St. Mark's Review of "We Walk by Faith"
-
Worship
1. To what extent are the youth and children of the parish invited to be part of the liturgical celebrations?
Childrens Church a childrens liturgy of the Word
Alter Servers
Youth Choir
Called forward to witness infant Baptisms
2. Does the parish track attendance at Mass? (This information can be helpful in making decisions about liturgy; for example, scheduling of Masses)
Yes ushers count attendees
3. How do the liturgical celebrations of the parish or campus ministry take into account the various ethnic groups represented by those present in the parish or campus ministry?
Liturgy itself does not take ethnicity into account; however liturgical ministers reflect the ethnic make-up of the parish community.
Some seasonal celebrations are influenced by the ethnicity of the parish, i.e. Simbang Gabi
4. How does the parish assure the occasional celebration of carefully designed bilingual or multilingual liturgies to bring the different ethnic groups of the parish together?
Although ethnically diverse, all liturgies are in English and each mass is a microcosm of the parish ethnicity. There are non-English masses celebrated in the area, but there is no known need for masses in other then English at St. Mark.
5. Does the music program provide music at liturgy that is appropriate to the community and context of the parish or campus ministry? Does the music program enhance the Eucharistic liturgy and other worship services? How is this assessed?
Yes, the music program enhances the Eucharistic liturgy and other services. This is assessed by public opinion and comment, the liturgy committee, and the pastor.
6. To what extent do the preachers of the parish receive resources to continue to improve their homiletic skills?
The two deacons attended a weeklong homiletics courses at Washington Theological Union. Attendance at diocesan workshops.
Do the homilies within the parish provide true spiritual nourishment for the people of God who gather at the liturgy to be fed at the table of God's Word? How is this assessed?
Yes, parishioners feedback.
7. Does the parish or campus ministry offer formation opportunities for liturgical ministers? Does the parish or campus ministry communicate about diocesan liturgical formation opportunities?
Yes
8. Do the hymnals, liturgy programs and other printed worship aids encourage the participation of the assembly? Are these printed materials worthy of use in the liturgical context?
Yes
9. To what extent do the leaders of the parish or campus ministry call forth and invite people to share their gifts through liturgical ministry? When was the last time that the parish or campus ministry invited people to be trained for liturgical ministries?
Quarterly invitations for new ministers followed by training for those that answer the call. The last time this took place at St. Mark was in July.
10. In what ways do the parishes within each region look for opportunities to share liturgical resources?
Cluster meetings bi-weekly with four parishes (St Mark, St Matthew, Prince of Peace and St Stephen Martyr.
How do parishes in a region cooperate in the formation and training of liturgical leaders?
Frequent adult formation opportunities sponsored by different parishes, but advertised across the region.
How could the parishes adjust Mass schedules or time for communal reconciliation services and other celebrations to make better use of the liturgical leadership within the region?
Currently cluster services for Reconciliation and RCIA Penance services and RCIA Formation before the Rite of Election.
11. Has the parish undertaken a thorough review of the accessibility of its buildings and property for those who have some form of disability?
Yes, facilities are accessible as per government standards. The parish has access ramps at three separate entrances to the church and a ramp for the altar. The sound system was recently upgraded in both the sanctuary and the Great Hall in order to improve clarity.
What accessibility issues exist in the current buildings or practices? What assessment tools could be used to address these issues?
Not aware of any issues.
Are those affected involved in assessment or decision making?
Yes
12. Is the worship space accessible so that people who use wheelchairs, crutches or other mobility aids can serve as ushers, lectors and Eucharistic ministers?
Yes
13. How is the sacrament of Reconciliation encouraged to stress the importance of this practice in promoting spiritual development of individuals and the whole parish?
Reconciliation is offered once a month and during Lent and Advent. Also during Lent and Advent information about reconciliation services in the area are provided in the bulletin.
Private meetings with Father can be scheduled anytime as needed.
All those going through initiation sacraments (both children and adults) are catechized on Reconciliation.
Youth Confirmation Candidates are catechized and participate in Reconciliation as part of their retreat.
14. How might the staff of the diocesan offices assist your parish to develop programs and processes important for full implementation of the WORSHIP dimension for We Walk by Faith?
Not requesting assistance at this time.
-
Word Community Service