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Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish

Description of Ministries  

“… Now there are various gifts, but the same Spirit; and varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of workings, but the same God who inspires them in everyone.”   Letter of Paul to the Church in Corinth  

Adult Religious Education 

• What Is It? General adult religious education courses are offered on Tuesday mornings on topics suggested by the participants. Twice a year a special course is offered for catechist credit; either basic or advanced.

• Who Should Participate? Any adult who wants to grow in the knowledge of the faith and in spirituality.

• When Is It? The second Tuesday of the month from 10:00am to 12:00pm, September through May, either at St. George or Sacred Heart. The credit course is given each spring and each fall, 10 hours for a basic course, 15 for advanced: The place, day and time to be announced.  

Allocations Committee

• What is it? The parish sets aside 5% of its annual income to fund programs for the needy within and outside the parish. This committee allocates the funds based on operating principles.

• Who should participate? All members of the parish participate by contributing in the Sunday collection.

• When Is It? Besides contributing through your regular collection on sundays you may also contribute directly to this fund through the Parish Office.

Altar Servers

• What is it? Altar serving is a privilege for the youth of the parish to fully participate in the Celebration of the Eucharist by assisting the Priest with Sunday Liturgies, Holy Days of Obligation, Ash Wednesday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Stations of the Cross.

• Who Should Participate? Youth 5^th grade to Senior in high School that are interested in assisting the priest.

• When is it? Training sessions are held once a year in April. Altar Servers will be designated as: Cross Bearer, Acolyte One, Acolyte Two or Observer (if needed). Altar Servers will be given a printed schedule and must call upon a substitute for coverage.

Appreciation Dinner

• What is it? An annual dinner held to thank the various program coordinators of the parish. The RCIA candidates are invited as special guests to get to know the people of the leadership of the parish.

• Who should participate? All program coordinators

• When is it? It is usually held in February

Baptism Mentoring Program

• What is it? A program to prepare mothers and fathers for the Baptism of their children: It is conducted by trained parishioners who go to the home of the parents, before or after the birth of the child, to share information on the sacrament and the church and to share Faith.

• Who Should Participate? Mothers or Fathers who would like to offer their services in helping new parents in Christian parenting and involvement in the Church.

• When is it? Training sessions are held on an as need basis. A person or couples are assigned on a rotation basis, as needed. Approximately three times a year

Buildings and Grounds

What is it? Parishioners who are willing to offer their expertise in: construction, electric, plumbing,       HVAC, maintenance, engineering, architecture, gardening and landscaping.

  Who should participate? Anyone who can offer: support, guidance and help in the area of maintenance and construction.

  When is it? These parishioners are called upon either individually for specific projects or collectively for planning a large project.

Bulletin

• What is it? One of the major communication tools of the parish.

• Who should participate? Any coordinator who wants to communicate with the rest of the Parish: Any parishioner who wants to know what is happening in the parish.

• When is it? Distributed every Sunday, to take home.

Caring and Loving Mothers

• What is it? A gathering of mothers and their young children. The Moms support each other in parenting and Faith and the children have play time together.

• Who should participate? Mothers of preschool children who are free in the morning.

• When is it? Thursdays from 9:00am to 11:00am  

Caring Community

• What is It? – People helping people: People who have needs are matched up with people who can help: Worked out to fit the needs of the recipient and the time, energy and gifts of the giver. This group also works on Pro Life and Special needs issues.
• Who Should Participate? Anyone who has a need or would like to look into meeting a need
• When Is It? When the provider has the time and the recipient has the need

Christmas Pageant

• What is it? A short rendition of the Christmas story told in theater-like form before a Mass on Christmas Eve

• Who should participate? Children who are school age and are able to make practice which is held one or two times before the pageant

• When is it? On Christmas Eve: 4:00pm at Sacred Heart – 7:00pm at St. George – rehearsal time is announced after sign up.

Coffee and Donut Social

• What is it? An opportunity for parish organizations to serve parishioners: creating an atmosphere for socializing and sharing after one of the Masses on Sundays through coffee and donuts.

• Who should participate? Any parishioner who can give a few hours, a few times a year, by joining one of the parish organizations for this project.

• When is it? After the 8:00am Mass at Sacred Heart every week – After the 10:00am Mass at St. George once a month

Communications / Public Relations

• What is it? Communicating with the community and/or Diocese regarding parish programs and events

• Who should participate? Any parish coordinator who wants to communicate with the parish, diocese or community

• When is it? When activated

Convalescent Homes Visitation

• What is it? Visiting Catholics, who are in one of the four convalescent homes in the parish: bringing conversation, prayer and the good wishes of the parish to the residents. Those Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion who are asked by the pastor also bring Holy Communion to Catholic residents.

• Who should participate? Anyone who would like to share some time with the infirm.

• When is it? Usually once a week on Mondays, after the morning Mass. Other times could be arranged

Council of Catholic Women (CCW)

• What is it? An international and diocesan organization of woman parishioners who work on diocesan and parish projects during the year such as, scholarship program for senior girls, annual Communion breakfast, fundraisers, making prayer shawls,  lunches after funerals, etc.

• Who should participate? All woman of the parish are considered members. Active participation is open to all woman parishioners.

• When is it? An organizational meeting is held once a month on the second Wednesday; September thru May. Projects are ongoing.

Council of Churches

• What is it? An ecumenical group of lay representatives from Christian churches in the Lewisburg area. The Council, in conjunction with the local Ministerium, plans such events as: Wednesdays in Lent lecture series (noon), Good Friday service, Crop Walk, Christian Unity service, clothing program, help for transient persons, emergency food pantry and supplemental food program.

• Who should participate?  Anyone, who would like to help build ecumenical relationships through prayer and service.

• When is it? Council meetings are held four times a year. Involvement in the above mentioned programs happen through the year.

DeSales Secular Institute

• What is it? A spirituality program based on the teachings of St. Francis DeSales

• Who Should Participate? Any lay person who would like to use the spiritual formation program of the Oblates of Saint Francis DeSales to grow in Faith.

• When is it? The group meets the third Tuesday of the month in the Lawler Center – room #4 at 9:30am.

Divine Mercy Sunday

• What is it? A devotion of the Universal Church celebrating the love of Christ annually, through a service of prayer, song, reflection in the Presence of the Blessed Sacrament

• Who should participate? All parishioners, especially our young people, who make up a special choir for the occasion.

• When is it? The first Sunday after Easter at Sacred Heart Church from 1:00pm to 3:00pm

Environment

• What is it? The planning and coordinating of the church decorations during the Seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter. The Environment includes maintaining the integrity of the interior of the Church structure and overseeing the arrangement of decorations and the storage of decorations at the end of each season.

• Who Should Participate? Presently the position is filled.

• When is it? Before and after each Liturgical Season.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

• What is it?  Extraordinary Ministers are laypersons and religious who distribute Holy Communion.  In this ministry, the person assists in one or more of the following venues; (1) assists the Priest during the Holy Mass, (2) takes Holy Communion to the homebound and shut-ins, (3) takes Holy Communion to the sick in the Hospital.

• Who should participate?  Participation in this ministry is by invitation of the Pastor.  If invited to participate, Diocesan training and local training are required before beginning.

• When is it?  Extraordinary Ministers are assigned to the Saturday, Sunday and Holy Day of Obligation Liturgies.  Service will be required once or twice per month.  Preferences are taken into account but cannot be guaranteed.  The minister is responsible to find a substitute for coverage. 

• What is it? Programs for young children reflecting on certain seasons of the year, such as; Christmas, Halloween, Easter, Lent etc.

• Who should participate? Parents of young children

• When is it? Depends upon the season and the interest of those involved  

  Fellowship of Catholic Men

 What is it? Men of Sacred Heart Parish who come together for prayer, support and the development of their spiritual lives in a social setting with a view to service.

Who should participate? Any man 18 years of age or older from Sacred Heart Church or Saint George Church.

 When is it? Presently on Thursdays after the 7:00pm Liturgy at Sacred Heart - Lawler Center - Social Hall.

Finance  Council

• What is it?  Members of the Finance Council provide assistance to the Pastor with the financial matters of the Church:  For example, creating budgets, preparing financial presentations to the members of the Parish.  Members of the Finance Council serve a three-year term.

• Who should participate?  Those persons who have an interest in and ability to prepare budgets and financial statements: Let the chairman of the council or the Pastor know of your interest.

• When is it?  The Finance Council meets approximately four times during the year.  However, there is a need to work outside of the meeting times in preparation of the budget and the annual financial presentation to the Parish.

Food Pantry Transporters

• What is it? Sponsored by the Council of Churches the parish collects canned goods at certain times of the year to replenish the food pantry located at Beaver Memorial   Church.

• Who should participate? Anyone interested in helping to transport the food collected to the Church of storage

• When is it? Usually during the Thanksgiving Season.

Grocery Gifts Card Sellers

• What is it? Weis Markets and Giant Markets  give 10% percent of all purchases, through the gift cards, to the parish. This is an easy fundraiser that helps balance the parish budget. In the past $12,000.00 annually has been realized as income to the parish

• Who Should Participate? Anyone who can give a few minutes after each Mass on Sunday to be available in the Commons/ Gathering space for those who wish to purchase.

• When is it? After each Saturday/ Sunday Liturgy.

Homebound Ministry

• What is it? Care of those who are confined to home. It can include all or some of the following services: home visits, chauffeuring for emergency trips to the doctor/hospital, bringing in occasional meals, when they are able, taking the homebound to the Mass you attend on occasion.

• Who should participate? Any adult who is willing to reach out to a homebound parishioner in need.

• When is it? At the discretion of the visitor.

Hospital Visitation

• What is it? At the request of the parishioner, visiting during a stay in the hospital, bringing the love and support of the Parish Family.

• Who should participate? Any adult, who is willing to spend some time with the sick.

• When is it? During the regular visiting hours of the hospital.

Lectors

• What is it?  Lectors are lay persons who participate more fully in the Celebration of the Eucharist by proclaiming the liturgical readings and leading the General Intercessions. Lectors are trained by the parish.

• Who should participate?  Any parishioner who actively practices the Faith, is a senior in High School or older, who can speak clearly and confidently in proclaiming the Word of God and is enthusiastic about the Sacred Scriptures.

• When is it? Lectors are assigned to Saturday/Sunday Liturgies (usually once a month) and Holy Days of Obligation. Preferences are taken into account, but can not be guaranteed. Lectors can call upon other lectors for coverage.  

Student Lectors

• What is it?  Opportunities for children to actively participate in the Celebration of the Eucharist: Children are prepared to proclaim the liturgical readings/intercessions, cantor and take up gifts. During the training there is an opportunity to discuss traditions and symbols of the Church.

• Who should participate? Various grades levels are given an opportunity annually. 

• When it is? At Saint George: Usually held on the first Sunday of Month:  

Lenten Adult Religious Education Series

• What is it? A program of adult religious enrichment: for parishioners who wish to deepen their faith and their knowledge of the Catholic Church. The topics are chosen by a pool of those who participate.

• When is it? Monday evenings during Lent at 7:00pm at Sacred Heart Church

• Who should participate? Catholic High School students and adults

Liturgical Music

• What is it?  It is Sacred Music that assists the assembly in song by adding beauty and solemnity to Worship on Saturdays, Sundays, and Holy Days of Obligation. The Parish has an adult choir, contemporary groups, and children’s choir for specific occasions, cantors and a skilled Music Director who directs all the Liturgical Music of the Parish according to laws of the Universal Church and the Diocese of Harrisburg.

• Who Should Participate? Any parishioner, with vocal and/or instrumental talent and a desire to share their gift as a way of giving praise to God and helping others to do the same, is welcomed to participate. Presently we are in need of members for the adult and children’s choir.

• When is it? Ordinarily, the Adult Choir sings at the Noon Mass on Sundays September through Pentecost, Vigil for the Holy Days of Obligation, and other special liturgical events. They generally rehearse on Sunday evenings from 6:00pm to 8:00pm . The Children’s Choir sings for special events and rehearsals vary.

Liturgy of the Word for Children

• What is it?  This occurs at the beginning of the Mass when the children are dismissed to go to the “Children’s’ Chapel” (Basement of the Church). The readings are proclaimed from the Children’s Lectionary. The catechist escorts the children to the “Children’s Chapel” where the readings occur, an interactive homily is given, the Apostles Creed is recited and General Intercessions are prayed.  The children are then returned to their parents in the congregation to participate in the celebration of the Eucharist. Catechists are trained by the parish and follow a format prescribed by the church.

• Who should participate? Any parishioner, 18 years of age or older, who is comfortable sharing their faith with grade school children. Security clearances are required.

• When is it? Catechists are scheduled for one of the Saturday/Sunday Liturgies, according to their preference, on a rotation basis.

Marriage Mentoring Program

• What is it? The Marriage Mentoring Program is a Diocesan promoted program for couples preparing for Marriage.  It facilitates open couple communication, understanding and study in the major areas of spirituality, sexuality, finance, work and children.  It is led by trained couples, on a couple to couple basis, in the home of the mentoring couple, after the initial preparatory meetings are held with the pastor.

• Who should participate? All couples preparing for marriage are expected to take part in this program. Married couples, who would be interested in mentoring young couples, are asked to contact the pastor in order to be scheduled to receive the diocesan training.

• When is it?  The program begins after the completion of the preparatory meetings with the priest. A mentor couple is assigned and the two couples meet as many times as necessary to discuss issues related to the Sacrament of Marriage.

Ministerium

• What is it? An ecumenical consortium of local area pastors who meet to discuss topics of concern and interest. A major program of the Ministerium is a Lenten Luncheon with a talk given one of the local pastors.

• Who should participate? All parishioners who want grow in their common  spirituality with other Christians and have a desire to socialize with Christians from other Faith Traditions.

• When is it? Wednesdays in Lent at Christ Lutheran Church beginning at noon.

Nursery (Children’s Church)

• What is it? Babysitting for parents with small children during the Sunday Liturgy

• Who should participate? Parents with children between the ages of 1and 4.

• When is it? At Sacred Heart Church during the  noon Liturgy and at Saint George Church during the 10:00am liturgy.

Pastoral Council

• What is it? Fifteen parishioners, elected and appointed for a term of three years: The Council advises the Pastor on the program and ministry aspects of the parish.

• When is it? The Council meets monthly, except for December and March, July and August. And other times when necessary. Elections are held in the Spring.

• Who should participate? Any parishioner, 18 years of age and older who would like to have their name placed in nomination.

Pierogie Sale Fundraiser

• What is it? An opportunity to gather with woman and men from the parish: to make this ethnic food and sell it to parishioners.

• Who should participate? High School students & adults, who enjoy socializing and cooking.

• When is it? Usually in the late winter

Pre Christmas Dinner

• What is it? A covered dish: parishioners gather together before the Christmas rush to share food, fun and fellowship.

• Who should participate? All parishioners: especially families with young children.

• When is it? The first Friday during the Advent Season at 6:00pm at Sacred Heart Church , Immaculate Heart of Mary Hall