The following are active in the faith community:

ALTAR SERVERS participate in celebration of the Eucharist by assisting the Presider and other liturgical ministers in their roles. This ministry is open to children (after reception of First Eucharist) and to adults. Instruction usually takes place in the fall and spring for St. Mary's. Contact the Parish Office for more information.

CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS is composed of women from both of our Communities. It is an international organization that prays for religious vocations and financially assists seminarians and the poor under the care of Mother Teresa's religious sisters and brothers throughout the world. Locally, they give donations to Seneca Santa and our Schuyler Food Pantry. They also help with various receptions (Lenten Mission and St. Mary's First Eucharist). New Members are Welcome!

CEMETERY COMMITTEE - The Cemetery Committee is responsible for the operation and administration of the two parish cemeteries, St. Mary's Cemetery, and Holy Cross Cemetery.  The Director, and contact at the Parish office., for the Committee is Deacon Dave LaFortune 

CURSILLO. The Rochester Cursillo is a member of a worldwide movement of the Roman Catholic Church. It provides a method of living through which one's spirituality can be developed, lived, and shared in any area of human life where there are Christians willing to dedicate their lives to God in an ongoing manner. The three-day weekend experience is a joyous introduction to a growing and supporting community of friends in Christ--men and women who are working to Evangelize their environments. The Cursillo is designed to make it possible for individuals to strive for Holiness during the Ongoing-Formation of their lives so as to enhance their union with Christ and bring others to Christ through their Evangelization efforts. Contact the Parish Office for more information.

FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION usually takes place at St. Mary's Church Building on the First Friday of the month after the 7:00 a.m. Mass to 3:00 p.m. Holy Hour and Benediction. All members are encouraged to sign up and spend some quiet time in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament.

FUND RAISERS. The Fall and Holiday Bazaars, Bake Sales, 200 Club, Breakfasts, Luncheons, Dinners, Italian-American Festival Cake Booth, Making Quilts, Lottery, Raffles, etc., are channels not only to increase revenues for the upkeep of our buildings, etc., but also to serve as community builders for all age levels in our parish.

GREETERS. Individuals and families serve as official welcomers at each entrance to our church buildings before liturgies. They not only joyfully welcome parishioners, but also assist visitors to various locations: Prayer Request Book, Guest Book, Lavatory Facilities, etc. This ministry of hospitality encourages each greeter to be aware that "He who sees me sees the Father."

LECTORS. The ministry of the Lector is to proclaim God's Word. To lector requires a period of instruction in the history and theology of the ministry, as well as training in "how to" proclaim the Scriptures. Usually one Lector is assigned to each Mass, but during special liturgical Seasons, two Lectors may be assigned to share the responsibility for the Old/Hebrew Scripture and the New/Christian Scripture readings, the General Intercessions, Responsorial Psalm (if not sung) and the Welcoming/Announcements.

MARIAN PRAYER GROUPS meet at St. Benedict's. For specific details contact the Parish Office.

MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION. The Minister of Holy Communion assists in the distribution of the Holy Eucharist during the Mass, and many also minister to the sick by making visits and taking the Holy Eucharist to home-bound and hospitalized parishioners. They receive instruction on the history of the ministry, the theology of the Eucharist and the "how to" of their ministry. Many participate in conducting communion services in area nursing facilities, so as to maintain a sense of community with those who are unable to come to church. Anyone needing this service or interested in serving in this ministry should call the Parish Office.

MISSION TEAM is composed of members from both Communities. From late summer they pray, meet, and work on the theme for our Annual Lenten Mission Week. Various subdivisions/work crews for this Mission Week minister on Art & Environment, Speakers, Witnesses, Music, Publicity, Greeters, Refreshments, etc.

MUSlC MINISTRY. The Music Ministry program includes Music of the Lord Choir, Resurrection Choir, Strings Group, and Cantors at St. Mary's and St. Benedict's. These groups provide the music for Sunday Mass as well as other worship services during the year. Please call the Parish Office for more detailed information.

PRAYER LEADERS from both Communities enhance the spiritual life of our parish by assisting the pastor in offering more opportunities for grace-filled moments that embellish our spiritual journeys. They take their baptismal responsibility seriously as they lead us in Stations of the Cross, Communion Services, Rosary, etc.

ST BENEDICT'S SOCIETY. All registered members of St. Benedict's compose this Society. They provide for the needs of the building and grounds of St. Benedict's, plus the social activities that contribute to the close family feeling that is so prevalent at St. Benedict's. Their monthly meeting is usually the last Sunday of the month, after the celebration of Sunday Eucharist. Please check the church bulletin for any meeting changes.

ST MARY'S GUILD. The Guild consists of women from St. Mary's who work together to bring in added revenues to St. Mary's which will assist in enhancing the ministerial needs of the church. They have financially supported St. Mary's for years, and presently are caring for an adopted child in a Third World country. At holiday time they adopt needy families to assist in helping them have a blessed holiday. They contribute their time and talents at various parish receptions. Check the church bulletins for meeting dates. New Members are Welcome!

SANCTUARY CARE. Church buildings are cared for by various families and individual volunteers who dust, vacuum, clean the sanctuary at St. Mary's and the entire church proper at St. Benedict's.

SANCTUARY SETUP for both church buildings is usually on a weekly basis. It entails the setting up of the vessels, wine, water hosts, purificators, etc., needed for a liturgy, the lighting of the altar candies, and any other items that the Presider may need for a particular liturgy. A subdivision of this ministry would be those who care for the ALTAR LINENS. This is usually done on a monthly basis. It involves taking the small, soiled lines, small table covering, finer towels, purificators, and corporals home to be washed and ironed. These items are brought back to the sacristy and placed in the various drawers for use at upcoming liturgies. (Large altar clothes are professionally cleaned).

STEPHEN MINISTRY provides one-to-one distinctively Christian lay care giving in an environment of unconditional love and acceptance and total confidentiality. Ministry areas include: childbirth, job loss, ministry to the lonely, depressed, hospitalized, homebound, separated or divorced, dying, or bereaved, as well as many other crisis/life stage experiences. Requests for a Stephen Minster to be assigned to a particular need, or further information about the ministry, please call the office.

USHERS carry on the ministry of hospitality that was first started by the greeters. They continue the welcoming process by joyfully assisting worshippers to locate seating. They attempt to keep the side and back aisles from clutter, not only for the reverence of worship, but as precautions in case of an emergency situation. They consciously take up the offering, assist in the orderly reception of Holy Eucharist, and are willing to assist worshippers with questions or instructions. After the liturgy, they remain to help clean up the pews, lock doors, turn off lights, fans, or heating. They make sure the collection from their assigned liturgy is brought to its designated place.

MINISTERS OF PRAISE  intercede for the monthly needs or our parish.  Each month the Minister of Praise receives a newsletter listing specific prayer requests.  The person offers up their prayers, works, joys, and sufferings for the parish needs.  Originally, the ministry was designed for the Homebound parishioner who was unable to participate actively in service to the church.  The minister's private, personal intercession offered a vital way to continue to serve God from their home.  The Ministry of Praise is now open to all parishioners who feel led to be prayer warriors for the needs of the parish.  It is a ministry especially suited for busy people who are unable to commit to item consuming church obligations

INTERCESSORY PRAYER MINISTERS (formerly called Prayer Teams) are available after the Masses at St. Mary's of the Lake and St. Benedict's, the third weekend of the month, to pray with any person in need of prayer.  The Ministers believe in the words of Jesus: "Amen, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father.  For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."  (Matthew 18:19,20)  The Ministry provides a precious opportunity to bring one's burdens before the throne of God.  All prayer request are held in strict confidence.  Intercessory Prayer Ministers can also be reached by phone for prayer needs.  Contact the Rectory office for the phone number of a Prayer Minister.

UNITED FOR LIFE COMMITTEE 

    We Pledge Allegiance to Life and All that it entails:
        Protection of the unborn
        Security of the young child
        Encouragement for the young adult
        Support of the Family
        Friendship for the lonely and the disenheartened
        Comfort of the sick and the suffering.