LITURGICAL MINISTRIES

Altar Servers

Altar servers are parishioners grades six and older who assist at weekend Masses and on major feasts of the year. On-going training is provided throughout the year.

Baptism Preparation Ministry

These volunteers meet with parents who have requested the Sacrament of Baptism for their children. They do home visits and group gatherings where parents are prepared for their child’s Baptism and for their life-long faith development.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW)

Adult and teen volunteers proclaim the Sunday readings and Gospel reflection on a child’s level during Sunday Masses. Parents are welcome to attend with their children ages 4-10.

Environment & Art

The members of this ministry strive to arrange seasonal decorations which will enhance the atmosphere of hospitality and establish the mood for participation in liturgy. Decorations include flower arrangements and live plants.

Eucharistic Ministers

Members assist in the distribution of Christ’s Body and Blood at Mass. Ministers also take the Eucharist to members of the community who are not able to attend Mass.

Greeters

The greeters help people feel welcome and comfortable when attending services at Holy Family Parish. They are responsible for welcoming those who worship, assist with seating, taking attendance figures, taking up the offertory collection, directing people at Communion time and distributing bulletins.

Lectors

Lectors proclaim the Word of God during weekend Masses and on major feasts of the year.

Facilities Management

This committee works with the plant manager to oversee the running of the Church building. They deal with usage of the facility, warranty compliance, snow removal, heating and air conditioning systems and many other building-related tasks.

Liturgical Arts Committee

This committee is responsible for researching and offering suggestions for the art used in worship and on the parish grounds.

Liturgy Committee

This committee is made up of parishioners who are involved in serving various roles in the liturgical life of the parish. With the help of ongoing education and training, they work with the pastor in designing our community’s prayer life during the liturgical seasons, feasts, holy days and children’s liturgy of the word. Meetings are held monthly.

Music Ministry

Members of the Music Ministry lead our community in sung prayer during weekend Masses and on major feasts of the year. Adult choir, Alive! Choir, Cantors, Children’s and Youth choirs and instrumental ensemble members belong to the Music Ministry.

Nursery

This ministry cares for children up to 4 years of age during Sunday Masses, giving parents the opportunity to participate more fully in the liturgy. Parent who use the nursery are scheduled on a rotating basis, usually once every 3 months.

Sacristan

A sacristan is a volunteer who helps take care of and maintain sacred vessels, vestments, altar linens, candles, oils, holy water, special books and other liturgical items. This person helps set up and put away all the liturgical items needed in the church sanctuary and on the altar for each Mass.

Sponsor Couple Marriage Prep

Couples who have been married at least eight years sponsor an engaged couple. They work with couples who are planning to be married in the Catholic Church.

PARISH SUPPORT MINISTRIES

Church Cleaning

Members work in teams to do light cleaning of the interior of the facility. Teams of 5 are scheduled every 5 weeks on Monday mornings. Bi-annual cleanup is done on a sign-up basis.

Finance Committee

This committee is involved in assessing financial needs, budgeting and leading fundraising efforts to meet future needs of the parish.

Grocery Card Program

Volunteers sell Grocery Cards before and after all Masses to support the financial needs of the parish.

Horticulture Committee

Members are scheduled monthly to maintain the green plants in the interior of our facility.

Knights of Columbus

The Knights of Columbus is a national fraternal organization with local chapters. They are dedicated to the concepts of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism. The Knights work together to aid their Church, their community and one another. Contact John Norton – 301-473-7191.

Landscape Committee

Members work to design, plant and maintain the outdoor landscaped areas.

Library Committee

This committee maintains the collection of books, periodicals and videos available for borrowing by parishioners.

Office Volunteers

Volunteers work as needed performing various office type functions in support of the Parish staff.

Parish Events Planning

This committee plans and coordinates the social functions of the church community.

Parish Softball Team

Open to men, women and high school youth, they compete in the Frederick County church league from late spring through summer.

Welcome Committee

Members of this committee reach out to new members at Welcome Gatherings held the first Sunday of each month and through telephone calls after members register.

OUTREACH MINISTRIES

A.M.E. Cemetary

Maintenance of a small cemetery belonging to a closed African Methodist Episcopal Church in Middletown. Families are encouraged to volunteer for this ministry.

Boy and Girl Scouts

Our Scouts work within the greater community to make God’s presence visible. For information about Boy Scouts, contact Chuck Harris at flapps@aol.com or 301-293-1260. For information about Girl Scouts, contact Pat Harris at Pmhbanker@aol.com or 301-293-1260.

Birthright

Outreach Project which collects infant and maternity items for pregnant women being served by Birthright in Frederick.

Cold Weather Shelter

Volunteers staff the Cold Weather Emergency Shelter in Frederick during a two week period in the Winter.

Elizabeth Ministry

These parishioners reach out to support other members of our community during times of pregnancy, birth and adoption. They also provide support for couples experiencing the pain of miscarriage, infertility or child loss. Contact: Laureen Lipscomb: 301-473-4689.

Good Samaritan

This ministry is available to our parishioners who are in need of transportation assistance to healthcare appointments or Mass. Please call the parish office @ 301-473-4800 as far in advance as possible and leave a message. Your call will be returned within 24 hours to arrange for assistance.

Grief Ministry

Volunteers provide support to parishioners who have lost a loved one through letter writing and group facilitation. Support and direction is available from fellow parishioners at the time of a loved one’s death to assist with funeral and memorial preparations.

Helping Hands

Christmas Outreach Project to provide gifts for families and individuals in need.

Jubilee Garden

Project which supplies fresh vegetables from the Church garden to Middletown Food Bank and Frederick Soup Kitchen.

Martha and Mary Ministry

Members reach out to parish families with food, comfort, transportation and other services at times of grief and illness.

Middletown Food bank

Volunteers take food collected to the food bank on a weekly basis.

“Over 55”

Senior citizens who meet for food, exercise, card games, speakers, fellowship or other activities. Gatherings are held at Holy Family and other Middletown churches.

Parish Nurses

Volunteers schedule and perform blood pressure screenings and blood drives.

Prayer Line

A prayer chain of parishioners who pray for specific intentions and requests of those in need. Members pray individually in their homes or work places and in their own manner. They are contacted by telephone or email. Contact Pat Harrigan – 301-293-3604.

Prison Ministry

Volunteers reach out to inmates at the jail in Hagerstown.

Respect Life

Project which raises awareness among parishioners and organizes actions in response to proposed legislation relating to issues of capital punishment, assisted suicide and abortion.

Social Justice Committee

Coordinates projects which engage parishioners in actions of charity and justice on behalf of those most in need of God’s love.

Vindabona Nursing Home

Ministry that celebrates Mass with residents 4 times a year and takes Communion on a regular basis.

Western Maryland Interfaith Housing

Poor box funds are donated toward outreach projects to build single family housing for families in need. (Habitat for Humanity)