St. Matthew Catholic Church at 1991 Overlook Dr., Winter Haven, FL 33884 US - Ministries of St. Matthew Parish

The Ministries of our Parish, which offer something for everyone, are below: MUSIC FOR WORSHIP Several groups lead our community in song and music. Barry Carlin is our coordinator of liturgical music and oversees this ministry. Among the many opportunities are: Bell Choir Open to non-experienced members, grade 6 through adult. The bell choir rehearses at 6:30 pm Tuesday evenings in the Church. Cantor We're always looking for talented singers to lead our community in song. Children's Choir A marvelous ministry for children age 5 through 12. Ensembles Singers of all ages are encouraged to participate in several different ensembles; Full Choir, Men's Choir, Ladies' Choir, Folk Group, Youth Bank and special groups throughout the year. Musical Instrument If you have talent to play a musical instrument of any type, don't be shy-we need you! LITURGY AND WORSHIP Altar Server Children who have made their First Communion are eligible to serve at the altar during weekend liturgies and Holy Days. (also weekdays during the summer.) Art and Environment Prepares for church decoration to enhance our worship. Childen's Liturgy of the Word Parishioners proclaim to children, the Sunday Readings from the 10:30 am Sunday Mass, then help them understand the readings better. EUCHARISTIC ADORATION takes place on the first Friday of the month after the 9am Mass until 8pm. Parishioners are invited to come spend an hour (or even 10 minutes) before the Blessed Sacrament. Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion distribute communion and administer the cup at our Eucharistic celebrations. Greeter Greeters present a welcome face to all who come to our parish home. They provide information on our parish activities and other parish ministries. Liturgy Planning Team A group of creative individuals who meet monthly for seasonal planning and liturgy evaluation. Reader Readers -or Ministers of the Word -proclaim the Holy Scripture at our various liturgical gatherings. Rosary Service/Rosary in Spanish After 9:00 am weekday Masses parishioners remain to pray the rosary together. All are invited. The Rosary is prayed in Spanish on the first Friday of the month at 12 noon i the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. Sacristan Sacristans take responsibility for items kept in the sacristy and prepare necessary materials for liturgical celebrations. Usher Ushers assist parishioners in being seated and help with the flow of the liturgy. Additionally, they take up the collection and are available for special assistance needs. FAITH FORMATION St. Matthew Parish is formed by the word of God in several ways. The following are opportunities to serve others in the formation process: Baptism Preparation Class is offered once a month to prepare parents to have their child baptized. Catechist Teachers provide faith formation to children, grades Pre-K-12. Childern's Catechumenate Preparation for baptism of childern ages 7-17. Confirmation An adult team works together to prepare high school students for the sacrament of confirmation. Marriage Ministry Team Marriage ministry couples work with engaged couples. They represent the support of the parish through the wedding and into marriage. Team couples are trained to facilitate the various steps of the preparation process. Participation in Marriage Encounter is the first stage for discerning this area of ministry for a couple. Parish Retreat A weekend retreat offered each year by our own parishioners. Plenty of good food, sharing, prayer and fun. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) The process by which adults who were never baptized, or were baptized in another faith or are uncatechized Catholics, are fully initiated into the Catholic Church. *Inquiry informal sessions designed for non-Catholics adults wanting to know more about the Catholic faith. *Breaking Open the Word, Catechesis Reflecting with Catechumens on weekly scripture readings. Scramental Preparation Sacraments of First Eucharist, First Reconciliation, and Confirmation. Vacation Bible School A one week summer program for childern ages 4-11. Youth Ministry Adults interested in working with Junior and Senior High students with faith formation and in planning social events, retreats and service projects. San Pedro Scripture Camp for Youth - sponsored by the Catholic Diocese of Orlando Provides a wholesome outdoor life and assists our youth in true character formation. Opportunities for one's own ongoing spiritual growth include: Book and Video Cart Faith and spirituality resources available for check-out Sunday mornings. Small Christian Communities Diverse gatherings that pray, study and support one another, as well as try to make a difference in our world. Several Small Christian Communities are now meeting and are open to interested parishioners. Spiritual Mentoring and Spiritual Direction Would you like to talk to someone about your spiritual journey, prayer life, or an important decision you need to make? Qualified parishioners are available to sit down with you. Spirituality Several opportunities throughout the year are available for further growth in faith and understanding. SERVICE/OUTREACH Altar Guild Individuals who commit to about an hour of work every 2 months keeping the church and vessels clean. Bereavement Team A group of dedicated individuals who gather to support family and loved ones when a death occurs. The funeral liturgy and reception are given special attention. Diocesan training is available. Church Set-up Help move our 1200 chairs and 1000 kneelers when our space is arranged for the liturgical year or to accommodate the change in the size of our assembly. Coffee and Donuts After Sunday masses, parishioners are invited to enjoy coffee, donuts and orange juice. Counseling/Spiritual Direction Offered by a man of faith and competence and available for spiritual direction, family, marriage, and pastoral counseling. Diocesan Respect Life Advocates Members of the parish serve as advocates in the following areas: Abolish Death Penalty Disabilities Elderly Pro-Life Respite Care Social Justice DivorceCare This ministry is a series of support groups and seminars conducted by people who understand what the separated or divorced individual is experiencing. Support groups and seminars teach participants how to deal with the pain of the past and look forward to rebuilding a life. Fostering With Love This ministry supports parishioner-foster families through prayer, assistance, and financial support. The parish serves as a village. Ministry to the Sick and Homebound Ministers to the sick go out to visit the homebound, the hospitalized and those in our nursing homes. They provide a pastoral visit and offer communion. Office Help Volunteers are often needed to come in during the week to help with various office mailings and projects. One to One Ministry Parishioners call those who are newly registered to invite them to meet for a half hour and get to know one another and perhaps answer any questions. Prison Ministry Involves providing support for the mass and sacrament programs at Polk Correctional Institution, Polk City. Several parishioners from local Catholic Churches represent the church's presence to those in prison. Thrift Shop This ministry operates a Thrift Shop in downtown Winter Haven. Volunteers minister to customers who are able to purchase quality goods at reasonable prices. Welcome New Parishioners The purpose of the Welcoming Committee is to help new parishioners feel a connection with the parish and to invite them to participate in parish activities. The Committee sponsors a wine and cheese reception twice a year for new parishioners where parishioners may meet each other and learn more about the parish. Interest in ministries is passed on to the appropriate ministry coordinator. Youth Detention Ministry Provides ministry to youthful offenders at Polk Juvenile Correctional Facility, Polk City. Area parishioners meet every Saturday 7-9 PM for prayer, Scripture and support and once a month for mass.

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