WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING AT SAINT JOAN OF ARK? OUR MINISTRIES

In addition to our spirituality and worship life, our concerns for our “Sacred Space” and campus and our community and social life, Saint Joan of Arc is most strongly defined by our commitment to our ministries, to the many ways that we try to be “Servant Community” in imitation of Jesus. With some fifty different ministry opportunities, we are a parish with ministry opportunities for everyone. The word ‘Ministry” itself describes a faith community that regards active service of others as constitutive of our approach to the living out of our faith. It is fair to say that the Parable of the Good Samaritan is one that we have taken to heart and put into practice.

Our Family Ministry activities reach a large percentage of our families with activities like Mommy and Me, and a Food Packing Day for teens (over 260 teens and 80,000 meals packed) family friendly fun times for our children (Breakfast with Santa, Pumpkin Carving, Easter Egg Hunt). There are many supportive ministries for families undergoing divorce, grief and loss bereavement, or financial difficulties (SJA Care Ministry). Other organizations like the Knights of Columbus, Columbiettes, Council of Catholic Women have a direct and helpful impact on families. Two that particularly stand out are the volunteers from our Hispanic community that each year visit and provide food, clothing and toys to migrant worker families in La Belle and the C.C.W. sponsored presentation on the evils of Human Trafficking.

Probably most identified with the Good Samaritan is the care and concern shown to those in need through our SJA Care Ministry. Practically everyday volunteer parishioners listen, sort-out a response and take care of others in need. Through direct financial assistance to (landlords, utilities, food stores) etc., Saint Joan of Arc makes a big difference in the lives of many.  The SJA Care Ministry also collaborates with other area charities to stretch our charitable dollars. Each client is treated with respect and confidentiality that is appropriate for a Christian ministry.

Many other ministries serve both to help the recipient and the volunteer. Our liturgical ministries (Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, Ushers, Altar Servers, Choir and Musicians) serve and also benefit spiritually. Our homebound and hospital visitation ministries are also equally valuable to both the minister and the one ministered to. Another interesting ministry here is our Marriage Preparation Ministry that assists about to be married couples in understanding the spiritual meaning of their marriage and also provides many practical helps to ensure their success in their vocation. Our Respect Life

Ministry in one of its activities knits beautiful infant “layettes” and coordinates an annual Baby Shower to benefit Birthline/Lifeline. Countless other volunteers organize and staff our International Festival, Our Annual Spaghetti Dinner for the missions, Our Nativity Scene in Sanborn Park, Festivals in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Our Lady of Cobre. Finally, our Music Ministry provides the opportunity for our vocally gifted parishioners to “pray twice” as they lead us in worship hymns.  Many of our Ministry opportunities are “behind the scenes” such as our Liturgy Committee, Mission and Finance Council, Parish Development Advisory Committee, Church appointments/decoration Committee, and our Marian Garden Club. Without their quiet serving our parish would be much less wise and beautiful than we are.

Suffice it to say that no parishioner has to look very far to find an opportunity to get involved in a ministry and to experience the joy of selfless giving. The Bible often teaches us that: “by their fruits you will know them”. The “fruits” that make so much difference for the good are the ministries of our parishioners. These good works attract others to our faith community and to a deep experience of being united with Jesus Christ and continuing His mission.

If you would like to find out more about how to join a ministry, please stop by the parish