Ministry Catalog

Need more information on Administration Ministries? CONTACT NATALEE
 Auction Committee- The parish Auction is a fun annual event featuring an online auction and an evening of live auction, music, and dancing. The committee, headed by a chairperson, plans and coordinates the event held each Winter.
Commitment: Meets bi-monthly for 3 months prior to the event

Bakers- This group is composed of men and women who enjoy baking and cooking for various parish functions like the Parish Picnic, First Eucharist reception, Confirmation reception, Vacation Bible School, etc.

Cemetery Committee- This committee assists in long-range planning for the perpetual care of the cemetery and mausoleum. 
Commitment: meets semi-annually

Fair Committee- The St. George Fair is held every fall to benefit St. George Church and St. George School. The Fair committee plans and coordinates the annual fair. 
Commitment: meets monthly 7 months prior to fair

Finance Council- The Parish Finance Council is a consultative group made up of parishioners with expertise in finance and business. 
Commitment: meets quarterly

Men's Club- This is an organization open to all men of the parish to assist with the maintenance of St. George School and parish. Workdays are designated throughout the year where volunteers handle such projects as painting and light carpentry. The men's club also hosts BBQ and fish fry dinner fundraisers.
Commitment: meets monthly; workdays scheduled from September to May.

Reception Committee- This group is composed of men and women who like to help decorate, set up, serve and clean up after various receptions of the parish. They are called upon periodically for functions like the Parish Mission, First Eucharist reception, Confirmation reception, RCIA reception after Easter Vigil, etc. 

Additional Committees: Other ministries under the Administration Commission include Seamstress, Photographer, and Video Photographer.

Need more information on Youth Faith Formation Ministries? CONTACT MOLLY

Religion Eductation Catechists- Share faith and knowledge of God with a group of students in preschool through grade 10. Formation is encouraged and is available through the parish and diocese. Assistance is needed in the following areas:                                   

• Elementary Catechists                             
• Junior High Catechists 
• Senior High Catechists                                 
• Elementary Substitute Catechists        
• Junior High Substitute Catechists 
• Senior High Substitute Catechists          
• Catechist Aides (all levels)

Retreat Assistants- Adults and teens are invited to assist with First Reconciliation Retreat and First Eucharist Retreat. 

Order of Christian Initiation of Adults Adapted for Children (OCIAC)

• Catechists- Catechists are called to share faith and knowledge of Catholic Doctrine and reflection on scriptures with children preparing for full reception into the Catholic community. Catechists work as a team and share teaching responsibilities. Formation is encouraged and is available through the parish and the diocese. 
• Sponsors- Young people in 9th grade and above willing to share faith, friendship, and support with children in the OCIAC process during their faith journey.

St. George Nursery School- The St. George Nursery School is a facility owned and is operated by the St. George Catholic Church.  It has been part of this community since 1982.    The Nursery School is developmentally appropriate in its approach to early childhood care and education.  Our goal is that a child at St. George Nursery School will have the fewest number of changes.  We believe this will provide a child the opportunity to attach firmly to a warm, responsive, appropriate, consistent, caring, loving adult during the early years of their life. We believe this practice in our nursery school will give a child a secure base for exploration of the world around him or her, comfort in times of stress, and a source of stimulation and joy.  The Nursery school will maintain a Christian approach in its program, so each child will learn about Gods love and their Christian Community.  St. George Nursery school will provide a positive environment that will forge lifelong friendships and memories for your children.

Vacation Bible School- Lead coordinators, teachers, aides, arts and crafts, refreshments, drama, nursery coordinators, costume coordinators, and music leaders are needed for one week during the summer to spread the good news of the Gospel to children. Adult and teen volunteers are needed for VBS. Adult and tee nvolunteers are needed for VBS.
Commitment: 1 week during the summer; plus preparation prior
 

Need information on Family Life Ministries? Contact Catherine

Called to be a Mom- A ministry providing spiritual growth and fellowship for mothers of St. George Parish. Our activities include monthly meetings for moms, monthly playdates, family-oriented socials and service opportunities. 

Cub Scouts Pack 136- Cub Scouts is a year-round program for youth in grades K-5 that offers fun activities that promote character and leadership development. Our program is designed to be hands-on, and parents are encouraged to play an active role in our programs. Scouting embraces the outdoors through camping, hiking and water sports. We also focus on helping our communities through service projects, STEM development and building confident kids through our wide range of activities. 

Dragon Hearts- Dragon Hearts Club is a service club for girls in grades KG-5th that was started in 2017 at St. George School.   Their motto is “Do small things with great love” from Saint Teresa of Calcutta. They are focused on friends, having fun while serving others and learning about our Catholic faith. For the middle school girls (grades 6-8), they have the Divine Mercy Girls who get to do more hands on service projects in and for the community.

Girls Scout Troops-This national organization promotes integrity, responsibility and patriotism in girls. St. George Girl Scouts participate in Catholic scouting activities. 

Golden Oaks- Golden Oaks is open to all individuals over the age of 55 and other interested persons. It is a non-profit, serving as a volunteer ministry affiliated with St. George parish. Guided by the Holy Spirit we strive to provide a continuing life learning experience by providing monthly meeting that offer programs of interest. Our purpose is to unite those persons who are interested in improving their quality of social and spiritual life, to nurture, support and strengthen them; and to build community by involving everyone as a life-giving participant. During the year the monthly activities include speakers from the Baton Rouge area, occasional meals and field trips.  

Marriage Enrichment- This ministry explores marriage educational and spiritual formation opportunities for our parish. The members plan events geared toward married couples and provide marriage enrichment and counseling resources. 

Parish Picnic- Persons are needed to help organize and host the annual parish picnic on the grounds of the parish each spring. This will include preparation, serving, games and cleanup. 

Scouting BSA Troop 136 and Troop 1136- This is the traditional Scouting experience for youth in the fifth grade through high school. Service, community engagement and leadership development become increasingly important parts of the program as youth lead their own activities and work their way toward earning Scouting’s highest rank, Eagle Scout. 

Youth Ministries-

• High School- High School Youth Group is for all high school students. Our mission is to give students a place where they can grow in faith, enjoy fellowship with old and new friends alike, and have fun while they're at it! Our youth group meets several times a month, typically on Monday nights at our Youth House, and we have an active Discord Server for continual discussion, prayer, and community. Additionally, we participate in Diocesan-wide events, go on mission trips, and have opportunities for students to take on leadership roles within our ministry.
• Middle School Youth Group- Middle School Youth Group is for all 6th - 8th grade students. Our mission is to provide opportunities for middle school students to encounter Christ, form a community in faith with old and new friends alike, and enjoy the (organized) chaos of youth group! We meet twice a month on Friday evenings from September-May and participate in Diocesan-wide events throughout the year.
• Adult Volunteers- Our youth ministries cannot run without the help of adult volunteers. We need adults who will be witnesses to middle school and/or high school students just by being present and showing that our faith matters. Volunteers can serve as leaders, planners, chaperones, or assist in a variety of other ways with our youth programs. Must be 18+ to help lead, 21+ to help chaperone, and all volunteers must be child-protection certified.
  • Commitment varies; at least once a month throughout the year.
• High School Confirmation Team- Our Confirmation team leads the formation of our confirmation candidates throughout the confirmation preparation process. This team consists of small group leaders, retreat team members, prayer partners, and substitute leaders. Walk with our confirmation candidates through this process as they prepare to receive this final sacrament of initiation.
  • Commitment: September-May cycle, actual commitment depends on the role within our team and can be as much as once a month or as little as once a year.

Need for information on Liturgical Ministries? CONTACT RICHARD
Altar Servers- Adult servers assist the provider at 4:00 p.m. Saturday Vigil and 7:30 a.m. Sunday Mass. Youth, fifth grade and older, serve at the Sunday 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Masses and special events.

Arimatheans- This ministry prepares the church for funerals and wakes, greets families and assists the priest at the funeral Mass. 

Audio/Visual Ministry- This ministry is open to high school students and adults. The main focus of A/V Ministry is to enhance worship and encourage active and full participation from the assembly. This ministry is divided into three distinct areas: 1) Audio - adjusting and mixing sound as needed during services; 2) Camera Operations - providing visual images using multiple cameras; 3) Graphics (Pro Presenter) - which provides visual effects with words to prayers/songs and other important information.

Church Décor- This committee is responsible for preparing the liturgical décor of our church.
 

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion- These ministers assist the presider in offering Holy Communion at Mass. See “Social Responsibility” for opportunities to serve homebound parishioners, nursing homes and hospitals. 

Lectors- These ministers proclaim the scriptures at weekend Masses, and at various special worship services throughout the year. 

Linen Care- This ministry washes, irons, and folds altar linens and altar server albs. 

Music Ministry- 

• Children's Choir (children in 4th grade and above) rehearses Tuesday afternoons at 4:45p.m & sing once a month for our 9:30a.m. Family Mass and participate in the Music Ministry’s concerts throughout the liturgical year.
• Adult Choirs (high school and adults) sing for the 9:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Masses. 

Weekly rehearsals occur for adult choristers, except during the summer months. 
Rehearsals are scheduled as needed for instrumentalists. 

Sacristans- These men and women prepare liturgical items used for weekday and weekend liturgies and help to ensure the liturgies run smoothly. 

Ushers- Ushers seat the Assembly; coordinate all Stewardship of Finance collections and special collection, aid the Assembly’s communion procession, and generally assist in hospitality. 

Wedding Coordinator Ministry- This ministry prepares the church and wedding party for the marriage ceremony. Attendance at both the rehearsal and ceremony is required. New parishioners to the ministry will start as assistants to a lead coordinator. Can typically expect one wedding/month on average in busy fall season and no weddings during Lent. Weddings are generally Friday evenings and Saturday early afternoons with rehearsal usually the evening before. Time commitment for rehearsals and ceremonies is usually 1.5 and 4 hours, respectively.

Need more information on Social Responsibility Ministries? Contact Kristel
Advent Giving Tree- The Advent Giving Tree Ministry works with local agencies in Baton Rouge bringing Christmas blessings to the poor and needy in our community. Parishioners are needed to help buy, sort and distribute gifts.
Commitment: As needed from Thanksgiving to mid-December

Bereavement Ministry- This group assists St. George families during times of bereavement by preparing food and offering support. Volunteers needed for reception servers, contact people and food preparers.

Catholic Daughters of the Americas (CDA)- This organization works closely to make real the ideals put forth in the National Mission Statement: “CDA strives to embrace the principle of faith working through love in the promotion of justice, equality, and the advancement of human rights and human dignity for all.” The St. George CDA Court's annual fundraiser is the Pancake Breakfast with Santa, and funds raised support many good causes, such as providing the Bishop Ott Shelter with meals and donations to St. Vincent de Paul and national CDA projects. All women (over the age of 18), regardless of parish or faith, are invited to join CDA. The group meets on the third Sunday of every month (except July).

Elizabeth Ministry- The Elizabeth Ministry is an outreach to parents in special times of parenthood. The purpose of the ministry is to affirm, support, encourage, and assist families in response to their needs.We are committed to supporting our parishioners during their most challenging times through prayer, comfort and guidance across the four branches of our ministry.

Angels of Hope- Caring for families during a time of pregnancy loss or infant loss.

Dragon's Den- Caring for families during times of need such as illness, surgery, or other difficult moments.

New child welcome- Taking a welcome gift to families welcoming a new child through Baptism.

Ribbon Angels- Offering help and spiritual support to parishioners and their families touched by cancer.

Eucharistic Ministry to Homebound Parishioners, Long Term Care Facilities and Hospitals- This ministry serves homebound parishioners, nursing homes/assisted living facilities and hospitals. Volunteers are commissioned as Extraordinary Ministers who bring the Eucharist to residents or patients and homebound parishioners.
Commitment: Weekly visits to the homebound and monthly visits to long term care facilities and hospitals

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Baton Rouge- Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit, Christian-based housing ministry that works in partnership with deserving, low-income families and the community to eliminate poverty housing through building simple, decent homes.
Commitment: Saturday workday in the spring

Interfaith Federation of Greater Baton Rouge- This is an interfaith group that advocates changes in laws and attitudes when appropriate, sponsors race-relation activities, and promotes ecumenism. The St. George group serves meals twice a year at the Holy Grill in August and March. Commitment: varies depending on project

Knights of Columbus Council #4030- The KCs are a national organization that performs charitable works in the parish and local community. The KCs provide an opportunity for fellowship and prayer for its membership.
Commitment: meets monthly, time for KC projects

Long Term Care Facilities Visitation- This ministry serves several area retirement communities, assisted living facilities and nursing homes. Volunteers help to gather residents for Eucharistic Services and Masses, and to help set up the environment.
Commitment: once a week or once a month

Prayer Blanket Ministry-  Parishioners sew, crochet or quilt blankets for parishioners facing serious illness. Patterns and fabric are provided. 

Prison Ministry- This ministry currently visits the men incarcerated at Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola on the second Saturday of every month. The visits include attending liturgical services in the chapel, offering Holy Communion, visiting the Catholic men in cell blocks, and visiting the men on Death Row. The monthly visits begin by leaving Baton Rouge at 7:15 a.m. and returning by 3:00 p.m.
Commitment: monthly

Respect Life Committee- This ministry is dedicated to promoting awareness for the respect of all life from conception to natural death; proclaiming that every life is a precious gift from God. Through education, prayer and advocacy efforts, we seek to create a culture of life where every human is valued and protected.
Commitment: meets as needed, with emphasis in October and January

St. Vincent de Paul- The SVDP ministry is the face of Christ to the poor and needy in our community. This charitable organization provides assistance to individuals and families living within our parish boundaries.
Commitment: monthly meetings

Need more information on Spiritual Life Ministries? Contact Karen
Adoration- Your life and prayers can make a difference in the world. We invite all parishioners to prayerfully consider signing up to spend one hour each week with Jesus through participation in Eucharistic Adoration. There must be at least two people present in the church during Adoration, as the exposed Eucharist can never be left alone. The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed on Thursdays from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the chapel. Please know that everyone is welcome to adore our Lord. Sign up is not required. Come for a short visit or stay for an hour. He is waiting for you! 
Commitment: If possible, one hour each Thursday or as an occasional substitute 

Adult Confirmation- If you are an adult and have never been confirmed, it is never too late. There are four classes and a Rite of Acceptance that will be offered each spring. The sacrament of Confirmation takes place on Pentecost Sunday each year at St. Joseph Cathedral. Please indicate if you are interested in being part of this adult learning group. 

Adult Faith Formation/Evangelization- An evangelization outreach that helps Catholics reconnect with their Catholic faith. The sessions foster reflection, prayer and honest sharing in a setting of hospitality and acceptance. We meet two Sundays of each month at 9:30 a.m. in the Parish Office. 

Baptismal Hospitality Team- The team assists with the celebration of Baptism by greeting, giving instructions, and escorting families as they celebrate the sacrament both during and after weekend Masses on various weekends during the year. 
Commitment: Once a month on a rotating basis

Baptismal Bibs- This ministry is a group of seamstresses who make Baptismal bibs. The embroidered bibs become keepsakes for families. 
Committee members would be expected to sew bibs for baptisms twice a year. 

Bible Study Class- Bible Study is offered throughout the year. There are day time and night time sessions. Those interested in being part of a study group are asked to sign up. Facilitators will be trained to lead the groups.

Cathechists- Catechists are needed to do weekly presentations to those in RCIA (Monday nights). All catechists must be Diocesan certified or working on certification. 

Creation Care- Laudato Si’ Movement was born from Pope Francis’ encyclical letter, “Laudato Si’: One Care For Our Common Home.” Here at St. George, volunteers work to carry out the Laudato Si’ Action Plan for our parish which addresses six different categories: Ecological Education, Response to the Cry of the Earth, Response to the Cry of the Poor, Adoption of Sustainable Lifestyles, Ecological Spirituality, Community Resilience and Empowerment. 

Lord Teach Me to Pray- Lord Teach Me to Pray is a weekly prayer series to meet the desire of men and women for on-going spiritual growth as they respond to the call to holiness and to a deeper commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord. Lord Teach Me to Pray is part of the New Evangelization as understood in the writings and initiatives of Blessed John Paul II, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and Pope Francis. The mission of Lord, Teach Me To Pray consists in enabling men and women to grow in their knowledge and love of Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, thus facilitating their eternal salvation and that of their family. 

Marriage Preparation Team- These couples, chosen by the pastor, meet with about four individual engaged couples per year to share faith and to assist engaged couples in preparation for married life. 
Commitment: two to four times a year 

Prayer Line- The St. George Prayer Line supports the community in its concerns and specific needs through personal home prayer. The names are offered up in prayer daily. Please call the parish office with your request. You can also visit the website to submit your request. 

OCIA: The Catechumenate (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults)- This initiation ministry works with those who are interested in finding out more about the Catholic faith. Sponsors are chosen from the parish to walk the journey of faith with the candidate or catechumen. OCIA meets weekly on Monday nights from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Sponsors are always needed in this ministry. 

RCIA Scripture Sharers- Those who are willing to share scripture with those going through the RCIA process on Sunday mornings when they are dismissed from the 9:30 a.m. Mass. Your turn comes up once every 2-3 months. Resources are provided to help you with this ministry. 

Rosary Prayer Group- The primary mission of this group is to pray and promote Marian devotions and the Rosary. The group prays the Rosary 30 minutes before weekday Mass and participates in and promotes First Saturday Devotions. 

Small Christian Communities- These are small groups of people who gather regularly in homes to reflect on the Sunday scriptures, share faith, and connect everyday life with their faith. You have the option of seasonal groups or ongoing groups. 

St. George Young Adults- St. George Young Adults is a community of married and single Catholic adults in their 20s and 30s who come together to grow in faith and friendship through spirituality, fellowship, and service.

That Man Is You!- That Man Is You! (known as TMIY) is a ministry begun at St. George in 2007 and that continued virtually through the heart of the Covid era. It consists of a 26-session series each year that explores themes important to Catholic men in today's world. The overall purpose of the program is to encourage the faith and spiritual growth of men, leading them to be men "after God's own heart" in the way they follow Christ and lead and nourish their families, Each session consists of prayer, a rich video talk by a well;known Catholic theologian (professionally produced by Paradisus Dei) and small group discussions led by experienced TMIY facilitators. The 26 sessions generally follow the school year; small group sessions are also offered during the summer. An important byproduct of the sessions is the sense of brotherhood that exists among the men of TMIY. There is no charge to participate.

Vocational Prayer Ministry - Receive special prayer materials for your home to pray for current and future vocations. Learn more by clicking here.