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 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 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 biweekly 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.

Van Drivers: Volunteers are always needed to help drive the church van to pick up people who do not have transportation to church. The van runs for the Saturday 4:30 p.m. Mass and the 9:30 a.m. Mass on Sunday. We also run a van on Wednesday for people who need to shop, to keep doctor appointments, or for other reasonable needs. Two to three hours of training is required, as well as a Florida Class D Driver License.

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. They meet on Sunday evenings from 6:00 to 8:00pm in the Dome. 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 6:15pm) and every Thursday afternoon from 12 noon to 3:45pm. 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").