Ministries at SJB

Dear Friends in Christ,

You know of course that a parish like St. John’s requires a staff of paid individuals who work to fulfill the mission of the Church. Some work directly to promote this mission, like the pastor and vicars; others work in ancillary positions like the maintenance staff and secretaries. All are needed, just as all the members of the body are needed for the proper functioning of the body even though some have humbler functions than others.

Beyond the paid staff, however, the parish has volunteers whose work is no less important. These men and women give of their time and skills to spread the Gospel, minister to the needy, and provide for other services that are very important in fulfilling the parish mission. I would like to provide you with three examples of volunteers whose invaluable help is a real gift to our parish.

First, let’s look at the mission of being mindful of the poor. A member of our St. Vincent de Paul Society is available one day each week to respond to calls for help from persons in need. This member comes to interview the client and discerns whether or not the need is legitimate and then decides how the Society will help the person. This takes time, patience, and compassion. Members of the St. Vincent de Paul society are heeding the Lord’s call to feed the hungry and provide drink to the thirsty. They are truly blessed.

Secondly, let’s consider how volunteers respond to spiritual needs. Approximately 60-70 homebound or convalescent residents receive Holy Communion weekly from our ministers to the sick. A minister to the sick carries the Eucharistic Lord to these people who are unable to come to Sunday Mass. The minister offers love and compassion to those who have very little human contact because of their physical limitations. Jesus said, “I was sick and you visited me”. Our ministers to the sick receive a blessing from the Lord for their generous service.

Finally, I ask you to recall what happened at Mass today. You heard the readings proclaimed by one of our lectors. An usher may have helped you find a seat. You were probably met at the door by one of our greeters. These persons are volunteers who are here to serve you as members of the church.

Join me today in thanking the volunteers of the past who spent years in service to the parish. Let’s also thank the volunteers of today who continue to promote the Church’s mission, even in hidden ways. May the Lord continue to bless us with generous volunteers. Our parish depends on such gifted people.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Hildebrand