There is a well known advertisement that chastens the world  to “Just do it.”  Brief and to the point, but still  a reminder that sometimes, the best way to get over a hurdle, is to jump it.  One of our long-time lectors had a fear of public speaking, and so she decided that the best way to overcome it was exactly that.  She would “just do it.”  Though that initial incentive brought her into the ministry, it has long since been replaced by something deeper:  the unexpected joy of proclaiming sacred Scripture to the St. Vincent community.  In her words, “Being a lector makes me take an active part in the liturgy; I try to bring the Word alive, and proclaim it in a way that our people hear the message through my inflections, pauses, and eye contact.  It is so gratifying to look up and see the faces of the faithful, listening intently to the Word.”  There are approximately 25 lectors at this time, and Kathie Sullivan, who heads this ministry, notes that we need additional lectors for the 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Masses.

If you feel a calling to proclaim the Scripture readings, please call Kathie Sullivan at 765-2506.  We gratefully acknowledge all our lectors and thank them for their devotion and dedication to this ministry.

A parish with over 3,000 families depends upon the generosity of its parishioners.  This practice of returning God’s gifts through stewardship is especially evident in the number of ministries available to the people of St. Vincent’s.  While we recall that “God will never be outdone in generosity,” this little corner is an opportunity to reflect on and gratefully acknowledge each of our parish ministries and the people who, through the gift of their time and talent, serve God and our community.

The Eucharistic Ministry and its ministers are actually referred to as “Extraordinary Eucharist Ministers” by the Church, as the priest is the only minister of the Eucharist.  There are 85 in this ministry at St. Vincent’s who serve at each of our six weekend Masses.  In a large parish with two priests, they are there to assist the priest in sharing the Body and Blood of Jesus.  As one minister said, “For that brief moment in time, when I place the Body of Christ into the hands of the faithful, I feel like a conduit between God and His people.  It is an extraordinary experience.”

Joanne Longaker, who heads this ministry, extends a greeting of “all are welcome” to interested parishioners.  These opportunities remind us that giving and receiving are inextricably linked.

Contact: Joanne Longaker,(call the rectory and leave a message for Joanne and she will return your call),  762-4278