St. Maria Goretti
Ministry Opportunities

Where are YOU being called to serve?

Liturgy

Altar Server
Servers prepare the altar, light the candles, carry the cross and candles for the processions, and assist the priest during the Mass.

Art and Environment
Seasonal decorations help set the mood for the liturgy. Anyone with a love of bringing ideas into physical form can help with this important and necessary ministry.

Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist
Called from the community to serve at the altar, the Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist have the responsibility of distributing the Body and Blood of Christ at the celebration of the Eucharist.

Lector
Rather than read, lectors proclaim the Word of God. This important ministry requires the lector to pray, prepare, practice and proclaim. Lectors are an integral part of the celebration of the Eucharist

Ministers of Hospitality (Greeters & Ushers)
Ushers and greeters invite everyone who gathers for the celebration of the Eucharist to feel welcome and comfortable at St. Maria Goretti.

Music Ministry
Parishioners of all ages join in song to lead the congregation at Mass. Singers and instrumentalists share their gift of music with the Community

Sacristan
The sacristan is responsible for insuring that prior to each liturgy, all elements necessary for that celebration are ready: This includes the altar preparation and sufficient ministers, lectors and servers are available.

Faith Formation

Elementary Faith Formation (Preschool thru 5th Grade)
Children learn in a special environment where they work with child-size objects and materials designed to help them build a loving and trusting relationship with Jesus. Classes are held September thru May and class times vary throughout the week. Please call for a schedule. Catechists are trained extensively for each level of catechesis and are diocesan certified. Sacramental Preparation is also provided for this age group. Click here for 2008-2009 registration.

Liturgy of the Word with Children (CLOW)
Liturgy of the Word with Children is a worship experience geared toward children. It provides children the opportunity to hear the Sunday Scriptures in words they understand and share their understanding of God’s word. It takes place three Sunday mornings a month during the 9:00 am Mass. The children will be dismissed from Mass after the Opening Prayer and return to the church during the Preparation of the Gifts to celebrate the Liturgy of the Eucharist with the entire worshipping community.

Junior High Faith Formation (6th Grade thru 8th Grade)
The Junior High Ministry is designed to meet the educational, spiritual, and social needs of this age group. Participants are provided opportunities to better understand their role as disciples of Christ through prayer, scripture, and study. This group meets Monday evenings from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Sacramental Preparation is also provided for this age group.

High School Faith Formation (9th Grade thru 12th Grade)
Teens are provided an opportunity to grow in their relationship with God by being a disciple of Jesus and a responsible participant in the Catholic Church through catechesis, prayer, service, and social opportunities. This group meets on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 pm—8:30 pm. Click here for 2008-2009 youth ministry registration.

Adult Religious Education (18 years and older)
Many opportunities for adult formation are scheduled through the year. Baptism preparation classes, Marriage preparation classes, Generations of Faith sessions, Wednesday morning Bible Study, Called to Protect training, Catechist certification classes, Sacrament preparation and Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA) sessions for adults are offered.

SMG Men’s Spirituality Group
The participants are men dedicated to deepening their understanding of their faith and spiritual journey through the study and discussion of spiritual authors and Catholic texts. This group meets monthly (Monday evenings) throughout the year. For more information call Joe Ortiz (480) 443-3623.

Outreach

Bereavement Ministry
The Bereavement/Grief Support Ministry is for anyone needing support after the loss of a loved one (spouse, child, parent, close friend). Catholic Cemeteries and Hospice of Arizona assist with presentations. If you would like more information about the ministry or you would like to assist in this ministry, contact Judy Colburn at (480) 948-8380.

Ecumenical Outreach
The Ecumenical and Inter-religious Outreach Ministry has a mission to assist the Church, at the parish level, to reach out to other faith based communities to promote and strengthen unity. We try to accomplish this through mutual dialogue and prayer. For more information contact Tom Brady at tfbrady@cox.net

Guadalupe Outreach
The SMG Guadalupe Ministry serves the poor and homeless in the community of Guadalupe. Throughout the year there are several opportunities to respond to the needs of the Guadalupe community. For more info contact D.J. Lovett at (480) 483-3061.

Guaymas Mission
We minister and serve the poorest of the poor at the Casa Franciscana in Guaymas Sonora Mexico. We not only reach out with financial help and support for specific needs but we also spend time in the Guaymas Missions implementing services to children and adults who have no other means of obtaining such services. Our parish of Saint Maria Goretti has supported the Casa Franciscana since 1985. For more info contact Dcn. Herve Lemire at (480) 945-8080

Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity depends on the community to fund and build simple, decent, and affordable housing for families living in substandard housing. St. Maria Goretti has worked on 7 new homes for Habitat for Humanity. For more info call Kathy Nord (480) 391-2923.

Pastoral Care
The Pastoral Care Ministers visit the homebound, show concern for their situations, pray with them and administer Holy Communion to them. Pastoral Care Ministers are trained in one session and meet once a year to share individual experiences. For more information contact Pastoral Care in the parish office (480) 948-8380.

Sanctity of Life
As Catholics, we are ALL called to be "pro-life". But what does this mean in a practical way? Through education, prayer, and direct action, the mission of SMG's Pro-Life Ministry is to enable all members of our parish family to grow in and live out their Catholic pro-life values.

Santa’s Workshop
This organization provides stockings and gifts to those less fortunate. The participation in this outreach ministry can be as simple as donating money, filling a stocking or being part of the “ORDER FILLING WORKSHOP.” Over 5,000 people are served by this ministry every year. For more information please contact Ida Trentacoste at (480) 634-8841.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul
It is essential to have personal contact with the poor who suffer, no matter what the suffering.This ministry visits the homes of the poor, usually bringing food boxes, and often provides additional assistance with clothing, utilities, and shelter. For more information contact the St. Vincent de Paul Society at (480) 948-8380 ext 50.

Welcome to America Project
This organization provides assistance to arriving refugees as a bridge-building welcome among neighbors. Our volunteers welcome refugees with gift cards; collect donations of furniture, household items, cleaning and personal care items; deliver donated items; organize projects helpful to refugees. For more info contact Carolyn Manning at (602) 820-3224.

Prayer Ministry
The mission of the church and our parish community of St. Maria Goretti relies on prayer. Prayer ministers are commissioned to pray for the mission of the church, specifically for the various parish ministries found at St. Maria Goretti. Whether praying in the adoration chapel or at home, we need prayer! Contact the Parish Office for more information, (480) 948-8380.

Parish Life

Knights of Columbus
A fraternal organization of Catholic men who serve the local church and community. Meetings are on the 1st & 3rd Monday evenings of the month. DJ Lovett, Grand Knight

SMG Women's Group
Members of the women’s organization are dedicated to nourishing Mind, Body and Spirit through Christ’s living water. Contact Mary Fogelson in the parish office at (480) 948-8380.

Younger Than Ever
This Senior-friendly group meets monthly for social activities. Activities are on the 1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month (September—May).

Men’s Club
The Men’s Club provides a social and spiritual environment for the men of the parish, as well as coordinate fund raising efforts to benefit parish and community causes. Contact Mike Theobald for more information, (480) 451-6760.