St. Matthew Catholic Church

Goals & Purpose: To assist the priest in the celebration of the liturgy during Mass.

Responsibilities: To help the priest through various duties such as lighting, carrying & extinguishing candles, holding books, ringing bells, and actively participating in the liturgy.

Time Commitment: Altar servers are scheduled at all weekend Masses and special liturgies throughout the year. They may occasionally be asked to serve at funerals and weddings.

Training Requirement: Initial training sessions are held throughout the year and annual training is required.

Leader: Starr Helms ([email protected])

Did you know that there are numerous people mentioned in Scripture who did "small" tasks for Jesus and his disciples?

Lydia allowed Paul to stay in her house while he preached. (Acts 16:11-15; 40. Philippians 4:2.)
Tabitha sewed and gave to the needy in her community. (Acts 9:36-42)
Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna "provided for them out of their resources." (Luke 8:1-3)

The Altar Society does similar work for Christ today by washing and caring for the altar linens used at Mass. This group collects the corporals, purificators and lavabo towels used in the celebration of Mass each week and takes them home to launder them, returning them the following week.

Responsibilities include: washing the linens and returning them on a weekly basis, ironing the corporals and purificators, and folding the lavabo towels.

To participate in this ministy, you will need a laundry bag to collect the linens, a washing machine, a clothes dryer, laundry detergent, an iron, and linen starch spray. 

Please note: participants in this ministry will be assigned to pick up linens on a weekly basis for one month at a time. Stains need to be removed, linens washed and ironed, and returned within the week.

If you are interested in being added to the schedule and receive instruction on how each particular linen gets washed, folded, etc. please contact Autumn Haubner at: [email protected], or (910) 508-5650.

Goals & Purpose: To assist the priest and deacons with Holy Communion during Mass.

Responsibilities: To serve Holy Communion at assigned Masses and to assist with before Mass setup and clean up after Mass. A Eucharistic Minister must be 16 years old, be a member in good standing with the Catholic Church and be confirmed.

Time Commitment: Arrive early for scheduled Masses and stay after Mass until cleanup is complete.

Training Requirement: Annual training is required.

Leader: Bonnie Kaplan ([email protected])

Goals & Purpose: To assist the priest and deacons by delivering Holy Communion weekly or as scheduled to those who are recovering from illness, are homebound, disabled, hospitalized, or are permanent residents of an area nursing home or hospice.

Responsibilities: Must have received Extraordinary Minister of Communion training and be a member in good standing with the Catholic Church.

Time Commitment: Varies.

Training Requirement: Additional and annual training required. Contact leader for more information.

Leader: Bonnie Kaplan

Goals & Purpose: Members of this ministry are responsible for meeting, greeting, and welcoming parishioners and visitors before and after Mass. In addition, they help distribute song sheets and bulletins, seat people, assist in the collection, and coordinate any emergency situations that may arise during the liturgy.

Responsibilities: Be ready to greet with a smile and a willingness to assist others. Secure a replacement if unable to serve at assigned Mass.

Time Commitment: Various Mass times, according to the schedule.

Training Requirement: Contact leaders for more information.

Leaders: John Onuh

Goals & Purpose: Lectors proclaim the sacred scriptures during the Liturgy of the Word.

Responsibilities: Independent practice of assigned reading using the Lector Workbook prior to assigned date. Delivery of the Word should be accurate in pronunciation with articulate enunciation. Secure a replacement if unable to serve at assigned Mass.

Time Commitment: Allow time for personal practice and show up at assigned Mass.

Training Requirement: Lector training is offered as needed. Contact the leader for more information.

Leader: Simon Hukin

We strive to provide Mass opportunities for our parishioners, even when they are unable to physically be present with us for worship. We strive to broadcast one English and one Spanish Mass per weekend, as well as daily Masses throughout the week. In order to continue serving our homebound community, we are looking for volunteers to add to the livestreaming team.