Spiritual & Liturgical Ministries
At Mass
- LECTORS proclaim the Word of God at Sunday and daily Mass
- CANTORS lead the congregation in the chanting of the mass parts and leading the hymns
- EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS serve as Extra-ordinary Ministers of the Eucharist at weekend and Holy Day Masses and special occasions
- ALTAR SERVERS fourth grade and older are welcome to participate in this special ministry
- MINISTERS OF HOSPITALITY (Ushers and Greeters) welcome worshipers and collect the offertory at Mass.
Sacramental Preparation
- RELIGIOUS EDUCATION/YOUTH MINISTRY/EDGE includes bi-weekly education and activities throughout the school year including preparation for First Reconciliation, First Communion and Confirmation. Once a month the Immaculate Heart hosts Family Days on a Sunday where we gather as a parish family to learn together and discuss the faith.
- OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults) welcomes Catechumens and Candidates interested in full participation in the Catholic Faith. Please contact the office for more information.
- PRE-CANA is offered yearly to members of the Erie Diocese preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage
Prayer
Within our parish community, we offer many different opportunities for prayer. Before our 5:00 PM Saturday Vigil Mass, we offer the recitation of the Rosary.
On First Friday our parish has the opportunity to participate in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. We encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity. Please check the bulletin for our updated schedule for any changes.
Adult Faith Formation
Continued learning about our faith is an important part of our role as church. Faith formation opportunities are offered in the Fall and during Lent on a variety of topics designed to enhance the faith experience and understanding of adult Catholics. The format is Lecture/ video experience and often small group interaction.
Homebound & Nursing Home
Immaculate Heart offers weekly visits by Eucharistic Ministers. Our clergy will visit by appointment.
Eucharistic Ministers visit our local nursing homes on a weekly basis:
- Quality Life Services on Wednesdays at 10:00 am
- Avalon Springs on Fridays at 10:00 am
- The Lakes at Jefferson on Sundays following our last weekend mass
If there is an emergency, please call the parish office immediately.
If you are interested in assisting in this important ministry, please contact the parish office as soon as possible. We are always in need of more Eucharistic Ministers to assist in bringing Holy Communion to our local nursing homes.
Other opportunities are available, please contact the parish office to schedule an appointment.
Social & Outreach Ministries
Sharing Shed
Our Sharing Shed is dedicated to providing essential food items to our local community. Open on the Second and Fourth Saturdays of each month from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, it serves as a reliable resource for those in need. Our commitment to regular operation reflects our dedication to ensuring consistent access to nourishing provisions.
Donations and volunteers are always needed. Donations can be dropped off at the entrances of Church. Volunteers can contact the parish office to sign up for a weekend to assist in distribution, or in organizing donations.
Walking with Moms in Need
We strive to be “islands of mercy in the midst of the sea of indifference,” as Pope Francis encourages us. Pregnant and parenting moms in need are in our parishes and our neighborhoods, and it is our mission to support them with compassion and tangible help. Every member of our parish community should feel equipped to refer a pregnant woman in need to the right resources.
Caring Closet: Our Caring Closet provides essential items for pregnant and parenting moms, such as diapers, baby clothes, and other necessities. This ministry aims to offer support to mothers in need, ensuring that every baby has a good start in life and that no mother feels alone in her journey.
Nursing Home Gift Tree
Nursing Home Gift Tree: During the Christmas season, our parish’s Gift tree Tree allows us to spread joy by providing gifts to local nursing home residents who might otherwise go without. It’s our way of ensuring that every person experiences the love of Christ during this special time of year.
Parish Pastoral Council
Our Parish Pastoral Council is a representative group of the parish that comes together to help the pastor discern the direction of the parish. This body of members of the parish are appointed by the pastor to give counsel to the pastor, while the pastor remains the party to guide our parish community.
Our Parish Pastoral Council are the members of our parish community that are the leaders of the parish, working toward greater involvement for all members through their time, talents, and treasures.
If you are interested in helping serve our parish community as part of this council, please contact the pastor at your earliest convenience.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of people who come together to solve their drinking problem. It doesn’t cost anything to attend A.A. meetings. There are no age or education requirements to participate. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about their drinking problem.
A.A.’s primary purpose is to help alcoholics to achieve sobriety.
A.A. meets Tuesdays at 7:30 PM and Wednesdays at 8:00 PM in Gallagher Hall, the Parish Social Hall located under our church.
Fraternal Organizations
Knights of Columbus
The Knights of Columbus is an international Catholic men’s organization with nearly two million members dedicated to serving the Church, defending the faith, and promoting charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. As one of the largest Catholic fraternal organizations in the world, the Knights are committed to making a difference in their parishes, communities, and beyond.
Our local council meets monthly throughout the year to discuss ongoing projects, allocate funds to charitable causes, and foster fellowship among Brother Knights. These meetings are a vital part of our mission, as they provide an opportunity for members to come together in prayer, service, and support of one another.
Through various charitable activities, the Knights of Columbus actively support our parish and community, engaging in works of mercy, fundraising efforts, and other initiatives that reflect our commitment to faith and service. Whether volunteering at parish events, supporting pro-life causes, or providing assistance to those in need, our council strives to live out the Gospel in action.
New members are always welcome, and we encourage all Catholic men to join us in our mission to serve Christ and His Church.