ADULT FAITH ENRICHMENT
  An increasing number of Catholics are realizing that their faith must extend beyond Sunday Mass. Many are seeking growth through scriptural study and spiritual nourishment. All are welcome to come join us as we explore a variety of topics and learn with one another…growing together on our journey of faith!
 

ENGAGED ENCOUNTER

Catholic Engaged Encounter is a weekend devoted to preparing couples to commit themselves to the sacrament of marriage. The weekend, presented by married couples and a priest, takes place at local retreat centers in the Los Angeles Archdiocese. Completion of the weekend retreat fulfills the marriage preparation requirements of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
 

MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER

The Marriage Encounter Weekend offers married couples a technique of loving communication that they can use for the rest of their lives. It is an opportunity to look deeply into their relationship with each other and with God.


RCIA (RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION FOR ADULTS)

“The Way To Become Catholic”… for Adults, Teens, and Children. It is our greatest joy as well as our mission to continually welcome new members to our church. RCIA is an open-ended process of spiritual formation and education. This ministry is for those interested in learning about and personally experiencing the Catholic faith tradition. Individuals who are not baptized, those baptized in other Christian religions, and baptized Catholics who never received the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation are welcome to begin our ongoing RCIA Inquiry sessions when they are ready.

A person may begin at any time of the year with no commitment and no obligation. After adequate preparation, and when the Inquirer believes he or she is called to follow the way of Jesus in the Roman Catholic Church, the Inquirer will seek full initiation. At this stage, the RCIA process becomes a faith journey that encourages individuals to broaden and deepen their prayer life, to know God through the scriptures and our Catholic faith traditions, and to actively participate in parish and community activities. We encourage and invite all who may be interested to “come and see” what living life as a committed Catholic Christian can mean for you.


ADULTS AND TEENS

RCIA Office               (310)316-0961       
Children, over the age of six Office of Religious Education               (310) 316-4460       


WELCOME HOME (...A MINISTRY FOR RETURNING CATHOLICS)

Are you out of touch with the Church? Are you confused about current Church practices and beliefs? Are you feeling unconnected to the faith community? Are you looking for something more? Have you been away for awhile, and are now considering coming back? We respect and honor your personal faith journey and there is never any pressure to return to the Church. However, we want you to know that we are here to listen and walk with you.

Our Welcome Home Series will meet in a relaxed environment to answer your questions and help you take another look at the Church. Because you and your concerns are important to us, we sincerely hope you will accept this invitation.

Please call the Rectory at               (310) 540-0329        for more information.


YOUTH MINISTRY

St. Lawrence Martyr Youth Ministry is a Catholic youth group open to high school students of all faiths. Our Youth Ministry is a comprehensive youth program grounded in the mission of Jesus and the Church, directed toward growth in Christian discipleship. St. Lawrence Martyr Youth Ministry affords the young people of our parish many exciting opportunities for spiritual reflection, growth, and community in an exciting and fun environment.

To participate, volunteer, or if you would like more information about Youth Ministry at St. Lawrence, please call the Youth Ministry Office at               (310) 316-0466       .


LIFE TEEN For High School Students Grade 9-12

At St. Lawrence we are participating in the Life Teen Program. The purpose of this program is to create an environment that leads high school teenagers
into a relationship with God through Jesus Christ and His Church. This program provides resources and training that encourage vibrant Eucharistic celebrations and opportunities for youth to live their faith. At the 5:00 pm Sunday weekly teen Mass, we experience the depth of God’s love through the Word, the community, and the Eucharist. Life Teen programs include education, social issues, retreats, bible studies, a peer ministry group, service projects, social events, ski trips and more. To go to the National Life Teen website, click here www.lifeteen.com


LIFE NIGHTS

Following the 5:00 pm Mass, trained adults lead the teens more deeply into their Catholic faith with the “Life Night” experience. As a faith community, the teens grow in understanding of what it means to be a young Catholic in the new millennium. The teens are affirmed, educated, and challenged to live the Gospel.


CONFIRMATION

“When the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will be filled with power and you will be witnesses for me...to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8

Sacramental preparation is a two-year process, which includes teens, sponsors, parents and families. High School teens participate in the Confirmation process through large and small group meetings. This process helps teens explore and understand their faith. They will have opportunities to share their thoughts and experiences and feel a part of the community. Teens will learn ways to deepen their relationship with God and family. The Confirmation Process at St. Lawrence Martyr is a two year process. Teens typically begin the Confirmation process at St. Lawrence during their freshman year in high school and receive the Sacrament at the end of their sophomore year; however, any teen in high school may participate in the process during their high school years.


—THE LITURGICAL MINISTRIES—

ALTAR SERVERS

It is a privilege and an honor to serve at the Altar of God. Girls and boys in the 5th grade or higher, as well as young men and women are welcome to join this ministry. If you would like to be of service to the community in this special way, we will provide the training; you bring an open and willing heart. Please call the Office for Worship at               (310) 316-0090        for more information.


ALTAR SOCIETY/ENVIRONMENT TEAM

The Alter Society is a group of dedicated women and men who care for the altar linens, candles, vestments, holy water fonts, and other décor/environment needs of the church. If you are able to give about an hour of your time each week to help keep our worship space in order, please call us. Your behind-the-scenes help in this ministry is invaluable! Please call the Office for Worship at               (310) 316-0090        for more information.


BAPTISM MINISTRY

Each and every time a new baby is welcomed into God’s Family it is a blessing, not only for the child and his or her family, but for all of us. You could have the privilege of witnessing these grace-filled moments by being part of our Baptism Ministry Team. There are two areas of this ministry:

Help with the administrative / hospitality portion of Baptism Instruction Class. This class is held on the 4th Monday of each month (7-8:30 pm) and would require you to set up hospitality, receive / greet the attendees and tend to simple paperwork. The classes are taught by clergy or trained instructors.

Help with the hospitality and assisting at the ceremony itself. Group Infant Baptism Ceremonies are conducted twice a month in the church by one of our clergy. You, acting as a ritual coordinator, devote about two hours on one Sunday afternoon each month (approx 1 - 3 pm) to set up and assist both the families and the Priest or Deacon for the Ceremony.

Please call the Rectory at               (310) 540-0329        for more information regarding this exciting ministry!


BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY

When a family experiences the death of a loved one, our Bereavement Ministry is there to represent our community by reaching out and offering support. Our team members assist in a variety of ways to help coordinate arrangements and plan for the Funeral or Memorial service.

—A Bereavement Coordinator meets with the family to discuss and plan the service, including the selection of Scripture readings to be used, and will be in attendance on the day to help the family feel more comfortable.

—Bereavement Ministers of Hospitality attend the day of the service and act as Ushers/Greeters, a welcoming extension of our community.

—The Music Director meets with the family to offer musical options, help select musicians and choose the appropriate music for the service. Our Resurrection Choir is also available upon request to help encourage congregational singing at the service.

We also offer assistance for receptions held at our SLM site. These ministers of hospitality, called Arimatheans, help with hosting, set up and clean up of receptions.

Please call the Office for Worship at               (310) 316-0090        for more information.


CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD

The Children’s Liturgy of the Word is for Children in grades 1-5, and occurs most Sundays during the 8:30 and 10:15 am Masses.

The Children’s Liturgy of the Word is the way the Church celebrates the Holy Scriptures with children at Sunday Mass. Officially approved translations of the Readings are used that are easier for the children in this age group to understand. This is not Sunday school and there are no sign-ups; this is a part of the Mass that is especially for the children.

When children come to one of these Sunday Masses with their families, they are called forward after the Opening Prayer for a blessing and are sent to the Chapel. Once there, Adults Leaders break open the Scriptures and help the children to praise God and deepen their faith. At the conclusion, they return to their families in the Assembly to celebrate the rest of the Mass.

If you are a parent, please encourage your children to participate. If you are an adult who loves the Scriptures and who loves working with children, please consider helping in this ministry. Please call the Office for Worship at               (310) 316-0090        for more information.


EARTHEN VESSELS (LITURGICAL DANCE)

Many of our liturgical celebrations are enhanced by the ministry of our liturgical dancers, especially during our high holy seasons. This is a dedicated group who express prayer through movement of the body, soul and spirit. Commitment, dance skill, and liturgical sensitivity are qualities of those who serve the community in this ministry.


EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION (EM)

EM TO THE ALTAR

As our parish family continues to grow there are an increasing number of people receiving communion at each liturgy. This means we need the assistance of many men and women to serve as special ministers of the Eucharist. A special training / formation course is provided.


EM TO THE SICK

Our Eucharistic Ministers bring the Eucharist to anyone who is sick or confined at home. They also bring the Eucharist each week to patients of local hospitals and convalescent facilities. Just an hour or two during the week or on the weekend would be your gift of time. Special training is provided.
 

LECTORS

The ministry of the reader of the Word has the effect of nurturing the faith of our celebrating community. It is a priority in our parish to provide a program of formation, practice and critique for men and women who feel called to this ministry. Please call the Office for Worship at               (310) 316-0090        for more information.


MINISTRY OF MUSIC

“Among the many signs and symbols used by the Church to celebrate its faith, music is of preeminent importance. As sacred song united to words, it forms a necessary and integral part of the solemn liturgy. Music should assist the believers to express and share the gift of faith that is within them and to nourish and strengthen their interior commitment of faith.” —Music in Catholic Worship, 1972

The Music Ministry of St. Lawrence Martyr Parish takes the words of this post-Vatican II document to heart. The music of the liturgy helps the
Assembly lift its collective heart and mind to the worship of God. The role of music ministry is to lead the faithful in active participation by assisting the community in singing its song of praise to God and offering the type of inspiration that only music has the power to achieve. Below are some opportunities. Please call the Director of Worship at               (310) 316-0090        for more information.


CANTORS

Cantors are singers who lead the Assembly in sung prayer and specialize in singing the Responsorial Psalm. Commitment, vocal skill, liturgical sensitivity, and a welcoming personality are desirable traits in a cantor.


CHOIRS

We have three Choirs leading the music at three of the Sunday Masses and special feasts of the Church year from September to June. Each group has its own musical character, rehearses regularly, and are all very nice folks, too!

- 8:30 am Choir: A contemporary choral ensemble

- 10:15 am Choir: A blend of traditional and contemporary choral music; organ and piano accompaniment along with other musical instruments

- 5:00 pm Life Teen Choir: Contemporary Christian music; high school students are especially welcome!

- Children’s Choir: Performs monthly at the Noon Mass during the school year

- Resurrection Choir: Enhancing the music for Funeral and Memorial Masses; part of our Bereavement Ministry; open to all interested singers


INSTRUMENTALISTS

Organists, pianists, guitarists, bass guitarists, percussionists, flutists, violinists, trumpeters, and specialty instrumentalists add variety and energy to liturgical music.


SOUND TECHNICIANS

Those who have a keen ear for room acoustics, a technical mind to work a soundboard, and a strong arm to move equipment, help us bring it all together. If you have a talent to share and are willing to make a commitment, please join us.


USHERS AND GREETERS (MINISTRY OF HOSPITALITY)

The Ministers of Hospitality welcome the faithful, aid those who need help or have questions, assist with processions, collections, and distribution of bulletins (and smiles) after each Mass.



WEDDING COORDINATORS

A wedding coordinator is assigned to each wedding to coordinate rehearsals and all aspects of the wedding ceremony. Quarterly information nights are held for the engaged couples.




—THE MINISTRIES OF FAITH-SHARING AND PRAYER—

CENTERING PRAYER GROUP

Centering Prayer is a form of silent prayer rooted in the contemplative tradition of the early Christian church. Its purpose is to help us achieve a state of interior silence—what St. Gregory described as “resting in God”—in which we open ourselves to the action of the Holy Spirit within us. Weekly meetings of SLM’s Centering Prayer Group are intended to supplement and reinforce the daily practice of the prayer.



CSJ ASSOCIATES

The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet invite women and men to join as companions on a faith journey expressed in service to God’s people, a deepening of prayer life and mutual support. Such companions, known as CSJ Associates, are friends, co-ministers, and cherished members of our faith community wherever the Sisters live and work. Associates extend the mission of the CSJs into their workplaces, families and friendships.


CHRISTIAN FAMILY MOVEMENT (CFM) http://www.stlmcfm.org

Making a Difference… One Family at a Time!

The Christian Family Movement (CFM) at St. Lawrence Martyr Parish is an organization of families growing together and helping each other recharge Christian family values. CFM has touched the lives of a great many of our parishioners over the years, fostered lifelong friendships and a mutual support system for the families here, and it’s fun! CFM activities consist of monthly small group adult meetings, large group family events and many opportunities for social outreach.

The Christian Family Movement is a national network of parish/neighborhood small groups of families which has been going strong for over 50 years. The SLM chapter is one of the largest in the U.S.

Each year we divide our membership into smaller groups of 10-15 families. Separate groups exist for first time members. Each group has a leader who facilitates meetings and activities. Groups are formed in September and meet through June.

More information on CFM can be found on the national website at www.cfm.org,


GRIEF SUPPORT

The St. Lawrence Bereavement Support Group meets every first Sunday of the month at 11:30 am in the Convent living room. Geared towards those individuals who have lost a spouse, the aim of the meetings is to provide mutual support and an understanding of the grief process.


MAGNIFICAT

Magnificat is a ministry to Catholic women. Its purpose is to help Catholic women open more and more to the Holy Spirit through a deeper commitment of their lives to Jesus as Lord and to impart the Holy Spirit to one another by their love, service and sharing the good news of salvation. It thus provides opportunities which will foster a desire to grow in holiness.

Magnificat ministers to women in all walks of life, whether deeply rooted in spirituality, or struggling on the journey. The Magnificat ministry meets quarterly for meals with inspirational speakers, music and prayer. With its Marian focus, Magnificat draws all Catholic women together in Jesus with the power of the Holy Spirit.


MOMS IN TOUCH, INTERNATIONAL

Moms in Touch is an international prayer ministry that began in 1984 by one mom who felt called to pray with other moms for their children and schools. She created a format using scripture that was very simple for busy mothers. Moms in Touch is two or more mothers who meet for one hour a week to release God’s power on their children and schools through prayer. We invite mothers, grandmothers, or any woman who is willing to pray for one hour a week to join and see how prayer can make a difference in the lives of our children.


PERPETUAL ADORATION

The Adoration Chapel is available at all times, day and night, for those wishing to spend time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. In order to provide this opportunity , we need scheduled adorers on whom we can count to be there, particularly through the night. Are you willing to commit yourself to one hour of adoration, or as a substitute adorer?


SMALL COMMUNITIES OF FAITH

Small Communities of Faith
 
Small Communities of Faith or SCF are small communities typically of 8-12 members who meet on a regular schedule, determined by the needs of the group. Some meet weekly, others biweekly, and still others monthly. Some groups may meet year-round, others during the school year while others may choose to come together for four to six-week sessions in the Advent/Christmas season and during the Lenten/Easter season.
 
 Each SCF forms based on schedule and interests. Some may consist of a mixed group of members, others may be moms of young children, others empty nesters, others married couples, and others may consist of 6 or so families who come together to form a small community.
 
  In Summary, Small Communities of Faith are:
 
§         Intentional. The members of each SCF gather for a defined purpose and mission. Not just a social group.
§         Invitational. Within the network, there is a place for all who come and members are respected.
§         Inclusive. Recognizing the diverse charisms within the Catholic community, the network embraces all who gather to bear authentic witness to Christ and His Church.
§         Inspirational. Each SCF is not an end unto itself but inspires each member to live out the mission of Christ in the world. This missionary spirit manifests itself in both the individual and collective actions of the Small Community of Faith.


—THE MINISTRIES OF SERVICE—

ALL LIFE CHARITIES

All Life Charities was formed in 1986 by Deacon Frank Dieter to raise funds to assist needy people, primarily pregnant women. St. Elizabeth Center, the main outreach in Wilmington, was established to clothe and feed poverty stricken families and homeless men and women. Donations of these basic and other life-supporting items, directly or through St. Lawrence Martyr Parish, have been instrumental in assisting thousands of our brothers and sisters all around us.

All work is performed by volunteers and volunteer groups. All costs are covered by donated funds.


CHRISTIAN SERVICE OUTREACH (CSO)

(Service Programs – Volunteers Needed)
Christian Service Outreach consists of a group of people doing service for people in need, and those who are homeless. We provide sack lunches, hot meals and sacks of groceries. Used clothing and blankets are also provided, along with Easter baskets and Christmas gifts. All of this comes from the wonderful generosity of you, the parishioners of St. Lawrence.


MOTHER THERESA’S MISSIONARY SISTERS OF CHARITY

The Sisters run a shelter for homeless, pregnant women which is located in Lynwood. Volunteers are always needed to help the Sisters care for the girls and help with parenting and Lamaze classes. Please call the Rectory at               (310) 540-0329        or the shelter at               (310) 635-3264        if you would like to help.


ST. LAWRENCE FOOD PANTRY

The food pantry provides local needy families with bags of groceries and homeless people with sack lunches. They also take clean used clothes to local shelters for the needy. On the first Sunday of every month, we collect food and clothing from parishioners after all morning Masses. Volunteers are always needed to help bag food and sort clothes from 8 am to 12:00 Noon or every Saturday from 8:30 to 10:30 am. Come join us in the parish food pantry.

Do you know a local family with children or senior citizens in need of food? Call us at the Rectory,               (310) 540-0329       . We are here to help.


COFFEE AND DONUTS

Volunteer teams from our various parish groups serve coffee, tea, punch, fresh donuts and bagels after the 7:00, 8:30 and 10:15 am Sunday Masses. Everyone is welcome in the hall where our parish family enjoys an atmosphere of friendship, community, and belonging. Come join us soon! Please call the Rectory if you would like to volunteer.


COOKIE MINISTRY

Baking is one very special way to enjoy helping out the church. Our bakers provide cookies (and other baked goods) for regular meetings, church celebrations and outreach programs which are supported by our Parish. Volunteers are welcome to bake as often as their schedule permits. If you are interested in volunteering for this worthwhile ministry, please call the Rectory at               (310) 540-0329       .


DAILY AND WEEKLY FOOD PICKUPS FOR ALL LIFE CHARITIES

Volunteers are needed to pick up food at local stores and food banks and then deliver the food to St. Elizabeth Center in Wilmington and to the Missionary Sisters’ shelter in Lynwood. Also, donated clothes and small household items need to be delivered to St. Elizabeth Center and other shelters.


FEED THE HOMELESS

From 9:00 am to 2:00 pm on the first Monday of the month and every Wednesday we serve a hot meal at San Juan Diego shelter for homeless boys located at: 1345 Alvarado Terrace, Los Angeles 90006. We help provide lunch, clean clothes, blankets, and friendship to homeless teenage boys. Please join us in this ministry.


SATURDAY MINISTRY

Every Saturday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, we join the Missionary Brothers of Charity at their shelter in Los Angeles. Come join us as we provide food, clothes, blankets and friendship to homeless people on the streets of Los Angeles.
 

GIVING TREE AND ADOPT-A-FAMILY CHRISTMAS OUTREACH

Gifts donated through the Giving Tree are given to needy families and to homeless people in shelters. Other needy families are adopted by local families and groups. Volunteers are needed to sort gifts and deliver to needy families and shelters. Please participate and join us.



KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

The Knights of Columbus group within our parish has taken on Columbus’ inspiration to call forth our own courage, to follow our dreams for a better community, and to see how we can contribute to the people within it. Through fundraising efforts the Knights help support the vocations of
seminarians, the homeless and hungry, and several youth projects in the South Bay. Membership is available to all Catholic men in the parish over the age of 18 and family participation is encouraged as well. If you want to make more of a difference and contribute to the lives of those around you through the Knights of Columbus, please call the Rectory at               (310) 540-0329       .


PEACE AND JUSTICE MINISTRY

The Peace and Justice Ministry follows the traditions of Catholic social teaching for peace and justice in all areas, including but not limited to, abortion, capital punishment, sexual ethics, euthanasia, reproductive technology, war, poverty, homelessness, and moral reasoning.


RESPECT LIFE — PREGNANCY HELP CENTER

Our Parish has been involved in all aspects of the Right to Life movement since the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision. If you need help, or someone to talk to, please do not hesitate to call.

24-Hour Helpline (310) 787-HELP
Pregnancy Help Center               (310) 320-8976       


SENIOR MINISTRY

This ministry enables us as a Church Community to provide spiritual and social activities to our senior members and to involve the “sandwich generation” of volunteers to make this a reality.


SENIOR LUNCHEON

Luncheons are held occasionally following the Noon Mass. Seniors gather to share fellowship and food in a congenial setting in the St. Lawrence Hall. Volunteers are always needed. Any assistance offered is greatly appreciated by our team.


SENIOR TRANSPORTATION

This service offers free transportation to parishioners in getting to medical appointments within the South Bay area. If family or friends are not available at all times, our wonderful volunteers will do their best to take people where they need to be. Do you have any spare time to help?


PARISH VISITORS

We invite volunteers—men, women, couples, or whole families—to join us in bringing a lot of love and joy into the lives of some of our parishioners who no longer live in their own homes. This can be a very lonely time for those who may not have any family. We need you!


STEPHEN MINISTRY


What is the Stephen Ministry?

The Stephen Minstry was founded in 1974 by Kenneth C. Haugk, a clinical psychologist and pastor of St. Stephens' Lutheran Church in St. Louis, MO.  St. Lawrence is one of more than 9,000 congregations from over 120 Christian denomonations that have a Stephen Ministry. Over 300,000 Stephen Minsters have been trained, ministering to well over one million people throughout the world.

What is a Stephen Minister?

A Stephen Minister is a caring, Christian friend who listens, prays, supports and offers faith-based, confidential care for those who are hospitalized, terminally ill, bereaved, in a job crisis, or suffer any one of the many life struggles of our time. Stephen Ministers do not take the place of priests, nor do they find solutions to these problems. Ministers are not counselors, but trained caregivers. Their role is to listen and to care, not to counsel or advise. They are trained to make professional referrals when a caregiver's needs go beyond the scope of their ministry.  Our ministers have over 50 hours of training and participate in continuting education programs throughout their service.

How does Stephen Ministry work?

If you are in need of care, simply call the Stephen Ministry main phone line.  One of the Ministers will talk with you and, with permission assign a Stephen Minister. The Minister will contact you and schedule a time to meet. The rest is up to you. It is very important to understand that this care is stricly confidential. Those receiving care can be sure that their identitiy and what goes on in the caring relationship will remain private.

The Stephen Ministry is a great way for our parish to reach in and reach out to more and more hurting people through our team of well-equipped, well-supervised lay caregivers.

Everyone goes through difficult times.  Having someone to care, to listen, to share God's love with you can help you get through the confusion, stress, or loneliness you may be experiencing.

If your life is more than you can handle alone right now; if your health, attitude, or relationships are suffering; if you are adjusting to the loss of a job, a change in marital status, a serious illness, the death of a loved one, or would just like to have someone in your life who really cares, then perhaps it is time for you to call the Stephen Ministry. Our Stephen Ministers look forward to the opportunity to carry out our Parish Mission Statement by accepting the call of Jesus Christ to love and serve one another.

Confidential Stephen Ministry Message Line: (310) 316-1642




SUNDAY CHILD CARE

(ages 1 to 3 1/2 years)
Child care is available during the 8:30 and 10:15 am Sunday Masses for children 1 to 3 1/2 years of age. If you like to help, enjoy this age level, and want to give an hour of your time on a Sunday morning, this is the place to be.


1900 South Prospect Avenue   |   Redondo Beach   |   California   |   Phone (310) 540-0329   |   Fax (310) 540-8999
Home | Bulletins | Schedules | Sacraments | Ministries | Council | Directions | Contact Us | Staff Email
Copyright 2008 St. Lawrence Martyr Church