Interested in becoming more involved in your Catholic faith? The Catholic Community of Pleasanton has many different ministries in Liturgy, Learning & Living! 

LITURGY

Adult Choir
The choir is open to adult singers. The adult choir ministers at the 10:00 AM liturgy at St. Augustine’s church every Sunday, from September through June. The group gathers at 9:15 a.m. in the St. Augustine’s church hall on Sundays to warm up their voices and prepare for the 10:00 a.m. liturgy. Some vocal experience is necessary.
altar linens
With deep love and reverence for the Holy Eucharist, the Altar Linen Care Ministry cares for the sacred linens on a rotating schedule. Training is provided on how to care for these special linens that contain the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.  This ministry is made up of team members who, behind the scenes in their own homes, reverently launder and care for the purificators and corporals used on the altar at Mass. ​
altar servers
​The primary duty of an Altar Server is to assist the priest, as a representative of the people of the parish, in a visible manner, as the mystery of the Mas unfolds on the Altar. All actions of the server are woven from signs and symbols whose meaning is rooted in the works of creation and in human culture, specified by events in the Old Testament and fully revealed in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Therefore, it is imperative that all servers do their assigned tasks in the prescribed form and manner.
The Altar Servers form a very important part of the church, and every parish is enriched through their dedication and service. It is a very important responsibility, and requires a sincere commitment. 
cantors
A cantor is present at all liturgical celebrations with music. Just as the priest leads us in prayer, the cantor leads us in prayer through music. The cantor's main responsibility is to support the assembly's "full, active, and conscious" participation during liturgical celebrations. Cantors minister at all liturgical celebrations and should be strong vocally and possess confident leadership skills.
children's choir
The children's choir is currently open to boys and girls, 3rd through 6th grade. This choir ministers at the 4:00 p.m. liturgy at St. Elizabeth Seton church every Sunday, from September through June. The group gathers at 3:30 p.m. in the church on Sundays to warm up their voices and prepare for the 4:00 p.m. liturgy. The children’s choir is also involved in community, concert, and diocesan events. Singing the accurate pitches of the music and comfortable reading of the worship aid are required.
children's liturgy
​of the word (CLW)
Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLW) is an age-appropriate Liturgy of the Word offered for ages 5 through 3rd graders at several Masses. All children are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Just before the Liturgy of the Word begins for the assembly, these children are invited to go with the weekly leaders from the church to the Hall at St. Augustine or Room A at St. Elizabeth Seton. During this special time, the volunteer teacher leads the children through prayers, songs and readings that are simplified for children.
The children learn about the same Scripture readings as the rest of the assembly. They are taught a simplified main message of the readings and are encouraged to share that message with their parents after Mass.

Environment &
Art
Liturgical Environment is a sub-committee of CCOP's Liturgy Planning Committee whose purpose is to enhance our worship spaces. This group of very dedicated volunteers visualize, create, and implement the environmental decor so that it reflects the ever changing liturgical seasons and, as such, enhances our prayer experience. 

This ministry is available for all Parishioners, regardless of artistic "ability" since everyone has something that they can contribute! The responsibilities of this sub-committee include: Art design, bulletin board decoration, candle care, floral design/maintenance and banner creation and maintenance. Additionally, we're always looking for people who are skilled at ironing and sewing.
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Eucharistic adoration
​Eucharistic Adoration is adoring or honoring the Eucharistic Presence of Christ as He is present in the consecrated host. Because, as Catholics, we believe that Christ is truly and substantially present in the Eucharist, the Blessed Sacrament is given the same adoration and devotion that is accorded to Christ.

During Eucharistic Adoration, we "watch and wait", we remain "silent" in His Presence and open ourselves to His Graces which flow from the Eucharist ... In its fullest essence ... Eucharistic Adoration is "God and Man reaching out for each other, at the same time!"
eucharistic
​ministers
Your willingness to serve as a eucharistic minister, reflects not only response to your Baptismal call to serve the people of God, but a commitment to Christ as you share in the ministries of the Mass. You offer the Eucharist, recognize the Body of Christ in those to whom you offer Eucharist and ultimately you act as the Body of Christ by fully participating in the life of the parish and the wider community. This is a non-scheduled ministry.
greeters​
Greeters welcome parishioners as they arrive for Mass and play an important role in providing a positive first impression. At the end of Mass, greeters will hand out bulletins and help straighten up the pews . This is a great ministry for singles, couples and families. Must be able to arrive approximately 20 to 30 minutes early to Mass and must be able to stay  20 minutes after Mass. We are looking for people who will be committed to this ministry on a fairly consistent basis. You will be assigned as a greeter to a specific Mass.
head eucharistic ministers
The Head Eucharistic Minister (HEM) performs the duties of a eucharistic minister with the added responsibilities of setting up and cleaning the vessels used for Mass and assisting with the preparation of the Table.
liturgy coordinators
At least two LCs are assigned to each of the weekend masses. The LC is responsible for organizing the weekly ministry teams for his/her mass and ensuring that mass runs smoothly. The LC is versed in all aspects of the mass and reports to the Director of Liturgy.
liturgy planning
The liturgy planning committee is responsible for planning and implementing all parish liturgical events. This committee is open to all who are interested and meets twice per month. Additionally, the members of this committee act as an advisory group to the Director of Liturgy.
teen choir
This modern, energetic music ministry is open to young men and women, 7th through 12th grade. The choir gathers at 5:30 p.m. in the church on Sundays to prepare for the 6:30 p.m. liturgy. Interested individuals should be prepared for a fast-paced, modern approach to liturgical music, and should have basic musical experience as well as an eagerness to learn.
ushers
Ushers assist parishioners with seating before Mass and as well as after the Mass starts. They arrive for Mass early and ask parishioners to help with the collection. Ushers also assist in the collection itself. Must be able to arrive approximately 20 to 30 minutes early to Mass and must be able to stay  20 minutes after Mass. We are looking for people who will be committed to this ministry on a fairly consistent basis. You will be assigned as an usher to a specific Mass.

LEARNING

ADULT FAITH FORMATION
Beyond programs around Sacramental preparation and formal study, there is a great need for Catholic adults to grow in their faith and their understanding of the Church.  Adult faith formation requires a unique approach, so that it can address the needs of those who are new to the Catholic faith as well as those Catholics who are seeking to deepen their faith. 

We offer many types of formation programs designed to meet these varying spiritual needs of adults such as:
ELEMENTARY school
​faith formation
The Elementary Program is for children in grades one through five. This is a blended-age, learning stations format model. Children participate in a session that is led by volunteer catechists and meets one day every other week for an hour and a half. ​
MIDDLE school
​faith formation
AMP stands for “all my people,” an acronym chosen by the middle school students to represent their community of fellowship. Our goal is to grow the faith of our students, instill a sense of ownership of their faith, and provide a safe platform for students to examine and evaluate their beliefs. Students meet Jesus through scripture, faith sharing, and prayer. The program includes a youth group, social events and service projects. 

The program includes the following: 

Weekly meetings occur every Tuesday from 7:30-8:45 pm in St. Augustine Hall. These sessions combine large and small group activities. Middle schoolers spend half of the evening in small group and the other half in a large group setting. 

Small groups are grade specific and remain together for the entire year. Our goal is to encourage open dialogue and deepening friendships within the small group. Each group is facilitated by adults working with 10-20 middle schoolers. Small groups read scripture, pray, and talk about their faith journeys. 

In the large group setting, the middle schoolers continue to learn about the theme of the night. They do so through guided discussion and activities. ​
high school
​faith formation
CCOPYM is the ministry here at CCOP that serves all our high school age teens grades 9-12. Teens who participate in CCOPYM will be drawn nearer to Christ, experience Christian community, and grow in and celebrate their faith. CCOPYM offers: preparation for Confirmation, faith formation, service projects, retreats, leadership opportunities, ministry and socials. We meet Monday evenings from 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. in the St. Augustine Parish Hall.

CCOPYM Youth Group:  Our youth ministry program is for all high school students who want to actively learn and engage with their peers while continuing their faith formation. The youth ministry classes will give a deeper understanding to many of the church’s teaching while giving teens a place to come together in faith and fellowship. Teens in the youth ministry program will also have the opportunity to participate in retreats, service projects and socials. This program will meet on some Monday nights from 7:30-9pm in St. Augustine Hall.

Confirmation: Confirmation preparation is a 2 year process in which high school youth learn more about their faith and take a more active role in their faith development. The process of preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation is rigorous and meant to fully prepare the young heart for a Christ-centered life. This process includes formation, service, mass, community and retreat. (Please note Baptism Requirement p. 4) Confirmation classes meet on Sunday afternoons 4-5:30 and Monday nights 7:30 -9pm in a small group format. Classes are two times per month. 
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Liturgy & Worship: A youth mass geared to teens is celebrated EVERY Sunday night at 6:30 pm at St. Elizabeth Seton with teens as the primary ministers: lectors, greeters, ushers & choir. Youth Reconciliation services are scheduled during Advent & Lent.

Retreats: Retreats are offered throughout the year and are a great way for teens to unplug from their busy lives and reconnect with God and each other. Some retreats are specifically offered for teens preparing to celebrate the sacrament of confirmation while others will be offered for any high school student interested in attending. 

Social Events: Monthly socials are a great time for teens to get together to enjoy good friends and fun. Socials range from ice skating to movie night to a van hunt. All high school teens are welcome and friends are encouraged to join in as well. These are offered for a nominal fee just to cover the cost of the event. 

Justice, Service and Solidarity: CCOP Teens love to do service and one of the ways we do this is through group service projects. These range from making blankets for the veterans at the Veteran’s Hospital in Livermore to serving at St. Anthony’s Dining Room in San Francisco. These are open to all high school teens and teens are encouraged to invite friends outside our parish to participate as well. 

Leadership Team:  Teens come for fellowship and to exercise their Christian Leadership skills on Core Team.  This group helps plan and execute service projects and social events. Retreat teams are also formed throughout the year and teens who are confirmed are encouraged to join retreat teams as leaders. Teen retreat leaders must be currently enrolled in and regularly attending youth ministry classes. 

Teen Confirmation Catechists: High school youth who are confirmed are encouraged to become confirmation catechists. Teen catechists are paired with an adult to teach classes to teens preparing to be confirmed. All teen confirmation catechists must be con-currently enrolled in and regularly attending youth ministry classes. 
rite of christian initiation of adults (RCIA)
The Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist) mark, affirm, and nourish us as individuals and as a community of believers.  These Sacraments are fundamental to who we are.  In the Catholic tradition, adults are baptized once a year, in the spring, where all of creation joins together to celebrate new birth. Our community experiences new life in Jesus through these Sacraments at the Easter Vigil, the most holy night of the year.

The RCIA process utilizes an apprenticeship model to introduce the faith to those who seek initiation.   This process outlined by the Bishops is transformative and is grounded in the personal love of God centered on and expressed through Jesus, who invites us into relationship.  
special religious education (SPRED)
SPRED (Special Religious Education) reaches out to adults with special needs and integrates them into the parish family.  SPRED assists individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy and downs syndrome, so they may grow spiritually among friends, receive ongoing faith formation and sacramental preparation.  SPRED facilitates their full participation the sacramental, liturgical and community life of the Church.
vacation bible school
VBS is a program that we offer every summer for children ages 5 - 13. The purpose is to incorporate themed activities that entertain kids with the chance to learn about God. Vacation Bible School is an easy way to get kids involved in church while giving you the opportunity to meet the people within the church too. It's a laid back atmosphere that emphasizes God through a theme. It lasts about five weekdays in the summer. Children attend around 3-4 hours each day. Vacation Bible School teachers are church staff as well as church members volunteering their time. Many of the church members helping out with VBS are parents too!

LIVING