ST MARY'S COUNCIL

The Ten Missions of St. Mary’s Council: 

Guiding Liturgy and Worship at Holy Cross Parish 

 

As the heart of our parish’s liturgical life, St. Mary’s Council fulfils its sacred duty with the parish priest through ten core missions. These missions ensure that every moment of worship at Holy Cross Parish glorifies God, nurtures faith and unites our community. When Fr Antony created this Council, he entrusted these ten missions to the members of this Council.

 

 1. Mission: Elevate Worship Through Music 

“Sing to the Lord a new song!” (Psalm 96:1) 

To oversee all choirs (Parish, Cultural, Children’s, Youth, School) and the Band to ensure music uplifts prayer, celebrates diversity, and engages all generations. 

 

 2. Mission: Sanctify Sacred Spaces as Sacristans 

“Prepare the way of the Lord” (Isaiah 40:3) 

To train and support sacristans in reverently preparing the altar, vessels, and vestments for liturgies, ensuring seamless and prayerful celebrations. 

 

 3. Mission: Serve Christ in the Eucharist 

“Do this in memory of me” (Luke 22:19) 

To guide Eucharistic Ministers to distribute Communion with reverence and bring the Eucharist to the sick, embodying Christ’s love. 

 

 4. Mission: Proclaim God’s Word with Power 

“Faith comes from hearing the Word” (Romans 10:17) 

To equip Readers to proclaim Scripture clearly and prayerfully, helping the assembly encounter the living Word of God. 

 

 5. Mission: Offer Our Gifts to God 

“All good things come from You, O Lord” (1 Chronicles 29:14) 

To coordinate the Offertory Team to present the bread, wine, and offerings as symbols of our gratitude and shared sacrifice. 

 

 6. Mission: Mentor Altar Servers in Reverence 

“Let the little children come to me” (Matthew 19:14) 

To train Children and Adult Altar Servers to assist priests with dignity, fostering devotion and liturgical understanding. 

 

 7. Mission: Cherish God’s House 

“My house shall be a house of prayer” (Matthew 21:13) 

To lead the Church Care Team in maintaining the beauty and cleanliness of our sacred space, ensuring it radiates holiness. 

 

 8. Mission: Adorn Worship with Creation’s Beauty 

“Consider the lilies of the field” (Matthew 6:28) 

To collaborate with Florists to design arrangements that reflect God’s glory and mark liturgical seasons with sacred artistry. 

 

 9. Mission: Welcome All as Christ 

“I was a stranger, and you welcomed me” (Matthew 25:35) 

To empower Welcome Ministers/Ushers to greet, seat, and assist parishioners, creating a culture of warmth and belonging. 

 

 10. Mission: Steward Sacred Goods 

“Your works, O Lord, are my delight” (Psalm 92:4) 

To manage the Repository to provide access to religious items (rosaries, books, etc.) that nurture faith and devotion. 

 

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A Call to Serve with St. Mary’s Council 

These ten missions are the foundation of our parish’s worship and community life. To the members of St. Mary’s Council and all volunteers: thank you for answering this holy calling! Are you being asked to join? Whether through music, service at the altar, hospitality, or care for our church, your gifts matter. Contact the Parish Office or a council member to learn more. 

 

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace.” (1 Peter 4:10)