STEWARDSHIP PRAYER
Lord, you alone are the source of every good gift and the mystery of
life.
We praise you and thank you for all your blessings. Everything that we
are and everything that we have is your gift to us. Thank you for
showering us with your blessings especially the gift of your Son.
In the Name and Spirit of Jesus, we the people of Divine Mercy commit
ourselves to be good stewards of all that you have given us, and to share
our time, our talent, and our treasure as a sign of our faithfulness to
you.
Fill our minds and hearts with the truth and love of Jesus that we may be
brought together into a community of faith, a parish family, and a loving
people.
Amen.
ELECTRONIC GIVING
We are able to offer our parishioners the opportunity to give financially
to our parish through on-line banking.
Please download the Electronic Giving Form (.pdf) and mail
to:
Divine Mercy Catholic Church
Attn: Paula Brave
1940 N. Courtenay Parkway
Merritt Island, FL 32953
-OR-
Place in Offertory Basket during Mass
Electronic Giving Forms are also available in the Narthex and in the
Parish Office.
Liturgical/Worship
Adoration: There is adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on the
first Friday of each month from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM in the chapel. 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: Adults and Boys and girls grade 5 and up are
eligible to participate. Servers assist the Presider at liturgies and
other sacramental celebrations and rites. Training is provided by
experienced servers. Participants must faithfully attend all scheduled
assignments or arrange for a substitute if unable to do so.
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.
Martha’s: 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 five 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.
Media Technicians: Media Technicians assist the Director of Music
during weekend masses running the computer projection system and
recording the masses for homebound parishioners.
Ministers of Hospitality (Ushers): Ushers welcome and assist in
seating all who enter the Church 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: Please see the Music Ministry Page for more
information about our music ensembles which include several adult choirs
and youth and children's choirs.
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
corientate 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 welcome to attend. Meetings
are held on the first Tuesday of every month at 5:30pm during the school
year.
Christian Service
Bereavement: This group offers whatever assistance is needed after
the loss of a loved one. They contact the family, help with funeral home
arrangements, help with planning the funeral Mass (selecting readings and
music), attend the funeral Mass, and make follow-up calls. Approximately
nine hours of training time is involved over three sessions, which covers
procedures at Mass, parish tradition, and necessary skills of listening
and providing comfort.
Our Lady of Mercy Rosary Makers: The members of this ministry
craft chain-and cord-style rosaries. These rosaries are sent all over the
world to the Missions. If you enjoy fine jewelry crafting and would like
to share your time and talent in extending God's love to people
throughout the world, then please consider joining this ministry. On-the-
job training is provided for crafting with fashioning wire and use of
pliers. All are welcome.
Respect Life/Social Justice: This ministry advocates support for
all God's creations, beginning with conception and ending with natural
death. The activities of support include Sharing Sunday, Prayer Partners,
Respect Life Sunday, Pennies for Life, Operation Hope Toy Drive and
Winter Clothing Drive for migrant farm workers, Annual Health Fair, Hour
of Prayer (in reparation for all the abortions committed), developing
Defending Life inserts and activities for social justice involving teens
(homilies for the homebound, spruce up Genesis House, Teen Volunteers for
Hospice and mentoring to younger teens). In addition, the Coalition of
Divine Mercy Nurses/Healthcare Providers provide mentoring support and
education to one another; and participate in blood pressure checks on the
third Sunday of each month following the 8:00 and 9:30 am Masses.
Individual training is provided for participants.
Special Ministers of the Sick (SMS): Special Ministers of the Sick
bring Communion to the sick and shut-ins of the parish community. They
bring a sense of contact to people who are unable to attend church.
Visits to nursing homes and hospitals are also part of this ministry.
Required training is provided by the Diocese of Orlando and involves an
eight-hour workshop for Ministry to the Sick, plus a four-hour workshop
for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.
St. Vincent de Paul Society: This Society is a group of dedicated
men and women who assist the poor and needy of our community. It is
supported by individual contributions and financial assistance from the
parish. Meetings are held bimonthly and operations consist of casework
for two hours each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. All manner of
assistance is offered. Hands-on training is provided by ministry leaders;
social worker background is desirable, but not necessary.
Wings: This organization is comprised of people who have suffered
the loss of a loved one.
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 Retreat: 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. Twice a year (fall and spring) 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 catechumen and 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).
Teens for Christ 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. Please
see the Youth Ministry Page for more information.
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 6:00 pm). 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.
Lenten Soup & Bread Supper: During the Lenten season, Divine
Mercy parishioners and their friends may gather in the Social Hall on
Fridays for a soup and bread supper, followed by the Stations of the
Cross 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.
Parish Fair: The parish fair is usually held during spring and
runs from Thursday through Sunday. This is a community-building event,
meant to be a "fun-raiser," in addition to helping raise funds for our
school. Volunteers are always needed to help with setup, to maintain the
various booths, and to help with breakdown when the fair is over.
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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