Pastoral Ministries
Bereavement Ministry
The Bereavement Ministry reaches out to those who have experienced the death of a loved one by providing support to the bereaved family, and assisting with funeral arrangements. Volunteers are offered the opportunity to attend diocesan workshops for this ministry. Contact Maybelle McGee at 242-7102.
Family Life
Funeral Choir
Performs one of the Corporal Works of Mercy: "Burying the Dead." This ministry provides support and comfort to the family and friends of the deceased. We have a phone tree to notify members of a funeral, and no formal rehearsal. We welcome new members. Contact Marie Odorizzi 255-3952
Gardening Ministry
Helps care for the landscaping and plants on parish grounds. Contact Ann Reynolds 255-5719 or C_1_REYNOLDS@bellsouth.net
Grief Support Group
We currently have two bereavement groups that meet weekly. The first group meets on Monday afternoons at 1pm in room 307 of the Ministry Center. For information on this group, please call Carol Gessler at 779-7850.
The second group meets on Wednesday at 7pm in the Church Office. For information on this group, please contact Deacon Sergio Colon at 254-2595 ext 3082
Ministry of Intercessions
This is a spiritual ministry in which we offer prayers and intentions to God for our community and the world. Here at Ascension we have a ministry especially for our parishioners who are unable to participate in regular liturgies and events at the church: our shut-ins, sick, disabled, those in nursing homes, and senior citizens. This ministry enables everyone to join in a chorus of praise and bring God's blessing to our parish and our world. Each month we receive a list of intercessions to pray for. Contact Terri Roy at 779-9502 or Aline McKinney 259-8457
Ministry to the Hearing Impaired
Volunteer sign language interpreters provide the hearing impaired access to the liturgy at Sunday’s 9:30 A.M. Mass. Interpreters meet weekly to prepare for the following Sunday. Volunteers who can sign or desire to learn to sign are welcome. Contact Pat Stoner 726-6592.
Ministry to the Sick
Ministers to the Sick and Homebound visit our parishioners who are hospitalized, living in assisted-living or nursing homes, or are homebound. These Ministers conduct a weekly pastoral visit with the individual and carry the Eucharist to them.
Prerequisites for serving as a Minister to the Sick:
- Be an active, registered member of Ascension for minimum of one year
- Complete necessary application forms and interview
- Be granted approval by Pastor
- attend Diocesan training
Following this, a new Minister will "shadow" an experienced Minister for a time, be commissioned by the Bishop, and be issued an ID badge. Contact Pat Apfelthaler 254-2865
Respite Care
Volunteers provide relief to caregivers of impaired loved ones. Training is offered for those wishing to join this ministry. Contact Rose Bellinger 254-2549
Pro Life/Respect Life
Proclaims the sanctity and value of human life as a gift from God from conception through death and promotes human dignity in all phases of life by educational programs, seminars and promotion of systematic change. Contact Mrs. Cindy Iezzi slifamily@earthlink.net
Transportation
Transports the elderly and handicapped to doctor appointments, church, etc. Contact Fernando Dominicis 254-8565
Welcome Team
Welcomes new parishioners offering assistance to the new parishioner in becoming familiar with and involved in the life of the parish community. Contact Cathy Katz 757-8966.
