If you are interested in volunteering for any of the following Liturgical Ministries, contact the parish office at 429-6811.
Altar Server
Boys and girls in Grades 3-12 who have received their First Holy Communion are invited to become altar servers. Training is offered at the beginning of the school year. If your child is interested in becoming an altar server, contact Maureen Piehler at [email protected] or 429-5650.
Bereavement / Funeral
For anyone who experiences a loss, especially through death, the parish offers comfort to those who mourn. The parish will assist with planning the funeral, contact the newly bereaved, make home visits, and organize special programs, such as the evening of remembrance.
*CASE training is required.
Cross Bearer
This ministry involves carrying the processional cross during the weekend mass and is open to all adults and high school students.
*CASE training is required.
Funeral Server
Adult servers assist the presider at the Funeral Mass. Their presence is comforting to those whose loved ones have died.
*CASE training is required.
Lector
Volunteers are trained for proper pronunciation and vocal projection to proclaim the Word of God during weekend or weekday Mass.
*CASE training is required.
Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion
Extrordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are trained to assist at Mass and/or take communion to the homebound. Those who visit the homebound may be the only visitors received during the week. The minister visits for a short time and brings them a church bulletin.
*CASE training is required.
Usher/Greeter
They greet people as they come into church. Ushers assist in finding seats, take up the offering, assist persons with special needs, distribute bulletins, etc. Open to adults and high school students.
*CASE training is required.
Food Cupboard
St. Theodore’s Food Cupboard serves residents in the 14606 and 14624 zip codes. The Food Cupboard is open for emergencies, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. We provide a four or five day supply of food which includes staples, frozen meat and fresh fruits and vegetables
based on availability.
We also have a monthly program for families who need our help on a regular basis and who qualify after an interview. Pick up day is the 3rd Wednesday of every month. The bulk of the food comes from Foodlink and the remainder from weekly donations from our generous parishioners, donations from the surrounding churches in our area and from various food drives in our community.We are totally staffed by volunteers. If you need assistance or would like to help, call 429-5360.
Prayer Network
A group of people who pray for those who are in need of prayer. Names are displayed on the window in the receptionist office, the Healing Shrine in the Church and in the Adoration Chapel. Call the Parish Office at 429-6811 to add a name to the prayer list.
*CASE training is not required.
Prison Ministry
Our Prison Ministry
During Thanksgiving week this past November, I was dog sitting for a young Australian Shepherd named Sir Mick Jagger, or Jagger for short. I want to share an experience I had with you.
As I walked Jagger near Parcel 5 and Main Street downtown, a man approached me to ask if I knew where shelters for men were. He had been released from Prison and had nowhere to stay, he said. He didn't have
family or friends here. A kind policeman had driven him to men's shelters, like Salvation Army, Open Door Mission, and the Catholic Worker, but they were full for the night. I didn't know of any other places. The kind policeman
told him to call next day if he hadn't found a place yet, and he would try to help him again.
It was bitterly cold that week, dangerous really. Arctic air had swept down on Rochester, frostbite weather. The man had no hat or gloves, only a jacket. When I asked if he wanted my gloves, he said yes, and they fit him well.
Jagger the dog jumped up on his chest, as if to give him a hug, and the man hugged him back. He thanked me for the gloves, and then wandered off.
I had many feelings, one following the other. I was happy to share my gloves, yet I also felt helpless, as they were all I had to share. I felt sad that after doing his prison time, he was now homeless. I also felt angry. Why wasn't there enough room for him somewhere, and why was he just dropped off to fend for himself?
I thought of the play Les Miserables where the main character steals a loaf of bread out of desperation. I hoped this man wouldn't commit more crimes, also out of desperation. And I worried about him in this bitter cold;
I prayed for him then and for many days after. My hands were freezing by now, so I headed back to the apartment where we were staying. At least Jagger and I had warm beds to spend the night in, and food to eat, while that man had nothing.
For Pete's sake, something is not right with this picture!
Here at St. Theodores, we have a newly-formed Prison Ministry. This small team of people has discerned the need to help people being released from the County Jail, men and women both, about 10 per week. We want to collect basic hygiene items for them, like a comb, toothbrush and paste, socks, razor and shaving cream, and so on. These will be placed in a simple canvas tote bag
and given to those being released. It sounds helpful, doesn't it? Doing nothing is NOT the answer!
The late Dorothy Day, who founded the Catholic Worker movement in 1933, had this to say: "No one has a right to sit down and feel hopeless. There is too much work to do."
And so, during the 40 days of Lent, we will have receptacles in the church entrances, to collect basic hygiene items, which will be listed in the bulletin. We need to band together on this issue. Further, we ask some of you to please join our Ministry Team. In Matthew 25, Jesus mentions His wish that we help those in prison. He is very clear on this matter.
So, when you get to Heaven and meet our precious Savior, He may well say to you: thanks a lot Elizabeth and Molly, for those warm socks you gave me. Thank you, Fr. Kevin and Deacon Larry, for the toothbrushes and paste you shared. And Maureen, I really used the nail clippers, shampoo, and socks you and your young people gave Me! You may ask Him, but when did we do that for you, Lord ?
And He will say, because when you did this for my least brethren, you really did it for Me.
St. Francis House
Started by Deacon Angelo Coccia that does fundraising and provides help to those in need. Contact Deacon Angelo Coccia at 429-6811.
Theo's Closet
St. Theodore’s Clothing Closet serves residents in the 14606 and 14624 zip codes. The closet is open Mondays 12:00 – 2:00 p.m., Wednesdays 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and Thursdays 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. We provide full sets of cloths, coats, shoes and accessories for those in need. Donations come from our generous parishioners and the closet is staffed by volunteers.
Transportation
WESTSIDE EXPRESS – Senior Transportation Service
The mission of the WestSide Express Transportation Service is to provide safe, efficient and accessible transportation for residents of the Gates and Chili communities.
Service is provided Monday—Friday for appointments between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., excluding holidays. Weekend appointments are available for religious services only. Clients must be ambulatory. Walkers and canes are acceptable. We do not provide same day service. Phone at least five (5) days in advance. You will receive a confirmation call from the driver the evening before your appointment. One personal appointment ride per week. Multiple stops on a single trip must be pre-approved. Rides will be provided for appointments within Monroe County. Please note: All rides are based on the availability of a driver. Transportation is provided for the following appointments: Medical/Dental, Banking, Pharmacy, Hairdresser, Attorney, Government agencies, Health related shopping, Senior Center/Libraries, and Church services.
Call WestSide Express at 889-6104, 24 hours a day. Leave a voicemail with your phone number, address and appointment date and time.
This takes the place of the Transportation Ministry at St. Theodore’s Church.