What can you do for your parish?

Catholics often think that because the Church is so well established there are “people” to do every job within the parish. Frankly, without the help and support of those of us in the pews, not even the lights of our parish would stay on. Each parish needs each of us to help and support the pastor and his associates to do the important work of our Lord and his Church. What can you do to help?

1. Pray

The best way you can serve your parish is with your active participation in Mass every weekend and Holy Day of Obligation. When you join your prayers to those of your fellow parishioners, and show, by your presence, how important you feel it is to participate in the Eucharistic life of your parish, you strengthen the entire Body of Christ. While at Mass and in your personal prayer time, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in other ways you can serve your parish.

2. Find the right job

We are all recipients of different gifts. Can you carry a tune? Maybe you belong in the choir. Can you usher on Sundays or Holy Days? Maybe festivities like the Parish Picnic, Fall Festival, Easter or Christmas celebrations are more to your liking? Take an honest look at your God given attributes, and think about how you can use them best. Have a gift for public speaking? Sign up for Lector training or teach Religious Education. Enjoy the great outdoors? Become a part of the grounds committee, cutting grass and planting flowers. Ask your pastor or parish secretary for suggestions.

3. Read the bulletin

The bulletin is the rectory’s way of connecting with all parishioners. Take one every week and read it from front to back. You’ll see upcoming events and calls to action for ministries that need help. Become fully informed about what is going on in your own parish.

4. Call the office

Call the parish office and find out where else help is needed. There may be areas that haven’t made it into the bulletin.

5. Check the web

We will do our best to keep this site current and updated. Is there something you want to see here or a question you want answered? Write to secretary@sjbwoodstock.org.

6. Bring a friend 

That first step is so much easier when you bring someone with you. Ask a friend to attend a meeting with you. Sign up as a couple or family to serve together.

7. Teach a class

Coordinator of Religious Education, Liz Powell, is responsible for educating the students in the Saint John Bosco religious education program. That takes a whole lot of volunteer teachers and aides, parking lot and hall monitors. Continuing education is available, terrific classroom materials and all the support you could want. Contact the religious education office at religioused@sjbwoodstock.org if you are a practicing, Confirmed Catholic and virtus/diocesan compliant who can help.

8. Search the parish ministries

Check out our extensive list of parish ministries and groups and see what appeals to you. It may be referred to as “opportunities for time and talent,” or “stewardship opportunities.” Or, you can call it “opportunities to make new friends.” Your choice, there is something for everyone or maybe you want to suggest something new.

9. Stay after Mass for coffee and fellowship

After the 7:30am and 9:30am Masses on Sunday for coffee in the Hanley Hall of the Holy Family Center. It’s a wonderful time for fellowship.  You may meet someone new or be able to brighten a lonely person’s day and never know it just by taking the time to smile and say “hello.”

10. Just do it!

The first step is always the hardest – find something that catches your eye, and give it a try!