PARISH OUTREACH Eucharistic Ministry to the Sick and Homebound Ministers of the Eucharist visit homebound parishioners and Roman Catholics in the Scandinavian Home on Sunday mornings after the 9:00AM Mass. Parishioners who wish to receive the Eucharist at home either for a short or extended time are asked to contact the Rectory. Parish priests are available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation for homebound parishioners. Ministry of Prayer Members spend time each week praying for the needs of individuals and parish. Neighborhood Friendly Visitors Parishioners visit the sick and elderly of the parish. St. Vincent DePaul Society and Food Pantry Through parish collections, members of the Society provide temporary assistance to those in need and work in collaboration with neighborhood churches to support our ecumenical food pantry. Elizabeth Ministry Women in the parish reach out to other women during their childbearing years. This one-on-one ministry offers presence and support at times of pregnancy and childbirth. Elizabeth Ministers are sensitive to the painful times during the childbearing years: miscarriage, infertility, stillbirth, difficult deliveries, and special needs children. Respect Life Committee An active group that encourages parishioner participation through a wide variety of opportunities relating to respect for human life. A pro-life Mass is celebrated at 7:00 a.m. the first Saturday of every month. The committee invites informed speakers to educate about life issues. Past topics have included capital punishment, legislative concerns for Catholics and end of life issues. A Rosary Network is in place whereby parishioners commit to praying the Rosary one day each month for the cause of life. The committee also organizes charitable activities each year. March 2006 is Helping Hearts, a goods collection to benefit Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center for those affected by domestic violence. Mother’s Day 2006 will be the annual Baby Bottle Boomerang to benefit Rhode Island Right to Life. The group meets once per month. Contact the office to check the next meeting date or email the committee by clicking here. LITURGICAL MINISTRIES Liturgy Committee Members of the parish serve by creating and planning special liturgies throughout the year. Members also create and maintain liturgical environment. Lectors Members of the parish serve by proclaiming the Word of God at weekend and daily liturgies. Eucharistic Ministers Members of the parish serve by assisting the priests in the distribution of Holy Communion at weekend and daily liturgies. Altar Servers Those who have received their First Eucharist serve by assisting at weekend and special liturgies. Adult Altar Servers These men and women assist at Funeral liturgies as servers, lectors, and Eucharistic ministers. Music Ministry Cantors and instrumentalists provide music for our liturgical celebrations. Adult Choir Members rehearse weekly and sing at the 10:30am Liturgy each Sunday. Children's Choir Having reached Grade 2, members rehearse and sing at the 9:00am Family Liturgy. PARISH ORGANIZATIONS Legion of Mary Members meet weekly and commit themselves to two hours of apostolic work per week by visiting and calling "shut-ins" or nursing home patients. Daughters of Isabella Members meet monthly and raise money for local charities. Women’s Club Members serve to meet many needs of the parish: providing hospitality, giving service to the needy and to the parish, and fostering women’s spirituality. Ministry of Hospitality Greeters and ushers welcome and assist as needed at parish liturgies. ADULT EDUCATION R.C.I.A. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults prepares adults for initiation into the life of the Church. Parish volunteers act as a support community. Spiritual Book Club St. Paul’s Book Club meets monthly to discuss books that foster spiritual growth. Book titles are announced in the weekly bulletin. Participants are encouraged to read the selected books before the meeting. CHILDREN, YOUTH, & FAMILY Mother’s Group Informal group for mothers and caretakers and their infants and toddlers. Meets weekly. Vacation Bible Camp Offers biblical instruction and formation in a weeklong, fun-filled atmosphere. Baptismal Preparation Program Parishioners assist expectant parents in the preparation of baptism for children. Youth Group Volunteers interested in making a difference in our parish and in our community by assisting in various activities for high school and college students. TIME & TALENT Habitat for Humanity Habitat for Humanity is a national organization that builds homes for the homeless. Recipients of these homes work alongside volunteers during the construction of their homes. Parish volunteers assist on the first Saturday of the month. Faith Formation / Religious Education Catechists, teachers'-aides and substitutes are needed to assist in the formation and understanding of the gospel message. Volunteers for persons with special needs (SPRED) are also needed. Contact the Faith Formation Office. Parish Festival Parish volunteers are needed to plan and execute an annual two-day festival that provides great food, live entertainment, and many children and family activities. Great fun for all! Parish Picnic Parishioners plan and organize our annual parish picnic. Annual Golf Tournaments Volunteers plan and execute annual golf tournaments of our school and parish. General Office Help Help is always needed around the rectory office. Your help would be greatly appreciated. Custodians Help Cleaning God’s House is a weekly chore. With your help it would go faster. Cleanup Committee Parishioners will to spend one day in the Spring and Fall cleaning our church property. Building Committee Members plan and assist in the repair, upkeep, and reconstruction of parish properties. School Volunteers Tutors, lunch aids, and other volunteers needed to monitor and assist in various school activities.