MINISTRY AND PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS

 

Altar Servers

Altar Servers are young people in grades five through twelve who wish to assist the priest in the celebration of liturgies throughout the year. Liturgies are celebrated daily and on weekends. Servers are also needed at weddings and funerals. Any baptized Catholic boy or girl who has received his or her First Communion is eligible to act as an Altar Server.

 

Baptism (Adults)

See Rite of Christian Initiation - (R.C.I.A.)

 

Baptism (Infants)

The Baptismal Seminar prepares parents and godparents for their Christian responsibility in raising their children. This ministry is for parents and godparents of children under seven years of age.

 

Bereavement

Our Mission is to give assistance to those families who have just lost a loved one. We will assist them in the planning of a vigil or rosary and the funeral mass.

We will also assist the priests and deacons at the funeral service and on occasion we will conduct the vigil and grave side service.

 

Bible Fellowship – S.O.L.A.C.E.

Sharing the Gospel and Sharing Our Love Allows Christ’s Empowerment.  As we listen to the Scriptures with our heart, and share personal faith-filled experiences, we encourage each other to a more profound spiritual pilgrimage, strengthen our faith, and grow into a more intimate relationship with God in Christ Jesus.

 

Bridge Club

The SJE Bridge Club is open to anyone who wants to participate in good card playing in a light social atmosphere.

 

Bulletin Notices

Our parish bulletin is available each weekend in the church narthex. It describes upcoming parish activities, projects and local community events.

 

Charismatic Prayer Group -- Forever Grateful Community (FGC)

The goal of the Prayer Group is to bring about in all Catholics such an enthusiasm for their faith that as they lay open their hearts to the divine message of salvation, they live their faith in Jesus and freely share it with others.

 

Children's Liturgy of the Word

After the Introductory Rite at selected Sunday Masses, children five years and older are led to the hall to celebrate their own Liturgy of the WORD The Word is proclaimed from the Lectionary for Masses with Children, followed by an inter-active homily where the readings are discussed and applied to the lives of the children. After the General Intercessions, the children return to the church to participate in the Liturgy of the Eucharist with the entire community.

 

Children's Mass

A special dramatized presentation of the Gospel performed by children for our parish once a month.

 

Choirs

See Music Ministry

 

Christian Initiation (RCIA)

See Rite of Christian Initiation

 

Club Italia

Club Italia is a social club open to anyone Italian by blood or marriage. The Club sponsors the annual St. Joseph's Table in March.

 

Concern

Concern provides short-term help for members of our community when needed. Our services include distributing food, transportation, visiting the elderly and sick, helping with everyday household tasks, and providing spiritual support.

 

Confession

See Sacrament of Reconciliation

 

Confirmation (Adults)

Catholic adults who have not received the Sacrament of Confirmation may begin preparation for this sacrament by contacting the coordinator of Christian Initiation. The Sacrament is celebrated on Pentecost Sunday.

 

Confirmation (Youth)

We offer a two-year modular program for high school students wishing to receive this Sacrament. Preparation includes scriptural reflection and faith sharing, group activities, discussions, and community service. This is a personal and communal faith journey leading toward a deeper and more mature commitment to Jesus' way of life.

 

Divorced, Separated and Widowed Fellowship

We, the Separated, Divorced and Widowed Catholic Support Group of St. John Eudes are a concerned Catholic resource for those suffering the grief and pain of separation, divorce or death of a spouse. We offer a safe environment where persons experiencing broken relationships may find spiritual and emotional help on their healing journey. We will, as a peer ministry, strive to support and empower each other to process our grief and ease our pain through our faith in God and his healing power.

 

Eucharistic Ministers

Ministers of the Eucharist are called by the Lord to do the following:

Serve the Christian assembly gathered to celebrate the Liturgy and to serve those unable to be present at the assembly because of illness or other circumstances; the ministers assist the celebrant in the sharing of the Body, the Blood, Soul and Divinity of Our Lord Jesus Christ with the assembly present and those unable to be present. Strive in their daily lives through this Eucharistic Ministry, through prayer, through devotion to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, through reading and study of the Sacred Scriptures through devotion to Mary, our mother, to grow ever closer to God our Creator, God our Savior and to God our Sanctifier.

The members of the Eucharistic Ministry promise to serve the Church and its members in the spirit of St. Tarsicius, our patron.

 

Fish

Fish provides emergency help to people in our community that are in need of food or services. During Christmas and Thanksgiving, Fish distributes meals, toys and other household items to hundreds of families throughout the community. Transportation to and from doctor's appointments or the store is also available upon request.

 

Hospitality Ministry

We serve refreshments and provides a place and atmosphere for parishioners to visit following the Sunday 7:30, 9:00, and 11:00am Masses.

 

Knights of Columbus—Monsignor John H. Hurley Council

The Knights of Columbus is an international organization for practicing Catholic men ages 18 and over. It was founded in 1882 by Father Michael J. McGivney in New Haven Conn. It has been called "the strong right arm of the Church" and has been praised by popes, presidents and other world leaders for support of the Church, programs of evangelization and Catholic education, civic involvement and aid to those in need.  The guiding principles of the Order are: Charity, Fraternity, Unity and Patriotism through service to Church, community and country. Each year, the Knights give millions of hours in service and in dollars to various deserving causes. The Order's insurance program for members is rated among the nation's best. Father McGivney's cause for Beatification is now in process in Rome.

Presently, St. John Eudes parish is served by Knights of Columbus, Monsignor John J. Hurley Council #3601. Formerly, it was also served by St. Anthony Council #4918, which after 38 years of exemplary service to the Order, merged with Council #3601.

Council #3601 was formally chartered on
February 22, 1953 under the name Our Lady of the Valley which was the name of the only Catholic Church in the West Valley at that time. Pastor of the church and also the first chaplain of the council was Father John J. Hurley. Following, now, Monsignor Hurley's death, the council's name was changed to honor its first chaplain.

This council's most visible activity is the Catholic schools track meet which has been held annually since 1970 and in which everyone is a winner. All participants receive ribbons, top three finishers receive medals and each school receives a trophy and shares in cash awards totaling. Also the council provides each school annually  with a scholarship fund to be distributed as the school sees fit for scholarships to Catholic high schools. Not so visible are the many Knights who serve the Church in various parish ministries and school activities.  The council sponsors a Squires' Circle for boys 11 to 18 years of age. The council's main source of income for its many charities is its Monday Night Bingo.

The Council has a club house at
21433 Strathern Street which is also available to rent. For information on the Knights of Columbus or on rental of the hall, call (818) 347-9328,

 

L.A. Catholic Alumni Club

A group of young adults, 20's through 30's, that meet in a social setting for many charitable functions throughout the year.

 

Lectors

It is our responsibility as lectors to fulfill this calling with a desire to communicate God's Word to God's people, clearly, completely and with reverence. To do this we must be prepared. We must know the protocol for our parish. We must be well versed in the skills necessary to proclaim effectively and most importantly, we must have a personal familiarity and love of the Word of God in Scripture.

The circle of the relationship between God, God's Word, the lector and the listener is fulfilled in our service.

We are Ministers of His Word. It is Christ himself who speaks when the Holy Scripture is proclaimed in the church. We commit to proclaiming His Word with reverence, preparation and dedication.

 

Men's Council

Our mission is foremost to serve God. We are messengers of Christ by our community and church actions. We support the Pastor, Priests, Sisters, Laity and community of Saint John Eudes Parish by charitable and spiritual actions. We serve our community by sponsoring various parish activities and help the needs of other ministries. We sponsor and host several religious, spiritual and social functions scheduled throughout the year.

 

Music Ministry

St. John Eudes Music Ministry is about service; service to Almighty God and to His people. Music ministry enhances Sunday Masses and special liturgies and liturgical events. We also praise and glorify God in concerts both in and outside the parish. Opportunities are found in Adult Choir, Children's Choir, Chamber Singers, Bell Choir, Spanish Choir and Heaven's Angels.

 

Nursery - Sunday

Each Sunday during the 9:00am Mass, parents of infants and toddlers are invited to leave their children in the care of St. John Eudes volunteers.

 

Our Children Remembered Grief Support Group

Losing a child is the hardest situation a parent will ever face.  Know that you are not alone.  Help is on the way!
 

Our Children Remembered is a grief support group for parents who have lost children, regardless of age.  All bereaved parents are welcomed with open arms and understanding.  We invite the newly bereaved to come and received support, compassion, and understanding.  Those bereaved parents who have weathered the storm are also invited to come and share their experiences and serve as a beacon of hope to others.

We meet the third Wednesday of every month at 7:30pm in Grill Hall, Room D.  The facilitators are Angela and George Wienckowski who have lost a child and have been trained in Bereavement Ministry.  They may be reached at 818/709-0011.

 

Our Lady of Perpetual Help--Novena

This prayer group is devoted to our Lady of Perpetual Help.

 

Parent-Teacher Support Organization - PTSO

The PTSO is a support system for our Parish School that was formed during the 1989-90 school year. All parents, guardians and teachers of S.J.E. school students are eligible for membership. This organization offers the opportunity for direct communication between parents and school administration. The PTSO is also involved in supporting school activities, providing financial resources, and offering input and advice on school policies.

 

Religious Education

The mission of the Religious Education Program is to bring Christ to His people and bring His people to the realization that they are Church. We accomplish this by teaching the love of God and sharing our faith throughout the grades from pre-school through high school. Educating the parents of our children through adult formation classes. Preparing students for their sacraments and continuing formation in their faith knowledge. Being community to each other and promoting a strong parish family support.

 

Remembering Church

The mission of Remembering Church is to communicate with Catholics who have been alienated, but desire to return to active participation in the Church. We welcome, share their pains, and encourage them to come back to the Sacraments and be part of the community from which they have been estranged.

 

Rite of Christian Initiation - R.C.I.A.

The mission of the Rite of Christian Initiation is to live the discipleship of Christ, through prayer, community and witness in the church He gave us. The process includes Liturgy, Scripture, Catechesis and Oneness in the Body of Christ. We invite non-Catholics to come into our Church and encourage Baptized Catholics and other Christians to embrace fullness in the Body of Christ through Eucharist and Confirmation. The goal of initiation is to take the Catechumens through the Font to the Table. When we see the Sunday-by-Sunday Eucharistic Table as the goal.

This an ongoing process which expresses the warmth and welcome of our parish community to those who are interested in becoming Catholic. It involves several stages, from initial questioning, through a period of reflection and faith enrichment, and finally preparation for an reception of Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist). Anyone is welcome at any time. Sessions are ongoing throughout the year on Tuesday evenings from 7:30pm to 9:00pm. A children's process is also offered.

 

Rosary Prayer Group

This group gets together at different times in a different setting to pray the Rosary.

 

Sacrament of Reconciliation

We offer this sacrament on Saturdays from 4:00pm to 5:00pm, Monday through Friday by appointment only. Confessions in the church give the option of traditional or face-to-face confession and are wheelchair accessible. If it has been a while since you last came to confession, the priest will guide you. Communal confessions are available a few times during the year, check the bulletin for those dates.

 

Saint John Eudes School

Saint John Eudes School embraces the mission of Saint Paula Montal, teaching and inspiring students to be life-long learners who live in the Faith.

 

St. Anne's Guild #3

St. Anne's Guild supports community organizations, such as FISH, as well as organizes social activities that are open to members' spouses and friends.

 

St. Joan of Arc Guild #1

St. Joan of Arc Guild is a charitable and social organization with a 35 year history that involves women of the parish who are interested in developing lasting friendships.

 

St. Margaret Mary Guild #2

St. Margaret Mary Guild provides an opportunity to meet other women in the parish through social, spiritual and service activities.

 

St. Vincent de Paul

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Council of Los Angeles, is part of a worldwide organization of lay Catholic men and women who are committed to live and grow in their Christian faith through prayer and personal involvement in charitable works. The Society's mission is accomplished through parish and community based groups called conferences and programs called Special Works. The Society's work includes any actions that promote the dignity of the person, alleviate suffering and distress while correcting conditions that cause them.

 

Scouts - Boy & Cub

Pack #466 of The Boy Scouts of America is an educational program for boys 6 years of age and up. The organization is designed to build character, to train in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, to develop personal fitness and to have fun the outdoors.

 

Spanish Prayer Group

The Spanish Prayer Group evangelizes through prayer, retreats and praying for the sick.

 

Syro-Malabar Catholic Mission, Los Angeles

To minister into the pastoral needs of the members of Syro-Malabar community in Los Angeles so that the member may be given spiritual formation according to its apostolic tradition upholding its discipline, culture, values and heritage maintaining the identity as the Eastern Church.

 

Ushers

Ushers are St. John Eudes parishioners who provide a welcoming and hospitable atmosphere at all parish liturgies. They ensure the orderly progress of the liturgy by seating parishioners and guests, selecting people to bring the gifts to the altar, collecting the monetary offerings, directing people toward that altar during the Liturgy of the Eucharist, protecting the Host and distributing the church bulletin.

 

Welcoming Ministry

We extend Christ's hospitality to our communion as they gather to hear His word and to share in the "breaking of the bread." As we welcome parishioners at the doors of the church, we hope to open hearts to His message of love through a warm greeting, smile and handshake.

 

Widowed Self-Help Support Group (WSHSG)

WSHSG is a program designed to help those who have been widowed and feel the need to share their grief and to help others overcome it. Everyone in the group has experienced and learned from the loss of a spouse and is willing to share what has helped to deal with his or her grief

 

Women's Retreat

As Carmelites we give priority to the retreat apostolate that follows from our charisma-- promoting a deeper spiritual life among those with whom and for whom we work, above all by prayer and good example. The purpose of retreats, as envisioned by our Foundress, is to provide others with a silent, restful atmosphere in which they can come closer to God and deepen their prayer life in order to return to their homes consoled, strengthened, and spiritually refreshed. We are committed to selecting retreat masters who are loyal to the Church and treasure its magisterium. We believe that contact with pastors and parishioners who are active within their parish is the best means of building up this most essential apostolate.

 

Women in God's Spirit - W.I.N.G.S.

W.I.N.G.S. enhances spiritual growth through a balance of personal prayer, Scripture study, life sharing and community. It's members are encouraged to be aware of their own unique spiritual gifts in order to strengthen their personal prayer lives, and be able to share these gifts with others. Women gather together to pray, listen to, reflect on and share ways Scripture relates to their life experiences in a small Christian community atmosphere. W.I.N.G.S. then calls women to be an example of discipleship and service to our Church and the world community. W.I.N.G.S. welcomes women of all ages from the Christian community who want to grow in their relationship with God and with each other.

 

Youth Ministry

We, the youth Ministries of St. John Eudes, including Teens Working Together, T4:12 and Confirmation Disciples, value the potential of all youth as children of God. We strive to provide a safe and fun environment in which youth are supported, guided, and empowered to express our feelings and beliefs, share opinions, and deepen our faith. We will work to strengthen our relationships with our families, ourselves, and God as we serve others and grow as a community of believers.

 

Youth Spanish Prayer Group

We, the Spanish Prayer Group, believe in the power of God's Word and prayer. Our mission is prayer and evangelization, and our goal is to take God's Word and healing to others. We pray for the sick and peoples' needs in houses and hospitals. We go from house to house praying, evangelizing, and inviting people to come to the Church for Mass, confessions, and catechism for children and young adults. Through retreats and conferences, we reach out to minds and hearts fostering God's love for each person in His loving forgiveness. Sharing experiences and God's wonders in us, we help, serve, and grow as a community of believers.