Ministries
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION MINISTRIES
There are many opportunities to serve at Immaculate Conception. We encourage all parishioners to become involved and contribute as much as possible to Immaculate Conception through the commitment of time, treasure and talent. We need everyone’s help and support to continue to grow our Catholic community.
If you are interested in learning more about these Ministries, please email us at [email protected]
Sacristans –
A Sacristan must be a baptized Catholic in good standing and a registered member of the Immaculate Conception community. Sacristans arrive 30 minutes prior to Mass to prepare the Altar and Sanctuary to celebrate Mass and to assist the priest if anything is needed. After the Mass has ended, the Sacristan would remove the vessels, books, etc. from the Sanctuary and return them to the proper cabinet in the Sacristy. No experience is needed. Training is available. If you are interested in learning more about Sacristan duties, please send a message on the “Contact Us” section on the home page.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion–
One or two Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are used at Mass to assist the priest in distributing Communion. An Extraordinary Minister must be a registered parishioner, practicing Catholic, be at least 18 years of age, and received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. No experience is needed. Training will be given to anyone interested in joining this ministry. If you are interested in learning more about Eucharistic Ministers, please send a message on the “Contact Us” section on the home page.
Lectors/Announcers –
The Announcer will read any announcements before Mass begins. The announcements consist of any upcoming events or news for our Parish. The Lector will proclaim the Word of God (First & Second readings) from the lectern in the Sanctuary. Lectors/Announcers must be a registered parishioner and a practicing Catholic. No experience is needed. Training will be given to anyone interested in joining this ministry. If you are interested in learning more, please send a message on the “Contact Us” section on the home page.
Altar Servers –
One or more Altar Servers are used at Mass. He or she should have a desire for a more intimate union with our Lord and have a solemn responsibility to do their assigned duties with dignity and reverence. Altar Servers may begin after they have received the Sacrament of First Communion and may remain an altar server as long as they wish to continue to serve. Training will be given for this ministry. If you are interested in learning more, please send a message on the “Contact Us” section on the home page.
Ushers –
There are usually two ushers for Mass. Ushers assist anyone needing help before or after Mass, take up the weekly collections, direct people to receive Communion, and help anyone needing assistance. No experience is needed. If you are interested in learning more, please send a message on the “Contact Us” section on the home page.
Music/Choir –
Additional voices in our choir are always needed. The Choir meets one hour before Mass begins to practice the hymns for that day. If you are interested in learning more, please send a message on the “Contact Us” section on the home page.
Parish Council –
The Parish Council is made up of 9 parishioners. They serve a 3 year term and may continue to serve for additional terms if they desire. A council member helps guide our church and explore visions to help enhance our church in the future. Parish Council elections are held annually. The Council meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month in the parish hall at 6:00 p.m. If you would like to learn more about the Parish Council, please send a message on the “Contact Us” section on the home page.
Ladies Guild –
The Ladies Guild is an opportunity for the women of the parish to come together in a social setting. The Guild will also assist where needed in the different ministries in the parish. Some of these opportunities might be meals to the sick, the soup kitchen, Sunday Luncheons, Bereavement meals, church decorating, etc. If you would like more information, please send a message on the “Contact Us” section on the home page.
Altar Linens –
Parishioners volunteer to launder the Altar linens for a one month period. Individuals usually only need to launder twice a year. No experience is necessary. Training is available. If you would like more information, please send a message on the “Contact Us” section on the home page.
Parish School of Religion – Volunteers are always needed to help our children/youth learn more about the Catholic Faith, prepare for the reception of Sacraments and God’s love for each one of us. Classes start in the fall and end in the Spring, and are held on Saturday morning in the parish hall. If you would like more information, please send a message on the “Contact Us” section on the home page.
Church/Hall cleaning teams – The church and St. Blaise Hall are cleaned every two weeks by volunteer teams of parishioners. This helps preserve the beauty of our church as well as fellowship building within your team. Parish work days are scheduled once or twice a year for major cleaning and outdoor maintenance. If you would like more information, please send a message on the “Contact Us” section on the home page.
Community Outreach – The Lighthouse Soup Kitchen in Wedowee provides meals every Thursday to those in need. Immaculate Conception is one of several churches in the community that assists with this. Every 4-6 weeks Immaculate Conception will work the soup kitchen.
The Food Pantry provides food to anyone who is in need. Food distribution occurs every other Sunday after the Spanish Mass. Food donations are always needed. If you are interested in more information, please send a message on the “Contact Us” section on the home page.
Building and Grounds Maintenance – There are several teams that are responsible for cutting grass and maintaining the grounds. Other maintenance tasks are monitored and taken care of on a regular basis to properly care for the buildings and grounds. If you are interested in more information, please send a message on the “Contact Us” section on the home page.
Technology – If you have technical, electrical, plumbing and/or any maintenance skills, we could use your help. Periodically we have a need for these skills to maintain, introduce or upgrade changes that are needed in the church or hall. If you would like more information, please send a message on the “Contact Us” section on the home page.