Parish Ministries

THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PARISH

Saint William Parish exists for its members to develop, grow, embrace and live the faith and life of Our Lord Jesus Christ as revealed and taught by the Gospel and teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.  Canon 515 of the Code of Canon Law states:

A parish is a definite community of the Christian faithful

established on a stable basis within a particular church;

the pastoral care of the parish is entrusted to a pastor as its

own shepherd under the authority of the diocesan bishop. 

Furthermore, the Catechism of the Catholic Church states:

It is the place where all the faithful can be gathered together for the Sunday Eucharist.  The parish initiates the Christian people into
the ordinary expression of the liturgical life: it gathers them together
in this celebration; it teaches Christ’s saving doctrine; and it practices
the charity of the Lord in good works and love.

Saint William Parish continues to strive to develop and carry out its mission of bringing the Gospel of our Lord to its members through the liturgical, spiritual and ministerial activities of the parish.  The goal of our life, our faith and our Church is to minister to all people and to bring alive the message of Jesus Christ.  As we journey together in faith, may our prayer always be that members of Saint William Parish mirror, in all ways, the values, teachings and life of our Lord Jesus Christ.

THE RESPONSIBILITY OF PARISHIONERS

All members of Saint William Parish enjoy the rights and privileges as well as the responsibilities and duties granted by the Code of Canon Law.  All members carry the responsibility to actively participate in the total –liturgical, spiritual, and ministerial-- life of the parish.  Canons 208-209 of the Code of Canon Law states:

In virtue of their rebirth in Christ there exists among all the
Christian faithful a true equality with regard to the dignity
and the activity whereby all cooperate in the building up the
Body of Christ.  The Christian faithful are bound by an obligation
always to maintain communion with the Church.

This “communion with the Church” is accomplished by being an active parishioner and by making a sincere stewardship commitment of time, talent, and treasure.  At its most fundamental understanding an active parishioner is:

One who is registered in a parish and actively participates in the life and mission of the Parish and the Church.  By “actively participating,” it is meant, among other things that:

·    the person/family is registered in the parish

·    the person/family is attending Mass regularly

·   the person/family helps the parish through their stewardship gift of time, talent and treasure

·    the person/family is involved in the religious education programs, social activities, and service projects of the parish.

At the heart of this commitment is the full, active, and conscious participation in the Sunday Eucharist on a regular basis.  From this, it is hoped that all members will freely and generously give of their gifts and talents to the ministries of the parish.  All ministries and activities listed are open to all parishioners and new members to specific ministries and committees are always welcomed to join

Parish Council:  The chief consultative body of the parish, this group aids the pastor in the administration, planning and leading the parish.  It’s purpose is to collaborate with the pastor in carrying out and promoting the Gospel message and life of Christ.

Finance Council:  This committee concerns itself with the financial and stewardship matters of the parish.  It’s purpose is to collaborate with the pastor in the administration of the parish’s funds and to insure fiscal responsibility and appropriate stewardship.

Sacramental Preparation:  see “Celebrating Sacraments”

Liturgical Ministry:  Lectors, Greeters, Eucharistic Ministers, Ushers, Servers and Music Ministry comprise this ministry that assists and serves at the Sunday liturgies.  Liturgical Ministry is open to all active parishioners who have received the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Choir and Cantors:  The Parish Choirs (Adult and Children) and Cantors serve as part of Liturgical Ministry and offer their talents and voices in ministry to the Parish through music and song.

Liturgy Committee:  The groups focus is the liturgy of the Parish.  It aids in the planning of liturgical seasons, helps create appropriate Church environments, and assists in the education and formation of the parish in liturgical matters.

Ministry of Hope and Funeral Luncheons:  A team of parishioners who offer support and comfort with those who are in bereavement following the death of a loved one.  Funeral luncheons are part of this ministry as a way of offering parish support and comfort to families at the time of death of a loved one.

Ministry of Care to Hospitals, Homebound and Nursing Homes:  A group of parish ministers who reach out to the elderly and/or ill who are homebound, in hospitals or nursing homes offering them Communion and companionship.

NAIM Widow/Widowers Group:  Members who are now single after the loss of a loved companion who provide mutual support and comfort to one another through social activities and monthly gatherings.

Social Concerns:  The gathering, reflection and action of men and women who are compelled to work for a more just and equitable community and world.

RCIA:  The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a process for persons interested in becoming fully initiated into the Catholic Church.

RCIA (Adapted for Children):  The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults adapted for Children accompanies and prepares children beyond the traditional age for the celebration of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.

P.S.R. Parish School of Religion:  Religious Education and Instruction of weekly classes, September through April for children in grade 1 through 8.

Youth Ministry:  A program that offers education, service projects and activities that foster Catholic ideals and morals for the youth of the parish.  Youth Ministry is held Sunday evenings throughout the year.

Notre Dame School – JFK High School:  The Catholic School for the Warren area offering a Catholic education and environment from kindergarten through 12^th grade.

Women’s Guild:  This organization promotes Christian life in the parish, family and individuals.  It serves the parish in social, spiritual and financial support.  Membership is open to all women of the parish.

Knights of Columbus: This organization promotes Christian life in the parish, family and individuals.  It serves the parish in social, spiritual and financial support.  Membership is open to all men of the parish.

Family Life and Evangelization:  This group is involved in the social and spiritual activities of the parish to help create an awareness of our Catholic mission and message among the members of the parish.  Membership is open to anyone wishing to be involved in planning of many activities happening in the parish.

Golden Agers:  For parishioners who have reached the golden age of retirement.  The group meets monthly for social activities, fellowship and good times.

Catering:  Employment opportunities for those wishing to assist in the parish catering service for receptions, parties and social functions.