Baptism Preparation: Baptism preparation classes are held on Monday from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the family center. Attendance of the parents and godparents is required. Baptisms are celebrated every other Saturday after the evening Mass.
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults): Instructions on the Catholic faith begin in September on Tuesday from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., in preparation for reception of the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and the Holy Eucharist at Easter.
Marriage: Couples planning to marry must speak personally with Father Salvador Cruz six months in advance, concerning preparation and celebration of the sacrament.
Liturgy Groups: Parishioners who receive training and assist in various ways in the celebration of the Eucharist and other liturgies.
Lectors: Parishioners trained and charged with proclaiming the word of God at the Saturday evening celebration of Mass.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: Individuals trained and commissioned by Father Salvador who assist in the distribution of the body and blood of Christ, both at Mass and at the residences of homebound parishioners.
Altar Servers: Boys and girls who assist the priest in the celebration of the Mass. These children receive preparation and are required to have made their First Communion.
Catechists: Group of adults trained in assisting in the preparation of parents and godparents for baptism, and of adults in the RCIA classes.
“Quinceañeras” (fifteen-year-old girls): Preparation of teenage girls for their 15th birthday celebration (and instruction for the reception of the Holy Eucharist, if necessary) Meetings are scheduled every two months, at which the ceremony is rehearsed and the girls, their parents and escorts (faith companions) are reminded of the importance of living the Catholic faith throughout their lives.
Hispanic Choir: Singers and musicians from the parish who assist in providing music during Mass and other liturgical celebrations. Rehearsals are held Fridays at 7:00 p.m. in the church.
Ushers: Adult parishioners who take up the collection, distribute music and bulletins and see that the church is kept neat and in good order.
Prayer Group: Adult parishioners meet weekly on Monday evening from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. to read and discuss Bible passages, to give praise and thanks to God, to pray for the community, and to grow in faith.
Pilgrim Virgin: The statue of the Virgin Mary is taken to the home of requesting parishioners following Saturday evening Mass. The family keeps the statue and prays the rosary together before it, returning the statue the following Saturday, at which time it is passed to another family.
Couples Encounter/Renewal of Vows: Held twice a year. At these meetings couples receive counsel and advice in order to better live their union. These workshops are held in the family center on Saturday from 7:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Youth Sports Group: Young adults meet in the family center on Thursday from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. to plan soccer games for enjoyment and healthy recreation.
Dance Group: Young parishioners meet on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in the family center to learn and practice modern and folklore dances of many countries, especially Latin American.
Other Activities: In May, Mother’s Day is celebrated with Mass, supper and family enjoyment. Young people celebrate the Vigil of Pentecost. In June also, Family Day is celebrated. In December, surrounding the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the community gathers for the Mass of the Roses, dinner in the family center and a mariachi serenade.
Nativity Posadas: Different nationalities on successive evenings host events during which the novena to the baby Jesus is recited. National costumes are worn and various refreshments are served.
