Altar Servers
All registered boys and girls, who are in the fourth grade and above, are welcome to serve. Altar Servers enter into fuller participation of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass while assisting the priest during the weekend and special Masses. All candidates recognize serving in this role is a privilege. Duties are to be performed with attention and reverence. Servers are scheduled on a rotational basis and are responsible for locating a substitute if they are unable to serve. Training is required.
Our Lady of the Assumption Coordinator: Ruben Llano | 231.893.2778 | Email Ruben Here
St. James Coordinator: Chic Caluwaert | 231.894.4355
St. John the Baptist Coordinator: Chic Caluwaert | 231.894.4355
Art & Environment
Altar and Church Flower Ministry — Volunteers enhance the beauty of our worship areas with flowers and plants which reflect the current liturgical season. Flowers may be purchased or arranged by the ministry coordinator(s) with monies donated by families, in memory of loved ones or in recognition of a special occasion.
Our Lady of the Assumption Coordinator: Theresa Briggs | 231.557.1556 | Email Teresa Here
St. James Coordinator: Celia Rhodes | 616.856.9677 | Email Celia Here
St. John The Baptist Coordinator: Mary Semelbauer | 231.329.1747
Church Seasonal Environment — Church decorating has always been an important part of liturgical worship. Having the right environment and atmosphere greatly enhances the celebration of the seasons and the liturgical calendar year. Through visual and aesthetic colors and symbols, these ministers decorate the church, chapel, narthex and parish hall for the seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter and Ordinary Time. Assistance is always needed whether it be with planning, decorating, or helping in any way.
Our Lady of the Assumption Coordinator: Gina Kieft | 231.215.6575 | Email Gina Here
St. James Coordinator: Celia Rhodes | 616.856.9677 | Email Celia Here
St. John the Baptist Coordinator: Mary Semelbauer | 231.329.1747
St. James Flower Memorial – Memorialize your deceased family members and friends while helping to offset the cost of Christmas & Easter flower decorations used in the church. Any remaining funds will benefit the White Lake Giving Tree and The Christian Tithing Fund. For a $5 donation, select a single, couple(s) or family name you would like to see highlighted in our Christmas/Easter Mass Flower Memorial Booklet which will be distributed at our Christmas/Easter Masses. You may, of course, have as many memorials listed as you would like at a $5 donation for each. Parish Office Sends out forms in the parish bulletins approximately six weeks before Easter & Christmas.
Coordinator: Parish Office | 231.893.3085
Extraordinary Ministers of Communion
Fully initiated Catholic men and women assist in ministering the body and blood of Christ to the community of the faithful at Mass. The call to serve in this ministry demands sincere reverence, respect, and devotion to the Eucharist. Serving someone with special needs or limitations, or going to someone who cannot come forward in the communion process may be necessary. Training is provided.
Our Lady of the Assumption Coordinator: Theresa Perigard | 231.450.0457 | Email Theresa Here
St. James Coordinator: Deacon Greg Anderson | 231.730.2418 | Email Deacon Here
St. John the Baptist Coordinator: Carol Mills | 231.730.8733| Email Carol Here
Lectors
Parishioners, young and old, proclaim God’s Word in scripture, lead the parish in the Prayers of the Faithful, and read announcements after Mass. Being a lector is spiritually rewarding and brings the Word of God to life during Mass. Typically, two lectors are scheduled for each Mass. This ministry is open to any actively practicing Catholic who is high school age or older, who has been confirmed, and who has a desire to exercise their speaking skills. Training is provided.
Our Lady of the Assumption Coordinator: Mark Kelly | 231.861.5988 | Email Mark Here
St. James Coordinator: Connie Learman | 231.557.1530 | Email Connie Here
St. John the Baptist Coordinator: Carol Mills | 231.730.8733| Email Carol Here
Liturgical Ministers Scheduler
Utilizing the Minister Scheduler Pro, this person schedules all ministers including Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, Ushers, and Altar Servers, for all weekend Masses. Any changes in Liturgical Ministers are communicated to the Scheduler so that schedules, which are prepared every two months, will be as accurate as possible.
Our Lady of the Assumption Coordinator: Natalie Kelly | 231.861.5988 | Email Natalie Here
St. James Coordinator: Parish Office | 231.893.3085 | Email Office Here
St. John the Baptist Coordinator: Carol Mills | 231.730.8733| Email Carol Here
Mass Coordinators
Ministers help in preparing the Sanctuary and the Altar for the Liturgy, including the hosts, wine and vessels. Additional responsibilities include ensuring all necessary liturgical ministers are present before each Mass and making sure that “all is in order” for the Mass. Identifying and resolving problem areas quickly and efficiently is imperative. Service in this capacity requires previous experience as Lector or Eucharistic Minister. Additional Mass Coordinators are always needed!
Our Lady of the Assumption Coordinator: Dave Anderson | 231.861.8026 | Email Dave Here
St. James Coordinator: Kelly O’Neill | 231.670.7443 | Email Kelly Here
St. John the Baptist Coordinator: Carol Mills | 231.730.8733| Email Carol Here
Mass Rosary Leader
Our Lady of the Assumption Coordinator: Steve & Mary Lorenz | 231.861.2475 | Email Dave Here
St. James Coordinator: Mary Hyatt | 231.329.8965 | Email Mary Here
St. John the Baptist Coordinator: Amy Kroon | 231.233.6520 | Email Amy Here
Music Ministry
Cantors — This group leads and encourages the parish in song to foster the full and active participation of the faithful in the celebration of the Mass. These dedicated parishioners meet each week, one to two hours prior to Mass, to become familiar with the music.
Our Lady of the Assumption Music Coordinators: Joni Morse | 231.670.6234 | Email Joni Here and Leona Perigard | 231.923.3999 | Email Leona Here
St. James Coordinator: Barb Laus | 231.894.5593 | Email Barb Here
St. John the Baptist Coordinator: Joanne Kessler | 231.893.1937 | Email Joanne Here
Musicians — Music ministers dedicate their time and talents to help us all raise our voices in song, through the playing of various instruments. Whether it is organ, piano, guitar, flute, harmonica or any other instrument you play, this group is always looking to add more musicians.
Our Lady of the Assumption Music Coordinators: Joni Morse | 231.670.6234 | Email Joni Here and Leona Perigard | 231.923.3999 | Email Leona Here
St. James Coordinator: Barb Laus | 231.894.5593 | Email Barb Here
St. John the Baptist Coordinator: Joanne Kessler | 231.893.1937 | Email Joanne Here
Seasonal Choirs — Adult and Children Choirs lend their voices for the Easter and Christmas seasons. Prior to the “special” Masses, the choirs meet two to three times per week, for two to three weeks to practice.
Our Lady of the Assumption Music Coordinators: Joni Morse | 231.670.6234 | Email Joni Here and Leona Perigard | 231.923.3999 | Email Leona Here
St. James Coordinator: Barb Laus | 231.894-5593 | Email Barb Here
Ushers
The Ushers greet worshippers, assist with seating, coordinate gift bearers, gather the weekly offertory and other special collections, distribute bulletins, remove clutter from pews after Masses, and along with the Mass Coordinator, ensure all doors are locked and lights are turned off (as needed). Also required is giving assistance to any parishioner needing special attention, i.e. arranging for Eucharistic Minister to bring Communion to parishioner if they are unable to come forward, and attending to any ill parishioners. The Ushers of our parish provide a vital ministry by serving as hospitality ministers to all our fellow guests at the Lord’s table.
Our Lady of the Assumption Coordinator: Paul Kieft | 231.215.6576 | Email Paul Here
St. James Coordinator: Mike Schulist | 231.206.8527 | Email Mike Here
St. John The Baptist Coordinator: Paul Kissel | 231.750.2860 | Email Paul Here