Saint John The Evangelist

Catholic Community

MINISTRIEs(continued)

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION / SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION

 

             Religious education is offered to our registered parish families.  Kindergarten through 8^th grade students meet Sunday mornings from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon in the Education Building in the Brevard County Government Complex.  The 9^th through 12^th grade students meet Sunday evenings at 7:00 p.m. at the St. John the Evangelist Parish Office.

             Registration for classes begins in August, and classes start in September.  We schedule our holidays around the Brevard County public school schedule.

             We also offer Sacramental Preparation classes for students who are seeking their First Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation.

             Please pray for your calling to this ministry.  There is always a need for dedicated, strong spiritual leaders to teach and assist in our classrooms.

 

Coordinator:  Louise Vine – 242-8781

 

 

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA)

 

RCIA is a process for welcoming adult newcomers into the Roman Catholic Church.  Our parish program begins in the fall with weekly teaching sessions until the Sacraments of Initiation are celebrated at the Easter Vigil.

The main purpose of this Rite is to assist prospective Catholics in their journey to becoming active members of the church community.  RCIA is also intended to revive the missionary spirit of all members of the faith community.

Catechists and sponsors are needed.  Upon approval of the pastor, an RCIA team is formed, and members help coordinate and assist in this vital program.

 

Coordinator:  Pat Krukar – 635-9920

 

ROSARY MAKERS

 

             The Rosary Makers meet each week at the Parish Office on Thursday from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.  During that time we make cord and wire rosaries for the missions and for friends and relatives.  Most of our work, however, is done at home.

             Instructions and a beginner’s kit are provided.  Members of the parish are invited to join this special ministry.

 

Coordinators:  Betty and Paul Donovan – 255-6447

 

SACRISTAN MINISTRY

 

             Sacristans are Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion who have the added responsibilities of preparing the sanctuary for the Liturgy, assisting during the liturgy and getting the sanctuary ready for the next Liturgy.  Sacristans work closely with the other members of the liturgical team.

             The sacristan begins the preparation of the sanctuary at least 30 minutes before each Liturgy by getting the unconsecrated elements of the Eucharist ready, setting the credence table and altar with linens and vessels, and marking the liturgical books properly.  The sacristan ensures that all the necessary ministers are present and prepared.  During Mass the sacristan monitors the flow of the Liturgy and Holy Communion and responds to any unexpected events so that the celebration takes place in a smooth and reverent manner.  Sacristans serve the presider in the absence of an altar server.  After Mass they purify the sacred vessels and prepare the sanctuary for the next Mass.  After the last Mass they return all items to their proper storage.

             Sacristans also assist at Baptisms, weddings, and Masses of Christian Burial.  They teach new extraordinary ministers parish practices for the distribution of Holy Communion.

             Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion who wish to become sacristans serve an apprenticeship with an experienced sacristan and are approved by the pastor before assuming their new duties.

 

Coordinator:  Pat Spadafora – 637-1122

 

SCRIPTURE STUDY

 

             Vatican II tells us that “only by the light of faith and by meditation on the word of God can one always and everywhere recognize God in whom ‘we live and move and have our being’” (Acts 17:28), (Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity, No. 4).  To foster an understanding and love of the Scriptures, the parish periodically offers studies with a specific focus.  Recent studies have dealt with the women of the Old Testament, the women of the New Testament, and the Good News of God’s mercy (the Gospel according to Luke).  The parish also periodically offers the Crown Financial Ministries bible study, which helps participants apply principles found in Scriptures to everyday life to develop a budget and set long-term goals.

 For information on current and future offerings, please refer to the parish bulletin.

 

Coordinator:  Mary Ann Pezzullo – 751-1406

 

SMALL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES

 

             A Small Christian Community (SCC) is a committed gathering of 8 to 20 parishioners who come together regularly to connect life and faith through God’s word, prayer, and fellowship, with loving support and outreach.

             We continually have several groups and a few getting ready to start.  Hebrews 10:25 says “We should continue meeting together to encourage one another.”  SCC provides a way to connect religion and life, while providing a sense of belonging and caring for each person.

             Visitors are always welcome.  Watch for training sessions for facilitators.

 

Coordinators:  Hugh and Nell Muller – 253-1600

 

ST. JOHN SINGLES

 

             The purpose of this ministry is fellowship, fun, and service to our parish.  Single, widowed, and divorced members of St. John’s are welcome to join us at our monthly meetings in the Parish Office on the second Wednesday of each month.  After meetings members are invited to dine together at a local restaurant.

             Additionally, there are several social get-togethers held in members’ homes, and there are opportunities to serve the parish in various projects.

 

Coordinator:  Joan Sims – 255-9658

 

SUNSHINE MINISTRY

 

             While most members of this ministry are parishioners with disabilities, all parishioners are invited to join.  The group meets periodically and sends birthday and greeting cards to shut-ins.

             Prayer shawls are made for the chronically ill, and prayers are offered for shut-ins and the sick.

 

Coordinator:  Anna Cotton – 254-7675

 

USHERS

 

             Ushers at St. John the Evangelist offer hospitality to parishioners and provide assistance with seating, collecting offerings, and distributing materials.

             Because St. John’s uses temporary worship space, there are some additional needs the ushers fulfill.  Prior to the 4:00 p.m. Saturday Mass, folding chairs and music books must be brought out of storage and set up for use at the five weekend Masses.  After the 11:00 a.m. Sunday Mass these chairs and books must be collected and returned to storage, and the area must be swept clean and returned to its pre-Mass state.       We welcome all who would like to serve as ushers. 

For information, please see the head usher after Mass or call the Parish Office.

 

Coordinators:  Jim Young – 757-3077

Al McKenna – 433-0793

 

YOUNG FAMILIES GROUP

 

             The Young Families Group is an organization of Catholic families who meet regularly for support, friendship, and the affirmation of our roles as Catholic parents.

             We have children’s activities, play groups, family gatherings, and MOMS Ministry – Meals for Moms and Moms Night Out.

             Please watch the church bulletin for upcoming events.

 

Coordinator:  Laene Keith – 504-4331

 

YOUTH MINISTRY

 

             All parishioners in grades 9 - 12 are invited to join this parish group.  Members will have a chance to meet new friends and enjoy good times, while growing in their relationships with God. Members weekly reflect on and discuss issues which confront and challenge teenagers today and consider ways for coping with these issues.

           From time to time the group has parties.

 

                                 Coordinator: Terri Tagye - 632-9473 and 258-6383

 

Ministry information and contacts continued:

Last Updated on 1/23/07

5655 Stadium Parkway
Viera, FL  32940

 

Phone: (321)637-9650 Fax: (321)637-9651

email: office@StJohnEvangelist.com
Member of the Orlando Diocese