Spirituality and Worship

developing liturgical and devotional celebrations

The mission of the Spirituality and Worship Commission is to develop liturgical and devotional celebrations that call the entire community to active participation in the heart of the liturgy: the Paschal Mystery of Jesus Christ.

Altar Servers

Deacon Ron Pyle
219-322-4505 ext.8286

Young people, from fifth grade through seniors in high school, are encouraged to help the priest, deacon and parishioners pray together. As ministers, altar servers participate in the liturgy, pray and socialize together and give glory to God through service.

Click here to download the Altar Server Handbook

Click here to view the Altar Server Funeral Training Video

Art and Environment

Tina Kempf
219-865-8663

This ministry prepares and maintains the church decorations for Feast Days according to the Liturgical Season. Meets informally two to three times a year to prepare the church for Christmas and Easter.

Sacristans

Loretta DePrez
219-322-4505, ext. 8228

Sacristans clean the sanctuary and prepare the vessels and other items for daily and special liturgies. They work on Mondays and as needed for special feast days. A special group helps to launder and mend the church linens as needed.

Cross Bearers

Steve Sieracki
219-730-8200
Email Steve

Members of this ministry lead the procession in and out of church at Mass on Saturday evenings, Sundays, Holy Days of Obligation, and other primary days of worship by carrying the large processional cross.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

Deacon Gary Wolfe
219-678-1332
Email Gary

Helps in the distribution of the Holy Eucharist to the congregation. Members must be parishioners at least 16 years old, and if applicable, be in valid sacramental marriage. A one-time training session is two hours long. An online system is available to cover for vacations and time conflicts.

Ministers of Care

Janice Gatons
219-322-4505, ext. 8241
Email Janice

Members of this ministry visit the homebound, Schererville Residences, nursing homes, and/or hospitalized, share in prayer, and take Holy Communion to them if so desired. Ministers of Care must be fully initiated practicing parishioners of St. Michael. This ministry meets quarterly.

Hospitality

Rob Olson

219-689-4757

Email Rob

Welcomes and assists all who enter the worship space, takes up the collections, coordinates the procession of the faithful during Communion, and distributes music sheets and bulletins. Commitment is one or two Sundays per month.

Lectors

Carol Schiessle
219-322-4505, ext. 8262
Email Carol

Our purpose is to glorify God by proclaiming God’s Word at Liturgies. Sunday lectors are typically scheduled once every four weeks; weekday lectors are on a rotating schedule. Lectors meet four times annually on the third Sunday of February, May, August, and November (times vary) for continuing spiritual, liturgical and technical formation.

Liturgy Committee

Carole Prendergast
219-322-4505, ext. 8227
Email Carole

The Liturgy Committee’s primary function is to promote and strengthen the liturgical and sacramental life of the parish family. The committee coordinates the planning and scheduling of liturgical celebrations and oversees the various liturgical ministries.

Music Ministry

Carole Prendergast
219-322-4505, ext. 8227
Email Carole

Provides liturgical music for all Masses and during special events and services such as weddings and funerals. The ministry consists of several choirs (adult, children, and bell) under a group leader. Practices vary according to the type of choir. All are welcome! Please contact Debbie if you are interested in singing or playing an instrument.

OCIA

Kimberley Hoogeveen
219-322-3077
Email Kimberley

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults provides faith development and instruction for those seeking full membership in the Roman Catholic Church. At St. Michael Parish, we also offer a children’s adaptation of this Rite to help them understand the significance of the sacraments. The process culminates in Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist for the unbaptized, and Confirmation and Eucharist for the baptized. The community is invited to support and pray for those on this important journey.