ഡയറക്ടറി

We decorate the altar and other worship spaces in the church. Members provide decorations for the altar, foyer, and church entryways, changed to reflect the religious seasons. Meets Friday mornings after the 8:30 a.m. Mass when needed. Time commitment: 2-3 hours every 4-6 weeks.

Approximately 75 members sing at the 10:00 a.m. Mass, as well as liturgies for Christmas and Holy Week. In addition to traditional hymns, the choir prepares special arrangements of the Mass parts and anthems in harmony. Rehearsals Tuesdays 7:00–8:30 p.m., mid-September through May.

At each weekend Mass, from the ambo on the altar, an Announcer welcomes the assembly in the name of the entire parish family. After communion the announcements pertaining to special events, circumstances, or the needs of the parish are read.

The Assembly of Parish Leaders was formed on February 7, 2009. Approximately 75 members representing the parish, its commissions, and its ministries. Provides consultation to the Pastor to guide direction, policies, and annual goals; engages in ongoing strategic planning. Meets monthly.

We create the engaging post-Communion meditation presentations seen at all Masses. A/V Teams prepare the post-Communion meditation presentations at weekend Masses. Teams choose visual images to portray the themes contained in a musical selection supplied by the Music Director.

A Baptism Coordinator ensures that all participants and sacramental items are in the right place at the right time during the actual Baptism ceremony. Facilitates the Baptism celebration from beginning to end, sets up the altar, lines up families and godparents, and tidies up afterward. Sundays at 1:00 p.m.

Baptismal Greeters greet and welcome families and friends of children being baptized in the parish. Assists the presider and coordinator, helps with set-up, distributes programs, seats people, assists during the ceremony, takes photographs of the family and child, and cleans up. Sundays at 1:00 p.m.

Baptismal cloths are provided as a gift to the family of those being baptized through the generous sewing and embroidering skills of the members of this ministry. The white cloth symbolizes the white robe of baptism. No meetings required; time commitment ~2-4 hours per month.

Archdiocesan pastoral planning initiative. All parishes submit mid-year progress updates and annual pastoral plans reviewed by the dean and forwarded to the Archbishop. The 2025 Parish Vitality Report marks the midpoint for the comprehensive pastoral planning process implemented in June 2021.

This ministry provides an opportunity to help parishioners at the time of death of a loved one. Involves meeting with the family of the deceased and assisting with planning of funeral liturgies (6-8 hours with the family). Trained members also follow-up through phone calls and timely support letters. Meets 2nd Wednesday, 4:30 p.m.

Bereavement planning ministry (password-protected page for members).

Facilitated Bible study groups for adults focusing on specific Bible books or themes. Trained facilitators lead studies meeting on weekdays at Good Shepherd in a variety of morning, afternoon, and evening sessions. Studies are scheduled in the autumn and winter.

This ministry provides an opportunity for individuals to gather regularly to pray together in devotion to Mary, the mother of Our Savior. About 15 members meeting since 1997. Mornings: every weekday directly after Mass in the main church. Evenings: every Thursday at 6:15 p.m. in the chapel during Eucharistic Adoration.

We clean the sanctuary, chapel, and other worship areas in the church. Decorating is done throughout the year to reflect changes in the liturgical calendar. Meets Friday mornings after the 8:30 a.m. Mass. Time commitment: about one hour per week.

Support group for caregivers (listed on parish site).

Trained volunteers contact homebound parishioners through phone calls and visits to provide companionship during the holidays and long winter months. If you know of a parishioner who may benefit from visits and/or phone calls, contact Mary Huber.

Children's Liturgy of the Word (C.L.O.W.) is offered during the 10:00 a.m. Sunday Mass for children in kindergarten through sixth grade. Mass readings and discussion are led by catechists during the homily. Children leave the congregation accompanied by their teachers and aides prior to the adult Liturgy of the Word and return during the Offertory.

We take Holy Communion to Catholics during their hospital stay at Bethesda North Hospital. Lay Ministers of the Eucharist distribute Holy Communion to Catholic patients.

We take Holy Communion to home-bound parishioners. Home Communion is provided to parishioners who are unable to attend weekend liturgies due to age or illness. Requires 1-2 hours per week; transportation from Good Shepherd to individual homes required.

We distribute Holy Communion to Catholics at Meadowbrook Nursing Home. Frequency varies depending on the interests and availability of the volunteer, from twice a week to once a month.

This ministry provides an opportunity to distribute Communion to the Catholic residents of The Lodge. Requires 1½-2 hours per week every other month.

Three-part adult Confirmation preparation program scheduled during Lent for those who never received the Sacrament of Confirmation. Participants receive Confirmation at the Easter Vigil.

Adoration is continuous prayer before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Thursdays following the 8:30 a.m. Mass; the consecrated Host is placed in a monstrance in the chapel for Eucharistic Exposition. Rosary/Liturgy of the Hours at 6:10 p.m. followed by Evening Prayer (Vespers) and Benediction in the chapel.

Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist are lay people who are canonically permitted to distribute the Body and Blood of Christ to the entire assembly. Each volunteer must meet the standards required by the Church and participate in a Eucharistic Ministers Training session.

Deacons and lay men and women preside at the daily Liturgy of the Word with Communion Service. Presiders give a 1-2 minute reflection on the readings, lead the service from the Chapel altar, proclaim the daily readings, lead prayers, distribute Holy Eucharist, and tidy up afterward.

No homework, casual conversation faith sharing small groups designed to enrich parish life, build small faith communities, and help adults and families understand the Catholic Faith. Meetings vary based on assigned small group. Groups meet Tuesdays from 1:30-3:00 p.m. and Tuesdays from 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Our Father's Group gathers weekly on Friday mornings from 6:30-7:30 a.m. in Good Shepherd's Hospitality Room. Witness is a band of Christian fathers who study Scripture together, counsel each other about the stuff of life, and learn together how to become men who pray and men who love. Also hosts semi-annual social events and a Pancake Breakfast.

Funeral planning ministry (listed on parish site under Pastoral Care).

The funeral reception committee supports families using Good Shepherd facilities for their funeral receptions. Provides room set-up, sets out food and drinks, and cleans up after the reception. Works in teams of 8-10 people. Usually weekday mornings per scheduled funerals.

Funeral services ministry (listed on parish site under Pastoral Care).

Gift Bearers carry the cross and two candles in the opening procession and closing procession—they also bring the gifts of bread and wine to the altar at Offertory. Ministers participate in offering these services about once every month.

Performs at seasonal and special feasts. Basic music reading skills important; previous handbell experience not required. Open to parishioners of high school age or older. Rehearsals Wednesdays 7:00–8:30 p.m., mid-September to May.

A non-sacramental ministry that invokes God as the Source of all healing. Follows the Instruction on Prayers for Healing (CDF, 2000) and the Healing Touch Program™. Mission: to renew the Church's role in healing and encourage those in need of healing in body, mind, soul and spirit through prayer, laying on of hands, healing touch, and Spirit-developed energy techniques. Typically meets first Monday of the month.

WaveCAST Audio Receiver hearing assistance program compatible with phone and Bluetooth hearing aids. Instructions provided for connecting to the GSHearing Wi-Fi network during Mass. Traditional hearing assist devices also available from the parish office.

Weekly faith formation program for children in kindergarten through 6th grade.

The Lector proclaims the Word of God at Mass by reading the first and second Scripture readings and the petitions at liturgies. Lectors must have a clear, concise speaking voice, be articulate, and be capable of speaking in front of large crowds.

The Liturgy Commission is the consultative body for the pastor and staff on all forms of Liturgy, comprised of both selected and appointed members. The Commission meets once a month, reviews changes from the archbishop or Rome, and provides recommendations to the pastor. Term is three years, renewable.

Our Good Shepherd M.O.M.S. Group is made up of women looking to share and connect with others in our parish. Moms discuss the upcoming Sunday readings to enrich their experience of the scripture for themselves and their families. Babysitting available with advance notice. Regular weekly schedule resumes near end of August once school starts.

Committed men, principally Catholic, recognizing their need for God's help who come together in fellowship and sharing. Gather in Christ's presence in an atmosphere of trust, equality, and anonymity. At a typical Saturday meeting: 20 minutes fellowship, then hymn, Scripture reading, prayer needs, one-hour presentation with small group discussion, concluding with Lord's Prayer.

Grief support ministry (listed on parish site under Pastoral Care).

Process for exploring the Catholic faith and entering the Church (formerly RCIA). Explores teachings of Scripture, Christian tradition, Creed, sacraments, moral living, and social teachings. Classes begin in September; meet Thursday evenings 6:30-8:00 p.m. Special celebrations at Sunday Mass; reception of sacraments at Easter Vigil.

Ministry for parents of LGBTQ+ individuals (listed on parish site under Pastoral Care).

The purpose of the Prayer Blanket Ministry is to cover the recipients in heartfelt prayers. Begun during the Easter season of 2004. Volunteers sew and quilt prayer blankets (pocket size, petite 18"x21", or lap size 30"x33") while praying for recipients. Each blanket is blessed and given to individuals facing illness, hardship, or service to others.

Faith formation program for preschool-age children.

Ministry for remembering deceased loved ones (listed on parish site under Pastoral Care).

Order of Christian Initiation of Children (OCIC) for all who have reached the age of reason who wish to join the Catholic Church. Needs of each young person considered based on age and religious background.

The Sacristan is considered the team leader for the Liturgy Ministers, responsible for the continuous flow of the worship experience. Sacristans arrive 25 minutes before Mass and usually stay for about ten minutes after Mass in order to set up and take down the materials necessary for saying Mass.

Parishioners encouraged to gather in the parish chapel from noon - 1:00 p.m. to pray for the people of Ukraine experiencing fear, violence and death.

Summer faith formation program for children.

An Evening of Prayer, Reflection & Music in the Style of Taizé. A prayer experience that includes candles, simple chants, icons, scripture and periods of silence. Offered periodically (most recently Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. in the Church).

At our weekend Masses and other liturgies, our team helps to maintain and enhance Good Shepherd's unique sense of hospitality through warm, friendly, and caring interaction. Ushers provide information and directions, help with seating, handle collections, and coordinate Communion distribution.

Wellness ministries (listed on parish site under Pastoral Care & Outreach).

A prayer ministry providing opportunities for women to participate in the life of the Spirit in a small group setting. Gathers in fellowship to pray, read Scripture, discuss spiritual literature, and enhance prayer lives. Begins with relaxation, conscious breathing and Silent Spiritual Meditation, followed by songs, readings, discussions, and Prayer Circle. Meets every Wednesday, 9:00-10:00 a.m.

Youth ministry program for students in 7th grade through high school.

Servers are youth in 5th grade or older who help prepare for Mass. Servers process in and out of Mass and are present in the sanctuary to assist the priest and deacons at the Mass. This ministry provides a special way of being close to, and serving, God at the altar.