One In Faith Community
Church of St. Mary (Campuses in Melrose & Meire Grove, serving the communities of Melrose, Meire Grove, Greenwald & Spring Hill)
Church of St. Mary
Melrose
Church of St. John
Meire Grove
Worship
Liturgical Ministries
There are many ministries through which our community members serve our parish liturgies, each other, and God. Contact the parish office - 320-256-4207, stmarys@stmarysofmelrose.com, if you are interested in participating in any of these liturgical ministries!
Eucharistic Ministers
Eucharistic Ministers distribute the Body and Blood of Christ to the assembly at Mass, and on occasion, bring Communion to those who cannot come to Mass to receive. Their ministry calls them to be bearers of Christ for others, and to bring Christ, in the Body and Blood, to those who wish to receive.
Sacristans
Sacristans prepare and care for the various liturgical signs and symbols used during the sacraments: holy water, holy oils, incense, candles, and the gifts of bread and wine. Their ministry calls them to “prepare the feast and celebration” by seeing to the preparation and purification of Eucharistic vessels, as well as other liturgical tasks.
Altar Servers
Altar servers act as acolytes during liturgies, bearing for the community the cross, candles, sacred texts, and other liturgical accoutrements. Their ministry calls them to support the worship of the assembly, assist the presider, and serve Christ by serving the altar.
Lectors
Lectors proclaim the readings from Sacred Scripture to the gathered assembly. Their ministry calls them to allow the Word of God to speak through them and to come alive in the hearts of all those who hear it, and to lead the assembly in praying the Prayers of the Faithful.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word Leaders (CLOW)
Children’s Liturgy of the Word Leaders gather together young children who have not yet received First Communion and lead them in readings of Scripture, activities, and prayer suited to their age during the Liturgy of the Word at Mass. Their ministry calls them to bring the Word of God alive to the youngest members of the gathered assembly.
AV/Technology
Audio Visual Ministry has three parts: screens, sound & video. This is a great ministry for youth and families. The Audio Visual Team ensures that the assembly can participate fully in the Mass through the use of the screens, by adjusting the volume, and by livestreaming or recording the Mass.
Greeters
Greeters welcome and care for the gathered assembly and see to the collection of the assembly’s offerings. Their ministry calls them to be the face of Christ for all who enter the doors of the church, and to create a welcoming environment that fosters community in the gathered assembly.
Ushers
Ushers provide dignified order to the liturgy. They assist with seating, taking up the collection, directing the communion line, and handing out bulletins.
Music Ministers
Music Ministry invites parishioners of all ages and abilities to share their musical gifts in service to the Church. Whether you sing or play an instrument, there is a place for you! Music ministers help lead the assembly in prayer through song, creating a worshipful atmosphere that draws hearts closer to God. For more information contact Sarah Woeste in the parish office 320-256-9516.
Parish Choir: The Parish Choir is open to adults & teens who like to sing a variety of musical styles, often in four-part harmony. The choir sings twice each month and rehearses on Wednesday evenings.
Youth Choir: Students in Grades 3–12 who sing once each month during the school year. Rehearsals are held before Mass. Director: Sarah Wiechmann
Hispanic Choirs: St. Mary's is blessed with two Spanish-language choirs that provide music for liturgies celebrated in Spanish. The choirs alternate Sundays.
Festival Choir: Everyone is welcome to join the Festival Choir for Holy Day liturgies. This choir is often made up of members from the Parish Choir, Youth Choir, and Hispanic Choirs, but everyone is invited to participate. One or two rehearsals are held before each Holy Day Mass.
Joy in the Journey: A contemporary/folk ensemble that typically sings once each month during the school year.
Resurrection Choir: This choir serves families during funeral liturgies at the request of the deceased's family. Music is familiar and generally sung in unison. Rehearsal is 45 minutes before the funeral
Cantors: Cantors proclaim the Word of God through sung prayer by leading, Responsorial Psalms, Gospel Acclamations, Hymns and Mass responses. Through confident leadership and welcoming gestures, cantors encourage the entire assembly to participate in singing.
Instrumentalists We are always looking for instrumentalists to enhance our worship. If you have musical gifts, we invite you to share them at Mass and special liturgies.
Accompanists support the assembly and our music ministries by playing piano or guitar.
Hispanic Ministry
The Hispanic Ministry is composed of a large Spanish-speaking community, a priest and two Spanish-speaking deacons. Two Masses are offered weekly, one on Mondays in the afternoon and on Sundays at noon.
Marriage preparation, baptisms and Quinceaneras are offered, along with an RCIA program, which is a preparation/training for adults who wish to receive the sacraments.
Hispanic ministries include Music Ministries, Lectors, Holy Eucharist Ministers, Altar Servers, Sacristans, Ushers, Greeters, AV/Technology, Ministry for Marriage Preparations, Children's Liturgy of the Word Program, Prayer Group and Rosary on Thursdays, Holy Hour every first Thursday of the month, Confessions in Spanish and Blessing of Homes. There is also a Hispanic committee, that plans and makes decisions regarding Hispanic ministry, helps in the planning of holidays such as December 12, the day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, or any other special event that the community wants to celebrate.
If you would like more information on how to participate in these ministries, please contact our priest one of our deacons Jorge Carrillo or Jesus Hernández.