Holy Redeemer offers a complete range of opportunities for the laity to participate in our litugical and ministerial life. New parishioners are encouraged to review the ministry descriptions herein where requirements and qualifications are listed and contacts provided. Opportunities exist from helping with the upkeep of the church itself to serving as ministers of the Eucharist. We welcome all who are interested in these vital activities in our parish. The parish could literally not function without the lay ministries staffed by volunteers from the parish.
Lord, I love the refuge of your house, the site of the dwelling-place of your glorv. Psalm 26:8.
Volunteers care for the church interior and materials used in the celebration of the Mass. They dress the altar; launder altar cloths and sacred linens; clean and polish the chalices, ciboria, thurible, aspergillum, candle sticks, and the like; dust the statues and generally assure that the church interior evokes a sense of calm and order. To volunteer, please call Barbara Smothers at 301-897-8066 or bsmothers4@me.com.
This is a ministry involving volunteers who serve as acolytes at the funerals and memorial services of deceased parishioners, providing assistance to the priest celebrant on these occasions.They will serve as lectors, eucharistic ministers, and as needed. If you would like to know more about this ministry or are interested in becoming an Arimathean, please contact Frank Dimond at 301-942-3991.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC) are parishioners who assist in the distribution of Holy Communion at Masses. Certain ministers are also designated to take the Eucharist to the sick and homebound and to local nursing facilities.
Approval of our Pastor is needed prior to enrollment in the EMHC Training Program. For more information about this ministry, please contact Tom Mitchell at tmitch010@comcast.net.
For more information about the ministry to the homebound and nursing facilities, please contact Barbara Smothers at 301-897-8066.
Homebound and Nursing Facility Ministry
Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6.
EMHC volunteers assist in the pastoral care of the sick by visiting to the sick and homebound in our parish on a weekly basis, distributing Holy Communion and praying with them. EMHC volunteers also visit four local nursing homes/assisted living facilities each week to bring comfort, company and the Holy Eucharist to the residents. To volunteer, please contact Barbara Smothers, (301) 897-8066, bsmothers4@me.com.
Lectors have an important role in the celebration of the Mass and other liturgical services where lectors have assigned roles, e.g. Holy Week Services. As lectors proclaim the Word of God, it is essential that they develop the skills required to communicate clearly, distinctly and competently God's message to the assembled congregation. Those wishing to serve as lectors must be approved by the Pastor. The Archdiocese of Washington offers preparatory training each year. If you want more information about or wish to volunteer for this ministry at the weekend Masses, please contact Elizabeth Litwin at elizlitwin@gmail.com, 240-888-6452 or 301-770-1606. For weekday Mass, please contact Paul Hurley at ph48@georgetown.edu or 301-908-6892.
Sacristans are parishioners who work behind the scenes, helping to prepare the church for celebration of the Mass and maintain Mass-related resources and supplies in a respectful and orderly fashion. Parishioners wishing to volunteer for this ministry should contact the pastor at 301-942-2333 ext. 209. Those wishing to obtain further information about this ministry should contact Barbara Smothers at 301-897-8066 or bsmothers4@me.com.
Ushers meet and greet parishioners as they enter the church. It is important that they warmly welcome both visitors they may not know as well as familiar people. Ushers are responsible for taking up the collection of envelopes and funds at the appointed time during Mass. Ushers are needed at all Saturday evening and Sunday Masses. Volunteers are in demand. If interested, please call the rectory at 301-942-2333.