Pastoral Visits To The Sick
The pastor, deacons and lay pastoral associate are pleased to visit the ill and handicapped members of our parish in hospitals, nursing homes or in their own homes. Nowadays many hospitals and nursing homes do not inform us when a parishioner is admitted. Anyone in our parish family who anticipates hospitalization for any length of time, moves to an assisted living facility or nursing home or who becomes homebound in their own home, should notify the parish office.
Bereavement Ministry
The death of a loved one is an especially difficult time. The purpose of the Bereavement Ministry is to offer services to the family to help them through the initial period following their loss. Anyone wishing to share their time to perform specific tasks of assistance is welcome to join in this ministry. There is no minimum time commitment to this ministry and any time you can offer is gratefully appreciated.
Bereavement Ministries Serve in One of Two Capacities:
- Funeral Planners assist the family of the deceased in planning the readings and music for the Mass of Christian Burial as well as which families members would like to participate during the Mass. Additionally, they act as a Greeter the day of the funeral for the family as they arrive at church.
- Funeral Ministers work in teams with each team assigned to a particular day of the week. The individual’s experience as Lector or Eucharistic Minister may determine whether assist the priest in preparing and serving at the altar, proclaim the readings, or service communion at the funeral liturgy.
Spiritual Renewal Team
Parishioners meet on a regular basis to promote the spiritual wellness of our faith community. We invite you to join us in reaching out to our fellow parishioners.
Roberta Spencer 632-2678 [email protected]
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
RCIA is a process to help people seeking to understand and consciously choose to follow Jesus Christ within the Catholic tradition. While this program is primarily for those considering receiving the Sacraments of Baptism and/or Confirmation and Eucharist, there are a variety of ways for confirmed Catholics to participate in the process—as sponsors, prayer partners, hospitality, event-planning, etc.
Bob Grinewich 632-2559 ext 205 [email protected]
Marriage Preparation: Sponsor Couple
The Sponsor Couple Marriage Preparation Program uses “like-to-like” ministry to help prepare engaged couples to increase their knowledge and awareness of each other’s values and attitudes, as well as improve their communication skills and the expression of their shared spirituality. This offers much benefit to engaged couples due to the modeling relationship they experience with their Sponsor Couple. The Sponsor Couple benefits by continued insight into their own marriage, derived from sharing their life’s experiences and love’s responses.
The Sponsor Couple must have a valid Catholic marriage, solid, open communication, respect, the willingness to share marriage with others, a good sense of humor, must be a living witness to the value of a Christian marriage, and must exercise the rule of confidentiality.
We are always looking for new, dedicated sponsor couples. If interested, please call the Parish Office – 716-632-2559
Legion of Mary
Legion of Mary is a forum where people who have a devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary come to pray and promote evangelization by putting their words into action. The group is led by Richard Rogenthien and meets every Thursday at 1:00pm in the Founders Room.
Richard Rogenthien – 716-759-6582
Knights of Columbus
St. John N Neumann Council No. 3974 was founded in March 1955 in Amherst. The Council holds its business meetings on the 3rd Thursday of each month in the Founders Room. The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic fraternal service organization dedicated to the principles of charity, unity and fraternity. Membership is open to Catholic men 18 years and older.
Bob Blatz, Grand Knight – 445-5406
Baptism Preparation Class
Are you being called to respond to your own Baptismal promises by helping new parents and godparents prepare for the Baptism of a new member of God’s family? This ministry uses a curriculum which you will be prepared to present. The time commitment is manageable even for busy young people.
Roberta Spencer – 716-632-2678 – [email protected]
Ministry of Praise
The Ministry of Praise is a spiritual ministry. Members offer joys and sufferings in prayer to God for the spiritual and physical needs of others, particularly for those of our Faith Community. All members of Ss. Peter and Paul’s Parish can become members of the Ministry of Praise, though membership is specifically directed towards the elderly, the homebound or handicapped and those who cannot participate actively in other ministries.
Members are requested to join with others in prayer on a daily basis. A monthly letter is sent to each member advising them of several prayer needs for that month. There are no meetings to attend or dues to be paid.
Saints Peter & Paul Prayer Line
The Prayer Line is comprised of a group of persons who are willing to offer prayers for those in need. Prayers are offered for reasons of physical of mental health, economic relief, obtaining employment, etc. All requests and circumstances are kept confidential. Parties requesting prayer are not required to reveal their names or the specific details surrounding their request for prayer. They simply call the number listed in the bulletin to request prayer or call the Parish Office.
Anyone devoted to prayer and healing may join the Prayer Line if they are willing to pray daily for those who request prayers and can maintain confidentiality. There are no meetings or dues. The only commitment is to be willing to pass the prayer request on to the next person on the prayer line.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
The Prayer Shawl Ministry knits and crochets shawls to “wrap in love” those who are ill or suffering—young or old. Parishioners may select “the perfect shawl” from our collection to present to one needing comfort and prayers. You may join our group to create and pray with others, or elect to work and pray at home. We accept free will donations for necessary supplies for our patterns. Participants will bring comfort and joy and lessen stress in their own lives through this ministry. We meet every 1st Tuesday in the Board Room. Come and join us!
Kathy Azzarella – 716- 632-7848 • [email protected]
Small Faith Communities
In the last century, more than 100,000 small Christian communities have come into being throughout the world. In the United States, these groups take the form of scripture study groups, prayer groups, support groups or ministerial communities. In a parish as large as Saints Peter and Paul, the Small Faith Community provides a means for Catholics to enhance their spiritual lives and to live the mission of Christ more fully through communion with other Catholics. All of our parishioners are asked to consider what it means to be holy and encouraged to become part of a group of people striving to live their lives according to the spirit of Christ.
Most small faith communities consist of 10 to 12 parishioners who meet once a month in their homes or in the parish. Together they pray, read and reflect on the scripture readings for the following Sunday or use topical materials designed for small groups. Discussion and discernment of God’s Word is facilitated by a group leader who focuses on the challenge and call to live out the gospel reading I our daily human experience. Facilitators of these groups are trained and may meet periodically with a pastoral staff member for continuing spiritual growth.
Anyone interested in becoming part of an existing small faith group, starting a new group or acting as facilitator or host for a group is invited to call the Pastoral Associate at the Parish Office.
Teams of Our Lady
This international movement for married couples offers a way for couples already involved in strong, sacramental marriages to grow together in live and holiness with the shared support of other couples.
Similar in structure to a small faith community, the “team” which consists of 4-7 couples and a Catholic priest, meets monthly to share a meal and their faith using materials that focus on married spirituality. Over time, team couples create a Christ-centered community of friends willing to share their joys and sorrows in complete trust and help each other intrude concern.
Teams of Our Lady provides another way of being a small faith community for many couples at Saints Peter and Paul. For Further information, contact the Parish Office.
Contemplative Prayer
“Be still and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46
Contemplative prayer is the regular practice of reflection and then resting in the presence of God. Unlike meditation, contemplation is not a method of prayer to be chosen at will, but a gift into which one is drawn.
Your thoughts will ebb and flow while the Holy Spirit speaks to you. We all have our own beautiful forms of prayer where we speak directly to God. This unique form of prayer focuses on learning how to listen to God speaking to us!
Our group gathers on the 2nd Saturday of each month in the Founder’s Room. We meet for coffee or tea at 8:30am. Silence and prayer begin PROMPTLY at 9am. All are welcome! If you have any questions, please contact Joe at 674-3031 or Sister Dorothy at 895-2591.