Stewardship of Time and Talent

The call to Christian Stewardship challenges us, in a spirit of gratitude, to generously share our time, talent, and treasure with our church and our community. These pages offer you a number of opportunities for sharing your time and talent for the welfare of our parish community and the promotion of our parish mission.

 

LITURGICAL MINISTRIES

Ushers greet people as they arrive at the doors of the church, take up the collection(s), organize the presentation of the bread and wine, and distribute weekly bulletins at the end of Mass. (At the 6:00 PM Sunday Mass, the youth of our parish assist with this ministry.) They also attend to any emergencies should these occur during any gatherings at church. Lectors welcome the assembly at the start of Mass, introduce the various ministers, proclaim the sacred scriptures, lead the Prayers of the Faithful, and make the community’s announcements. Eucharistic Ministers are delegated by the bishop to distribute Holy Communion (both bread and wine) during Mass, and to bring Holy Communion to the sick and homebound. They also cleanse the vessels following Mass. Our choirs lead us in song, lifting our voices in praise and worship. They commit to regular weekly rehearsals and to seasonal daylong seminars. Altar Servers carry the cross in the opening procession, hold the book of prayers for the priest, and set the altar for celebration of the Eucharist. Eligibility for this ministry begins in fifth grade. Our sacristan maintains the linens, vestments, vessels, and supplies needed for celebration of all the sacraments. The Environment & Art Committee is responsible for the décor of the church, changing the appearance for each of the liturgical seasons and feasts, and designing appropriate hangings, banners and seasonal settings for prayer and worship. The Liturgy Committee advises the Director of Liturgy on important issues and sets the direction for the mood and tone of the liturgical seasons each year. The Director of Liturgy is responsible for coordinating the efforts described above with the assistance of Advocates for each of the ministries described. The Advocates recruit, train and schedule the ministers for their assigned tasks. For more information or to volunteer for one of these ministries, please contact Father Richard, Director of Liturgy, 354-3726 ext 138 or email Fr. Richard.

PASTORAL COUNCIL

The Pastoral Council is made up of 12 committed, active parishioners who help to identify the major needs and priorities in the life of our parish and develop a vision and direction for the future. The Council meets 11 times a year and members do some research and committee work between meetings. For further information about the Council and your possible participation call Fr. Justin at 354-3726 x139 or email  Fr. Justin

 

BUILDING AND GROUNDS COMMITTEE

The B & G committee provides input to facility related issues and needs.   They also oversee the Gardening and Maintenance/Repair volunteers.  Gardening volunteers maintain the beauty of our parish grounds. Volunteers can schedule their own hours. Volunteers are needed throughout the year. Facility Maintenance & Repair volunteers with special skills are needed to assist with plumbing, electrical, or carpentry needs.  To volunteer or for more information email Teri Shepherd Tucci

 

The Communications Committee is being formed to begin creating effective parish communications and marketing.  This committee will also work to establish guidelines for the content and form of our communications.  In addition, volunteers are needed to help with graphic design, editing, typing, photography for web content, program marketing, etc. To volunteer or for more information email Teri Shepherd Tucci

 

CATECHETICAL MINISTRY AND SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION

Baptismal Preparation Team members needed to teach a Baptism class for new parents and to help the priests during the actual Baptismal Ceremony.  Reconciliation and Eucharist Preparation Classes volunteers needed to be part of our Sacrament Team. Work with children to help prepare them for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist as a small group facilitator with the lessons provided by the program Director.   Sunday or Monday Preschool & Elementary Catechist volunteers needed to be small group leaders on Sunday mornings during the 9 or 11:15 am masses, classroom catechist or aid on Monday afternoons from 4-5:15pm to provide faith sharing and instruction with our preschool through fifth grade students.  Junior High Youth Group Leaders help with a small group of Junior High students, grades 6-8, based on the provided lesson plans for the sessions.  Ability to foster discussion and facilitate a small group is helpful. Group meets on Sunday nights from 7-8:30pm.  Pastoral Ministry Volunteers needed to work one day a week, twice a month, or once a month in our office to help with copying, filing, putting labels on postcards, etc. Or volunteer for take-home projects on an as needed basis.  To volunteer for any position or for more information, contact Terri Trotter, Director of Catechetical Ministry at 354-4061 x122 or email Terri Trotter

 

WAV (Welcoming All Voices)  * YOUTH MINISTRY

The parish Youth Director facilitates WAV, our high school ministry, with a Core Team comprised of teens and adults who plan and oversee the weekly sessions from September through April. Special events are held once a month from May to August. We are looking for young adults and adults who are interested in becoming part of our youth ministry program, either on and on-going basis as a member of the Core Team, or on an occasional special project basis. If you are interested in sharing your time and presence with our high school teens please contact Carol Thornton at 354-4061 x121 or email Carol Thornton

 

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a year-round process designed to prepare non-Catholics who wish to be initiated into the Catholic faith. To support the RCIA process, we need volunteers to serve as sponsors for the catechumens and candidates who are preparing for initiation, ministers of hospitality, and parishioners who are willing to share prayer experiences with the group on an occasional basis.  Christian Formation Committee plans and organizes a variety of speakers, workshops, prayer services and educational activities for the spiritual enrichment of the adults in the parish. If you are knowledgeable in an area that would be of interest to St. Mary’s parishioners, please contact the Adult Education Office  to volunteer as a speaker or workshop facilitator.  The CFC also needs new members to help with planning and implementation of activities and assistance with hospitality at the various events we sponsor.  The Parish Library needs your donation of materials or volunteer to assist with the library.  Young Adult Ministry needs lay leadership from young Catholic adults as well as parish volunteers to assist in planning and implementing activities for young adults at St. Mary’s and in neighboring parishes. These activities can include faith sharing and scripture study, community service and social events.   For further information about adult spiritual enrichment programs at St. Mary’s or to offer your time and talent, contact Rose Higashi, Director of Adult Education and RCIA at 354-4061 x135 or email Rose Anna Higashi

 

MUSICIANS

Our volunteer opportunities for musicians span all age groups.  If you love to sing, we’d love to have you! 

Our  Adult Choir sings on Sundays at the 11:15 mass.  The only requirement is that you can match pitches, love to sing, and attend rehearsals on Wednesday evenings.  For specifics, contact Corliss Greene at 354-4061, x129, or email Corliss Greene.  Our Youth/Young Adult Group, “The Journey”, serves young people from Jr. High through Young Adult.  The group sings on Sunday evenings at the 6:00 Mass and they rehearse prior to mass.  For details, contact Corliss Greene at 354-4061, x129, or email Corliss Greene, or email “The Journey’s” director, Michelle Hennessy.  Our Children’s Choirs meet for special rehearsals during the year to serve the community during Christmas and for First Communions in May.  For more information, email Corliss Greene or Terri Trotter

 

PASTORAL CARE AND COMMUNITY MINISTRY

Eucharistic Ministers to the Sick offers communion to those who are not physically able to come to church.  Martha’s Helpers provide food for a funeral reception for a parishioner or a member of their family. 

The Health Ministry Team reflects on whole-person health and to promote parish programs such as flu shot clinic and grief support.  The Peace & Justice Council Creates opportunities for parishioners to contribute to a just world.  JustFaith is a weekly prayer and study group reflecting on Catholic social teaching.  Centering Prayer Groups meet weekly on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. and Thursdays at 4 p.m. to support people in their daily practice of Christian meditation.  Share-A-Meal helps feed hungry people in Santa Clara County. St. Vincent de Paul serves people in need locally through donations to charitable collections. Shelter Supper invites parishioners to provide a supper for homeless women and children.  Christmas Giving Tree volunteers annually gather presents for individuals in need in our county.  Handicapables is an annual luncheon hosted by St. Mary’s in February for local people with disabilities.  Lenten Soup Supper is a simple soup supper served by volunteers.  Donations are collected for a social cause.  Lenten Layettes provide basic layettes for newborns.  Crisis Pregnancy Outreach collects and distributes gently used items to local shelters six times a years.  Event Support volunteer to provide hospitality and set-up and take down.  To volunteer or for more information contact Jane Ferguson at (408) 354-4061 x123, or email Jane Ferguson

 

At St. Mary’s a top priority is to make all of our parishioners feel welcome and comfortable as a community. The Hospitality Committee supports parish wide events such as Donut Sunday, the Parish Picnic and the reception after the Easter Vigil. Volunteers with diverse skills are needed for such functions as greeting people, table setting, floral arrangement, food/beverage prep supervision, set up and break down and the behind the scenes activities that ensure a smooth eventPlease contact Carol Thornton at 354-4061 x121 or email Carol Thornton to offer your support.