FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

 

1.      How will I be able to decide what to sign up for?

This booklet contains a description of most of the ministries at OUR LADY OF SORROWS. If you read the descriptions of those ministries that interest you, you will gain an understanding of what the position would entail and how much time you might expect to devote to the activity.

2.      Is everything at OUR LADY OF SORROWS a ministry?

We consider all activities at OUR LADY OF SORROWS to be a ministry of some kind. While some roles, such as Eucharistic Minister or Lector, are traditional ministries, we believe that participating in such activities as teacher of Religious Education, working at Christmas Bazaar, or making decisions on which charities should receive our tithes are forms of ministry also.

3.      Can I sign up for more than one ministry?

Be a good steward of your time. Many parishioners are already involved in more than one ministry. For example, someone could be a Lector, a Worship Committee member, and a volunteer worker at one of our fundraisers. The only limitations are your time, openings in the various ministries and the need to place as many parishioners as possible in ministries in which they expressed an interest.

4.      How will I know that my offer to become involved has been reviewed by someone?

You should receive an acknowledgement by mail and a phone call from a ministry coordinator concerning the ministries you list.

5.      What if I don’t hear from anyone concerning commitments I make?

The coordinators will make a concerted effort to reach you by phone regarding your interests. If there is no answer, they will leave a message on your answering machine, requesting you to return their call. If they don’t hear from you after leaving two messages, they will assume that you have changed your mind and will not make further attempts. If you are still interested in being placed in a ministry and you have not received a phone call by November 15 to our Parish secretary at 301-891 3500.

6.      Is this the only time I will be able to sign up for something?

No. We plan to conduct a parish-wide Time and Talent effort annually, and this will be the key time for parishioners to sign up for ministries. Throughout the year, however, there are always opportunities for parishioners to become involved in various activities.

7.      My schedule does not permit me to attend many meetings. Is there something I could do at home?

There are a number of activities that could be done in your home, such as making phone calls, desktop publishing, editing, etc. Look for the icon of the little house in the booklet for an indication of which ministries have activities that can be accomplished at home.

8.      I am already so involved in activities at OUR LADY OF SORROWS, I can’t take on any more responsibility at this time. Should I still fill out a form?

Yes, please fill out a form. There is a place on the form where you can list your current involvement. There is also a box on the form where you can indicate that you cannot sign up for additional responsibilities at this time. Then, please place your form in the box at Mass when the time comes. You should be proud of your involvement, and you should also realize that part of good stewardship is knowing when you can’t take on any more.

9.      What if I am not sure about what I might want to become involved in and just need some more information?

This booklet indicates the name of the coordinator for each ministry and that person’s phone number. If you give that person a call, you will be able to obtain the information you need.

10.  I like to “plan” things, while others like to “do” things. How can I tell which activities are more suited for my interest in planning or visioning?

Look for the icon that is a light bulb. It indicates work that involves planning and visioning.