Parish Ministries

 

Infant of Prague Parish has many opportunities for our congregation to become more engaged in our community. We invite parishioners to call the Parish Office at 716-634-3660 for more information on our IOP Ministries.

 

Liturgical Ministries:

 

Eucharistic Ministers

 

Ministers assist with the distribution of the body and blood of Christ at Mass. Ministers also distribute Eucharist to the sick and homebound members of the parish community. Training is provided through our Parish Family, Bread of Life Catholic Community, or interested individuals are welcome to attend a training with another Parish.

 

Lazarus Servers

 

Adult altar servers assist the priest during funeral liturgies. This ministry is open to all men and women able to serve in this capacity. Training is provided.

 

Lectors

 

Lectors proclaim the word of God at all liturgical celebrations. Lectors generally meet four times a year on Saturday mornings. Training is provided.

 

Liturgy of The Word

 

Join us if you are interested in reflecting on upcoming Liturgies while preparing and recommending intercessory petitions for the Church, global issues, individuals, and our community. This group generally meets once a month.

 

Ushers

 

Ushers serve at all liturgical celebrations providing hospitality, collecting offerings, distributing bulletins and ministering to the needs of the assembled. All men and women in the parish are invited to serve as ushers.

 

Music Ministers

 

We has a vibrant and diverse music ministry open to all members of the parish community. Please call the Parish Office if interested in joining this ministry.

 

Spiritual Formation Ministries:

 

Altar and Rosary Society

 

This group cares for the Altar and Sanctuary within the Church, maintaining these sacred spaces of worship. This group generally meets monthly.

 

Bereavement Committee

 

This committee minister to the needs of parish families and those in the community who have lost a loved one. Support is provided from the time of death through the first year of the grief journey.

 

Environment Committee

 

This group prepares and decorates the inside of our Church and Chapel for holidays, the changing seasons, and special liturgies.

 

Eucharistic Adoration Society

 

Eucharistic Adoration takes place on the 1st Friday of every month. Representatives of the parish are present before the Blessed Sacrament beginning with the Celebration of the Eucharist at 8:30am Mass and concluding with Benediction at 6:00pm.

 

Legion of Mary

 

Active members of the Legion of Mary serve the community in various capacities.  Auxiliary members pray the rosary and Legion prays daily. Meetings are generally held Saturday mornings. All men and women in the parish are invited to join.

 

Marriage Preparation (Pre-Cana)

 

Pre-Cana is a special program to assist engaged couples who wish to enter into the Sacrament of Marriage. Please call the Parish Office for more information or to register.

 

Marion Movement of Priests

 

Come join us in praying the Rosary and reflecting upon a message from Our Lady to Father Sefano Gobbi regarding these challenging times. This group generally meets every other week. All are welcome to the call of Our Lady.

 

Service and Outreach Ministries:

 

Friends of Night People

 

On the 2nd Sunday of each month, a dedicated group of volunteers serves the evening meal in the Friends of Night People soup kitchen on the West Side of Buffalo. The volunteers assist in serving the meal as well as cleaning the dining kitchen and serving areas.

 

Ladies of Charity

 

Members give their time and talents to serve through charitable works and prayer. Ladies of Charity is open to all women who embrace the ideas of Saints Vincent DePaul and Louise de Marillac. This group generally meets monthly.

 

Lord’s Housekeepers

 

This dedicated group of parishioners volunteers their time to do periodic dusting and other minor cleaning projects in our Church. This group meets every Friday at 9:30AM in the Main Church.

 

Respect Life

 

Committed to promoting the sacredness of all human life, this group engages in educational and prayerful activities to help everyone understand, value, and support the dignity and gift of every person’s life.

 

Society of Saint Vincent DePaul

 

The Society of St. Vincent DePaul serves our local community by recognizing its needs, both material and spiritual, and providing assistance in a respectful manner. This group generally meets monthly. 

 

Fellowship Ministries:

 

Feel the Spirit 5K Race Committee

 

Each spring IOP hosts a 5K race that begins and ends on the church grounds. This committee aids in planning and hosting this premier event.

 

Hospitality Committee

 

This committee works with the Parish Council to host monthly get togethers after Sunday Masses, offering companionship and light refreshments to our parishioners and guests.

 

Lawn Fete Committee

 

This committee coordinates all Lawn Fete/SummerFest activities and volunteers for this yearly premier event.

 

Parish Life Committee

 

This group fosters Parish Community by supporting the parish's recurring social and recreational events held throughout the year. This group generally meets monthly.

 

Special Events Committee

 

This committee assembles as needed and works closely with the Pastor to coordinate and manage events dedicated to a particular theme.

 

Sports Nights

 

Men’s and Women’s sports night are hosted in Henesey Hall. All men who are 21 years of age or older and a parishioner of Infant of Prague are invited to register for these fun filled evenings of basketball. Our group generally meets on Wednesdays. A one time registration is required, however weekly participation is optional.

 

Pastoral Administration:

 

Building and Maintenance Committee

 

This group focus is on the Church and grounds, ensuring the safety and quality of all Infant of Prague properties. This committee works closely with the parish maintenance staff.

 

Parish Council

 

Council members are nominated and elected by the church community each fall. The council shares in the leadership of the parish and advises the pastor on aspects of the parish community. 

 

Finance Committee

 

Appointed by the Pastor, members of this committee assists the Pastor in understanding and managing the financial needs of the Infant of Prague parish community. This includes developing annual budgets, monitoring expenses, reviewing committee projects and preparing an annual financial statement for all parishioners.

 

Offertory Collection Counters

 

Appointed by the pastor, teams of parishioners serve the IOP community by counting and properly handling offertory collections from each weekend Mass.