Our Ministries

Ministry is the way by which we share our gifts from God with others. Be it helping the the poor, tutoring students, or assisting the sick, the common theme of all ministry is the helping of others through our time and efforts.

The ministries at St. Joachim come in all shapes and sizes -- from those that only meet once a year to accomplish a specific task to those who meet frequently to provide service to others on a continual basis. St. Joachim also offers the possibility to minister to others in both English and Spanish. Regardless of the ministry, the focus of each one is to provide some sort of service or assistance to others.

On this page you will find a complete list of all ministries found at St. Joachim parish. Click on a link below for more information on a ministry.

MINISTRIES AT ST. JOACHIM PARISH

Adult Confirmation

Adults 18 and older who have been baptized and have received their First Holy Communion, but were never confirmed, find their home in this wonderful program. The program begins shortly after the New Year and continues until confirmation in the spring.

Adult Education

At various times during the year there are educational opportunities offered for adults. Fr. Sera’s 4 week series just before Lent begins and the summer sessions under Fr. Steve’s direction are a valuable part of the on-going catechesis classes at St. Joachim’s.

Altar Guild

This committee is responsible for cleaning the vessels and the sacristy every Monday morning, as well as changing the flowers and cleaning the holy water fonts.

Altar Linens

This committee washes the altar linens that are used at mass. They follow strict guidelines on how these linens are to be cleaned. They are different teams each month that are responsible for this most needed task!

Altar Servers

These young people assist the priest during Mass to prepare the altar for communion. You must be in the 5th grade to become an altar server. Training is provided. Both boys and girls are encouraged to serve.

Bereavement

This ministry assists families with arrangements for the mass of Christian burial for a loved one who has passed away. It also provides resources for healing from their loss.

Cancer Ministry

This committee is a Catholic faith-based ministry, whose primary focus is to provide spiritual comfort, compassion and practical assistance in a confidential manner to parishioners and families of St. Joachim who are affected by cancer.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word

For children ages 4 years to 4th grade during the 10am mass. It helps the children understand how God has called them to live out His word in everyday life.

Cub Scouts

For grade school boys 1-5. It provides character development and spiritual growth, good citizenship, family understanding, respectful relationships, personal achievement, friendly service, and fun and adventure!

Day Care

This ministry provides daycare for our precious young children who have a difficult time sitting at mass. Also this ministry assists at other functions where daycare is needed.

Divine Mercy

Every Friday at 3:00 PM in the church a group of people meet to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet. The Divine Mercy devotion, the message takes on a powerful new focus, calling people to a deeper understanding that God’s love is unlimited and available to everyone — especially the greatest sinners.

Dominican Laity Chapter of Orange County

The Dominican Laity is made up of men and women who, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, live according to the spirit and charism of St. Dominic. The Rule for Lay Fraternities of St. Dominic states, “As members of the Order, they share its apostolic mission, by study, prayer and preaching in keeping with their state as members of the laity.”

Environment

This ministry is responsible for the decor in the church. This group meets different times of the year to make preparations, especially at Easter and Christmas. You participate with the ideas and implementation of beautifying the church.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion for Liturgy

This ministry provides lay people who assist the Priest at mass, in the distribution of the Body and Blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion for the Sick

This ministry provides lay people who assist the Church in bringing the Eucharist to our brothers and sisters who are unable to attend mass due to illness. They minister at Hoag Hospital, homes and local convalescent facilities.

Fair

The fair is a 3-day, annual event with food concessions, and games of chance, entertainment and carnival-style rides. It serves as the principal fundraiser for the Parish/School. Revenues are allocated to a building fund designed for the renovation / construction of school/parish facility. Teams of volunteer parishioners and school affiliates provide for planning and operation throughout the year.

Hospitality Ministry

This ministry brings joy to all who attend 10am mass by hosting donuts and coffee after mass most Sundays!

Knights of Columbus

Imagine being part of an organization that fills your heart and your mind with the joy of giving to others and the feeling that comes with making a difference. Knights are Catholic men, 18 years of age and older, who are committed to making their community a better place, while supporting their Church. Being a Knight is more than camaraderie; it is being involved with your community; it is supporting your local Catholic Church, while enhancing your own faith; it is about protecting and enhancing your family life.

Standing Business Meetings held in Annex “A” across the street from the church & start with the rosary at 7pm on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month.

Lectors

These individuals proclaim the first and second readings during Mass and when a Deacon is not present, read the prayers of the faithful.

Men’s Retreat

This retreat is scheduled for the month of September for the men of St. Joachim. You are invited to travel to a local retreat site and share your faith and spiritual journey with other men of Catholic Faith.

Ministry of Love and Care

This ministry has been formed to help the newborns and their mothers in the community, with handmade blankets and other baby clothes that we prepare with lots of love.

Music

This group provides the best music possible to enhance the liturgies and give greater glory to God our Creator. They seek to provide music appropriate for Catholic liturgy that will engage participation through music.

Natural Family Planning

An affiliate of the Couple to Couple League International, CCL Orange County promotes healthy marriages through instruction in modern methods of natural family planning to engaged and married couples, providing a medically safe, health-promoting, highly effective (99%), and relationship-enhancing method of family planning in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church. Instruction is provided year-round by certified teaching couples, experienced in the practice and promotion of NFP.

Outreach

This ministry has been formed to service the less fortunate in different ways: that is offering a Thanksgiving Meal to the homeless, collecting monies for stamps for the incarcerated. It assists the community of St. Joachim’s to be Christ’s hands, Christ’s feet. We are also working to bring together a stronger community within our parish by working together to serve the needs of those around us.

Parish Pastoral Council

An Advisory board to the pastor and staff who is responsible for developing and maintaining the pastoral plan.

Pre-Baptism

Provide pre-baptism preparation class to parents and godparents. And these ministers help with ceremony with the day of Baptism.

Pro-Life

Our group respects, supports and believes that life starts at conception. While we embrace the entire respect for life movement, our main focus is directed towards the unborn child in the womb. This is the most vulnerable segment of our society.

RCIA/Children & Adults

Those welcomed into the preparation through a process that includes the candidate joining the community for the Liturgy of the Word on Sunday and then dismissed to study the Word of God. Registration is required.

Recovery

This group is for those suffering with mental health issues such as anxiety, worry or fear. The group will assists in dealing with the obstacles and problems of everyday life.

Religious Education for Children

This family based program includes religious education for children 4 years old through 6th grade, sessions for parents as well as family Days when our catechists join together with parent and child, to learn more about our faith.

Sacramental Program for Children

This is a two year process to assist parents in the preparation of their children for the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist including two retreats for both parent and child.

Sacristans

These ministers are responsible for setting up for daily masses. They make sure that all the vessels and books that are used for mass are ready and in place. They assist the priests and altar servers in the sacristy.

Seniors

This group is targeted to the active mature adults of the parish (55+) who enjoy fellowship, fun and physical activities / tours. This group travels to local site-seeing locations for education and enjoyment.

St. Joachim School

As a ministry of the church, Saint Joachim Parish School is a Catholic faith community which provides strong religious values that are integrated into all aspects of school life.

In collaboration with parents as primary educators, the school community endeavors to develop the whole child: mind, body and soul.

Understanding that our students are the leaders of tomorrow, we foster an environment where students are encouraged to think critically and take responsibility for their continued growth and learning. Our goal is to prepare students to contribute to a culturally diverse, global society and to learn, live and love their faith.

St. Vincent De Paul

For those in need of financial support, individuals can call the hotline to receive assistance for food, rent, transportation assistance, utilities, clothing or lodging. Added assistance is offered every Saturday morning.

Teen Confirmation Years I & II

Our High School Youth Ministry is just that- a ministry to teens who are in high school where our Church making a special place, a home for all of our parish teens.
Through prayers, retreats, classes, small group discussions, service projects and working with an adult spiritual mentor we call Sponsors, young people will be able to recognize and understand the presence of the holy spirit in themselves and in His people and will be able to identify themselves as active members of the Catholic faith.

Ushers/Greeters

A welcoming ministry to assist the faithful in worship by handing out worship aids, taking up the collection and other behind the scene responsibilities.

VBS – Vacation Bible School

At the end of each school year this ministry offers Bible stories to children, 4 year old pre-schoolers through 5th grade. These stories are based on a different theme each day. Scripture verses and stories about the saints are part of the daily focus. All of this is presented to the participants through a lively celebration and activities. These activities in music, storytelling, rhythm, science and games are used to re-enforce the message. An outreach element is included in the week long process giving an opportunity for the students, their parents, and the parish to be of service to the disadvantaged in our community. This is a program the kids don’t want to miss!

Church Steeple Illustration

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