Ministries

Volunteer now – giving back! Are you interested in volunteering for one or more of our ministries? Contact the cluster office.
 
Spiritual growth and renewal are a continuing part of the life of any Christian. They are also basic parts of our parish life. An important part of this spiritual growth is embodied in the principle of stewardship. Through stewardship, we thank God for all His blessings by returning to Him a portion of time and talent He has given to us.
 
Spend some time in prayerful thought about stewardship and your relationship with the Lord and consider which of the following ministries might be best suited to your talents. Parishioners of the Spirit of the Mountain Cluster are of all ages, backgrounds and talent. Stewardship opportunities are abundant and diverse. Please consider some of the ministry opportunities.
 
TIME. How much time do you set aside each week in prayer and involvement in volunteer activities in your parish and in our community? Reach out to our Pastor for the ministry you feel is best suited to you and share what time you have available.
 
TALENT. How are you using your talents for the betterment of our parish family and for the community as a whole? Share with the Pastor your choice of what you bring to the table as our talents are as varied as are our parishes.
 
TREASURE. What percentage of your yearly income do you presently give to support your parish, the Universal Church, and community activities? To accept the challenge of stewardship, we must accept God’s invitation to enter deeply into the mission and ministry of Jesus and the Church. Whether you contribute during weekly mass collections, through mailed envelopes, or through on-line giving, your contribution is greatly appreciated and much needed. The existence of our churches in Coeburn, St. Paul, and Lebanon and the family we have become is a direct result of parishioners and others’ financial support. We thank you for your generosity and stewardship.
 
Please click on the following links to learn more:

Liturgy

Liturgical Ministries work in collaboration with the Pastor and to enhance the Eucharistic celebrations. Liturgical ministry is an excellent opportunity to fulfill your baptismal call of service to one another. Our liturgies utilize the talents and gifts that God has given this community to the fullest extent. Whether participation is through “behind the scenes” preparation and planning or through a public role of service within the Mass, parishioner contributions help our liturgies to be truly life-giving celebrations. Please prayerfully consider joining one of these ministries.
 
ALTAR LINENS: “The manner in which we treat sacred things fosters and expresses our openness to the graces God gives to his Church in every celebration of the Eucharist. Thus, by the diligent care of altar linens, the Church expresses her joy at the inestimable gifts she receives from Christ’s altar.” Excerpt from The Catholic Liturgical Library – Bishop’s Committee on the Liturgy – Care and Cleansing of Altar Linens, March 19, 2001.
 
This ministry is responsible for sometimes making, but primarily laundering the altar linens used during liturgy. Linens are usually picked up after Mass and delivered by the following weekend. When there are Baptisms, there will be towels to be washed. These can be returned by the following weekend.
 
ALTAR SERVER/CROSS BEARERS: The main task of the server is to model liturgical prayer with grace and reverence and enter whole-heartedly into the public worship of the community. Altar servers are expected to be familiar with the ebb and flow of liturgy, to anticipate each movement, cue and need. Open to boys and girls having received their First Communion. The various tasks are: carry the cross, hold the book of prayers for the priest celebrant, carry the incense and censer, present the bread, wine, and water to the priest during the preparation of the gifts or assist him when he receives the gifts from the people, wash the hands of the priest, assist the priest celebrant and deacon as necessary. Cross bearers must be able to carry the cross and place into and remove from the stand. Altar server training sessions are offered throughout the year with the expectation of regular attendance.
 
EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION: Confirmed practicing Catholics assist the priests (who are the ordinary ministers of Holy Communion) in the distribution of Holy Communion during Mass. They may also bring the Holy Communion to those who are homebound, in nursing homes or hospitals, or in prison (see Pastoral Care). Ministry formation and training sessions are offered throughout the year with the expectation of regular attendance. This ministry is recommended if you have a love and reverence for the Eucharist.
 
LECTORS: The spirit of the parish community will be nourished through the meaningful proclamation of the Word of God. Lectors, who are confirmed practicing Catholics, proclaim the scriptures during the Liturgy of the Word. (Lectors may not be confirmed.) This ministry is recommended if you have a clear speaking voice and a love for the Word of God.
 
MASS COORDINATORS: Confirmed practicing Catholics are responsible for preparing the liturgical books, vessels, linens, hosts, and wine, overseeing minister sign-in, as well as cleaning the vessels after Mass. They are also responsible for the procession of the gifts and offertory collection. An ability to multi-task is important for this ministry.
 
MUSIC MINISTRY: The Christian faithful who gather together as one to await the Lord’s coming are instructed by the Apostle Paul to sing together Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (cf. Col 3:16). Singing is the sign of the heart’s joy (cf. Acts 2:46). Thus Saint Augustine says rightly, “Singing is for one who loves.” There is also the ancient proverb: “One who sings well prays twice.” Open to children and adults of all ages who enjoy singing or playing an instrument. Please join us in helping the parish communicate with God through music.
 

Parish Life

Spirit of the Mountain is a Cluster of welcoming community churches. Parish Life is responsible for promoting Christian community within the parish. Events held require: coordinators, volunteers, cooking or donating food, servers, and people to help with set up, take down and clean up after an event.
 
Parish Life Ministry is for every member of our parish! Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance in choosing something that will serve your God and your community and strengthen your faith in the best way possible.
 

Social Justice

Through our ministries, we, as Catholic Christians, share our beliefs with each other and the community. And we demonstrate our willingness to help others inside as well as outside the walls of our Cluster churches. Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance in choosing how you will serve your God and your community, and strengthen your faith in the best way possible. The Social Ministry reaches out to serve people throughout our community.
 
FUEL & HUNGER GRANT PROGRAM: When funds are available assistance is provide to those in need assisting with fuel and food requests.
 
VIRGINIA CATHOLIC CONFERENCE: A political action coalition of the Richmond and Arlington dioceses. While active all year at the federal level, the main emphasis is on the Virginia General Assembly during January and February. Members try to promote Christian moral issues and bills to favor the marginalized of our state. Please contact Virginia Catholic Conference directly at https://vacatholic.org/