Parish Ministries

Serving with Faith, Building Our Community

Ministries at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish

Our parish is a vibrant, living community, and you are the heartbeat that keeps it thriving! We invite you to sign up and volunteer in our various parish ministries, where your time and talents can shine in service to God and one another.

Why Volunteer?

  • Build a Stronger Community: Your involvement fosters connection, love, and support, making our parish a true home for all.

  • Serve God Through Others: Sharing your gifts—whether teaching, singing, organizing, or simply offering a warm smile—reflects Christ’s love and brings hope to those around you.

  • Grow in Faith: Volunteering deepens your relationship with God as you live out His call to serve with humility and generosity.

  • Make an Impact: From liturgy and music to outreach and youth programs, your efforts create a welcoming, active parish that inspires everyone.

Join A Ministry Today - Complete Ministry Inquiry Form

At Our Lady of Lourdes, our ministries provide opportunities for parishioners to engage in service, faith formation, community building, and worship. Each ministry plays a vital role in fostering spiritual growth, supporting the parish’s mission, and serving the broader community. Below are the key ministry areas and their respective groups, along with descriptions of their roles and volunteer opportunities.

PAROCHIAL EDUCATION MINISTRY

This ministry collaborates with the school principal to ensure high-quality Catholic education at Our Lady of Lourdes School. The School Commission meets monthly (except July) and includes subcommittees focused on specific areas. Volunteers, including parishioners and non-parishioners with school children, are discerned by the Membership Sub-Committee.

  • School Development Work Group: Supports fundraising and outreach through subcommittees like Annual Fund, Communications, Enrollment, Marketing, Planned Giving, PTO, and Spring Benefit.
  • School Enrollment Work Group: Promotes the school through events like the Irvington Halloween Festival and Spring Open House, as well as year-round marketing efforts.
  • School Facilities Committee Work Group: Maintains and improves school buildings, working with the Parish Facilities Committee.
  • School Finance Committee Work Group: Assists with budgeting, monitors income and expenditures, and advises the principal and School Commission.
  • School Membership Work Group: Recruits and discerns new School Commission members and encourages family involvement.
  • Parent Teacher Organization (PTO): Supports the school through fundraising and volunteer roles like classroom parents or recess monitors.
  • School Volunteers: Assist with daily operations, such as office work, copying, or delivering materials.

EVANGELIZATION AND FAITH FORMATION MINISTRY

This ministry, consultative to the Coordinator of Religious Education (CRE), Pastor, and Parish Council, focuses on lifelong faith formation and evangelization. Members are appointed by the Pastor, with evangelization efforts expanding in 2021-2022.

  • Baptismal Preparation: Program for first-time parents to prepare for the sacrament of Baptism, emphasizing family and parish responsibilities. First and third Mondays as needed.
  • Confirmation Preparation: A year-long program for 8th graders and high school students, including meetings, service and retreat.
  • First Reconciliation and First Holy Eucharist: For 2nd graders (age 7+), requiring prior religious formation and parental commitment to ongoing faith education.
  • Marriage Preparation: A six-month process for couples, focusing on the lifelong commitment of Matrimony. Contact the parish secretary to schedule.
  • Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA): Weekly sessions (September–May) for those exploring Catholicism. Volunteers serve as sponsors or coordinators.
  • Sunday Religious Education: Teaches Catholic Catechism to grades 1–8, held Sundays from 9:30–10:45 AM. Volunteers needed as catechists.
  • Vacation Bible School: A summer program for grades K-5, focusing on faith through song, crafts, and activities. Volunteers needed for planning and leadership.

STEWARDSHIP MINISTRY

This ministry oversees financial, physical, and volunteer resources, with representatives from various groups meeting at least twice yearly.

  • Collection Counters: Adult volunteers count Sunday, Holy Day, and special collections, requiring 2–3 hours per session.
  • Marketing Communications Committee: Manages parish communication platforms (bulletin, website, social media) in collaboration with the School Commission.
  • Engagement Committee: Connects parishioners’ talents to ministry opportunities, open to high school age and up.
  • Facilities and Maintenance Committee: Maintains parish facilities, needing volunteers with skills in electrical, plumbing, or construction.
  • Fall Festival: Organizes the annual festival to support the parish budget, requiring volunteers for planning, booths, and games.
  • Finance Committee: Develops budgets, monitors finances, and reviews expenditures. Members serve three-year terms, renewable once.
  • Fundraising and Sponsorship: Coordinates fundraising events and sponsorships across parish and school groups.
  • Gardening & Landscaping: Maintains parish grounds through planting, mulching, and seasonal cleanups.
  • Long-range Planning: Plans for long-term capital needs, collaborating with Finance and Facilities Committees.
  • Safety and Security Committee: Assesses campus safety, designs protocols, and advises on security measures.
  • Technology Committee: Evaluates and maintains parish technology needs.
  • Parish Office Volunteers: Assist with phones, mailings, and office tasks based on availability.
  • Vocations Awareness: Promotes awareness of vocations (priesthood, religious life, marriage, single life, lay ministry).

COMMUNITY LIFE MINISTRY

This ministry fosters community within the parish and beyond, with leaders meeting at least twice yearly.

  • Athletic Committee: Supports youth sports through CYO, coordinating fees, games, and practices. Volunteers need background checks and training.
  • Gym Concession Stand: Operates during games, needing volunteers for inventory and service.
  • Coffee and Donuts: Serves refreshments after Mass on the 3rd Sunday monthly, collaborating with rotating host ministries.
  • Men’s Club: Open to men 21+ and fathers of school students, fostering fellowship and service. Meets first Sunday monthly.
  • Socialaires: For adults 55+, offering service, activities, and fellowship.
  • Welcome Committee: Connects new parishioners with companions to integrate them into parish life.
  • Young Adults: For ages 18–35, participating in Archdiocesan activities like sports, Bible studies, and service.

SCOUTING MINISTY

This ministry fosters community within the parish and beyond, with leaders meeting at least twice yearly.

  • Athletic Committee: Supports youth sports through CYO, coordinating fees, games, and practices. Volunteers need background checks and training.
  • Gym Concession Stand: Operates during games, needing volunteers for inventory and service.
  • Coffee and Donuts: Serves refreshments after Mass on the 3rd Sunday monthly, collaborating with rotating host ministries.
  • Men’s Club: Open to men 21+ and fathers of school students, fostering fellowship and service. Meets first Sunday monthly.
  • Socialaires: For adults 55+, offering service, activities, and fellowship.
  • Welcome Committee: Connects new parishioners with companions to integrate them into parish life.
  • Young Adults: For ages 18–35, participating in Archdiocesan activities like sports, Bible studies, and service.

PARISH SOCIAL MINISTRIES

These ministries live out faith through service, advocating for justice and community support.

  • Parish Social Ministry Advocates: Promotes service opportunities and collaboration among ministries.
  • Bereavement Committee: Supports the bereaved with hospitality at funerals and ongoing contact.
  • Christmas Dinner: Prepares and serves a community Christmas meal in Bernadette Hall.
  • Creation Care: Implements energy, water, and waste management plans, educating parishioners on environmental stewardship.
  • Family Promise of Greater Indianapolis: Partners with local congregations to house and feed homeless families quarterly.
  • Funeral Meal Ministry: Provides luncheons after funerals, needing volunteers for cooking and serving.
  • Global Solidarity Ambassador(s): Educates on Catholic Relief Services’ work, including Rice Bowl and Fair Trade events.
  • Habitat for Humanity: Volunteers for home-building projects with other faith communities.
  • Health Ministry: Promotes holistic wellness for mind, body, and spirit.
  • Holy Family Shelter: Provides meals and assistance to shelter residents monthly.
  • Homebound Ministry: Brings Eucharist to those unable to attend Mass.
  • Pro-Life: Raises awareness and encourages participation in pro-life and religious liberty events.
  • Social Justice Ministry: Promotes justice and care for the poor using Catholic social teaching.
  • St. Vincent de Paul: Assists those in need within parish boundaries, including home visits and warehouse work.
  • Thanksgiving Dinner: Collaborates with other congregations to provide a community meal.

SPIRITUALITY AND WORSHIP MINISTRY

  • Festival of Prayer: Held February 11–18, introducing various Catholic prayer forms.
  • Lourdes Word: Publishes a quarterly journal of parishioner stories and reflections.
  • Men’s Prayer Group – Monday Night: Meets second Monday monthly for prayer and discussion.
  • Men’s Prayer Group – Tuesday Night: Weekly scripture-based prayer at 9:00 PM.
  • Rosary Ministry: Leads Rosary prayers in the chapel or grotto, with special events in May and October.
  • Spiritual Journey: Promotes activities to enrich parishioners’ spiritual lives.

WORSHIP MINISTRY

  • Liturgy Committee: Plans liturgical celebrations and trains ministers.
  • Altar Linens: Cares for liturgical linens weekly.
  • Art and Environment: Decorates the church for liturgical seasons.
  • Baptismal Garments: Creates white garments for infant baptisms.
  • Children’s Liturgy of the Word: Proclaims the Gospel to 1st–2nd graders during 10 AM Mass.
  • Church Cleaning: Maintains the church’s cleanliness, with deep cleaning before Christmas and Easter.
  • Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: Distribute Communion at Mass or to the homebound.
  • Hospitality (Ushers/Greeters): Welcome attendees, assist with seating, and distribute bulletins.
  • Lectors: Proclaim the Word at liturgies, requiring strong speaking skills.
  • Music Ministries:
    • Cantors: Lead congregational singing and acclamations.
    • Adult Choir: Open to high school age and up, rehearsing Thursdays.
    • Instrumentalists: Enhance liturgies with various instruments.
    • Folk Ensemble: Sings monthly at 10 AM Mass and special occasions.
  • Prayers of the Faithful: Composes petitions for weekend and Holy Day Masses.
  • Scheduler of Liturgical Ministers: Manages schedules using Ministry Scheduler Pro.
  • Servers: Assist at liturgies, open to 6th–12th graders.
  • Servers’ Garments: Cares for servers’ albs.
  • Sacristans: Prepare for liturgies, ensuring vessels, books, and ministers are ready.
  • Volunteer Requirements: Many roles require background checks and Safe and Sacred training, especially those involving youth or vulnerable populations.
  • Contact Information: For specific roles (e.g., Marriage Preparation, Music Ministries), contact the parish secretary or relevant staff (e.g., Parish Music Director).
  • Resources: Job descriptions, training, and guidelines are available for most ministries.
  • Engagement: Parishioners of all ages are encouraged to participate, with opportunities tailored to various skills, interests, and time commitments.