Volunteer With Us
At St. Gerard Church, we encourage parishioners to take an active part in our community by offering their time and talents in service to the parish. Many volunteer roles are more than tasks, they are ministries, ways in which the baptized faithfully serve God and one another through the life of the Church. Each ministry is carried out in harmony with the teachings of the Catholic Church, the guidance of Canon Law, and the pastoral norms of our Archdiocese.
Below you will find an outline of our current volunteer opportunities. If you feel drawn to serve in one of these ministries, or if you would like to learn more, please contact the parish office. We will gladly help you discover the role that best matches your gifts and interests.
Please be aware that, in keeping with Archdiocesan guidelines, certain ministries—depending on the role and the age of the volunteer—require a criminal record check and child abuse registry check. You can find more information about the Archdiocesan Safe Environment Policy here.
Altar Servers
Children and young people who have celebrated their First Reconciliation and First Communion are invited to serve at the altar during Mass. As altar servers, they assist the priest in the celebration of the Eucharist, playing a vital role in the liturgy.
Volunteers are able to choose their preferred Mass times and are scheduled to serve a few times each month.
This is a rewarding way for young members of the parish to actively participate in the life of the Church and grow in faith.
To learn more, please speak with Fr. Peter
Collection Counters
Collection Counters help the parish by counting the weekend offerings and preparing them for deposit at the bank. Working in teams of two, volunteers meet once a week to count the weekend collection, while ensuring all procedures align with Archdiocesan guidelines. The schedule and frequency of service depend on the number of volunteers. This important role supports the smooth operation of the parish, and we warmly invite parishioners to consider joining the team.
Finance Committee Members
The Finance Council serves as a key advisory body, working alongside our Pastor to support the financial well-being of the parish. Members lend their expertise to address financial challenges, plan strategically, and guide funding initiatives that sustain and grow our community. Through involvement in budgeting, financial planning, and stewardship efforts, Finance Council members help ensure that the parish remains strong and able to carry out its mission. This ministry provides a meaningful opportunity to apply skills in finance, accounting, or related fields to make a lasting impact on parish life.
Lectors
Lectors have the important responsibility of proclaiming the Scriptures and reading the Prayers of the Faithful during Mass and other liturgical celebrations. This ministry plays a key role in helping the assembly engage more fully with the Word of God. To serve effectively, Lectors are encouraged to prepare by reviewing their assigned readings in advance, ensuring a clear and reverent delivery. Volunteers may choose their preferred Mass time and are scheduled to read a few times each month based on their availability. This ministry calls for strong public reading skills, a good understanding of the liturgy, and a heartfelt appreciation for Scripture. By serving as a Lector, you help enrich the parish’s liturgical life and deepen the congregation’s connection to God’s Word.
Parish Pastoral Council Member
The Parish Pastoral Council is a consultative body that collaborates closely with our Pastor to support the spiritual life and pastoral mission of our parish community. Council members prayerfully discern the needs of the parish and offer guidance, leadership, and encouragement to help shape its ministries and programs. Rooted in faith and led by the Holy Spirit, the Council listens to parishioners’ concerns, identifies pastoral priorities, and supports initiatives that foster a vibrant, Christ-centered community. This ministry is ideal for individuals who are actively involved in parish life and feel called to serve in a role of spiritual leadership, collaboration, and service.
Catechism Teachers
Our parish’s ongoing catechism program runs from October to April, taking place on Saturday mornings from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. This program is designed for children from Kindergarten through Grade 6, helping them learn about God, develop their spirituality and grow in faith through prayer and service, all at a level appropriate to their age and understanding. We are seeking dedicated Catechists and Assistants to join us in this important ministry, helping guide the children of our parish in the ways of our faith. To learn more about our Catechism program, click here.
Eucharistic Minister
To serve as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, individuals must be at least 16 years old and have received the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation. In this ministry, volunteers assist the priest in distributing the Body and Blood of Christ during Mass, offering a profound witness of faith. Serving in this role allows you to participate in the sacred act of sharing the Eucharist, a living reminder of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. Ministers may choose their preferred Mass time and typically serve a few times each month. This ministry provides a meaningful way to grow closer to the Eucharist while serving your fellow parishioners with reverence and devotion
Greeter / Hospitality Ministry
The role of a Greeter is to warmly welcome everyone who comes to Mass, helping to create a friendly and inviting parish community. While simple in nature, this ministry plays an essential role in fostering hospitality. Greeters are asked to arrive about 30 minutes before Mass and position themselves at one of the church doors to greet parishioners with a smile and a welcoming word. They also distribute parish bulletins, assist with the collection, and are available to answer basic questions about the church and its facilities for newcomers. After Mass, Greeters help collect any lost items and ensure the church is tidy by removing any garbage. Volunteers may choose their preferred Mass time and typically serve a few times per month based on their availability. By serving as a Greeter, you help make each Mass a welcoming and inclusive experience, strengthening the sense of community in our parish.
Music Ministry
Music Ministers—including choir members, cantors, and instrumentalists—play a vital role in enriching the liturgical life of our parish. Their mission is to enhance the Mass and other services with music that encourages full, conscious, and active participation in the celebration. By selecting and performing music that complements the theme of the liturgy, Music Ministers help create a prayerful and spiritually uplifting atmosphere. Preparation for this ministry includes attending rehearsals, either individually or in groups, to ensure a harmonious and effective musical contribution. Through their gifts and dedication, Music Ministers help transform worship into a deeper, more engaging experience, making a meaningful impact on the life of our parish community.