Gate of Heaven Parish

Altar Servers

Beginning in grade four and continuing through high school, boys and girls have the opportunity to serve at the Altar of God. As altar servers, these children not only assist our priests during the mass, but also lead the congregation in prayer with positive attitudes. Older servers in high school provide training to young servers and participate in special masses such as weddings, confirmation, and the Easter Vigil. This is a great opportunity for our young people to share their talents.

Adult Altar Servers

Adult altar servers serve the daily 7am and 9am masses. You can also be an important part of our funeral liturgies. We welcome anyone to share in this ministry. Don't be shy! Training is provided and scheduling is flexible.

Lectors

Lectors proclaim the Word of God and read the Prayers of the Faithful during Mass. The lector's role is very important to the liturgy. Lectors must be prepared to effectively proclaim the Word of God. Youth, young adults, and all others are welcome to this ministry.

Eucharistic Ministers

Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist are confirmed members of the Church who assist the priests and deacons in the distribution of the Body and Blood of Christ. This very special ministry requires training to assist the men and women to faithfully give the Body of Christ.

Ushers

Ushers take up the collection during Mass and arrange for the gifts of bread and wine to be brought to the altar. They welcome those attending Mass and handle any emergencies which might arise. Men and women are invited to serve the parish in this capacity.

Daily Mass Lectors/Eucharistic Ministers

Daily mass lectors proclaim the Word of God at the 7am and 9am Masses. The ministers assist with the distribution of Holy Communion. New lectors and ministers would be greatly welcomed. Scheduling is very flexible.

Parish Pastoral Council

The Parish Pastoral Council is consultative body formed to advise and assist the Pastor in the spiritual and material administration of the parish. It also serves to help facilitate communication between the priests and the parishioners. Interested parishioners are needed for this committee and meetings are held 5 times a year.

Parish Finance Council

The Parish Finance Council is a consultative body formed to advise and assist the Pastor in his administrative and financial responsibilities in the parish. Parishioners with expertise in business, finance, accounting, personnel and law are particularly encouraged to offer their services. Meetings are held approximately 5 times a year.

Social Events Committee

We would like to have more social events for both our parishes. Things such as suppers, day trips, and a night out on the town can add much to the life of a parish. We need a few dedicated parishioners to help plan and execute these special times. Please step forward if you are interested in this new and exciting ministry.

RCIA

The RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is a program for adults who are preparing to be fully initiated into the Catholic Church. It is designed primarily for those who have never been baptized, Catholics who have never received their First Holy Communion, or those who belong to another Christian church and wish to become Catholic. This program meets each Sunday evening beginning in September and ending in May. Confirmed Catholics are needed to assist in teaching the faith. Joining the RCIA team is a wonderful way to share your faith with others.

Adult Confirmation

This program is designed for baptized Catholics who have received First Holy Communion but not the sacrament of Confirmation. It is a five-week program held Tuesday evenings during January and February. All are welcome to assist in this program.

Religious Education

The Religious Education Program provides for the education in the faith of our young people. Its aim is to educate them in the doctrines of the Church and to teach the life of faith as the young people prepare to receive the sacraments. Teachers are needed but there are also other ways to volunteer in these programs.

K-5 meets from 9:15 to 10:15 on Sunday mornings and attends the 10:30 Mass together. This program lasts for about 25 Sundays running from September through April.

Middle School, grades 6-7, meet once a month Sunday afternoons from September through April.

Confirmation students, grades 8 and 9, meet 8 Sundays a year from 4:15-7:00 pm. Students and volunteers attend the 6 pm Mass as a group. Energetic young adults can be a great asset to this program, providing positive role models of life in the faith.

Baptismal Preparation

Our baptismal catechesis program involves both parents and godparents. Married couples and our priests direct the program which reviews the Baptism Rite with those who are present and offer explanation as to the meaning of the symbols used in the ceremony. Training is provided and a once a month commitment is requested.

Married Couples for Pre-Cana Program

Once a year in February, the Marriage Preparation Program, Pre-Cana, seeks to prepare engaged couples for a life long commitment in the Sacrament of Marriage. During the program, a variety of topics are presented by married couples followed by discussions. Volunteer married couples are encouraged to share their day-to-day experiences with engaged couples to help them better understand and explore aspects of married life. Due to the size of this program, many married couples are needed in order to make it effective. Please consider being a part of this very important ministry. Training will be provided.

Vocation Cross

Praying for vocations to the priesthood, deaconate, and religious life is everybody's business. It is also our role to pray for those who are single or have chosen marriage as their vocation. Each week, a family, married couple, or single person will take home our Vocation Cross and pray for all vocations during the week. This program will be conducted in both parishes so please sign up to assist in this important ministry.

Office Volunteers

Occasionally we need help in the parish assisting with offices tasks or organizing special mailings. A little time can help so much. If you can assist us in these important projects, your time and energy would be greatly appreciated.

Hospitality Committee

The Hospitality Committee assists in providing coffee and donuts after Mass one Sunday a month. The committee may also assist in the organization, set up, and service of refreshments at a variety of parish events.

Decorations Committee

This group offers parishioners the opportunity to assist in the preparation and decoration of the worship space of our churches with plants, greenery, and other seasonal decorations. Responsibilities might include the weekly watering and care of the plants in the sanctuary. Extra time is needed for Christmas and Easter seasons to set up all the wonderful flowers. An artistic eye is of great value on this committee.

Liturgy of the Word for Children

During the Mass, children grades kindergarten through five are given the opportunity to learn as a group about the readings and Gospel. Volunteers are needed to organize the children, distribute readings, and present the lesson found in the day’s readings. Through this wonderful opportunity, adults are able to truly bring the Word of God to the children in our midst.This program is currently at St. Brigid, but we need your help to expand it to Gate of Heaven.

Music

“To sing in the worship of God is to pray twice” St. Augustine once said. Music is an important aspect of our liturgical celebrations. There are many opportunities for people with varying experience and of differing ages to share their talents. The music program includes the adult choir, childrens choir and a bell choir. Rehearsals take place once a week and the choirs participate on rotating schedules. Training is provided by our music director.

1000 A Month Club Volunteers

The St. Brigid 1000 A Month Club meets every first Sunday after the 10:30am mass to offer coffee, donuts, and a raffle for our parish. The Gate of Heaven 1000 A Month Club meets the first Monday evening of every month. The money raised supports our schools. Both clubs could use your assistance either with helping to run the raffle or simply to join in buying a number and enjoying an hour of fun.

Pancake Breakfasts

Every month during the school year, Gate of Heaven and St. Brigid Parishes sponser Pancake Breakfasts following Sunday Mass. These breakfasts are only possible with the help of adults to prepare the food and children to serve. This has proven to be a great success in the past and we hope to expand it with your help during this monthly fun, family event.

St Brigid Centennial 2008

St. Brigid Parish will be celebrating its centennial in 2008 in conjunction with the 200th Anniversary of the Archdiocese of Boston. We are planning a year of celebration, ministry, and renewal leading up to this event. This will include many components and we need help with the following committees:
* Centennial Commemorative Book
* Historical Photo Coordinator
* Event volunteers

Pine Street Inn

Approximately once a month, a group of parishioners volunteer at the Pine Street Inn and assist in serving a meal. We are seeking additional people who may be interested in assisting with this most worthwhile cause. The committment would be about 3 hours every month. Please consider offering some of your time to this important endeavor.

Gate Keepers

Gate of Heaven Cleaning Committee

This group cleans Gate of Heaven Church twice a year. For many years, a few faithful parishioners have handled this big task. Now that our restoration is complete, we are looking for additional volunteers to assist in maintaining the beauty of our Church. Some "Keepers" also help in the ordering, cleaning, and basic upkeep of the altar linens, sacred vessels, candles, and bread and wine.

Decorating Committee

This primarily involves time being spent decorating Gate of Heaven Church for our Christmas and Easter celebrations. However, help is also needed year round in caring for plants and flowers.

St. Martha Guild

St Brigid Cleaning Committee

At St Brigid Parish, every few months, parishioners are asked to help with the dusting and cleaning of the church. It is very important to polish the beautiful wood in the altar area. We welcome the young and the not so young to assist in this very important role. It is also a good way for families to get together and help out in our parishes. If you can assist in anyway please consider volunteering for this service.

Decorating Committee

Another important role of the St. Martha Guild is in the preparation and decoration of the worship space of St. Brigid Church with plants, greenery, and other seasonal decorations. Responsibilities might include the weekly watering of plants. This group is vital during Christmas and Easter. Your help would be greatly appreciated.

Arise: Together In Christ

Arise: Together In Christ, is a parish-centered process of spirtual renewal and evangelization that enables people to develop a closer relationship with Christ, grow in community, and reach out in service to others. The goals of the Arise process are:
* Teaching and witnessing to the Word of God in Sacred Scripture
* Developing vibrant communities of faith and service
* Implementing a strategy for adult faith formation
* Providing a concrete and practical means of evangelization

Cardinal Sean has asked that during the bicentennial celebration of the diocese that all parishes participate in this renewal process and we are excited to do so. We are looking for lay leaders to assist the priests and parish staff in this wonderful opportunity for our parishes. Young and old alike are needed for this program and training will be provided.