St. Catherine of Siena Parish

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Ministries

Dear Parishioners:

There is no better way to get to know the people of a church parish than by looking over a list of the ministries of that church. After all, a parish is made up of ministries. Ministries are made up of people. The people, under Christ our Savior, are the parish.

I am sure you are impressed by the very number of ministries on this list. Until you know the people of St. Catherine of Siena, however, you won't be able to plumb the depths of the love of God and neighbor which has been at the heart of our Catholic community for over eighty years.

The brief sketch of the history of St. Catherine of Siena parish is too short to reveal the length and breadth of the care and concern of those who made this history come alive. They were the ministers-clergy, religious, and laity- who spent themselves for others. So constant was their sacrifice that our parish has become well-known in the Archdiocese of New Orleans for excellence in education, a singular resolve to assist the less fortunate, and, above all, a resolve to worship the Lord in the most reverent and joyful liturgical gatherings possible. Building on the work done by those who have gone before us, we strive to be an even brighter light to our community. To this end, I offer the following invitations:
  • If you would like the help of any ministry on this list, please call the parish office. Our good people will discern the depth of your need.
  • If you would like to engage in the work of any of these ministries, call the parish office and offer your assistance. Your efforts will be most appreciated.

The people of St. Catherine of Siena parish have always shown forth the witness of Christ. They are quick to roll up their sleeves and lend a hand. This willingness to volunteer is so important in the present day when so many works of the church must be done by the laity. I encourage you to meet our workers either as colleagues or recipients of assistance. You will not be disappointed. I am certain the Lord has a place for you somewhere in the ministries on this list.

If I, as your pastor, can assist you in any way, please let me know. You see, I am also a member of the St. Catherine of Siena family, and I want to do my part in helping our church to be that "shining city set on a hilltop," a beacon of faith in the midst of our community.

Msgr. Roger A. Swenson

Ministry Divisions
Family Life - Mrs. Tina D'Antoni
Jr. Youth Ministries - Mr. Frederick Gernon
Sr. CYO Ministries - Mr. Bernard Desantis, III
Music Ministry - Mrs. Stephanie Dureau


Ministries and Organizations

Adult Education/Scripture Sharing - The parish offers ongoing Bible Study and periodic seminars on sacraments, scripture and other topics.

Altar Servers - Fifth graders and above form teams and are trained to assist at parish liturgies.

Catholics Returning Home - Catholics Returning Home is a program intended to give the returning Catholic a basic understanding of what the Church is like today; to get to meet other people who have been away from the Church; and who have had the joyful experience of returning to their roots, in a caring, nonjudgmental environment.

Companions to the Homebound - This ministry brings joy to our elderly and sick parishioners and acts as their link to the large church community through visits, phone calls and correspondence.

Co-Op Club - This is a civic, social and religious group for all ladies of the parish and school. They sponsor many fund raisers, such as the Annual Parish Fair, the Starlight Gala, etc., while sponsoring apostolic activities such as the Meals Ministry.

C.Y.O. - The parish's Youth Organizations.  The Junior CYO is for grammar school students (grades 6 –8) and the Senior CYO is a group of high school and college students. Both groups are engaged in social, sports, apostolic and spiritual activities.

Divine Mercy Novena - This group meets daily and strives through prayer (prescribed through Blessed Sr. Faustina) for peace in life and the world.

Elementary C.C.D. Program - Religious education classes for elementary school children not enrolled at the parish school held after the 9:00 A.M. Mass on Sunday.

Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist - They assist with the distribution of Holy Communion to the sick and shut-ins, and to parishioners at daily and weekend Masses.

Family Life Committee - Co-ordinate family oriented activities within the parish and Archdiocese, including various Family Education Programs.

Familia – This is is a family educational program for young mothers based on Scripture, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and the Pope’s Encyclicals.

Finance Council - The Finance Council advises the Pastor on financial and business matters.

Greeters - Greeters are parishioners who are willing to come early before weekend Mass to greet parishioners and visitors.

High School Catechesis – This is a program of religious education classes of high schools students, not enrolled in a Catholic High School, and will be a foundation for the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Holy Name Society - Encourages men and women in reception of the Eucharist and reverence for the Holy Name of Jesus. Co-sponsors the Radio Rosary recitation on WVOG-AM.

Knights of Columbus - St. Catherine of Siena Council #12686 is a local chapter of an international organization of Catholic men who wish to exhibit and live their faith through service to the parish and larger community. The K of C was founded on the principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism.

Legion of Mary - This worldwide organization of men and women devote themselves to developing a greater holiness in their own lives through Marian devotions such as rosary recitation and annual consecrations while fostering apostolic and evangelical activities. Through the Legion of Mary, men and women take an active role in visiting those who are in local hospitals providing comfort and support.

Liturgy Committee - This ministry is responsible for providing the vision and planning of all parish sacramental celebrations.

Marian Devotions - Includes rosaries in homes, before the 6:30 A.M. and after the 9:00 A.M. Masses, the Rosary March (in October) and the May Crowning.

Marriage Enrichment Programs – This includes both archdiocesan programs such as Marriage Encounter and parish programs such as Supper and Substance.


Marriage Preparation - Engaged couples can fulfill part of their Archdiocesan requirements for marriage by working with a sponsor couple in our parish's Evenings for the Engaged Program.

Martha's Ministry - This ministry offers comfort and condolences of the parish to families who have suffered the loss of a loved one through a luncheon brought to the family the day of the funeral.

Men's Club - Organization of parish men which sponsors such programs as the summer cabbage ball program, limited school maintenance and friendly, spirited camaraderie. They also oversee fund raisers for the parish and school such as the $10,000 Raffle as well as provide spiritual activities for their membership such as Masses and yearly retreats.

Mission Awareness - A parish-wide effort to increase awareness for the needs of the Universal Church and its missions throughout the world.


Music Ministries - Men, women and children are given the opportunity to participate in weekend liturgies through vocal or instrumental music in our numerous parish choirs.

Pastoral Council - This group of elected and appointed parishioners work with the Pastor to formulate and develop vision for the parish's future.

Perpetual Adoration – Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the Chapel by committed adorers and those who wish to visit. Chapel is open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

Plant Maintenance Advisory Council – This committee of appointed members advises the Pastor on construction, renovation, and maintenance of parish and school facilities.

Prayer Line - This group networks to pray for needs which are called in by parishioners.

Preschool of Religion - During the 11 A.M. Sunday Mass, this educational program is provided for 2 to 5 year old children.

R.C.I.A. - The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults - The Rite of Christian Initiation is designed for adults who wish to become full members of the Catholic Church.

Readers -Men and women of the parish who proclaim the Word of the Lord at daily and Sunday Masses.

Respect Life Committee - This ministry encourages and supports life, from conception to death, through prayer, action and activities.

Religious and Liturgical Enrichment – The parish also provides additional religious activities, including but not limited to Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction, The Divine Mercy Novena, The Holy Spirit Novena, and Consecration to the Sacred Heart and the Blessed Mother, and the Heart of Life Novena.

Rosary Altar Society - Individuals volunteer their time as a service to help enhance our liturgies through sewing, arranging flowers and general upkeep of the church.

School - Our school provides quality academic and extra-curricular opportunities teaching solid Catholic values in a pleasant atmosphere of caring and encouragement.

School Board - This board of elected and appointed parishioners advises both the pastor and principal on matters regarding the management of the parish school.

Scouting - St. Catherine of Siena offers a full range of groups for boys and girls of all ages.

St. Vincent de Paul Society - This ministry consists of men and women actively involved in working with the poor and needy of the parish.

Ushers - These are men and women of the parish who are ministers of hospitality and assist in welcoming people, taking up the collections and directing the flow of traffic at religious services.

Vocations Committee - This ministry actively seeks out and encourages those considering the vocations to the priesthood and the religious life.

Welcoming Committee - Men and women visit and personally welcome and distribute a "welcome packet" to our new parishioners.

Young Adult Group – This young adult organization is for married and single persons in their 20's and 30’s. Young adults are offered opportunities for growth in the areas of spirituality, social interaction, and Christian service allowing for personal enrichment.

Youthful Elders - Parishioners, 55 years and older, who meet once a month to participate in a variety of social, spiritual and charitable activities.



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St. Catherine of Siena Church
105 Bonnabel Blvd.
Metairie, Louisiana 70005
Phone: (504) 835-9343
Fax: (504) 835-1525
St. Catherine of Siena School
400 Codifer Boulevard
Metairie, Louisiana 70005
Phone: (504) 831-1166
Fax: (504) 833-8982



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ONLINE CALENDAR
PRAYER SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE AND HOPE
On the evening of August 29, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. St. Catherine of Siena Church will celebrate a Holy Hour in remembrance of the storms of three years ago. The Eucharist will be brought to the main altar of the church from our Perpetual Adoration Chapel, The Chapel of the Holy Innocents. The setting for our prayers that evening will be Exposition and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.