Ministries
Ministry
Our team of disciples will encounter the Heart of Jesus in prayer, engage our community in discipleship, and equip our parishioners to become disciple makers on earth and saints in heaven.
As Servants and Stewards,
WE ENCOUNTER.
We encounter the Heart of Jesus daily in the holy sacrifice of the Mass, personal prayer before the Blessed Sacrament in our adoration chapel, and communal prayer through our Advent Liturgy of the Hours, Lenten Stations of the Cross, nights of praise, and more knowing that prayer is essential to building and strengthening our relationship with Christ.
WE ENGAGE.
We engage our neighbors, school families, and registered parishioners in discipleship through small group Bible studies, sacramental preparation programs, retreat and mission trip opportunities, liturgical ministries, and outreach opportunities to our brothers and sisters experiencing poverty.
WE EQUIP.
We
equip our community with formation and resources through educational programs, seminars, workshops, and more so together we can console the Heart of Jesus and cultivate unity in the Body of Christ on earth as it is in heaven by going out and making disciples of all nations (Matt 28:19 & John 17:11)
List of Ministries
MINISTRIES FROM A-Z
A
ACTS RETREATS
Men’s and women’s annual retreats. Individuals are invited to attend a men’s or women’s ACTS Retreat and past attendees are invited to serve on future ACTS Retreat Teams. For more information, contact Ms. Jennifer Monette.
Upcoming retreats: Women’s ACTS Retreat–October 8-11, 2026 // Men’s ACTS Retreat–March 4-7, 2027. Registration opens 30 days prior to retreat.
ADVENT GIVING TREE
Members design and create a Christmas Tree decorated with names of needy individuals who would benefit from gifts at Christmas. Gifts are collected and distributed by the committee. For more information, contact Mrs. Risa Mueller
ALTAR SERVERS
Boys and girls in fifth grade and older who assist at liturgical celebrations. Servers are scheduled on a rotating basis and as needed for special occasions. This ministry is available to all ages including high school and beyond. Requirements include: Baptized Catholic; willingness to serve weddings and funerals on occasion; practicing faith (i.e., Sunday Mass attendance, yearly Confession, daily prayer); must attend and pass training class and have parental consent. For more information, contact Deacon Clayton Hollier.
ALTAR SOCIETY
Men and women of the parish who take care of the church and help with general cleaning, caring for the linens, cleaning candlesticks, holy water fonts, etc. The group is divided into teams and each team meets approximately once per month. For more information, contact Mrs. Klare Joyce.
AMATA CHRISTI
Ministry designed for high school girls throughout the Parish featuring nights of praise and Bible Study groups. For more information, contact Ms. Jennifer Monette.
B
BAKING TEAM
Members who prepare baked items for parish events such as receptions and welcoming new parishioners. Members participate on a rotating basis as needed for events. For more information, contact Mrs. Laura Buras
BECOMING CATHOLIC (RCIA & ADULT CONFIRMATION)
Becoming Catholic is a process by which adults who are interested in the Catholic faith may attend and inquire about the beliefs and practices of our faith. People of other faiths, those who have never been Baptized and/or Confirmed or were Baptized earlier in life but never completed initiation into the Church are welcome to join the group. Each meeting includes one or more short presentations, Questions and Answer sessions about the Catholic Church and its beliefs, and ends with night prayer. For more information contact Jeff Dunbar or call 504-858-1407. Click Here to Register.
BIBLE STUDIES/SMALL GROUPS
Individuals gather in small groups to pray and study scripture. Parishioners are invited to attend and lead Bible Studies throughout the year. For more information, contact Ms. Jennifer Monette.
C
CHURCH CHOIR
Men and women interested in music ministry are welcome to sing in the Church choir which sings at the 11:00 a.m. Sunday Mass weekly and for seasonal celebrations. Minimum age is 8th grade. Children’s choir for students 3rd through 8th grade ages sings alongside the Church Choir at the 11:00 a.m. Sunday Mass on the 1nd Sunday of each month during the school year. For more information, contact Mr. Davis Hotard.
COFFEE & DONUTS
Volunteers prepare, serve, and oversee the weekly Coffee & Donuts following the 9 AM Mass and occasionally the 11 AM Mass. For more information, contact the Parish Office.
COR JESU MEN’S GROUP
An intergenerational group of men and boys from the Parish committed to growing in holiness through prayer, mentorship, formation and discipleship. For more information, contact Mr. Steven Brooksher or Mr. Blake May
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Parishioners participating in service opportunities and projects to support, uplift, and celebrate the community making up the Church geographical boundaries. Some examples of service are listed below and new ideas are
welcome! For more information, contact
Mr. Dan Boudreaux.
- LITTER MINISTRY: Serve in groups to keep the School, Church, and Neighborhood streets clean by picking up litter along the grounds. For more information, contact Dr. Germain Bienvenu.
- CEMETERY CARE: Care for the plant life and grounds of the historic Sweet Olive Cemetery down the street from Sacred Heart. For more information, contact Seth Dawson.
D
DISASTER RELIEF
Volunteers help with planning, preparation, and education for times of disaster and the aftermath of disasters, such as hurricanes, floods, chemical spills, etc. For more information, contact Mr. Dan Boudreaux.
DOROTHY DAY CAFE
Church coffee shop & café dedicated to creating space for our community to gather in fellowship and encourage one another to “do good deeds” for our neighbors. The cafe is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Click here to volunteer. For more information, contact Mrs. Michelle McMahon or Mr. Brian Dykes
E
EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION
Parishioners who bring Holy Communion to homebound parishioners*. Training is required. Ministers are scheduled on a rotating basis. For more information, contact the Parish Office.
F
FOOD PANTRY
Members distribute food to needy families. Volunteers are needed to shelve, pack boxes and distribute food. For more information, contact Mr. Carl Thomas.
G
GREETERS
Volunteers are a welcoming face for those who enter our church. Greeters help pass out materials and may also be asked to assist in other ways for special liturgies, feasts or special programs held in the church. The only requirement is a friendly smile and a desire to make parishioners and visitors feel welcome at Sacred Heart. Greeter assignments are on a rotating basis; no scheduled meetings for this ministry. For more information, contact the Parish Office.
H
HOLY FAMILY SCHOOL OF FAITH ROSARY GROUPS
Parishioners committed to gather weekly in person or online to pray the rosary and share faith in a small group. The groups focus on rosary meditations offered by the Holy Family School of Faith Institute. Contact the Parish Office for more information or visit schooloffaith.com to preview the meditations. For more information, contact Mrs. Risa Mueller or Mrs. Rainette Stephens.
HOSPITAL VISITATION
*Ministers visit and pray with parishioners who are hospitalized at Our Lady of the Lake Medical Center and Baton Rouge General Hospital. These ministers are scheduled semi-annually. Minimum age is 18. Commitment involves 1 hour per week on a rotating basis. For more information, contact Mrs. Tiffany Dykes.
HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE
Members prepare for fellowship events throughout the year. They help with planning, decorating, providing refreshments, serving, and clean-up. Sometimes this committee is asked to help with socials for other ministries. Commitment involves 4-5 hours, 2 or 3 times per year. For more information, contact Mrs. Rainette Stephens.
K
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
A national, Catholic, fraternal organization for men 18 and older, dedicated to promoting the virtues of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. Msgr. Dominic Blasco Council #3298 members are involved in service projects and other activities, such as vocations, youth camp, handicapped citizens, etc. They sponsor the monthly Coffee & Doughnuts Social for the parish. Commitment involves monthly meetings in the Parish Hall and quarterly Mass. Dues are required. For more information, contact Mr. Raymond Calandro.
KNIGHTS OF PETER CLAVER
A national Catholic fraternal organization for men 18 and older. The Order engages in national service projects and is committed to serving God and His holy Church, promoting Catholic fellowship, standing for social justice issues, and supporting its members and the community. For more information, contact Mr. Maurice Coleman.
L
LECTORS
Parishioners who proclaim the Word of God at Masses and other services. Readers are scheduled on a rotating basis. Training is required. For more information, contact Deacon Clayton Hollier.
M
MID CITY MISSION
*Annual summer service mission for 8th grade through 12th grade students and young adults to serve and share the Gospel with those in need within the parish boundaries. For more information, contact Mrs. Jenny Morales or Mr. Steven Brooksher.
N
NURSING HOME VISITATION
*Volunteers help with monthly Masses at local nursing homes by setting up for Mass, reading and administering Holy Communion. For more information, contact the Parish Office.
O
OFFICE VOLUNTEERS
Provides office assistance to the parish staff, such as answering the phone, data entry, stuffing envelopes, etc. Volunteers contacted as needed. Adults and older teens are welcome. For more information, contact Mrs. Tiffany Dykes.
OFFERTORY COUNTERS
Tabulators sort, count, and prepare deposits. Involves about 2 hours at an assigned time on a rotating basis. For more information, contact Mrs. Mary Lee Eggart.
P
PARISH SCHOOL OF RELIGION (PSR)
Teachers and volunteers* provide religious education for non-parochial school students. Training is provided for various tasks, such as teaching, copying materials, speaking to classes, etc. Teachers must be 18 or older and confirmed Catholics. For more information, contact Ms. Jennifer Monette.
- 2nd Grade First Communion & Reconciliation
- 3rd – 6th Grade PSR
- 7th Grade Confirmation.
PRAYER LINE
Parishioners on the Prayer Line are notified of prayer intentions that are received by the Church Office and asked to intercede for the individuals/families requesting prayer. For more information, contact the Parish Office.
S
SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION
- BAPTISMAL PREPARATION: Members assist with Baptismal Seminars and Baptisms scheduled approximately ten times per year. Training is provided. For more information, contact Deacon Clayton Hollier.
- MARRIAGE PREPARATION: Couples married sacramentally for more than five years are encouraged to become mentor couples in Sacred Heart’s Witness to Love marriage preparation process. Mentor couples need no experience and will receive training and materials. Each mentor couple serves on average once every three years, meeting with an assigned engaged couple to walk with them as they prepare for marriage. For more information, contact Deacon Clayton Hollier.
SACRISTAN
The sacristan sets up for Mass and then cleans up afterwards. Setting up includes preparing the chalice, ciboria, cruets, and lavabo for the credence table; marking the lectionary, making sure there are readers for the Mass introduction and readings, putting the celebrant’s and deacons’ books and binders in place, and making sure the sound system is working; determining the roles that servers will perform; making sure candles are oiled and lit before Mass and that bells are in place; and taking the collection basket and bags to the vestibule. Clean up includes making sure sacred vessels are properly purified and stored and that other items used during Mass have been put away; placing collections bags in the safe; turning off the sound system; oiling candles for the next Mass; and extinguishing thurible coals. For more information, contact Dr. Germain Bienvenu.
SEVEN SISTERS APOSTOLATE
Seven Sisters Apostolate is a call to strengthen the Church by ensuring that a Holy Hour is prayed each day of the week for the sole intention of a specific priest or bishop—a “holy wasting” (cf Mt. 26:10) or lavishing of prayer for his deeper conformity to Christ. For more information, contact Ms. Jennifer Monette.
SOBER HEARTS
Dedicated Open Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings hosted weekly on Sundays at 5 PM in the Activity Center Fr. Blasco Room. Meetings follow the traditional AA format creating a space where participants can share their experiences with others who understand the challenges they face. Anyone with a desire to stop drinking, whether it be a first meeting or following years of sobriety, is welcome. No fees or registration required.
ST. VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY, SACRED HEART CONFERENCE (SVdP)
*Members meet every other Wednesday and every other Saturday. They are involved in emergency assistance, assistance to the Food Pantry, and other forms of outreach to the poor. (Various talents are needed—take calls from people requesting help, make phone calls to appropriate people, visit in teams of two every other Saturday to interview the families in their home to determine their needs.). Minimum age is 16. For more information, contact Mr. Tim Mueller.
ST. SEBASTIAN MINISTRY
The purpose of the St. Sebastian Ministry is to share our gifts and talents with the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church and School community specifically toward the maintenance of our iconic baseball field. Volunteers share their gifts and time two to four hours per month and assist ministry leader, Phil Schmitt, in maintaining the grounds and field.
SACRED HEART SUPPER CLUB
Seasonal ministry hosted in the Fall and Spring, parishioners sign-up to be placed in a Supper Club group which aims to gather once a month for dinner and fellowship based on their schedules. The Fall season runs
August – January and the Spring season runs February – July. For more information, contact Mrs. Chloe LeBlanc.
U
USHER SOCIETY
Women and men at weekend liturgies who greet parishioners, coordinate offertory processions, collect offerings, etc. You may serve at the Mass of choice. Minimum age is 14. For more information, contact the parish office.
V
VAGABOND MISSIONS
*Volunteers and supporters work to uplift the efforts of the local Vagabond missionaries in serving inner-city youth in the area. For more information, please contact the Vagabond missionaries: Deacon Michael Parker, Tyler Hunt, Matt Schlotzhauer, or Kendrick Slan. Click here to provide financial support to the Baton Rouge site.
VOCATIONS
Individuals who work toward increasing awareness of the need for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. May assist with vocations retreats and events at the parish throughout the year. For more information, contact Fr. Josh Johnson.
W
WELCOME COMMITTEE
Members provide hospitality to new parishioners with phone calls, cards, visits, etc. Volunteers offer to visit with new families and bring a welcome packet and answer questions about Sacred Heart Parish. Commitment involves about one hour per month on a rotating basis. If you are interested in helping on this committee, please contact Ms. Dana Barton.
Y
YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
Intentional community built upon the pillars of prayer, fellowship, and service designed for Young Adults in their 20s and 30s. Young Adults is run by a Commission of committed members hosting Bible Studies, service opportunities, coffeehouse socials, adoration nights, family-focused events, and more. For more information, contact Mrs. Chloe LeBlanc.
*As mandated by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Diocese of Baton Rouge, all volunteers 18 years of age or older who minister to children and vulnerable adults in any
capacity must fulfill a criminal background check and complete safe environment requirements. Contact
Tiffany Dykes, Child Protection Coordinator for more information.
