“Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Matthew 25:40

This ministry is as outreach ministry for the parish….Spiritually, physically, emotionally and socially. Special needs include the sick, elderly, bereaved, etc.

COMMUNION MINISTERS TO THE SICK

These ministers of the Eucharist take the Blessed Sacrament to those unable to attend Mass with the community. This allows the sick and homebound to become one with the community of believers.

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COMMUNION SERVICE MINISTRY

Lay ministers trained to do Communion Services provide an opportunity for patients in the Alzheimer’s Unit at Wesley Manor to participate as much as they are able in hearing the Word of God and receiving Holy Communion.

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HEALING BLANKET MINISTRY

Blankets that have been sewn by parishioners are given to the sick or homebound providing comfort and support from their parish community. These blankets, along with a booklet of reassuring prayers, are blessed by the pastor with the parish and then given to those who are in need of consolation and prayer.

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PRAYER TREE

This committee reaches out with love and support at the time of a death of a parishioner. A team works with the families and the priest in planning meaningful liturgies for the Mass of Christian Burial. Volunteers are asked to contribute in their own special way by preparing and/or delivering food, attending Vigil Prayer Services at funeral home and by preparing/mailing sympathy cards to the families.

1. Funeral Planning Ministry – helps families and the priest in planning meaningful liturgies for the Mass of Christian Burial. This ministry is done on a monthly basis, so volunteers only help with the funerals during the month which they are assigned.
   1. Contact Jim Higdon at 314-2691
2. Funeral Food Ministry – helps in a special way by preparing and/or delivering food to bereaved families usually at the funeral home while the loved one is lying in state. This ministry provides caring and support during the first days of the family’s loss.
   1. Prepare food when called by a monthly coordinator and then deliver it to the St. Rita Parish Office.
   2. Monthly coordinator takes a turn one month a year to call people who will prepare the food for funerals.
   3. When available, Casper Center may be used by families after the funeral liturgy.
3. Vigil Prayer Service Ministry – parishioners of St. Rita attend the Vigil Prayer Service at the funeral home and mailing an initial sympathy card to the families after the death.
4. Bereavement After Care Ministry – provides continued support to the mourning following the funeral. These are caring and compassionate people whose primary ministry is to support and listen to people who are grieving the loss of a loved one.

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ST. VINCENT DEPAUL

This group makes home visits and assists individuals and families with such needs as food, medical expenses, utility bills and rent. They provide volunteers for the open-hand kitchen, which serves hot meals to the needy and to the South East Helping Hands Center in the distribution of food. They collect donated items for the St. Vincent dePaul Store.

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HOSPITALITY-PARISH RECEPTIONS

This group coordinates the coffee and doughnuts social on the first Sunday of each month during the school year. They also prepare all parish receptions and are present to greet people. This group promotes the sense of community while providing occasions for parishioners to get to know each other and welcome new parishioners.

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LIVELY HEARTS (55 YEARS AND OLDER)

This group meets the second Tuesday of each month, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The group focuses on Christian fellowship in a variety of ways through; prayer, birthday club, crafts, cards, bingo, occasional trips and much more. All are welcome, including members from other parishes or religious denominations.