Welcome

About St. Lawrence

Mass Schedule

Weekly Bulletin

Religious Education

Ministries & Organizations

Parish Activities

Knights of Columbus

Sacraments

External Links

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ST. LAWRENCE PARISH
A ROMAN CATHOLIC COMMUNITY

Adult Choir
This ministry supports liturgical worship for the Church assembly through appropriate hymns and responses. All adults with a love for singing are welcome to join. Top

Adult Formation
A religious adult educational program that consists of different courses and programs that are available in St. Lawrence Parish, neighboring churches, and within the diocese. Ideas, suggestions and people willing to teach or lead an adult teaching session are always welcome. Top

Altar Servers
Altar servers assist the priest during the Eucharistic Celebration. This is a special liturgical ministry open to boys and girls who are in grades four through twelve. Altar servers typically are scheduled to serve at least once every three weeks. Top

Audio
The service of this ministry is to install, maintain, and/or improve the church sound system, and provide expertise in the design and selection of equipment required for audio needs. Additionally, setup of the P.A. system is preformed for special events. Top

Baby-sitter Referral Service
A list of qualified baby-sitters is available for those who need daycare assistance. These baby-sitters have either completed a baby-sitting course conducted by the Parks and Recreation department or have at least three references. Top

Baptism Preparation
The baptism preparation class is required of all parents and prospective parents who are planning to have their child baptized. The session covers the reason for baptism, its history and the signs of Baptism. It also provides explanations of the rite and the requirements for being a Godparent. Baptisms are typically scheduled on the fourth Sunday of the month. Top

Bible Study
Learn more about the foundations of the Christian faith and the history of our salvation through bible study. This ministry involves a basic study of the scriptures - the old and new testaments. Undated text and workbook materials from the Little Rock Scripture Study Program are used for daily personal study. Small group sharing on bible study meets weekly. Top

Birthright
Birthright is an interdenominational pregnancy support service that helps girls and women in troubled pregnancies. It is free and confidential. Birthright recognizes that no woman ever wants to have an abortion, but if she feels she is left with no choice, she may resort to it. To make the choice for life, this ministry offers support during the pregnancy and after the baby is born so both mother and baby can face the future with dignity. Top

Cantors
Cantors lead the Church community in liturgical song at the Saturday, Sunday and Holy Day of Obligation masses. This important ministry is open to all parishioners who participate in the Adult Choir. Your love and desire to share God's given talent of music with others is welcomed. Top

Caregiver's Respite
Volunteers are needed to grow and develop this ministry within St. Lawrence Parish. Very often relatives provide continuous care to individuals with Alzheimer's and other debilitating illness. Volunteers would care for these individuals for short periods of time; thereby giving the caregiver a much needed break. This may require training. Top

Christmas Bazaar Committee
Generally held the first Friday and Saturday of December, this parish function not only helps to build the parish treasury, but also builds parish community. Parishioners work throughout the year making items for this event. All parishioners are invited and encouraged to help in any way they can. Top

Communion to the Sick
This very special ministry is open only to commissioned Eucharistic Ministers. Following the 8:30 a.m. mass (which they attend), they are sent forth by the Pastor to bring the Eucharist to those parish members who are unable to attend mass for reason of infirmity or age. Top

Contemporary Praise and Worship Music
This ministry provides Contemporary Praise and Worship music to support masses, healing and penance services. Top

Disciples in Mission
This ministry is an evangelization for our parish members and our faith community at St. Lawrence Parish during Lent. Through faith, the stories of Christ continue in our lives and are a part of the Story of Salvation. This ministry's objective is to bring the Good News of Jesus into every human situation and seek to transform individuals by the divine power of the Gospel. Top

Drivers
These volunteers are willing to be called to provide a ride for the elderly or others unable to drive for themselves. These rides can be to the doctor, the store or to Church. Top

Eucharistic Adoration
Whenever the Blessed Sacrament is in exposition in the chapel, there should always be someone in attendance. This is a time of prayer, meditation, and adoration in the Eucharistic presence. For those who are able to schedule at least a half-hour during Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, this time affords them solitude and peace unlike any other place or time in their lives. Top

Eucharistic Ministers
Eucharistic Ministers are commissioned to distribute the Precious Body and Blood of Christ to the faithful at Mass. They should be filled with the reverence due the real Presence of Christ in our midst. They also prepare the altar for Mass and purify the sacred vessels following the Liturgy. Eucharist Ministers must be 18 years of age. Top

Finance Council
The committee reviews and monitors the financial standings of the parish. Responsibilities include dispersing funds as directed by the Pastor, providing recommendations to the Pastor on spending approvals and developing and monitoring the yearly Parish budget. Finance Council members are also members of the Parish Council. Top

Grounds Crew
This ministry is dedicated to keeping the grounds of St. Lawrence clean, manicured and inviting. Special effort and much time is spent maintaining "Mary's Garden". Volunteers are welcome to initiate new projects such as making a flowerbed to supply the altar with fresh flowers during the growing season. Top

Haitian Ministry
With the Gospel mandate of peace and justice, this ministry has a commitment to a permanent presence in Haiti to empower and support Haitians helping Haitians in their struggle for self-determination. Top

Home Visitation
As a component of Jacob's Well, this ministry involves visits the homebound of St. Lawrence Parish. Some training is required. Top

Hospital Visitation
As a component of Jacob's Well, this ministry involves visits to those St. Lawrence parishioners who are hospitalized. The Hospital Visitation team visits the patient and assesses the spiritual or physical needs that can be met. This requires training. Top

Hospitality
This ministry welcomes new parishioners through visitation, phone calls, and coffee hour programs. This ministry will answer new parishioners questions and introduce them to the parish community. Greeters also play a key role in the hospitality ministry. Greeters carry the cross to lead the procession which begins mass, greet parishioners as they enter the Church to attend Mass and pass out bulletins after Mass. Top

Jacob's Well
A program designed to give St. Lawrence parishioners the opportunity to help others who are in need, primarily through the gift of their time. This program encompasses "helping ministries" such as Home and Hospital Visitation and Hospital Follow-up, Sunday Soup Kitchen, Adopt-a-Grandparent, Drivers programs, to name a few. Jacob's Well is waiting for volunteers to respond to Jesus' request and to receive the life giving waters of Gods' grace, spirit and truth. Top

Knights of Columbus
The Knights of Columbus is an organization of men who are committed to volunteer service, charity, unity, fraternity, patriotism and defense of the priesthood. The Knights of Columbus follows the divine teaching of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the organization is loyal to the Pope, the Vicar of Christ on Earth. It is committed to the protection of human life from conception to natural death. Founded in 1892 by Father McGivney in New Haven, Connecticut, the Knights of Columbus is the largest lay organization in the Catholic Church. All men are encouraged to join. Top

Lazarus Committee
When a parishioner loses someone they love, they are often unsure of exactly what they need to do. The Lazarus Committee visits the grieving parishioner or family and offers assistance in whatever form is needed, from helping with housework, providing meals, or making funeral arrangements. Top

Lectors
Lectors proclaim the Word of God at the Sunday and daily liturgies. This important ministry is open to all parishioners from early teens on. A desire to bring the Word of God to the faithful in a clear and understandable manner is required. Top

Library
A growing resource of books and videos for all ages and topics, the library is located within the Church. Top

Marriage Encounter
Vows of marriage and love for one another by planning a weekend retreat. Time together can regenerate your love for each other under God's sacramental umbrella. Making a retreat can also strengthen your love and attention to your children, your parish and your daily lives. Follow-up monthly meetings are an additional option after the retreat. Top

Marriage Preparation
This program prepares couples for a lifetime of mutual love and fidelity. Marriage preparation provides teaching, understanding and knowledge of the Church's teaching on the Sacrament of Marriage. Preparation for marriage begins at least one year in advance to allow time to prepare the couple for a full and happy marriage filled with faith and love for God, for family and for each other. Top

Pairing Ministry
Parishioners are available to assist other members of the Parish Community work through serious and complex life events such as cancer, loss of a child, loss of a spouse, and divorce to name a few. This ministry provides help to fellow parishioners by pairing them with a parishioner who has experienced similar issues. God provides many answers to our questions about suffering, death, illness, and separation. If you are willing to provide an ear for listening or a helping hand to others in your parish family who have similar issues, God calls you to share your time and provide your support. Top

Parish Council
The Parish Council consists of members of the Parish Community along with those who share in the pastoral care of the Parish. The Council is presided over by the Pastor. The Council assists the Pastor in his care of the Parish, fostering recommendations and assisting to set direction for the Parish. The Council has a consultative vote only and is governed by the norms determined by the diocesan bishop. Top

Parish Decorators
Parish Decorators prepare the ambo, altar, assembly place, tabernacle, chapel, and baptistery for each liturgical season. According to the "Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy", the Church has yet to adopt a particular style of art as her own. As decorators, this ministry tries to keep the Christian traditions and style within the principles of the Liturgy. The decorator guide is from the book "To Crown the Year" by Peter Magut. Top

Parish Handbook
This ministry assembles information on parish ministries, organizations and parish resources for publication. Additionally, information on Mass schedules, parish personnel, religious education and other critical components of our parish community is captured. The handbook services as both reference and resource document for all parishioners. Ideas and comments are always welcome. Top

Parish Office Volunteers
This ministry supports the Parish Office with administrative services at the request of the Pastor or Parish personnel. If you have a few morning or afternoon hours available, please consider volunteering some time to help out in the office or as needed by Father Michael. Top

Photography
This ministry chronicles the activities of the church through pictures. With one-week advance notice, all efforts can be made to prepare equipment and reserve the time needed to attend the church event and take pictures. Top

Prayer Group
Deepen your relationship with God through prayer and reflection. Taking the time to put yourself in the presence of God to give Him praise and worship. In family community, this prayer group offers peace, comfort, and opportunity to meet and pray with other parish members. Top

Prayer Line
The prayer line is a team of people who respond with prayers to emergency situations. Anyone is eligible to participate in the Prayer Line ministry if they are willing to commit themselves to pray and to pass on the request quickly, so the line is not broken, and so that prayers can be offered promptly. Top

Prison Ministry
Prisons are harsh environments and it helps inmates to have visitors who support and guide them to a better understanding of life through God's mercy and grace. Ministry volunteers listen to the personal struggles of inmates and offer them a sense of hope and support through God's love. Volunteering in prison allows both a personal and spiritual growth. Top

Pro-life Committee
The Pro-Life Committee is a voice of support for life, from the moment of conception through natural death. Servicing as a resource for information made available through the Diocese of Norwich and the Pro-Life Office, this committee keeps the parish informed of local and national issues concerning life. Top

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
For adults and children wishing to enter into the Catholic Faith. This process is done over an extended period with participants joining the community of St. Lawrence on their faith journey. This journey is marked by liturgical celebrations along the way as they become more acquainted with Jesus Christ and learn what the Catholic Church teaches and celebrates. This program helps the process of conversion of God's people, and brings people more fully into the Catholic Church and to the Christian faith. This journey culminates but does not end at the Easter Vigil Celebration of the Eucharist. Top

Re-Membering Church
This program is for adults who have not celebrated with the Roman Catholic Church for an extended period of time and who wish to return to the Catholic faith after a long absence. Individuals desire to be in full communion again with the Roman Catholic Church. It is a process of reentry into the journey of the Catholic Church and is marked by Ritual Liturgical Celebrations. Top

Religious Education
Religious Education provides for an organized, structured environment in which the teaching and tradition of our Catholic faith is passed on to our youth of the parish. From kindergarten through high school with the Sacrament of Confirmation, this program offers an opportunity for our youth to grow in their knowledge, understanding, and practice of our Christian faith. If you love children and feel committed to teaching and sharing our Catholic teachings and tradition, please consider being part of the program as a teacher, teacher assistant and/or administrative volunteer. Top

Rosary Group - Monday
Every Monday evening, the Knights of Columbus pray to the Blessed Mother to intercede for anyone that needs help. All are welcome to join them in pray. The Rosary has been said faithfully every Monday since 1991 when the St. Lawrence chapter of the Knights of Columbus was chartered. Top

Rosary Group - Wednesday
This ministry prays the Rosary weekly, and the mysteries are prayed based upon the liturgical time of the year. The needs of the parish community are offered up to God. Top

Rummage Sale Committee
The Rummage Sale is a fundraising event. Held in April and October, this event sells clothing and household goods. The committee sorts and prices all donations, which are then neatly displayed and categorized by size and age group. All unsold items are donated to charities and all profits are used for the parish hall. The committee is always looking for members to help assemble and organize the donations. The committee typically meets one week prior to the scheduled sale. Participating on this committee or donating items helps to build parish community. Top

Small Christian Communities
Meeting are reflection environments focusing on basic human experiences expressed within the week's scripture. Using the format of the Quest booklet, and in conjunction with the bible, there is faith sharing through questions and discussion to bring about a closer and more personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Top

Soup Kitchen
This ministry weekly delivers donated groceries to soup kitchens. Groceries are picked up each Sunday after 10:30 A.M. Mass. This ministry is shared by several families in the parish who take turns distributing groceries and canned goods to area soup kitchens. Food donations are always welcome and can be placed in the church foyer. Top

Spiritual Life Group
The Spiritual Life committee works with the Pastor to develop and implement programs that stimulate and sustain the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of all parishioners. This committee works with invited guests for evenings of reflections, parish mission, healing masses, and educational studies (bible studies), as well as facilitates the publicity, hospitality and general parish coordination for such activities and events. Top

Strawberry Festival Committee
The Strawberry Festival is the largest fundraising event for St. Lawrence Parish. Held on the third Saturday in June, this festival is an all day fair which includes a giant auction, craft fair, raffles, book and toy sale, quilt raffle, children's games, plant sale, baked goods and food booths. The committee is always looking for members to help organize and coordinate this annual event. The committee typically begins meeting in February for the current year's festival. Participating on this committee or just volunteering for the day is a great way to build parish community, to contribute time and talent in thanksgiving to God, and to help raise money for the parish. Top

Stewardship Council
The Stewardship Council was established by Father O'Hara in 1991 as a way of fostering sacrificial giving in the parish. The goal of the Council is to educate and encourage the parish to participate in sacrificial giving as a way of life. The Council distributes the tithe of the parish to local, state, national and international charities, as well as to personal and family requests. This distribution is done on a quarterly basis except for personal needs, which are handled by the pastor in a confidential way. The Council informs the parish of its distribution through the bulletin. All members of the parish are encouraged to submit names of anyone needing temporary financial assistance. Forms are available in the lobby of the church. Top

Sunday Sandwich Servers
On weekends, this ministry prepares and distributes sandwiches to needy people who do not receive food. Sandwiches, packages of cookies and fruit are gathered every Sunday morning at St. Lawrence and delivered to St. Vincent DePaul in Middletown. Top

Teens in Action - TIA
TIA is a safe zone for our parish youth. It is a gathering place where all teens are respected and treated kindly. Youth ministry helps teens to strengthen their faith in a fun way, enables them to share their faith connection with other teens, and challenges them to discover their inner strengths. TIA enhances religious education with a very strong emphasis on family values. Teen issues, reaffirming moral values, community service and creative prayer are some of the components of the teen ministry. Many fun, learning activities are scheduled throughout the year including ski trips, white water rafting, retreats, block dances, scavenger hunts, leadership workshops, Adopt-a Family projects and, much more. Interested teens and adults with teen flair are encouraged to join youth ministry. Top

Vocation Committee
This ministry provides prayer for vocations through prayer cards, Eucharistic Adoration, general intercessions, and masses. The vocation committee helps to publicize and encourage vocations through distributing vocation cards, pamphlets, posters, and program coordination such as "Called by Name". Top

Website
A St. Lawrence website will help to increase awareness of parish activities and ministries. It provides information for new parishioners, prospective parishioners and updates members on church events, Mass schedules, and liturgical calendars. Ideas and support are welcome. Top

Women's Prayer Group
The Chaplet of Divine Mercy is recited after morning Mass on Thursdays. This group joins together in music, prayer and praise. Top

Youth Choir
The Youth Choir is open to youngsters in grades three through eight. Through hymns and singing, youth choir members learn how to express their faith. Members become active participants of the parish community and become aware of serving their parish family with the gifts they have been given. Top