Prayer & Worship Commission

MISSION: In Jesus Christ we will grow and flourish through prayer and worship. We will celebrate God's relationship with us in ways that enhance our spiritual growth and deepen our spiritual life.

Contacts:

Larry Gundrum, Commission Lead, ljgundrum@aol.com

Eileen Szuba, Vice Commission Lead, 847-327-9778, eileenszuba@gmail.com

	The ministry of Altar Server is open to adults and children who are entering 5th grade and older, who wish to minister to the community by serving at Mass. Altar servers need to be members of St. Joseph Parish, and to have celebrated the Sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist (if children) and Confirmation, as well, if adults. After having successfully completed a minimum of 10 training sessioins you will be scheduled to serve at Mass.
	The Bereavement Ministry provides compassionate and loving assistance to the bereaved parishioner and/or family of parishioners. The Bereavement ministers help the family prepare for and participate in the funeral liturgy (Mass of Christian Burial). They describe the workings of the funeral liturgy and the meaning of the symbols and assist the family in selecting the readings and music and gather the memories of the deceased to be incorporated into the funeral homily.
	Children's Liturgy of the Word is an opportunity for children in Grades 1-4 to celebrate the Liturgy of the Word in an age-appropriate way. Adults, junior high and high school students share in the leadership roles for this children's liturgy. A planning team prepares the liturgical content and service for each session.
	Environment and Art Teams: This Ministry strives to create a visual and artistic environment that encourages and stimulates the participation of the worshipping community in the celebration of the Liturgy. It consists of people who combine their love for the church with their willingness to share their gifts to provide a prayerful environment for our parish community planning and preparing the worship space for the liturgical season.
	The Ecumenical and Interreligious Ministry strives to further understanding and cooperation among religions by promoting shared prayer experiences among congregations in Libertyville.
	Eucharistic Ministers (Extra-Ordinary Minsters of the Eucharist) are the instrument through which the community shares in the gift of the Eucharist. The minister shares the Body and Blood of Christ with the community, the Body of Christ. The ministry is open to fully initiated members of the community who are committed to responding to the call of their baptism by their humble service to the community during Eucharistic Celebrations. Those who minister as EOMs give themselves in service of those who turn to the risen Lord for the nourishment that only He can give. those who accept this responsibility need to have a spiritual attitude of reverence for the Body and Blood of Christ.
Family Mass Ministries	Family Mass is celebrated at 10:45 am on Sundays in the Koenig Center It is an opportunity for families to worship together in a smaller, more intimate worship community. Family Mass Ministry offers families the opportunity to participate together as a family in ministerial roles during the liturgy. *The Host Family* prepares the altar before the liturgy and assists in putting things away after the liturgy. Proclaimers proclaim the reading from the Sacred Scriptures to the assembly. *Altar Servers* assist the priest at liturgy and lead the community in prayer. Training is provided. Eucharistic Ministers are mandated members of the parish community who, in response to the call of their baptism, serve the community by helping distribute the Body and Blood of Christ at liturgy. Greeters and Ushers welcome families to Family Mass and distribute Worship Aids and Carpenters. This is a wonderful ministry in which all members of the family can participate.
	The Keepers' of the Feast do the liturgy planning for our community. This group is made up of people of all ages and backgrounds under the guidance of the Director of Liturgy and the Director of Music.
	The Legion of Mary meets on Saturday morning to pray the rosary asking for God's grace for our parish and priests and for the worldwide Church. They also do works of evangelization.
	Liurgy Coordinators
	Ministers of Care serve those who are ill, homebound or handicapped by bringing the Blessed Sacrament to them in their homes, in the hospital or in the area nursing homes.
	Ministers of Praise are homebound parishioners who pray in their own homes or care facilities for the well-being of the parish as well as for needs as they arise.
	Music Ministy: This Ministry brings seasonally appropriate music to our daily and weekly liturgies, and invites us to participate more fully through hymns and sung prayer. Our Cantors, Traditional Choir, Contemporary Choir, Youth Choir, Hand Bell Choir, and Family Mass music provide us with inspiring voices and instrumentals each week. Our Resurrection Choir adds comforting vocal support to our Funeral Liturgies. A love of God, love of music, singing, playing an instrument, and leading others to Him through music at Worship are the most important qualifications. Music Ministry Website
	Prayer and Healing Ministry: This ministry is composed of people who are experiencing a serious illness. This is a support group to pray and converse.The leader leads discussions based on biblical stories of healing. Meetings are held on the 2nd Wednesday of every month at 10AM. This ministry renews Spirit through friendship and prayer.
	Prayer Shawl Ministry: The Prayer Shawl Ministry provides anyone in need with a prayer shawl that was created in prayer. Dedicated ministers provide lap blankets for those in wheel chairs, and the ministers meet during the day so that seniors who are not as comfortable about leaving their homes at night can be involved.There are additional members who create prayer shawls in their homes. The Prayer Shawl Ministry meets once a month.
	Proclaimer: Those who serve in this ministry proclaim the Word of the Lord that is read at each liturgy. This ministry calls people who have a deep love of the Sacred Scriptures and are interested in sharing their gift with the community. Training is provided along with a yearly renewal.
	Sacristan : Those who serve in this ministry do all that is necessary to keep our sanctuary, sacristy, vessels and vestments clean and in the best condition for our worship of God. This ministry is open to all who have a love for the liturgy and a desire to provide the best environment for the community worship. Training will be provided.
	Usher: Those who serve in this ministry serve as hospitality ministers for those in the worshipping assembly. They welcome, seat people, accommodate special needs, solicit people to present the gifts, taking care of any emergencies and help facilitate the collection. This ministry is open to all who have a genuine love for the people of the community and a willingness to serve them as they worship. Training provided.

The ministries this commission is responsible for are subject to change.