Ministry Opportunities
Every person has gifts and talents given by God. Every person is called to live out their Baptismal call to discipleship by sharing those gifts and talents for the common good. We invite you to join others at St. Luke’s sharing gifts and talents to love, care for, and minister to our parishioners and neighbors.
Use these buttons to jump to the specific information:
Liturgical Ministries Parish Ministry & Pastoral Care Food Pantry Parish Organizations/Administration
“Every Catholic is called to be an active member of the worshiping assembly at Mass” ~ The Second Vatican Council.
Liturgical Ministry
-
Special Ministers of the Eucharist: It is through the breaking and sharing of the bread that we come to know the Risen Lord. This ministry involves the distribution of the Eucharist during Mass. The Evangelization Committee provides Annual Training and ongoing support for all Ministers. Special Ministers of the Eucharist will be commissioned annually by the Bishop’s Office.
-
Readers: Through the hearing of the proclaimed Word of God, we come to faith. This ministry is exercised by proclaiming the Word during Mass or other liturgical celebrations. The Evangelization Committee provides Annual Training and ongoing support for all Readers.
-
Altar Servers: This ministry is open to both boys and girls who have made their First Communion and have reached third grade. It involves serving at Masses and other liturgical celebrations.
-
Ushers: This ministry is important in creating a warm friendly atmosphere when parishioners and visitors enter the church. It includes arranging seating for parishioners, preparing the offertory procession, and taking up the collection and distributing of the bulletin. Teens are welcome to sign up for this great ministry.
-
Greeters: Greeters assist and welcome parishioners and visitors as they enter the Church. Creating a welcoming atmosphere is an important part of this ministry. (Families can participate together)
-
St. Luke’s Choir & Musicians: This ministry involves singing or playing an instrument at Mass and for special occasions as well as attending weekly rehearsals.
-
Adult Altar Servers: This ministry is open to adults available to serve at weekday funeral Masses or other liturgical celebrations.
Parish Ministry & Pastoral Care
St. Luke’s Pastoral Care Ministry is rooted in the Gospel mandate and after the example of Jesus to comfort the sick and dying. Recognizing the clear connection between spirituality, faith, healing, and well-being, Pastoral Care Ministry serves to bring the healing presence of the Eucharist to those who are homebound, in nursing homes or other health care facilities, and to those who are in the hospital. This comforting and special ministry provides prayer, guidance, advocacy, education, and counseling in concert with the Sacraments of the Eucharist, Reconciliation, and Anointing of the Sick. There are several ministries under the umbrella of Pastoral Care:
Visitation Ministry
Through personal visits, members of the Visitation Ministry bring the presence of Jesus through the Eucharist and the prayers and love of St. Luke’s community to those who are homebound, in hospitals, nursing homes, or other health care facilities.
Bereavement Ministry
Bereavement Ministry is available to bring a sense of comfort and hope to those who have experienced the loss of a loved one. This ministry also provides spiritual resources to grieving families through spiritual and prayer resources, pastoral counseling, and Bereavement Support Groups. The Bereavement Ministry also assists in the annual All Souls Day Memorial Mass celebrated on November 2.
Prayer Chain Ministry
The Prayer Chain Ministry is a telephone chain whereby prayer requests are passed on to the next person in the link. Those who are contacted pray for the requests and needs of those who ask for prayers.
The Martha Ministry
The Martha Ministry is patterned after Martha’s hospitality to Jesus in the Gospel. The ministers provide baked goods for parish events, programs and activities.
The Daily Bread Food Pantry
Jacqueline Clute, Coordinator
SLDailyBreadFoodPantry@gmail.com
(518) 347-1385
The Daily Bread Food Pantry is the second-largest food pantry in Schenectady County. Annually the pantry provides over 80,000 parcels of food to our most vulnerable neighbors.
The pantry is open Tuesday through Thursday, 10:00 am- 3:00 pm, and is staffed by volunteers from St. Luke’s and surrounding parishes as well as other community members. The Food Pantry does not discriminate on the basis of Creed, ethnic background, lifestyle, or color. All who are in need are served.
Funding for The Daily Bread Food pantry is made possible in several ways:
- St. Luke’s monthly food collection
- Donations of grocery items and monetary donations from local parishes, agencies, and organizations
- State and Federal grants
- Individual gifts and donations
For food requests, to volunteer, or for more information, call (518) 347-1385.
“The Daily Bread Food Pantry is an equal opportunity provider.”
Parish Organizations/Administration
Pastoral Council
The Pastoral Council, in the spirit of servant leadership, and in partnership with the Pastoral Staff and other parish ministries, is called to: listen to the parishioners’ pastoral and spiritual needs, help discern the parish direction, plan for the future, and support the implementation of the parish mission.
Building & Grounds Committee
This committee is very actively involved in maintaining and enhancing the beauty of our Church building and property. You do not need any special skills to be a part of this team!
Clerical Volunteers
We sometimes need volunteers to assist with bulk mailings or other special projects.