Ministries

The following is a partial list of organizations serving our parish community.  Your participation is always welcome and if you feel led to start something new, please share your interest with the pastor.

Pastoral Council

The Pastoral Council, with the Pastor, facilitates a vision, establishes priorities, sets a direction, and helps provide for the spiritual enrichment of the parish.  They evaluate, support ministries, and set parish goals in collaboration with the Pastor.   This is a nine member council;  members are elected to a 3 year term with one third of the council being newly elected every year as one third completes their service.    Current Council Chair is Katie Edmonds.

Administrative (Finance) Council

The Administrative Council advises the Pastor in administrating and planning the financial and property affairs of the parish, including budget preparation and supervision of accounting.  This is a six member council; members are elected to a 3 year term with one third of the council being newly elected every year as one third completes their service. Current Council Chair is Rita Kester.

Parish Commissions

Catechetical Commission:  This commission meets once a month, or as needed, to promote participation in the Ministry of Catechetics, to serve as public relations source, and to recommend policy regarding the religious education needs of the parish.

Social Justice Commission:  This commission meets once a month to read Bible passages pertaining to Catholic social teaching, share reflections and to organize parish and community participation in social justice events.

Liturgical Ministries

Adult Acolytes/ Liturgical Assistants:  These men and women prepare the Altar for Mass, and assist the celebrant at the Altar.  Contact Julie Brown through the Parish Office.

Altar Servers:  Young people perform this ministry at Mass, weddings, funerals, etc.  You may become an Altar Server after your First Communion and need to be regularly attending Mass.  Training is necessary and provided before entering this ministry.   

Parish Musicians:  One of the essential elements for prayerful participation in the liturgy is music.  Music ministers incorporate the themes of the liturgical year and select music for our celebrations.  We have many different Musical styles enhancing our Masses.  Please consider this engaging Ministry.  Musicians and vocalists always welcome. Alison Seeber is our music director aseeber@stpaulsilverton.com.

Extraordinary Ministers of the Holy Eucharist:  This ministry is to distribute the Eucharist at Mass and/or take Holy Communion to the elderly or homebound on a weekly basis.  Training and commissioning is required; ministers must have received the Sacraments of Initiation. Contact the Parish Office at 503-873-2044.

Lectors:  Proclamation of the Scripture during Mass is the ministry of lectors.  Training and commissioning are required, as well as an ongoing study of Scripture. Mary Fogarty trains all new lectors in English.

Ushers/ Greeters:  Ushers offer assistance in greeting people, in seating people, take up the collection, distributing bulletins, and assisting with emergencies. Anyone over the age of 16 may be an Usher. Contact the Parish Office or Art Cocker at 503-4064.

Sacristans:  Sacristans oversee the supply of liturgical items for Mass as well as the vestments, Altar cloths, flowers, and decorating for the seasons of the year.

Religious Education / Faith Formation

Religious Education Sessions are held Sunday mornings from September through May for children ages 3 through 5th Grade.  Contact Hilda Kleiman at 503-873-2044.   Religious Education Sessions also available in Spanish, Contact the office at 503-873-2044 for more information. 

Adult Faith Formation:  This is Sunday Morning Adult Catechesis from 9:15-10:15 during children’s sessions.  It is held most Sundays, October through April, with various speakers and videos covering a wide and interesting number of Catholic topics. 

Youth Ministry

Youth in High School meet Wednesday evenings from 6:30pm to 8:00p.m.  Pre-teens in grades 6-8p.m. meet Wednesdays from 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.  

Sacramental Preparation

Baptism:  Parent and Godparent preparation sessions are required before Baptism.  Contact Fr. William at the Parish office for an appointment.

Reconciliation/Eucharist:  Sessions available through our Religious Education program.  Students will be expected to participate in a  minimum of one year of Religious Education before their Sacramental Preparation year.

Confirmation:  Preparation for Confirmation is a two-year process.  Participation in Youth Group is strongly encouraged.  Contact the the Youth Ministry Office.

Marriage:  One of the couple must be an active and registered parishioner or parents of either the bride of groom be active/registered in St. Paul Parish.  Please contact the parish office six months before date of marriage for a meeting with the Pastor. 

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults:  RCIA is a process, a faith journey for those interested in entering fully into our Catholic Community.  A Scriptural approach with the Sunday’s liturgy, Catholic tradition and doctrine is used to guide those interested in the knowledge and love of Jesus and our Church.  Contact the pastor or Theresa Kelley at 503-873-2413.

Community Worship and Service

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament:  Presently, hours available are during regular office hours 9am-4:30pm Monday through Friday, due to the pandemic. Regular schedule is 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., 365 days per year in Adoration Chapel.  Hours are available for “adoption”.  Please call the office to sign up.

Blankets for Birthright: Blankets are collected throughout the year to donate to mothers in need of additional support. Theresa Kelley leads is the point of contact for this special program.

“Coffee & Donuts”: This hospitality ministry serves refreshments after each of the Sunday Masses in the Parish Hall.  It is sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. Currently on hold due to the pandemic.

Funeral Luncheon Program: Provides families with an opportunity for a luncheon and fellowship after funeral services in the Parish.  Contact Mary Fogarty 503-873-6577.

Gardening Group: This group is active seasonally.  Parishioners meet during the spring and fall to plan and outline the landscape for the parish as well as the courtyards and community garden.  

Knights of Columbus: A Catholic fraternal service group that meets on the first and 3rd Thursday of each month at 7:00 pm in the school basement.  The Knights run a booth at the annual Oktoberfest in Mt. Angel and seek the help of ALL parishioners in manning their Sausage booth. Contact Bill Seeber.

Oracion Charismatica: Spanish Charismatic Prayer Group meets weekly on Monday in the Church at 7 p.m.  Music and teaching in Spanish.

Parish Library:  Located in the parish center, the library has over 1000 books and DVD’s for parishioner’s use.  Library is open Monday through Friday during office hours and by appointment.

Prayer Chain: There is an extensive list of wonderful pray-ers who hear of prayers via an email chain, headed by Joanie Steffen. Intentions are offered to this group on an ongoing basis, and this group utilizes the power of prayer to pray for those who express the need. Email: joanie@steffenweb.net to request a prayer for yourself or a loved one.

St. Paul Cemetery: Located on Hobart Rd. just outside of Silverton.  Sextant, Bev Huber  503-873-6747

Community Outreach: Through Silverton Area Community Aid (SACA) offering assistance to area families.  Contact number 503-873-3446

Wednesday Night Dinner:  CURRENTLY THIS IS ON HOLD DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. St. Paul parishioners host this free community dinner the first Wednedsay each month at the First Christian Church - located at 402 N. First Street Silverton, OR.  Come join us to hsare a meal or volunteer!  Donations of cookies and deserts are always welcome!
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