Programs
Liturgical Ministries
Altar Server Ministry Deacon Matthew D. Rezmer
Serving at Mass is a wonderful privilege for our children and youth. It is a commitment to take the time to be trained, show up on time, or find a replacement. If you have made your first Communion and would like to serve God and our community, please contact Deacon Matt Rezmer.
Extraordinary Ministers Marge Fregetto/Pat Ungarino
The Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are lay persons trained to help with the distribution of Holy Communion when there are not enough Ordinary Ministers available. This very active ministry needs over 30 volunteers per weekend. Please contact Marge or Pat to learn more and volunteer.
Sacristans Bevan and Ann Canale
Sacristans serve during weekend and daily Masses. Before Mass, the sacristan carefully arranges things necessary in the celebration of Mass. He or she lays out anything needed, such as cruets, chalices, ciboria, hosts, wine, linens, oils, and candles. A Sacristan may volunteer to wash the altar linens according to the indications of the Church. For more information please contact Bevan and Ann.
Lector Ministry Mary Jo Napoli
The ministry of lector is a critical liturgical ministry which should be taken seriously and prepared for diligently. Proclaiming the Word of God in a clear, sincere and understandable manner is an opportunity to witness to our belief in the Word. At Resurrection two readers offer the opportunity of two witnesses. Our lectors are encouraged to participate in the bible studies offered at Resurrection. Please contact Mary Jo to volunteer and be trained.
Ushers Joe Biscone/John Twigg
Our parish needs approximately 18 ushers per weekend. Our ushers are truly faithful servants; welcoming, passing out books, ushering the faithful during Communion, finding space for all our visitors, taking care of any and all emergencies. Contact Joe or John for more information or to volunteer.
Music Ministry Steve McCown
The Music Ministry is fortunate to have good people graciously help with this ministry. Everyone with a voice (that’s everyone!) or who plays a musical instrument is welcome to come and make a joyful noise for the Lord! For the past two years we have reached out to the community with our Arts program in January. Dedicated musicians have given of their time and talents. Contact Steve or just show up at choir practice on Tuesday evenings.
Education and Youth Ministry
Religious Education Marilyn Austin
All Generations Learning: We have just completed our 1st year of all generations learning. It was a year with great speakers, discussions, activities and learning. We have already begun work on the 2011-12 year, and look forward to everyone joining us for this experience. Generations of Faith is an innovative approach to Religious Education that involves all generations learning and growing in faith together through the experience and participation in church life. It is an opportunity to allow our parishioners to meet new people and grow much stronger in faith and as a community. This programs is held once a month on two evenings (you choose which evening is best for you.) It is for EVERYONE OF EVERY AGE, couples, singles and families. This year we will study the Sacraments—and yes, this study will include other elements of Church teaching and scripture. Dinner is included on both evenings.
Sacramental Catechesis for Reconciliation and Eucharist involves the parents and children working and praying together and separately to prepare for sacraments.
Vacation Bible School is becoming a major event! This year everyone in costume joined us in Hometown Nazareth. We work to make the times easier for everyone, including working parents.
Adults: In the past two years over 185 people have participated bible studies at Resurrection. Acts of the Apostles will be the subject of the 20 week studies held weekly on several days and times. This study from Ascension Press is used in Catholic parishes throughout the United States. It has gotten rave reviews everywhere, including Resurrection.
Tuesday Morning Bible Study has been using the Little Rock Scripture Study series to help us in studying the Bible. This year we will study the Psalms; facilitated by Barbara Rezmer.
RCIA—Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
Are you interested in learning more about the Catholic Church? Or maybe joining the church? Are you searching for something more or do you know someone who is? Are you an adult who would like to receive the sacraments you did not receive when you were younger? RCIA is the place for you!
Youth Ministry Marilyn Austin
Our Youth Ministry High School Program is very active. It is a diverse group that has come together as a welcoming community in faith sharing, retreats, leadership training and responsibilities, service to our community and beyond. Night prayer each Sunday is a very important component of this group. Our youth board, using a consensus model, gives everyone a voice in what we do and where we go. Since 2007, we have participated in 3 National Catholic Youth Conferences, completed 3 mission trips (including to Belize) and offered service to our parish and our community. Friendships continue to grow and prayer is strong. This July we attended our second Steubenville Conference. In November, we will join over 20,000 Catholic Youth from all 50 states for the National Catholic Youth Conference.
Our Middle School group is lively and fun, and great at prayer. Sharing faith, service, lockins, concerts, walking lunches, and making lifetime friends is all part of this program. Beginning in August, Middle School is scheduled to meet on Sundays for lunch, learning and activities. This year they will form a board to assist with plans for lockins, outings, service and activities.
Parish Support
Environment and Arts Ministry Marybeth Creehan
The Ceremonial of Bishops states: "The adornment and decor of a church should be such as to make the church a visible sign of love and reverence toward God.”The purpose of this ministry is to provide art, decoration and design of Resurrection liturgical space. The group meets monthly, September through May—planning and implementing design for special liturgical celebrations and events. We plan, set up and take down for Thanksgiving, Advent, Christmas, Lent, Passion Week, Easter, Pentecost, Confirmation and all special liturgical celebrations, plus coordinating the florals for weekend Masses and care of existing plant material. All of this is accomplished through teamwork and a strong desire to use our time and talents for Resurrection; using our thoughts, hands and hearts to glorify God in our worship space.
Friends of Resurrection Gardens Jean McCarthy
Resurrection has won more than one award for our beautiful gardens. This ministry takes care of the gardens adding to the peace and serenity of everyone as they enter or leave the church or just visit the grounds. We strive to timely prune, fertilize, weed, irrigate, transplant, remove unwanted plants, and in general - garden. This is a ministry of love from great volunteers. More help is always needed. Contact Jean, our Master Gardener.
Community Support
Bereavement Ministry Virginia Dwyre
This ministry assists bereaved families with plans for the funeral service and hospitality. The Bereavement Minister coordinates with the Celebrant, committee members, liturgical ministers and staff as necessary. The committee members gently guide the family, welcome people at the door, mind the guest book and programs, and encourage all to visit with the family. They always attend the service; prayer is an integral part of this ministry. Hospitality after the service is provided according to the family’s wishes. The committee members assist as needed. Our goal is to provide serenity, peace and comfort. Please call Virginia for more information.
Bereavement Support Group Chris Mongogna
The New Day Journey program was obtained from the Diocese and offers a structured approach to facing the death of a loved one. It is fresh, filled with hope and has a beautiful spiritual emphasis. The purpose of this program is to bring together people who have suffered a significant loss in their lives. It is necessary and healthy to mourn or grieve the death of a loved one and it is often helpful to share and work through the task of grief together. The program lasts for nine weeks and we highly recommend that people attend more than one program. So many have been helped by this ministry. Contact Chris for more information.
Centering Prayer Barbara Rezmer
The centering prayer group meets once a week on Tuesdays at 12:30 PM. This is an ecumenical group. The group's goal is to encourage one another in their prayer life and spiritual growth. Please take the time to call Barbara and learn more about centering prayer.
Knights of Columbus Frank McDonough
The Knights of Columbus is the world’s largest lay Catholic family service organization. Charity is our first call. All Catholic men over the age of 18 are invited to join. The local council meets on the third Tuesday of each month, alternating among the three churches in our area, Corpus Christi, St. Rita and Resurrection. Our meeting always follows a free dinner at 6:30 PM. We support youth programs, encourage and support seminarians, and family events. The Knights also have fish fries, golf tournaments, charity drives like the well known “Tootsie Roll Drive,” wheel chairs for Veterans and more. We are a strong supporter of Pro-Life initiatives. Our long term goal is to continue to offer men a challenge to become proud practicing Catholics through prayer, charity and fraternal leadership.
Men of Resurrection (known as MORE) Ray Kostick
MORE was founded in 2006. The objective was to support the Church, provide the men with Catholic teaching via videos and guest speakers, raise money for selected charities as well as the Church, and offer social opportunities for the men of Resurrection. Major accomplishments are the St. Patrick’s Parties in March and Festivals in October. Both functions drew 400-500 people. MORE’s food drives have produced hundreds of bags of groceries, all delivered to Catholic Charities’ Food Pantry.
Social Committee Jean Eisel
Since the committee was organized, there have been many events: family nights; Gentle Yoga, a trip to Bellingrath Gardens in Alabama, presentation of Women of the Gospel followed by a wine and cheese reception, and a Broadway Review and luncheon at the Santa Rosa Beach Country Club. We look forward to more events.
L'AMORE Rita Myler
The Ladies Affiliated with the Men of Resurrection Ensemble (L’AMORE) is Resurrection's new women’s group. All Ladies are welcome!
Outreach
Retirement Home Ministry Bevan Canale/Kathy Bilello
This is a ministry full of laughter, song and praise. We conduct church services each Tuesday morning at the Grand Boulevard Health and Rehabilitation Center (formerly called Delta Healthcare) and also at Crystal Bay Senior Living. Father Tom celebrates Mass or we conduct a communion service at each location. Several of our ministers also volunteer at Healthcare Center outside of the church services (i.e. assisting with Bingo and other community activities). With more parishioners participating; we are able to reach out to the bedridden as well as those attending the services. We love our wonderful snow birds who jump in and participate during the winter months.
St. Vincent de Paul Society Sam Gibbons
Resurrection formed a St. Vincent de Paul partnership with St. Rita’s in fall of 2008. Due to the generosity of our parishioners and visitors, we are able to help needy families in South Walton County. In 2009-2010 we helped 177 families. 68% of the funds went toward utilities, 20% toward rent, and the remainder on food, medicine, gas, and clothing. Volunteers for this ministry are welcome and appreciated.
Evangelization Committee Sukey Brooks
Our team prays for our evangelization efforts daily and for all the inactive Catholics and unchurched people. We pray for their return to God through His Church. We are aware of the inactive Catholics needs as they arise and presented to us. Father Tom is so instrumental with his non-judgmental example to all of us. We do appreciate the prayers from our parish. Please contact Sukey for information on this ministry.
Hearts and Hands Ministry (formerly Prayer Shawls) Eileen Hughes
This ministry was started in January 2009. As of March 2010, we have knitted and crocheted approximately 100 shawls and/or lap robes. These have found homes in various places, mostly Grand Boulevard Health and Rehabilitation Center (formerly called Delta Healthcare). We have also made caps for newborn babies, given to Sacred Heart Hospital, as well as gift sets of baby blankets (knitted/crocheted) with matching hats and booties. These were given in answer to requests from parishioners and others. Some of our visitors continue to work for the ministry even after they have left and mail their work to us. A few members work for the ministry, but do not come to the gatherings. Prayer is stressed as an important part of the ministry, together and individually. We think of our gifts as artifacts of prayer, given with a warm written message of loving and caring. Please contact Eileen for more information.
