St. Wendelin Parish

Ministries

A quick reminder as I begin this bulletin article that I am happy to answer questions regarding liturgical or musical items. Perhaps one of your questions was answered in Father’s letter this week on “ascending solemnity.” Please feel free to send questions via email to anthony.gallina@stwendelin.org. As Bishop Thomas notes on The Bishop’s Corner, “If you have a question, somebody else likely has the same or a similar question.”

Gift Bearers: When COVID restrictions were lifted and parish reinstituted the gifts procession at offertory, we had noted that a cross would be placed on the gifts table by the baptismal font. Anybody who wants to bring up the gifts at the offertory is welcome and encouraged to pick up that cross before Mass begins. This shows the ushers that the ministry is filled. When it is time for offertory, bring the cross back to the table. The offertory is a very important part of the liturgy—sometime in a future article I will explain the theological background as well as the practical nature of the offertory rite. Bringing up the gifts is a very simple and beautiful way for people to exercise a ministry in the Mass. If a loved one is the intention for the Mass that day, his or her family bringing up the gifts is a beautiful gesture. This ministry is also great for families with young children. I remember in my youth I would always try to grab the cross when we got to church and my mom had to constantly remind me to let others have a chance to bring up the gifts.

Memorial Choir: For those who may be retired or generally free from 9:30-noon, joining the Memorial Choir is a wonderful opportunity to serve our members of our parish family as they grieve the loss of their loved ones. Our Memorial Choir is open to men and women of all ages and you can sing whenever you are able to come. The choir meets 45 minutes prior to each funeral to warm up and run through a song or two. They then pray the Rosary for the deceased 30 minutes prior to the funeral Mass. Please prayerfully consider joining!

Handbells: Our handbell choir is currently in need of one or two more ringers. Have you ever thought about giving ringing a try? Anybody seventh grade or older is welcome to give the bells a try. Some Ringers have said they have asked people to join and the usual response is, “Oh, I could never do that.” Well, if one never tries, I guess “never” is right. But, I am a firm believer that, “Yes, you can do that!” Learning a new skill takes practice. Many of our ringers have been in the bell choir for 10-20 years and they were all beginners at one point or another. All our music is highlighted with the notes each ringer plays. Reading music is a plus, but not completely necessary. If you know right from left and can count to four (sometimes six and every once in a while twelve), you can do this! Come give it a try on Tuesdays from 6:30-8:00 in the church.

I will highlight some more of our ministries next week! In the meantime, please feel free to visit our parish website and read some descriptions of the different ministries we have!