A Word From Our Pastor

A very important ingredient in the functioning of our parish community involves parishioners volunteering their time, energy and talents to work in one or more of our parish ministries. Remember that Christ "came not to be served but to serve" (Matthew 20:28). So, each of us, acting out of love, is called to serve the needs of people in our parish and surrounding community. You can heed this call by joining in the work of the ministry(s) of your choice that are found below. Each one is explained to help guide you in making your selection. Please take a few minutes to read through them. Your spiritual rewards will be great. Thank you and God bless you!

Father Gene

 INTERESTED IN GETTING INVOLVED? To follow up on any area of interest and to get the latest and most accurate information, please call the Parish Data Manager at 410-729-8594.

LITURGICAL MINISTRIES

 

Adult Choir

The Adult Choir enriches 9:30am Mass on Sunday, feast days and special occasion liturgies by providing choir music and leading the congregation in sacred song. This helps deepen the congregations' participation in the mass through music.

 

Alb Cleaning and Repair

The Alb Cleaning and Repair Group keeps the albs of the altar servers clean and in good repair.

 

Altar Servers

The Altar Servers assist the priest and deacons during the parish liturgies and is open to parish boys and girls in the fifth grade and above.

 

Cantors

Cantors provide leadership in singing and prayer at Saturday, Sunday and feast day liturgies as well as other occasional special liturgies and functions.

 

Church Decorating

The Church Decorating Group provides and places floral, wreath and other appropriate church decorations for special occasions and feast days such as Christmas and Easter.

 

Eucharistic Ministers

Eucharistic Ministers assist the priest and deacon in the distribution of Holy Communion under both species (bread and wine) at all Masses. They also bring Holy Communion to the sick and shut-ins, as needed.

 

Folk Group

The Folk Group plays and sings liturgical folk music, usually at 11:00am on Sunday, that adds spiritual uplift, meaning and enjoyment to those participating in the celebration of the mass.

 

Lectors

Lectors proclaim God’s word at mass by reading the Word of God from the Bible in a way that will help the congregation fully appreciate and understand the message God is sending forth.

 

Life Teen Liturgy

Life Teen Liturgy encourages teens to actively participate in the mass as lectors, eucharistic ministers, hospitality ministers, etc. so as to increase their visibility and contribution to the community as well as to provide opportunities to grow closer to Christ. They also serve as role models to other teens and middle school youth through appropriate reverent behavior at mass.

 

Life Teen Music

Life Teen Music provides music and singers for life teen masses (6:00pm on Sundays) that is appropriate to teenagers and younger parishioners.

 

Linens

The purpose of the Linens Group is to wash and iron the linens used at all the church Masses.

 

Liturgy Committee

The Liturgy Committee is a group of parishioners who work with the priests and deacons to develop meaningful liturgies and spiritual events at Our Lady of the Fields. They also encourage participation in the various liturgical ministries.

 

Liturgy of the Word for Children

Liturgy of the Word for Children provides a worship service for children during the 9:30am Sunday Mass that encourages active participation in the liturgical life of the church.

 

Martha Ministry

The Martha Ministry is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness, orderliness and proper functioning of the church sacristy as well as other areas of the church.

 

Ushers

Ushers assist at mass and liturgical services by greeting people and controlling their seating and movement before and during the service. They also conduct the offertory collection, communion processions and Sunday Bulletin (and other materials) distribution after mass.

SERVICE MINISTRIES

 

Anne Arundel Single Again Catholics*

Anne Arundel Single Again Catholics (AASAC) is a combined effort of Our Lady of the Fields, St. Andrew by the Bay, St. Jane Francis and other churches within and outside Anne Arundel County. This group supports those who are experiencing or have experienced separation or divorce by helping them to understand and deal with the pain and mental suffering that this can cause.

 

Annual Holiday Sharing Campaign

The Holiday Sharing Campaign raises money to donate age appropriate gifts and turkeys with all the trimmings to the local needy at Thanksgiving and Christmas.

 

Bereavement Committee

The Bereavement Committee assists grieving families with support, funeral arrangements and other detail planning that a grieving family needs when confronted with the death of a loved one. Also see Grieving Persons’ Support Group.

 

Birthright Incorporated

See Pregnancy Centers.

 

Severna Park Pregnancy Clinic

See Pregnancy Centers.

 

Crop Walk*

The Crop Walk sponsors an annual charity fund raiser that consists of parishioners walking to raise funds for world hunger and the local food bank called SPAN.

 

Feed the Poor in Baltimore

This group goes to downtown Baltimore with food and clothing for the homeless on Friday evenings throughout the year. They provide a full hot meal and distribute clothing to between 80 and 115 homeless men, women and children per week.

 

Food Closet

The Food Closet helps feed the hungry of the parish and the surrounding community by donating various food items that have been placed in a food basket by parishioners before each weekend mass. Donations are equally divided between SPAN and Saint Thomas Aquinas Church in Hampden.

 

Funeral Reception Committee

The Funeral Reception Committee arranges a buffet reception following funeral services at Our Lady of the Fields. They provide a rewarding service that is deeply appreciated.

 

Grieving Persons' Support Group

The Grieving Persons’ Support Group reaches out to comfort the grieving in our parish and surrounding community by sponsoring activities to support those who are experiencing grief that comes with the loss of a loved one.

 

Habitat for Humanity*

Habitat for Humanity is affiliated with Arundel Habitat for Humanity and is a volunteer Christian ministry working in partnership with people from all walks of life. It provides, through new construction or renovation, simple and affordable housing for families in need in Anne Arundel County.

 

Holy Name Society

The Holy Name Society is an organization dedicated to being a vibrant ministry of the parish by promoting spiritual growth and service at Our Lady of the Fields. It is open to all members of the parish.

 

Knights of Columbus*

The Knights of Columbus is a national organization which is based in parishes. They seek to further the mission of the Catholic Church by conducting charitable, social and educational activities in communities local to nationwide.

 

Mary’s Center

See Pregnancy Centers.

 

Ministry to Fairfield Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

The Ministry to Fairfield Nursing and Rehabilitation Center provides volunteers who offer worship services, prayer, spiritual comfort, Holy Communion and recitation of the rosary to the sick at this nursing center.

 

Ministry to Knollwood Manor

The Ministry to Knollwood Manor provides volunteers who offer worship services, prayer, spiritual comfort, Holy Communion, recitation of the rosary and recreation to the seriously ill and incapacitated at this long term care facility.

 

Ministry to Regency Park Assisted Living Residence

The Ministry to Regency Park Assisted Living Center provides volunteers who offer worship services, prayer, spiritual comfort, Holy Communion, recitation of the rosary and recreation to the sick and incapacitated at this facility

 

Ministry to Shut-ins and Sick

The Ministry to Shut-ins and Sick consists of volunteers who visit homes to offer comfort and help to those who are incapacitated or seriously ill. They are also trained to pray with them and bring them holy communion.

 

Operation Rice Bowl

Operation Rice Bowl is an annual lenten fund raising program coordinated by Catholic Relief Services. It encourages donations by adults and children so that they may further understand the sacrifice Jesus Christ made for us and in what way we can do the same during the solemn season of lent. It will increase assistance and aid to people of impoverished regions of the world and assist local anti-hunger programs through the generosity of American Catholic families.

 

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread places empty casserole pans containing recipes in the church vestibules for parishioners to take home and prepare the food. Parishioners return the full pans which are collected and placed in the Church Center Freezer. This serves as a means for parishioners to provide nutritious lunches for Our Daily Bread soup kitchen and serve the homeless people of Baltimore.

 

Our Lady’s Widowed

Our Lady’s Widowed is an active support group for widows and widowers during the difficult time of loss. They sponsor spiritual and social activities such as monthly lunches and Masses of Remembrance.

 

Parish Pastoral Council

The Parish Pastoral Council accepts responsibility with the pastor for the life and mission of our Church. As such, this Council acts as an authentic representative voice of the people of God (lay, religious and clerical) to the pastor. The council members are elected by vote of the parishioners.

 

Partners in Care*

Partners in Care is a service credit exchange program designed to create community by linking frail elderly and disabled adults with neighbors who volunteer their time to help with occasional tasks and errands. Participants may provide services, receive services or both.

 

Pregnancy Centers*

Birthright, Incorporated, Bowie/Crofton/Severna Park Pregnancy Clinic and Mary’s Center offer counseling and education to women facing unplanned or problem pregnancies. They also seek to support the pro-life mission of the Church.

 

Prison Ministry

The Prison Ministry brings some light and consolation to those who are incarcerated in various local prisons. They visit prisoners for religious services and present teachings of Catholic doctrine and prayer.

 

Rosary Making Group

The Rosary Making Group makes rosaries and distributes them to the world missions. They provide the needed materials and instruct those who wish to help make them. Also, various members of this group keep alive a long standing tradition at Our Lady of the Fields by leading recitation of the rosary after daily mass.

 

Sarah's House*

The Sarah’s House Ministry prepares dinners twice a month for homeless families living temporarily in Sarah’s House at Fort Meade.

 

Social Concerns Committee

The Social Concerns Committee oversees and assists with many of the outreaches in which our parish participates. They also act as support for Parish Office staff in publicizing and finding participants for parish social and spiritual events.

 

Social Justice Advocacy Group

The Social Justice and Advocacy Group promotes living the gospels in matters of Church teaching. It promotes social justice, pro-life and educational programs to enhance the dignity of all persons. This includes advocacy to the Maryland State Legislature.

 

Winter Relief for the Homeless

Winter Relief provides food and shelter for the homeless and destitute of Anne Arundel County at Our Lady of the Fields Church for a week each year.

EDUCATION MINISTRIES

 

Adult Confirmation Preparation

Preparation involves five sessions that provide necessary formation for the reception of Confirmation.

 

Adult Faith Formation

Adult Faith Formation provides educational opportunities for spiritual growth and enrichment for adults.

 

Baptismal Preparation

Baptismal Preparation conducts classes to prepare parents for the sacrament of welcoming their infant into the community of Jesus Christ. This sacrament tells us that we belong to Jesus Christ and that we belong with the community of the Church and the world.

 

Bible Study Groups

Bible Study Groups are small communities of parishioners who explore scripture to enhance their personal understanding of the Word of God through structured format. They meet at various members homes or in the Parish Center at convenient times.

 

Children's Faith Formation

Children’s Faith Formation is a major parish mission that provides systematic, age appropriate educational opportunities for spiritual growth and enrichment to students, pre-school through grade six. Youth Faith Formation provides these opportunities for grades seven through twelve. This ministry also provides the training necessary for First Reconciliation and First Communion.

 

Christian Family Movement

The Christian Family Movement is a network of small groups for Catholic family enrichment. CFM is for couples and single parents and welcomes interchurch families; offers prayer, fun, friendship and encouragement for today’s busy families.

 

Church Leadership Institute*

Through the Archdiocese of Baltimore the Church Leadership Institute offers a curriculum of courses in theology, spirituality and leadership. This is designed to enhance the skills of participants so they may be equipped to serve the church in many lay ministry opportunities.

 

Confirmation Preparation

The Confirmation Preparation Program at Our Lady of the Fields guides adolescents into the experience of the fullness of the Holy Spirit through the completion of the sacraments of initiation. By becoming adult Christians in confirmation, the young person is given special strength to bear witness to Jesus Christ through an ever deepening relationship with Him, the fruit of which is service to the parish, church and culture.

 

Education Committee

The Education Committee helps shape and foster the long range development of faith formation education efforts in accord with both the vision and mission of the parish. The work of this group is important to the future of parish religious education.

 

Journey of Faith

Journey of Faith is a group that meets year-round to study the Bible readings for the following Sunday masses. This enables participants to better understand the worship for the next weekend.

 

Life Teen Ministry

Life Teen is a youth ministry program at Our Lady of the Fields through which teens encounter Christ in the Eucharist at the Life Teen Mass. This ministry sponsors the Life Night program which seeks to engage teens spiritually, intellectually, emotionally and physically so they can embrace Jesus Christ and a life in the community that He founded - the Catholic Church.

 

Marriage Preparation*

The Archdiocese of Baltimore offers four marriage preparation programs to help engaged couples with the many challenges and responsibilities that marriage will bring. The Marriage Preparation Program at Our Lady of the Fields conducts three of these programs under the guidelines of the Archdiocese.

 

Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is a gradual process by which the Catholic community welcomes, prepares and initiates new members into the church. This process takes place within the community of the faithful.

 

Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (RCIC)

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Children is a sacramental program for older children (nine years and up) who have not been baptized, received first reconciliation or first holy communion.

 

Summer Vacation Bible School

The Summer Vacation Bible School provides an opportunity for children ages 4-9 to gather together for scripture, song, games and crafts.

 

The Edge (Middle School Youth Ministry)

The Edge prepares 6, 7 and 8^th grade students for leadership in the parish and community by providing them with spiritual tools through religious education, liturgy, fellowship and outreach.

 

Vocation Committee

The Vocation Committee recruits, supports and encourages potential candidates to the priesthood and religious life from our parish. Very importantly, they also raise awareness of the great need in the Church for religious vocations by speaking at faith formation classes, placing articles in the Sunday Bulletin and Newsletter and speaking at mass.

 

Women in Faith

Women in Faith The Women in Faith Ministry offers a program of faith, study and fellowship that helps a woman deepen her relationship with Jesus and others so that she can share the Good News with them more confidently.

 

Young Adult Ministry

The Young Adult Ministry provides an open, welcoming forum for young adults, ages 18-40 whether single, married, separated, divorced or widowed. Here they learn more about scripture and its application in our lives, to meditate and reflect, to join with others in our faith community and help them realize their purpose within the Church and community.

 

Walking with Purpose Scripture Study

Catholic Bible study for women using "The Better Part," a Christ centered book which corresponds with the themes of the course. Study helps one understand their faith better and keep it relevant to one’s daily life.

 

Why Catholic?

Why Catholic consists of study groups that take a look at what we believe and why we believe it. It provides us with the opportunity to reflect on the faith we hold dear, to deepen our understanding or to fill in the blanks of faith formation missed years ago.

EVANGELIZATION MINISTRIES

 

Cursillo*

The Cursillo Movement offers intense men’s and women’s weekends on the basics of our Catholic faith, holiness, formation and evangelization. It helps people to be truly Christian by drawing people into living their faith within the community.

 

Hospitality Committee

The Hospitality committee sponsors a social gathering in the Parish Center once a month after each Sunday mass. Coffee, juice and doughnuts are served. It is an opportunity for parishioners to meet and get to know one another.

 

Landings

Landings is a program for those who have been away (for any reason) from active involvement in the Catholic Church for an extended time and wish to have assistance from a support group in returning.

 

Moms and Tots Group

The Moms & Tots Group brings together mothers and children (newborn through preschool) to share faith and friendship through meetings and activities.

 

Prayer Group

The Prayer Group sponsors healing masses and meetings where we ask for the healing power of God for special needs of persons through the intercession of the Holy Spirit.

 

Respect Life

The Respect Life group works to protect the unborn from the senseless act of abortion. They teach us to place great value on the one thing that is truly priceless - human life itself.

STEWARDSHIP MINISTRIES

 

Building Committee

The Building Committee meets with the pastor to discuss and formulate plans for future capital projects necessary to improve and/or maintain the Church infrastructure. Also, they and the pastor oversee building and grounds repair and maintenance necessary to meet the present needs of the parish.

 

Cemetery Committee

The Cemetery Committee supervises the operation, record keeping systems and policy for Our Lady of the Fields Parish Cemetery.

 

Development Committee

The Development Committee plans and implements programs and fund raisers to insure the financial viability of the parish=s current and future needs.

 

Environmental Committee

The Environmental Committee gathers to discuss environmental concerns that affect our daily lives as well as the lives of future generations.

 

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee supervises and accounts for the income and expenses of the parish. They also advise and assist the pastor with parish financial matters.

 

Golf Tournament Committee

The purpose of the Golf Tournament is to raise funds for the parish and create socialization and camaraderie among the parishioners.

 

Landscaping Committee

The purpose of the Landscaping Group is to create a setting for God’s House and a celebration of His gifts of beautiful flowers, trees and shrubs. We maintain a well groomed landscape around the church grounds that is attractive to parishioners and guests alike.

 

Offertory Collection Committee

The Offertory Collection Committee is responsible for the entire process of money handling at masses after collections take place. This includes counting the collection receipts and preparation for bank deposit.

 

Parish Office Volunteers

Parish Office Volunteers assist the office staff by performing clerical, secretarial and receptionist work in Our Lady of the Fields Parish Office on a fully voluntary basis.

 

Parish Festival Committee

The Parish Festival Committee provides an outdoor, fun-filled entertainment event with refreshments for the entire parish . It is held annually in the fall on the church grounds.

 

Senior Ministry

The OLF Senior Ministry sponsors social gatherings, activities and phone calls that support the senior citizens (70 and older) of the parish. Encouragement and caring for all our senior members is our goal. Help is needed and training is available.

 

Social Activities Committee

The purpose of the Social Committee is to sponsor different events that will bring parishioners together in a social atmosphere. They sponsor such events as the New Years Eve Dance, Friendship Tea and Pot Luck Dinner.

*Community, county, diocesan, state or national organization which Our Lady of the Fields supports.