Altar Guild was formed in 2009. We have two teams with a team captain on each team. Each team has men and women who help with this as we couldn't do this by ourselves. One team cleans on the first Saturday of each month unless we have some event at church and then we move to another Saturday. One team cleans on the third Thursday of the month. Each team cleans only one time a month. Usually it takes about 1 - 1 1/2 hours to clean. On special holidays, like Christmas when decorations are taken down, then both teams join together to make the work go easier for all.
We dust, straighten, clean holy water holders, wash the holders, and replace holy water with new holy water. The church and the chapel are the only floors that are mopped and the sweeper is run on the altar of both church and chapel. We use Clorox sanitization sheets on all the handles and door knobs so everyone is safe from germs. Climbing or heavy lifting is done by church maintenance and the supplies are furnished by the church. If anyone wants something special to clean with they usually bring these items from home.
When anything is found in the church or chapel (Example - glasses, books, bibles, toys, etc.) the items are taken to the reception area and they are put in the "lost and found" box.
We do this as a labor of love and everyone is welcome to join this ministry even young people.
Coordinator: Peggy Thorpe - 635-9184
The Altar Linen Ministry is comprised of a group of dedicated parishioners who launder and iron the altar linens that are used at weekday Masses and at Masses during each weekend. Altar linens are gathered on Mondays and are returned at the end of each week. Volunteers are scheduled monthly or every other month, depending on their availability and our need. At the present time, we are in need of additional volunteers to help in this ministry. If interested in helping, please contact Betty Carey.
Coordinator: Amina Batista - 254-2411
The Altar Server Ministry is open to all of the boys and girls of our parish who are in the third grade (or above) and who have received First Reconciliation and First Communion. The primary duty of an altar server is to assist the presider during Mass on weekends and on other Holy Days throughout the year.
Training sessions and meetings are held as needed throughout the year, and schedules are developed monthly.
Coordinator: Frank Ioele - 806-4521
The Church Environment Ministry is responsible for the decoration of our worship space on various feast days and special ceremonies, as well as regular Sundays during the church year. Ministry members design decorative items and, on appropriate feast days, flower arrangements as well.
Parishioners with floral arranging expertise are particularly welcome.
Coordinators: Sue and Ed Walsh - 637-0488
As an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion you will have the privilege of serving at the table of the Lord. You will be trained & certified to distribute the precious Body & Blood of Christ to our congregation.
Certification is a two step process. First you must attend a three-hour class under the auspices of the Diocese of Orlando. These classes are scheduled several times a year in various parishes in Brevard County. Second, following completion of this class, you will be given “hands-on training” by one of the coordinators or one of the Sacristans if the coordinator is not available. With the pastor’s approval, you will then begin to serve at the Mass of your preference.
To continue in this ministry, recertification is necessary every two years. A required half day of prayer is sponsored by the diocese several times a year in several parishes in Brevard County.
Coordinators: Carol Poletto – 752-1180
GREETERS
Greeters are the first representatives of St. John the Evangelist Parish who people meet as they enter our worship space. Their primary responsibility is to welcome and warmly greet all those who enter. They also assist with the orderly flow of people in and out of Mass.
Coordinator: Joan Young – 757-3077
Ministers of the Word are lay ministers of St. John the Evangelist Community who participate at Mass by proclaiming designated scripture readings. Individuals who express an interest in this ministry and who have good speaking voices and presence receive training from experienced lectors. Many come to St. John's with experience and training from other parishes.
Each minister is provided with a set of guidelines setting forth procedures established for our parish, as well as a workbook containing the Sunday and Holy Day readings for the current church year. Periodic meetings and training sessions are scheduled throughout the year.
It is the lector's role to study and prepare for his/her assignments in proclaiming the Word of the Lord, so as to assist parishioners to better understand the God in whom we believe.
Approximately 60 adults and several youth participate in this ministry. Each minister is scheduled approximately once a month. Schedules are distributed every two months; assignment reminders are distributed weekly.
Coordinators: Ginny Oehler - 779-4663 and Alice Mirth - 253-0990
Music plays a vital role in creating a spiritual environment for worship. All who participate in the Music Ministry share in this responsibility through the discernment and development of their gifts, through commitment to rehearsing and in living out the goal of the ministry of "full, conscious, and active" participation of the faithful at liturgy. The Music Ministry of St. John's consists of a vibrant group of vocal and instrumental musicians who work together to lead the assembly at weekend and special liturgies.
Opportunities for participation in this ministry include being a member of the adult, children, or contemporary choir, a cantor, a song leader, an instrumentalist, or an accompanist.
Coordinator: Manfred Dreilich - 637-9650
Sacristans are Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion who have the added responsibilities of preparing the sanctuary for the liturgy, assisting during the liturgy, and preparing the sanctuary for the next liturgy. In order to become a Sacristan you need to be an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion in good standing and approved by the Pastor. Once you have been approved you will serve an apprenticeship with an experienced Sacristan before assuming the duties of a Sacristan. In addition to preparing the sanctuary, the Sacristan ensures that all the necessary ministers are present and prepared. The Sacristan serves the presider in the absence of a Deacon and/or altar server. Sacristans also assist at baptism, weddings and Masses of Christian Burial.
Coordinator: Pat Spadafora - 637-1122
Ushers at St. John the Evangelist offer hospitality to parishioners, as well as provide for the practical needs of assisting with seating, collecting the offerings, and distributing parish bulletins.
For information, please contact the head usher after Mass or call the parish office to express your interest in serving in this important ministry.
We welcome all who would like to serve as ushers.
Coordinators: Jim Young - 757-3-77 and Al McKenna - 433-0793
5655 Stadium Parkway
Viera, FL 32940
Office Hours: M-F 8:30am - 4:00pm
Phone: (321)637-9650
Fax: (321)637-9651
Email: office@StJohnViera.Org