Adult Choir

Vacation Bible School

Contemporary Music Ministry:  We are One Body, One Body in Christ, and We Do Not Stand Alone (nor do we want too!)  Come join us in this spirit-filled ministry to worship God through contemporary music.  In our ministry, we explore many different styles of music.  All we ask is that you have an open heart and mind.  Requirements:  a one hour rehearsal per week and a limited amount of musical ability (you don’t have to read music, we’ll teach you!).  If interested, contact Betty Morath at 652-7193 or see me after the 4:30 Saturday or 11:00 AM Sunday Mass.

Cursillo Movement:  Generally, the Cursillo Movement can be defined as:  “A movement of the Church which by means of its own method, makes it possible for people to live what is fundamental for being a Christian, and to live it together; it helps people discover and fulfull their personal vocations; and it promotes the creation of core groups of Christians who leaven their environments with the Gospel.”

The introduction to the movement is completed through a 3-day weekend.  The name Cursillo is properly “Cursillo de Christiandad”; meaning, “short course in Christianity”.  The movement is much more than the weekend.  It provides a method to help Catholic Christians grow closer to God through a balanced approach to Piety, Study, and Action, with an emphasis on community and small group sharing.

The commitment depends on your level of interest and involvement.  The necessary gifts and talents are whatever God chooses to bless you with.  St. Vincent de Paul Church in Spring Brook and the surrounding parishes have many active Cursillo groups.  If you are even a little bit interested, call Paul or Diane Putt or anyone you may know who is active in the Buffalo Cursillo Movement.  You may also gain more information from the local web site:  www.buffalocursillo.org

Eucharistic Adoration:  Our Catholic faith has reason to firmly believe that our Lord and Savior is alive and dwells among us.  It has been a great privilege to participate in prayer and adoration during the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.  This takes place the first Friday of every month in our chapel at St. Vincent de Paul Church.  It is our goal to expand the length of time available for the adoration.  We know that we are offering in return only a fraction of time that our Lord has provided to us.  Your friends in Christ.

Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion (Eucharistic Minister):  The title of Eucharistic Minister is a title of the Roman Catholic Church that is given to the laity who have been authorized to administer and distribute “Holy Communion” to other parishioners during, and even outside of, the Holy Sacrament of the Mass.  Typically, Eucharistic Ministers can also distribute “Holy Communion” to those in prison, or to the sick whom are unable or incapable of attending the Sacrament of the Mass.  A one-day training course is required.  Only fully-initiated members of the community would be able to pursue this ministry.  Gifts for such a ministry might include:  a devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, a desire to serve God and His people, a respect and balanced appreciation of the Church’s teaching on “the real presence,” courage to stand before God’s people and present them with His Body and Blood, a nurturing, loving disposition, and the witness of one’s own life, lived in conformity with the teachings of God and His Church.

It should be noted that Eucharistic Ministers are selected by Father Jim.  (Total commitment:  approx. one hour/week at Mass.)  Coordinator:  Curt Sauers

Home School Association:is composed of the parents of the students of Saint Vincent de Paul School. Our main objective/focus is twofold; to raise money to help subsidize the school and to assist within the school as needed.  The Home School Association is asked to raise and contribute monies to help offset the expense of running the school.  This goal is achieved by holding several fund-raisers throughout the year, such as the sale of 600 Club Tickets, working Concession stand for the Buffalo Bills, Wrapping Paper/Magazines, etc. We also collect General Mills “Box Tops For Education” and Campbell’s soup labels, etc.  These organizations donate cash and/or supplies/items to our school based on the amount of the receipts or number of labels/boxtops we submit to them.

We assist/help within the school as requested by Father, the Principal, or School Staff.  Adults monitor during the children’s lunch periods and supervise outdoor activities when lunch is over. A Federally funded hot lunch is provided Monday through Friday and parents are needed to assist in serving the lunch. Parents are welcome to assist in the classrooms (reading to the lower grades), act as room mother or father, coach a sports team, stuff envelopes, and on and on and on……..The things that need to be done are numerous.

The Home School Association also helps fund the sports program.  We run a concession stand during home sporting events.

We need your time and talents not only during school hours, but whenever you are available to assist Saint Vincent's School in providing our children with the best Catholic education available.

Hospitality/Greeter/Usher:  This ministry involves greeting the congregation as they enter and exit the church on Saturday and/or Sunday, passing out the Church bulletin, turning on lights, passing the baskets for the Saturday and/or Sunday collection, and generally being available in case of emergencies during a liturgy.

Gifts for such a ministry might include:  a friendly smile, a firm handshake, knowledge/skill in the area of building/grounds, a sense of Church stewardship, a desire to bless the community with the warmth of our loving God, and desire to be present and helpful to God’s people.  (Total commitment:  one hour/week on Saturday or Sunday)

Ministry of the Word (Lector):  The ministry of proclaiming God’s word (in scripture) to His people involves one hour of prayer/preparation time in addition to the time spent at the liturgy.  First, one reads the scriptures of the day.  Next, one prays over these scriptures, consults the Lector’s Workbook (which is kept in the sacristy) or other commentaries.  Finally, one proclaims the scriptures and Prayers of the Faithful at Mass.  Gifts for such a ministry might include:  an outgoing personality; a loud, clear voice; a love of scripture; and a willingness to stand before God’s people and lead us in our communal meditation on the scriptures.  (Total commitment:  two hours/week – lectors may only be scheduled once/month)  Coordinator:  Tama Gresco-Sauers

On Line Prayer Line:  The On Line Prayer Team began on February 21, 1999.  We believe in the power of prayer, have access to on line computers, and are willing to commit to daily intercessory prayer for any needs presented to us. Requests come by word of mouth, via telephone, in person, and on line. They are compiled and sent out daily to the entire team, Monday through Friday.  Emergency requests are sent out whenever necessary, seven days a week.   Members receive the requests and pray at their convenience. They do not pass them on to anyone else. We also have “Soaking Lists” for people with long term illnesses, expectant mothers, service men and women, and clergy. We are blessed to have 54 team members, most of whom are members of St. Vincent de Paul Church. Others are located in Lockport, Hamburg, Holland and one resides full time in Florida, while several others are “snow birds” and take laptops with them so as not to miss the prayers.   All requests are kept confidential. If you have requests for prayer or would like to learn more about this ministry please contact us @ 652.4156 or Email: gramabbb@aol.com    Subject: Prayer request

Coordinator;  Barbara Berger

Parish Council Member:  The Parish Council acts in an advisory capacity to the Pastor in matters pertaining to the spiritual, educational, and financial life of the parish community.  The council consists of the Pastor, the School Principal, the Director of Religious Education, two Parish Trustees, a representative from each organization within the Parish, six elected adult members, two elected youth members (16-24 years old), and two members appointed by the Pastor.  Gifts for such a ministry might include those of leadership, stewardship, financial planning, a desire to work collaboratively with others and influence decisions which are made on behalf of the entire community.  (Total commitment:  2 hours every two months)  Coordinator:  Rev. Jim Walter

RCIA Team:  RCIA stands for The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults.  As the adult part of the Catechumenate, a teaching ministry in the Church, the RCIA may also be explained as a sort of “CCD for adults”.  The process is intended to provide an environment of learning and growth for adults who are non-Catholic, who are Catholic but have not received the sacraments of Holy Communion and/or Confirmation, and whom are interested in full Sacramental Initiation into the Roman Catholic Church. 

The RCIA Team is a group of people who are helping to provide the necessary environment for further Christian growth for all those involved.  This may mean anything from organizing the meeting schedule, preparing handouts, presenting a topic, helping interpret scripture correctly, prayerfully supporting the candidates, to simply being present at the meetings to share your faith.

The level of commitment required to participate as a member of the RCIA Team depends on the type of involvement chosen.  You may want to attend weekly meetings for about 8 months or present a topic at a meeting or two.  There are also some short term tasks throughout the process.

In any event, the RCIA Team is a group of parishioners with the common goal to help fulfill the mission of the Church by sharing God’s message.  If you have questions about past year’s processes, call Paul Putt.  For more information or to volunteer, contact the SVDP Rectory or see Father Jim or Deacon Rick Mackiewicz

Religious Education Teacher (or Teacher’s Aide):  Every baptized Catholic person is called to this ministry!  Branching out from teaching our own families the fundamentals of our faith, the Religious Education Teacher follows a curriculum outlined by the Diocese of Buffalo, Department of Catholic Education, and guided by the Coordinator of Religious Education.  The Religious Education Office is located off the gymnasium of the parish school.  Our Kindergarten liturgy-based program starts at the 9:30 Mass, with dismissal after the Gospel reading.  Classes for Grades 1 – 5 are conducted on Sunday mornings from 9:00am – 10:15am and 10:45am - NOON.  Classes for Grades 6 - 8 are on Thursday evenings from 7:00 – 8:30 pm.  Instruction for grades 9 and 10 are varied:  Monday evenings from 7:00 – 8:30pm; Sunday evenings from 7:00 – 8:30pm jointly with Annunciation students; and a 5-day summer program.  The Catholic Diocese of Buffalo requires catechists to attend “Protecting God’s Children” as mandated abuse reporters, as well as providing many training opportunities.  Gifts for such a ministry include a strong sense of the traditions of the Catholic faith, communication skills, a love of children and teens, an interest in education, and a sense of humor.

(Total commitment:  Two hours of class time per week and preparation time at home.)  Coordinator:  Cheryl Mackiewicz, Coordinator; Diane Putt and Teri Van Remmen.  Office:  652.7242; Home:  652.6687