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Winter Break Service Trips

Every year students and staff from Saint Paul’s make an impact on communities throughout the United States through winter break service trips to encounter those in material and spiritual need.

Take a look at options for winter break, January 2022:

South Bend, Indiana: January 2nd – 7th 

Estimated Registration Fee: $200

Possible Work: The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ have a variety of different tasks such as working on a farm, in nursing homes and more. Don’t forget all the awesome time spent with the sisters, they are quite a hoot! 

*Proof of vaccination required for attendance upon request of the host

Walls, Mississippi: January 3rd – 8th 

Estimated Registration Fee: $350

Possible Work: Sacred Heart Southern Missions runs two schools, a food pantry, social services, and more. Work may include quality time with local families and hands on work such as remodeling homes, cooking and serving food, etc. 

New Orleans, Louisiana: January 8th – 15th

Estimated Registration Fee: $350

Possible Work: Common Ground Relief works primarily in wetland restoration and hurricane relief. Work will most likely be wetland restoration, possibly some home restoration as well.

Talcott, West Virginia: January 9th – 15th

Estimated Registration Fee: $350

Possible Work: At Bethlehem Farms expect to work with animals, in gardens, and rebuilding homes (or building new ones!). This trip is a chance to get out into nature and take a break from technology for the week.

*Proof of vaccination required for attendance upon request of the host

Bapchule, Arizona: January 9th – 15th

Estimated Registration Fee: $350

Possible Work: The Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity run a school on the Gila River Reservation. Expect to spend time with the kids at school and the sisters while learning about the Native American culture. Peep the possibility of a Grand Canyon visit too….

Corpus Christi, Texas: January 16th – 22nd

Estimated Registration Fee: $350

Possible Work: Expect to work with young students at the school, helping with games and tutoring and going door to door handing out bibles and inviting people back to mass. 

Charleston, South Carolina: 17th – 22nd

Estimated Registration Fee: $350

Possible Work: Home building and restoration with Habitat for Humanity, there is work for all skill levels, but be prepared to work outside with your hands! 

Janesville, Wisconsin: 17th – 22nd

Estimated Registration Fee: $100

Possible Work: Expect to help with indoor maintenance on the homes of St. Patrick Parishioners, bring outdoor clothes just in case, at the very least you might want to go sledding! 

Mass Ministry

Lectors

Lectors proclaim the word of the Lord to the congregation, drawing the assembly more deeply into the mystery being celebrated. They prepare the readings in advance. They approach the ambo with dignity and reverence, and proclaim the readings in a strong, clear voice. Lectors are scheduled on a rotating basis.

Altar Servers

Altar servers assist the priest during Mass. This assistance comes in the form of being candle bearers, book servers, and the assistants of the priest at the altar. Altar servers are scheduled on a rotating basis.

Master of Ceremonies

The Master of Ceremonies assists the priest and directs the altar servers during Mass. The MC helps to prepare the altar for the Consecration and cares for the sacred books during Mass. Masters of Ceremonies are scheduled on a rotating basis.

Sacristans

Sacristans prepare the chapel for the celebration of the liturgy. They put sacred objects and books in their proper places to allow the Mass to proceed smoothly. They also work with the liturgical ministers, giving guidance and instruction as needed. By helping other participants in the liturgy, sacristans help create an atmosphere that is more conducive to prayer and holiness of the people gathered at Mass. Sacristans are asked to serve weekly or bi-weekly at one of the weekend liturgies.

Interested in Mass Ministry?

Email our Liturgy Intern, Ben Galvin, for more information and training.

Music Ministry

Musicians play an essential role in the work of God that is the liturgy. The choir leaves an indelible impression on the minds of all who take part in the worship of the faith community. Music in the liturgy is so much a part of the fabric of worship that if it is done well, it gives a glimpse of the Divine and facilitates the prayer of all present. If you are interested in being a part of Music Ministry email Maria Steigerwald.