Our Ministries and Parish Organizations
MINISTRIES
Adult Catechism
An important aspect of our mission at Saint Gregory is assisting and supporting those who are exploring the Orthodox Faith. Visitors who are interested in learning more about the Church, as well as long-term members of our parish family who have not yet come into the Orthodox Faith, are encouraged and welcome to engage catechism sessions each month. These sessions constitute an organized, approachable and prayerful introduction to the Orthodox Church and provide opportunities for questions, reflection and ongoing discussion. At the conclusion of one’s catechism, Fr. Alex will gladly explore the possibility of Baptism and/or Chrismation in the Orthodox Church with participants. Sessions are led by well-informed lay-leaders in coordination with Father.
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Chanting & Congregational Singing
Participating in Orthros, Divine Liturgy and all our services through the gift of voice is a sacred responsibility. In fact, in the Orthodox Church, our hymns and responses are “prayed” by our chanters and parishioners, rather than performed. Our musical talents become an offering for the glory of God, the Author of all our talents and gifts. The chanters and singing leaders of Saint Gregory form a vibrant ministry circle and are integral to the worship experience at our church.
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Driving Friends Ministry
At any given time, it may be difficult for a host of our faithful to make it to services and other parish events. Dedicated parishioners are ready to help, offering rides and the gifts of time and friendship in Christ.
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Food and Friends
Our parishioners respond to local food insecurity issues by preparing nutritious meals for about forty people in the Mansfield area on a regular basis. The meals are prepared, cooked and packaged at Saint Gregory—then delivered to our neighbors who could use a little help. All parishioners are welcome to engage this heartfelt and spiritually rewarding ministry.
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Orthodox Life
Orthodox Life is the foundational adult education and enrichment ministry at Saint Gregory. A host of sessions are presented each quarter on Wednesday evenings; other offerings include post-Divine Liturgy discussions on Sundays, guest speakers and even seasonal retreats. The sessions are driven by discussion. The topics range from the lives of the Saints and the Sacraments to examinations of pastoral issues and the challenges of being an Orthodox Christian in modern America. Sessions are led by Fr. Alex and faithful parishioners.
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Parish Council
Parish Council is a vibrant, active ministry of Saint Gregory and is comprised of elected lay-leaders. Our members support the ministry of Fr. Alex, while also attending to the administrative needs of Saint Gregory in concert with Father. Major ministries such as Stewardship are based within Parish Council, and serving as a member is an excellent, rewarding way to offer one’s time and talent to our Church.
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Prosforon Ministry
Prosforon is the simple leavened bread used for the preparation of the Gifts before each Divine Liturgy. Parishioners are invited to join our group of dedicated, prayerful bakers and offer up their skills for a truly meaningful purpose that is so important to our parish’s liturgical life.
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Saint Anastasia Philoptochos
“Philoptochos,” meaning “friend of the poor,” aptly describes this multi-faceted ministry. These dedicated women plan a host of events, fundraisers and outreach events each year, all aimed at supporting families in need, the sick, the homebound and other vulnerable populations. Their efforts touch the lives of those within our parish family, throughout New England and beyond. All women of our parish are warmly invited to join.
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Saint Gregory Parish Bookstore
Having access to Orthodox-related books, music and other media is important for our spiritual growth and learning. Our bookstore is staffed by kind, helpful parishioners who can help us find everything from a pamphlet on prayer to wonderful Orthodox gifts like icons and prayer ropes. The store is open every Sunday following Divine Liturgy and by special arrangement with the Church Office throughout the week.
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Stewardship
While true “membership” in the Orthodox Christian Church is through Baptism and/or Chrismation, Stewardship is how we express our gratitude to God for the many gifts He has given us—and how we enable the ministries and programs of our Church. Each year, we are asked to complete a Stewardship Commitment Card, indicating our offering of time, talent and treasure. Nurturing our awareness of Stewardship and encouraging our participation is a rewarding and important ministry effort at Saint Gregory. Many hands are needed to fulfill this ministry, and new Stewardship leaders are always welcome.
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Sunshine Committee
This group of loving, thoughtful parishioners strives to bring a little “sunshine” to the lives of parishioners who may need support during trying times. Especially when we struggle, it’s important to be reminded that we are loved by God and every member of our parish family. As part of this ministry, Sunshine Committee members send cards, make phone calls and even offer home visits in concert with Fr. Alex’s pastoral efforts.
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Ushering
Saint Gregory ushers offer us a friendly smile, a warm greeting and any assistance we might need at Saint Gregory on Sunday mornings and during other services throughout the year. This is a significant ministry that really helps build a sense of friendship and community within our parish.
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Website and More
From our website and social media presence to all our electronic communications, Saint Gregory is always seeking the expertise and assistance of talented individuals. Presenting appropriate, uplifting, engaging and clear messaging to our parishioners, and the greater community, is vital and constitutes a unique ministry opportunity for interested parishioners to engage.
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Welcome Committee
This ministry effort is dedicated to making sure visitors, “seekers” and new Stewards receive a warm and attentive welcome to our parish. They also facilitate communication between newcomers and Fr. Alex and all our ministry leaders, while also helping to introduce our new friends to all our parishioners after services, during Fellowship Hour and at other events. These outgoing welcomers are always looking for new team members.
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