Christian Faith Development | Christian Services | Community Involvement | Liturgy Commission

 

Christian Faith Development

Alcoholics Anonymous - A.A. meets every Friday at 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the Marian Room. It is a closed mixed meeting working the twelve steps of AA Alcoholism is a disease that affects the whole family, and left untreated, often leads to death, insanity, or incarceration. If you wish to learn more about alcoholism, contact John Johnson at 838-3627 anytime, day or night.

Adult Faith Development - The Adult Faith Development Committee has the responsibility of developing, promoting, and evaluating educational programs which address the developmental needs expressed by parishioners. It also gives leadership to efforts of the parish to move people to a deeper understanding and experience of faith. The committee recommends educational goals, objectives, and priorities required for the fulfillment of the mission of Christ. It plans and develops programs pertinent to the parish and promotes programs developed by the Archdiocesan Adult Religious Education Office. Previous programs have taken the form of liturgical season lectures, diverse classroom setting courses and small group dialogue sessions.

Athletic Committee - The Athletic Committee is a group of men and women dedicated to developing Christian values in the youth of our parish through participation in sports. The committee administers this program by forming teams, selecting coaches, obtaining equipment and securing facilities. In addition, the committee supplements the relatively low registration costs with fund raising efforts including: Fun Fair, Night at the Races, concession stands and the annual basketball tournament.

Baptism Preparation - Parents who request Baptism for their child are asked to attend one meeting on the Sacrament to familiarize themselves with the duties of Catholic Christian parents. Please contact the rectory for arrangements.

Board of Education - The Board of Education is an elected group of parishioners and parents responsible for formulating policy consistent with Archdiocesan and state guidelines and directives for the operation of Sacred Heart School and Parish School of Religion so that the largest number of students may be educated in a Catholic environment and encouraged to make a personal commitment to Jesus Christ. The Board consists of 9 elected members, 3 of which are elected each year. The Board has 3 ex officio members, the pastor, the principal and the PSR coordinator. The Board also has a recording secretary, for maintaining board records, who is not a voting member. The Board meets the second Wednesday of each month in the cafeteria at 7:30 p.m. The meeting minutes and agenda are posted on the parents bulletin board in the school and the church.

Catechumenate (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) - The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is the method which Vatican II has mandated for preparing those who wish to join the Catholic Church. This process includes hearing and sharing the Word of God, connecting our life stories to those in scripture, praying, celebrating rites, learning about Catholic tradition and doctrine, sharing in community, and becoming involved in the apostolic life of the church. The ultimate goals of this initiation process are conversion and apostolic witness. The Children's Catechumenate is for school are children who have not yet been baptized in another religion and wish to become Catholic. The Children's Catechumenate follows the same basic program as the adult each Sunday. After the homily, we adjourn to a classroom to discuss the Scripture lessons for that Sunday and spend time learning how to live as a faithful Christian Child.

Confirmation Preparation - Sacred Heart's Confirmation Program is a parish program. Confirmation candidates from the eighth grade to high school levels are invited to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Throughout the year, with the support of their parents, sponsors, teachers, priests, and parishioners, the candidates pray, study, journal, give service, and decide to be a witness for Christ. The candidates and sponsors participate in liturgies, meetings, and retreats. They take time for faith sharing sessions so that the adult and youth can discuss being a witness for Christ in their everyday lives. Confirmation is usually received in the spring of the year.

First Communion and First Reconciliation Preparation - Preparation for these Sacraments is held both in our Parish School and our Parish School of Religion during the second grade. These classes are designed to help enrich the students' understanding and experience of the Sacraments. A family guidebook accompanies each child's text book. The family guidebook provides articles, parenting tips, Catholic prayers and customs for families.

Holy Name Society - The Holy Name Society is a council of Catholic men of the parish dedicated to preserving the Holy Name of Jesus through our thoughts, prayers, and actions. Holy Name members are active in serving the parish through many activities, including the Usher's Ministry, Sunday Bulletin notices, Entertainment Books, Church cleaning crews, Man of the Year Dinner, ongoing parish program updates, and various special events. Meetings are held at 8:00 p.m. on the Monday following the second Sunday of the month. All men 18 years of age and over are welcome. Help us carry on a rich Sacred Heart tradition!

Ladies Guild - The Ladies Guild is a social and religious organization that functions according to the guidelines set forth by the Archdiocesan Council of the Laity. It is composed of different committees that help with school and parish projects. Its members are also involved in community service. Meetings are held in the cafeteria on the second Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m. Membership is open to all women of the parish and new members are welcome.

Legion of Mary - The Legion of Mary is an organization of men and women whose purpose is the sanctification of its members by active co-operation with Mary and the Church in their work of advancing the kingdom of God. Part of the work is home visits to families of Sacred Heart. New members are welcome. Meetings are held Tuesday evenings following Perpetual Help Devotions.

Marriage Preparation (Ministry To The Engaged)- This ministry helps those preparing for marriage gain a better understanding of the marriage relationship, develop skills needed for married life, explore a variety of married life situations, and come to a deeper knowledge of the Sacrament. Married couples from the parish share their experience of the vocation of marriage. Sessions include Everyday Practical Problems, Growth and Family Life, Married Love and Sexuality, Communications, and Sacrament of Matrimony/Our Life as Church. Please make arrangements at the rectory six months in advance.

Natural Family Planning - Natural Family Planning methods and benefits are discussed by an RN to interested couples. All parishioners as well as engaged couples are welcome to attend. Presentations are given on the third Wednesday of odd months at 7:00 p.m. in the Marian Room. Please call the Rectory to RSVP.

Partners In Education (PIE) - PIE is an organization dedicated to the collaboration of parents, teachers, and Parish community in the pursuit of quality, faith centered education. The goals of PIE are to establish and maintain excellent communication between home and school, increase the opportunity for social interaction among parents, Parish community, and faculty, provide ongoing education for parents and teachers, provide networking opportunities, and establish a grant program to which teachers may apply for classroom funds.

Parish School Of Religion - Sacred Heart Parish School of Religion seeks to fulfill its role in the teaching mission of the Church by sharing the Word of God, providing a source of community of Catholic faith, and by encouraging and performing service to others. Our focus lies in the Gospel of Jesus. We believe the Word of God can take root and grow in each individual. Our goal is to support and guide our students on their journey to become active witnesses of the Word. Classes are held on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 to 7:15 p.m.

Retreats - Weekend retreats are offered at several locations in the area. Retreats may be made individually or with other parishioners.

Sacred Heart Kindergarten - Sacred Heart offers kindergarten, pre-kindergarten, and a program for three year olds. Children must be five years old on or before July 31 to enter kindergarten, four by the same date to enter pre-kindergarten, and three for the three year old program. Both full day and half day sessions are offered for kindergarten students. Pre-kindergarten children have the option of attending morning, afternoon, or an extended day (full-time) class. Class for the three year old are held Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning. All classes follow the traditional school calendar. A registration and monthly tuition fee is charged. There is an additional fee for after school care. Children need not be members of the parish or Catholic to attend.

Sacred Heart Learning Center - In Conjunction with the Department of Special Education, Sacred Heart maintains classrooms in various parochial schools for the purpose of educating children who have special learning needs. Classes are not graded, teaching is individualized, and the curriculum is adjusted to provide a balanced program of spiritual, academic, social, and personal experiences.

Sacred Heart School - Sacred Heart School helps prepare students to become active, productive participants in the Catholic Church and the larger community. We recognize each child as a gift from God and work with parents to meet the needs of each child. Our educational community is dedicated to providing opportunities for each student to achieve the fullest possible expression of their gifts in a safe, loving environment. As a Catholic school, we challenge the children to witness their faith to the world through their concern and service to others. It is through this faith-filled interaction with others that we bear witness to Christ and spread His Word. Sacred Heart is a tuition based school with grade levels from first through eighth grade.

Small Church Communities - Small Church Communities are groups of 4-12 people who meet in homes weekly or every other week. Our purpose is to help one another make the connection between our daily life and faith. The Small Church Communities engage in Scripture study, faith sharing, prayer, and community service.

Single Parents Faith Sharing Groups - This group is dedicated to helping single parents to cope with the difficulties involved in raising their children in a Christian manner. Attention is also given to the personal and spiritual development of the parents, especially those currently experiencing a divorce or separation. The group meets every Sunday night at 7:00 p.m., at one of the member's residence. New members are always welcome!

Scouting Programs

Scripture Study - Adult scripture study is offered at Sacred Heart on Monday afternoons from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. These sessions follow the Little Rock Scripture Study Program and are held in two, ten week sessions. One in the fall and one in the spring. An evening scripture study program which follows the same format could meet on Monday evenings if there is sufficient interest. New members are always welcome.

Sunday Preschool Program - This Preschool program is offered to 3, 4, and 5 year olds on Sunday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. during the regular school year. The content of the classes focuses on the gospel for each Sunday, using crafts, songs, and games to reinforce God's word. There is a $25.00 fee.

Youth Ministry - Sacred Heart shares a Youth Minister, Ms. Tracy Welsh, with three other Parishes. Regular meetings include a Prayer Meeting every Tuesday night at 7:00 at North American Martyrs Parish, and a Bible Study every Sunday night at 7:00 at Sacred Heart. Other activities include a Rec Night (time and place to be announced) and various service projects.

 

Christian Services

Blood Donor Program - The Blood Bank is the parish representative to the Bi-State Chapter of the Red Cross Blood Program. The Blood Bank is at the parish three times a year March, July, and November. Direct donations of blood can be applied to a particular person. If able, we encourage you to support the Red Cross by donating blood.

Caring Network - The Caring Network is a ministry of visitation for elderly or sick parishioners who are confined to their home. This ministry attempts to fulfill Christ's mandate to visit the sick and take care of the infirm. Those who are involved in this ministry visit the homebound in their homes for talk, prayer, and to help in household tasks.

Christian Service Commission - The Christian Service Commission promotes and coordinates programs that give parishioners an opportunity to witness their faith by serving in areas of charity and justice. Two of the many activities of the commission include the clothing and household goods collections and the Advent Giving Tree project. All parishioners are welcome to attend, join, or volunteer.

Food Pantry - The Food Pantry supplies food and other necessities to people within our parish boundaries who are suffering through unemployment, sickness or other hardships. Collections are held in April and October, but the barrel is always located in back of the church for items. If you are in need of help, please call the rectory.

Funeral Luncheons - The Funeral Luncheon Ministry is a service to the families of parishioners who have died. If you would like to donate your time or prepare a dish (about 2-3 times a year), please contact the chairperson. Requests for this luncheon must be approved by the pastor.

Life At Sacred Heart (Pro-Life) - All members of Sacred Heart Parish are members of this Pro-Life organization. As a parish family we strive to work together to promote respect for all human life - pre-born, newborn, children, adolescents, adults, or seniors. We also provide meals for women in the Parish who have recently had babies. Our work takes many forms, and we continually strive to participate in area wide activities which promote the sanctity of life. Meetings are held quarterly.

Oktoberfest Committee - Oktoberfest is celebrated during the fall as a homecoming for past and present parishioners. The celebration begins with Mass and continues throughout the day and evening with many activities, games, live entertainment, auctions, food and generally fun for all. Traditionally the theme is German. All are welcome to help in the many activities of Oktoberfest.

Prayer Chain - Sacred Heart prayer chain is a group of volunteers who pray for the needs of others. Prayer requests are given to the chairperson who notifies 'captains'. The captains notify those people assigned to them. In this way the prayer chain facilitates daily prayer requests efficiently and easily. Volunteers to help pray for others are welcome.

Sacred Heart Quilters - The Quilters are a group of women who gather weekly on Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to quilt. All you need is thread, a needle, and 'small stitches'. Everyone is welcome. Meetings are held in Room 6 on the lower level of Sacred Heart School. You do not have to belong to the parish to attend.

Sacred Heart Social Club - This club is a group of senior citizens who meet for social activities and fellowship on the fourth Sunday of the month from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Dues are $3.00 a year. After refreshments and a short business meeting, we enjoy an afternoon of bingo. Come as a guest and then join if you are 65 or older.

Special Activities Committee - This committee works on those activities which do not fall within the guidelines of other organizations or which arise out of a need or desire within the parish. Examples of activities include the Variety Show, the Thanks and Appreciation Gathering, New Years Eve Dance, the Haunted House, Sausage Supper, Trivia Night, and other social activities. Volunteers are welcome.

Stewardship Committee - This committee is dedicated to the development of the time, talent, and treasures of the entire Parish community. The Stewardship Committee is engaged in developing and executing a long-term plan to provide ongoing education of parishioners to stewardship as an ongoing expression of their lived faith.

St. Vincent DePaul Society - St. Vincent DePaul Society consists of men committed to serve those people in the parish who are in special need. Its funding comes from the sale of the Sunday Visitor, the annual collection, and other donations. This money is used to help pay bills, and provide material and financial aid.

Volunteers - There are many opportunities to serve the parish as a volunteer. Examples include clerical work at the rectory, church cleaning, school involvement, room parenting, as well as a variety of special activities and projects. Help is always welcome. Please contact the rectory for more information.

Welcoming Committee/Family Mentoring - The Welcoming Committee welcomes new parishioners as they join Sacred Heart community and helps them feel glad to be a part of our community. Each new parishioner is sent a greeting card and encouraged to call the chairperson if they have questions or would like someone to visit them. The Family Mentoring Committee assists new families, visitors, and homebound parishioners. Through the mentor program, families who are new to Sacred Heart School and/or Sacred Heart Parish are matched with mentor families who can help them become acclimated to the parish and school communities.

Widows/Widowers - This group of widows and widowers meet to give support, understanding, and fellowship to one another. Meetings are held the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the St. Louis Room. In rotation, the last Wednesday or the last Saturday of each month we have a special night out for dinner. All widows or widowers are welcome.

 

Community Involvement

Business/Community Committee - This committee interacts with the Florissant business community to foster relationships of mutual benefit. The committee solicits input from the business community on how we can serve their needs, sponsors informational meetings on business ethics, and solicits the involvement of the business community in school activities.  

Cultural Diversity Committee - A faith based committee which addresses the implications of Florissant's changing demographic composition and promotes appreciation, sensitivity, and acceptance of people from different cultures and ethnic backgrounds with the goal of helping to maintain a stable and culturally diverse community.

Dialogue Committee - The Dialogue Committee initiates dialogue among Florissant area parishes with the goal of developing a coalition for more effective use of the parishes' and schools' resources for education, evangelization, marketing, community revitalization and stabilization.

Marketing Committee - The Marketing Committee supports the School and the organizations of the Parish by providing expertise in all aspects of marketing. Increased enrollment in the School, greater communication among the parish organizations, and the promotion of the Parish within the Florissant community are the primary goals of the Marketing Committee.

 

Finance And Development

Archdiocesan Development Appeal - The Archdiocesan Development Appeal is made annually to collect funds through pledges and cash donations for Catholic education, retirement benefits, social/charitable ministries, and ecclesiastical services in the Archdiocese. The parish advance gifts chairperson organizes the advance drive in early April. The parish chairperson organizes the general drive in late April and May. Parishioners are urged to make their pledges or donations after the Masses. Workers then call on the remaining parishioners in their homes.

Finance Commission - The purpose of the Finance Commission is to review the needs of and make recommendations regarding the financial activity of the parish. Members are appointed by the Pastor. Meetings are held quarterly or as needed.

Site Planning Committee - This committee is comprised of parishioners representing key crafts in the building industry, for the purpose of maintaining and monitoring records of maintenance and improvements, developing a plan for preventative maintenance and regular improvements, and planning major improvement project.

Technology Committee - Sacred Heart School is committed to providing effective technological resources to our students, teachers, administrators, and parishioners. The Students' use of technology will: encourage problem solving, exploration and learning in the classroom, promote student-centered learning restructure the learning environment, increase student achievement, and encourage communication skills to become lifetime learners. As an educational hub of Sacred Heart Parish, our mission is to spread the Gospel message and maintain quality Catholic education.

 

Liturgy Commission

Acolytes - Acolytes are adults who assist the celebrant during Eucharistic celebrations and other liturgical events. Because of the public and communal nature of liturgical celebrations, and because they are an expression of the total person within a community, these celebrations involve more than the presiding minister. The acolyte represents just one part of those within the community of faith who participate in liturgical celebrations.

Altar Servers - God has called all of us to serve him in some way. Those in this ministry assist the deacon and celebrant, helping to promote the spiritual well-being of the community. Servers assist at weekday and Sunday Masses as well as other liturgical celebrations. All students of the parish in grades sixth through twelfth are invited to be a part of this ministry. Training sessions are provided. The scheduling is completed at the rectory. Please contact one of the priests if you are interested.

Art And Environment - Art and Environment provides for the care and physical look (decorations) of the sanctuary, altars, and surrounding areas in church for our liturgical celebrations. The liturgical year calls for certain requirements and changes during each of its seasons. Art and Environment along with the Liturgy Commission, helps plan and execute according to the needs of our liturgical celebrations. Questions or comments are most welcome.

Children's Liturgy - Children's liturgies are celebrated the third Sunday of each month at the 10:30 a.m. Mass. The purpose of these liturgies is to involve more fully children of the parish in the celebration of the Eucharist. During these celebrations, the children minister to the parish community as readers, choir members, greeters, and reenact the gospel message in the form of skits. All children of the parish are welcome to participate.

Eucharistic Ministers - Eucharistic ministers are members of the Body of Christ who are committed to the belief that we receive the Body and Blood of Christ in the Eucharist. In our participation together as a parish family, we are proclaiming all that Jesus has done. We have a desire to share this faith with others and to serve the Lord by ministering Eucharist to other believers. This includes assisting in the distribution of communion at Mass as well as ministering the Body of Christ to those who wish to participate at the Eucharistic celebration but cannot. Ministers take the Body of Christ to these 'shutins' after each Sunday Mass.

Lectors/Commentators - The ministry of lectoring is a service to the worshiping community through proclaiming the Word of God during liturgical celebrations. Serving as a commentator is also a part of the ministry. This is a ministry for those who have a love of scripture, and a desire and skill for proclaiming the Word of God. Part of the preparation includes prayer, meditation on the Word, and practice.

Music Ministry - Our ministry and purpose is to serve the praying community through music. We share as individuals and as a group our gifts and desire to give God glory and honor through the use of them.

Cantor - The role of the cantor in liturgical celebrations is to lead by singing and proclaiming God's Word, using voice and gesture in a visible way. If you have the gift of singing and a desire to share it through prayer, consider joining this ministry. We are all committed to share our gifts giving glory to God.

Guitar Choir - This choir is a contemporary group accompanied by guitar, bass guitar, piano, and drum. They minister at the noon Mass. Meetings are held on Tuesday evenings at 7:30. New members are welcome.

Organ Choir - This choir is a more traditional group which meets on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 in the church choir loft. New members are welcome.

Nocturnal Adoration Society - The Nocturnal Adoration Society is an association of Catholic men and women whose purpose and desire is to pray for at least one hour a month before the Blessed Sacrament. Catholics from several parishes meet at Sacred Heart for this time of prayer between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and midnight on the second Friday of each month. All are welcome to attend.

Sacristans - This group of volunteers, both men and women are dedicated to serving our Lord and our parish community by helping to provide a beautiful, clean place to worship. Sacristans clean vestments, altar cloths, acolyte and servers robes, as well as other articles used for services at the parish. Their ministry also includes cleaning the church building. Volunteers are welcome.

Ushers' Ministry - Through this liturgical ministry, ushers are called to provide a very special service to the gathering community. It is their responsibility to help create and maintain a climate of hospitality within our Eucharistic assemblies. They help those coming to celebrate by making them feel welcome, accepted, loved, and glad to be present. They give assistance to all by helping with the seating, by gathering the collection and by providing other special services. Meetings are held quarterly and new members are welcome. If you have a love for people and a desire to serve, consider joining this ministry.

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