Administration Ministries

Parish Council   The SS Peter and Paul Pastoral Council is a consultative group of parishioners who work with the pastor and pastoral team in all areas of parish life. Members connect with parish committees to ensure the current needs of the parish are identified and addressed. In addition, the council provides leadership for the parish and a vision for the future. Membership on the pastoral council requires a three-year commitment. Members are selected through nominations and discernment.

Administration / Finance Committee  Oversees the finances of the parish. Also oversees concerns, problems and repairs for all the buildings connected to the parish property. Coordinates with contractors, business and volunteers who have expertise in the areas of repairs and maintenance.

 Money Counters  Accounts for church collections and funds.

Long Range Planning  Committee to assess the strengths, areas of growth and improvement and formulates a vision for the future for the inner and outer mission of the parish.

Stewardship Committee  The Stewardship Committee invites SS Peter and Paul Church members to acknowledge the bounty and grace of God in a spirit of thanksgiving. Stewardship Ministers are ambassadors for the church, providing information to parishioners about ministries available and encouraging parishioners to share their time, talent, and treasure with the church community.

Telephone Committee Contacts [from your home] others by telephone for various occasions.

Office Workers Come have a cup of coffee or a soft drink and help keep the parish going! Volunteer weekly, monthly, or occasionally; a morning, afternoon or an hour. Stuff bulletins, file, prepare mailings, copy, work on the computer, serve as receptionist and answer telephones, etc.

Liturgy and Music Ministries

Liturgy Committee This group consists of people representing various liturgical ministries, in addition to interested parishioners, the pastor, pastoral associate and the director of music. The group meets monthly to set goals, direction and standards for the overall liturgical life of the parish. It is also responsible for planning the parish liturgies for Holy Days and other special services such as the Easter Triduum, parish prayer, and Reconciliation services.

Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist  Members of the parish are commissioned by the pastor to assist in ministering the Eucharist at Mass. Trainings are held several times each year.5 PM Sat 8 AM Sun 10:30 AM Sun 1:30 PM Sun 

Ministry of Praise & Mercy - Spiritual ministry in which members offer all prayers, joys, sacrifices and sufferings to God for the salvation of souls. Ministers commit themselves to praying the prayers of the Church for the people of God. [Done in your home.]

Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist to the Home Bound Eucharistic Ministers take communion to the sick and homebound after Masses on Sunday.

Ministry of the Word (Lector) - Men and women, youth and adults, who proclaim the Word of God to the community present at the Eucharist and other Liturgical celebrations. Lector training held several times a year.   5 PM Sat 8 AM Sun 10:30 AM Sun 1:30 PM Sun 

Altar Servers Assist at the altar during Mass and other services. Boys and girls in 5th grade and up. Training provided.5 PM Sat 8 AM Sun 10:30 AM Sun 1:30 PM Sun

Minister of Hospitality - Ushers assist in welcoming and seating the assembled community, and facilitate the offertory collection and assist in post-liturgy preparation for the next Mass.5 PM Sat 8 AM Sun 10:30 AM Sun 1:30 PM Sun

Music Ministry - Singers and instrumentalists rehearse weekly and lead the assembly in song at Sunday Mass and special celebrations..5 PM Sat 8 AM Sun 10:30 AM Sun 1:30 PM Sun

Cantor Ministry - Cantors work with the accompanist to lead the assembly in sung prayer, and proclaim the Word through the responsorial psalm. Cantors are needed for all weekend and Holy Day liturgies. A willingness to grow in faith and an understanding of the importance of prayerful presence to the assembly is foundational. Parish cantors meet to consider their ministry and build musical skills.

Altar & Linen Societies - Clean and care for linens, garments, candles and sacred vessels.

Nursery Workers - Willing to entertain/provide care for young children Saturday evening and Sunday Mass and for occasional special events.5 PM Sat 8 AM Sun 10:30 AM Sun 1:30 PM Sun

Wedding Consultant - To present guidelines and assist in making one’s wedding everything it should be.

Commentator - Serves as the emcee for the weekend Masses and special occasions. Welcomes and introduces the Mass. Also announces and invites the congregation to join in the hymnody.    5 PM Sat 8 AM Sun 10:30 AM Sun 1:30 PM Sun

Church Cleaning Teams - A group of two teams who, every other Friday after 8 AM Mass gather to do general cleaning of the Church sanctuary. 

Vocational Cross - As a way to remind ourselves of the need for vocations to the priesthood and religious life the Vocational Cross is presented to a family to take home each week following all weekend Masses. 

Catechesis and Evangelization ministries
 Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) This is the process used by the Church to welcome and catechize those who wish to learn more about the Catholic way of life and those who seek to become Catholic. Inquiry sessions are held every Monday evening from 7:00—8:30 p.m. Questions of life, faith, and Catholic prayer and practice are discussed and shared with the members of the parish and pastoral team.

Sponsors for Adults Becoming Catholic Parishioners are invited and prepared to share the journey of faith with catechumens seeking Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist and candidates seeking to complete initiation with the Catholic community, be confirmed and celebrate the Eucharist. The role of the sponsor is to be a “companion, mentor and guide” who is able to share their own experience of being a Catholic. Workshops are held several times a year for those who are interested.

Parish School of Religion & Faith Sharing Religious Education for students in public schools. Pre 4 through 5th grade classes.  Including whole community catechesis for all ages.

Vacation Bible School - Many parent and teen volunteers help make our VBS a fun and faith-filled experience for all. Crafts, stories, prayer, Scripture, drama, games, music, singing, food and liturgy create memories and church communityJr. High & High School Youth GroupYouth group for middle school through graduate.

Adult Bible Study - Little Rock Bible Study for adults who wish to continue their Catholic journey of faith. 

Koinonia  - Koinonia is a Christian weekend retreat for adults based on “the Good News,” fellowship, participation and community. It is led and coordinated by a team of parishioners and pastoral ministers. Participants go home at night. 

Catholic School  - Assisting our principal and teachers in the education of our students Pre—8th grade. Activities also include assisting with auxiliary activities such as serving lunches, teacher appreciation luncheon, Halloween carnival and Santa shop. Everyone interested in this ministry must have taken part in the Safe Environment Program.  

Hopkinsville Deanery Council  - Parishioner is appointed to represent SS Peter and Paul Parish and provide communication between the parish and the Hopkinsville Deanery Council, a diocesan consultative body composed of representatives from the parishes in the area. 

Spiritual Life Ministries T.E.C. (Teens Encounter Christ) A three day weekend retreat for High School Juniors through college students.  CursilloA three day weekend encounter for those seeking a deeper relationship with God. 

Third Order Religious - Lay people who follow the religious disciplines of the Dominican,  Benedictine,  and Discalced Carmelite orders. 

Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration - One hour of prayer and adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 

Retrouvaille - Weekend retreat for couples with troubled marriages; sponsored several times a year by the Diocesan Family Life Office. Watch the bulletin for dates. 

Rosary Makers - Meet weekly to make rosaries for missions at home and abroad.  Parish MissionCommittee that assists the parish liturgy committee in scheduling, planning, and executing the parish mission.

Social Concerns Ministries 

Prison Ministry - Regular visitation for prayer and communion at the Christian County Jail. Usually occurs on Wednesday or Thursday mornings. 

Cancer Support Group - This group meets the first Thursday of each month at 1:00 PM in the Holy Family Room.  

St. Vincent de Paul Conference - Provides emergency aid to the needy, such as food, clothing, utility payment assistance, etc. as well as the spiritual development of its members. Meets the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the conference room in the St. Vincent DePaul Building. St. Vincent de Paul StoreThrift Store provides funds for assisting the needy, through the sale of clothing, household items at low cost. The store relies on donations and volunteer workers. M - F, 10 AM - 2 PM.

Card Ministry - Holiday and birthday cards will be sent to our sick and homebound parishioners.   

Respect Life - Advocates for life issues, as directed by teachings of the Church, and encourages participation in local interfaith efforts.

Ministry of Praise & Mercy - Spiritual ministry which members offer all prayers, joys, sacrifices and sufferings to God for the salvation of souls.

Knights of Columbus - The K of C is an international fraternal and service organization for Catholic men.

Meals on Wheels - Coordinate meals for homebound parishioners, etc.

Sister Diocese of Mandeville, Jamaica  Liaison to His Excellency, the Bishop and committee to assist with the needs of our Sister Diocese by means of prayer, medical or financial support.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Groups - Open Twelve-Step meeting for those struggling with addictions to alcohol.Al-Anon GroupOpen Twelve-Step meeting for family members of those suffering from addictions to alcohol.

Blood Drive - In cooperation with the Western Kentucky Regional Blood Center, a blood drive is held twice a year at SS Peter and Paul. Volunteers needed to help schedule, set-up and clean-up.

Spanish Class - This class meets on Tuesday and Wednesday from 6:30—8:00 PM.

Social Concerns - Addresses and acts upon contemporary justice issues.

Hospitality Committee - Coordinates Lenten soup suppers, receptions, bereavement meals, and special occasions.

Elizabeth Ministry - Following the example of Mary and Elizabeth… A one on one support-communication ministry for woman to share the sacredness of life.   

Transportation - A willingness to assist those who are elderly in their transportation needs. Could involve trips to the doctor or even the grocery store. This sometimes involves trips to Nashville hospitals.

English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes - Assisting migrant people who wish to learn the English language. Instructor does not need to know a foreign language.

Interpreter - Accompany people who do not speak English to the doctor, hospital, or the immigration office. Could also assist in obtaining government assistance (food stamps, WIC, etc.)

Family Life Ministries
Marriage Encounter Weekend retreat lead by trained couples and priest for couples who wish to make a good marriage better. Includes a focus on communication skills and the Catholic sacramentality of marriage. Interfaith couples welcome.

Marriage Preparation Sponsor Couples As part of the marriage preparation program, engaged couples may meet with a married couple in the parish for four/five sessions and discuss aspects of married life. Training is provided.

Engaged Encounter A weekend retreat for couples preparing for marriage in the diocese. Once More With LoveOne-day seminar preparing couples entering a second marriage after a death or divorce.

M.O.M.’s A support group for mothers with young children. Meets each Friday at 9:00 AM in Holy Family Room.

Welcoming Committee Parishioners call and visit newcomers to the parish to welcome them and provide information about SS Peter and Paul and the community.  

Bereavement Meals Parishioners prepare and serve a meal in the parish hall following a funeral. Parishioners can bring food or help set up or clean up.

Silver Streaks Parishioners 50 years and older meet monthly for social activities and trips. Events CommitteeMade up of parishioners who gather monthly to assist the parish in scheduling, planning, and executing parish-wide gatherings and events.

Ministries at Saints Peter & Paul Church