Ss. Gregory and Barnabas Choir participates in and supports the song of the Church, singing September through June. The choir alternates singing at worship sites (the first, third, fifth Sundays in Bon Air and the second, fourth Sundays in Daisytown). Special feasts and celebrations are also alternated between the sites.
Choir rehearsal is held in Bon Air on Wednesday evenings at 7 PM, usually lasting 1 to 11/2 hours. Regular attendance at practice and Sunday Masses is an important and rewarding part of choir life.
Other opportunities for involvement in Music Ministry include serving as cantors and song leaders, instrumentalists, and the Funeral Choir. Many members of the choir are members of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians, national and local levels.
We are also looking for youth in the parish
who are interested in participating musically in various youth liturgies
throughout the year.
Lectors/Readers are those committed to
the ministry of the Word of God. Through prayerful proclamation Lectors
embody the Sacred Word in a very special way. God's Word is alive
and active and the presence of Jesus Christ radiates from its proclamation
at liturgy. The Reader is entrusted with the profound task of serving
as the proclaimer amidst the assembly. Yearly workshops are held
to refresh this ministry.
Ushers/Greeters have a special role to
play at every parish liturgy. When people assemble for prayer, the
Greeters welcome people into the church building. An open door and
a warm smile help set the tone for the Eucharistic celebration. Ushers
help to provide orderly movement in the church before, during, and after
liturgy so that all may celebrate in unity. Ushers collect the offering
and serve as sources of information and assistance when help is needed.
Altar Servers enhance the quality of liturgical
celebrations by taking specific roles in liturgical processions and by
serving the Celebrant at Mass and other liturgies. Boys and girls
3rd grade and higher are eligible to become Altar Servers. Training
is offered continuously throughout the liturgical year.
Eucharistic Ministers help distribute the
Body and Blood of Christ to the assembled at all Masses. Those who
are discerning this ministry are reminded that Eucharistic Ministers are
recommended by the parish and approved by the diocese. Candidates
who are predisposed for this ministry in conformity with diocesan guidelines
are trained and commissioned by the parish.
Our parish's Youth Ministry, BERT'S, has as its mission statement: "To inspire young adults to develop our friendship with God through food, fun, friends, prayers and service."
BERT'S (Believing, Everyone Remains Together) is a part of the parish religious education program and is used mainly for grades 7-12. Sessions are facilitated by adult leaders trained in Youth Ministry.
For more information contact: berts@gregbar.org
Members of the Altar and Rosary meet monthly
to pray the rosary. The members also raise funds to purchase supplies
and furnishings for the sacristy and sanctuary including linens,
liturgical vestments, and flowers.
Grades Kindergarten through 6 meet Sunday
mornings, and Grades 7 through 10, Sunday evenings during the school year.
Students are helped to understand God's presence in their lives, they hear
the message of Jesus, and they are encouraged to live with justice and
peace. They are given various opportunitites to pray and offer service
to others. The Confirmation class (Grade 11) meets for religious education
and service projects throughout the year. Vacation Bible School is offered
during the summer. reled@gregbar.org
Members of this vital ministry of Ss. Gregory & Barnabas send cards to the sick, the homebound and the hospitalized. They coordinate the annual Advent/Christmas Gathering for the parish. Four times a year they provide a meals for the local food pantry.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
(RCIA)
RCIA is a gradual initiation process (usually taking a full year) consisting of four phases, each of which corresponds to a person's growth in faith and entry into the life of the Christian community. Each phase is marked by a liturgical celebration as the candidate moves from one period to the next. These rites prepare the elect for reception of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.
If you, or someone you know, is a non-baptized
adult, and adult of Protestant tradition who wishes to be received into
full communion in the Catholic Church, or a Catholic adult who has never
celebrated Confirmation or Eucharist and is interested in becoming a member
of Ss. Gregory and Barnabas Parish, contact Lois Graham, parish Christian
Initiation Director, at rcia@gregbar.org
Web Site
Keep us updated with parish events by emailing
news and photos to webmaster@gregbar.org
