Participate in Mass

Altar Serving

Servers assist at weekend Masses, weddings, funerals and special celebrations.  This ministry is open to boys and girls grades 4 and older.  Training sessions are provided for new servers, so don't be shy.  Altar servers also have opportunities for fun throughout the year (Buffalo Bisons baseball game, miniature golf, etc.).  If your son or daughter interested in being an altar server, please contact the rectory (716-873-1122) to inquire more. 

Eucharistic Ministers

Eucharistic Ministers are needed at both weekday and weekend liturgies.  Parishioners are invited by the pastor to assist with the distribution of the Eucharist at Mass.  Some ministers also take Communion to the sick and homebound.  A training session, through the diocesan Office of Worship, is provided.  Both aspects of this ministry are essential to the parish and offer the laity an opportunity for participation and service.  Contact the rectory (716-873-1122) if interested.

Funeral Altar Servers

Adults are needed on weekdays to assist at funerals.  Please contact the rectory if you are interested in volunteering for this ministry

Music Ministry

St. John’s Music Ministry is directed by Cheryl Brinker.  The choir rehearses on Sunday mornings at 9:30am, in the church from September to mid-June.  The choir sings Sunday mornings at the 11 a.m. Mass.

The Youth Ensemble rehearses at 3:30pm on Saturday afternoon for the 4pm Mass.  High school and college students are invited to participate.

Volunteers make up the Resurrection Choir which sings at funeral and memorial Masses.

Ushers

Ushers serve as ministers of hospitality welcoming all who come to worship.  In addition to taking up the weekly offering, ushers direct the flow of those approaching the altar for Holy Communion.  Please call the rectory to volunteer for this ministry.

Funeral Brunches

St. John the Baptist Parish offers simple funeral brunches for families and friends of deceased parishioners.   Brunches are held in our beautiful Reina Community Room after 9:30 a.m. funerals or memorial Masses.   Food is graciously prepared and served by teams of volunteers.  The Reina Community Room can accommodate 80 people.  There is no charge but a free-will offering is gratefully accepted.

Sample Menu:

Brunch (suggested immediately following Mass):  Fruit tray, homemade coffee cake, homemade muffins/pastries, homemade quick breads, juice, coffee, tea.

Light Lunch (suggested following Mass and Cemetery):  cold cuts and cheese platter, a basket of rolls, two or three homemade cold salads, cookies/desserts, pop, coffee, tea.

Please contact the rectory to volunteer to be a part of the brunch team or to schedule a brunch.