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St. Patrick Parish has many opportunities through which you may share your time and talent. Volunteers are a vital force in the life of our parish! We encourage everyone in our parish family to share their gifts in service to one another and the Lawrence community. Saint Patrick Parish provides training for all of our volunteer activities.
If you have questions about parish ministries and organizations, please contact us at: VolunteerCoordinator@saintpatrickparish.com.
Adult Choir
The Adult Choir has blessed St. Patrick's with beautiful music for many years. All of the members of the choir share their time and their musical talent with our faith community at our 11:00 am Sunday Mass, as well as at other special liturgies. No previous training is necessary.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experiences and work together toward creating a satisfying way of life without alcohol. Meetings are held on Mondays at 7:00 pm at the parish center.
Altar Guild
Members of the Altar Guild offer their time and energy to maintain the beauty of our church’s sanctuary and the sacred vessels used at Mass.
Altar Servers
Altar servers play a very important role in our parish’s liturgies by assisting the congregation and the Presider in the reverent celebration of Mass. Altar servers, who are in fourth grade and above and have received their First Communion, minister at all of our weekend Masses, as well as at special liturgies during the major feasts of the liturgical year. This is a special way for our young people to be closely involved in the liturgical life of the parish.
Boy Scouts
St. Patrick’s Boy Scout Troop 18 is a great extracurricular activity in which boys from age 11 (or 10 if they have completed fifth grade) through 17 are taught good morals and skills that they use throughout their lives. Through many fun trips, special activities, and service projects, the Boy Scouts learn how to respect others and the environment.
Cantors
Men and women lead congregational singing by serving as cantors. The ability to read music and sing on pitch are required. Ongoing training is offered by our parish’s Music Director.
CAP Team
(Child Abuse Prevention Team)
This team, working in collaboration with the Child Advocacy Office of the Archdiocese of Boston, fosters a community of support within the parish for the prevention of child abuse and neglect. The team is fully trained in mandated reporting laws and the Protecting God's Children (VIRTUS) program. Team members act as resource for the parish on issues of child abuse and neglect, and ensure that all parish staff and volunteers are fully trained in VIRTUS.
Cenacle of the Marian Movement of Priests
The Cenacle of the Marian Movement of Priests is a group of parishioners who are inspired by the writings and spirituality of Father Stefano Gobbi. Members gather to invoke the Holy Spirit, recite the Rosary, pray for the Holy Father, meditate on passages from “To the Priests, Our Lady’s Beloved Sons”, and offer the Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The Cenacle meets on the first Saturday of each month at 6:30 pm in the lower church, all are invited.
Charismatic Prayer Group
This English-speaking group meets on Tuesday evenings for the celebration of the Eucharist and prayer within the spirituality of the Charismatic Renewal.
Children's Choir
The children of St. Patrick Parish raise their voices in praise to God during our 9:00 am Sunday Mass. Our children are blessed with many musical talents, which they are very dedicated to sharing with St. Patrick's faith family.
Children's Liturgy of the Word
Members of the Children’s Liturgy of the Word team lead our young children in listening to and understanding the Scripture during our 9:00 am Sunday Mass.
Christian Outreach Committee
The Christian Outreach Committee serves the homeless and needy of our community. Volunteers on the fourth Saturday of the month contribute, organize, and deliver food to three meal centers in Lawrence. They gather other items requested by these facilities, as well as canned good for our parish’s food pantry.
Christian Visitation Committee
The mission of the Christian Visitation Committee is to care for the spiritual needs of the sick and elderly of our parish community. This is accomplished through prayer, distribution of the Eucharist, friendly visits, and conversation, so that sick and homebound parishioners continue to be connected to St. Patrick Parish. Visitations are provided to the sick and homebound and those residing in nursing homes. Special projects include organization of Masses with the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick and preparation and distribution of holiday gifts.
Christmas Fair Committee
Our parish’s Christmas Fair is held each year in December. This fun-filled event consists of games, raffles, craft tables, and food. The Fair brings together our faith community for an enjoyable event that serves as a fundraiser for the parish. Many volunteers dedicate their time and talent to the organization of the fair.
Circulo de Oracion
This Spanish-speaking group meets after our 7:00 pm Tuesday Mass to reflect and pray within the spirituality of the Charismatic Renewal.
Cofradia del Sagrado Corazon
The Spanish-speaking Cofradia del Sagrado Corazon meets every Friday to consecrate our parish and the world through prayer and service. Members are dedicated to living out the Christian call to pray in season and out of season.
Colonial Heights Nursing Home
The goal of this ministry is to foster the faith, happiness, and sense of purpose of our parishioners who live at Colonial Heights Nursing Home. Volunteers show the residents of Colonial Heights that the people of our parish care about their well-being, that they are not alone, and that they are valuable members of our parish family. This is accomplished through rosary groups, monthly Mass, distribution of the Eucharist, friendly visits, and other social and spiritual activities. Compassionate and caring visitors bring to our elderly friends spiritual comfort by making them more aware of the presence of Christ in their lives. Much joy is given and received through this ministry.
Comite de Actividades Marianas
The members of this Spanish-speaking committee plan a variety of Marian activities for our community, including the celebrations of the feasts of Our Lady of Divine Providence, Our Lady of Altagracia, and Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Cor Unum Meal Center
The Cor Unum Meal Center serves free, hot, nutritious meals to hundreds of people each day, 365 days a year. Volunteers of all ages prepare meals, cook, serve, clean, and maintain our state-of-the-art meal center. Cor Unum offers a uniquely powerful opportunity to put into action the heart of Christian discipleship.
Coro 12:30 pm
The choir at our 12:30 pm Sunday Mass includes talented vocalists and instrumentalists who lead our community in an exceptionally uplifting experience of prayer and song.
Coro 7:00 pm
The members of our 7:00 pm Sunday Mass choir offer their vocal and instrumental gifts to provide beautiful liturgical music for the congregation.
Cursillistas
The Cursillistas are a group of parishioners who have experienced a three-day, life-changing Cursillo. They meet weekly to continue their faith formation and to build a community of love and discipleship.
Cursos Biblicos
St. Patrick’s offers Spanish-language bible courses various days each week. Members of our bible courses grow in their understanding of God’s Word, their communion with the Lord, and their fellowship with other parishioners.
English as a Second Language
St. Patrick’s offers ESL classes for adults who wish to begin or improve their English skills. This dynamic program significantly improves communication skills and forges new connections among members of our parish community.
Equipo San Pablo
This Spanish-speaking group of leaders gathers to plan and evaluate the activities of the Hispanic Apostolate in our parish.
Eucharistic Apostles of The Divine Mercy
The Eucharistic Apostles of The Divine Mercy are part of a guided study program that includes the exploration of Sacred Scripture, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and the Diary of St. Faustina. Participants learn more about God, the Catholic Church, and their place in the Body of Christ. The apostolate promotes Eucharistic Adoration, together with hourly praying of The Divine Mercy Chaplet for the sick and dying.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion express a loving service at Mass by distributing the Eucharist to our faith family. There are special opportunities for Extraordinary Ministers to manifest faith and charity by bringing the Holy Eucharist to our Catholic friends who are sick and homebound, in the hospital, or in nursing homes. To inquire about this ministry, please speak with one of our priests.
Family Faith Formation
The Family Faith Formation team organizes large events that bring together hundreds of parishioners of all ages and languages to explore and grow in understanding our Catholic faith.
French Prayer Group
The members of the French Prayer Group gather for two hours every Tuesday morning to pursue very active prayer for vocations, the sick, and a wide variety of other intentions.
Friends of Saint Anne
The Friends of Saint Anne create beautiful baptismal robes for all of the children who are baptized at St. Patrick Parish. St. Patrick’s provides the pattern and materials, and the volunteers sacrifice their time and talent in sewing the robes. As each robe is sewn, the volunteer prays for the child who will wear the robe, as well as his/her family. This very rewarding ministry is a wonderful way to share one’s sewing talents!
Funeral Servers
Funeral Servers are adults who assist the congregation and the Presider with the reverent celebration of Funeral Masses. These volunteers perform an important service for the Lord by ministering to those who have experienced the recent deaths of loved ones. Through the celebration of beautiful funerals, we open ourselves to God’s healing power. Funeral servers’ leadership at Funeral Masses is also an expression of our community’s solidarity with our members who experience the pain of death.
Girl Scouts
St. Patrick’s Girl Scouts is an extracurricular activity for girls from kindergarten through twelfth grade. The Girl Scout organization is dedicated to helping girls build character and skills for success in the world. Girls develop good moral skills and qualities that will serve them all their lives. They enjoy many fun trips and activities that teach them respect for others and the environment.
Giving Tree
The Giving Tree is an Advent outreach project that runs from November to December. The Giving Tree provides clothing for hundreds of children in need during the Christmas Season. Its purpose is to enable everyone in the parish to share the gifts God has given them, and to assure people in need of God’s love.
Grupo de Jovenes
This is a dynamic group of Spanish-speaking junior high and high school students, as well as young adults, who gather weekly for Bible study and to share their faith and life experiences.
High School Basketball
St. Patrick’s offers a Sunday night basketball program for young people of high school age and older. Sunday Night Basketball has become a popular gathering point for hundreds of teenagers in Lawrence.
Hospitality Committee
The Hospitality Committee organizes the refreshments that are served after our 9:00 am Sunday Mass. By fostering a community atmosphere, these gatherings provide an opportunity for members of the parish to socialize and for new members to meet other parishioners.
Junior Youth Ministry
St. Patrick's Junior Youth Ministry encourages young people in grades five through eight to grow in their Catholic faith through social, educational, social service, sports, and spiritual development activities. The wonderful volunteers who share their time and talent through this ministry make a very positive difference in the lives of our young people.
Lectors
Lectors proclaim the Word of God during all of our parish’s Masses. With faith in God’s presence in the Scripture, Lectors use solid communication skills to effectively proclaim the Word. To inquire about this ministry, please speak with one of our priests.
Men of St. Patrick
The Men of St. Patrick is a fraternity of men who proclaim and promote the teachings of the Catholic Church. The group is dedicated to serving the parish by acts of service and charity, and by building community and faith through activities such as their golf tournament, suppers, St. Patrick School scholarships, and outings.
Movimento Pro-Vida
The Spanish-speaking Movimento Pro-Vida organizes activities in defense of life. The group works in connection with other Pro-Life groups in Lawrence. Through prayer, days of reflection, and informational updates, they serve our community in fostering consciences shaped by Catholic moral values.
Our Lady's Sodality
Members of Our Lady’s Sodality honor and praise Jesus Christ through Mary. Our Lady’s Sodality serves the parish community in many important ways – spiritually, charitably, and socially.
Parish Finance Council
The members of the Parish Finance Council advise the pastor on the financial aspects of parish life. They assess the needs of the parish, in term of both budget and staffing, for the realization of its mission, goals, and objectives. They formulate, monitor, and communicate to parishioners an annual budget of income and expenditures. To inquire about this ministry, please speak with one of our priests.
Parish Health Ministry
Our Parish Health Ministry empowers members of our faith community to become more active in caring for their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Parish Health Ministry combines nursing and ministry to assist individuals of all ages with their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Members of the ministry work closely with the pastor, clergy, and other parish staff to implement a program that provides resources, consultation and education.
Parish Pastoral Council
The Parish Pastoral Council is the consultative body that assists and supports the pastor in the leadership of St. Patrick Parish. The PPC is meant to be a means by which the pastor hears the voice of our community, and is a significant group for discerning the pastoral needs of the parish and ways in which those needs may be addressed. Members of the Parish Pastoral Council are nominated and elected by all members of the parish each spring.
Pastoral Matrimonial
The Spanish-speaking Pastoral Matrimonial is a group of married couples and members of the pastoral staff of our parish who promote opportunities for family growth. They organize encounters of couples who are considering marriage in the Church, days of reflection for couples who are dating, and activities for parents and their children.
Planned Giving Committee
Members of the Planned Giving Committee foster the spirituality of stewardship through parishioners’ long-term financial planning. The group organizes resources, communicates information about planned giving, and is available to all parishioners for individual consultation.
Prayer Line
Members of our parish are able to call in to our office with requests for intercessory prayer. Once a month, a list of these intercessions is published. Prayer Line members commit themselves to offering five minutes of prayer each day for the intentions on the list. Prayer Line members who are physically unable to come to church to pick up the monthly list have the list mailed to them.
Pro-Life Group
Members of the Pro-Life Group foster through prayer and action the critically important Gospel of Life.
RCIA
(Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
The RCIA is a faith formation process for persons interested in joining the Catholic Church. RCIA leaders also assist baptized, uncatechized Catholics who wish to complete their sacramental initiation into the Church. The RCIA process helps people to reflect on their relationships with God, to consider God’s call in their lives, and to come to decisions about their responses to God. To inquire about this ministry, please speak with one of our priests.
Religious Education Program
Religious Education is the presentation of the doctrine and tradition of our Catholic faith. Recognizing that a child’s faith, spirituality, and commitment to faith is formed by parents/guardians, St. Patrick’s Religious Education program is designed to enhance the foundation that parents/guardians give to their children. The goal of our Religious Education program is to teach as Jesus taught. Catechists and administrators strive to help children establish a personal and loving relationship with Christ, who is at the heart of our Religious Education program. Religious Education is offered in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese, and to children and adults with disabilities.
Sacristans
Sacristans play a very important role in our parish’s liturgies by preparing the sanctuary before and after Mass, and assisting with the coordination of the Liturgical Ministers.
Saint Matthew Guild
A team of volunteers counts the money contributed through the weekly offertory collections. Volunteers are supervised by members of the parish staff.
Saint Patrick's Basketball
The St. Patrick Basketball league is a noncompetitive activity designed for building the social skills and interaction of the youth of our community. Volunteers provide guidance and instruction to children in grades five through eight in a friendly, structured atmosphere. Volunteers find a fun and exciting way to share their time and talent with the young people of our community.
Saint Patrick School
Founded on the life and spirit of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton and the traditions of the Roman Catholic faith, St. Patrick School educates a diverse, urban, PreK-8 student community by offering a challenging academic program in an atmosphere of mutual tolerance and caring. St. Patrick School has a proven record of academic excellence. St. Patrick's School is accredited by the Archdiocese of Boston, and is a Member of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, and the National Catholic Educational Association.
Saint Patrick School Advisory Board
St. Patrick School’s Advisory Board gathers with the pastor and principal to develop the vision, goals, and activities of St. Patrick School. Members of the board are appointed by the pastor and principal.
Saint Patrick School Cafeteria Assistance
Volunteers at Saint Patrick School’s cafeteria offer lots of smiles and work with happy children and adults. Duties include distributing food and drinks, and cleaning lunchroom tables.
Saint Patrick School Fundraising Committee
The St. Patrick School Fundraising Committee is comprised of parents who are interested in raising needed funds for our school. All parents/guardians are invited to be a part of this committee.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul address the social service needs of people in our parish and community. Through the outstanding generosity and kindness of those who donate food, money, and time, Society members are able to provide food, medicine, shelter assistance, household items, transportation assistance, and other services to those in most need. Parishioners make financial donations to support the work of the Society, and make contributions of nonperishable food items through monthly collections.
Stewardship Commission
Members of the Stewardship Commission foster the spirituality of stewardship of God’s gifts of time, talent, and treasure among the people of St. Patrick Parish
Television Team
Members of our Television Team operate cameras at the 9:00 am Mass and 12:30 pm Masses on Sundays. There are additional opportunities for operating cameras when weekend programming is taped. Full training is provided.
Third Order of Mary
The members of the Third Order of Mary come together through their devotion to the Blessed Mother for prayer, discussion, study, and action.
Ushers
Ushers work to ensure the smooth flow of our parish’s liturgies by providing assistance to participants in liturgies. They assist in expressing a warm welcome to all who enter our church. They organize the offertory collection, distribute bulletins, say goodbye to people as they leave Mass, and reorder pews and missalettes after Mass.
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