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WAYS TO GET INVOLVED IN PARISH LIFE
Baptism Team: Last year we asked some parishioners to help us make the Sacrament of Baptism a real Parish Celebration. The response was very encouraging. At this point we have both an English and a Spanish Baptism Team who are helping with the preparation and the rite of Baptism. We could use more couples/or single parishioners to become part of the teams.
Expectant Mothers Team: Last Advent, and also this past June we had the special blessings of Expectant Mothers. For this too, a few parishioners volunteered to be part of the team. However, we really need some help with collecting names, keeping in touch with the mothers, and giving them loving support.
Marriage Preparation at St. Philip Benizi: Many young couples come to the office asking information on what is needed to get married in our Parish Church. We would like to form a team whose members will meet with individual couples and help them through the process.
Divorced, Separated: We wish to begin regular meetings for divorced and separated Catholics. For now we have only information meetings on Annulments. We do need to form a team. If interested , please call the parish office.
Ministry to the shut-ins and to the sick: There is a real need for volunteers to visit the shut-ins, (our sick parishioners at home or in the hospital). If you feel called to this ministry of service and compassion, please call us.
Bereavement Group: We would like to provide some support to our parishioners who have recently lost a loved one. This ministry needs people with compassion and understanding, willing to share joy and sorrows with others, especially during these trying times.
Eucharistic Ministers: We have many committed Eucharistic Ministers for Sunday Masses and for the sick, but we need more. We will offer three training Sessions in September on the theological, spiritual, and ministerial dimension of the Eucharist. Any confirmed practicing adult over 25, is welcome to join this very rewarding ministry,
Blessed Sacrament Society: This team meets once a month and helps with promoting the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Some members help with Church linens, others with flowers and plants, and still others with cleaning the church on Monday mornings. Join us.
You do not have to be an expert in any of the above ministries. What counts is your willingness to serve Christ in others. For more information or for volunteering in the above ministries call Agnes at the Parish (714) 871-3610 or e-mail: philipbenizi@aol.com
Help Us Evaluate And Improve Our Parish Mission Statement
Pastor Fr. David Gallegos, O.S.M., and members of Parish Pastoral Council study group are meeting monthly to consider how our Pastoral Council can help St. Philip Benizi be a model of Christian community. One of the steps in this process is evaluating the status quo, including our parish mission statement, now some 15 years old. Should it be changed? If so, how? The best answers to these questions should include suggestions and ideas from parishioners at large.
Current statement:
We, the Catholic Community of St. Philip Benizi, recognize that we are the Body of Christ in our areas of North Orange County.
We accept the call to live Jesus Gospel, and we express our commitment to that call through praise filled celebrations and in outreach to others.
We strive to build around ourselves an ever-growing faith community that finds its fullest expression in the Eucharistic Assembly and gives witness to its love by promoting the religious and social betterment of the People of God.
Your Ideas And Suggestions Are Invited
Please send your comments and suggestions to Fr. David by mail, fax or e-mail (see parish bulletin masthead for addresses and numbers). You might want to comment on whether you prefer the current statement shown above. Or, even better, perhaps you have different ideas entirely about how the mission statement should be expressed.
Here are some key questions that can be asked in evaluating a parish mission statement:
Does the mission statement identify who we are as a parish, to include our history, make-up and unique character?
Does it speak to the values, beliefs, central focus and reason for existence of our parish?
Does it identify "To whom" and "To what" in the life of our parish in a broad sense?
Does it address areas of challenge? Does it miss elements or there are elements that need strengthening?
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