While Lent is certainly a time of preparation, it is also the season to benefit another, help the weak, and promote goodness in ourselves. Each year we are asked to commit to the parish financially and share our treasure. This Lent we have the chance to share our time and talent. This commitment is easy and does not need to be a burden on our busy lives. In essence, it is fulfilling our parish mission:
In the spirit of St. Francis, to know Jesus and make Him known. Below are suggestions for volunteer activities:
Pray for the Living and the Dead – focus on the Mass and Liturgical Ministries
Assist in liturgical ministries – this would include being a Reader, Extraordinary Minister, Usher or Greeter at Mass
Help decorate the church for Lent and/or Easter
Drive a neighbor to Mass
Present the gifts at Mass
Count offertory after Mass
Feed the Hungry/Give Drink to the Thirsty – focus on Outreach Ministries
Help at the Norwalk soup kitchen
Visit a homebound parishioner
Host the Sunday coffee social
Prepare food for the Sunday evening Senior Youth Group
Instruct the Ignorant/Counsel the Doubtful – focus on Religious Education and RCIA
Be a “loving presence” at a religious education class
Be a catechist (training offered)
Assist at sr. youth group activities
Simple crafts projects for our atria (can be done at home)
Assist catechists with Sacrament celebrations (upcoming First Eucharist and Confirmation)
Visit the sick – focus on helping those homebound
Bring Viaticum to an ill parishioner
Write articles regarding parish activities and events for parish website and local news media.
Photograph parish events to accompany articles for parish website and local news media.
Create and maintain an archive of photos and historical files.
Act as a New Member Representative to provide information about the parish and assist in introducing new members to the St. Francis community.
Care for our Neighbors – focus on Social Ministries
Participate in the Women’s Guild
Participate in the Knights of Columbus
Your commitment can be once, every week, even every day; it can be an afternoon or only an hour. Whatever time you can spare, whatever talent you can share…
In every way I have shown you that by hard work of that sort must help the weak, and keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus who himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35