Altar Servers
About us: The Altar Server’s primary role is to assist the celebrant during Mass so that the liturgy may be conducted with reverence and dignity. The Altar Server Ministry teaches responsibility, humility, and an appreciation for the Mass while developing a sense of participation in parish life and a love for the church’s liturgical life. It also offers an opportunity to understand the rewards of service toward others while growing closer to God.
We are reaching out to: All boys and girls of St. Benedict parish who are in the 4th grade or above. Altar servers must have received the Sacrament of Holy Communion, be able to attend scheduled training sessions, which are generally one hour, and be available on a regular basis to serve at Mass. Enrollment of altar servers is on-going.
Contact:
Rectory Office – 814.266.9718 x501
SBpastor@atlanticbb.net
Arts and Environment
About us: The Arts & Environment Committee decorates the church for holidays and special occasions and changes the altar cloths, wall hangings and flowers for all liturgical seasons throughout the year.
We are reaching out to: Anyone who enjoys decorating and would like to help, as needed, during Lent, Easter, Advent, Christmas, or for various special occasions. Decorating occurs during both daytime and evening hours.
Contact:
Donna Heiple – 814.266.9718 ext. 509
Chuck Polacek – 814.487.7423
Extraordinary Ministers
of the Eucharist
About us: Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist may distribute Holy Communion at Mass and/or take the Holy Eucharist to the sick and homebound. Becoming more involved in the spiritual life of our parish is bound to bring special personal satisfaction and grace.
We are reaching out to: Interested people must be Confirmed Catholics in
good standing. Training consists of a one hour training session at your
convenience, and it is your personal choice as to how little or how much you become involved. We will make every effort to schedule a Mass time convenient to you and to coordinate with schedules of other parish ministries in which you and your family members may participate.
Contact:
Becky Lear – 814.241.0483
blear626@gmail.com
Greeters
About us: Glorify God by warmly welcoming worshippers and helping visitors connect with the congregation and work in conjunction with the ushers. Greeters welcome people arriving in church, assist in any needs that arise, share when something special is occurring at Mass, and receive visitors.
We are reaching out to: Volunteers who are friendly, have a pleasant demeanor, demonstrate the ability to interact socially with people coming to church, and are ready to answer questions about the church. The time commitment is generally one hour each time you are scheduled as a greeter.
Contact:
Sr. Cindy – 814.266.9718 x301
srcindy@stbenedictchurch.org
Lectors
About us: Lectors proclaim the Old and New Testament readings, and in the absence of a deacon, the General Intercessions at Mass. The Church teaches that our Lord Jesus Christ is present 1) in the assembled community; 2) in the proclamation of the Word; 3) in the sacrament of the Most Holy Eucharist. Because of this, the ministry of Lector is important and essential.
We are reaching out to: High school seniors and adults who are active Catholics and good readers. A training session, scheduled at your convenience, is required. Lectors may also want to take advantage of other faith formation opportunities through our parish missions, adult education, and diocesan classes. On average, the time commitment of a lector is 2 hours per week, as adequate preparation is expected and necessary.
Contact:
Joseph Gaunt – 814.241.1923
jmg.stb@gmail.com
Music Ministry
Note: Due to ongoing COVID concerns there will be ONE rehearsal each week on Wednesdays at 6:30 for all choirs. Contemporary and Liturgical Choir will sing according to the schedule in the bulletin. Check the bulletin or the Home page of the website for current information.
About us: Under the direction of Mr. Joseph Gaunt, the Music Ministry is made up of volunteers who desire to enhance the liturgical life of the parish through service as instrumentalists and singers, becoming prayer leaders through music.
Cantors—lead the assembly in sung prayer, particularly the responsorial psalm. High school juniors and senior, and adults are welcome. An audition is required.
Contemporary Choir—rehearses 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and usually sings every other 5:00 Mass Saturday afternoons, as well as other liturgical events such as Forty Hours, Marian Celebration, and Holy Week services. Members are from junior high and up.
Liturgical Choir—rehearses 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursdays and usually sings the 10:30 Mass Sunday morning, as well as other liturgical events such as Forty Hours, Marian Celebration, and Holy Week services. Members are from high school and up.
Resurrection Choir—sings for all funerals and meets a half hour prior to each funeral. Contact the parish office at 266-9718 ext. 101 to be placed on the list. Contact is by text and email via Flocknote.
Schola Cantorum—rehearses 7:00-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays and usually sings once a month at various Masses, as well as other liturgical events such as Forty Hours, Marian Celebration, and Holy Week services. Members are high school and up. An audition is required.
Adult Bell Choir—rehearses 7:00-8:00 p.m. Sundays and plays for major holidays and special events. Members are junior high school and up. Music reading is not required but is helpful.
Contact:
Joseph Gaunt – 814-241-1923
jmg.stb@gmail.com
Ushers
About us: Ushers and greeters are the face of our parish and are generally the first people parishioners and visitors encounter. Before Mass, they stand at the church’s entrances to greet people as they arrive and help them find seats, assist people with special needs, answer any questions, hand out liturgical aids and programs, and provide the priest or deacon with the number of people who will receive communion. During Mass, they participate in the Liturgy, assist late arrivals find seats, take up the collection and take it to the sanctuary, direct people from their pew at
communion, and respond to any emergencies. After Mass, they distribute bulletins, assist people who may require assistance as they leave, and
check the pews for articles left behind.
We are reaching out to: Pleasant, courteous and friendly individuals who have the desire to serve our congregation and are able to anticipate
peoples’ needs and be able to meet those needs, Ushers should have knowledge of the church’s facilities, be willing to serve at weekend liturgies,
special liturgies, and church events throughout the year, and arrive at least 30 minutes prior to Mass. Good communication with the clergy is also
essential. Our hope is that our ushers project our parish family as a warm, inviting, and welcoming community. The time commitment is generally 1.5
hours each week you serve as an usher.
Contact:
Rectory Office – 814-266-9718 x501
sbpastor@stbenedictchurch.org