A Christian steward is one who receives God's gifts gratefully, cherishes and tends them responsibly, shares them in justice and love and returns them with increase to the Lord. We invite you to consider the various opportunities available in our parish community where you can share the gifts of your time and talent here at Carmel Mission. We build the Kingdom of God when we put our gifts at the service of others. Prayerfully reflect where God is calling you to serve and respond by calling one of the contacts listed below:
Acolytes
Acolytes serve at the altar to assist the priest and deacon. The Acolyte is responsible for preparing the altar and the vessels and, as an extraordinary minister, to distribute Eucharist to the faithful.
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Adult Faith Formation
Continuing formation for adults is encouraged through Generations of Faith, Scripture classes, prayer groups, and faith sharing groups.
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Altar Society
The Purpose of this Society is to provide care of the vestments, upkeep of the altar linens and to give financial assistance for additional needs of the altar. Membership: All women who are interested and in accord with the purposes of the Society are eligible for membership. Three social events and a Day of Recollection enrich the membership.
Contact: Lorraine Ellzey |
Altar Servers
Altar Servers are participants in the liturgy as they assist the priest and the acolyte by processing with Cross and candles and holding the Sacramentary and vessels for the priest.
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Bereavement
The Carmel Mission Bereavement Ministry provides caring consolation and spiritual support to parish families who are grieving the loss of a loved one. The ministry also offers assistance with funeral or memorial receptions.
Contact: Jerian Crosby, 831-624-1553 |
Children's First Eucharist & First Reconciliation
This preparation is offered in the second grade at Generations of Faith festivals. The preparation culminates in the celebrations of First Reconciliation in March and First Eucharist in May. Older children can also be accommodated in this program.
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Coffee & Donuts
This ministry of welcome and hospitality is offered on Sunday after 7:30 am Mass. Teenagers and young adults are encouraged to inquire. Total monthly commitment is one to two hours.
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Confirmation: Adults
Adult Confirmation is for those adults who have not been confirmed, but have been baptized, catechized, and had First Communion. After a preparation period, candidates will join with other adult candidates from the Diocese of Monterey for the Rite of Confirmation.
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Carmel Mission Docent Association
There are many opportunities to share your love and knowledge of Carmel Mission by becoming a docent and volunteer. Training is offered quarterly with a professional tour guide, and on-going support is available. We need many volunteers to build a strong program to welcome the strangers in our midst. Total monthly time commitment is one to four hours.
Contact: Coralie Collins, 831-624-1271 x213 |
Eucharistic Ministers
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy communion assist the priest with the reverent sharing of the Body and Blood of Christ with our sisters and brothers. An Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion is one who is mature in faith and who shows reverence and love for the Eucharist.
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Fiesta
Every year, on the fourth Sunday of September, Carmel Mission celebrates the annual Fiesta of San Carlos Borromeo de Rio Carmelo. Hundreds of art and craft exhibitors display in the Mission corridors; mariachis, bands, food & drinks of all kinds make this festival a hallmark of Carmel Mission.
Contact: Junipero Serra School, 831-624-8322 |
Generations of Faith
Generations of Faith brings all ages together once a month for a Festival of Learning. Specific themes are considered during the year, with age appropriate learning and activities for the whole community.
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Carmel Mission Museum Store
The Museum Store provides religious items and artifacts but most importantly an environment of welcome to all who visit Carmel Mission.
Contact: James Griffin, 831-624-1271 x210 |
Garden Angels
Helping maintain the colorful gardens at Carmel Mission is our mission. From the agapanthus (lily of the Nile) to the zauschneria (California fuchsia) everything needs a helping hand to shape, fertilize, weed out, deadhead, and tidy up. Learn from others and with others how to care for the many flowers and shrubs in our beautiful courtyards. Work at you own pace and your own times.
Contact: Peggy Ryan, 831-656-0359 or Kathy Fredrickson, 831-262-4245 |
Homebound Eucharistic Ministers
Homebound Eucharistic Ministers are available to bring Holy Communion to those who are ill in their homes and are unable to get to Mass.
Contact: Joan Brophy |
I-HELP
I-HELP (Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program) - Monthly program on every fourth Wednesday of the month in Crespi Hall. Provides evening meal and temporary lodging for homeless men.
Contact: Helen Brogno, 831-626-0424 |
Infant Baptism
This program is designed for children under the age of seven. For more information, click here.
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Infant Baptism Instruction Class
This session is offered for all parents and godparents preparing for a baptism. We discuss the history, theology and spirituality of baptism, the rich liturgy and its symbols, and the practical aspects of this sacrament. Before any baptism, parents and godparents must attend this session.
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Junipero Serra School
The parish school, K through eighth grade, establishes an environment which reflects the gospel message of love, joy and service, where the unique potential of each child is developed in the Spirit of Jesus.
Contact: Margaret Burger (Principal), 831-624-8322 |
Knights of Columbus
Catholic men's organization whose purpose is charity, fraternity and unity in support of the pastor and the parish. The Knights meet on the first Tuesday of each month in Crespi Hall. They provide the Columbus Day and St. Patrick's Day parish dinners, pancake breakfasts for the 5th Sunday of the month, and participate in Founders Day.
Contact: Joe Crescente (Grand Knight), 831-626-2848 |
Lectors
Lectors have the privilege of proclaiming the word of God during the Liturgy of the Word at every Mass. Lector One acts as the master of ceremonies and proclaims the Old Testament reading and Responsorial Psalm. Lector Two processes with the Book of the Gospels and proclaims the New Testament reading.
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Legion of Mary
Lay Catholic association focused on prayer, faith instruction and work of apostolate. Meets every Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. in McMahon Hall. The purpose of this international group is to give glory to God by visiting families, the sick, and the lonely and the newcomer.
Contact: Barrie Mc Cleary |
Lending Library
The Lending Library is open on Sunday mornings in Crespi Hall during Coffee and Donuts. Books, videos, and audio cassettes are available for adults and children.
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Music Ministry / Choir
Our Adult Choir enhances liturgy at 11:00 AM Mass every Sunday and holidays. Practice every Thursday evening at 7:30 PM in the Basilica. Newcomers always welcome.
Contact: Edward Soberanes (Music Director/ Organist), Kathy Anderson (Choir Director) |
Parish Vocation Committee
Group meets monthly to pray for and develop plans to support vocations in the parish. Distributes vocation literature, supports our possible seminarians, and administers vocation discernment questionnaire to junior and senior high school students. All members attend Vespers in Blessed Sacrament Chapel every First Friday of the month, at 7:30 p.m. – Prayers are offered for vocations.
Contact: Pastor John Griffin, Deacon Nicholas Pasculli |
Pastor's Table
An evening of “food for the body and soul.” A presentation followed by a potluck is held several times during the year with featured speakers from the parish and the Diocese, speaking on a variety of topics.
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Patricians
Group that meets on the third Wednesday of the month at 7:15pm in Crespi Hall to discuss various aspects of Catholic faith. The purpose of the group is to clarify Catholic faith and aid participants in their ability to explain faith to others. |
Prayer Line
The Prayer Line is a group of our faith community who spend some time each day in prayer asking for God’s help and grace for the many special needs of our community. This is done individually, not as group, at a time and place that works best for each of us. This is a ministry that requires only a small amount of time, approximately 15 minutes daily, in prayer for the special intentions called into our Mission prayer line.
Contact: 831-624-1271 x212 |
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)
R.C.I.A. is a process of formation through which adults enter into the Catholic Church. It includes several stages in which individuals undergo a process of conversion as they study the Gospels, experience prayer and celebrate rites of Mass. The R.C.I.A. process follows the ancient practice of the Church which was restored by the Second Vatican Council as the normal way adults prepare for baptism and reception into the Catholic Church.
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Sacrament Preparation for Children and Parents
Sacrament preparation for children and parents is included in the Generations of Faith program for those who will be receiving the Sacraments of First Eucharist, First Reconciliation, and Confirmation.
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Sacristans
Sacristans prepare the worship space as to aid in the prayerfulness of the weekend liturgies. The sacristan ministry accomplishes what is seldom noticed, a ministry of hospitality similar to readying our home for visitors. You will be expected to learn the different vessels used in the liturgy of the Eucharist, their importance, and their proper use and cleaning.
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Saint Vincent de Paul Society
This society helps those who are less fortunate. Serves the needs of parish families in emergencies. Stocks a parish food pantry, aids homeless shelter and supports an outreach to needy migrant farm worker families as far as King City. All are welcomed to join this ministry.
Contact: Bill Joslin and Joe Kepp |
Scripture Studies
Scripture Study classes offer the opportunity to meet with others to read and discuss various books of the Bible in both the Old and New Testaments. Study Guides, commentaries, and videos are available for each course.
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Stewardship Council
Promotes stewardship as a way of life within all aspects of the parish community.
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Ushers & Greeters
Men and women of faith who set the tone of our Eucharistic celebrations. They assist and welcome parishioners during liturgies by greeting, directing, taking collections, distributing bulletins and keeping the liturgical environment, the church, clean and tidy. This ministry is open to all persons, 14 years of age and older.
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