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PARISH MINISTRIES


  

NOTE: You may contact the rectory for information on any of these ministries at 617-696-0120 or by email. For your convenience, some of our parish ministries list additional points of contact.

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Altar Servers – An Altar Server is one of the designated ministers of the sacred liturgy. Our Altar Servers serve at weekend Masses, weddings, and liturgical celebrations. Boys and girls at least ten years old and/or in the fourth grade are welcomed as altar servers. Training takes place each Fall. Interested candidates should contact Mr. Harold Feldmann by phone at 781-843-5661 or by email.   [Schedule (PDF)]    Back to top

Arimatheans – An Arimathean* is a senior retired or semi-retired man who assists at parish funeral Masses, including assisting at the altar or as lectors and Eucharistic ministers as necessary. This group also assists as cross-bearers and acolytes for Holy Week Services and other special liturgies, such as at Confirmation. Those wishing to serve may contact Mr. Phil Sullivan by phone at 617-698-0505 or by email.
* Joseph of Arimathea helped bury Christ    Back to top

Arts and Environment Committee – The purpose of this committee is to bring parishioners’ attention to the change in the liturgical season. Beautiful settings involving color, banners, backdrops, flowers, and liturgical fixtures greatly enhance the worship of the parish community. Seasons and special celebrations include First Communion, Confirmation, Graduation, Lazarus and healing Masses, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Holy Week, and Easter. Parishioners are welcome to share their decorative talents under the supervision of Mrs. Clara McKay. Please contact her at 617-696-9623.    Back to top

Child Abuse Prevention Team – The purpose of the Team is to create a community of support within the parish for the prevention of child abuse and neglect. The CAP team:
• Ensures that all parish staff and volunteers are fully trained in mandated reporting laws and the PROTECTING GOD'S CHILDREN (VIRTUS) program.
• Acts as resource to the parish on issues of child abuse and neglect.
• Provides consultation and support to anyone in the parish who has concerns about reporting child abuse and neglect. Is supported in its efforts by, and works in collaboration with, the Child Advocacy Office of the Archdiocese of Boston.
Team members are Cyndi Fedewa, Harold Feldmann, Virginia Hannigan, and Kathy Maher.    Back to top

Eucharistic Ministers – The public worship of the Church is of primary importance at St. Mary of the Hills. Integral to the liturgy are Eucharistic Ministers who are trained, instructed, and prepared for this important ministry. Eucharistic ministers are assigned to weekend and Holy Day Masses on a rotating schedule. They may also be asked to assist in the blessing of throats and distribution of ashes.
   On the first Friday of each month, a small group of Eucharistic Ministers visits those parishioners who are homebound, bringing the Blessed Sacrament to them. For more information on this ministry, please contact Paul McCarthy at 617-696-3154.   [Schedule (PDF)]    Back to top

Hospitality – The members of this committee serve the important function of helping to maintain a sense of community in our parish through staffing receptions and parish events that include refreshments.    Back to top

Lectors – Proclaiming the Word of God is a very special ministry as well as a distinct honor. A preparatory workshop, annual peer critiquing, and a “Lectors Guidebook” facilitate this ministry, which is considered essential to a good liturgical celebration. Lectors are assigned to weekend and Holy Day Masses on a rotating schedule. Gifted communicators are encouraged to offer themselves to become lectors. Please contact Conway Amar for more information. [Schedule (PDF)]    Back to top

Parish Nursing – Parish Nursing (PN) is built on spirituality and the belief in healthcare that focuses on the whole person, emphasizing wellness, disease prevention, and the promotion of health. Our Parish Nursing Program, still in its planning stage, will affirm our Church’s role in supporting the wholeness and health of its members, by teaching and stressing that we need to live a life that is physically, spiritually, emotionally, and socially balanced. Such a program is designed to build and strengthen the capacities of the members of our community to understand and care for one another, in light of our religious beliefs. PN holds that all persons are sacred and must be treated with respect and dignity. Parish nurses will assist and empower members of our community to become more active partners in the management of their personal health. MaryAnn Farrell, Kerry Madden and Ellen Gallagher currently oversee this ministry.    Back to top

Parish Pastoral Council – Members:
 • Fr. Arthur Wright, Chairman
• Dave Curtis (to Fall 2008), Vice Chair
• Jessica Flynn (to Fall 2006)
• Dave Connolly, Jr. (to Fall 2007)
• Anne Finn (to Fall 2007)
• Paul McCarthy (to Fall 2007)
• Katie Connell (to Fall 2008)
• Mary Duggan (to Fall 2008)
• 2 vacancies (to Fall 2006)    Back to top

Sacristans – Sacristans volunteer to prepare all liturgical functions throughout the year in both the upper and lower church. They set up for weekend and daily Masses, weddings, funerals, and special liturgical and seasonal celebrations. Their service includes the cleanliness and storage of all liturgical vestments and altar linens and the maintenance of the upper and lower sanctuaries and sacristies, as well as liturgical fixtures and supplies. This work is currently done by a dedicated group of women parishioners.    Back to top

Shattuck Shelter Outreach to the Homeless – The Gospel message of Jesus Christ is put into action by Christian outreach to the less fortunate. St. Mary of the Hills Parish’s major apostolate is directed toward the homeless of the Shattuck Shelter in Jamaica Plain. Each Friday evening, on a six-week rotation, a group of volunteers visits the shelter to serve ice cream and desserts prepared by parish bakers. The outreach team also sponsors a summer barbecue and a Christmas party, complete with gifts donated by parishioners. [Schedule (PDF)]    Back to top

Spiritual Development – The central mission of the Church in every age is the spiritual welfare of its people. Spirituality has its roots in Word and Sacrament and its extension in ministry and service. Members of the spiritual development committee take responsibility for celebrations that center on the Sacraments and any social activities that may follow. Two examples are the Mass of Anointing and the Mass on the feast of St. Patrick, each followed by a reception. Harold Feldmann currently chairs this committee.    Back to top

Stewardship – A Stewardship Committee for our parish was formed early this year and began biweekly meetings in mid-January. Read more.    Back to top

Ushers/Greeters – Ushers serve at each of the weekend Masses. While the traditional practice of seating parishioners is no longer needed, the matter of welcoming or greeting is very important. The ushers receive the collection, distribute bulletins at the end of Mass, and resolve any questions or situations that could affect the comfort and concentration of the parishioners at Mass.    Back to top
     
Saint Mary of the Hills Church   +   29 St. Mary's Road   +   Milton, Massachusetts   02186