One of the most important things Christian people do is to gather on the Lord's Day so that its members may sit at the table of God's Word and at the table of God's Eucharist. Listening to the stories of one's spiritual forbearers and sharing in the Lord's body and blood allow us not only to grow as Christians, but also to reveal in ritual fashion what it means to be a community forming the very body of Christ in the world today.

Proclaimers of the Word

Proclaim God's word during the celebration of the Eucharist. Proclaimers are scheduled monthly. Preparation includes prayer and study of the weekly scriptures, 15 minutes before and after Mass in preparation and procession.

Eucharistic Ministers

Who are Eucharistic Ministers? Any person, 18 years or older, approved by the Pastor and delegated by the Archbishop to serve the parishioners of St. Francis Xavier. After appropriate formation, which involved attending Archdiocesan workshops and training at St. Francis Xavier Parish, Eucharistic Ministers serve on a rotating schedule according to their availability and Mass attendance.

The call to distribute the Eucharist during Mass or to the ill or homebound is that and more. It means a fresh chance to be in ways that the Lord will reveal, what they share with others who come to the table.

Eucharistic Ministers have a significant opportunity to be touched in new ways by the profound mystery in which they participate. Their function in St. Francis Xavier Parish, indeed their call to ministry, is an invitation to grow in their discipleship with the Lord in serving God's people.

It is a ministry worth discovering-a ministry worth your service!
 

Liturgy Committee

Preparation of seasonal liturgies, long-term planning and evaluation. Ongoing formation. Meets regularly the first Thursday of every month.
 

Altar Servers

This liturgical ministry assists the priest during the liturgical celebration. Open to all young people from 4th grade and older, and to all adults. The 4th graders are Squires and serve as substitutes; 5th graders and older are on teams serving at regular intervals all throughout the year. An interested individual should be living within St. Francis Xavier's Parish or in the immediate surrounding parishes. A 4-month serving schedule is given to each server so that he/she is aware when to serve. At present, the Altar Server Organization has 52 servers and 6 adult servers. The adult servers alternate with the younger servers serving at the 4:00 P.M. Saturday Vigil Mass, and at the 7:00 A.M. Sunday Mass. This is a great way for young people to learn discipline and accountability. Father Taormina will be happy to train the prospective server and, depending on the grade level, will be put on a team or be made a Squire.
 

Sanctuary Society

The Sanctuary Society is open to all parishioners who would like to help maintain and clean the sanctuary. Flowers, linens and candles are just a few examples of the responsibilities of the society. Members prepare the altar and church for worship. Responsibilities divided include care of vestments, altar vessels, linens, white garments for baptism, special decorations for the church and seasonal decor of the worship space. People are needed who have gifts in floral design, fabric art (sewing, weaving, and quilting), horticulture, interior design, and any other artistic gifts that may contribute to the beauty of our worship space. Youth are especially invited to assist with seasonal decor. The group meets every Thursday after the 8: 00 A.M. Mass to complete their tasks.
 

Ushers

Ministers of Hospitality greet parishioners, seat the people, make them comfortable, receive offerings, and prepare the offertory of bread and wine to be carried forward by various parishioners (at the celebration of the Eucharist). They also provide order and direction during the Mass. New members are needed for most Masses.
 

Adoration Chapel

Volunteers are needed to staff and pray at our 24-hour chapel in the presence of the Eucharist. Commitment is one hour per week.
 

Radio Rosary

The daily broadcast of the rosary; sponsored by the Holy Name Society, airs at 6:00 P.M. on radio station WVOG. Once monthly, St. Francis Xavier is host to this worthwhile cause.