 |
Serving God in Your Place
"For the eyes of the Lord search back and forth across the whole earth, looking for people whose hearts are perfect toward Him, so that He can show His great power in helping them...." 2 Chronicles 16:9 TLB
God has called each of us to serve Him in the place He has us. In His eyes we all have a ministry. Many serve Him in a local church through a variety of ministries, such as music, teaching, youth work, or by being a part of the church staff. Others serve on the mission field, on the job, at school, or at home.
God knows you and He knows your heart desires to serve Him. You are someone that He will use to make a difference, to share His love, and to touch the hearts of others. What has qualified you for this high privilege of being used by Him? Is it your talents, your personality, your education, your influence, or your résumé? It is none of these; rather, it is the response of your heart toward Him. God is always searching for those whose hearts are yielded to Him so that He can work mightily through them.
Sometimes we can be led to think that God's work is dependent upon us, upon what we do, and upon what we know. The truth is that God wants us to be totally dependent upon Him. He is the Treasure, we are the vessels; He is Vine, we are the branches; He is the Living Water, we are the channels through which He flows.
The apostle Peter was someone who needed to learn this important truth. Jesus taught him the futility of trying to get results through his own efforts by allowing him, an expert fisherman, to labor all night and come up empty. Afterward, when He followed Jesus' word to cast out into the deep, Peter pulled in a catch that was beyond his dreams.
As His servant, remember that your ministry is His idea and not yours. He is the One who knows you, who has called you, and who has equipped you to serve Him. Remain true, remain faithful, remain restful, and remain totally dependent upon Him.
God is not looking for those who are clever,
but for those in whom He can be wise;
He is not looking for those who are talented,
but for those to whom He can be all sufficient;
He is not looking for those who are powerful,
but for those through whom He can be almighty.
Adult Confirmation
A program for adults (19 or older) who are practicing Catholics and have not received the Sacrament of Confirmation. This process includes individual interviews and a commitment to attend weekly classes for three to four months.
Adult Formation and Spiritual Enrichment
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
RCIA is a two-year process through which the Roman Catholic Church welcomes, instructs and forms new members who wish to be fully initiated through Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Catholics are always needed and welcomed as sponsors.
For Information: Please contact one of the priest.
Altar Care
This volunteer ministry cleans the Sanctuary area, replenishes offering envelopes and distributes missalettes in the pews for Sunday and weekday liturgies. They come together every Thursday morning after the 8:00 am Mass to fulfill this ministry. Contact: Donna Baines, (909) 860-5510 or Jane Beke (909) 594-0128.
Always Our Children
Always Our Children is a support group for Parents of Lesbians and Gays based on the document written by The Bishops' Committee on Marriage and Family. We come together in a safe and confidential environment in which to share our experience as parents of lesbian and gay children in a Catholic context. We will meet the last Thursday of every month at 7:30 pm in Room "A" in Potthoff Hall.
Bereavement Ministry
This group provides support and consolation to those mourning the loss of a loved one. They lessen the burden to the grieving families by assisting in the preparation of funeral liturgies and provide support before and during the vigil and funeral services.
Boy Scout Troop 711
The Boy Scouts provide a fun-filled learning experience for boys while building character, fostering good citizenship and developing fitness. Scouts attend regular meetings and outdoor activities.
Charismatic Prayer Group
This prayer group comes together on Fridays from 7:00 – 9:00 pm to praise, worship and share scripture.
Christian Service
A group committed to serving individuals and families facing temporary difficulties with emergency assistance in the form of food, clothing, transportation and temporary shelter. Donations to benefit the various outreach programs of St. Denis Christian Service can be made by using the green envelopes found in the pews. Volunteers meet the 3rd Friday of the month in Potthoff Hall, from 7:15 - 8:30 pm.
Confirmation Program
High School students who are preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation participate in this experience of faith, learning, living and growing in the scripture and tradition of the Catholic Church. This is a two-year process. Students meet once a week in Potthoff Hall.
Confirmation I: Every Tuesday, 7:00-9:00 pm
Confirmation II: Every Monday, 7:00-9:00 pm
Celia Flores, Assistant to the Director, ext.41
Council of Catholic Women
The Women’s Council coordinates all lay activities for women in the spiritual and social life of St. Denis. They are part of ACCW (Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women) through which the women of St. Denis shall participate in Archdiocesan activities. They are involved in various outreach and social activities such as Catholic Charities, Get on the Bus Program, Baby Showers for Whittier Life Center and are in partnership with other ministries and organizations in the San Gabriel Valley Winter Shelter Program. Other activities include Boutiques and Bake Sales and Cinco de Mayo Dinner.
Meetings are held 1st Monday of the month (if it falls on a holiday, meeting will be on the 2nd Monday) in Potthoff Hall 10:15 am – 1:00pm.
Divine Mercy Promoters
A prayer group that meets every Friday after the 6:30pm Mass to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet in the Eucharistic Chapel.
Engagement Encounter
Contact Pastoral Office for date and time of sessions.
Eucharistic Ministers
A Eucharistic Minister assists the Presider in the distribution of the Holy Eucharist during Mass. One must be fully initiated in the Church (have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation) If married, one must be married in the Catholic Church. Training for approved applicants is provided quarterly (February, May, August and November.) Annual opportunities for updating are provided.
Eucharistic to the Sick
This ministry brings the Eucharist to those members of our community who are ill or homebound and cannot attend Mass. Visits to the sick are made to hospital and homes on a regular basis.
Family Life Ministry
Events are created that enrich family life, enhance the Catholic faith and bring people together to celebrate in the Parish Community. Seminars and workshops are offered throughout the year along with health and wellness education. Support is also available to those struggling with grief, loss, divorce, troubled marriages, addictive behavior, abuse issues and behavior problems with children.
Golf Club
The St. Denis Golf Club is a social group of men and women who enjoy the game of golf. They organize regular tee times at the local golf courses and organize the Parish Golf Tournaments.
Grief Recovery
A 12-week seminar providing spiritual and emotional support to people experiencing grief due to the loss of a loved one through death or divorce!
Hope and Support Ministry
They provide a support network and encouragement for individuals and their families who are challenged by serious injuries or life threatening diseases. Educational presentation and support are provided by healthcare professionals. They seek to educate parishioners about issues and agency support for cancer and other life threatening diseases and injuries.
Italian Catholic Federation
The ICF is a family oriented, non-profit, fraternal organization, promoting activities that build family spirit and bring all ages together. This Apostolic Program offers the opportunity to promote and perform charitable works in our community. Scholarships are offered to Catholic high school seniors. Grants are also offered to the developmentally disabled. The ICF contributes to the education of young men in formation for the priesthood. Activities include St. Joseph Table/Pasta Dinner and Breakfast with Santa. The group meets the 2nd Friday of the month in Potthoff Hall at 6:30 pm.
Knights of Columbus
The K of C is a Catholic men’s fraternal benefit society that was formed to render financial aid to members and their families. Membership is open to any practicing Catholic men over the age of 18. Mutual aid and assistance are offered to sick, disabled and needy members and their families. Social interaction is promoted among members and their families through education, charitable, religious and social welfare. Some of the activities of the Knights are the Annual Knights BBQ, Blood Drives, Pancake Breakfast, Intellectual Disabilities Drive and Tamale Sale. Meetings are held the 3rd Thursday of the month at 7:30 pm in Potthoff Hall.
www.stdenisknights.org
Lectors
A Lector proclaims the Word of the Lord at Mass and special services. To become a Lector, one must be a Confirmed Catholic, in good standing with the Church, be interviewed by the Pastor, trained, commissioned, and committed to a schedule.
Contact: ,
Legion of Mary
Legion members visit the sick and homebound, organize enthronements, and encourage people of faith to visit Jesus in Eucharistic Adoration, lead rosaries at funeral vigils and evangelize bringing many to renew their faith. Meetings are held Mondays, 7:15 – 9:00 pm in the Cry Room East inside the Church.
Liturgical Music
The music ministry of St. Denis has always held a place of honor and responsibility in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The music of this sacred space reflects our unity as a Universal Church. It is our mission to give glory and praise to God by leading the assembly in sung prayer. The music Ministry is comprised of both volunteers and professional musicians dedicated to this mission. There are several ensembles which serve the St. Denis Community including Adult, Filipino, Contemporary/Folk, Teen, Handbell and Children’s Choir. If you are interested in being part of this Ministry, please contact Patrick Zubiate, Director at (909) 861-7106 ext. 38.
Marriage Encounter
This is a weekend for married couples who desire a richer, fuller life together. The weekend is not a retreat, marriage clinic, group sensitivity or a substitute for counseling. It is a unique approach aimed at revitalizing marriages. Contact:
Marriage Preparation
Marriage Preparation and Con-validation Classes for the Archdiocese are hosted here at St. Denis in August and June. The priest working with the couple will direct them to the appropriate program.
Parish Volunteers
Periodically, volunteers are needed to help with specialized tasks. Please let us know if you have skills in any of these areas: carpentry, administrative tasks, landscape maintenance, plumbing, heating and air-conditioning, electrical, transportation and hospitality events.
Queen of Peace Rosary Group
This ministry focuses on the propagation and devotion of the Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary among families in Diamond Bar and its surrounding communities with faith in the promise that “the family that prays together stays together.” They have six images of the Blessed Virgin visiting homes for a week. A home visit of the Blessed Mother can be scheduled. Monthly meetings are held on the 1st Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.
Respect Life
A Committee that prays and informs parishioners of Respect Life concerns for all ages. They meet to pray the rosary 2nd Wednesday of every month in the Eucharistic Chapel after the 6:30 pm Mass except January and October. Meet every Wednesday during these two months.
Sacristan
The Sacristan at St Denis prepares the hosts and wine, as well as vessels and cloths, for Mass.
Safeguard the Children
To educate parents and children for the prevention of sexual abuse or any other forms of violence that is perpetuated on other segments of the parish.
SCRIP
SCRIP is another word for gift certificates and/or gift cards. They are available for purchase 7 days a week, either from Pastoral Office or courtyard after Masses on Saturday and Sunday. A truly cost-free way to support the parish.
Scripture Study (Lectionary based Bible Study)
Scripture Study centers on the Scripture readings for the upcoming Sunday. It will deepen one’s appreciation and understanding of the Living Word and help you apply the Gospel to your everyday life. Join us every Wednesday evening at 7:30 pm in Potthoff Hall.
Special Needs Ministry
If you have a child with special needs, including: Autism, Down Syndrome,Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation or another closely related disorder and you are interested in Sunday School Classes for him/her or a support group for your family,please contact Heather Diaz.
Ushers and Greeters
Ushers and Greeters welcome the community, caring for the offertory gifts, take collections, distribute weekly bulletins, and assist the priests as needed.
Contact: Bob Duval, 591-2173.
Young Adult Ministry
“As intergenerational young adults, we welcome all those able to share their unique gifts, talents, and spirituality and life experiences so that the entire community will benefit.”
Young Adults are 18 – 39, married or single, with or without children, looking to build relationships and friendships, community and belonging, and develop a personal spirituality.
Mass on 2nd Friday of the month at 6:30 pm.
Contacts: Directors of Young Adult Ministry,
Helene Galang, (909) 597-7938
Sherri Saldana, (909) 641-7437
Youth Ministry
All teens are invited to gather for social and spiritual enrichment. Teens are affirmed and educated to live the Gospel.
|
 |
|
 |