Welcome

USHERS

Prepare the pews, seat parishioners, distribute bulletins, arrange for the bringing forth of gifts, taking the offerings and assist as needed at Mass.

LECTORS (SENIOR/JUNIOR)

Of all the ministries restored to the laity by the liturgical reforms of the Second Vatican Council, perhaps none is more important than the ministry of the lector. Along with the deacon, the priest and the bishops, the lector is entrusted with the crucial task of making the Word of God come alive by proclaiming it for the Christian Assembly. Indeed, Christ is present in the Word proclaimed during the liturgy.

One does not have to be an eloquent public speaker to be a lector. It is more important that what is read comes from the heart. What is proclaimed and how it is proclaimed has the potential of touching someone in a profound way. Adults and young adults of high school age are encouraged to consider this as a ministry. It takes very little of your time. You are assigned to the Mass that you regularly attend. Lectors are individuals who take their Faith seriously and who base their lives on the Word of God. When agreeing to the ministry, lectors commit themselves for one year only. However, this can be so satisfying spiritually that many continue beyond one year.

ALTAR SERVER

Servers assist the priest and the other ministers in the celebration of the Sunday Mass and at other liturgical celebrations throughout the year. Because of their close connection to the altar and the sacred objects they handle and their visibility in the worshipping community, servers are expected to be prayerful, reverent, and attentive.Servers are entrusted with many “unseen” responsibilities: they arrive at Mass early and arrange the vessels, books, and other liturgical items to their proper places in the sacristy.

Servers are scheduled in advance and are expected to find substitutes any time they are unavailable for a Mass to which they have been assigned. Prior to being placed on the schedule, servers are well trained.

We welcome boys and girls from grades 4 and above to become altar servers. Anyone interested may contact the rectory for further information.

RESPECT FOR LIFE COMMITTEE MINISTRY

“I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Choose life, then, that you and your descendants may live, by loving the Lord, your God, heeding his voice, and holding fast to him.” Deuteronomy 30:19

The Immaculate Conception Church Respect for Life Committee was formed to bring the Gospel’s truth and pro-life message to all Catholics in our Parish, in our communities, in our country, and in the world at large. Our goal is to educate, guide and support our parish family in every aspect of pro-life teachings of the Catholic Church.

STEWARDSHIP

Stewardship is based on the principles of the Old Testament and the teaching of Jesus Christ. Stewardship is a way of life. It is a way of thanking God for all His blessings by returning a portion of the time, talent and treasure that is allotted to us. We ask all our parishioners to spend time praying and reflection about Stewardship and how it can affect their lives. For individuals, it means thinking about the commitments we make. For families, it means having discussion with family members about the family’s total Stewardship Commitment. In either case, we are asked to look at stewardship as the joyful return to God of the first fruits of what He has bestowed upon us.

ALTAR CARE

Altar Care is under the guidance of the Rosary Altar Society and encourages its members and volunteers to prepare the altar for Sunday Masses. Membership in the Rosary Society is not mandatory to do altar care. Men are also invited to help. Altar Care is done once a week, generally the latter part of the week. It includes washing and pressing the purificators and corporals, general dusting, and cleaning of the altar area, as well as the servers and priests’ sacristies. It also includes the cleaning and refilling of the holy water fonts at the various entrances of the church.

MUSIC MINISTRY

We are needed to make the Church a vital part of today’s world. Those who lead the congregation in sung prayer are music ministers. Music highlights scripture readings and deepens our emotional response. We encourage parishioners to serve as members of the adult choir, and the children’s choir. In addition to being a part of a musical group, those with sufficient ability serve occasionally as cantors. If you have a vision of what our church could be, try getting involved in the process.

CHILDREN’S CHOIR AND ADULT CHOIR

Sings along with organ accompaniment at Masses or other special occasions. For more information please call the Rectory at 518-589-5577.

SPECIAL MINISTERS OF THE EUCHARIST

Assist the priest in distribution of the Eucharist during the celebration of Mass and take communion to the sick and homebound. They are parishioners who are called forth from the local community to distribute during liturgical celebrations. A candidate for this ministry must be fully initiated in the Roman Catholic Church and be regular communicant in the Parish in which he or she ministers. The Pastor nominates persons who are then appointed by the Bishop and commissioned at a public liturgical celebration in the Parish. If you are interested in being a part of the ministry, you are invited to contact Father Motta, by phone at the Rectory 518-589-5577.

Christian Service

Senior Citizens Group

Purpose: to enhance our Senior Program by offering ideas for our day trips, offering to line up speakers, and offering to help with our senior lunches.

Contact: Steve Tuomey 589-6053

Evangelization Committee

Purpose: to invite all to a deeper faith life (including individuals that do not belong to a church or inactive Catholics) through hospitality and welcoming, information sessions, prayer and visitation. Parishioners of all ages are needed for this vital work.

Contact: Harriet Bucca or rectory at 589-5577

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