About Our Ministries
Liturgical/Worship
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament takes place in the chapel on the First
Friday of each month from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. This is a one-on-one
experience with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, where all are welcome to
receive many graces. We make sure that three to four people visit each
hour, so there is always a great need to have parishioners volunteer one
hour during the First Fridays.
Altar Servers
Boys and girls grade 4 and up are eligible to participate. Servers assist
the Presider at liturgies and other sacramental celebrations and rites.
Training is provided by experienced servers and Ministry Head.
Participants must faithfully attend all scheduled assignments or arrange
for a substitute if unable to serve.
Art & Environment
Members maintain the total worship space throughout the liturgical
seasons of the Church. Each minister brings unique skills to help create
an appropriate and prayerful environment for those gathered to worship.
During Ordinary Time, a small team cares for banners, fabrics,
decorations, flowers, and plants. Preparation for major seasons such as
Lent, Easter, Advent, and Christmas require many helping hands. Members
sometimes involve the congregation in projects that enhance the worship
space such as making items used in decorating (e.g. ornaments, birds,
angels). This is a hands-on ministry and orientation training is provided.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
The Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion help serve communion at all
Masses and liturgies where a Communion Service is held. Currently,
several teams cover each of the weekend and daily Masses. Team Captains
have a special role in working with the Sacristans to ensure setup prior
to Mass, as well as cleaning and storing the sacred vessels after Mass. A
four-hour workshop presented by the Orlando Diocesan Office of Liturgy is
the required training before the commissioning of Eucharistic Ministers.
A time of reflection sponsored by the Diocese is required every two years
for the certificate to remain current.
Marthas
Members of this ministry clean and prepare the church for all liturgical
celebrations. Currently, there are five teams with each team cleaning one
day every four weeks for about two to three hours. If you would like to
volunteer your time in being one of “God’s Housekeepers,” then come join
one of the Martha teams.
Ministers of Hospitality (Ushers)
Ushers welcome and assist in seating all who enter the church for Mass,
especially visitors. They help in preparing the offering table, invite
members of the congregation to present the offertory gifts, receive the
offertory collection, hand out bulletins, and help keep the church an
inviting place to worship. Orientation training for new participants is
provided.
Ministers of the Word (Lectors)
Lectors are called to tell the unending story of the Word with great
understanding and heart. As ministers of the Word, they publicly proclaim
the passages from the Bible. They have the task of making God present in
the Liturgy of the Word for the community. (The lector leads the way in
listening to the Word that, in turn, invites everyone to listen.) In
liturgy, the Christian community depends on the lectors to narrate an
encounter with God. In order to do this effectively, they must strive to
make the Word come alive for the listeners. Procedural and voice training
is provided by the ministry leaders. Are you called to this particular
ministry? It is an awesome and joyous responsibility to be one of God's
heralds.
Music Ministry
If you are interested in or need more information about any of the
following music choirs/ensembles, please contact the parish office. It
promises to be fun, challenging, and exciting!
ADULT CHOIRS
THE DIVINE MERCY CHORALE sings regularly at the 9:30AM mass every Sunday
morning throughout the school year. The Chorale, which consists of about
55 members, sings a wide variety of Choral Literature and Classical-
Contemporary Music. Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings from 6:30-7:45PM in
the Church. New members are always welcome.
THE CONTEMPORARY CHOIR sings regularly at the 11:30 a.m. Mass and
rehearses on Thursday evenings from 7:00—9:00 p.m. in the Church. If you
like upbeat, spirited music, this is for you. Instrumentalists are also
welcome.
THE RESURRECTION CHOIR is a valuable ministry that provides music for
funeral liturgies. This ministry provides an excellent opportunity to
minister to a grieving family. It is open to anyone who wishes to
minister in song. Rehearsals are 30 minutes before the funeral.
YOUTH & CHILDREN'S CHOIRS
THE CHERUB CHOIR is for children PreK4-Grade 2. The Cherubs will sing
most often at a Sunday Mass during the school year--usually once a month.
Rehearsal day and time (tbd).
THE YOUTH CHOIR is for youths Grade 3-Grade 8. The Youth Choir will sing
most often at a Sunday Mass during the school year—usually once a month.
Rehearsal day and time (tbd).
Sacristans
Sacristans ensure that the worship space is properly and adequately
prepared for the celebration of Mass, and other liturgical rites and
celebrations. They ensure that an adequate supply of items is available
for use, such as wine, breads, linens, candles, ritual books, vestments,
and vessels. Sacristans oversee setup for the Eucharistic Ministers and
serve as liaison with the Art and Environment Ministry. They may serve
for just a particular Mass or become trained to share the overall
responsibility of this ministry. Basis training is provided to
orientate new participants with the Sacristy area and procedures.
Currently, there is a special need for a School Mass head sacristan to
attend to the duties after the School Mass each Friday.
Worship Commission
On November 14, 2001, Divine Mercy Catholic Church held the inaugural
meeting of the first Worship Commission. The Worship Commission is
composed of the heads of all ministries involved in worship within our
parish. Members from the parish-at-large, as well as representatives from
other parish groups, are welcometo attend. Meetings are held on the first
Wednesday of every month at 5:30pm in the Chapel during the school year.
Adult Spiritual Formation
Charismatic Prayer Group
This group meets every Tuesday at 7:30pm in the chapel. We come together
to share in the joy of Pentecost through an outpouring of new life in the
Holy Spirit. As inspired by the Holy Spirit, we worship and praise Jesus
through joyful music and song and in loving communion with one another,
using the charisms expressed in 1 Corinthians 12:7-11.
Christ Renews His Parish
This retreat is a 32-year-old movement that serves as an introduction to
parish evangelization and renewal. The movement goal is to rekindle a
sense of discipleship and spiritual growth within the parish.
Parishioners who are 18 years and older are invited to attend this 30-
hour weekend retreat held on the parish grounds and conducted entirely by
fellow parishioners. All that is required is a willingness to be open to
the Holy Spirit and you will not be disappointed by "amazingly graced."
Lifelong Learning Program
There is no such thing as too much knowledge. it does not go out of style
or require closet space or cold storage. it lasts forever, travels
everywhere, and expands to fit all sizes. Once a year (in the fall)
the parish offers adult education classes on various subjects. These
classes are presented by gifted instructors from our church and
community.
These special people volunteer their time and talent to impart the gift
of knowledge. Volunteers are needed to serve as teachers and instructors,
as well as those who can help plan courses, prepare brochures, assist in
registration, and greet attendees/instructors on the days when classes
are held. We are sure that you will enjoy being a part of our lifelong
Learning Program.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
This is an ongoing process of discernment for those inquirers wishing to
learn more about the Catholic faith through a spiritual journey and Rites
of Acceptance, election, Initiation and Welcoming. We are always in need
of parishioners to serve as sponsors to accompany catechumen and
candidates during the RCIA journey by attending sessions and sharing
their faith experience. Those who can serve as catechists to lead the
catechumenand candidates through the process are also needed. One three-
hour workshop is provided to train participants in the four stages of the
RCIA conversion process.
Share the Word
Come and join the family of Catholics who, for more than 20 years, have
found inspiration, knowledge, and spiritual graces through the Paulists'
Share the Word magazine and Sunday to Sunday video. Come to know Jesus
Christ - the Way, the Trust and the Life - through reflections on the
scripture readings. The Paulists provide background information on the
insight into the Scriptures. Faith sharing connects the Scripture message
to daily life.
Small Christian Communities (SCC)
These are groups of 8 to 16 adults who come together weekly or twice
monthly, usually in each other's homes, to share their faith through the
reading of the Sunday Scriptures. Members help one another to grow in the
love of the Lord by sharing their everyday life experiences and making
the connection to their faith. Small Christian Communities is not just
about meeting individual needs. The growth experienced by individual
members becomes evident in building up the parish community,
strengthening the life and mission of the parish, and giving beyond the
Church community to our neighborhood communities and the rest of the
world. If you are seeking a place where you can come to know the love of
God in a very personal way, then a Small Christian Community is where you
want to be.
Religious Education for Youth
Divine Mercy Catholic School
The Mission of Divine Mercy Catholic School is to teach life-long
Catholic values and to provide a quality education in the disciplined,
Christian environment to students in pre-kindergarten through grade 8.
Through Catholic education, Divine Mercy Catholic School seeks to nourish
the Mercy charism of hospitality, compassion, and love among the
community of faculty, students, parents, and volunteers. Divine Mercy
Catholic School welcomes volunteers in the following support areas: lunch
program serving, clinic workers, school publicity, tutoring, reading
grannies, golf tournament, car raffle, grant writing, library aide,
public relations/marketing, web page design, graphic artists.
Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 8 Program
This ministry supports religious education of pre-kindergarten through
grade 8 public school children. Classes are held on Wednesday evening
from 6:00 to 7:15pm in the school. Our religious education program is
based on a Christ-centered catechesis. Using the series by Sadlier, We
Believe, we strive to assist parents and families in their faith
formation. We want children to see their faith connection to the entire
parish community, and that growth in this area is a life-long learning
experience. Diocesan training classes are available for those persons
wanting to serve as catechists (CCD teachers).
Christians in Action (CIA) Youth Ministry
Divine Mercy Youth Ministry strives to: Connect with our youth in a way
that fuels their passion for God; empower young people to live as
disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today; draw young people to
responsible participation in the life, mission, and work of the Catholic
faith community; and foster the total personal and spiritual growth of
each young person. Youth Ministry is open to all teens from grade 9
through 12.
Those wishing to volunteer their time and talent by serving as
chaperones or drivers, and helping with fund-raising events, are most
welcome to join this ministry.
Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School is a week-long program held during the month of
June for children in pre-kindergarten through grade 4. This program helps
children to learn about scripture using many fun activities. Each year a
different theme is chosen, and the activities for the week are centered
around this theme. Many people are needed in various support areas to
plan and present this very special program, so if you have a love for the
Word and enjoy working with children, please consider joining this fun-
filled ministry.
Parish and Family Life
Bingo
Bingo is held every Tuesday evening from 7:00 to 10:30 pm (Early Birds at
6:00pm). Volunteers are needed to set up Bingo supplies and the Bingo
machine, turn on the monitors, sell cards, call Bingo, call back winning
cards and clean the hall at closing.
Coffee & Donuts
Volunteers from the various Parish Ministries assist in the setup,
serving of coffee/juice/donuts, and cleanup of the Social Hall at the
Sunday morning reception after the 8:00 and 9:30am Masses. This is a
vital service of hospitality for the Parish and a great way to become
familiar with other members of the community. All are invited to join
this ministry of hospitality.
Council of Catholic Women (CCW)
This group meets the third Wednesday evening of each month (September
through April). As part of the National CCW, our parish council endeavors
to support, empower, and educate Catholic women in spirituality,
leadership, and service. It also provides social activities for the
members.
Divine Mercy Soccer Club
The Divine Mercy Soccer Club consists of a number of youth teams (3 years
to 15 years old) composed equally of school, parish and community
children.
For for information, please visit our website at dmsoccer@mac.com.
Lenten Soup & Bread Supper
During the Lenten season, Divine Mercy parishioners and their friends may
gather in Social Hall on Fridays for a soup and bread supper, followed by
the Stations of theCross or a spiritual formation video program. The
members of this ministry group provide nourishment by cooking and serving
two different kinds of soup for approximately 100 to 120 people, while
also giving people time to socialize and become family. This also
provides sustenance for people on low incomes. This has been an ongoing
ministry since 1984, so if you feel called to feed the body as well as
the spirit, then please come and join the chefs of "Soup de Jour" during
Lent.
Moms & Tots
Parents of young children get together to offer support and companionship
for one another. This provides an opportunity for young children to
interact and participate in age-appropriate activities. If you have a
need for this type of social activity, please come and see for yourself
and join in the fun.
Welcoming Committee
This is a Committee of people who telephone all new parishioners to
welcome them into our Parish and answer any questions that they may have.
The committee also hosts a new parishioner Welcoming Reception after the
9:30am Mass once a month. This is an opportunity for people to meet, get
acquainted with other community members, and familiarize themselves with
the various ministries of the Parish. If you feel called to serve as a
minister of welcome, then come and join our committee.
WINGS (When In Need Give Support)
This ministry provides an understanding atmosphere for people who have
suffered the loss of a loved one through death. The members of this group
are given an opportunity to meet new people, bond with one another, and
open their hearts to each other. Once a month we go out to dinner for
those people having birthdays during the month. If you have lost a loved
one and need a group of compassionate people to help "lift you up on
Eagles Wings," then please contact us.
Parish Administration and Maintenance
Bulk Mailing
The Parish Staff needs assistance in preparing large mailings several
times during the year. Volunteers are welcome to help with the tasks of
folding letters, labeling envelopes, and assembling for bulk mail-out. On-
the-job training is provided, so if you can lend a hand "or two," it
would be most appreciated.
Facilities Maintenance
The Maintenance Supervisor is in need of volunteers to help with
maintenance of the parish facilities a few hours a week. Please call the
Parish Office if you are interested in being of service in this area.
Gardening Angels
The members of this group help maintain and beautify the Church grounds.
We do seasonal planting, weeding, trimming, flower bed rotation, and
landscape design. If you can give a few hours of your time, we certainly
welcome those who can lend a hand (or a "green thumb").
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