Parish Organizations

Sacred Heart
Parish Organizations:

Faith Formation and Development
Christian Service
Community Involvement
Finance and Development
Liturgy Commission

**Faith Formation and Development**
Athletic Committee - The Athletic Committee is a group of men and women dedicated to helping develop Christian values in the youth of our community through participation in sports. The aim of this group is to provide recreation through sporting programs which will not only provide opportunities for fun but also through the experience of playing sports, help with the Christian formation of our children. The committee administers this program by forming teams, selecting coaches, obtaining equipment and securing facilities. In addition, the committee supplements the low registration costs with fund raising efforts throughout the year. There are many programs offered. Our committee strives to provide a safe environment for our children by adhering to the rules of the Archdiocesan Protecting God’s Children Program.
Baptism Preparation - Parents who request Baptism for their child are asked to attend one meeting on the Sacrament of Baptism in order to understand more fully the privilege and responsibility that comes with being a Catholic Christian parent. Classes are held the third Wednesday of each month. Please contact the rectory for arrangements.
Board of Education - The Board of Education is an elected group of parishioners and parents who are responsible for helping to formulate policies consistent with Archdiocesan and state guidelines and formulate directives for the operation of Sacred Heart School and Parish School of Religion. The goal of the Board of Education is to provide the opportunity for our students to be educated in a Catholic environment where faith can be nurtured. The Board consists of 9 elected members, 3 of which are elected each year. The Board has 3 ex officio members, the pastor, the principal and the Parish School of Religion coordinator. The Board also has a recording secretary for maintaining board records, who is not a voting member.
Catechumenate (R.C.I.A. –Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) - The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is the method which Vatican II has mandated for preparing those who wish to join the Catholic Church. This is a process of formation and education which includes: hearing and sharing the Word of God, connecting our life stories to those in scripture, praying, celebrating Rites, learning about Catholic tradition and doctrine, sharing in community and becoming involved in the apostolic life of the Church. The goals of this initiation process are conversion and apostolic witness. The Catechumenate meets on Thursday every week from September through May.
Confirmation Preparation - Our Confirmation Preparation Program is both part of our school program, our Parish School of Religion program and part of our Catechumenate program. Candidates are invited to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation through study, prayer, service, witness and commitment. The candidates and sponsors participate in liturgies, meetings and retreats. They take time for faith sharing sessions so that both our youth and adults can examine how to be a witness for Christ in their every day lives. Confirmation is generally celebrated in the Spring of the year. Please contact the rectory for information if you are not yet confirmed.
First Communion and First Reconciliation Preparation - First Communion and First Reconciliation Preparation Programs are part of our school program, our Parish School of Religion and part of our Catechumenate program. For students, the general time for receiving First Communion and Reconciliation is in the second grade. The classes are designed to help enrich the student’s understanding and experience of these two Sacraments. Time is given for faith formation before the experience of the Sacrament. This formation is offered through study, prayer, encouragement and the support of parents and teachers.
Legion of Mary - The Legion of Mary is an organization of men and women whose purpose is the sanctification of its members by active cooperation with Mary and the Church in their work of advancing the kingdom of God. Part of the mission is to visit families within Sacred Heart Parish. New members are always welcome. Meetings are held Tuesday mornings.
Marriage Preparation (Ministry To The Engaged)- This ministry helps those preparing for marriage gain a deeper understanding of their relationship. Married couples from the parish share their experience of the vocation of marriage. Couple to Couple sessions include: Everyday Practical Problems, Growth and Family Life, Married Love and Sexuality, Communications, and Sacrament of Matrimony/Our Life as Church. Please call the rectory six months in advance to make arrangements for your wedding. Introductory sessions are held on the first Monday of each month.
Natural Family Planning - Natural Family Planning methods are discussed by a registered nurse and are offered to all couples preparing for marriage. Presentations are given on the third Wednesday of every odd month at 7:00 p.m. in the rectory. Please call the rectory to register.
Sacred Heart Parish School of Religion seeks to fulfill its role in the teaching mission of the Church by sharing the Word of God and providing a source of community for our students. We offer classes from 1st through 8th grade for students who attend public schools. Our program is rooted in the gospel. We believe the Word of God can take root and grow in each individual. Our goal is to teach the Catholic faith, prepare our students for the Sacraments, as well as support and guide our students on their journey to become active witnesses of Jesus Christ. Classes are held on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 to 7:15 p.m.
Retreats Christ Renews His Parish Sacred Heart Parish sponsors the Christ Renews His Parish weekend retreat twice a year. These retreats are held on our campus beginning Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m. and ending Sunday afternoon at 4:00 p.m. The women’s retreat and men’s retreat are offered each Fall and again in the Spring. The retreat is facilitated by a team of previous ‘Chirp’ participants who spend several weeks in preparation for the weekend through a formation process. The purpose of this weekend experience is to develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, form a stronger faith community, enhance our individual spiritual growth, provide encouragement and support for further spiritual growth and promote service in our parish community. Please call the rectory to register for this retreat. White House Men’s retreats are scheduled in January and August. Women’s retreats are also offered. The White House is located in south St. Louis County. Information on these retreats is offered in the bulletin.
Sacred Heart Kindergarten - Sacred Heart offers kindergarten, pre-kindergarten and ‘Lucky Ducks’, a program for three year olds. Children must be five years old on or before July 31st to enter kindergarten, four years old by the same date to enter pre-kindergarten and three years old by the same date for the ‘Lucky Ducks’ program. Both full day and half day sessions are offered for kindergarten students. Pre-kindergarten children have the option of attending morning, afternoon or extended day classes. Classes for the ‘Lucky Ducks’ are held Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning. All classes follow the traditional school calendar. A registration fee and monthly tuition fee is charged. There is an additional fee for after school care. Children need not be members of Sacred Heart Parish or Catholic to attend. All are welcome.
Sacred Heart Learning Center - In conjunction with the Department of Special Education, Sacred Heart maintains a classroom in our kindergarten building for the purpose of educating children who have special learning needs. Classes are not graded, teaching is individualized and the curriculum is adjusted to provide a balanced program of spiritual, academic, social and personal experience.
Sacred Heart School - Sacred Heart School is committed to Catholic education. Our goal is to help prepare students to become active, productive participants in the Catholic Church and the larger community. We recognize each child is a gift from God and we work with parents to meet the needs of each child. Our educational community is dedicated to providing opportunities for each student to achieve the fullest possible expression of their gifts in a safe, loving environment. As a Catholic school, we challenge the students to witness their faith to the world through their concern for others and through service opportunities. It is through this faith filled interaction with others that we bear witness to Christ and spread his Word. Sacred Heart is a tuition based school with grade levels from first through eighth grade.
Scouting Programs Boy Scouts of America - Boy Scouts of America is an organization of boys and adult leaders whose purpose is to build Christian values, develop leadership skills, provide service to the community, and provide fun activities for boys. Cub Scouts are boys age seven (or 1st grade) through 5th grade. These boys meet in small groups called dens. Once a month all the dens gather for a Pack meeting. The activities of Cub Scouts include working on different awards and badges. All these activities are geared to provide fun, develop interest in different topics, and build character, responsibility and leadership. Each Pack meeting has a theme which the Cub Dens work towards to help develop community building and a cooperative spirit within the Pack. Boy Scouts are boys from age eleven to eighteen. These boys continue to work on badges, awards and leadership skills. Troop meetings are held weekly. Summer camp and other camping activities are offered throughout the year. Girl Scouts of America - The Girl Scouts of America is an organization of girls and adult leaders who work together to build Christian values, develop leadership skills and provide service to the community. Girls from the age of five to fourteen are invited to be a part of this organization. The scouts are divided into different groups depending on their age: Daisies, Brownies or Girl Scouts. Troop meetings are held on different days and times. All girls are welcome to become members and parents are encouraged to help with various activities throughout the year. The girls receive badges, awards and special recognition.
Scripture Study - Adult scripture study is offered at Sacred Heart on Monday afternoons from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. These sessions follow the Little Rock Scripture Study Program and are held in two, ten week sessions?one in the fall and one in the spring. An evening scripture study program which follows the same format could meet on Monday evenings if there is sufficient interest. New members are always welcome.
Sunday Preschool Program - This Preschool program is offered to three, four and five year olds on Sunday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. during the regular school year. These classes focus on the Sunday Gospel. We use crafts, songs and games to help the children grow in faith. There is a small fee for the class. All are welcome.

**Liturgy Commission**
Acolytes - Acolytes are adults who assist the priest during Eucharistic celebrations and other liturgical events. Because of the public and communal nature of liturgical celebrations and because they are an expression of the total person within a community, these celebrations involve more than the presiding minister. The acolyte represents just one part of those within the community of faith who participate in liturgical celebrations.
Altar ServersAltar Servers assist the deacon and priest during the Mass and other liturgical celebrations. All students of the parish in grades six through twelve are invited to be a part of this ministry. Training sessions are held to help the student prepare for this ministry. The scheduling is done at the rectory office and students are rotated monthly serving a variety of Mass times, both during the week and on Sundays.
Art And Environment Members of the Art and Environment Committee help decorate the sanctuary, altars, and the surrounding areas in the church for our liturgical celebrations. The liturgical year calls for certain requirements and changes during each of the seasons. The members of this committee help plan the decorations according to the needs of our liturgical seasons.
Eucharistic Ministers Eucharistic Ministers are members of the parish community who are committed to the belief that we receive the real presence of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. Eucharistic Ministers serve the Lord and the community by helping to distribute Communion at Mass as well as ministering the Body of Christ to those who wish to participate at Eucharistic celebrations, but are not able to attend Mass. Ministers take the Body of Christ to these ‘shut-ins’ following each Sunday Mass. In our participation together as a parish family, we are proclaiming to all what Jesus Christ has done for us through his death and resurrection.
Lectors/Commentators The ministry of lectoring is a service to the worshipping community through proclaiming the Word of God at liturgical celebrations. Serving as a Commentator is also a part of this ministry. Those who participate as lectors should have a love for scripture and a desire and skill for proclaiming the Word of God. Part of the preparation includes prayer, meditation on the Word of God and practice.
Music Ministry Sacred Heart has a variety of music styles available for helping us to worship the Lord in our Eucharistic celebrations. Our ministry and purpose is to serve the community in song and music. We give God glory and honor through the use of our gifts and talents. Organ Choir This is a traditional choir which meets on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. in the church for practice. The Organ Choir serves at the 10:30 a.m. Mass on Sundays as well as special celebrations throughout the year. Contemporary Choir: Our Contemporary Choir leads in song every other Saturday at the 5:00 p.m. Mass. The music is contemporary and upbeat. North American Martyrs Guitar Choir Since the merging of our two parishes, the North American Martyrs Choir is leading the worship every other Sunday at the 9:00 a.m. Mass. This choir is contemporary and the music is spirited. New members are most welcome in all of our choirs.
Nocturnal Adoration Society The Nocturnal Adoration Society is an association of Catholic men and women whose purpose and desire is to pray for at least one hour a month before the Blessed Sacrament. Catholics from several parishes meet at Sacred Heart for this time of prayer between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and midnight on the second Friday of each month. All are welcome to attend.
Sacristans This ministry includes those who are dedicated to serving our Lord and our parish community by helping to provide a beautiful, clean space for worship. Sacristans clean vestments, altar cloths, acolyte and servers albs/robes, as well as other articles used for services at our parish. This ministry also includes cleaning the church building and helping to prepare materials for Mass and other liturgical celebrations.
Ushers' Ministry It is the responsibility of ushers to help create and maintain a climate of hospitality at Mass. They help to make people feel welcome, accepted, loved and glad to be present at Sacred Heart. They give assistance to others by helping with seating, gathering the collection and by providing other special services. Meetings for our Ushers Ministry are held quarterly and new members are welcome.

**Finance And Development**
Annual Catholic Appeal The Annual Catholic Appeal (formerly the A.D.A.) collects funds through pledges and cash donations for the support of various programs throughout the Archdiocese. Some of the programs which benefit from the A.C.A. donations are: Catholic education, retirement benefits, social/charitable ministries, ecclesiastical services in the Archdiocese, as well as direct funding to individual parishes. The parish chairperson organizes the general drive in April and May. Parishioners are urged to make their pledges or donations by picking up their pledge card following the weekend Masses. Telephone calls complete the Pledge Drive.
Finance Committee The purpose of the Finance Committee is to review the needs of our parish and make recommendations regarding the financial activity of Sacred Heart. Members are appointed by the Pastor. Meetings are held quarterly or as needed. The Finance Committee oversees the finances of the parish and gives suggestions regarding the spending of parish finances.
Site Planning Committee This committee is made up of individuals who are committed to maintaining and monitoring the maintenance and improvements of our parish campus as well as developing plans for major improvements. They meet monthly to plan, discuss, design and budget all improvements in our buildings.
Technology Committee Our Technology Committee is made up of parish volunteers who give of their time and talent to supervise and oversee the computers throughout the parish campus. We are committed to providing effective technological resources to our students, teachers, administrators, parish staff and parishioners. Computers and the latest technology are supplied to each classroom. We have an excellent computer lab in our school. The Committee keeps the operation of the networking systems, internet systems and computers in the best working format. They also trouble shoot, upgrade and correct any problems that may occur.

**Christian Service**
Christian Service Commission The Christian Service Committee promotes and coordinates programs that give parishioners an opportunity to give witness to their faith by serving in areas of charity and justice. Two of the many activities of the committee include the ‘Giving Tree’ drive at Christmas, which helps families who are in great need and the Meal of the Month collection of food which helps with the food pantry at T.E.A.M. All parishioners are welcome to join and volunteer to help with the work of Christian Service.
Cultural Diversity Committee This committee is a faith based committee which addresses the implications of Florissant’s changing demographic composition and promotes appreciation, sensitivity and acceptance of people from different cultures and ethnic backgrounds. The goal of this group of volunteers is to help maintain a stable and culturally diverse community.
Funeral Luncheons The Funeral Luncheon Ministry is a service to the families of parishioners who have died. If you would like to donate your time or prepare a dish, please contact the rectory. Requests for this luncheon must be approved by the pastor.
Holy Name Society The Holy Name Society is a council of Catholic men of the parish who are dedicated to preserving and exalting the Name of Jesus through our thoughts, prayers and actions. Holy Name members are active in serving the parish in many activities, programs and special events. Meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month except for the summer months. All men 18 years of age and over are welcome to join.
Ladies Guild The Ladies Guild is an organization of women who are dedicated to serving the parish and school with various projects. This group functions according to the guidelines set forth by the Archdiocesan Council of the Laity. Its members are committed to fund raising, social activities, fun activities for the children and promotion of faith through their witness to the gospel values. Meetings are held in the cafeteria on the second Thursday of the month. Membership is open to all women of the parish and new members are welcome.
Oktoberfest Committee Oktoberfest is an annual Fall celebration. The festivities begin with Mass and continue throughout the day with many activities, games, live entertainment, wine garden, auctions, food and lots of fun. All are welcome to make this ‘homecoming’ celebration fun for all by joining our planning committee.
Prayer Chain Sacred Heart prayer chain is a group of volunteers who pray for the needs of others. Prayer requests are given to the chairperson who notifies ‘captains’. The captains notify those people on their team. In this way the prayer chain facilitates daily prayer requests efficiently and easily. If you would like to be a member on the Prayer Chain or if you have a special prayer request, please contact the rectory.
Pro-Life CommitteeAs a parish family, we strive to work together to promote respect for all human life from pre-born to the elderly. The members of this committee work during the year to promote all Pro-Life activities sponsored by the Archdiocese. Our work takes many forms and we continually strive to participate in area wide activities which promote the sanctity of life.
Sacred Heart 50+ ClubThis is a social group of men and women fifty years of age and older. We meet on the third Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the parish cafeteria. Our meetings offer entertainment, prizes, social activities, food, fun and fellowship. We schedule several outings throughout the year which take us to places of fun and interest. There is a small charge for dues. Outside trips are offered to all who are interested. Come and join in the fun.
Sacred Heart Senior Social Club This club is a group of senior citizens who meet monthly for social activities and fellowship. The meetings are held on the fourth Sunday of the month at 1:00 p.m. in our parish cafeteria. The meetings consist of a short business meeting followed by refreshments. Occasionally there are trips scheduled for various activities. All seniors are welcome.
St. Vincent DePaul Society Our St. Vincent DePaul Society consists of men and women volunteers who serve families in our parish family and in our surrounding community who are experiencing financial difficulty. They help with utility bills, medical needs, food, housing and miscellaneous needs of the poor. Our Society works with T.E.A.M. (The Emergency Assistance Ministry) and other St. Vincent DePaul Societies in the surrounding parishes. The funding comes almost entirely from free will contributions from parishioners.
Volunteers We have many opportunities to serve the parish as a volunteer. There is an on going need in many capacities to help in our parish. Examples include: church cleaning, school activities, room parenting, scouting programs, school picnic, Oktoberfest and many other activities throughout the year. Volunteers are always welcome.

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