Everything that happens in our parishes happens because someone gives their time. Read what each ministry does, then call or write: every one of them welcomes new hands.
Altar servers assist the priest at Mass: carrying the cross and candles, holding the missal, preparing the altar, and helping bring up the gifts. Their care adds to the reverence and beauty of our liturgies. Open to anyone aged 10 or older (grade 5 and up) who is able to receive the Eucharist.
Through the reader, the living Word of God becomes present in the assembly. Readers proclaim the first and second readings, lead the Prayers of the Faithful, and make the parish announcements before Mass. Readers must be baptized and confirmed Catholics; training and commissioning are provided.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHCs) help distribute the Body and Blood of Christ during Mass, giving generously of themselves to serve all who come to the table of God's love. EMHCs must be baptized and confirmed Catholics, willing to undergo training and commissioning.
Our parishes are blessed with many talented musicians and singers who find joy in expressing their love of God through liturgical music. The choirs across our four churches spread the Word of God through uplifting music. Guitar and piano players especially wanted.
Ministers of hospitality are the welcoming faces at the doors of our churches. They greet parishioners and visitors, help with the collections, usher at communion, and hand out bulletins as people leave. Christian hospitality draws people together and sets the tone for the liturgy.
Adorers keep prayerful company with Jesus, truly present in the Blessed Sacrament. Scheduled adorers ensure someone is always present while the Eucharist is exposed: Monday to Thursday at St. James (9 AM to 9 PM) and on the first Thursday of each month at Our Lady of the Valley for Fill the Valley. Drop-in visitors are always welcome.
A brotherhood of men committed to genuine friendship and living the faith together. Fraternus meets for first-Friday Mass and coffee, monthly Lectio Divina (praying with Scripture), and a monthly talk with adoration and fellowship. In the ninety days before Easter, the group takes on Exodus 90: prayer, self-denial, and fraternity.
Upon This Rock is our parishes' course for becoming Catholic: the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). Through instruction, prayer, and reflection on the Biblical foundations of the Church, adults who inquire into the Catholic faith are given a path to baptism, confirmation, and first Eucharist. Also open to Catholics who simply want to know their faith better.
A Montessori-based program for children aged 3–6, held Tuesday mornings from September through April at Our Lady of the Valley. Children explore a specially prepared 'atrium' filled with simple, meaningful materials: miniature altars, nativity figures, sacrament materials: and meet the Gospel in a way that speaks to their hearts.
During the Sunday 10:30 AM Mass at Our Lady of the Valley, children process to a meeting room to hear the Sunday readings and explore their meaning at their own level. Children who have made their First Communion are encouraged to stay and take part in the full Mass.
Our catechism program for children not enrolled at St. James School, beginning at the grade 2 level with preparation for First Reconciliation and First Communion, and continuing through grade 6, with confirmation preparation at the grade 7 level. Classes meet Sunday evenings in the St. James church basement.
High school students are called to love God, serve others, and be themselves. The group meets biweekly on Thursday evenings at Our Lady of the Valley, exploring the breadth and richness of the Catholic faith through videos and honest discussion, with the Creed as the guide.
Serving Christ in the poor with love, respect, justice, and joy. Founded by Fr. Peter Nguyen in 2023, the Outreach Ministry works to ease poverty, loneliness, hunger, and homelessness in the Vernon area, regardless of faith or background: inspired by Matthew 25: 'just as you did it to one of the least of these, you did it to me.'
Members visit the lonely, sick, elderly, and dying in hospitals, care facilities, and homes: offering friendship, presence, and, when requested, prayer and Holy Communion. The ministry currently serves monthly at Heron Grove and Noric House, and every Sunday at Canterbury Court.
