How we serve
Lectors
Lectors are called and trained to proclaim the readings from Sacred Scripture and offer the Intercessory Prayers at Mass. Christ is made present when the Word of God is proclaimed, and the Scriptures come alive for the congregation. Any parishioner who has received the sacrament of Confirmation is invited to serve as Lector.
Contact Father Ren for more information.
Extraordinary Ministers
Our Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion assist the clergy in distributing Holy Communion at Mass and, if desired, in bringing the Eucharist to homebound parishioners.
Mass schedules are based on each minister’s preferences and coordinated with those of Lectors and Altar Servers to encourage family participation at the same Mass. Ministers who serve our homebound and nursing home residents are scheduled separately.
A fully initiated Catholic who has celebrated the Sacraments of Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation and who regularly participates in the liturgy is welcome to receive training and join this ministry.
Contact Father Ren for more information.
Choir
The music ministry at Good Shepherd Parish is an energetic, welcoming, faith-filled community that gathers to strengthen our relationship to God and His Word through song. We are not performers; rather, we are liturgical leaders whose responsibility is to guide the congregation's participation during Mass with humility and a mindset of servitude.
We are always ready to welcome new members to our musical family. Absolutely no prior experience with music is required; just bring a positive attitude and a willingness to try something new! See below for the various opportunities available in our music ministry.
Please contact Bethany Crochet Ratcliff with questions or to sign up.
Music Ministry Opportunities
Good Shepherd Choir
The choir rehearses every Monday at 7:00pm and sings every weekend at Mass from Labor Day through Pentecost. We alternate singing at the 4:00, 8:30, and 10:30 Masses so that everyone in the parish has a chance to hear us throughout the month. Instrumentalists are also welcome to accompany the choir.
Cantor Ministry
Just like the choir, cantors are responsible for leading congregational singing during Mass. Cantors should be confident singers who intend to practice at home throughout the week and arrive to Mass prepared. Cantor rehearsals are scheduled one-on-one with the music director on an as-needed basis.
***Coming soon... (Please let us know if you have an interest in participating in these in the future!)***
Children's Choir
The children's choir is open to any students in grades 3-8. This would be a seasonal group with no long-term commitment, providing music for Christmas, Easter, and First Eucharist Masses.
Altar Servers
All children who have made their First Communion are invited to become Altar Servers. These boys and girls are an integral part of our Eucharistic celebrations on weekends and at weddings. They enjoy their service, engage in and grow in understanding of the Mass, and make new friends. Training is conducted as needed. Family scheduling preferences are always invited and accommodated.
Contact Father Ren for more information.
My Brother's Table Food Pantry
On the second Thursday of the month we meet at St. Ann Hall to collect and distribute food to our neighbors most in need. Our Lord reminds us that we feed Him when we feed the hungry; come and make a difference in our community.
Contact Laurie Hijlo at brotherstable@goodshepherdwayland.org for more information.
Knights of Columbus
Good Shepherd Council #16156
The Good Shepherd Council was formed in February 2016. We answer the call to a life of discipleship serving wherever needed in our parish and in our community. We sponsor the Altar Server Recognition of graduating seniors and First Communion bibles for the youth. We sponsor two seminarians and help with the My Brother's Table monthly food distribution. We also donate grocery food cards all year long for those in need in our faith community. The annual Tootsie Roll Drive supports Special Olympics. And we hold the annual Coats for Kids drive that provides new winter coats for local elementary aged children as well as for the children of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Mattapan.
We renovated the Sacred Heart statue and plants at St. Zepherins Church. Our Council prayed the Rosary weekly during Lent and the month of May. We will begin in September the Sunday morning pancake take-aways after our morning Masses. Our Council members were the chefs for our Welcome Back BBQ, too.
These are examples of our faith in action. The Knights extend an invitation to all Catholic Men, 18 years plus to become a member. Join us Catholic men of faith to serve our parish and our community.
Contact Steve Ahlquist sahlquist@verizon.net or go to KofC.org/joinus and enter our council #16156 for local information. The benefits are many including, fraternity, family involvement, charity and growth in faith.
Visit to Homebound
Our Homebound Ministry brings the presence and compassion of our parish to those who are unable to join us. By visiting, listening, and praying, volunteers help our homebound parishioners remain connected to their faith family.
Catechists
Our Religious Education classes and youth events rely on your volunteer support! We are so grateful to our Catechists who give of their time to pass on their faith. If you are interested in helping, there are many different ways to support our program.
Become a Catechist (classroom teacher)!
Catechists in our K-5 program teach for an hour a week on Sunday mornings from late September to April, excluding school vacations. This role may involve some light prep time at home. Staff will support you with curriculum and prep. Our Middle School Catechists teach on Tuesday nights for 15 classes a year. Staff will support you with curriculum and supplies setup. Contact Debora (K-5) and Deacon Colm (MS/HS) (youthministrywayland@gmail.com) for details on time and location.
We also need Assistant Catechists (teachers) to support our Catechists in the classroom. Or, become a Middle School Ministry Team Member!
Team Members would chaperone, drive, or prep service and social opportunities for Middle School students at Middle School Ministry events.
Become a Small Group Leader for our High School programs! Our Small Group Leaders facilitate discussion among students in class and on retreats. They also act as chaperones, drivers, and kitchen help for various events.
*Please do not feel that you need to be a theology expert to support us! Children need to see faithful witnesses who are excited to share the joy of a relationship with Christ. We appreciate you prayerfully discerning this service.
Contact Deacon Colm to learn more at: youthministrywayland@gmail.com
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Prayer shawls provide comfort and warmth to those who so easily can feel forgotten. Meeting afternoons on the first Thursday of each month, we come together to share conversation while making shawls for the residents in our local nursing homes and homebound folks. No knitting experience is necessary—we’ll teach you all you need to know! We also fashion other items to sell at our annual fair to raise scholarship money for our young parishioners. Drop by the Parish Center at 1:00 on the first Thursday to check us out.