| Spiritual
Life Commission
The primary responsibility of the Spiritual Life Commission, is
to assist the parish community by providing quality liturgical experiences.
This is enormously important as we are centered in the Sacramental
Life of the Church, especially in the Eucharist. This commission
assists in the development of other opportunities for spiritual
growth, which reflect the rich diversity of the parishioners. It
also coordinates the work of the liturgical ministries such as Eucharistic
Ministers, Lectors, Choir, Greeters, Ushers and Servers. The Commission
works through three Committees: (1) The Art and Environment Committee
is responsible for the decorating of the church to express the mood
and theme of the liturgical season. (2) The Music Committee plans
and coordinates the music for each liturgical celebration. (3) The
Devotions Committee looks after other aspects of the liturgical
celebrations such as petitions and symbols to be used at Mass.
Eucharistic Ministers
The Eucharistic ministers assist in the distribution of the Eucharist
at all the liturgies. Assistance is needed because communion under
both species is provided at all our liturgies. Monthly schedules
are made out accommodating particular preferences. The Eucharist
is also brought to the shut-ins at home and in various institutions.
Our parish provides the Eucharist for all the Catholics at Elyria
Memorial Hospital one Sunday a month. In preparation to be a Eucharistic
minister, the Diocese of Cleveland provides a training session for
all prospective candidates
Lectors
The Lectors proclaim the Word of God in the first two readings of
the liturgy. They also read the petitions at each mass. This is
a wonderful opportunity to make the Word of God come to life for
all. Special training sessions are provided along with training
materials. The schedules are made well in advance, accommodating
mass preferences. This is an important ministry, and all fully initiated
men and women are asked to consider this seriously.
Servers
Servers aid the priest in performing his necessary tasks in offering
the Mass. This is a very important ministry because a good server
allows the liturgy to run smoothly and without noticeable delays
or mistakes. Serving is a wonderful gift to the parish and an honored
ministry at the table of our Lord.
Youth Servers - Serving is open to all youth of the parish that
have completed the fourth grade and have not yet graduated from
High School. As a server, a boy/girl could be scheduled for both
our weekday and weekend liturgies. In addition to Masses, additional
serving opportunities such as funerals, weddings and Stations of
the Cross do become available throughout the year.
Adult Servers - Any adults of the parish are welcome to serve
at our 7:30AM Sunday liturgy.
If you are interested in serving please contact Fr. Kosem for more details.
Ushers
The Ushers graciously assist parishioners in their liturgical celebration
through this special ministry of hospitality. This is an opportunity
for men, women and young adults to be of service to the community.
Taking up the collection has its own special place in the liturgy,
therefore, an adequate number of ushers are needed to complete this
procedure quickly and efficiently. After the liturgy the ushers
distribute the bulletins. A training session is available periodically.
All are most welcome to join.
Devotions
The Devotions Committee helps to broaden and deepen the spirituality
of our parish by fostering active and life giving personal prayer
experiences. These experiences, called Devotions, allow us to deepen
our intimate relationship with God. The Committee not only coordinates
devotional experiences but also publicizes the many opportunities
for all our parishoners.
Contemporary Choir
The Contemporary Choir also assists the congregation in participating
at liturgies through a more contemporary selection of accompaniments.
They welcome varied talents of instrumentation and folks who enjoy
music. Ability to read music is not necessary. The contemporary
Choir practices on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. in the church. They assist
at the weekly 10:30 a.m. Sunday Mass and a number of special occasions.
Traditional Choir
Our Traditional Choir is primarily a "helping choir",
dedicated to inspiring community participation at our Eucharistic
celebrations. They assist the parish at 9:00 am Mass on Sunday morning
from September through May. Anyone interested in joining should
know there are NO AUDITIONS. The only requirement is a love of music
and a willingness to have a lot of fun. Practices take place on
Wednesday evenings at 7:30 pm in the Church.
Hand bell Choir
The Bells of St. Jude assist at various special celebrations throughout
the year with the possibility of performing once a month at a mass.
An ability to read music is not necessary but helpful. Equipment
and guidance is provided. New members are most welcome. The practices
are Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. in the church, September until
May.
Greeter
Our new church was designed with a large gathering area to encourage
the building of community among parishioners. Greeters personally
welcome everyone. This simple and yet important ministry of hospitality
sets a cordial tone for our liturgical celebrations.
Children's Liturgy of the Word
The Children's Liturgy of the Word is designed to help our younger
children understand the Sunday readings. After the opening prayer,
the children are invited to go with a catechist to the Blessed Sacrament
Chapel to hear the readings proclaimed and explained in simpler
words. After the general inter-cessions, the children return to
their families for the rest of the Mass. This is for children from
grades 1-3 at the 10:30 Mass. Any adult who would like to help as
a catechist or aide is welcome to participate.
Ministry of Praise and Adoration
The Ministry of Praise and Adoration is a Eucharist-centered prayer
ministry. Our goal is to encourage devotion to the Blessed Sacrament.
The Eucharist is exposed on the Chapel Altar each Wednesday from
7:30 AM until 7:00 PM. Parishioners are asked to sign up for half
hour time periods to spend time in prayer before the Eucharist.
This ministry of prayer is open to everyone. Those who are homebound
can sign up to enter into prayer in their homes. Those who cannot
make it to the church can sign up to spend some special time in
prayer each Wednesday. This is a special opportunity for us to strengthen
our bond with Christ and each other through the Eucharist. Registration
forms are available in the Chapel.
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