Parish Ministries

The people of St. Matthias bring varied gifts to ministry and fellowship, some formal, and some informal. Take a look at the following opportunities. Perhaps there is an area of special interest and ministry that appeals to you and your gifts. Some of the ministries at St. Matthias include:

Altar Guild members prepare the altar and sanctuary for worship services, weddings, baptisms, and funerals. Guild members also clean up after services, and maintain the fair linen and priest’s vestments.

Service as an Acolyte, is open to adults and children beginning at age nine. Acolytes light candles, carry the processional cross, and assist the priest at the altar.

The Lay Chalicist serves the communion cup to the congregation during Holy Communion.

The Music Ministry is led by the organist and choir director, Denni Arrup. The Choir leads the congregation in worship through singing and instrumental music ministries. Choir practice is every Wednesday night at 7:30 pm from Labor Day in September through Memorial Day in May.

Lay Readers read the Scripture lessons during worship services. The Litanist leads the congregation in Prayers of the People.

Lay Eucharistic Ministers visit those unable to attend services, and provide pastoral care and administer Holy Communion from the Reserved Sacrament. 

Christian Formation programs include an Adult Forum on the first two Sundays of the month after the 9:30 AM Service. Bible Study is held at different times during the year on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Thursdays of the month at  7 PM. Please check the church calendar for exact dates.

The Vestry, the elected governing body of St. Matthias, is charged with the day-to-day management of the church. Vestry members serve with members of the Finance Commission, Building and Grounds Commission, and the Parish Life and Outreach Commission to deal with the ordinary needs and special events or concerns of the parish.

There are two Wardens: the Senior Warden, appointed by the Rector, works with the Rector to lead the parish, and the Junior Warden, elected by the Vestry, is responsible for the church’s building and grounds, and coordinating renovation projects, major repairs, supervising the church Custodian, and all routine maintenance. 

Commissions

The Commissions function to coordinate parish administration and maintenance by bringing together representatives from various committees and planning groups for monthly meetings.

The Building and Grounds Commission, led by the Junior Warden, focuses on stewardship of the physical resources at St. Matthias, overseeing the maintenance and renovation of our beautiful buildings and grounds. Gardeners work year round to ensure the gardens and lawns are beautiful.

The  Parish Life and Outreach Commission supports a variety of activities. Greeters welcome visitors and members of the congregation. Hospitality is provided through Sunday Coffee Hour, and receptions for special services. St. Matthias Lay Eucharistic Ministers also bring the Eucharist to members of the St. Matthias community and provide pastoral care and support to residents at the Harborside Nursing Home. Included in community outreach, is the provision of meeting space for Alcoholics Anonymous, the Rosemont Community Association, Sons of Italy, the Cosmopolitans, and Line Dance and Yoga classes.  Additional outreach is provided by our Loaves and Fishes free lunch program once a month, open to the surrounding community. St. Matthias also provides assistance through our Food Pantry, donations of food baskets to the community at Christmas, and through contributions to Paul’s Place, the Seafarer’s Outreach Mission, and Rosemont School, and the Northeast Food Pantry. St. Matthias also contributes  to the Episcopal Relief and Development Fund. 

The Finance Commission ensures good use of the parish’s financial resources, overseeing fundraising efforts, and organizing  the annual Stewardship Campaign. Several finance-related committees work under the Finance Commission’s leadership, including Stewardship, the St. Matthias Building Fund, our Endowment Fund, and the preparation of our Annual Budget.