Ways to get involved
There are many ways you can become involved with the various ministries in the parish. Please call the office (401.737.4141) for contact information for any group about which you would like further information.
Inside the Parish
Altar Guild prepares the altar and other areas for Sunday worship. They work in teams (usually on Saturday mornings) and each team takes responsibility for one weekend every month. There is occasional midweek duty for holy days, funerals and weddings. For more information, please e-mail altarguild@stbarnabaswarwick.org
Bell Choir is a small ensemble of musicians who periodically add to the worship music program. We are fortunate to have a set of Malmark bells. New members are always welcome and those without extensive musical training will be taught to read music for this purpose.
Building & Grounds committee helps to organize and maintain the upkeep and maintenance of the church and its grounds. Individuals skilled in trades are especially helpful, but not necessary. All that is required a desire to help out wherever you can. For more information, please contact Mike Nelson at webmaster@stbarnabaswarwick.org
Chalice Bearers assist in administering Holy Communion at every mass. Members who are interested in helping in this capacity should contact the Senior Warden who will arrange for training and scheduling.
Choir sings at the 10:00 and holy day masses from September through early June. They rehearse on Tuesday evenings and warm up before mass on Sunday morning. Singers in all voice ranges are welcome to join.
Christian Education can always use another teacher or helper to assist with children's' classes. The classes meet during the 10:00 mass during the school year.
Lay Eucharistic Visitors are licensed by the Bishop to bring Holy Communion at the Rector's direction to members who are unable for health-related reasons to attend worship. Members interested in this ministry should contact the office. Training takes place (in Providence) at a diocesan level. LEV training includes "safe church" instruction regarding sexual misconduct, as well as background screening before the bishop will issue a license.
Lectors read the assigned Bible readings at both masses, as well as the Prayers of the People at the 10:00 mass. Members who are interested in this ministry should contact the Senior Warden who will arrange for training and scheduling.
Ushers greet member and visitors at the door, pass out the worship bulletin and other materials necessary for worship, collect the weekly offering and guide the congregation to the altar rail when communion is administered.
Outside the Parish
Food Pantry supplies are collected at all times, but especially on the first Sunday of every month. The food donated is passed along in three different ways. First, a limited amount is kept in the church in order to allow us to give food to people who come seeking immediate help. In our sense of ministry we recognize the importance of feeding those who are hungry and we do not want anyone to get unfed if we are able to help. Second, the bulk of the food we collect is brought to West Bay Community Action in the Buttonwoods neighborhood. WBCA is the primary agency that we work with in helping people who need food or other forms of assistance. Third, when we receive notice of the need to resupply the Rhode Island Food Bank, we direct contributions to the warehouse operation that serves the entire state. WBCA is part of the coalition of local area pantries that co-operate with each other as part of the Food Bank system. While staple food items of all sorts are useful, the most urgent regular need is for high protein items such as tuna, canned meat, and peanut butter, beans and rice, canned soups and chilies. Baby food and baby care items, such as diapers, are always always needed.
West Bay Manor , which is located at West Shore Road, is a retirement living facility in our immediate area. Mass is celebrated for the residence on the last Sunday of every month as noon and on holy days at a time determined in consultation with the WBM activities director. There is always room for volunteers to help during worship. Contact the office for more information on how you can be part of this ministry.
Homeless people in Rhode Island are also a focus of our ministry. These efforts tend to be responses to immediate needs. Several years ago we supplied 70 stadium style winter coats for distribution through Crossroads. In 2007 we gave over 60 blankets to help keep homeless people warm during the winter months.
