SUNDAY: 8AM
Sacristan: The ministry of a Sacristan involves ensuring that everything is made ready for the priest to celebrate Mass and that afterwards everything is cleaned and stored back in its proper place. The sacristan is committed on a monthly basis. Detailed instructions are posted in the sacristy on the bulletin board. Along with the preparation for Mass, the sacristan greets and welcomes people at the church entrance.
Greeters: This is an important ministry of hospitality to all who enter St. Patrick's Church. A greeter acknowledges, welcomes and offers assistance. They also help distribute the Missalettes or other printed materials. Greeters are scheduled for one month of Sundays a year.
Music: Music ministers encourage and invite the congregation to participate in sung prayer. Singing in a choir, playing an instrument, accompanying, or singing as a cantor are a few examples of ways to participate in music ministry. Time commitment varies, depending on the group, and could be short-term, occasional, or long-term. Rehearsals are announced as needed.
Lector: The Lector reads the introduction to the Mass, proclaims the First and Second Scripture readings, and most of the time, reads the petitions. Lectors are given a practice "workbook" to help in their preparation to proclaim the Word.The Lector is to arrive approximately 15 minutes prior to Mass to obtain the relevant materials from the musicians.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: Ministers of Holy Communion assist and distribute in a reverent manner the Eucharist. They may not only minister at Mass, but may be asked occasionally to bring Communion to shut-ins.
Altar Servers: Servers should be mature enough to understand their responsibilities and to carry them out with appropriate reverence. They should have already received Holy Communion for the first time and normally receive the Eucharist whenever they participate in the liturgy. Servers carry the cross, any processional candles (if needed), hold the book for the priest/celebrant (when he is not at the altar), assist him when he receives the gifts from the people, wash the hands of the priest, and ring the altar bells at the appropriate time. In general they assist the priest celebrant and deacon as necessary.
Gift Bearers: This ministry, available to families and/or individuals. During Mass the gift bearers bring to the altar the bread and wine at the "Preparation of the Gifts" .
Ushers: This ministry involves helping people find seating for special occassions, taking up the collection, and attending to any "behind the scenes" issues, situations or difficulties.
If you are interested in any ministries please contact Deacon David Dose or Dennis.
Catechists: Although parents have the main responsibility for instructing their children in faith, St. Patrick's welcomes volunteers to teach the Catholic Christian doctrine to youth, adolescent, and adults. If you are interested in teaching please contact Kendra Walker.
Bundles of Love is another volunteer-driven nonprofit organization that partners with community service agencies to assist Minnesota families in need by providing handmade baby clothing, bedding, and basic care items for their newborns. Our vision is to gather communities to support a parent and newborn. This continues throughout the year. Contact Sandy 651-345-2803.
St. Patrick’s Day Party: This party is put on for patients at the Lake City Nursing Home. Music accompanied by guitar is played for the event. Fellowship follows with a dessert prepared by CCW. Please contact Betty at 507-753-2314 with questions.
Quilting Group: Grace United Church of Christ in Millville and St. Patrick’s, West Albany, formed a quilting group in 1998.The group quilts about 35 quilts per year. This group meets to tie quilts on Friday nights at 6:30 in the church hall. In case of inclement weather or conflicting church or community events, the group does not meet. Participants support the group by working at home on the quilt tops or by donations of supplies and cash. Quilts have gone to missions in various countries, hurricane victims and local flood victims. Since 2011 the group has made a single bed size quilt specifically for the Minneapolis Veterans Home. Everyone (men, women, and youth) are invited to come and help out. NO experience necessary. The contact person for this group is Diane 651-345-5127.
Sunshine Club: If you know anyone in the parish or community that may enjoy a personal connection, needs a "get well" prayer, or some type of encouragement Contact Louann 507-259-5824 and she will send out a personal note from the parish.
Counters of Weekly Contributions: Every month rotating teams of two people count and record the basket collections taken at Mass. This process takes place at People's State Bank, Millville. Contact person is Dennis.
Mass Linen Care: This ministry ensures that clean linens are available for Mass. Please contact Helen.
Flowers: If you are interested in helping with flowers for inside the church and around the altar contact Betty 507-753-2314.
For outside gardens and arrangements please talk with Sandy 651-345-2803.