“Holy Communion is the shortest and safest way to heaven.” – Pope St. Pius X
St. Patrick Parish is always in need of dedicated and talented individuals to give their time and gifts to the glory of God. Help us celebrate, pray and live the Mystery of Christ in the dignity and beauty of the liturgy.
Adult Choir
St. Patrick’s Choir is open to all parishioners from high school age and up. The only requirement is a pleasant singing voice. No audition is required, except perhaps for voicing. Prior experience is not necessary nor is the ability to read music, although they are helpful. Rehearsals are on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00 in the choir loft. The choir sings two weekend Masses per month, usually a 5:00 and a 10:30, more at Christmas time and during Holy Week, plus Confirmation and other special occasions that may arise. New members are most welcome in all voicings. Contact Anne Marie McCarthy at Annemarie.c.mccarthy@gmail.com for more information.
Cantors
Cantors lead the congregation in singing and chant the Responsorial Psalm and Gospel Acclamation at Mass. It is a most important and dignified ministry. Training is provided, and includes a mentoring program. It is preferable that a cantor be at least of high school age. Contact Anne Marie McCarthy at Annemarie.c.mccarthy@gmail.com for more information.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Each Sunday, the Eucharist is distributed under both forms at every Mass. This requires the assistance of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHCs). These EMHCs are appointed for a three year term by the Archbishop to serve in such a role at our parish. Proper training and guidance is required. In addition to serving at Sunday Mass, EMHCs also bring the Eucharist to the sick and homebound members of our community. Contact Kathy Reinhardt at kmreinhardt@comcast.net for more information.
Guitar Group
St. Patrick’s Guitar Group is open to anyone with a desire to help enhance the Liturgy by singing and/or playing an instrument and it doesn’t have to be a guitar. An intimate knowledge of music, while certainly helpful is not needed. Practice is held on Saturday mornings for about an hour and we sing at Mass twice a month, typically alternating between the 5 PM Saturday vigil and 10:30 AM Sunday morning. Contact Tony Basilio at tbasilio@verizon.net for more information.
Lectors
The role of lector is important in proclaiming the Word of God. Lectors are trained for this ministry. Preparation includes reviewing and practicing the readings beforehand for approximately 30 minutes. A workbook is provided to help with preparation and includes guidance with pronunciation, context, and proper emphasis for each Scripture reading. Lectors are scheduled regularly and must arrive at least 10 minutes prior to their scheduled Mass. Contact John LaPelusa at ejlapel@aol.com for more information.
Musicians
Organists and pianists are needed and welcomed to occasionally substitute at Masses. In addition, other instrumentalists, such as flutists, trumpeters, violinists, percussionists, etc. are welcome to join the Guitar Group or Youth Ensemble, play at weekend Masses with the organist, play along with the Adult Choir when a piece of music has a solo instrument part, and play for weddings and funerals. Contact Anne Marie McCarthy at Annemarie.c.mccarthy@gmail.com for more information.