Ministries

Ministries at Our Lady of Lourdes

The many and varied ministries found at OLL mirror the diverse ways our parish serves our local community and the world beyond.

If you are involved in a particular ministry (or several ministries) here at Our Lady of Lourdes, then know that I am grateful for the life you breathe into our parish. If you are not involved in a ministry, then prayerfully review the ministries here and ask God to direct where you can share your time and talent with others.

The Church won’t build itself. It grows only because we have decided to labor in it and on it.

Blessings on you and your ministry!
Fr. John Tapp

Adult Faith Formation

  • That Man Is You!
  • The Cornerstone Scripture Study
  • Walking with Purpose
  • RCIA: Becoming Catholic

To find out more about these ministries, please click below:

Outreach Ministries

Christmas Giving Tree

Nearly 40 years ago our former pastor, Father Larkin, asked several parishioners to look into the plight of the migrant farm workers. They learned of the poverty and despair within the farm worker community and decided to have a special Christmas collection of toys for the farm workers’ children. A wicker basket was placed in the Narthex and approximately one hundred gifts were donated. The following year a Christmas Giving Tree was placed in the Church Narthex, decorated with tags stating the ages and gender of the farm children. The response was very generous and enough toys and gifts were donated to fill a van. Now more than 2,000 gifts are delivered each year to the farm worker families. On delivery day, parishioners and students get caught up in the Christmas spirit as they lend a hand with loading the truck. Now more than 2,000 gifts are delivered each year to the farm workers’ children. In the spirit of the Holy Christmas Season, the Giving Tree is a sign of the special gift of love and generosity of OLL parishioners who help bring joy to the migrant farm workers’ children, providing them with Christmas toys and gifts.

Contact: Pat Emrick
Phone: (727) 733-3887

Contact: Julio & Mary Lourdes Haedo
Phone: (727) 734-1971

Men’s Al Anon

Anyone who feels his personal life is or has been deeply affected by close contact with a problem drinker is eligible for membership in Al-Anon. Al-Anon Family Groups are a fellowship of relatives and friends of alcoholics who share their experience, strength, and hope in order to solve their common problems. We believe alcoholism is a family illness and that changed attitudes can aid recovery. The focus of this Men’s Al-Anon Group is “Recovery for Men” whose lives have been affected by a problem drinker.

Meetings are on Wednesdays at 7pm in the DuBois Center. To join the meeting remotely, via Zoom use ID: 527837590, Passcode: 0800.

Contact: Vinny Scully
Phone: 201-926-9826

Grief Recovery

This ministry offers the opportunity to share your story of loss in an atmosphere of caring among a community of believers who are on the same journey. Three 6-week sessions are offered throughout the year. The next session begins on Tuesday, November 5th through December 17th. Please call the Parish office to register.

Contact: Shirley Celidonio
Phone: (727) 733-3606

Kimberly Home Pregnancy Resource Center

Kimberly Home is a non-profit organization dedicated to LIFE that has been caring for women in unplanned pregnancy circumstances and their children since 1983. Whether a client is an expectant woman or adolescent, single or married, new parent, or simply in need of counseling and a compassionate ear, she is offered assistance from the first trimester through delivery and into early childhood. Services include, but are not limited to, free pregnancy testing,  limited ultrasound, counseling and mentoring programs, licensed infant/ toddler day care, maternity and infant/toddler clothing, information and referral network, baby food, formula, baby supplies/furniture, adoption counseling and placement, prenatal and parenting education, transitional housing, and life skills training/classes. Kimberly Home has a thrift shop that serves to fund all programs.

Contact: Kate Kelly, Executive Director
Phone: (727) 443-0471
Website: www.kimberlyhome.org

Knights of Columbus JFK Memorial Council #5635

Knights of Columbus JFK Memorial Council #5635 is a thriving Catholic men’s fraternity (as well as Ladies Auxiliary) which fosters charity, unity and fraternity. Our time and treasure is focused on our church, community and families. Knights-sponsored events include the annual Totally Yours Festival, youth competitions such as Free Throw Championship, Soccer Challenge, and Spelling Bee. Fundraisers for many local charities include Kimberly Home, Special Olympics, vocations, and more. The annual OLL School Golf Tournament raises thousands.  Catholic men 18 and older are welcome to join.

Contact: Dennis Anderson
Phone: (727) 459-1720
Join at: www.KofC.org

Knights of Columbus 4th Degree Assembly #1706

This men’s organization fosters the spirit of patriotism and encourages responsible active Catholic citizen-ship. The Assembly, in addition to supporting the Council activities, participates in get out the vote campaigns, funds Catholic military chaplaincy, and provides an honor guard to Catholic functions and ceremonies for the local Church and Bishop. Members must be Catholic and a 3rd Degree member of a Council.

Contact: Alan Gauzens
Phone: (727) 483-8250

Ladies Auxiliary

This ministry aspires to promote faith in action through service to our parish, school, and community. Our ladies share fun and fellowship at social events while working on their own, as well as in concurrence with the Knights of Columbus on activities such as: the Kimberly Home Baby Shower, Project Angel Backpack Drive, Kickoff the Summer Golf Scramble, Rosary Coast to Coast, and many more. Please join us! Membership is open to all interested adult women.

Contact:  Antje Anderson

Phone: (727) 656-9741

Lend a Hand

This ministry, coordinated by the Knights and Ladies Auxiliary, offers one-time or temporary services to Parishioners, assisting with small chores normally done by homeowners themselves, but which they cannot perform due to a temporary inability or illness. Examples of services include changing light bulbs, changing fire alarm batteries, small home repairs, walking a dog, yard clean-up, grocery shopping or moving light furniture. Work requiring a permit or professional licensure is not included.  More recently they have been bringing flowers to the homebound and providing a pie sale at the Fall Festival. Volunteers do not have to be members of the Knights or Auxiliary.

Contact: Antje or Dennis Anderson
Phone: (727) 656-9741

Parish Mission Council Twin Parish in Haiti

This ministry coordinates the efforts to assist our twin parish, Sacred Heart of Jesus in Acul des Pins, Haiti, with various needs. The funds raised so far have enabled us to help complete the Mission Chapel, purchase a vehicle for the pastor, continue our support in funding classroom teacher salaries, and sponsor summer camps for the children. We have also raised enough funds to provide each child with the “shoe that grows,” purchase French Bibles and Catechisms, and connect electricity and solar panels to the school. We have sent groups of teachers and young adults to the parish to work with their youth during the summers. Most recently we raised enough money to purchase sound equipment and a generator for the parish, make improvements to the school building, and purchase soccer equipment for the camp.

Contact: Parish Office
Phone: (727) 733-3606

Pinellas Hope

Pinellas Hope is a program of Catholic Charities, Diocese of St. Petersburg that provides a safe living environment for homeless individuals and support to become self-sufficient. There is an opportunity to share your compassion by feeding the homeless at Pinellas Hope. Our Lady of Lourdes serves the residents twice a month, which gives one plenty of opportunity to participate in any of the following ways: make or purchase desserts; help prepare meals in our kitchen; serve meals at Pinellas Hope; or make a donation to help offset the cost. This is a wonderful way to serve – you will not be disappointed!

Contact: Mary Kibbey
Phone: (727) 733-3606

Respect Life

Respect Life fosters an understanding of the sacredness of human life in all its dimensions.  As Catholics, we respect life from conception to natural death.  We believe all life is God-given and precious.

Contact: Dan Pepin
Phone:  (231) 675-3384

St. Vincent de Paul Society

The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul has a long history at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish. Located in the Dubois Center, SVDP is open to Dunedin residents every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10am-12pm. People of all faiths are served. During office hours, clients are provided with food, utility bill assistance, clothing, furniture vouchers, emergency assistance, and referrals to community social service organizations. They also hold an annual Thanksgiving Food Drive, which provides a holiday dinner to needy families. They do whatever they can for the homeless in our area as well.

Contact: Joan, President
Phone: (727) 252-0361
Email: svdp@ourladydunedin.org

Social Ministries

Sunday Breakfast Café

Join your fellow parishioners for breakfast and fellowship on Sunday mornings from September through April in the school cafeteria. All proceeds benefit the Youth Faith Formation programs. Volunteers are always welcome to cook, serve and clean.

Contact: Doreen Saccardo
Phone: (727) 733-3606

Fall Festival

Our Annual Fall Festival runs the third weekend in October, Thursday evening through Sunday at 5pm. Our 52nd Fall Festival dates are October 17-20, 2024. This event has grown over the last 50 years from a parish gathering to a community event for Dunedin and North Pinellas. We offer carnival rides, games, food, beer, and quality entertainment throughout the weekend.  Fun for all ages!

Contact: Lisa Suarez, Co-Chairperson
Phone: (813) 431-2242

Contact: Katie Sellers, Co-Chairperson
Phone: (727) 365-5252

Parish Picnic

Everyone is invited to serve at our Annual Parish Picnic. Volunteers are needed the day of the picnic to prepare and serve food, set up/clean up, facilitate children’s games, distribute raffle tickets, and more. All who help will still have time to enjoy the picnic with friends and family before or after their volunteer time.

Contact: Beth Barringer, Faith Formation
Phone: (727) 733-0872

Saints and Sinners

The Annual Saints and Sinners Ball is a pre-Lenten gala benefit for Our Lady of Lourdes School. Held in the Conmy Center, the event includes a wide variety of patrons enjoying the finer things in life: delectable food, including a seafood bar, games, top shelf bar, and the swanky sounds of a live band, all in a richly decorated and theme-inspired atmosphere. There are numerous opportunities to volunteer before, after and during the event.

Contact: Brittany at SaintsChairperson@myoll.com
Phone: Brittany (727) 643-2393

Spiritual Ministries

Circle of Joy Prayer Group

This dedicated group of men and women come together to pray the morning Liturgy of the Hours. They pray for vocations, their own special intentions, and requests directed to them through the parish office. This group meets every Tuesday morning at the 9:00am Mass and then we move to the Conmy Center Rm C.

Contact: Maria Smetana

Jesus Salvador Hispanic Ministry

Jesus Salvador Ministry is a Spanish speaking prayer community that meets every Monday evening from 7 to 9pm in the DuBois Center Room A,  starting with the recitation of the Rosary, followed by worship and praise before opening the Word of God, praying, and giving loving support to one another. We also meet the first and third Wednesday from 7:15 to 8:30pm in the DuBois Center Room A for the recitation of La Coronilla a la Divina Misericordia and to study the Diary of Saint Faustina.  Come and experience the powerful healing love of Jesus. The Holy Spirit invites you to renew your life and deepen your faith. Te esperamos. ¡Gloria a Dios!

Contact: Julio and Mary Lourdes Haedo
Phone: (727) 734-1971

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

Exposition honors the Holy Eucharist, Christ’s presence among us. The power of prayer is beyond our understanding. “40 Hours of Exposition” is a ministry devoted to preparation for prayer before the Blessed Sacrament for the 40 hours prior to the Feast of Corpus Christi. During these 40 hours we pray for souls of the departed and special intentions for families.

Weekly Adoration is held on Saturdays from 8-10am and Wednesdays from 2-4pm in the Summer, 2-7pm in the Fall/Winter/Spring.

Contact: Kay Cantrell, Sacristan
Phone: (727) 733-3606

Ministry of Consolation

The purpose of this ministry is to assist families in the preparation of the Funeral Mass of their loved ones in a loving and compassionate manner.

Contact: Bob and Aylie Boitmann
Phone: (727) 754-5401

M.M.P. Prayer Rosary Cenacle

Come, See and Participate! Every Friday after the 9am Mass we meet in the church and pray the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary, read and meditate on a passage from the book, “To the Priests, Our Lady’s Beloved Sons” by Father Stefano Gobbi (founder of the Marian Movement of Priests), and chant The Divine Mercy Chaplet, as Our Lord instructed St. Faustina. For more information, join us on Friday mornings at 9:30am.

Rosary for Our Country

Come join us every third Sunday of the month at 11am in the Conmy Center Rm A to pray the Rosary for our Great Nation.  A statement from the founding fathers is read, the Rosary is prayed over each state (ten states for each decade) and a patriotic song will be sung after each decade in honor of our Country and the conversion of souls.  So wear your red, white and blue and bring your patriotic spirit and join us in praying for our Country! God Bless the USA!

Worship Ministries

Audio and Video Ministry

Volunteers in this ministry help with the projection of song lyrics, prayers, pre-Mass announcements, videos, and other graphics on the large screens. AV team members also run cameras and video equipment to assist with the church’s online live stream. The 5:00pm Saturday Vigil, the 9:30am Sunday morning Mass, and other special celebrations are live-streamed for our homebound parishioners and those who are unable to celebrate with us in our church.

Contact: Erica DiCeglie
Phone: (727) 733-3606

Altar Servers

This important ministry of serving at Mass is available to all boys and girls of the parish who have made their first Communion and are in 4th through 12th grade. Altar Servers serve a minimum of one Mass a month with opportunities to serve special Masses, including funerals and weddings. Training is provided.

Contact: Kay Cantrell, Sacristan
Phone: (727) 733-3606

Church Keepers

Church Keepers keep the church clean by vacuuming, dusting and polishing.

Contact: Kay Cantrell, Sacristan
Phone: (727) 733-3606

Communion to the Sick

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion take Communion to Catholic residents and patients in the hospital, nursing homes, Assisted Living Facilities, and to the homebound. Our Lady of Lourdes currently serves over 400 people a week; volunteers are always needed.

Applicants must be registered members of the parish and confirmed Catholics. Volunteers will meet with the priest, receive procedural training, Diocesan Level II background screening and Safe Environment Training. Family members may bring communion to their loved ones without screening.

This is a beautiful, rewarding, spirit filled Ministry. Our absent brothers and sisters really appreciate the love and caring we show by bringing them the Eucharist when they are unable to attend Mass.

Contact:
Phone: (727) 733-3606

Environment Committee

This committee is responsible for decorating the church in accordance with each of the liturgical seasons.

Contact: Kay Cantrell, Sacristan
Phone: (727) 733-3606

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

Extraordinary Ministers are confirmed Catholics who assist our priests in the distribution of Holy Communion at our weekend and weekday Masses. Training is required.

Contact: Ellen Ficarrotta

Flower Ministry

This ministry provides the altar flowers for the Church and for the many functions held at OLL, including weddings.

Contact: Evelyn Sheridan
Phone: (727) 463-8190

Gift Bearers

All members of the parish are invited to bring the offertory gifts in procession at Mass. The bread and wine are striking symbols of the life we offer up to God. This is a wonderful way to celebrate an anniversary, birthday, or any other special event, and an uplifting experience for those who participate.

You may download the FILLABLE FORM HERE and email it to the address below.

Contact: Kathy Bolton olldunedin.giftbearers@gmail.com

Greeters

Greeters welcome parishioners and visitors to Mass and other liturgical events. They make people feel happy they came and that their presence is important. The greeter makes all who enter feel welcome.

Contact: mlradovanic@gmail.com

Music Ministry

Effective musical leadership helps promote full, conscious, and active participation in weekend liturgies and other special occasions throughout the year. Come, make a joyful noise unto the Lord as a member of the choir, as a soloist/cantor, as an instrumentalist, or as a member of the Life Teen band.

Contact: Erica DiCeglie
Phone: (727) 733-3606

Contact: Eric Hoegstrom (Life Teen)

Readers

Readers proclaim God’s Word at Mass and other liturgical celebrations. A love of God’s Word and prayerful preparation is necessary to fulfill this ministry successfully. Volunteers require training, which is provided both at the parish and diocesan level.

Contact: chantinkle@yahoo.com
Chan Tinkle Phone: (312) 519-6520

Ushers

Ushers aim to make each and every parishioner and guest feel welcome, wanted, valued and special. Ushers are always needed!

Contact: oll.ushers@ouladydunedin.org

Safe Environment Program

The Safe Environment Program (SEP) is mandated by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Diocese of St. Petersburg,  and certain Florida statues to protect children, youth, and vulnerable adults from abuse, especially sexual abuse.

The Diocese of St. Petersburg SEP programs are meant to enable children and vulnerable adults to feel secure and protected in their surroundings.  We want our children and youth to feel free to receive a Catholic education and to experience healthy relationships.  We want to foster a safe environment and to provide a healthy and loving relationship in the image of God for our vulnerable adults who may be sick and or shut-in,  and for our elderly who may be suffering from the infirmities of aging.

CLICK HERE to visit the Diocese of St. Petersburg Safe Environment web page.

CLICK HERE to read the Policy for the Protection of Children & Vulnerable Adults.