Ministries and Opportunities

The following is a partial list of organizations serving our parish community.  Your participation is always welcome and if you feel led to start something new, talk to Father William.

Pastoral Council

The Pastoral Council, with the Pastor, facilitates a vision, establishes priorities, sets a direction, and helps provide for the spiritual enrichment of the parish.  They evaluate, support ministries, and set parish goals in collaboration with the Pastor.   This is a nine member council;  members are elected to a 3 year term with one third of the council being newly elected every year as one third completes their service.    Current Council Chairman is Cathy Peters, e-mail: boringfamily@juno.com.

Administrative Council

The Administrative Council advises the Pastor in administrating and planning the financial and property affairs of the parish, including budget preparation and supervision of accounting.  This is a six member council; members are elected to a 3 year term with one third of the council being newly elected every year as one third completes their service.  Current Council Chairman is Dan Gasper.

Parish Commissions

Catechetical Commission:  This commission meets once a month, or as needed, to promote participation in the Ministry of Catechetics, to serve as public relations source, and to recommend policy regarding the religious education needs of the parish.

Social Justice Commission:  This commission meets once a month to read Bible passages pertaining to Catholic social teaching, share reflections and to organize parish and community participation in social justice events.

Liturgical Ministries

Adult Acolytes/ Liturgical Assistants:  These men and women prepare the Altar for Mass, and assist the celebrant at the Altar.  Contact the Pastor.

Altar Servers:  Young people perform this ministry at Mass, weddings, funerals, etc.  You may become an Altar Server after your First Communion and be regularly attending Mass.  Training is necessary and provided before entering this ministry.   Please call Julie Brown for more information.  503-873-8004 or e-mail: jlpbrown@aceweb.com

Parish Musicians:  One of the essential elements for prayerful participation in the liturgy is music.  Music ministers incorporate the themes of the liturgical year and select music for our celebrations.  We have many different Musical styles enhancing our Masses.  Please consider this engaging Ministry.  Musicians and vocalists always welcome.

Extraordinary Ministers of the Holy Eucharist:  This ministry is to distribute the Eucharist at Mass and/or take Holy Communion to the elderly or homebound on a weekly basis.  Training and commissioning is required; ministers must have received the Sacraments of Initiation.

Lectors:  Proclamation of the Scripture during Mass is the ministry of lectors.  Training and commissioning are required, as well as an ongoing study of Scripture.

Ushers/ Greeters:  Ushers offer assistance in greeting people, in seating people, take up the collection, distributing bulletins, and assisting with emergencies.

Sacristans:  Sacristans oversee the supply of liturgical items for Mass as well as the vestments, Altar cloths, flowers, and decorating for the seasons of the year.

Religious Education

Religious Education Sessions are held Sunday mornings from September through May for children ages 3 through Sixth Grade.  Contact the DRE at 503-873-2044.   Religious Education Sessions in Spanish, Contact the Hispanic Ministries Coordinator at 503-873-2044 or click over to the Spanish tab.

Adult Forum:  This is Sunday Morning Adult Catechesis from 9:15-10:00 during children’s sessions.  It is held each Sunday, Fall through Spring with various speakers covering a wide and interesting number of Catholic topics.

Youth Ministry

St. Paul Parish is a Life Teen Parish.  A Youth Mass is celebrated First Sundays at 5 pm.  Other Sundays of the month, youth in Junior High and High School meet in the evening, Junior High from 5-6pm, High School from 6:30 to 8.  There are often gatherings of the whole group for events and socials.  Leadership and Parents meet Wednesday evenings for Planning.

Sacramental Preparation

Baptism:  Parent and Godparent preparation sessions are required before Baptism.  Contact Fr. William at the Parish office for an appointment.

Reconciliation/Eucharist:  Sessions available through our Religious Education program.  Students will be expected to participate in a  minimum of one year of Religious Education before their Sacramental Preparation year.

Confirmation:  Preparation for Confirmation is a one-year process that takes place every other year here at St. Paul Parish.  Participation in Youth Group is strongly encouraged.  Contact the Youth Ministry Office.

Marriage:  One of the couple must be an active and registered parishioner or parents of either the bride of groom be active/registered in St. Paul Parish.  Please contact the parish office six months before date of marriage for a meeting with the Pastor.  503-873-2044.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults:  RCIA is a process, a faith journey for those interested in entering fully into our Catholic Community.  A Scriptural approach with the Sunday’s liturgy, Catholic tradition and doctrine is used to guide those interested in the knowledge and love of Jesus and our Church.  Contact Father William at 503-873-2044.

Community Worship and Service

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: 5am to midnight, 365 days per year in Adoration Chapel.  Hours are available for “adoption”.  Please call the office 5203-873-2044

St. Paul Altar Society:  This organization meets monthly to oversee the operations of the church interior such as decorating, flowers, cleaning, etc.

Legion of Mary:  Meets weekly Saturday mornings after Mass for prayer and reflection on Spiritual Works.

Tuesday Morning Faith Sharing Group:  Meets in the Parish Center at 8:45 am until about 10am.

Annual Turkey Dinner:  Held the first Sunday in November, this is the main fundraiser for the Parish.  Everyone’s help is appreciated and needed.

“Coffee &”:  This hospitality ministry serves refreshments after each of the Sunday Masses in the School hall.  It is sponsored by the Knights of Columbus.

Funeral Luncheon Program:  to provide families with an opportunity for a luncheon and fellowship after funeral services in the Parish.  Contact Cathy Peters 503-365-8680 or Mary Fogarty 503-873-6577.

Gardening Group:  Parishioners meet during the spring and fall to plan and outline the landscape for the parish as well as the courtyards.

Healing (Grief) Ministry:  This support program offers opportunities for healing through classes and workshops throughout the year.  Healing from the loss of a loved one, divorce, miscarriage, or any significant changes in one’s life.

Knights of Columbus:  A Catholic fraternal service group that meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 7:00 pm in the school basement.  The Knights participate in the annual Oktoberfest in Mt. Angel and seek the help of ALL parishioners in manning their Sausage booth.

New Mother’s Meals:  Families with new babies have dinner meals prepared and delivered to them for the first two weeks after the baby arrives by volunteer parishioners.  Currently seeking a coordinator.

Oracion Charismatica:  Spanish Charismatic Prayer Group meets weekly on Monday in the Church at 7pm.  Music and teaching in Spanish.

Parish Library:  Located in the parish center, the library has over 1000 books and tapes for parishioner’s use.  Library is open Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, and by appointment.

Sewing Circle  Meets each Monday morning to quilt, sew, and make crafts for the bazaar sale at the Turkey Dinner.

St. Paul Cemetery:  Located on Hobart Rd. just outside of Silverton.  Sextant, Buzz Huber  503-873-6747

Community Outreach:  Through Silverton Area Community Aid (SACA) offering assistance to area families.  Contact number 503-873-3446