Adult Faith Formation Adult Confirmation Why Catholic?

We have the right and duty to bring to maturity the seed of faith sown by God. We are norished by the Word of God. And we explore the mystery by an ever growing relationship with our God. Our attitude should be one of conversion to the Lord. Our decision should be to live our faith through membership in our Christian community. Our responsibility then is to be a Christian Disciple in the world. Join our efforts by ministering in one of the available programs at Holy Faith. Currently the parish community is participating in Renew 21, but in-between the seasons of Renew we offer a number of opportunities in adult faith formation. Call the office for more information.

Time:          Programs vary at an average of 90 minute/sessions.

Talent:          A desire to learn, share and experience the richness of our Catholic Heritage.

Aflterglow (Prayer) Ministry

Trained parishioners who will pray for other parishioners requesting prayer after Mass.

Time:          2 hours for training; and then 1+ hour once a month after a Mass.

Talent:      Gift for praying with others and confidentiality.

Alcoholics Anonymous & Al-Anon

AA groups meet at various times to seek spiritual strength in dealing with alcohol abuse or living with someone with this disease. AA is not associated with the Catholic Church but open to all who are seeking help with alcohol related problems.

Al-Anon offers hope and help to families and friends of alcoholics. An Al-Anon support group meets at Holy Faith on Monday nights in the lower hall.

Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon are Outreach Ministries. 

Altar Linens

Washing and ironing of all altar linens, as well as other duties.

Time:           1-3 hours a month.

Talent:         Reverence and the willingness to wash and iron altar cloths, purificators and other linens.

Altar Servers

Young as well as older parishioners who assist the priest at Mass.

Time:         Arrive 15 minutes before Mass time, training provided.

Talent:       Desire to participate and help priest during Mass.

Angels of Mercy

The Angels of Mercy is an outreach ministry initiated at Holy Faith through the guidance of Fr. Ignatius, our former Associate Pastor. The Angels are parishioners committed to helping the sick and physically challenged in nursing homes, or homebound within our parish family, with visits, meals, and occasional "handy-man" needs.

Time:         Meet on the last Tuesday of each month at 7:00pm in the conference room of the Ministry Center. The average time commitment required is approximately two hours or less per week. Our motto is "Many Wings Make Light Work." All interested parishioners are welcome to attend our meetings and join this ministry of compassion.

Talent:       A heart full of gratitude and compassion for the elderly, sick and the homebound.

Treasure:  Cost of meal if serving others a meal. 

Arbor House

Arbor House (A Christian Motherhood Community) has two different programs. Services include access to child care through Child Care Resources.

New Beginnings is for expectant adult women who need temporary housing and assistance securing permanent housing. These women receive guidance and support service while obtaining jobs, applying for housing and completing their GED. They can enter at any time during their pregnancy and stay up to six weeks following delivery.

Mom's Place (also a housing program) is for single Moms who desire to advance their education so that they can earn a living wage. These women receive support and guidance while enrolled full-time in a technical or college level program and hold a part-time job. This program can be entered after the birth of their baby up to the child's seventh birthday. Women can stay two to three years.

Arbor House is an Outreach Ministry.

Baptism Preparation

Preparation is required of parents who will present their children for Baptism.

Time:         One Saturday class from 1:00pm to 3:00pm in the Ministry Center as scheduled.

Talent:       Desire of the Catholic parent(s) to practice our Catholic faith and raise the child as Catholic.

Bible Study

Small Christian Communities can study the Bible through Scripture from Scratch. Groups meet in-between the seasons of Renew.  Each study is conducted over a 7-12 week period. Trained lay facilitators conduct the studies.

Time:       7-12 weeks 1 1/2 hours once a week. Daytime and evening classes available.

Talent:     Desire to study and fellowship together.

Treasure:  Cost of books (varies fro $8.00 - $20.00)

Boy Scouts

Troop #307 is sponsored at Holy Faith and meets on Mondays at 7:30 pm.

Time:        1 weekly meeting plus camp-outs and service projects.

Talent:      Leadership, organization and enthusiasm.

Treasure:  Nominal Fee

Building Community (Care of Parish Facilities)

Maintaining our beautiful grounds and buildings requires constant upkeep. Our facilities coordinator is responsible for recruiting and scheduling volunteers to help with various maintenance and repair projects.

Time:          4 hours per month on as needed basis.

Talent:      Handy with all types of tools; gardening experience. Volunteers must be 15 or older.

Catechists for CCF/Sac. Preparation

Adult parishioners who teach the Catholic faith to our children. All catechists are trained through a Catechist Formation program at Holy Faith.

Time:          Committment to the program schedule. Catechists meet for workshops to be certified.

Talent:       Compassion, patience, love for teaching and working with children, commitment to the Catholic faith.

Catholic Charities

The Gainesville Regional Office provides service to those in need by offering emergency services for food, rent and utilities. This ministry also assists with adoption placement, individual marital and family counseling, respite care, and healing and growth workshops. Holy Faith provides some economic assistance to Catholic Charities.

Catholic Charities is an Outreach Ministry.

Catholic Schools

Catholic Women of Gainesville

This organization is open to all Catholic women offering fellowship, and spiritual and service oriented activities. They meet monthly September through May, on the 2nd Thursday at 11:30 am followed by a potluck luncheon.

Time:       2 hours per month for meeting and luncheon

Talent:     Desire to make and meet friends in the parish for fun and fellowship, plus service.

Treasure: $10 yearly membership fee.

Catholic Worker House

Catholic Worker Houses are houses of hospitality where people of all types could meet and build relationships together with and for the poor. The Catholic Worker Movement began in 1933 by Dorothy Day, who had the Gospel vision that every person is to be treated with diginity and compassion. Fr. John Phillips is the Chaplain to the first Catholic Worker House opened in Gainesville on October 3, 2004, at 218 NW 2nd Avenue, to assist those in our city's Eastside. For more information about how you can participate with the parish in this ministry contact us today.

Time:      Whatever you can give.

Talent:     Desire to stand with persons in need, especially those in economic poverty; Help is needed with repairs, also.

Treasure: Material and financial donations welcome.

CCF Children's Christian Faith Formation

Meets Sundays, 10:30am to 12:00 Noon, September through May. Serves K through 8th grades; and 9th through 10th grades (Confirmation Preparatory Formation). Parents of children grades K thru 5th will attend inter-generational CCF classes with their children on specific Sundays, (See Calendar).

Time:        Sundays after 9:30am Mass - September through May as scheduled.

Talent:      Open to learning about Jesus and our Catholic faith.

Treasure:  Registration fee ($25 for one child; $40 for two; $60 for more than two), at the beginning of the school year; fee waived in cases of necessity.

Choir

The choir assists the People of God at Holy Faith to pray together and worship God in song.

Time:        1 hour rehearsal, plus early to Mass.

Talent:       A willingness to praise God by singing during the Liturgy. Singing ability a plus. Will train. Instrumentalists also welcome.

       Choir Rehearsal Schedule:               Days & Times

• Saturday Vigil Mass at 6:00pm      Saturdays at 5:00pm.
• Sunday 9:30am & 11:15am Mass  Wednesdays at 7:00pm
• Sunday 6:00pm Mass                    Sunday at 5:00pm
• Children's Choir                             As scheduled

Church Caretakers

Compassion and Justice Ministry

This ministry seeks to promote Gospel values and right-relationships (biblical justice) in addressing the social, political, and economic realities of our society and the world. This ministry seeks to educate and assist in matters such as hunger, economic poverty, peace-making, and defending human dignity, according to the social teaching of the Catholic Church.

Time:          Monthly meetings, films and discussions.

Talent:      Compassion for the poor, the shunned and Death Row.

Cursillo & Ultreya

Cursillo is a renewal movement for spiritual growth and ministry in one's parish and family. It involves a special weekend retreat. Ultreya is an occasion for Cursillo Groups to meet for spiritual growth and fellowship.

Time:         Potluck meeting: 2nd Friday of every month at 6:30pm in the upper hall.

Talent:      A desire to pray, sing and witness together.

CYM Catholic Youth Ministry

Open to all 8th grade through 12th grade youth.The Catholic Youth Ministry (CYM)provides social and service experiences within Catholic fellowship for the youth of Holy Faith. Activities include scripture study, community service, social outings, food, fun and fellowship. Attendance is expected for all 9th and 10th graders preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation as part of their community service experience. For more information click here Catholic Youth Ministry

Time:        4 gatherings a month on Sundays at 7:00 pm in the upper hall and 1 monthly service project.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

Parishioners who assist with the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass.

Time:        Arrive 15 minutes before Mass ready to serve at 1 Mass per Sunday.

Talent:     Desire to serve others and 1 training session plus an annual gathering to refresh training.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion to the Sick

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion who take communion to the sick of our parish in the hospital, or to the homebound, and/or to those who live in assisted care centers.

Time:          Usually one visit per week.

Talent:      Compassion, patience and a willingness to go to the siick.

Fellowship For Young Adults (FFYA)

Open to all young adults, ages 18 to 35, both single and married. The FFYA is a new ministry dedicated to fostering a greater sense of community among the young adults of Holy Faith. There are many different dimensions to the FFYA including scripture study, small discussion groups, service projects, and social events.

Time:          As scheduled in the bulletin, Meetings will run about 1 1/2 hours.

Talent:       A desire to meet and build relationships with other young Catholic adults. Please know that you are always welcomed no matter where you are in your faith journey.

Finance Council

An advisory group mandated by Church law to assist the Pastor in the management of the parish finances. Meetings are held quarterly throughout the year.

Time:       2 hours on a Friday at the end of each quarter for lunch (provided) meeting.

Talent:     Willingness to advise the Pastor. Knowledge of finances.

First Friday Exposition/Adoration

Every 1st Friday of the month, the Blessed Sacrament is exposed for adoration in order to deepen our Eucharistic spirituality.

The Schedule of Exposition on First Fridays/Saturdays: The Standard Hour Service is in the Exposition Worship Booklet provided in the Chapel.

• 10:00am: Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the Eucharist
• 11:00am: Standard Hour Service, ends at noon with the Angelus
• 7:00pm: A Form of Evening Prayer (revised somewhat), especially for youth and college students but all are invited.
• 8:00pm to 8:00am: hour by hour: uses Standard Hour Service each hour
• 8:00am: A Form of Morning Prayer (revised somewhat)
• 8:45am: Benediction

If you would like to register to cover an hour with the Lord from Midnight to 7:00am on a First Saturday, please contact the office.

Ministry Groups and all parishioners are especially invited to participate in one of these hours of Eucharistic Exposition and Adoration. If your Ministry group would like to host an hour of Adoration on First Friday, please contact the office, (especially needed for the 8:00pm, 9:00pm, and 10:00pm hours). 

Time:        Sign up sheets are on the bulletin board in the vestibule to volunteer; 1 hour once a month for this prayer.

Talent:       A desire to celebrate the Liturgy of Eucharistic Adoration and intercede for the Church and the world.

Girl Scouts

The Girl Scouts are sponsored at Holy Faith and meet on Tuesdays at 6:30 pm in the classrooms. 

Time:        1 weekly meeting plus camp-outs and service projects.

Talent:     Leadership, organization and enthusiasm.

Treasure: Nominal Fee

Golden Gators

Seniors age 50 and up, meet on the 3rd Friday of the month, September through May. Information on timely topics is shared, with socials and various outings.

Time:        2 hours once a month.

Talent:      Gather with friends from all parishes for a meeting and potluck luncheon.

Treasure:  Yearly membership fee - $10 per person/$15 per couple.

Healing Prayer

A team of two or three will pray with anyone who needs healing for physical or spiritual illness or woundedness, for greater spiritual freedom and openness to the Holy Spirit.

Time:         Depends on individual need and availability.

Talent:     Team members must have compassion and patience to pray for and with the sick and spiritually wounded; confidentiality.

HoFa Crafts

Women parishioners who prepare crafts for the Annual Bazaar held in the fall of each year. This group meets Tuesdays from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm.

Time:         4 hours per week.

Talent:       Crafty and creative - interested in fellowship with other parishioners.

Treasure:  Some materials for craft making. Proceeds of Bazaar fund the charitable Deacon Fleury Fund.

Hospitality Ministry (Coffee and Donuts)

Parishioners who serve coffee and donuts from our Gazebo at the Hospitality Patio every Sunday, providing social fellowship.

Time:         1/2 hour before and 1/2 hour after Mass one Sunday a month.

Talent:       Set-up and serve coffee & donuts with a smile.

Inter-Generational CCF Classes

Parents are asked to attend CCF classes with their child on scheduled Sundays by grade. Please see the 2007-2008 CCF Class Calendar for dates. Conducted by Charlotte Chadik, PhD, our Director of Family Life and family therapist, these classes are offered at the same time as our Children's Christian Faith Formation (CCF) classes.

Time:         Meets on scheduled CCF Sundays from 10:30am to 12:00 Noon 

Talent:     Open mind, heart and spirit, fellowship with other parish families.

Interfaith Hospitality Network

This ministry provides shelter and meals for families without homes. Designed to take the pressure off St. Francis House, “Host” parishes provide sleeping accommodations and “Support” parishes provide meals. As a “Support” parish, Holy Faith provides a meal about once a month to homeless families staying at the "Host" parish.

Time:       Prepare a covered dish 2 times a month to deliver to the host parish. Some opportunities to fellowship with homeless families. 

Talent:      Compassion for the poor and displaced.

Treasure:  The cost of the meal.

Knights of Columbus

The Knights of Columbus are an international Catholic fraternal organization of men. The Knights support a variety of charitable works, pro-life ministries, and Catholic service and fellowship. The Father John Patrick Council #13207 meets the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at Holy Faith.

Time:       1 meeting a month for 2 hours and 1 social a month, plus service projects.

Talent:       Fun, fellowship and Christian service.

Treasure: $34.00 yearly membership fee.

Landings "For Returning Catholics"

A respectful ministry by parishioners who welcome back to the Church inactive Catholics who wish to reconnect with the Catholic community and participate again in the Eucharist.

Time:        2 hours per week for 8-10 weeks.

Talent:      Minstry leaders who will meet with returning Catholics referred to Landings.

Lazarus (Funeral Receptions)

Parishioners providing meals, including the funeral reception, for families and relatives who are experiencing the death of a loved one.

Time:       "On-Call Ministry" - requires 3 hours for reception set-up, serving, prayer during funeral Mass, and clean-up after reception. Receptions are held in the upper hall.

Talent:     Compassion for the grieving parish family.

Lector

Parishioners who proclaim the Word of God in the Scriptures at Mass.

Time:       Arrive 15 minutes before Mass with knowledge of readings for that day.

Talent:     Clear public speaking voice.

Library of the Parish

Volunteers assist in the upkeep of our parish library located in the Ministry Center. Catholic books, periodicals, and media items are available for borrowing.

Library hours: Monday through Wednesday, 10:00am to 3:00pm, Thursday and Friday, 10:00am to Noon; and Sundays after the 7:00am, 8:30am and 11:00am Masses.

Time:       Volunteer 1 day a week and/or Sunday.

Talent:     Responsible and organized.

Liturgical Art and Environment

Parishioners who prepare the Church's worship space for the liturgical seasons by decoration and flower arrangements.

Time:          Several hours monthly or in preparing for Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter.

Talent:       A desire to enhance the beauty of the Churchh's worship space and artistic skills.

Liturgy Committee

The committee's responsibility is to prepare resources for the Sunday Masses and for the Catholic Church's liturgical season. Liturgical Ministry Leaders and others are appointed to this committee. The committee meets quarterly on Thursdays at 7:30 pm.

Time:       1 1/2 hours quarterly.

Talent:     Interest in Liturgical preparation.

Liturgy of the Hours

The Liturgy of the Hours has its roots in the early Church. Here at Holy Faith we celebrate Morning Prayer (Lauds) in community every Saturday morning at 8:30am, (at 8:20am in the Chapel on First Saturdays). All the necessary prayer guides to celebrate the Liturgy are provided. Please join us uin clebrating the Prayer of teh Church.

Marriage Preparation

This ministry prepares engaged couples for the Sacrament of Marriage. Couples need to contact a parish priest at least eight months before a wedding date is arranged. The preparations are personalized and assist couples in examining both the communication and spirituality needed for a happy, faithful marriage. Call the office to make an appointment.

Time:         Approximately 8-10 hours plus the time to attend an Engaged Encounter or Pre-Cana, or Parish Couple Preparation.

Talent:       Desire to live a married life of faithful, lifelong commitment.

Treasure:  $160 total for counseling and materials. Fee will be waived in cases of necessity. Couple also chooses to attend either Engaged Encounter ore Pre-Cana (both programs involve fee) or meet with a Parish couple.

Mediation Garden of the Virgin Mary

Migrant Ministry

This ministry, in conjunction with the Alachua County School Board’s Migrant Education Program, provides support to the migrant farm laborers in the surrounding rural areas.

Time:       Seasonal service project.

Talent:      Compassion for those who labor below the poverty-line to bring fresh fruits and vegetables to our tables.

Ministry Formation Program

A three year comprehensive Diocesan program of study in Scripture, Tradition, Catholic beliefs, Sacraments and moral teaching. Participants are provided opportunities for theological and spiritual development, especially to assist in their ministries and Christian service.

Time:         3-year commitment: meet 18 Saturdays from 9:00am to 3:00pm.

Talent:     Apply at Marywood Retreat Center.

Ministry of Moms Sharing (MOMS)

A wonderful 9-week session for mothers of all ages (whether their children are young or grown up) to explore the role of family and their ministry as wife and mother. The sessions encourage personal growth, self esteem, and fellowship in a faith-filled experience. There are no sessions scheduled at this time at Holy Faith.

Time:       2 hours once a week for 9 weeks.

Talent:      A desire to grow in faith and fellowship with other parish Moms.

Nursery

The Nursery is open each Sunday for the 8:30 and 11:00 am Masses. It is also open during special liturgical events and for parish meetings when needed. The Nursery is located in the Ministry Center.

Time:        Arrive 8:00-8:15am and remain until noon, (2:30pm for RCIA) and extra hours when needed for parish functions.

Talent:      A love for children; Must take "Protecting God's Children" workshop and be finger-printed as a requirement of the Diocese, patient is a must.

Parish Council

Elected and appointed members of the parish who serve as the primary advisory group to the Pastor on matters of parish life. The Council meets the 1st Wednesday of each month, September through June. Parishioners may schedule a time to address the Council regarding any concern.

Time:       2 hours for evening meeting once a month.

Talent:      A willingness to serve and advise the Pastor.

Parish Nurses' Ministry

The parish nurses are registered nurses who volunteer their time and talents in monitoring the health needs of our parishioners. The parish nurses will work collaboratively with other ministries, especially the Angels of Mercy, to accomplish other activities, such as health fairs, health education and promotion programs, social activities, the phone tree ministry, and visitations to the sick in the parish to make assessments and recommendations, if needed.

Time:        1 to 2 hours per month.

Talent:      Parish nurses must have an active license to practice in the State of Florida, a commitment to the faith teaching of the Catholic Church and a caring spirit.

Pathfinders Grief Bereavement Support

"Pathfinders" is a faith-based grief and bereavement support group program developed by Dr. Gina Giovinco, a parishioner and the Pastoral Care Consultant at Holy Faith. As part of the Angels of Mercy ministry, "Pathfinders" offers an 8 week program to train facilitators and grief companions. This ministry provides a support group to the bereaved and a safe place to talk, express grief, anger, guilt, and fears with those who understand and care.

Time:         Depends on needs of individual being served, usuallly 2 hours per week.

Talent:      A caring spirit and compassion for the bereaved. Listening skills a must.

People of Praise Catholic Charismatic Prayer Group

Meets every Thursday at 7:30 PM in the Chapel for praise, music, prayer, and Bible sharing. The People of Praise also pray every week for the prayer requests put in the Prayer Petition Box.

Time:         2 hours once a week.

Talent:     A desire to praise and worship together. Sharing and praying individually or as a group.

Phone Tree Ministry

This is a ministry of caring for our infirm and eldering parishioners who are homebound and physically unable to join our worship assemblies or participate in the support ministries of the faith community.

Time:         About 1 hour per week to make phone calls.

Talent:      A caring spirit and a compassionate heart.

Pope John Paul II - Religious Articles Store

Located in the Ministry Center, our store provides parishioners with devotional materials and religious articles and can special order any needs you may have. The store is open Monday through Friday from 9:30am to 1:00pm, and Sundays after the 8:30 and 11:00am Masses.

Time:       3 hours 1 day a week, or 1 to 2 hours on a Sunday.

Talent:     Responsible.

Prayer Blanket Ministry

The making of a prayer blanket is a symbol of our caring and compassionate spirit and our parish's covering of prayer for the individual who receives it. These blankets are blessed before they are given away. For more information or to volunteer your time (prayers) and talents (sewing), contact us today.

Time:       1 to 2 hours per month.

Talent:     A caring spirit. Know how to sew, knit, crochet, or quilt.

Prison Ministry

In the spirit of a Corporal Work of Mercy, volunteers are given the opportunity to minister to those in our local correctional institutions.

Time:        Group visits Union County Correctional Institution on the second Saturday of every month. Also provides a Christmas party for the inmates.

Talent:      A compassionate heart and a desire to evangelize to the incarcerated.

Treasure: None

Project Rachel

Project Rachal offers God's reconciling and healing love to all who suffer from abortion's aftermath. The Church understands and reaches out with compassion and concern. To participate: contact Project Rachel for a confidential referral to a priest or counselor. Write or telephone the Diocese of St. Augustine, Project Rachel, P.O. Box 24000, Jacksonville, FL 32241-4000.

Project Rachel is an Outreach Ministry.

Queen of Peace Academy

Opened in the Fall of 2000, the Academy offers education in grades Pre-K through 8th. Located at 10900 S.W. 24th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32607

Rachel's Vineyard

Provides confidential weekend retreats for women, men, and couples to reconcile and heal from the wound of abortion. For more information, or to register for a retreat, please visit the Rachel's Vineyard website. Click on the link.

Rachel's Vineyard is an Outreach Ministry.

RCIA Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

For all who are seeking to become Catholics, through Baptism, Confirmation & Eucharist; and for those already baptized in another Christian community who desire full communion with the Catholic Church. The process also involves parishioners who assist as catechists and sponsors of these adults.

Time:       Year-round Catechumenate process of conversion is unique to each individual. Attend 11:00am Mass followed by "Breaking Open The Word". Meet on Mondays at 6:30pm for a lesson on Catholic faith.

Talent:     Sponsors are needed to pray and walk with each candidate on their journey each Sunday.

Respect Life Ministry

This committee seeks to educate the parish about the Church's teaching on the sacred dignity and value of human life "from the womb to the tomb." It encourages participation in the Right to Life Movement and action on behalf of the dignity of life.

Time:        One monthly meeting and activity, plus annual events such as the Life Chain and Procession of Life. Rosaries are offered for the unborn and our troops in the Middle East.

Talent:      A desire to promote respect for life through various parish and community events.

Retrouvaille

Helps couples put the pieces back together and rebuild loving relationships. Retrouvaille, pronunced (re-tro-vi'), is a French word meaning "rediscovery." If your marriage is tearing you apart, if there is little or no meaningful communication, if you are considering separation or divorce, we believe Retrouvaille can help you. Retrouvaille is Catholic in origin and orientation, but it is open to all married couples regardless of religious background. The program consists of a weekend experience and a series of 12 presentations offered within the 3 months following the weekend phase.

Retrouvaille is an Outreach Ministry.

Rosary Groups

Parishioners who meet to pray the Rosary at 9:00 AM (before the weekday 9:30 AM Mass) and on Saturdays at 10:00am.

Time:        Meet in the Chapel at 9:00am weekdays for 1/2 hour before Mass, and 10:00am Saturdays.

Talent:      Love and devotion to our Blessed Mother.

Sac. Preparation 1st Sacarments Youth Confirmation

Preparation is required of parents who will present their children for Baptism. Also for parents of children who are preparing to celebrate First Reconciliation, First Communion, and/or Confirmation.

Time:         Baptism preparation classes meet one Saturday from 1:00pm to 3:00pm as scheduled. Babysitting available.

                  First Sacrament preparation classes meet one Saturday a month from October to April from 10:00am to 12:00 Noon in the upper hall as scheduled. Parents are required to attend all classes. Babysitting for younger siblings is available.

                  Confirmation preparation classes meet on selected CCF Sundays from 10:30am to 12:00 Noon. See seperate calendar for class dates. Parents only attend a few of these classes.

Talent:      Desire to commit to our faith through the Sacraments.

Sacristans

Parishioners who prepare the materials (the bread and wine, altar set-up, etc.) for the celebration of the Eucharist.

Time:         1 1/2 to 2 hours weekly. Arrive 30 minutes before Mass to organize and recruit, assist celebrant, clean up after Mass.

Talent:      Must be organized and outgoing and have a clear knowledge of the Liturgy.

Treasure: None

Saturday Night Prayer and Praise Before the Blessed Sacrament Reserved

A small informal gathering of parishioners after the Saturday Vigil Mass. Prayer and praise is before the Blessed Sacrament reserved in the tabernacle.

Time:        1+ hour after Saturday Vigil Mass.

Talent:      Desire to pray and praise together.

Scarf Ministry

Secular Franciscans

Those committed to a Gospel way of life inspired by the example of St. Francis of Assisi. Secular Franciscans meet at Holy Faith for prayer, encouragement in serving those in need with Christian justice and compassion, and maintaining a simple way of life.

Time:        A lifestyle commitment to the Gospel in the manner of St. Francis of Assisi.

Talent:      A desire to serve Christ with peace and compassion.

Sister Parish in Guatemala

At the encouragement of our Pastor, Holy Faith has established a "sister-relationship" with the parish of Jesús Nipalakín outside Guatemala City, Guatemala. The emphasis is on "relationships," to come to know the challenges of life faced by some of our poorer brothers and sisters in the Third World–and to especially know some of the persons involved in these challenges.

Holy Faith also offers sponsorships for the children and teachers of our Sister Parish. The cost to sponsor is $300 a year or $25 a month. Please call the office if you are interested in becoming a sponsor.

Time:        2 hour monthly meeting. Festival and sale before Christmas and in the Spring.

Talent:     A love of cultural diversity and open heart to the developing world challenges.

St Francis Catholic High School

The opening of this Catholic High school is a historic event for the community of Gainesville and the western portion of the Diocese. St. Francis High School provides quality secondary education with an emphasis for preparing leaders with Catholic values. Open to both Catholic and non-Catholic students. For inquiry about enrollment, call contact person below or click on additional information to go to the school website. 

St. Francis House & Soup Kitchen

An organization to offer temporary shelter, a soup kitchen, emergency food, and other related services to those who are homeless. Many of the persons served by St. Francis House are homeless mothers with children. Holy Faith provides volunteers and some economic assistance to this ministry.

St. Francis House and Soup Kitchen is an Outreach Ministry.

St. Patrick's Interparish School

The city's oldest Catholic School enrolling 650 students in Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade. Located at 550 N.W. 16th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601. This is the parish's Catholic primary school goverened and subsidized by St. Patrick, Holy Faith and St. Augustine Parishes. Tuition assistance is available.

St. Vincent de Paul Society

Volunteers who serve the needs of the economically poor in thousands of communities throughout the world. Our local council is based at St. Patrick's parish and assists with food, rent and utilities, and other needs of persons throughout Gainesville. Holy Faith provides financial assistance towards the St. Vincent de Paul’s yearly budget.

St. Vincent de Paul Society is an Outreach Ministry.

Stewardship Ministry

The parish's primary advisory group to the Pastor regarding all matters of stewardship - the sharing of time, talent, and financial support for the parish's mission. Includes initiatives in prayer, stewardship education, planned giving, regular sacrificial giving for parish financial support, the annual Ministry Fair, and ministry development.

Time:         Varies by ministry. Council meets for potluck with the Pastor at the rectory once a month.

Talent:       A desire to advise Pastor on parish matters. An understanding of "compassionate" Stewardship.

Sunflowers Care for Seniors

This ministry provides support and care to our parishioners who are senior citizens. Sunflowers offers assistance especially to senior parishioners who live alone, but also to any senior who needs help accessing parish and community resources and social services. This ministry gives back to our seniors who have given so much to build and support the Catholic Church. 

Time:       Depends on needs of individual being served, usually 2 hours per week.

Talent:     A caring spirit and transportation.

Ushers & Greeters

Parishioners who serve as ministers of hospitality, welcoming and assisting those who celebrate the Eucharist at Holy Faith.

Time:      Arrive 15 minutes before Mass to receive instruction and remain 15 minutes after Mass to tidy up pews.

Talent:    Usher during Mass, take up collection, guide communion, handout bulletins, friendly and hospitable.

Please click on the link for additional information.

Welcoming Committee

Parishioners who work with the Stewardship Ministry to welcome new members to Holy Faith. They also host our "Welcome" Brunches and College Student Dinners.

Time:       4 hours a month.

Talent:     Call to welcome new parishioners and help with our Welcome Brunch one Sunday every few months, and with the College Dinners at the end of the semester.

Widows Support Group Ministry

For widows to support one another, pray together, share coping skills and socialize together.  This Ministry is inactive at this time. Anyone interested in leading the group, please contact the stewardship office.

Time:           2 hour gathering twice per month from 3:00pm to 5:00pm on Thursdays.

Talent:         Desire to support other widows with compassion.

Treasure:     For some social activities.

Young Adult Ministry