liturgy

Extraordinary Ministers of Communion
Extraordinary Ministers of Communion serve St. Anne Parish to assist the priest and deacon with the distribution of Holy Communion at church, to the homebound and to hospitals and nursing homes. We ask that people commit to at least one year. If you are interested in becoming an Extraordinary Minister, contact Father Harris at 755-5071 or email office@saintanne-em.org.

Cantors
The purpose of this ministry is to share your vocal talents to lead the congregation. We are looking for good voices that aren’t afraid to lead. Cantors lead the singing for Mass hymns and Mass parts. These song leaders alternate months, one month at a time and can meet with the organists at their own discretion. If you are interested in volunteering, contact the parish office at 309-755-5071.

Altar Servers
The purpose of this ministry is to enable young men and women to assist the priest at Mass. Servers also are leaders of the assembly, helping them to know the correct postures and responses at Mass. Here at St. Anne Parish, young people in the 5th grade and older can become Altar Servers. It is an opportunity for those serving to become closer to the Lord as they participate in a very special way at each liturgy at which they serve. There is one set of training classes per year for new servers held at St. Anne. (Usually 2-3 sessions that last 1-2 hours each). Servers are scheduled for weekend Masses, school Masses, and have opportunities to volunteer for special liturgies and for Holy Days. If you would like to become an altar server, contact the Parish Office at (309 755-5071 or email office@saintanne-em.org.

Lectors
Lectors welcome parishioners and guests to St. Anne. They help the priest and deacon proclaim the word of God presented in the weekly readings. Lectors are scheduled for the Mass they prefer to attend, rotating on a weekly basis. Depending on the mass time preference, they could be scheduled for 5 - 9 masses each year. Lectors are also needed for special masses held throughout the year. Additional time is necessary to prepare for reading each week. We ask that you practice before Mass. We ask for a year’s commitment. There may be training sessions held that you would be asked to attend. If you would like to volunteer, contact Father Harris at (309) 755-5071 or email office@saintanne-em.org.

Liturgical and Seasonal Decorating
This is a group of people who come together to decorate the Church for the liturgical seasons and help plan events during the year to enrich our spiritual lives here at St. Anne. We do not have a scheduled meeting date but come together when the need arises to plan decorations or events like the Simple Soup Suppers, the Seder Meal, and the Corpus Christi Procession. No special talent is needed, just fresh ideas and the willingness to work (and sometimes climb ladders). If you would like to participate, contact Corinne Briggs at (309) 738-3664 or email her at jcbriggs470@gmail.com.

Sacristan
This is a “behind the scenes” role that assists the priest by reverently preparing the church and the items necessary for the celebration of the Mass, such as liturgical books, candles, the Holy Eucharist, etc. If you are interested in becoming a Sacristan, contact Father Harris at (309 755-5071 or email office@saintanne-em.org.

Ushers
Ushers are the ministers of the Church and servants of the faith-community. They provide a service when we all gather to celebrate the Eucharist and fill many responsibilities by helping our Church and the parishioners. Some of the usher duties are as follows:

• Arrive early for Mass to get things ready & greet the people

• Be alert and handle special needs, disturbances, or emergencies

• Seat people when the church becomes crowded

• Take up the collection

• Take up the gifts to Father (unless a family or other special group wishes to do this)

• Clean up the church after Mass (check all pews and close the doors)

Ushers serve for a month at a time. We have about 30 ushers on the schedule. A shortage of ushers requires many ushers to serve more than 4 months in a year. If you would like to
volunteer, contact Chuck Mathias at (309) 755-4651 or email him at chuckmathiask@gmail.com.

MINISTRIES

Welcoming
When new people register to join St. Anne Parish, they are mailed a “welcome packet” from the rectory office containing a welcome letter, a bulletin, and a printed copy of the St. Anne Ministry Booklet. As a follow-up, the welcoming ministry later contacts (usually by telephone) new parish members to confirm that they received the packet, answer any questions, and reiterate that we are glad they have joined our worship community. If you are interested in this ministry, contact Beth Ricke at (309)-269-1560.

Funeral Lunch Servers
Our group prepares luncheons for funerals held at St. Anne. We order the food, call and get volunteers to serve, and then clean up. Depending on the size of the funeral, we need about 5-7 people per funeral. If you would like to volunteer, contact Rosie Meyer at (309) 755-9648.

Building & Grounds
Are you a plumber, carpenter or electrician? Maybe you are just a good “handyman.” Much of the heavy building and grounds work is contracted out, but there are many opportunities to help on specific projects. Examples of past projects include the demolition of walls in the convent to school classroom conversion and cleaning up after roof repair on the sacristy. We are interested in having a list of possible helpers that could be called when a project comes up. You can contact Mike McNeil at (309) 755-8891 or email him at mcneilm@sbcglobal.net.

Gardening
“Green thumb” or not, we can use your help in beautifying the garden areas around the St. Anne Church grounds. We need help with spring plantings, summer maintenance and fall clean-up. Tasks to be done include trimming, weeding, watering, and leaf removal. It does not include general lawn care. Three short seasonal meetings will help everyone stay coordinated and informed. Gardening expertise is not a requirement to join us and help make the area around our church more beautiful and inviting. If interested, please contact Pat Liedtke at (309) 792-1870 or pliedtke@hotmail.com.

Homebound
The persons in this group visit parishioners who are unable to attend Mass. We take Holy Communion to them and spend some time visiting. There are no meetings. Each member visits homebound persons once per month. There are currently 10 members. This ministry is a monthly commitment. If you are interested, contact Sandy Thomas at (309) 755-4143.

Card Ministry
This ministry sends cards to those who are no longer able to attend Mass at St. Anne’s to let them know that, regardless of the reason, they are still a member of our community. The card is to tell them that we are praying for them and they are not forgotten. If you would like to help, contact Corinne Briggs at (309) 738-3664 or email her at jcbriggs470@gmail.com.

Prayer Chain
Members of the prayer chain are parishioners who are willing to pray for someone who has a serious illness or problem and are in need of God’s help. The callers need to be available sometime in the afternoon or early evening to receive the requests and pass them on to the next person or persons. The time commitment is up to each individual person. There are presently 25 people that are members. Each member prays in their own way for the requests for 30 days, unless we are asked to keep them on the list longer. This is a great ministry for those that are not able to get around or for someone that is too busy to help in other ways. We welcome everyone. If you would be interested in being part of the chain or have a prayer request, contact Mary Lou Killian at (309) 269-8815 or Joyce Kirkhove at (309) 236-8109.

Prayer Shawl
A prayer shawl is one that is knitted or crocheted and as the shawl is made, prayers are said for the person who will eventually receive the shawl. The shawl will be blessed at the next prayer shawl meeting. This shawl is to give comfort, warmth and a sense of love from God and from the group. The recipient of the shawl may be going through an illness, a loss of a loved one or even for a joyous occasion such as a birth of a child or grandchild. A monthly meeting is held where we come together to knit, crochet and enjoy each other’s company. We encourage all knitters, crocheters, and those who would like to learn these handicrafts to join the group. If you have any questions you can call Corinne Briggs at (309) 738-3664 or Sally at (309) 755-3124.

FORMATION

RCIA - Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults
RICA is a process by which individuals who wish to join the Catholic Church attend a number of teaching sessions and learn about the Catholic faith. St. Anne Parish has a team of members who do the teaching. There is a one-year commitment with weekly meetings. There are about 5-6 people who do the teaching. If you have any questions or would like to learn more, contact Amy Virnig at (309) 948-8069 or email her at amy.rel.ed@gmail.com or Connie Vervaecke at (309) 738-6413 or email her at connievervaecke@yahoo.com.

Religious Education – All God’s Children
If you enjoy people, love God and want to tell people about how good God has been to you, have we got a ministry for you!! The volunteers in the “All God’s Children Program of Religious Formation” strive to bring Jesus to the families of our parish. Our volunteers teach, help with crafts, listen to prayers, type announcements, prepare students for Sacraments, direct traffic, smile, read, listen to children, translate, act as mentors, and generally show the love of Jesus to all they meet. Classes are held from 8:45 AM -9:45 AM approximately 28 Sundays from late August through April. Folks participating in this ministry will need to attend a Safe Environment Program (approximately one hour done at your convenience) and undergo a background check with DCFS and the Illinois State Police. If you think you would like to help our young people grow closer to Jesus, contact the Religious Education Office at (309) 948-8069 or email the office at amy.rel.ed@gmail.com.

Totus Tuus

Totus Tuus is a Latin phrase that means “totally yours”, a motto given to us by Saint John Paul II in describing his dedication to Jesus through Mary. During one week in the summer, we provide Catholic children entering grades one through twelve, a prayer-filled environment that will help them become closer to Christ through His Mother, Mary. A creative and enthusiastic team of young adults from the Diocese of Peoria will help youth come to know and devote themselves to Mary, Our Mother. Program information is available on the Diocese of Peoria website, www.cdop.org. Volunteers are needed to prepare and serve meals throughout the week as well as many other opportunities are available to help. Please contact Amy Virnig at (309) 948-8069 or email amy.rel.ed@gmail.com.

That Man is You! (TMIY) Men’s Group
That Man is You! is an interactive men’s program focused on the development of men in the modern world. It combines the best research from science with the teachings of the Catholic faith and the wisdom of the saints to develop the vision of authentic men capable of transforming themselves, their families and greater society. Men of all faiths meet every Friday morning at St. Anne Parish - Cleary Hall at 5:45 a.m. and finish before 7:30. Breakfast is provided. Men are welcome to join us, each and every week, regardless of any prior attendance. Contact Marc Filby at (309) 235-9187 for more information.

WINGS - Women IN God’s Service
WINGS is an organization of St. Anne women who come together socially and spiritually, welcoming all, and create an environment of Christian fellowship and support, and serve our Church, schools and community. There are no dues, no mandatory number of meetings to attend, just a chance to serve God through helping others while having an “uplifting” time with women from the parish. Open to all women 21 to 99... Regular meetings are held in Cleary Hall on the first Thursday of the month at 6:30 PM (excluding January, July and August). Please enter through the kitchen door which faces the alley between Cleary Hall and the Church. All adult women are welcome. If you have any questions about WINGS, please contact Denise McNeil at (309) 781-5912 or dlm73@sbcglobal.net.

GROUPS

Bereavement Group

Wounded Healer Support group is a Diocesan wide support group that meets via Zoom on Wednesdays from 5:30-7pm. For more information call Deacon Tom Mueller at 309-251-1868 or e-mail him at relleum.mot.nocaed@gmail.com.

Catholic Order of Foresters, Court 1985
The Catholic Order of Foresters is a Fraternal Insurance Society. We provide assistance at parish activities and we provide social activities for our members. There are 12 meetings a year. If you are interested, contact Kris Vyncke at (309) 755-2781 or email him at k.d.vyncke@att.net.

Knights of Columbus, Leo Council 716
Knights are Catholic men, 18 years of age and older, who are committed to making their community a better place, while supporting their Church. Being a Knight is more than camaraderie; it is being involved with your community; it is supporting your local Catholic Church, while enhancing your own faith; it is about protecting and enhancing your family life. If you are interested in becoming a member or would like more information, contact Steve Morris, Grand Knight, at (309) 755-4612.

Christ Child Society
The Christ Child Society of the Quad Cities was established to serve and clothe needy infants and children of this area. The signature project of the group is to make and assemble layettes for needy newborns. Since its beginning in September of 2005, the group has taken on other projects relating to babies and parenting. The mini-layettes made for the Women’s Choice Center provide each pregnant mother in need of a gift of clothing to bring her baby home in. The Christ Child also sponsors a new parent support group. If you are interested in becoming a member or would like to support the society, contact Corinne Briggs at (309) 738-3664.

Extraordinary Ministers of Communion
Extraordinary Ministers of Communion serve St. Anne Parish to assist the priest and deacon with the distribution of Holy Communion at church, to the homebound and to hospitals and nursing homes. We ask that people commit to at least one year. If you are interested in becoming an Extraordinary Minister, contact Father Harris at 755-5071 or email office@saintanne-em.org.

FUNDRAISING MINISTRIES

BINGO
BINGO is an important and growing fundraiser for St. Anne Parish. Our BINGO is held on the second Thursday of each month in Cleary Hall. Doors open at 5:30 pm and games start at 6:30 pm. We need volunteers to be callers, concession food servers, dessert makers, cashiers, game sellers (BINGO sheets, 50/50 chances, Bonus Ball chances, etc.), floor workers, and tear-down workers. Our goal is to have enough volunteers so that individuals only need to help at BINGO 3-4 times a year. This is a fun ministry which makes a significant financial contribution to St. Anne Parish for needed projects. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Barb Brooks at 309-755-1755.