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Immaculate Conception Parish offers many different ministries that reach throughout the parish to members of all ages. These include spiritual, educational, service and social activities.
It is our hope that each parishioner prayerfully consider how they can show their gratitude to God by offering to share their gifts with the parish. Following are many of the present ministries and activities which are part of Immaculate Conception Parish. If you would like additional information or wish to volunteer, kindly call the Parish Office at (978) 462-2724.
Liturgical Ministries
Eucharistic Minister Men and women are chosen to give service to their brothers and sisters at Mass by distributing the Eucharist. In addition they bring the Eucharist to homebound parishioners and to those in the hospital and nursing homes.
Lectors are parish women or men (including youth) who proclaim the Word of God at Mass. Anyone interested in this ministry is invited to contact one of the priests.
Altar Servers assist the priests and deacon at Mass. Altar servers may begin in the fourth grade and are encouraged to continue through their high school years.
Music is an important aspect of our liturgical celebrations. There are many opportunities for people with varying experience and of differing ages to share their talents. The music program includes the Adult Choir, Children’s Choir (Grades K-4), Youth Choir (Middle School and High School) and a Christian Rock Band (Teens-Adults).
The Religious Education program provides for the education in the faith for our young people. Its aim is to educate them in the teachings of the Church and help prepare them to receive the sacraments. Volunteers are always needed.
Immaculate Conception School is a values-based Catholic elementary school for students in pre-kindergarten through grade 8. The parish school provides a quality academic program, and strives to develop students’ awareness, empathy and respect for the needs of all peoples. Immaculate Conception School endeavors to develop the whole child in the Gospel spirit of love, justice and responsibility. For additional information call the school at (978) 465-7780.
- PTO A group of dedicated school parent volunteer sponsors various events throughout the school year. PTO focuses on two primary areas – enrichment and community/social events. Their support of the school is invaluable.
- The School Board acts in an advisory capacity to the school principal and the pastor.
The Parish Pastoral Council is a consultative body formed to advise and assist the pastor in the spiritual and material administration of the parish. It also serves to facilitate communication between the priests and the parishioners. Meetings are held once a month and interested parishioners should contact the pastor.
The Parish Finance Council is a consultative body formed to advise and assist the Pastor in his administrative and financial responsibilities in the parish. Parishioners with expertise in business, finance, accounting, personnel and law are particularly encouraged to offer their services
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is a program for adults who are preparing to be fully initiated into the Catholic Church. It is designed primarily for those who have never been baptized nor received their First Eucharist, or those who belong to another Christian church and wish to become Catholic. Confirmed Catholics are invited to assist in teaching the faith. Joining the RCIA team is a wonderful way to share your faith with others.
Youth Ministry Youth are an important part of the Church today with spiritual needs to address and God-given talents to share. The Youth Ministry Program has been established to help draw the youth of our area closer to Jesus and also help them to learn to become good Catholic young adults. Adults are needed to assist our youth minister in a variety of ways. These include weekly youth meetings, sporting events and retreat events, to name a few.
The St. Vincent DePaul Society was established to serve those in need. “Love of God and Love of Neighbor” motivate their good works. Once a week, members join in “Breaking Bread” by preparing and serving dinner at the Parish Center to neighbors in need.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament takes place on Fridays following the 7:15 a.m. Mass and ends with Benediction at 12:00 noon.
Bereavement Ministry Meetings are held monthly at the Parish Center. Through prayer and sharing participants attempt to find God in the pain of grief and loss.
Through the Prayer Shawl Ministry, members gather weekly to create shawls and pray for those in need of prayers.
Adult Education Throughout the course of the year there are many opportunities for parishioners to take advantage of speaker programs, Bible study, discussion groups and various courses of study. Details may be found in the weekly church bulletin.
Alpha consists of a series of talks addressing key issues relating to the Christian faith.
The Daughters of Isabella is a charitable organization of Catholic women founded on the principles of Unity, Friendship and Charity. Members come together monthly and encourage each other’s total development and foster growth of every aspect of life – spiritual, social and charitable.
The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic men’s fraternal benefit society that was formed to render financial aid to members and their families. Mutual aid and assistance are offered to sick, disabled and needy members and their families. Social and intellectual fellowship is promoted among members and their families through educational, charitable, religious, social welfare, war relief and public relief works.
Ultreya Reunion of those who have experienced a Cursillo retreat. A Cursillo retreat is a three day weekend of intensive spiritual reflection and exploration.
AA meetings are held twice a week at the Parish Center
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