Here I am, Lord!
Parish Ministry
If you would like to speak with a representative from any of the Ministries listed in the menu on the right, please contact the Rectory or School Office, if the contact person is not listed on our Contact Us Page.«
What Is ... A Ministry?
Ministry, simply put, is serving God's will. There are Ordained Ministers and Lay Ministers; both sharing and expressing God's love for us by reaching out to those in need, be it by celebrating together at Mass, serving the needs of our Parish, or going a step further outside of our Parish to touch the lives of others. God has blessed each and every one of us with special talents. It is up to us to identify and develop these talents and then to use them in God's stead. When we use these talents for the benefit of others, with God as our focus, we become Ministers and what we do becomes our mission in life; hence, a Ministry is born, forming a glorious trinity. Each is served in unique ways; God, by spreading His good Word to others and using the blessings He bestowed upon us; the Minister, by utilizing our God given talents to reach out and touch the lives others, making their life, hence ours, a little bit brighter; and the Ministry, those whom receive the benefit of our presence in their life, in body or in spirit, in dollar or in deed, they are renewed in their faith with God and with the world.
A Ministry Fair?
A Ministry Fair is an opportunity for all Parish Ministries to come together, working in union with Christ and one another toward a common goal - discovering and celebrating God's love for us, through service. We seek to create an atmosphere where parishioners can see the live reality within our Parish; to demonstrate what services are available to those in need, be they our own parishioners or those within our boundless reach; to give witness to the Lay Ministers who are truly Stewards of God's love, giving selflessly of their time, talent, and treasure and to welcome others to participate along side them.
A Ministry Fair is being planned for the Fall of 2010; more information will follow, as the time draws near.
Altar and Rosary Society
The Altar and Rosary Society was established by Mrs. Engleman during Father Bradley's years at Saint Rose for the purpose of keeping the sanctuary clean and respectful for all the liturgies and for the purpose of spiritual growth in the parish. This ministry consists of cleaning the Sanctuary, vessels, Sacristy, and pews once a month. We care for the flowers, placing the order, watering, and throwing away the dead ones once a week. We see that the priests' vestments are cleaned and pressed every two weeks and try to have at least two people weekly to wash and iron purificators. We wash and fill Holy Water Fonts weekly and change the candles when needed. We have a yearly drive to collect funds for Masses, flowers, candles, etcetera. Membership dues are $2.00 for individuals and $5.00 for families. Deceased members may be included in a family membership. A Mass is said once a month for all members at the time of death of a member. The Altar and Rosary Society buys the altar flowers (except for Easter and Christmas,) needed vestments, candles, and whatever Father asks for when the funds are available. Included in the spiritual benefits is the recitation of the rosary before weekend Masses during May and October.
To TopAltar Servers
The Altar Servers enrich our parish through their dedication and service of helping the priest at the Altar. Altar Servers are the closest persons to the Altar and to the Priest who represents Jesus Christ during the celebration of the Mass and the administration of the Sacraments. Altar Servers have a deep sense of spirit of the Liturgy and do their functions with reverent dignity. A good server not only serves the Sunday Mass, but also is available for other services. Being a server means serving God and his people at Mass. This makes serving Mass worth doing, and worth doing well. Servers help other people to understand the Mass better and make their love for God stronger. Our parish greatly appreciates the worshipful respect of our Altar Servers. We welcome any student in grade four through twelve who wish to serve at the Altar. There are five, one hour training sessions where Servers become familiar with the books, vessels, clothes, cross, candles, and vestments used for Mass. They learn the movements and postures proper for dignified service at the Altar. They practice their parts so they can be at ease in being adept at serving.
Students will receive a schedule for Altar Servers« in the mail. If a child cannot serve a Mass for which he/she is scheduled, they must find a replacement by using the phone list of Altar Servers that will come attached to the Altar Server schedule. If a student cannot find a replacement, please contact our Parish Secretary.«
Note: If a child does not begin altar serving in fourth grade, it is not too late for them to become an altar server. A child may become an altar server in any grade from fourth through twelfth grade.
Cantors
Cantors serve the assembly. It is generally considered the ministry of the Cantor to lead moments of worship with solo song; share in proclaiming the Word of God, particularly as Psalmist in Liturgy of the Word; teach the assembly its songs, refrains, and acclamations; and, animate the sung worship of the assembly. A Cantor's task is to assist people in praying together in song. A good Cantor provides visual and aural leadership but does not dominate. A true Cantor lets the congregation know that the best compliment they can give is to join in singing. The Cantor must have a pleasant singing voice with which the community can be comfortable. The voice must be strong, but not overpowering, steady and on pitch. A good sense of rhythm and tempo are critical. An ability to learn clear enunciation of texts is also essential. The cantor needs at least general knowledge of music and basic ability to read musical notations. Experience is helpful and we can work with any on projection, diction, and how to present themselves to the assembly.
Catholic Daughters of the Americas
The Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court Prince Gallitzin #2625 extends an invitation to enthusiastic Catholic women from any parish, ages 18 and older, to join one of the oldest and largest Catholic women's organization in the world. Court Prince Gallitzin #2625 is a ministry which encompases multiple parishes and currently has members from: The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Holy Rosary, Our Lady of Fatima, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Saint Therese the Child of Jesus, Saint Mary's - Altoona, and Saint Rose of Lima.
Under the patronage of the Blessed Mother, our mission includes participation in spiritual, educational, and charitable programs. We invite you to enjoy the fellowship of other Catholic women from a variety of Altoona parishes. Please attend our next meeting, which will be held on March 8, 2010 beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Saint Rose of Lima Social Hall. To learn more, please visit Prince Gallitzin Court #2625 Web Site.
To TopChoir - Adult
The Saint Rose Adult Choir serve the mission of the Church through fostering the art of musical liturgy. Saint Rose of Lima currently has two Choirs for adults; a Traditional Choir (8:15AM Mass) that leads the congregation in sung liturgy that reflects our rich, Catholic heritage and a Contemporary Choir (10:30AM Mass) that introduces newer compositions for the liturgy using a wide variety of instruments for accompaniment. The Adult Choirs combine for major feasts and Holy Days offering an opportunity to lead the congregation in exciting, inspiring, and uplifting liturgical music in keeping with the feast/celebration. Each Choir has a separate rehearsal time with an overlap that allows us to rehearse for liturgies where the choirs join forces. Currently we rehearse as follows: Traditional Choir - Wednesday evenings, 6:30PM to 8:00PM; Contemporary Choir - Wednesday evenings, 7:30PM to 9:00PM. Rehearsals are weekly during the fall, winter, and spring. The Choirs do not sing or rehearse during the summer.
Choir - Children
The Children's Holiday Choir has come together intermittently over the past few years; specifically during Holy Week and Christmas to celebrate the season through holiday programs and/or during the liturgy.
Christian Family Movement
There are three active Christian Family Movement groups here at Saint Rose of Lima. Focusing on the families spiritual life, along with the lives of the community near and far, couples meet on a regular basis. Visit Christian Family Movement to learn more or contact our Pastor«
Deaf and Hard of Hearing
The Deaf ministry at Saint Rose of Lima provides an opportunity for the Deaf Catholic community to participate fully in the Word of God at Mass and parish functions such as lectures or workshops. Without this ministry, the Deaf would otherwise be left out and have feelings of isolation. Potentially, the Deaf ministry could grow to serve the young Deaf and provide increased involvement and allow the Deaf to participate in other ministries such as Lectoring (signed Word of God simultaneously voiced/read Word of God,) Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, CCD Teachers, etcetera. This ministry provides a means where we teach the youth of our parish sign (words, songs, etcetera.) Fluency in American Sign Language is necessary. To interpret Mass one should have at least a basic knowledge of the concepts of the Catholic Mass, i.e. the true meaning of "The Body and Blood of Christ," not just a literal knowledge of the English spoken word. One does not need to be Catholic to interpret. However, American Sign Language courses that are at a college level usually can start interpreting after a thorough knowledge of vocabulary is obtained. Interpreting skills can be taught and perfected as one interprets. Most interpret after second or third level sign courses. A background in expressive interpreting of music, can be taught by present interpreters.
To TopExtraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
As Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, formerly known as Eucharistic Ministers, at Mass we have the privilege of assisting the Priest in giving the Body and Blood of Christ to our fellow parishioners. The training is minimal and the only "talent" needed is a deep and abiding reverence for the Body and Blood of Christ. The rewards are many, in that this ministry gives us a constant reminder of this great gift, through the sacrifice of Jesus, that has been given to us. As Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion to the Sick and Homebound, we take Communion to those in our parish who are unable because of age, sickness, or infirmity to come to church in person. This allows us the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of the sick and homebound of our parish by: bringing the Lord to them in the form of Consecrated Bread; by making them know that they are still an important part of our parish community; and, by helping to ease their loneliness by our cheerful visits. Training for this ministry consists of a one hour session.
Gift Bearers
This ministry enables people who cannot devote a lot of time to other aspects of the church to still be able to be involved. It's also something that can be done with their family, especially if that Mass is intended for a family member.
Lectors
As a Lector it is a duty and a privilege to proclaim God's Word in the Liturgy to the assembled faith community. A Lector's proclamation enables God's Word to achieve the purpose for which it was sent. Through the power of human speech, we can have a positive and profound affect on our listeners for the good of the Church. We, as Christian ministers help to strengthen the belief that God's Words find their fullest expression in that one perfect Word - Jesus; the Word made flesh. Good vocal skills and approximately one hour of training is all that is required.
To TopParish Library
The Mission of the Saint Rose of Lima Parish Adult Library is to lend books and other media to the community as part of the Adult Enrichment Program.
Procedure for checking out books:
Note: Two weeks is the loan period, but books may be renewed if there is no reserve on the book.
If you wish to borrow a book from the listing, contact our Librarian.«
- If the Librarian is present:
- The borrower must sign the library patron card after filling out the appropriate information.
- The Librarian will put the appropriate catalog card with the borrower's name in the front of the card catalog file.
- The Librarian will stamp the due date in the book envelope.
- If the Librarian is not present:
- Sign the library patron card.
- Fill out the sign out sheet.
- Leave the card and sign out sheet on the shelf.
- The Librarian will process the information later.
If you are looking for a specific topic, in addition to searching the Book List« for a specific author or title, you can search for the the category using the associated ID Code. As an example, if you would like to see what books might be available for Religious Education, open the Book List and enter 268 as the Search box.
Categorical Listing of Books:
| ID Code & Category | ID Code & Category |
|---|---|
|
216 Miscellaneous 220 Bible 221 Old Testament 223 Poetic Books 225 New Testament 225 Gospel and Acts 228 Revelations 232 Life of Jesus & His Family 235 Spiritual Beings 236 Eschatology 238 Creeds and Catechism 239 Apologetics 241 Moral Theology |
242
Devotional literature 248 Religion in Personal & Family Life 252 Exts of Sermons & Homilies 261 Social Theology 262 Ecclesiology 264 Public Worship 265 Sacraments 268 Religious Education 270 Church History 282 Roman Catholic Church 290 Other Religions 296 Judaism 808 Poetry |
Prayer Chain
Prayers are requested for peoples varied needs. They are welcome, because we are brothers and sisters in the Lord and we care about each other. Also, we are united in prayer, with our Lord. He is in our midst of praying. The service is available to anyone at anytime. Showing our love for God and His people, we encourage anyone, teenage and beyond, who would like to become a member of our Prayer Chain to join us. If you would like additional information, contact our Prayer Chain Coordinator.
Pre Baptism Team
Parents should contact the rectory well before an expected Baptism, before birth when possible, to prepare for and schedule Baptisms. The Pre-Baptism Team educates the parents of a soon-to-be Baptized child regarding the Catholic Churches Theology of Baptism. The couple shares their own experiences of life as a Catholic family with the priests. The parents are introduced to the Rite of Baptism so that they are prepared for the actual day. The parents of the child should leave their brief hour of instruction with an understanding of Baptism and some positive ideas of how their family life can be shared in the parish community. A training program involving one hour is necessary for membership. This training involves meeting with the Coordinator of the Baptism team who will explain the process and have the couple review a video which is shown to the parents of the child. Once the couple is trained, they will only have to instruct one time a year. This training normally occurs on a Sunday morning before 10:30 Mass and lasts one hour.
Pre Cana
Couples interested in celebrating the Sacrament of Matrimony must meet with a priest at least nine months before the proposed wedding date. Ways to encourage other's in preparing for their living faithfully in a marriage with God as their head and with recommended ideals in how to accomplish this in guided sessions. A training program involving one hour is necessary for membership and involves reviewing and following a pre-made script.
To TopPro Life
The Pro-Life Committee strives to implement the annual Respect Life Program of the U.S. Catholic Bishops including but not limited to: Promotion of pregnancy counseling services; programs of player in the parish to pray for vulnerable members of the human family who are threatened by the "Culture of Death;" and, fostering awareness of the need to restore legal protection to the lives of unborn children, the chronically ill, disabled, and dying.
Please join us as we Pray the Rosary, to promote the sanctity of human life and an end to abortion in our society. We meet every Wednesday at 5:45 PM in the Church.
Saint Vincent DePaul Society
Men and women of Saint Rose of Lima join together spiritually by offering and serving the needy and poor in difficult times. In the past we have sent Banana Boxes to Honduras to aid the less fortunate and also by sending financial support to West Virginia to help flood victims as well as our local families. There is no training involved and all we desire of our participants is that they care enough to help.
We are in need of food. We also need soap and personal items (shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs, etc.) to be included in the banana boxes being filled and sent to Honduras. We also need light clothing for children. If you have any of these items, please drop them in the bin in the back of the Church. Your generosity is appreciated.
Stepping Stones
Wouldn't it be great to come to our church and feel connected to other moms and dads with young children who are facing the same parenting challenges as you? What if you and your family attended mass with close friends that you spend time with outside of church? Would it enrich your Sunday morning if your child was eager to go to church because they knew they would be greeted by loving families?
If you answered yes to the above questions, and you are parents of pre-school aged children who would like to meet and bond with other parishioners in the same stage of life, please join us in Stepping Stones. Together we create the warm, tight-knit community, we all need and desire!
We need time to talk without the busy-ness of our children in order to really get to know one another. So the women gather one evening a month, in each other's home, for the chance to pray together, laugh together and connect with each other. The men gather once a month to do the same.
If you are interested in this type of community and are willing and able to commit to the group for an extended period of time, please contact one of our Stepping Stones Coordinators.«
To TopSunday Pre-K Bible School
Those involved in this ministry will help to instill an understanding of our faith and foster a personal relationship with Jesus in some of our littlest parishioners. The program is for pre-school children ages three to five who are potty trained and it is held in the Saint Rose Pre-School Room during the 10:30AM Sunday Mass. While this ministry does enable parents with young children to attend Mass with fewer distractions, it is more than just a childcare service. The children are taught weekly lessons, Bible verses, and songs, and often color pictures or do crafts pertaining to the lesson. A snack is also provided each week. Additionally, any individual volunteering in any capacity with school students, must comply with Protecting God's Children.«
Ushers
Ushers are a very important ministry. They have more functions than just taking collections. They are the first people that are seen and meet on Mass day. They function as greeters and make you feel welcome. They assist in many ways making the congregation comfortable and in addition they help the clergy where they can.
Vacation Bible School
Children ages 4 through those entering the fifth grade enjoy a week during the summer months with activities that are geared to the teachings of the Bible. Information regarding the Vacation Bible School, when it is to be hosted and the theme, is placed in the Weekly Bulletin inviting you to register your child(ren.)
Contact one of our Vacation Bible School Coordinators to volunteer and/or for additional information.«
Walk of Faith
To place a "brick" order, visit the Calendars and Forms Page« or contact the Parish Secretary.«
Youth Ministry
Our Youth Ministry is underway. If you are interested in Youth Ministry, as a Lay Minister or as a youth, who would like to participate, please contact the Parish Secretary.«
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