We rejoice today and take notice of the good works done regularly by our parish.  As disciples of Christ, we are called to follow in His footsteps.  These steps are those of love, justice and service.
 
Living stewardship as a way of life calls us to seek ways to thank God for everything we are and have been given.  Each one of us has been uniquely created to fulfill an exclusive role in the building of God’s kingdom on earth.
 
This weekend, let us focus on the gifts God has entrusted to us.  Our gifts come in various forms:  from the earth and its various resources, from our family, friends and others, to our own distinctive talents.   Each one of us has been uniquely created to fulfill an exclusive role in the building of God’s kingdom on earth.  Each one of us has a personal responsibility to love, nurture, protect, feed, share and bring about peace.  Each one of us has a particular role in fulfilling the mission of Christ.

There are many opportunities to share our gifts in our home, our parish and in our community.  Today we celebrate our parish ministries and those stewards that share their giftedness to make them flourish!  It is through serving that we grow closer to Jesus.

What is a Gifts Celebration?
During all Masses, our giftedness will be affirmed and blessed. In the Social Hall there will be tables showcasing a variety of ministries and programs that take place at St. Richard’s Catholic Church. It is an opportunity to acknowledge all the things that take place and all the people who make our parish home. Come help us celebrate—and maybe discover a new gift of your own!

Some of the ministries we will celebrate include:
 
Children’s Faith Formation: Catechists, Classroom Helpers, Nursery Care Providers, Children’s Liturgy of the Word Leaders, Vacation Bible School Crew
 
Youth & Young Adult Ministry: Adult Singles Commission, Young Marrieds Commission, Youth Ministry Commission, Summer Stretch, Summer Mission Trip Team, Youth Ministry Chaperones, Youth Ministry Small Group Leaders, #MercyWorks Service Project Team
 
Adult Faith Formation: Small Groups, Christian Family Movement, Community of Sant’Egidio, Scripture Study Small Groups, Sunday Morning Monthly Book Club
 
Sacramental Formation: First Reconciliation, First Eucharist & Confirmation Catechists, Sacramental Learning Center Assistants, PREPARE Mentor Couples, RCIA Team, Bi-Lingual Translators
 
Pastoral Care: Prayer Network, Homebound/Hospitalized Visitors, Nursing Home Prayer Service Ministers, Prayer Shawl Knitters/Crocheters, Funeral Hosts & Cooks, Bloomington-Richfield Grief Coalition, Faith & Light, Separated & Divorced Coalition, Depression Support
 
Liturgy: Altar Servers, Eucharistic Ministers (EMHCs), Lectors, Mass Coordinators, Prayer Leaders, Eucharistic Adorers, Ministers of Hospitality, Liturgical Environment, Wedding Coordinators, Funeral Ministers
 
Music Ministry: Choir, Ensemble, Cantors, Children’s Choir, Instrumentalists, Hand Bell Choir, Taizé Prayer Musicians
 
Administrative/Hospitality: Front Desk Hospitality, Faith Formation Office Volunteers, Parish Registration Hots, Bulk Mail Team, Drivers, Money Counters, Coffee Shop Hosts
 
Building & Grounds Care: Church Cleaners, Garden Club, Handy-Persons
 
Community Service: Habitat for Humanity, VEAP, Loaves & Fishes, Meals on Wheels, Store-to-Door, Sowers of Justice, Knights of Columbus, St. Girard’s Guild, Birthright, Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts
 
Fundraising: Fall Festival, Rummage Sale, Cultural Dinners
 
Parish Leadership: Parish Pastoral Council, Worship Commission, Faith Formation Commission, Finance Council, Facilities Commission, Parishioner Resources Committee, Pastoral Care Commission, Capital Improvements Steering Committee, Blessed Trinity Catholic School Advisory Council