Altar servers help at the altar while the priest celebrates the liturgy. Altar servers carry the processional cross, hold the book when the priest isn’t at the altar, carry the incense and censer, and present the bread, wine, and water during the preparation of the gifts. Altar servers hold a special place in the holy sanctuary, where access is limited to very few people, so they set an example of reverent service for the assembly during Mass. “The altar server has a privileged place in liturgical celebrations . . . Thus, you altar servers especially are called to be young friends of Jesus. Strive to deepen and foster this friendship with him.” (Pope John Paul II, August 1, 2001) Jeanie LeGendre Parish Representative of Altar Servers 813.727.7642 jeanielegendre@gmail.com
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
As Eucharist Ministers of Holy Communion, our responsibility is to assist the priest in distributing the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. We are assigned stations prior to mass and report to the Sanctuary after the Kiss of Peace. Our goal is to show reverence as we proceed to our designated area in the Sanctuary and try not to disrupt the mass in the process. We receive Holy Communion on the Altar and proceed to our assigned stations. After distribution, we return our vessels to the Sanctuary and return to our seats and join the congregation for the remainder of the mass.
The church is the heart of parish worship. As home of the Blessed Sacrament and gathering place of Christ's Body, the church must be cared for by attentive stewards who work behind the scenes. From tending sacred vessels and altar linens to decorating the sanctuary and cleaning the church, sacristans carry out the holy duties that make community worship possible. How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord? (Psalm 83:3)
Ellen Witkowski 813.335.0258 ewitkowski@tampabay.rr.com
Readers
Readers proclaim God’s Word as a living, dynamic, and timeless form of praise during the liturgy. They help create a caring and hospitable environment by praying the Prayers of the Faithful. They are empowered by the gifts of the Holy Spirit, granted the resources necessary to nourish the assembly at the “table of God’s Word” in preparation for receiving the Lord at the “table of the Eucharist.” Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us (Luke 24:32)?
Angelica Caicedo Parish Representative of Spanish Readers 813-933-2859 Office@mhrtampa.org
Music Ministry
The music ministry plays a vital role during all weekend and special masses. Their goal is to lead the congregation in song and worship. It is currently made up of various musicians, three choirs, and two directors. For many, music is what moves the soul, and therefore, this job is not taken lightly by our directors.
"Hallelujah! Praise God in his holy sanctuary; give praise in the mighty dome of heaven. Give praise for his mighty deeds, praise him for his great majesty. Give praise with blasts upon the horn, praise him with harp and lyre. Give praise with tambourines and dance, praise him with strings and pipes. Give praise with crashing cymbals, praise him with sounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath give praise to the LORD! Hallelujah!" Psalm 150:1-6
El propósito de nuestro grupo es dar apoyo y ayudar en el crecimiento spiritual a parejas y matrimonios. En nuestro movimiento tenemos un lema “Con Jesús todo es posible y no es necesario cambiar de pareja, solo de actitud”. Todos nuestros temas tienen como referencia la palabra de Dios, y otros libros y recursos permitidos por nuestra Iglesia católica. Nos reunimos todos los lunes a las 7:30 en el Mary Serina Salon, tenemos 6 retiros de 2 dias anuales para parejas.
Para más información contacte: Reina Martinez & Juan Martinez Email - mdsmostholyr@gmail.com Facebook - Dialogo Matrimonial-MDS
¿Quieres aprender más de tu fe? y no sabes donde buscar, pues aprovecha esta oportunidad que tenemos, Aquí en nuestra parroquia tenemos la escuela de evangelización San Andrés, nos reunimos todos los martes de 7pm a 9pm.
Cualquier pregunta o duda, puedes llamar a Elvira Hernández al 813-965-5829. Todos están invitados, este no es un grupo más, es una educación de nuestra fe. “Catolica instruido jamás será vencido” Nuestra pagina de Facebook
Juan XXIII
Somos un movimiento que sale en busca de los olvidados, de los indiferentes, de los más alejados de Dios. Aquellos que por sus problemas viven en el anonimato de la vida, pensando que el camino de Dios no es para ellos y necesitan que alguien los evangelice y les anuncie a Jesucristo. Para ellos nace el Movimiento de Retiros Parroquiales Juan XXIII. Este Retiro Juan XXIII ha sido preparado para que estas personas reflexionen y descubran que existe un camino diferente y mejor al que han llevado, ayudándolos a un cambio de perspectiva de la vida cristiana mediante la experiencia de un encuentro personal con Jesús vivo. El Movimiento de Retiros Parroquiales Juan XXIII invita y motiva al Retirista a integrarse a la vida parroquial, fuente de los sacramentos y dirección pastoral del camino a la santidad. La Comunidad Parroquial/Inter Parroquial del Movimiento Juan XXIII en MHR nos reunimos todos los miércoles de 7pm a 9pm en el Duffy Hall salón Mary Serina.
Para más información contacte: Angelica Curiel - (813) 573-9022 Javier de la Cruz - (813) 270-1125
Circulo de Oracion - Spanish Prayer Group
Nuestro grupo de oración en español se reúne semanalmente en Duffy Hall. Está compuesto por un grupo de guerreros de oración que rezan unos por otros, la comunidad y el mundo.
Our Spanish Prayer group meets weekly in the Duffy Hall. It is composed of a group of prayer warriors who pray for each other, the community, and the world.
Para mas informacion contactar: Marcial Rivera o Manuel Rivera
The Handmaids of Mary is a spiritual, social, and service ministry. All ladies of the parish are welcome to join us on the 3rd Tuesday of the month. We begin with a prayer and usually have a short program followed by a business meeting, refreshments, and a closing prayer. The Handmaid’s hostess hospitality (coffee and doughnuts) on the first Sunday of the month. We host a breakfast and bake sale several times a year. We also take day trips during the year to grow in faith. The Handmaids also have days of recollection and other social and religious events.
For more information, please contact: Jackie Flasher, Sue Morrisette, or Debbie Jahnigen
Men's Club
The Men’s Club is made up of members of the parish who set an example through their spirituality and dedication to Most Holy Redeemer. Members believe their actions should inspire others. They endorse and promote socially responsible behavior. Members provide fellowship and support to each other. Men’s Club members provide positive support and loyalty to the parish. They contribute to the support of the parish, physically by furnishing manpower and financially through fundraisers. Lastly, they assist in fulfilling the mandates of the Pastor. Meetings are held on the 2nd Monday of each month from 7 pm to 9 pm in the Duffy Hall - Patio Room. For more information, contact: John Lutkus Johnlutkus@hotmail.com
Ushers
We are probably known better as the ushers. The ministry of the ushers is the oldest lay ministry in the Catholic Church. In the Old Testament, they were called the “Gatekeepers.” We are often the first official representatives of the church that people meet.
We are here to serve the community by assisting before, during, and after the Mass. Some of our duties are to set up before Mass, greet and assist the parishioners at the door, take up the collection, and assist during Communion. There are duties even younger children can perform, such as being greeters and passing out bulletins.
We invite our brothers and sisters to hear the word of God. We are there to welcome you and make you feel at home in God’s house. Being welcomed at the door by a friendly face and kind word is a Eucharistic grace for the worshipers. One of the main qualities of an usher is the ability to dispense charity, understanding, and compassion when the need arises.
All are welcome to join. Jesus said, “Whoever receives you, receives me, and whoever receives me receives the One who sent me.” (Matthew 10:40) Parish Representative Buddy Blackburn 813.833.5717 buddyb4@aol.com
“For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.” (Matthew 25:35-36) Through the generosity of the Federal USDA, local businesses, gracious parishioners, and dedicated volunteers, Most Holy Redeemer’s food pantry ministry has been providing physical and spiritual food to the hungry and homeless for nearly thirty years. This essential ministry has received recognition within the Tampa Bay community and the Diocese of St. Petersburg, and always needs cash donations from local community sources, as well as volunteers on Tuesday mornings to carry on this caring work. The Food Pantry supplies food to those in need each Tuesday, 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Please contact the office at office@mhrtampa.org or call 813.933.2859 “This institution is an equal opportunity provider”. The full non-discrimination statement can be found here: https://www.fns.usda.gov/civil-rights/usda-nondiscrimination-statement-other-fns-programs
Knights of Columbus
Four core principles: charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. This is the foundation for the Knights of Columbus. We see these principles in action throughout our parish life at Most Holy Redeemer. Our Knights of Columbus members are actively involved in numerous ministries and organizations. They are an integral part of the backbone of our parish. These Knights volunteer their time at our Food Pantry, serve as Ushers, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, and more. In addition to volunteering their time serving the parish directly, the Knights also organize community projects. A wonderful example of this is a clothing drive to benefit the Diocesan Pregnancy and Parenting Program. They host coffee and doughnuts once a month to help welcome new members, visitors, and foster community at our parish. Globally, the Knights of Columbus is the largest and most dynamic Catholic fraternal organization. Over 1.8 million men from around the globe join together to promote All in a setting that gives a sense of “belonging” to an organization that shares religious beliefs, brings together like-minded men joined in a common cause, and offers the opportunity to develop and cement friendships for years to come. The Knights of Columbus, Council #667 at Most Holy Redeemer, is the third-oldest council in Florida. It was chartered in 1902. The Knights of Columbus meet every 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. for about an hour in the KOC room of the Duffy Hall. Catholic men who are interested in learning more about the Knights of Columbus can contact: Hector Bourdon at 813-933-2859 You can also visit www.KofC.org or www.KofC667.org
Padre Pio Prayer Group
The Padre Pio Prayer Group comes together for the celebration of the Mass and the rosary on the first Sunday of every month, beginning with the 10 am Mass. Our prayer group has been officially approved by the Vatican and San Giovanni Rotondo. Meets: First Sunday of Every Month (September-May) 10 am Celebration of the Mass Rosary and Prayer Intentions follow at Padre Pio Shrine (located behind MHR Church)
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you… For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8
Saint Padre Pio – Powerful Intercessor Padre Pio, a humble Capuchin priest from San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy, transformed many people's lives by his witness to God. Padre Pio was blessed with many gifts; his most significant gift was the stigmata. From 1918 until he died in 1968, Padre Pio bore the wounds of Christ, and because of his holy life, Blessed Pope John Paul II canonized Padre Pio in 2002. Many people today seek Padre Pio for blessings, favors, and miracles. Please feel free to join us at our scheduled gatherings, or in spirit, as we lift prayers to this amazing mystic and powerful intercessor to God. God Bless + For more information on Padre Pio, click here.
Respect Life
The annual Respect Life Program is a year-round, nationwide effort to help Catholics understand, value, and become engaged with building a culture that cherishes every human life. Our Respect Life ministry helps give voice to those who have none. They participate in prayer vigils, calls to action, and support of pregnancy crisis centers. The Respect Life committee acts as prayer warriors during the annual 40 Days for Life campaign. As pro-lifers, we need to educate ourselves and have answers to pro-choice arguments and rhetoric. You can visit www.pro-lifearticles.org for in-depth articles. For more information, contact: Shawn and Patty Carson pattyandshawn@verizon.net