in the church, and gather before liturgy on the weekend.
Contact Mark Mellis to get started in this ministry or for more information.
mmellis@stbridget.org or 480-924-9111 x310
In addition to the regular liturgical music groups there are also the following music ministry opportunities:
Music Office Assistants
Music Office Assistants assist with filing music, organizing music scores, assembling music packets.
Ministers of Hospitality / Greeters
"All are welcome in this place!" Offering a warm welcome to every person who comes here is very important to St. Bridget. Those who serve in the "Hospitality Ministry" each week – smiling and greeting everyone, giving out worship aids and bulletins, helping those who require assistance, directing the flow of people during Communion, giving directions, etc. – are one of our strongest assets… and anyone who comes here for the first time and experiences this is grateful! Families are encouraged to do this together!
Contact Sandy LaMorte to get started in this ministry or for more information.
admin@stbridget.org or 480-924-9111 x308
Ushers
Along with greeters, ushers are Ministers of Hospitality who are the official hosts of the weekend Masses. They manage the collection as well as recruit people to set the table and bring up the gifts. By their presence, conversation, and actions, they make all feel welcome. This ministry is open to all persons.
The following are expectations of the above ministries Hospitality / Greeters & Ushers:
Commitment of one Sunday/Saturday per month, or whatever time you can give
Participation in our Liturgy 101 training session
Accountable to the liturgy schedule you sign up for — the community is the one who suffers when you do not follow through with those commitments
Requires some instruction into the ministry
Contact Mike Ortiz to get started in this ministry or for more information:
tadpole@cox.net
Environment and Art
This ministry helps to foster and create a physical environment of beauty and reverence in the worship space, that is suited for the sacred action of the assembly throughout the church year.
The following are expectations of this ministry:
Requires a charism for art, design, arranging foliage, etc.
Participation in our Liturgy 101 training session
Familiarity with liturgical documents and space (this will be explored by the team)
Availability to work in various seasonal environments
Contact Sandy LaMorte to get started in this ministry or for more information.
admin@stbridget.org or 480-924-9111 x308
Altar Servers
The altar servers help prepare the altar and assist the priest during Mass, including weddings, funerals, and other prayer services.
The following are expectations of this ministry:
High school age is ideal, however, 4thth grade (or above) and have received First Eucharist
Mature enough to grasp the prayerfulness and responsibility of a public role
Training is required
Participation would normally be twice a month at a weekend Mass
Contact Kevin Harris to get started in this ministry or for more information:
kh3756@gmail.com
Bread Baking
The Bread Baking Ministry prepares the bread that is consecrated for Mass. We have many dedicated, wonderful bakers and can always use a more. Baking experience helpful but not required. Families may want to do this together.
Contact Toni Caly to get started in this ministry or for more information:
pizans8851@yahoo.com
Altar Linens
Each week at St. Bridget, we use approximately ten “purificators,” the small square linens that are used to purify the sacred cup during communion at every Mass. These linens are washed and ironed. There may be altar cloths and liturgical garments to assist with as well. The time commitment is once every 4-6 weeks.
Contact Cheryl George to get started in this ministry or for more information:
c.m.az@hotmail.com
Eucharistic Ministers to the sick / homebound
Bring the presence and compassion of Christ to the hospitalized and homebound of our community. The time commitment is 2 hours per week. You must be trained as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion.
The following are expectations of this ministry:
Committed to assisting our parishioners who are unable to join us in our Sunday celebrations
Requires apprenticing with experienced homebound Eucharistic Ministers
Contact Jeff Conway to get started in this ministry or for more information:
Jeffconway11@gmail.com
LITURGY OF THE WORD FOR CHILDREN (CLOW)
CLOW Is a continuation of the Mass for all school-aged children where they hear and celebrate the Sunday scriptures at their own level. No registration is required. Children come forward when Father invites them and they are escorted to the prayer chapel by two adult leaders. The time commitment for CLOW leaders is one Mass per month, during the 11:00 a.m. Mass, plus home preparation.
Contact Cindy Jackson to get started in this ministry or for more information:
cindyjacksonn@gmail.com
Sound & Video Engineers
Sound Engineers operate the soundboards for sound enhancement. The time commitment involves arriving early for one weekend liturgy. Periodic training is provided.
Contact Mark Mellis to get started in this ministry or for more information.
mmellis@stbridget.org or 480-924-9111 x310
Signing Ministry
We are ministers who interpret the spoken word, at 9:15 a.m. Sunday Mass, into American Sign Language. Skill is not required. Training classes for signing the Mass meet on Thursday at 4pm in Collins Hall.
To get involved with this ministry, contact:
Lynn Bakken, 605-390-3030 or Suzette Dobbing, 480-924-0931
RCIA Sponsors
Sponsors are needed to welcome and share their faith with adults who are interested in becoming Catholic. Time and commitment include participating in the RCIA sessions, retreats, workshops, Rites, and Liturgies. Formation provided.
Contact Sandy LaMorte to get started in this ministry or for more information.
admin@stbridget.org or 480-924-9111 x308
Bible Study
Bible Study meets in Fall and Spring Tuesday nights from 7:00-8:30 p.m. and Wednesday mornings from 9:00-10:30 a.m. Group participation approach uses the Little Rock Bible Study approach. Meets in downstairs library. Small cost for materials.
Contact Ruth Breen to get started in this ministry or for more information.
r.e.breen@att.net
Sacraments
Marriage Preparation
Marriage preparation prepares couples to share and live a life-long loving relationship within the sacrament of marriage. This is a couple to couple ministry. If you feel willing, as a couple, to walk with a newly engaged couple to share in the great joy and gift of marriage, please contact Sandy LaMorte: admin@stbridget.org or 480-924-9111 x308
INFANT BAPTISM PREPARATION TEAM
Team members prepare parents for the Baptism of their newborn or young child through a Baptism class, and the Rite(s) of Welcome, and Baptism. This is a powerful experience to help families embrace the gift and the call of our Baptism.
For more information please contact Sandy LaMorte: admin@stbridget.org or 480-924-9111 x308
FAMILY SACRAMENTAL PREP
Catechists who love sharing their Catholic faith are needed for a six-week Sunday morning program preparing children for their first sacraments. We gather as families to share in an opening rite and then dismiss to parent and children classes. Classes for parents assist them to nurture their children along their journey towards mature faith through all the developmental stages. Both children and parent classes are held on Sundays for six weeks from 9:30-10:40 a.m. beginning in January.
For more information, please contact:
sacraments@stbridget.org
RCIA FOR OLDER CHILDREN
Join a team that works together to prepare older children for full initiation into the Catholic faith and way of life. Parent participation is also a part of this Sunday morning program. Both the parent and children classes are held on Sundays from 9:30-10:40 a.m. for 12 weeks beginning in January. Children must have had at least one year of faith formation to participate in preparation.
For more information, please contact:
sacraments@stbridget.org
RCIA TEAM (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
The RCIA Team includes parishioners active in the faith life of the parish and committed to growing in their own faith walk with adults who are interested in becoming Catholic. This includes initial and ongoing formation over the course of a year; preparing and leading extended catechetical sessions; participating in the Rites of the RCIA and the celebration of initiation at the Easter Vigil.
To share your faith and become part of a great team, contact Sandy LaMorte: admin@stbridget.org or 480-924-9111 x308
Hospitality
HOSPITALITY AND BEREAVEMENT RECEPTION TEAM
Sets up reception prepare and serves meals at parish events such as funeral receptions, new parishioner's reception or appreciation dinner and other events as needed. Funeral receptions are the only responsibility of this ministry.
Contact Audrey Evans for more information:
revans104@cox.net or 480-807-6930
COFFEE AND DONUT MINISTRY
Join the team that serves coffee and donuts after Sunday Mass. A coordinator is needed to supervise this ministry. Various ministries take on this responsibility - get involved in a ministry!
Contact Sandy LaMorte to get started in this ministry or for more information.
admin@stbridget.org or 480-924-9111 x308
Outreach
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL
St. Vincent de Paul is a volunteer ministry at St. Bridget that practice the works and ideas of St. Vincent de Paul and Blessed Frederic Ozanam. We provide assistance to the poor, the needy, the hungry and impoverished within the parish boundaries regardless of race, color, creed, nationality or religious beliefs.
If you would like to become a part of this ministry, contact:
480-807-1493
Administration
FRONT DESK MINISTRY
This ministry warmly welcomes all parishioners, visitors and vendors in the parish office, answer and direct incoming calls, and assists with other clerical activities.
If you would like to become a part of this ministry, contact Sandy LaMorte:
admin@stbridget.org or 480-924-9111 x308
BUILDING AND PROPERTY SUPPORT
Parishioners assist in helping periodic maintenance and projects around the Parish building and grounds (landscape, painting, electrical, plumbing and janitorial).
If you would like to become a part of this ministry, contact Sandy LaMorte:
admin@stbridget.org or 480-924-9111 x308
BULK MAIL SUPPORT
Parishioners assist with large parish mailings by collating, stuffing and stapling, depending on the mailing.
If you would like to become a part of this ministry, contact Sandy LaMorte:
admin@stbridget.org or 480-924-9111 x308
MONEY COUNTERS
Counters sort cash and checks from the weekend collection and other special appeals and collections. The team prepares bank deposit and weekly summary report used to communicate the results to the parishioners.
If you would like to become a part of this ministry, contact Brian Bemis:
finance@stbridget.org
PARISH SECURITY
Parish Security Ministers provide a watchful eye over the facilities to make sure that the building is secured nightly.
If you would like to become a part of this ministry, contact Mike Wolf:
mike.wolf@gdc4s.com
COUNCILS
Council members work in conjunction with the pastor to develop and implement the parish plan and vision. The following councils help advise the pastor implement the parish plan, and mission.
Pastoral Council: Advising the pastor on pastoral matters. All Potential members of this council are interviewed and appointed for a three-year by the pastor.
Current Pastoral Council facilitator: John Romero
jromero@ndpsaints.org
Stewardship: This council educates the parishioners to practice Stewardship as a way of life, promote joyful sharing of our time, talent, and treasure, help develop a sense of ownership and participation through using one’s gifts in living and promoting the Good news of Jesus. This council generally meets once a month.
Current Council leader: Jeff Conway
Jeffconway11@gmail.com
Financial: This council advises and counsels the pastor regarding administration and management of parish finances. Meetings occur once a month from September to May. All Potential members of this council are interviewed and appointed for a three-year by the pastor.
Current Financial Council facilitator: Dennis Schauer
djschauer@cox.net
Social Justice: Social Justice is not a spectator sport. Come join us, participate and contribute to the advancement of your community.
Mission: “To engage and educate the St. Bridget community in working for social justice actions and systemic change”.
Vision: “The St. Bridget community responds to the core teachings of the church which require active participation”.
Contact Sandy LaMorte to get started in these ministries or for more information.
admin@stbridget.org or 480-924-9111 x308
Social Organizations
GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER
Group meets the first Saturday of each month, November through May. The host provides the main dish, beverages and home. Guests (Adult couples/singles) provide side dishes, salad or dessert.
Contact Cheryl George to learn more about this social organization.
c.m.az@hotmail.com
Service and community life
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
An international fraternal men’s organization whose goal is to support the local parish priests and community through service and charity.
St. Bridget Council 9800 meets monthly on the first Thursday at 7:30 p.m.
Must be at least a First Degree Knight to attend.
Msgr. Bernard G. Collins Assembly 2889 meets monthly on the third Thursday
at 7:30 p.m. Must be fourth Degree Knight to attend.
Contact Kevin Harris to join and get involved.
kh3756@gmail.com
ST. BRIDGET’S WOMEN OF FAITH
We are all women of St. Bridget whose beliefs gather us in joy to share our faith. We gather on the first Monday of the month at the Spirituality Center.
To participate or learn more, contact:
Patye Shea, 480-924-4517 or Lynn Bakken, 605-390-3030
SPIRITUAL COMPANIONS
An arm of Women of Faith meet the first Saturday of each month from September to June from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the spirituality center women meet for discussions, meditation and sharing based on selected readings.
To participate or learn more, contact MaryAnn Spadaro:
480-330-7468
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for A.A. Membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. A.A. is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and to help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.
To participate or learn more, contact:
Jane Roosen 480-835-0842 or Rackettycat@gmail.com