St. John the Beloved Disciple offers the opportunity for young children, of preschool age and primary grade school age to experience the Word of God in the Bible at a level of understanding suitable to their abilities.
This is offered during the Sunday Morning 10:00 am Mass.
Led by adult Catechists and Teachers, the children are invited to come forward after the Opening Prayer (Collect) of Mass. They gather with their adult leaders and move from Church to the Sacristy and Parish Office Lobby.
The children participating in the Children’s Liturgy of the Word return to their families in Church following the Profession of Faith (Creed) and the General Intercessions.
Ministers of Worship
Art, Decorations & Environment – These volunteers handle the decorations and the flowers/plants that adorn our Church. This is a year-around responsibility. Peak times for decorations are the Christmas and Easter Season.
Eucharistic Ministers – Eucharistic Ministers assist with the distribution of Holy Communion daily. They are needed for the weekend Masses, both Saturday Evening and Sunday Morning.
Greeters/Hospitality – Greeters/Hospitality Ministers are at the doors and the Hospitality desk in the Parish Church Lobby. They provide a warm welcome and greeting to all entering our Church for worship. They are especially attentive to visitors and newcomers to our parish.
Homebound Ministers – Homebound Ministers are Eucharistic Ministers who take Holy Communion to the Homebound and Sick members of our parish community. They keep these isolated parishioners in touch with our parish and provide them with Holy Communion to strengthen them in their frailties.
Lectors – Lectors proclaim the Word of God in the Biblical Readings to the gathered Assembly at Mass. They aim to proclaim God’s Word in a manner reverent and impacting for all who listen.
Musicians/Vocalists/Choir Members – Utilizing their talents and skills, our musicians, vocalists and choir members enhance our worship with both music and song. Though all are called to participate in Mass by sharing in singing, our musicians and vocalist and choir members provide leadership and direction. They greatly add to the beauty and splendor of our worship.
Servers – Servers of all ages, female and male, from grade school through Senior Citizen, assist the Presider and Deacon at Mass. Their ministry and reverence add to our worship of God.
Ushers – Ushers are responsible for good order and the care of all who come to Church to share in worship. They are also responsible for the organization of the Presentation of the Gifts and the Sunday Offertory Collection.
Each of these ministers and others, are volunteers who share their time and talent to build up our parish and enhance our Worship of God. These ministries are open to additional volunteers. Training and practice will be provided for all these ministries.
Spiritual Formation Team
The Spiritual Formation organizes and presents Spiritual Opportunities for all parishioners to grow in their understanding of Catholicism and to deepen their relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
Recent efforts have included Video presentations on the Mass. The Catholic 100 series is also sponsored by the Spiritual Formation Team for the Parent Support Ministry participants. both prayer and sin/reconciliation.
This team meets periodically and is open to new members and fresh ideas.
Spiritual Retreats
A Spiritual Retreat is a superb way to deepen one’s relation with God through Jesus Christ. Members of our parish can participate in different retreat options.
ACTS Retreats – these are offered in union with Assumption Parish on a three time per year basis.
ACTS retreats are offered for Men and Women separately, alternating between Men and Women – June – October – January/February.
Men’s Retreats – Spiritual Retreats for Men at the Jesuit White House Retreat are offered annually.
Women’s Retreats – The women of the Parish have the opportunity for a Spiritual Retreat at the King’s House Retreat in Belleville, Illinois. This is annually scheduled in the Spring.
We encourage every adult parishioner to make a Spiritual Retreat, hopefully annually. These retreats strengthen both you and our parish spiritually.
Worship Commission
The St. John the Beloved Disciple Parish Worship Team is eight parishioners (each having four-year terms) in addition to pastor and staff members.
The Worship Team inspires parishioners through excellent and meaningful experiences at Mass and in the celebration of the Sacrament to a greater desire to know, love and serve the Lord.
The Worship Team meets on the third Thursday of the month, August through May.