St. Bede the Venerable Catholic Church at 3870 Atlanta highway, Montgomery, AL 36109 US - St. Bede Ministries
St. Bede Ministries
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The liturgical celebrations of the parish focus on drawing people into awareness and appreciation of God's presence in our daily lives. To accomplish this, laity involvement is vital - both behind the scenes and "in front of the scenes." Most obviously, volunteers are needed to serve in the various ministries at Mass (greeter, usher, lector, altar server, choir member, cantor, and musicians). Also many things need to be done behind the scenes. The list of talent that can be used in the Liturgy has almost no end..jpg)
Working together to make a stronger parish
St. Bede has a wide variety of ministries and organizations that serve the community and bring our parishioners together in a special way. The following is a list of our ministries and organizations. Some of these groups have links to more information, while others are in the works. If you'd like more information on any of the following ministries or organizations, call the Ministries Coordinator at 334-272-3463 ext. 209.
(Download our Ministry Guide)
Sacraments Programs
Ministries and Committees
(Time and Talent Sign-up form)
Angel Tree
This is a Christmas program to provide gifts of clothes, toys, games and books to more than 200 needy children, who are identified by St. Jude Social Service staff and our Pastoral Care Coordinator. Volunteers coordinate the program.
Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women(ACCW)
The Council stimulates and assists Catholic women's organizations in their endeavors, serves as the medium through which Archdiocesan Catholic Women speak and act on matters of public interest, and cooperates with other agencies trying to solve religious, civic, social and educational problems. Active members of all affiliated organizations are members of the Council.
Bereavement Ministry
The Bereavement Ministry provides support, comfort, and friendship to parish members who have a death in the family. Volunteers make arrangements according to the needs of the families. This includes providing food for a post-funeral reception, providing meals for the family during the bereavement period, special monthly mass and annual memorial mass. It also includes, through cards, calls or visits, helping with outreach after a loss.
Bible Study
Women of the parish meet Tuesday mornings from 11:30am until 12:30pm to study the Gospels. "How do they affect our lives today?" Join them in the Parish Hall.
Burse Club
The purpose of the Burse Club is the establishment of permanent scholarships for the education of men for the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Mobile. The members of the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women sponsor the club. No meetings to attend and the dues are only $12.00 per year. Membership drive is in early September but individuals may join anytime. See blue brochures in church.
Choir
There are many opportunities to participate in the weekend liturgies and special liturgies through the Adult Choir, LifeTeen Choir and Children's Choir.
Communion Ministers
A ministry for Catholic men and women to serve the Body and Blood of Christ at Mass and to the sick.
Deaf Ministry
We are extremely fortunate to have a volunteer willing to interpret the Sunday evening Youth Mass. If you or anyone you know would benefit from this ministry, please phone or e-mail the Parish Office. We are always looking for other people to help with this ministry.
The Parish Financial Committee meets monthly. This committee monitors parish income versus expenses and approves the parish budget. The committee also provides financial advice to the pastor and staff.
Finance CouncilFood Pantry/Associated with Montgomery Area Food Bank
From the ongoing donations of food items by parishioners and from purchases from the Montgomery Area Food Bank, the church is able to help those less fortunate with supplemental food assistance. This project is essentially an emergency food program for needy families.
Hospitality Ministry
Volunteers personally greet new parishioners and assist them in becoming acquainted with the parish. One Sunday a month a Coffee and Doughnut reception is hosted by various parish organizations to encourage members to meet and become acquainted with one another, and twice a year welcoming socials for new parishioners are held.
Jarrow Club
The Jarrow Club is an organization for members of the parish 50 years of age and older, with meetings held once a month. Activities include regular guest speakers, numerous luncheons, and occasional travel. While the main objective is social, the club supports Christian ideals by contributing to parish youth programs on a constant basis.
Knights of Columbus
Legacy Gifts Ministry
Many parishioners desire to leave a legacy for the future by making a planned gift, most often through a will. The Legacy Gifts Ministry assists parishioners who would like general information concerning how to make a planned gift to St. Bede. Contact the Business Manager for more information.
Liturgical Ministries
Liturgy Committee
The Liturgy Committee is resolved to plan and actively contribute to enhancing the liturgical celebrations of the parish so as to articulate the richness of communal praise and to give glory to God through various celebrations.
Marriage Encounter
This is a program designed to give married couples the opportunity to examine their lives together. A time to share their feelings, their hopes, disappointments, frustrations and joys... to do so face to face, openly and honestly with the person they have chosen to live with for the rest of their lives. The emphasis of Marriage Encounter is on communication between husband and wife. It's a unique approach aimed at revitalizing Catholic marriages. All married couples are encouraged to examine this program and determine how it may be a benefit in their lives. See the web site.
Mass Intentions
Intentions may be arranged with the parish office. Request specific dates and times several months in advance.
Natural Family Planning
The Natural Family Planning Ministry is an Archdiocesan project conducted by the Archdiocesan Directors of Family Life. Meetings are held monthly and usually are two hours. Sessions are required as a part of pre-marital preparation of engaged couples. Husband and wives are also encouraged to attend these sessions.
Pastoral Care
The parish provides aid in the areas of food, electricity, gas, water, rent or medical bills. If individuals require special items such as furniture, appliances, etc., the parish will attempt to obtain these items via special parish appeals.
Pastoral Council
The Pastoral Council meets on the fourth Thursday of each month. The Council fosters pastoral activity in the Parish. It assists the Pastor in establishing goals based on the needs and wants of the parish and monitors the progress of the parish in meeting those goals. The council acts as a vehicle of communication by which the people of the parish may obtain an understanding of the operations of the parish and have a voice in the policies, which the parish may undertake, both spiritual and temporal. Parishioners may submit an item for consideration to the appropriate committee chairperson.
Perpetual Adoration Chapel
This chapel was established February 1994 on the campus of Our Lady Queen of Mercy Church, 4421 Narrow Lane Road. Perpetual Adoration has continued since that date. All are invited to visit Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Individuals are always needed to commit to a specific day and time, and as substitutes. St. Bede parishioners are actively involved in support of this ministry.
Prayer Network
Parishioners may request special prayers through the prayer boxes located in the church. Members of the Prayer Network pray daily wherever they desire for those who have special needs. When required, the telephone network is activated for more intense prayer during critical situations. Being a member provides you an opportunity to support fellow parishioners in their time of need.
Prison Ministry
The church sponsors an outreach ministry to Draper prison in Atmore. Celebration of Mass is scheduled twice monthly and there is also one morning of religious instruction.
Religious Goods Store
The store is open Friday from 9 to 11am and after all Sunday morning Masses for the primary convenience of St. Bede parishioners.
Respect Life - Pro Life
The main goal of this group is to keep Respect for Life alive and growing in the community. There are very few meetings. Members will call parishioners to acquire support for various activities: Baby Showers; the Life Chain; Rosary at Beacon Hill 3rd Saturday of the month; Legislative updates; and support for Counseling Outreach for Pregnancy Emergency (COPE).
St. Ann's Altar Circle
St Ann's Altar Circle is one of the oldest groups still active since the founding of St. Bede, and has approximately 40 members and 40 associates. Its primary purposes are caring for the altar and sanctuary weekly and promoting the spiritual welfare of the members through prayer and corporal works of mercy. Training is provided for this small but most important part of the parish ministry. Members are remembered every month at mass. The group meets monthly and funds are raised to purchase items for the altar.
St. Vincent de Paul Society
The St. Vincent de Paul Society is an international organization of lay Catholic persons who seek, in a spirit of justice, charity and person-to-person involvement, to serve those in poverty, loneliness or otherwise suffering. The St. Bede Conference of this society is a vital and active part of this international movement. This organization and the parish Pastoral Care Coordinator work together to serve the needy. The members meet every Monday evening at 7:00pm in the parish hall. See web site.
School Volunteers
Volunteers are needed and welcome to assist St. Bede School in various ways. You can invest in one day per week for a quarter or year in the school classroom, office, the lunchroom, library, or volunteer for extra-curriculum activities and programs. The Parent Teacher Council (PTC) and room mother/father programs also invite parental support and participation.
Scouts
Scouting is an organization with a goal of providing a family-oriented program by which boys and girls can grow emotionally, spiritually and physically. The youth achieve this goal by progressing through rank advancement, sports, community service, hiking, camping and just plain having fun. Emphasis is on scout/parent interaction. Various programs are available for grade school ages. The church supports Cub Scouts Pack 4, Boy Scouts Troop 4, Brownies and Girl Scouts. See the web site.
Serra Club
Serra Club, named for our patron Blessed Junipero Serra, is an organization of Catholic laypersons of all ages who share a deep faith and want to incorporate the teachings of Christ into their daily lives. Its special work is to foster vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Monthly meetings on the second Saturdays, following Mass and breakfast, feature a variety of speakers, videos, field trips and discussions, programs for personal spiritual growth, and for promotion of vocations in the Montgomery Area. Serra Club of Montgomery is a member of Serra International, named by Pope John II as the "Vocation Arm of the Church."
Share the Word
Share the Word meets every Tuesday from 9 - 10:30am in the Parish Hall or the Parish Office Conference Room. The group discusses the upcoming Sunday Readings.
Social Justice Ministry
The Social Justice Ministry is dedicated to administering parish social justice funds to organizations promoting social justice in the spirit of Christian values within the community and beyond, and also to individuals in need, in a spirit of Christian charity. The purpose is to examine human needs and social injustices and to assist parishioners in carrying out their Christ-given mission of meeting those needs and correcting those injustices.
Socials
Parish-wide social events build the spirit of community and help parishioners become better acquainted. Specifically the schedule includes a picnic in spring and fall, a fall golf tournament, a Senior Citizen dinner and Christmas caroling. The Welcoming Coffee and Donut Sundays and special dinners and receptions also promote a sense of belonging.
Vacation Bible School(VBS)
Vacation Bible School is offered on an annual basis, usually the second week of June. VBS is normally from 9 - 11:30 am. It is a fun time for the children to learn about their Catholic Christian Faith in a very relaxed atmosphere.
Weddings
After a date is established with the priest or deacon, the use of various parish facilities should be scheduled. There are several Wedding Coordinators' names available from the parish office. The coordinator assists with preparation and organizes and directs all the details outside the body of the ceremony.
Youth Ministry
A total youth ministry program with a strong focus on the Eucharist. Starting with a teen Mass, high school teens are placed in environment where they have the opportunity to be in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ and His Church. Immediately following mass, teens gather to learn about the Church and their faith in challenging ways. Our teens are part of the more than 40,000 youths involved in over 400 parishes throughout our country. See the web site for more information.
