
We are more than just a church. We strive to give back and return our gifts to God. Not only so our community can flourish, but because we want to demonstrate our love and gratitude to God. That is the foundation for all of Immaculate Conception’s Stewardship and Ministries programs. Learn more about each one and get involved with us today!
Contact the Parish office at 315-637-9846 or email us at icfayetteville@syrdio.org if you have questions or need assistance.
Adult Faith Formation
Bible Study Discussion Leader
Catholics today are interested in reading and understanding the Bible beyond what we hear at Mass. We offer organized courses in the Great Adventure Bible Timeline series by Jeff Cavins and others. Discussion leaders are needed to facilitate groups. Complete materials and opportunity for training provided. Participants and facilitators both find the program enlightening and worthwhile.
RCIA Team
Volunteers assist those seeking to join us as Roman Catholics and/or to be confirmed at the Easter Vigil. We meet weekly from October through Pentecost. This is a wonderful opportunity to strengthen one’s faith and welcome those joining us.
Liturgical Ministries
Adult Funeral Server
Adult Altar Servers assist the priests for funerals during the week. Training is provided.
Altar Server
Boys and girls (grade 4 and up) assist the priests during weekend liturgies, holy days and special liturgies. Training for new servers is held as needed, usually twice a year.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
During the 9 a.m. Sunday liturgy from September through May, children go to Dwyer Hall to hear Scripture readings presented at their own level. The helpers present the Word of God in simple terms that help the children to feel connected to the Church, excited about participating in Mass and aware of God’s real presence in their lives. Adults involved find a new vitality and understanding in their own faith and feel they have done something worthwhile! No Children’s Liturgies are scheduled during the summer months or on holiday weekends. Materials provided.
Eucharistic Minister
Eucharistic Ministers are entrusted with the responsibility of helping distribute the Eucharist at liturgy. Ministers are always needed for the liturgies. Schedules are emailed.
Eucharistic Minister for Brookdale East Side
Eucharistic Ministers are entrusted with the responsibility of distributing the Eucharist to the Catholic residents of the Brookdale East Side retirement community. Ministers are needed to assist at the monthly Masses, usually on the morning of the first Wednesday of each month. During the subsequent weeks of each month, Eucharistic Ministers make individual visits to residents, usually on Monday mornings. Monthly schedules are distributed to participants.
Lector
Lectors welcome the congregation, explain the theme of the liturgy for the day, proclaim the Scripture readings and lead the Prayer of the Faithful. Two lectors participate at each liturgy. Schedules are mailed.
Liturgy Committee
Our purpose is to enhance the faith life of the I.C. community that gathers for sacramental, especially Eucharistic, and other liturgical celebrations. This is achieved through proclamation of the Word, both spoken and in song, to the people of God in an environment that reflects the spirituality and sanctity of our gathering. The Liturgy committee has three subcommittees: Music, Art & Environment, and Prayer & Worship.
Scripture/Communion Prayer Leader
On days when there is no celebration of the Eucharist, these trained volunteers lead the congregation in a Scripture/Communion prayer service.
Usher/Greeter
Ushers/Greeters welcome people warmly as they arrive at church, distribute missalettes, invite people to bring up the offertory gifts, take up collections, check walkway entrances to ensure safety and distribute bulletins after liturgy. At the conclusion of Mass, check pews for lost items and return missalettes to racks. Ushers serve at a Mass of their choice for one month at a time.
Music Ministries
Choir
It is our mission to be wise stewards of our musical gifts to enhance the participation of our congregation in the Liturgy of the Word. Our goal is to allow spiritual expression in all of its dimensions within the classical, traditional and contemporary music styles. Choir members meet for rehearsal on Thursdays from 7 to 8 p.m. New members are always welcome!
Folk Group
The Folk Group is a group of singers and musicians who lead the music for the 9 a.m. liturgy on Sundays and for certain special liturgies. The music ranges from folk to contemporary Christian music, with an occasional traditional hymn. Rehearsals are on Wednesday nights in the church from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Instrumentalist
At special liturgies throughout the year, various instrumentalists are used to enhance the liturgy.
Parish Life
Altar Society: Altar Care and Linens
The Altar Society takes care of the altars in the main church and chapel and purchases items for the altar, priests and altar servers. Volunteers are needed to take care of the altars once a week, usually on Friday. Volunteers are also needed to wash and iron the linens used at Mass each week. Depending on the number of volunteers, they would not serve again for several months. No meetings are held for this group.
Coffee Sunday Helper
Sunday Coffees are held monthly in Dwyer Hall after liturgies, except during the summer. These are great opportunities to meet fellow parishioners. Volunteers are needed to set up and serve the donuts and drinks after liturgy twice a year.
Bereavement Committee
Volunteers are needed to help set up and serve funeral receptions in Dwyer Hall.
Cookie Club
Volunteers are needed to provide homemade baked goods for special events at church at various times during the year. The Cookie Club is a great ministry for families.
Culture of Life Committee
Pope John Paul II wrote, “All together, we must build a new culture of life.” This ministry responds to his exhortation through prayer, study and service. The committee organizes events to promote the culture of life and support local crisis pregnancy centers including prayer services, rosaries and the annual baby shower. The committee also provides educational materials and legislative updates in the parish bulletin and Culture of Life resource area. Life is beautiful. Respect it. Protect it.
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee meets monthly to advise the pastor on matters of budget and finance.
IC Good News Mailing Committee
The I.C. Good News is the quarterly parish newspaper. Volunteers are needed to help prepare the newspaper for mailing.
IC Good News Newspaper Staff
The I.C. Good News is the quarterly parish newspaper. For over 30 years, the I.C. Good News has covered events in the Church, I.C. School and parish community. The newspaper offers volunteer opportunities for parishioners interested in reporting, editing, proofreading and photography.
Minister to the Homebound
Volunteers are needed to visit or bring the Eucharist to our parishioners who are unable to attend Mass. Other volunteers provide transportation to Mass for those able to participate. Some volunteers deliver flowers to shut-ins at Christmas and Easter.
Parish Council
The Parish Council is a reflective/consultative body assisting the pastor in discerning the needs of the parish, its programs and activities, consistent with and expressive of the Gospel.
Prayer Ministry
The I.C. Prayer Ministry was established in 1997 by Marie Michaels and has been a source of consolation for many. This ministry consists of many devoted people who pray for those in need. When prayer requests are received, they are sent to the Prayer Ministry members via email. Prayer requests are circulated by phone for those without email.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
This group combines a love of knitting, crochet or sewing and quilting with a prayerful ministry that reaches out to those in need of comfort. In this spiritual ministry, prayer intentions are incorporated into the creation of shawls. Completed shawls are blessed and passed on to the intended recipients.
Rosary Ministry
The Rosary Ministry is a devout group that recites the rosary in honor of the Blessed Mother each weekday after 9 o’clock Mass. Some members of the Rosary Ministry also make rosaries, which are available, free of charge, at the church entrances.
Senior Citizen Luncheon Helper
From September through May, monthly liturgies and luncheons are held in Dwyer Hall at 11:30 a.m. for our seniors. Volunteers set up and serve the meal and may be asked to prepare a dish.
Women of I.C.
This group meets regularly to address the needs of parish families through spiritual, education and social programs. The “Circle of Care” provides meals for families who have new babies, have lost loved ones or may be experiencing serious illnesses. The group coordinates several activities, including the parish picnic, Fall Wine and Cheese Social and various family events.
Social Outreach
F.I.S.H.
Friends in Service Here (FISH) transports Fayetteville-Manlius area residents to medical appointments. This volunteer organization allows flexibility to meet your schedule. Mileage reimbursed.
Meals on Wheels Driver or Kitchen Helper
Volunteer drivers are invited to deliver meals locally. You may select a regular route or drive as a substitute. Drivers pick up their meals for delivery from 11 to 11:30 a.m.
Volunteers are needed to help cook meals at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Rt. 92 in Fayetteville, one day a week from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Samaritan Center Bakers
Samaritan Center Bakers provide desserts and baked goods to the Samaritan Center on weekdays throughout the year.
Samaritan Center Meals
Churches take turns providing dinners for the homeless throughout the year. Our parish provides dinners at the Samaritan Center on Saturdays from noon until 3 p.m., approximately four times a year.
Samaritan Center Sandwiches
Every month the Women of IC coordinate sandwiches to be delivered to the Samaritan Center.
Social Justice Committee
Our members provide meals to the Catholic Charities Men’s Shelter, assist in Refugee Resettlement, organize drives to collect blankets, winter clothing and sneakers, coordinate the Giving Tree project to provide Christmas gifts for adults and children served by twelve community agencies, work with OnPoint for College, host Fair Trade Gift Sales that empower natives in third world countries, represent IC at ACTS (Alliance of Communities Transforming Syracuse) events and invite speakers to promote awareness and education regarding issues of poverty and social injustice.
Youth Ministries
Christmas Pageant Helper
The helpers assist with all aspects of rehearsals for the annual pageant on Christmas Eve. Time involved is three rehearsals and the pageant. All materials provided.
Confirmation Teacher/Catechist
Adults are needed to teach high school faith formation classes. Students study the Catholic faith, especially as it applies to sacramental preparation, morality, Christian service and the Theology of the Body. Well-prepared lesson plans and other resources are available. Team teaching opportunities are available.
Confirmation Substitute Teacher
Substitute teachers are needed to teach Confirmation classes when the regular teachers are unable to.
MSYG Adult Volunteers
The MSYG is a fun-filled youth group for junior high school students. We are looking for adults (ages 21+) with a deep love for Christ, the Church and ministering to young people. Helpers are needed for monthly gatherings, service projects, special events and trips.
Faith Formation Teacher/Catechist (Grades K-8)
The Faith Formation program teaches children to embrace our Catholic faith. Classes are held in Dwyer Hall, Monday through Friday before school and from 10:15 to 11:45 a.m. at our parish school on one or two Sundays per month. Lesson plans and other resources are offered to the teachers.
Faith Formation Substitute Teacher (Grades K-8)
Substitute teachers are called upon to serve when regular teachers are unable to teach. We provide you with materials for the class you are substituting in.
Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School is a week of fun-filled, faith-based activities and learning for children in grades 1 to 4. Students in grades 5 through 12 are needed to lead crews of younger parishioners. Many adult volunteers are needed to help with decorating/set-up, games, crafts, video, Bible lessons, music, clean up and in the kitchen. Vacation Bible School takes place during the last week of June.
Youth Group Adult Helpers
Adults (ages 21+) are needed to assist teens in activities, help plan projects and share stories that will enrich the faith of our young people. Helpers are needed for monthly gatherings, service projects, special events and trips.
Youth Group Teen Leader
Teen leaders are needed to assist the Youth Ministry Program provide opportunities for fellow students to grow in their faith and participate in social, spiritual and service activities. Students in grades 9 – 12 at any school can join.