Questions about ministries may be directed to the coordinator or the parish center.

During the liturgy:

Mass Servers

Boys and girls of the parish in grades four through high school are invited and welcome to serve at the altar during liturgies. Students who volunteer must demonstrate responsibility, and reverence for the sacred mysteries and the liturgical vessels, and must successfully train to perform this important ministry. Pontifical Servers are high school or college-age servers who assist in liturgies celebrated by the Bishop of the Diocese. Contact: Sr. Pat McGuire, OSB - 425-3369. Click here for the current server schedule.

Gift Bearers

Individuals and families are invited to present the gifts of bread and wine at the Preparation of Gifts at the weekend masses. No special training is necessary. Contact: Sr. Pat McGuire, O.S.B. - 425-3369

Lectors

Lectors proclaim God’s Word to the assembly at weekend liturgies and other liturgical celebrations. Readers should prepare the assigned readings in advance, to fully comprehend the message and deliver it in the most effective way. An attempt to be accurate with the pronunciation of uncommon words is facilitated with guidebooks. Lectors also read the intercessory prayers, in the absence of a deacon at the liturgy. Anyone who has a good speaking voice, feels comfortable reading in public, and values the Word of God may be trained as a lector. Contact: Deacon Kevin Bach at the parish center 812-204-7946, or kbach@evdio.org

Liturgy of the Word for Children

Liturgy of the Word for children is offered on Sundays during the 10:30 AM Mass throughout the year. Children up to Grade 3 are invited to participate. After the opening of the Mass, the priest invites the children and prayer leaders to gather in the front of church where the presider dismisses them. The children and prayer leaders go to the Parish Center where they divide into three groups to listen to the scripture stories of that Sunday. The leaders help the children restate the message of the day and present ways for the children to live the scripture message during the coming week. They return to church and join their families after the homily. No registration is required. Adult leaders are needed. Contact: Carmen Embrey - 491-6793

Extraordinary Ministers of The Eucharist

Extraordinary Ministers of The Eucharist assist the presider in the distribution of communion at all the weekend and weekday liturgies. Those assisting at weekend liturgies have a regular schedule based on the particular Mass time chosen by the minister. Persons interested can submit their names to the Pastor. With his approval these names are submitted to the diocese. When approved by the Bishop, the persons are trained and commissioned in the parish. Contact: Richard Clements - 479-6228

Music Ministry

Nursery during mass

During the 10:30 AM Sunday Liturgy, babysitting is available in the basement of the rectory for infants to 3-year-old children. Contact: Karen or Jason Blue - 437-9229

Ushers and Trustees

The ushers serve many functions as the ministers of hospitality. They assist those gathering for Mass to find a suitable place in the church for worship, help anyone with special needs, and take up the financial contributions which sustain the overall ministry of the Parish. Before and after each Mass, they make sure the church is presentable and distribute bulletins after the weekend Masses. Teams of Trustees rotate each month for counting the collection. Men, women, and young adults are invited and recruited to minister in this way. They receive training before they begin their ministry. Contact: Bob Mehringer – 401-0423

Outside of the liturgy:

Ministry to the Bereaved, Sick, or Elderly

In response to the call to “bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2), this group extends care and support to parish members who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Volunteers are needed to serve grieving survivors in the following areas: Prepare and/or serve funeral luncheons to survivors and their guests; bring in a meal and/or groceries to the survivor’s home; assist with laundry, house-cleaning, in-home and yard maintenance, baby-sitting, transportation needs, personal care, meal preparation, financial planning and decision-making, job searches, and other needs that are complicated by grief. Contact: Sr. Pat McGuire, OSB - 425-3369 ext. 160, or pmcguire@evdio.org

Bereavement Lunches

These lunches are offered to the immediate family and out of town relatives of a deceased (registered) member of St. Benedict Cathedral or for a non-Catholic spouse, on the day of the burial. The luncheon is typically held in the Woodward Hospitality Center immediately following the funeral, or the family may choose to have a meat and cheese tray sent to the funeral home instead of the luncheon. Volunteers are always welcome to provide a covered dish or serve at the luncheons. Contact: Parish Center - 425-3369

Health Ministry

The objective of the Health Ministry is to attend to the emotional, physical, and spiritual needs of the people of the parish. The ministry is coordinated by Edna O’Daniel, RN with assistance from a committee of nurses. Programs/classes will be developed based on the recent parish survey. Health Care Professionals are important to this ministry as well as volunteers for assisting with temporary transportation to a doctor, church, or grocery store; pick up and delivery of medicines; preparation and delivery of meals; yard work; etc. For more information on how you can volunteer or how the Health Care Ministry can serve you call Edna O’Daniel - 425-3369, ext. 165

Meal Ministry

Meal Ministry provides a maximum of three home-cooked meals to any parishioner who is recovering from a recent hospitalization, illness or crisis situation. Parishioners can call to request the service for themselves or for another family/individual who may be in need of meals. Initial contact is made by one of the ministry chairs to offer the service and gather the necessary information. This information is then passed on to volunteers who deliver a meal of their choice to the parishioner’s home on the designated days. The goal of this ministry is not only to provide a meal in a time of crisis but also to provide the support, love and concern of the community to our fellow parishioners during a time of need. This simple but very worthwhile ministry is a great way to become involved in the parish yet takes so little time. Most will be called upon only a few times per year. More volunteers are always welcome. Contact: Janet Belisle - 402-7747

Wedding Hostesses

Hostesses coordinate decorations and conduct rehearsals for weddings celebrated at St. Benedict Cathedral. They meet with brides and grooms-to-be and members of the wedding party to plan the decorations, decorate the church before the wedding, rehearse the rite of marriage, and clean up afterwards. Contact: Carmen Embrey - 491-6793 or Jamie Sills – 490-6414

Welcome Ministry

This committee ministers to new parishioners by introducing them to St. Benedict Cathedral, its parishioners and committees. Members maintain contact with new parishioners, fielding questions as needed and getting to know the interests of new members. Contact: Jennifer Browning - 473-3111

Legion of Mary

The Legion of Mary is worldwide organization of Catholic men and women, offering their service to the pastor to aid him in performing spiritual works in the parish. They place themselves under the banner of Mary so that with her help they may develop greater holiness in their own lives as well as spread a deeper devotion to her among others. Auxiliary members offer prayers, but do not attend meetings. Contact: Dennis Dooley - 476-7801