Ministries and Programs in our Parish
Our Lady of Perpetual Help

My dear parishioners at OLPH peace and grace of our Lod Jesus Christ you all.
As we keep growing in our parish and move forward in the path of Christ, I want to invite you to take advantage of the various programs and ministries we have at OLPH in order for us to keep growing in our faith and the knowledge of God and Jesus, and in serving those in our parish community.

First of all, as you know this month of August is dedicated to registrations for Faith Formation, meaning catechetical training for our kids and youth for the different sacraments: Baptism, First Holy Communion and Confirmation. Please, come to the parish office from Monday- Friday during the office hours or go to the PLC after all the weekend masses to register your children for the sacraments. Diana Lee our Parish School Religion director and her volunteers and help you out with the process. Keep in mind that registrations will end on August 31^st.

Second, we have Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (R.C.I.A), this program is for all those who are looking for converting to the Catholic Church. Mary Pat Heywood who is our RCIA coordinator is also present in the PLC after the Sunday Masses to register anyone interested in participating in this program. Here, the person will dive into the Sacraments, Theology, Church History, the Mass, the Saints, etc. So please direct anyone interested to get in touch with our coordinator either at the parish office or to the PLC during this month of August.

Third, we also have Theology on Top every first Tuesday of the month in the PLC. In this group those who meet discuss different theological topics. Their goal is to help create in the participants a sustainable and comprehensive model to engage in their lives as Catholics wherever they are in their faith journeys. 

Fourth, we also have a program for all adult women 18 and above called: Endow. This program will focus on the Encyclical Letter Deus Caritas Est (God is Love), by Pope Benedict XVI. This will take place on Monday evening beginning on Sep 12^th from 5:45pm – 7:15pm in the PLC. Please for this contact Mrs. Denice Eckler 423 322 5218 or [email protected]

Fifth, in our parish we have the Knight of Columbus, Members of the Knights of Columbus show love for their neighbors by caring for those in need. Knights recognize that their mission, and their faith in God, compels them to action. There is no better way to experience love and compassion than by helping others, a call we answer every day. The Knights of Columbus were founded to provide assistance to the widows and children left behind when the family breadwinner died – often prematurely. This is a Men’s Order. If you feel called to be a Knight, please reach out the parish office for more information. The Knight Council here in our parish will love to have more men interested in following the legacy of their founder, Father Michael J. McGivney.

Sixth, we also have other ministries that need more dedicated parishioners to take on these roles. We have the Lectors Ministry, Extraordinary Communion Ministry, Choir Ministry, Altar Servers Ministry, Ushers Ministry. All these ministries as you know are dedicated to help us celebrate more reverently the Holy Mass and to have a liturgical worship to make us all enter in a deeper relationship with Christ Jesus. These ministries are always needing more Catholics to help carry on their mission.
If you feel you have the capacity to serve in one of them just reach us out to the parish office and we will direct you to the person in charge. We certainly need you.
May Our Lady, Mother of Perpetual Help bless you all and assist you with her maternal intercession in time of need.

MINISTRIES AND PROGRAMS IN OUR PARISH OLPH
PART II

May the grace and peace of Jesus Christ be with you.

My dear friends last week I had the opportunity to send you out my first letter regarding the ministries and programs that we have here in our beautiful parish. All of them to help us grow in love and knowledge of God by serving one another just as Jesus clearly says it in the gospel: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (Jn 13:34).

I want to continue telling you on this second part of my letter, about the various groups that are hosted in the parish that might be good for you to join them. Keep in mind that these ones and the previous ones I spoke of are always waiting for more parishioner to join them. There always will be a spot for you and your loved ones, too.

In continuation with my previous letter:

Seventh, we have the Society of St Vincent the Paul. This group can be called in the parish the heart of charity. They dedicate each week a length of time reaching out to the poor and needy in Chattanooga.  As you can imagine, the need is greater than ever and being able to assist has been a blessing to many: both the clients and our ministry.  If you or someone you know need assistance to get through a tough spot, please call the hotline 423 999-6332.  They will do the best to help you out. Now, if you are interested in joining them, please contact Jeff Raabe at [email protected] or simply call to the parish office for more information. They need helping hands and loving hearts to carry out their mission to server our brothers and sister in vulnerable times.

Eighth, the Men’s Prayer Group St. Joseph (PGSJ), and the Women’s Prayer Group Immaculate Heart of Mary (PGIHM).  These groups of faithful and dedicated men and women of all ages, meets on Saturday morning from 9am-10am separately. The PGSJ meets in the school, while the PGIHM meets in the parish office library. Here, you can learn how to better talk to God and Jesus during your prayer. Both groups gather to reflect on the Scriptures, the Liturgy of the Hours, spiritual books and other various ways of prayer, including the recitation of the Holy Rosary, that will enrich your personal way of pray. You do not need to sign up for it simply come and join them for an hour of prayer and reflection. The Praying Parents Group meets on Tuesdays in the Parish Library from10-11.


Nineth, we also have the Homebound Ministry. This group which is rather very small brings communion to our brothers and sisters that for different reasons cannot come to worship with us on regular basis. Beside us the priests and deacons, we are always seeking for people that would like to join us in this ministry. Keep in mind that you have to be married by the Catholic Church or single to be part of this ministry. You can ever call me or the parish office to ask about it and what days would be ideal to bring some words of consolation to our parishioners alone with Jesus in the Holy Viaticum.

Tenth, our Middle School Youth Group meets on Wednesday from 6:30pm-8pm and our High School Youth Group will be meeting on Sunday from 6:30pm-8pm both in the PLC. What a great opportunity for them to keep fostering in their hearts our Christian identity and the love for Jesus and his Church. Please contact Mrs. Donna Jones our Youth Director [email protected]
Eleventh, in our parish we have developed a new ministry called: GriefShare Support Group. GriefShare is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. You don’t have to go through the grieving process alone. It may be hard for you to feel optimistic about the future right now. If you’ve lost a spouse, child, family member, or friend, you’ve probably found there are not many people who understand the deep hurt you feel. This can be a confusing time when you feel isolated and have many questions about things you’ve never faced before. Our GriefShare group, meets weekly on Saturday from 11am-1pm to help you face these challenges and move toward rebuilding your life. Please contact Kathleen Cruz Alier 423 903-1606 –[email protected] for more information.

Please know that Father Zach our associate pastor, Deacon Dennis, Deacon Wade and myself are always here for you. Please do not hesitate to call us either for a sacrament, counseling or any other need. We are here to help you as much as we can.

Thanks all.

In Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

Fr. Arthur Torres Barona
Pastor