Our liturgies utilize the talents and gifts that God has given our community to the fullest extent. Whether participation is through “behind the scenes” preparation and planning or through a public role of service within the Mass, parishioner contributions help our liturgies to be truly life-giving celebrations.
For further information or contact information for the listed ministry's please contact our
Parish office 219-659-0023 or churchparishoffice@stjohnbap.org
Eucharistic Minister Schedule SJB and SA
Choir Schedule- Practice is held weekly between Memorial Day and Labor day on Thursday evening from 6:30-8:00.
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Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: Parishioners who have been commissioned as Lay ministers have the privilege to assist the priest at Mass by giving to others the Body and Blood of Christ. Training is provided.
Lectors: Our Lector's are trained and commissioned to proclaim the Scriptures at all liturgical celebrations on Sundays, weekdays and other special prayer services. Training is provided.
Cantors: Our Cantors lead our Choir and Faith Community in Song and Response during our Liturgy's. Cantors are led by our Music Director and practice typically once a week.
Contemporary Mass Leaders: Our contemporary musicians lead worship once a month under the guidance of Mark Medina. Practice is once a week. Interested musicians and vocalist should contact the rectory, Office of Faith Formation to get in contact with the coordinator of this minstry.
Adult Choir: Members of our Adult Choir support our Cantors and help to lead our Congregation in Liturgical prayer through song. Choir typically sings at 10:30am liturgy on Sunday. Practice is held weekly between Memorial Day and Labor Day on Thursday evening from 6:30-8:00 in the Choir loft.
Alleluia Community Choir: is a citywide choir formed in 1995. It began as the Alleluia Choir in 1987 to enhance funeral liturgies in our community. Recognizing the need other parishes have for this ministry, the choir was expanded in scope and membership to offer its musical resources other catholic parishes in the Whiting-Robertsdale area.
Music includes opportunities for singers, instrumentalists, those who are experienced, and those who are learners. All are welcomed to join in the music that is an expression of faith, and a part of the prayer of the Church. All music is led by our Director of Music Ministry
Ministers of Welcome: Families and individuals who welcome people at the Liturgies and other prayer services. Their purpose is to make people feel welcome by greeting them at the doors before mass as well as wishing them a good day as they leave while handing out the bulletins.
Altar Servers: Any boy or girl who is at the fourth grade through College/Adult is invited to serve as an Altar Server. Server responsibilities include assisting at Sunday Masses, prayer services, funerals, wedding celebrations and quinceanera's.
Sacristans: Our Sacristans provide a valuable ministry by taking special care of the Sanctuary and Sacristy. Work is done on a weekly basis: laundry (altar cloths, etc.) typically on Monday/Tuesday mornings; ironing is typically on Wednesday/Thursday mornings; cleaning the Church, Sacristy and Sanctuary areas are on Friday's. Additional volunteers are most welcome and certainly needed
Liturgy of the Word for Children - CLW is offered for children Pre K - 3rd Grade during most 10:30 a.m. Masses at St. John the Baptist Church. During the session, the children are invited to hear and discuss Sunday’s scriptures at their level of understanding. An adult leader guides the children and provides them with some means of retaining and sharing the scripture message others. There is no pre-registration for this program. Children interested in going to the session are called forward by the Deacon or Priest right after the opening prayer. If your child is interested but hesitant you are most welcome to go with them until they are comfortable to go alone. The children will rejoin the congregation at the Offertory.
Eucharistic Minister to the Sick: The trained Eucharistic Ministers take Communion to those individuals who are temporarily unable to attend Mass due to illness. Training is provided
Eucharistic Minister to Elderly/Homebound: Take Communion to elderly who are in Whiting-Robertsdale Care Center and unable to attend Mass, or to those who may be homebound. Training is provided. Parishioner volunteers provide communion services and other prayer services to residents of the Care Center. Additional help is always needed to assist with the spiritual needs or our Elderly.
Infant Baptisms for children under the age of Eight are celebrated after the 10:30 Sunday Mass, scheduled at the parents convenience. Parents and God Parents are required to attend a Formation session before the scheduling of the child's baptism. Formation sessions are held every other month and pre-registration for the session is required. Please visit our Baptism Tab on this site
Parents must be active and participating members of the parish for four months before scheduling their child’s Baptism. Active and participating is indicted by the usage of the family envelopes during the weekend liturgies. If you do not have family envelopes please contact the Rectory to request them or to register as a member of the parish
Children over the age of Eight will prepare for their Baptism through the Faith Formation Program and the Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (RCIC) program.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a faith formation program offered to those Adults over the age of 18 who wish to become members of the Catholic faith. Formation begins in September and culminates at the Holy Saturday Easter Vigil.
Marriage Preparation: The Catholic Church offers marriage preparation to help couples develop a better understanding of the sacrament; to deepen their readiness to live married life; and to gain insights into themselves as individuals and as a couple. Please contact the Rectory to schedule a meeting with the Pastor before selecting the date of your Marriage
Quinceanera Formation: The Catholic Church offers special formation for the young ladies preparing for their Quinceanera. Our formation session is held once a year in March, please call in advance to reserve a spot for your daughter.