Our Lady of Good Help Church

ADULT SERVERS

A team of adult servers are available to assist at funerals by either lectoring and/or serving the mass. If you would like to volunteer for this ministry, please contact the rectory.

ALTAR SERVERS

The Altar Servers Ministry is usually a young person's first opportunity to minister to her/his parish community.

As an altar server, you are given the privilege of serving at the altar to assist the priest in the smooth and efficient flow of the Mass.

Prospective altar servers must be in the third grade or older. There must also be a willing-ness to accept the responsibility of serving at an assigned mass; as well as, a respect and reverence for Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.

BAPTISMAL PROGRAM

Prior to a child being baptized, we ask the parents to make a profession of faith by praying and understanding the meaning of their Faith and the Sacrament of Baptism.

This program involves a formal meeting of the parents and godparents; the nature of which is formative and informative in regards to the sacrament.

Contact the pastor or deacon for more information

BELL RINGERS

To ring the church bell prior to and at the conclusion of mass here at OLGH.

Volunteers who are physically capable of ringing the bell and can commit to a scheduled time are involved in this ministry.
Availability 20 minutes before mass is required.

BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY

This group seeks to reach out to families who experience the death of a loved one. They will offer support to bereaved families by attending the wake, holding the family in prayer and by sending a sympathy card at the time of death.

This is a newly formed group at OLGH, and as it grows they will explore other ways to offer comfort to those who mourn within our parish community.

BUILDING COMMITTEE

To assist the pastor and the parish in terms of protecting our physical assets by using their ability and experiences to make recommendations and also oversee construction and remodeling projects.

This committee is open to anyone who has a building, construction or allied trade background and is appointed by the pastor.

CATHOLIC CHARITY FUND APPEAL COMMITTEE

Along with the pastor, parishioners work to coordinate our parish's annual effort to raise funds to support this diocesan campaign.

Parishioners with the time and the skills to organize, promote and coordinate this effort are needed for us to meet our goal.

Contact the pastor if you would like to become involved at this level of commitment.

CHILDREN'S LITURGY OF THE WORD

Children in grades K through 4 are invited to participate in the Liturgy of the Word during the 10:30 mass on Sunday morning.

Adult catechists are available to take the children to the church hall where they will hear readings from the children's lectionary.
They will then reflect upon them in an age appropriate manner.

COFFEE AN'

Coffee An' is a social ministry whose purpose is to promote fellowship and build community through social interaction. Coffee and donuts are served in the church hall following the 10:30 mass on Sunday mornings from September through May.

Volunteers make the coffee before mass and then serve the beverages and donuts.

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS
OF THE EUCHARIST

Those involved in this ministry assist with the distribution of communion at Mass.

Candidates must complete a training program before they are commissioned by the pastor to serve the parish family. They are commissioned for a two year period subject to approval from the pastor.

Anyone interested in this ministry needs to contact the pastor.

FINANCE COMMITTEE

The parish Finance Committee advises the pastor as to financial matters concerning budgeting, expenditures, creating potential sources of revenue and reviewing all of the parish financial reports.

This group meets four times a year or when otherwise required.

The size of the group is limited to ten (10) members. Contact the pastor if you possess allied skills and have an interest.

FUND RAISING COMMITTEE

To assist the parish by identifying and implementing appropriate fund raising activities.

Anyone who would like to assist with the planning and implementation of various activities to help the church become more financially stable is invited to participate.

GIVING TREE

To assist those in need during the Christmas season by providing their children with needed items; such as clothes, toys, etc.

Volunteers help to collect, sort and prepare the gifts for delivery.

GREETERS

The Greeters welcome people to the liturgies and direct parishioners and visitors to various locations within the church building. This is open to anyone who would be comfortable in greeting and extending a warm "welcome" to those attending mass.

GROUNDS COMMITTEE

To assist in maintaining the parish grounds which includes the lawns and floral areas on the church property.

To assist with some light cleaning and maintenance of both the inside and the outside of these parish buildings. This is especially important at certain times of the year in preparation for special events.

HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE

This group works to appropriately welcome new parishioners and families to our parish.

Anyone who would enjoy the opportunity to help welcome new parishioners to the OLGH community is welcomed to join.

LECTORS

As Liturgical Ministers, the lectors share their talents by presenting the Word of God at weekday, weekend and special liturgies.

Their goal is to proclaim the Word to those attending mass in a manner of praise and Thanksgiving to God for the gift of His Word. A well-prepared lector can do much to enhance the celebration of the liturgy.

This ministry is by appointment only. Contact the pastor if you are interested in becoming a lector.

LITURGY AND ENVIRONMENT

This committee works with the pastor to ensure that all of our liturgical experiences are coordinated, well planned and prayer- fully executed.

This group is particularly involved with the planning and preparation of the environment for the liturgical seasons.

LIVING ROSARY

During the month of October, a "living rosary" service is held in the church to honor the "Blessed Virgin" Mary.

Volunteers are needed to help in the organization and conducting of this annual parish event, which will involve a large number of parishioners.

MARRIAGE PREPARATION

When preparing for marriage, couples should contact the pastor at least 6 months in advance.

It is a diocesan requirement to attend a marriage preparation program.

If any married couple would be interested in assisting engaged couples, as they go through the program, please contact the pastor.

MONEY COUNTERS

Two money counters are scheduled on a rotating basis for each Sunday morning from 9:00 a.m. until noon.

Their responsibilities include the accurate counting of all the weekend receipts; i.e. budget, special collections, etc. They must also record all the money transactions on a special tally sheet. Finally, they are responsible for completing the bank deposit slips.

MUSIC MINISTRY

The music ministry consists of people with a gift of music who desire to assist the congregation in lifting its voice in the praising of God.

We are always looking for vocalists; as well as, bass guitar players, percussionists, string or woodwind players.

Private auditions are held for those interested in joining the group.

OFFICE HELP

Volunteers assist in the parish office on an "as needed" basis with a variety of miscellaneous clerical and computer data entry tasks. Help is often needed with making copies, bulk mailing, making telephone calls, etc.

PASTORAL CARE MINISTRIES

"Ministry to the Homebound"

One team of Extraordinary Ministers at
Our Lady of Good Help parish brings the
Eucharist to our homebound parishioners
who are unable to attend mass.

"Nursing Home Visitation"

Another team of Extraordinary Ministers
brings the Eucharist to the residents of the Pine Grove Nursing Home in Burrillville.

Both of these are very special ministries and they act as an extension of our parish family. They provide much comfort to the sick and dying.

Opportunities to help in one or both of these ministries are available.

If you feel that the Lord is calling you to serve Him and His people in this capacity, please contact the person listed on the updated contact list for more information.

These ministries are by appointment only.

PRAYER NETWORK

Members of this network are committed to praying for anyone who is in need of prayers.

Participation simply involves including your name on a contact list from which you would be willing to contact another person when an intercessory prayer is requested for a special intention.

The group is open to anyone who would like to offer their prayers and sacrifices for those in need.

Whether you are able to offer many hours of prayer or simply able to offer the joys and sorrows of your day, the person on whose behalf you intercede will benefit from your gift of faith by God's grace.

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION
OF ADULTS

"The RCIA Program"

This program is offered every year to anyone who is interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith and who would like to become fully initiated in the Catholic Church through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.

It is also for those who, although baptized Catholic, may not have been Confirmed or received first Eucharist; as well as, those who have been baptized in another Christian denomination and would like to become Catholic.

The candidates meet and discuss the teachings of Christ, the Sacred Scriptures, the Sacraments, and Liturgy.

This program runs from the fall to spring (Easter Vigil). Contact the rectory for more information.

Anyone who would like to participate as a team member, in assisting our candidates through this process, should contact the pastor.

The Religious Education Program helps children to grow in their Catholic faith, as they learn about the significance of believing, trusting, and loving God. As always, the support and involvement of the family is a critical part of this ministry.

Specifically, the program is geared towards instructing and educating our children about the teachings and sacraments of the Catholic Church; while also promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation for the Catholic faith.

Our Religious Education program encompasses the eight primary grades.

The elementary level program helps to build a solid foundation based upon the precepts of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The second grade level is devoted entirely to preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist.

The middle school program teaches solid Catholic doctrine mixed with spiritual and moral choices. Social, environmental and ethical development is stressed in order to make a person's faith become a living, conscious, and active part of their life.

"Confirmation Program"

Confirmation preparation begins in grade 9 and continues through grade 10.

The confirmation program consists of doctrinal summary of basic Catholic beliefs, the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, and service to others. The challenges and joys of being a mature Christian are emphasized.

Regular mass attendance is expected of all religious education students at all levels. Family participation is encouraged.

"Teachers and Aides Needed"

The basic program at Our Lady of Good Help is for all children in grades 1 to 8. Confirmation preparation is for those in grades 9 and 10.

Classroom instruction is provided during the regular school year; either on Sunday mornings or Monday evenings on the parish property.

Volunteers are needed as either teachers and/or aides. No teaching experience is required.

Training and support through meetings and parish funded conferences are made available on a yearly basis to assist in the development and preparation for our teachers and aids.

Those interested in helping should contact the program coordinator for more information.

RESPECT LIFE COMMITTEE

The "Respect Life Committee " is a group of people who will promote the respect of all human life from conception to natural death and also the respect of our environment through education, good works and example.

SCOUTING

The aims of scouting are to help build character, foster citizenship, develop fitness, and enhance confidence in young people.

These goals are met through a variety of activities and events planned at each level of scouting.

Our Lady of Good Help parish is supportive of a number of scouting groups; such as, a Girl Scout troop, a Cub Scout Pack and a Boy Scout troop.

Volunteer opportunities exist for anyone who has an interest in helping young boys and girls to meet their goals.

Anyone wishing to join as a member or as a volunteer should contact the listed scouting coordinators.

SPRED PROGRAM

SPRED is an international religious education program designed for persons with developmental disabilities. It brings religion to those who might not be included in traditional religious instruction.

At SPRED sessions, a small community of faith is a shared experience, with catechists and our special friends.

SPRED programs generally have six special friends and each one is paired with a catechist who becomes his or her special friend within the small community. There is also an activity leader and a leader catechist.

Sessions include quiet time activity, sharing of personal experiences, listening to the Word of God, song and gestures, food, talk and laughter.

The focus of the SPRED experience is on a "living experience" of our faith with our friends in a reverent and welcoming space.

SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is an international Catholic organization that provides women and men the opportunity to join together to grow spiritually through prayer and person-to-person services to the needy and the suffering in our community.

A key principle of the Society is in the personalized delivery of assistance. This assistance may take the form of intervention, advocacy, consultation, or often through direct dollar or in-kind services.

The OLGH conference provides tangible assistance to anyone who is in need and lives in either the towns of Burrillville or Glocester.

Assistance includes helping with utility bills, rental assistance, medical bills, etc. The Society scrupulously maintains the privacy and dignity of those it serves.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is open to all men and women of the parish.

SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL- FOOD PANTRY

The Our Lady of Good Help Conference of the St. Vincent de Paul Society runs a "client choice" food pantry.

This food pantry is located on the parish grounds and distributes free food on a scheduled basis 34 times a year. The food pantry is open to "anyone who is in need" and lives in the town of Burrillville or Glocester RI.

In addition to the scheduled openings, the food pantry does provide families with an emergency food distribution when needed.

STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE

The purpose of the Stewardship Committee
is to assist the parish in the promotion of the concept of Christian stewardship.

Their specific goal is to educate and encourage all of our parishioners to the greater sharing of their time, talent and treasure.

The committee works to achieve these goals by promoting and supporting all of our existing parish ministries; as well as, helping to identify and establish new ministries whenever needed and desired.

They also serve as an advisory board to the pastor.

In summary, their purpose is to support the variety of "Stewardship Opportunities" that are available to all of the parishioners at Our Lady of Good Help Church.

WEBSITE TEAM

This group is dedicated to providing the parish with an attractive, informative and updated website.

The ministry is open to anyone with computer skills and an interest in supporting our parish's mission through the use of this medium.

The OLGH site: www.ourladyofgoodhelp.org

WOMEN'S DISCIPLESHIP

A group of women who are seeking to know the Lord in a deeper way meet monthly to pray, listen to teachings, and share their faith lives.

They meet in each others homes where one member will volunteer to be the hostess for that monthly meeting. The format usually consists of an intercessory prayer, a short presentation on a particular topic, faith sharing, and a social (snack) time.

These women also do works of charity and help prepare receptions for various parish functions. All women in the parish are invited to join.

YOUTH MINISTRY

The OLGH Youth ministry is the response
of our parish to the needs of our young people and the sharing of the gifts of youth with the larger community.

Our parish goal is to provide as many opportunities for young people to meet God; and through this encounter, to develop strong moral values, good leadership skills, and to recognize the need for community service.

Anyone interested in the youth program is invited to join the group. Adults are needed to help provide ideas, support and to help chaperone when needed.