Volunteer

To get involved please email us at: ministries@stolaf.cc

Adult Formation

Volunteers help provide and support opportunities for adults to grow in their relationship with Jesus and deepen their Catholic faith through Bible studies, faith studies, spiritual resources, discussion groups, and other formation opportunities.

Altar Servers

The Altar Servers assist the priest and deacon during parish liturgies and is open to anyone who has received First Holy Communion. Servers are expected to be familiar with the flow of the liturgy and anticipate each movement.

Arts and Environment

This ministry strives to create a visually appropriate environment to encourage and stimulate the participation of the worshipping community in the liturgical celebration. Members water the live plants in the Church and Commons area and purchase and arrange the flowers for the celebration of weekend Masses. They use their talents to keep flowers relevant as the liturgical seasons and seasons of the year change, incorporating these changes into their weekly arrangements and maintaining our outdoor gardens. Those wishing to combine their love for the church and their willingness to share their artistic gifts should consider this ministry. We are busy 12 months/year, but our busiest times are Holy Week and Christmas, when it’s “all-hands-on-deck” and spouses or other family member often pitch in, too!  

Children's Christian Formation

Volunteers help provide a joyful and welcoming environment where children can grow in their relationship with Jesus and deepen their Catholic faith. Volunteers assist with faith formation activities, Children’s Liturgy of the Word, Vacation Bible School, and other opportunities that support the faith development of children from preschool through 5th grade.

ChristLife

Volunteers help support the ChristLife process by welcoming participants, assisting with meals and hospitality, facilitating small-group discussions, and helping create an environment where people can encounter Jesus and grow as His disciples.

Eucharistic Adoration

Eucharistic Adoration is held on the first Thursday of the month and begins with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament following the 10am Mass (approximately 10:30 am) and continues until 5:30pm. You may sign up for the time you would like to spend with the Blessed Sacrament. The sign-up sheet is located on the table in the commons area closest to the Parish Hall. All are welcome even if you have not signed up!

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

An Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion (EMOC) is a fully initiated member of the community who is committed to responding to the call of their baptism by their humble service to the community during Eucharistic celebrations. EMOC’s assist the priest and deacon in the distribution of Holy Communion under both species at all Masses. 

Fellowship Ministry

Do you enjoy baking and sharing your “gifts” with friends old and new? 

After all weekend Masses, refreshments are provided by the Fellowship Ministry.

The Fellowship Ministers share their talents by hosting Fellowship after mass once every 8-10 weeks.

Food Pantry

Client Services: Manages client list on the computer, answers phones, fills orders and serves clients.

Pickup Team: Picks up groceries at local stores. You will be lifting and moving boxes of groceries.

Dating Team: Labels all donated and purchased food items with expiration dates.

Please contact Donna Hamilton at 757-903-2868 for more information on how you can help.

Healing Prayer Ministry

HEALING PRAYER MINISTRY members pray with individuals, in person, for the health and wholeness of body, mind, and spirit that the Divine Physician desires for you. Prayer Ministers meet once a week in the parish hall, allowing people to come and pray with them. Volunteers may also be asked to schedule an appointment to meet with individuals for prayer.

For more information on how to volunteer please call the parish office at 757-564-3819

or email us at stolafhealingprayer23@gmail.com

Homebound Ministry

Homebound Ministry brings the love and presence of Christ to parishioners who are unable to attend Mass due to illness, age, or limited mobility. Through compassionate visits and the sharing of Holy Communion, ministers help homebound parishioners remain connected to the St. Olaf faith community. Homebound ministers do not have to be Eucharistic ministers, but they must be compassionate, loving and caring. They must be trained in procedure. A minister will train them and take them along their first visit.

Knitting Ministry

The knitters provide warm blankets, hats, gloves, scarves and sweaters for the clients affiliated with organizations in the greater Williamsburg and Richmond area. They also knit prayer shawls, which are fashioned in a spirit of prayer, to offer comfort to our parishioners.

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 of God. Lectors have a deep love for the Scriptures and an interest in sharing their gift with the community. Training is provided.

Linens

These volunteers launder and press altar linens used during liturgies, including altar cloths, purificators, corporals and towels.

Men's Saturday Building & Grounds

This group of volunteers who aid in keeping the grounds of the parish in good condition as well as maintaining and assisting with building projects and maintenance of all buildings on the parish property.

Music Ministry

The Music Ministry brings liturgically and spiritually appropriate music to our liturgies and invites us to full, conscious and active participation in the liturgy. The St. Olaf music ministry provides music for every weekend liturgy as well holy days and funerals. Varying levels of experience are welcome.

For more information on becoming a Cantor, Choir Member, a Salve Regina Singer or Instrumentalist please visit the Music Ministry page.

Prayer Warrior Ministry

This ministry is about helping others through prayer for healing or support. There are no meetings or other obligations required, just your prayers! If you would like to join us, send an email to

stolafprayerwarriors@gmail.com with your name and email address. 

Sacristan

Sacristans are responsible for preparation of the Altar before Mass. Training is provided and meetings are held when needed.

Small Group Ministry

SGM gathers people together to discuss our faith as it relates to real life issues, using books and study guides that are Bible-based. Groups launch two times per year, Fall and Spring. Our small groups meet in people's homes. We offer 4, 6, 8, or 10 week studies.

Sound Ministry

Sound Ministers use a remote audio mixer application loaded on an iPad to monitor and adjust sound amplification for the celebrant, deacon, readers, cantors, choir and musicians who use wired and wireless microphones during weekend Masses. 


Sound Ministers arrive no later than 20 minutes before Mass to turn on the sound system; check wireless microphones for batteries; and, check for the proper control of all microphone channels using the iPad application. 



During Mass the Sound Minister adjusts microphone audio levels and mutes or unmutes microphone channels as needed. Volunteers must be mature and dependable; comfortable using an iPad application; and, have reasonable hearing acuity. Training and ongoing mentoring is provided.

Ushers

Ushers welcome parishioners as they arrive for Mass, assist with seating and communion procession, take up collections and ensure its safekeeping, invite a family to bring forth offertory gifts, distribute bulletins and assist those with special needs. This ministry is a great way to meet your fellow parishioners and is a perfect ministry for families.

Welcome Committee

This ministry assists the office in welcoming new members to our parish.

Worship Committee

The Liturgy Committee is a group of parishioners who work with the priest and deacon to develop meaningful liturgies and spiritual events at St. Olaf. They also encourage participation in various liturgical ministries.

Youth Ministry

Volunteers help support Life Teen and Edge by building relationships with teens and creating opportunities for them to encounter Christ, grow in their Catholic faith, and become active members of the parish community. Volunteers assist with youth nights, small groups, activities, retreats, and other youth ministry events.

Youth Worship Ministry

The Youth Worship Ministry is open to all middle-and high-school-aged youth and will help serve the parish by providing music at Mass, parish adoration, and the Lenten youth retreat. Vocalists need no prior musical training-all are welcome! Instrumentalists must be able to read chord changes and/or music notation.