I come regularly to mass and support with the offering, but I would like to help more, what can I do to help my parish? Our main mission as Catholics is to evangelize, we can also do it by helping our local Church, joining a lay ministry or forming one that is needed.
Lay ministries in the Church are not only those that we see at Mass, such as: altar servers, acolytes, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, lectors, psalmists, choir, and ushers. Apart from these there are other ministries that we usually do not see, but nevertheless their work is important for the ritual of the mass and evangelization. Some of these are: Altar Linen Care Ministry, are those in charge of washing the altar cloths, corporals and purifiers; Consolation Ministry, are those who assist in the preparation prior to and during funerals to accompany the family of the deceased; Catechesis Ministry, they share their faith, whether with children, adolescents or adults to guide them in the knowledge of the Church’s teachings; Prayer Shawl Ministry, who offer their time and skills making hand-woven garments that will be donated to those most in need; Vine and Branches Ministry, they help and organize the events of the parish in which food is shared; Youth Ministry, aimed at youth who have already received their sacraments of initiation, in order to keep them active in their faith; Liturgical Environment Ministry, which is in charge of decorating the temple according to the liturgical time and vesting the altar with the appropriate liturgical color; Wedding Preparation Ministry, offers support to couples in the coordination and rehearsal for the sacrament of marriage; Outreach Ministry, extends the mercy of the Church to those most in need, offering them food and household supplies; Prayer Ministries, in its various forms, Divine Mercy, the Holy Rosary, Padre Pio, Miraculous Medal, who offer their time and prayers for the well-being and sanctification of everyone.
Let us participate in a ministry where we can put into practice the gifts which God has blessed us with, supporting our parish and evangelizing with our actions.