St. Daniel the Prophet is the newest Catholic parish in the Wheaton community. It is supported by active laity that participate in a wide variety of educational, service, and social ministries. The following brief ministry descriptions are offered to peak your interest. For further information about a ministry that appeals to you, phone the parish offices of St. Daniel at 682-5003. You will be put in contact with a member of the parish staff, or a facilitator who will discuss the ministry in more detail with you.

Ministries

Altar Servers - throughout the year, girls and boys who have made their First Communion assist at weekend liturgies, 2 to 4 per Mass. Each youth serves about once a month. Training is provided.

Children's Liturgy of the Word - alternating Sundays of the school year during the 9:30 and 11:00 Masses, at least two lay leaders help children in grades 1-4 to understand the Word of God at their level. Leaders serve no more than twice a quarter.

 CORE (Christian Out Reach Effort) - St. Daniel the Prophet parish maintains a strong commitment to the social ministry of the church. CORE was established to reach out to those in need in our community by coordinating parish service projects, partnering with community organizations, providing financial contributions to community service organizations and providing advocacy/educational opportunities to the parish. We seek to make positive changes in the lives of the poor.

Eucharistic Ministers - men and women distribute the Body and Blood of Christ (bread and cup) at Masses throughout the year. Ministers choose the time for their Sunday Mass attendance. Frequency of service is about once every 4-5 weeks. Assignments are published quarterly. Training for the ministry is provided.

Greeters - before each weekend liturgy, men, women, and children welcome and distribute missalettes to Mass attendees, recruit a cross bearer and presenters of the Offertory gifts and present the collection. Following Mass, greeters distribute bulletins while wishing departing parishioners well. Greeters serve every 3 months.

Hospitality/Refreshments - families volunteer to take a turn once every 3 months at serving refreshments and visting with liturgy attendees following Mass. Duties include preparing snacks and beverages before Mass and cleaning up afterward. The parish provides the refreshments.

Lectors - two volunteer Scripture readers proclaim the Word of God at each weekend liturgy. Lectors serve twice a quarter on a published, rotating schedule. Training and preparation materials are available.

Music Ministries - under the direction and guidance of our staff liturgist, several opportunities are available for individuals with musical talents to help enhance the quality of our liturgies.

     Adult Choir - for all parishoners who enjoy group singing. Weekly evening rehearsals.

     Cantors - during weekend liturgies talented male and female ministers of song lead parishoners in raising their voices in musical praise of God. Instruction provided.

     Chamber Players - experienced band members form a wind ensemble for Christmas and Easter performances.

     Children's Choir - boys and girls under 12 sing during selected Eucharistic celebrations during the year.

     Contemporary Choir - a mixed chorus of teenagers and adults perform more recent, popular Christian music.

     Musicians - instrumentalists offer their talents for the glory of God at selected liturgies through the year.

     Youth Choir - teens join their voices and instrumental talents in group praise of God during select liturgies.

Sacristans - prior to each weekend Mass, individuals prepare the utensils used during the liturgy. Following the Mass, these same individuals clean and straighten up the sacristy.

The Sick - If someone in your family is ill, either at home or in the hospital, contact the parish office.

Pastoral Care Ministers - Persons trained and certified by the Diocese to visit the sick in their homes, nursing homes or hospitals, and bring them the Eucharist.