Liturgy Ministries

Each week at the Casa, we use approximately 50 “purificators” … the small square linens that are used to wipe the sacred cup during communion at every mass. These linens are washed and ironed by a ministry of volunteers. More help is always welcomed! Critical to this ministry is reliability. Please leave a message at the Casa Liturgy Office by calling 480-948-7460 ext.126 or emailing to casaliturgy@aol.com.

"Behind the scenes" is always bustling with activity. This ministry works to artistically enhance the worship space environment, creating an atmosphere that assists the joyful celebration of the community at prayer. We need your ideas to make this an expression of the faith life of the community. From the smallest job to the largest, all are welcome. Your industry, talents & skills ... or just an interest in working along side others is all that is necessary. More people are always needed to help with these very important tasks. Critical to this ministry is reliability. Please call 480-948-7460 ext.126 or email casaliturgy@aol.com.

The Casa Choir rehearses every Tuesday from 7-9 p.m., September through May. New participants must be able to read music. There is no audition; previous choir experience is helpful. The choir sings at Christmas and throughout Holy Week, and a few other occasions during the year, but does not sing every Sunday. If you are interested in joining the choir, please call Norbert at 480-948-7460 ext. 126 or e-mail casaliturgy@aol.com. For general information about the Casa Choir, please contact Odi Jansen at odibear47@aol.com or 602-274-5917.

Cantors are chosen by audition from the choir membership. For more information about the Cantor ministry, you may contact Frank Tonis at frank@tonis.com or 602-953-1513; or Chris Bork at cbork@tsc-law.com.

In the event that a priest is unavailable to preside for morning Mass, the faithful are called to come together as community to celebrate the resurrection of the Lord through the Liturgy of the Word. The Communion Service team ministry serves the diverse needs of this liturgy and the morning community with hospitality ministers, Eucharistic ministers, service leaders and gospel reflectors. This year round ministry leads the community in prayer and joyful celebration with the breaking open of the Word and the sharing of previously consecrated Eucharist in a Communion Rite. If you are a member of the Casa community and would like to explore this manner of prayer, please contact Cheryl Thomsen 602-432-2708 or email to casaliturgy@aol.com.

The Casa Breadbakers Ministry has many dedicated, wonderful bakers - but we could always use a few more. A little baking experience is helpful (and there is some kneading required). If you can commit to approximately 10 to 12 baking dates per year, (it takes about 1 hour each time), please join this Ministry by contacting either Melinda Berger at 480-502-4446 and melindaberger@cox.net or Mark Monserez at 602-956-7855 and monserezlaw@cox.net.

"All are welcome in this place!" Offering a warm welcome to every person who comes here is very important to the mission of the Franciscan Renewal Center. The women and men who serve in the “Hospitality Ministry” each week – smiling and greeting everyone, giving out song sheets, helping those who require assistance, giving directions, etc – are one of our strongest assets … and anyone who comes here for the first time and experiences this is grateful! If you would like to be a part of this welcoming ministry, please leave your name at the front desk or talk to one of the ministers on Sunday. You may also email casaliturgy@aol.com or call 480-948-7460 ex. 126.

The Lector Ministry consists of women and men who, through their study, prayer, skills and preparation, proclaim the Word of God to the liturgical assembly. Casa Lectors have public speaking skills and a love of sacred scripture. They are willing to spend whatever time is required in order to properly prepare for each proclamation. Open positions in the Lector ministry are infrequent, but are filled following an interview and audition process. Lectors are then certified by the Diocese of Phoenix for a period of three years. For more information, please contact Victoria Celaya at 480-596-9691 or vcelaya@cox.net; or Jane Waldron at jwaldron@waldronsfarm.com or 602-749-9150.

Lay ministers are deputed to assist the priest in the distribution of Holy Communion, and are trained and certified by the Diocese of Phoenix for a three-year commitment. At the Casa, lay ministers of the Eucharist are scheduled to serve at liturgies on a regular basis, and also expected to make themselves available to serve at Easter and Christmas and other special occasions throughout the year. Training sessions are offered at the Casa twice a year to certify new ministers. If you would like to share in this beautiful ministry, please contact Beth Yale at 480-513-8998 for more information about the next certification session.

Loss of a loved one is a difficult time. We want to be supportive and available to you and your family during this time. Consolation Ministers journey with those grieving the loss of a loved one, offering the support of the community and helping them as they continue on in life. Please inform us as soon as possible after the death of a family member. We can participate in preparing the funeral liturgy or memorial service. We offer personal contact and support after the death of a loved one, and we hold you and your family in prayer for at least a year following your loss. We also conduct a memorial Mass each November for families who have lost a loved one during the previous year. If you would like to join this Ministry as a Support Partner, please call 480-948-7460 ex. 126, or email to casaliturgy@aol.com.

Trained members of this ministry bring Eucharist to members of the Casa Community who are unable to attend Sunday liturgy because of sickness, disability or again. Our lay ministers aim to provide fellowship, prayer and an opportunity to share in Holy Communion to the homebound or hospitalized. The sacrament of anointing is available by one of our priests. Please call at the outset of the serious illness or whenever the ministry can be of service. We want to share with you in times of illness the ministry of encouragement and prayer, fellowship and Eucharist. Please call 480-948-7460 for more information and referral, or contact Richard Sederstrom at 480-941-4742 or email rsederstrom1@cs.com.

We want to be a helping hand and listening ear to those who are in need of prayer. We want to share with you the ministry of encouragement and prayer. Through this care we provide support and fellowship to those facing serious illness, hospitalization, or any of life’s struggles. You may become a Prayer Partner and add your healing prayers for all in need. Please call 480-948-7460 for more information and referral. To have your intention lifted up in prayer, please email Carol Vaccaro at carolvacc@cox.net, or call Mil Quinn at 480-946-6258.

Anyone interested in becoming a Catholic is invited to participate in A JOURNEY IN FAITH through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a restoration of the ancient practice of initiation in the Church. The Rite is focused on the candidates’ journey of conversion through scripture, prayer, dialogue, days of prayer and song. The community ritually celebrates the conversion at various points on the journey, culminating with the celebration of baptism, confirmation and eucharist at the Easter Vigil. It is the beginning of a lifelong journey in faith and prepares individuals and communities for living the Christian life. The “Period of Inquiry” formally begins in the Fall … but you may call and ask questions at any time. We also need fully initiated Catholics to walk with these individuals as “Sponsors” on this part of their journey of faith. For more information about becoming a Catholic, please pick up the JOURNEY IN FAITH brochure in the lobby or feel free to call Suzanne Smith at 480-948-1567 or Kathleen Garast at 480-483-3803 or kgarast@aol.com. To participate as a Sponsor or Sunday Catechist, please contact Jeff Rochford at 602-369-7882, or Steve Zaccari at 602-996-0583.

Check out some photos of RCIA

Information is forthcoming. As of January 2006, this ministry is reorganizing. If you have interest in this ministry, please contact the Liturgy Office at 480-948-7460 ext. 126 or email to casaliturgy@aol.com.