CELEBRATING THE SACRAMENTS

Altar Linen Care: Volunteers pick up soiled altar linens and baptismal towels on assigned Mondays and return them, washed and ironed, no later than Friday. Contact: Carrie Davis at 282-2295 keppydavis@aol.com.

Altar Servers: This ministry is offered to children (3rd grade and above) that enables them to become participants in their faith in a different way. New and existing servers are trained to be knowledgeable of current Church requirements. New servers are always welcome. To view or download a copy of the Alter Servers Ministry procedures sheet click here. For information on this ministry contact: Fran and Barb Egloff at 282-8345 or frangator@earthlink.net. To assist in as a server or training others in this ministry, please contact the Volunteer Minisistry at 294-4696, ext. 235 or volunteerministry@stpaulcc.org.

Art and Environment Committee: The Art and Environment Committee provides an environment conducive to prayerful worship in the sanctuary, narthex and chapel. The Committee meets as needed as the liturgical seasons change. New members and ideas always welcome. Contact Fr. Tony at 294-4696 agilborges@stpaulcc.org.

Adult Choir: Ministers to the gathered assembly through the gift of music by aiding congregational singing and performing musical offerings related to the Holy Scriptures of the day which may enhance the assembly’s understanding of God’s Word and of their faith. The adult choir is non-auditioned and the ability to read music is not necessary. Only a love of singing to God’s praise is required. Choir rehearseals are held Thursdays, at 7:30 P.M. in the Fine Arts Center.

Baptism Preparation: Parent sessions (preferably before the birth of the child) and an interview with a priest or deacon are necessary. For information about the pre-Baptism class click here or contact: Melissa Joseph at 545-9465 or ncjoseph@bellsouth.net or call the parish office to register for the class or to contact a priest or deacon for an interview at 294-4696.

Cantors: Ministers to the gathered assembly through the gift of music by aiding congregational singing. Serves as Psalmist and song leader of the assembly. Cantors are needed to serve at Sunday Mass, as well as, holy days, funerals, weddings, and other special liturgical services and occasions. Cantors are required to demonstrate a high level of skill in singing and song leading. An audition is required of those desiring to serve in this ministry. Currently a cantor serves an entire weekend (Saturday 5:00 P.M. and the three Sunday morning Masses).

Children's Choir (A.K.A. The Joyful Noise): Ministers to the gathered assembly through the gift of music by aiding congregational singing and by performing musical offerings related to the Holy Scriptures of the day which may enhance the assembly’s understanding of God’s Word and of their faith. The children’s own faith is enhanced through the singing of scriptural stories and their understanding of Mass is enhanced by and through their service. Open to children in grades 1-5. No audition is required nor is reading music. Meets weekly during the academic year. Sings monthly at Mass and special services such as Lessons and Carols and Christmas Eve. Contact: Paula Barger at 282-4698 hbarger@triad.rr.com.

Confirmation Preparation: The Diocesan policy for Confirmation suggests that young people in eighth grade celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation, which is what we do here at St. Paul’s. These young people, and their households, must be registered in our Parishwide Faith Formation program in order to participate in the sacramental preparation program. This preparation program consists in monthly meetings, besides the monthly PWFF gatherings, service projects and a retreat. Adults who are seeking to be confirmed should contact Jeannine Martin at 294-4696 ext. 225 or jmartin@stpaulcc.org.

1st Eucharist/Communion Preparation: As a rule, children who are 7 years old prepare for their First Eucharist in the spring.  Their household must be registered in our Parishwide Faith Formation program in order to participate in the sacramental preparation program.  This preparation program consists in the parents using material in the home, as well as, both parents and children coming to the parish center once a month.  These monthly gatherings are in addition to the PWFF gatherings.  Contact: Jeannine Martin at 294-4696 ext. 225 or jmartin@stpaulcc.org.

1st Reconciliation Preparation: As a rule, children who are 7 years old prepare for their First Reconciliation in the Fall.  Their household must be registered in our Parish Wide Faith Formation program in order to participate in the sacramental preparation program.   This preparation program consists in the parents using material in the home as well as both parents and children coming to the parish center once a month.  These monthly gatherings are in addition to the PWFF gatherings.  Contact: Jeannine Martin at 294-4696 ext. 225 or jmartin@stpaulcc.org.

Instrumentalists: Ministers to the gathered assembly through the gift of music by aiding congregational singing by providing instrumental accompaniment to congregational song and also solo instrumental works appropriate to the liturgical occasion. Instrumentalists are required to demonstrate a high level of playing skill. An audition is required to serve in this ministry. Instrumentalists of every kind are wanted and needed, especially people who play piano and organ, string instruments (both folk and orchestral), harp, woodwinds, brass, percussion, bagpipes, folk instruments, and handbells.

Lectors/Readers: Proclaim the Word of God in the Sunday assembly. Training is required. Contact: Peggy Connolly at 427-3178 or pegmfc@toast.net.

LIFE TEEN Choir: The Lifeteen Band and Choir provides music for the Sunday 5pm Liturgy. As well as leading worship, the directors encourage the group to continue to grow in their own personal music development and spiritual life.  Contact: Pat McGurk at 922-4752 bpm3930@windstream.net. See also: Lifeteen.com.

Liturgy Commission: Seeks to make the Liturgy at St. Paul’s the very best it can be and, by doing so, we will fundamentally enhance our ability as a parish to take Christ to the world through all means of evangelization. Meets Monthly September to May, usually the first Tuesday of the month beginning with prayer at 7:00 P.M. in the chapel and then a business meeting in the library. Contacts: Noreen Malone 294-5823 malonesrs@aol.com.

Liturgy Coordinators: Organizes the people and items needed to celebrate our Masses. People are always needed and training is provided. Contact: Maryann Kingsmill at maryannk@bellsouth.net or 540-0605.

Marriage Preparation: The church requires a six month preparation period for marriage which consists of three phases: sessions with a priest or deacon, a Pre-Cana or Engaged Encounter program and planning the ceremony itself. Click here for an online version of our wedding booklet which contains more detailed information. Click here for a listing of currently scheduled weddings at Saint Paul the Apostle Church.

Ministers of Communion: People who have been trained and commissioned to help distribute Holy Communion during our celebration of Mass. People are always needed and training opportunities are frequent. Contact: Jack Polakowski at 282-2415 or mooseandmouse@netscape.com.

Music Ministry: The Ministry of Music at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church is a thriving and multi-faceted one. Anyone who desires to participate in this ministry can do so. Although some positions such as that of Cantor or instrumentalist require a degree of skill, those without training or musical reading abilities are invited and welcome to join. With five Masses every weekend, the opportunities for musicians are practically endless.Contact: Thomas Swenson at 294-4696 tswenson@stpaulcc.org or Estlle Bowman 294-4696 ebowman@stpaulcc.org.

RCIA (Rites of Christian Initiation of Adults): Contact: Loretta Bedner at 605-0410 lb@bmhs.us.

Ushers: Our ushers exercise the ministry of welcome by greeting people as they arrive, making sure all the necessary books and worship aids are provided, helping people to find a places to sit, and by receiving our offerings.  We assemble as table guests of the Lord to share a meal as sisters and brothers and through the smiles and gentle guidance of our ushers we feel welcome and encouraged to participate in the Eucharist. People are always needed! Contact Gary or Kathy Haines at 665-1441 or GHaines321@aol.com. for more information.

Wedding Director: Is required for weddings in the parish. Contact Deb Shaffrey prs21608@triad.rr.com or Ruth Anne Smith, rasmith@stpaulcc.org.