top of page
THE MINISTRIES OF Holy Innocents
JOIN ONE OF OUR MINISTRIES, AND HELP OTHERS IN THEIR FAITH JOURNEYS
JOIN
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.
Pastoral Care
Pastoral care at Holy Innocents focuses on uplifting parishoners through spiritual and emotional support. Pastoral care in the Episcopal church is a ministry of presence, compassion, and spiritual guidance aimed at nurturing the well-being of individuals and the community as a whole. It embodies the Episcopal tradition of balancing reverence for tradition with openness to helping those around us.
The clergy, trained lay leaders, or parishoners under clergy guidance may offer friendship, prayer, or practical help including:
Sacramental care including Holy Communion and Anointing of the Sick
Help during a crisis
Meals
Social visits for the sick, elderly, or those who live alone
Transportation to church and access Holy Innocents services and activities
Delivery of altar flowers
Interested volunteers can contact the parish office directly at 662-526-5166 for more information.
Horticultural & Floral, Memorial Garden
Gardeners and non-gardeners alike, plant lovers, or those who just love nature will find plenty of opportunities to support the floral and horticultural ministries. Volunteers help with year-round upkeep of the garden including watering and weeding, or weekly flower arranging for the altar.
Lay Eucharistic Ministers
A Lay Eucharistic Minister (LEM) is a trained and licensed lay person who assists the clergy during the celebration of the Holy Eucharist by administering the consecrated wine (and sometimes the bread) to the congregation. LEMs may also help with other parts of the service, such as reading prayers or carrying the cross in processions. In some cases, specially licensed Lay Eucharistic Visitors take Communion to those who are sick or homebound. This ministry reflects a shared responsibility in worship and service within the church community.
Altar Guild
The Altar Guild is a group of lay volunteers responsible for preparing and caring for the worship space, especially the altar and its furnishings. Their duties include setting up for Holy Eucharist and other services, caring for the linens, vessels, candles, and vestments, and ensuring everything is clean, orderly, and reverent. Altar Guild members often work quietly behind the scenes and consider their service a form of devotion and prayer.
Ushers
During the offering (also called the Offertory), ushers collect monetary gifts from the congregation, usually using offering plates. Once collected, the ushers bring the offerings forward to the altar, typically during the singing of an offertory hymn or anthem. They present the offerings—along with the bread and wine for Holy Communion—to the clergy, symbolizing the people's gifts to God. This moment marks the transition from the Liturgy of the Word to the Liturgy of the Table.
Lectors
A lector is a layperson who reads appointed Scripture passages (excluding the Gospel) during worship services and may also lead the Prayers of the People, depending on the parish. Though not ordained, lectors often serve as part of the worship team.
Prayer Shawls
A small but dedicated group of knitters and crocheters meet on a regular basis to create original prayer shawls as gifts for the sick or needy. To learn more about this ministry, contact Laura Griffin at lauragriffin1976@gmail.com
bottom of page