Altar servers assist in the celebration of the parish liturgies through their role in helping to facilitate the prayer and ritual experience of the community.  This ministry is open to boys and girls.  Altar servers need to be Baptized and receive Holy Communion, be at least in the 5th grade, and participate in the communities liturgical celebrations on a regular basis.  To be an altar server involves training sessions during which a variety of elements such as use of liturgical colors and religous objects, and various Catholic celebrations such as Mass, weddings and funerals are explored.  When the training has been completed, new altar servers are teamed up with experienced servers until they feel comfortable with their ministry. 

The role of those involved in church cleaning is to provide our parish community with a clean and organized area in which to worship.  Cleaning the church includes tasks such as vacuuming, dusting, and sweeping.  Teams take turns providing these services and usually serve about once a month.  All parishioner are welcome to participate by either joining an existing team or forming a new one.

Environmental Ministry focuses on planning and creating the physical space for worship, based on the liturgy and the various seasons of the church calendar (i.e. Lent, Easter, Advent, Christmas, and Ordinary Time).  Environmental Ministers decorate and prepare the church in a manner which fosters moods of festivity, penance, or anticipation, and thus, play an important role in the creation of the sacred space in which we worship together as a community.  A support person  and resources are available to assist those who are interested in learning about and becoming involved in this ministry.  If you enjoy decorating and have an eye for design, you will enjoy this ministry. 

The Parish Facilities Committee is composed of a group of parishioners who are joined together by their common interest in the maintenance of the parish physical plant.  Each member shares his/her expertise in an area of his/her interest, which gives the committee a wide scope and depth of knowledge.  Committee members observe and report on the condition of parish buildings, make recommendations concerning the course of action to take in reference to maintenance and repair, and perform such maintenance and repair as members are capable.

The Finance Council is a consultative body which provides the Pastor with advice concerning the stewardship of parish fiscal resources.  Areas in which the council assist the Pastor include:  conducting long-range planning with regard to funding operational and capital needs of the parish, developing and overseeing a parish budget process which results in an annual parish budget, providing financial analysis of current fiscal status reports, and providing fiscal analysis of proposed goals, strategies and programs.  The Finance Council has significant responsibility for the stewardship of parish financial resources. 

Team members serve the parish community by providing a social setting in the parish hall where families can gather after the funeral service.  Team members set up tables and chairs, make coffee, tea, and punch, and serve food provided by the family. 

Lay Eucharistic ministers are commissioned by the Pastor to serve the community as ministers of the body and blood of Christ.  They serve at Eucharistic celebrations including Sunday and Holy Day Masses.  This ministry is open to Confirmed, practicing Catholics in a valid, Catholic marriage (where applicable) who have a deep love for the Eucharist  As the Church, we are Eucharist to each other and to the world; share this gift with the parish community.  Training will be provided. 

Lay Eucharistic Ministers are commissioned by the pastor to serve the homebound with the Word of God and the Body of Christ.  The focus of ministers is on those members of the parish community who are sick, hospitalized, homebound, and otherwise unable to be present with the community at Eucharistic celebrations.

The lector proclaims God's Word at Eucharistic celebrations and at other liturgical events throughout the year.  The lector is a volunteer minister from the assembly who is trainined to understand and proclaim God's Word more effectively.  Lectors are asked to attend formal training sessions and workshops.  This ministry is always in need of committed individuals who have a love for the Word of God, and can speak well in public.

The goal of the music ministers is to enhance the liturgy through leading the assembly in prayer and song.  Music groups in our parish include musicians, cantors, a Traiditional Choir, a Contemporary Choir and a Youth Choir.  New members are welcome to join any of our groups. If you have been given the gift of music, please use it in service of the Lord. 

The Pastoral Council is a consultative body whose members assist the Pastor with his unifying, coordinating, and policy-making responsibilities for the parish.  The council works with the Pastor in providing recommendations for parish priorities and directions.  Members need to be registered, supporting, and active members of the parish; and must have an understanding and commitment to the principles of Vatican II.

The St. Bernadette Conference of the St. Vincent de Paul Society is a separate, lay organization which functions cooperatively with the parish to help the needy.  It is one of 44 conferences in Washington, comprised of lay people who want to deepen their faith through their one-on-one service to the poor.   Volunteers make home visits, purchase and bag food, provide clerical support, and search for new agencies which are available to help the needy.  The Conference welcomes anyone committed to helping others, and will provide the training necessary for active membership.

 

The St. Bernadette Seniors group is open to all parishioners who have reached the age of 55 years.  The purpose of this group is to further the spiritual life of its members, provide social activities, and work for the betterment of the parish. 

The ushers assist the congregation in becoming a warmer and more hospitable community.  As greeters, these men and women model how we can reach out to our neighbors in sincere greeting.  They also ensure the safety and well-being of the assembly during our worship times.  Ushers serve as a sign of community, grace, joy, and reverence.  If you can smile, you can volunteer to usher. 

This ministry is open to parishioners ages 18 -- 35.  The purpose of this group is to further the spiritual life of its members through a variety of social, liturgical, prayer and outreach activities.