Adoration begins immediately following the 8:30 a.m. Mass every Thursday continues until 6:45 p.m., followed by the Thursday evening Mass at 7:00 p.m., celebrated in Spanish. We need volunteers to maintain at least two adorers each hour during the adoration.
Our mission is to promote and train IHM parishioners in fourth grade and up to serve as Altar Servers and to ensure uniformity in the procedures used at weekend Masses. Servers are also trained for special events, such as weddings, baptisms, and funerals. We strive to retain servers through their high school years to act as MC’s during Holy Week and at other special occasions.
This ministry assists the families of those baptized and the ministers/priests presiding on the day of Baptism. The minister greets the families, ensures they feel welcomed for their child’s baptism, and helps set up the baptisms.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion offer the Church's most precious gift to the assembly: the Body and Blood of Christ. They assist the ordinary ministers of the Eucharist (the priest and deacons) in distributing Holy Communion during Mass.
At Fatima, Portugal, the Blessed Virgin appeared to three shepherd children. She asked for a devotion to her Immaculate Heart, consisting of Holy Communion, Reconciliation, the rosary, and meditations. On first Saturdays since 1979, IHM parishioners have practiced the devotion Mary requested. They meet on the first Saturday of every Month for 8:30 a.m. Mass followed by the rosary and meditations. Reconciliation is available after Mass.
The Funeral Ministry consists of volunteer lay ministers who assist in the preparation and coordination of the Rite of Christian Burial or Memorial Masses that are celebrated here at IHM. By their presence before, during, and after the liturgy, these volunteers offer compassionate hospitality and support to family members and to all those in attendance.
These dedicated workers help to ensure that God’s house (the Domus Ecclesia) is kept clean and orderly. This group comes in small groups of 3 or 4 people twice a month to clean the church.
These ministers proclaim the Goods News to us, bringing us the Word of God at every Mass. Anyone in Middle School or older is able to participate.
The Liturgy and Music Commission acts as an advisory committee on the parish's liturgical life. It is responsible for gathering input and feedback from parishioners and then advising, helping, and working with the parish staff, particularly the Director of Liturgy and Music, to turn ideas and concepts into realities that enhance our worship experience.
Some of the functions of the Liturgy and Music Commission are:
The live stream of Mass and other liturgies depends on volunteer techs who can “run” the Mass from the AV board. We are looking for individuals in high school and older who are willing to be trained on the equipment and are available to run live streams for us on weekday mornings and/or Saturday evenings. A moderate level of computer skills is required.
These people are the first faces that visitors and parishioners see as they enter the church every Sunday. They greet us, make sure that we have everything we need to fully participate in the liturgy, and, most of all, ensure that we know we are all welcome in this place. Anyone can participate in this ministry—men, women, children, and families.
IHM is fortunate to have several music ensembles - four different groups ministering to our parish in unique ways! Most musicians for the Masses celebrated in English rehearse on Wednesday nights, from 7 pm to 9 pm in the church during the school year, and sing at 9 am or 11:30 am Mass on Sundays, alternating monthly. The Life Teen Ensemble rehearses on Sunday afternoons from 3:30 up until Mass at 5:00 p.m. Prior experience in a choir or ensemble is not necessary. The ability to read music is not needed. However, you must have the desire to praise God with your musical gifts! If you play an instrument, enjoy singing, and want to join our music ministry, please contact us.
The wedding ministry works with brides and grooms to ensure their wedding ceremony at IHM is celebrated beautifully and dignifiedly. Two church members lead the wedding rehearsal, typically the evening before the wedding. On the wedding day, the same two ministers are at the wedding, ensuring everything happens on time and the wedding is a memorable, wonderful, and stress-free experience for everyone involved.