Mensa Christi (Table of Christ) was established as a St Catherine Parish’s feeding outreach ministry specifically to feed our homeless brothers and sisters in the City of Vallejo. The group of volunteers prepare, cook and bag nutritious meals individually and distribute them in person to the different homeless encampments and to those who are wandering around looking for food and sustenance. In serving these individuals with love and compassion, not only does it improve their well being but also nourishes their mind and spirit by bringing back the human dignity they deserve.

The Catholic Youth Ministry (CYM) of St. Catherine of Siena Parish is a fellowship of young Christians unified by the bond of friendship, and dedicated to serving God, His Church, and the community at large. CYM members us their talents to bear witnes to the Light of the Gospel with enthusiasm and love. Loyal to the Pope and the Magisterium, the youth of CYM support the total mission of the parish through their involvement in various liturgical ministries. The Catholic Youth Ministry empowers its members to face the challenge of Christ: to live holy, courageous lives marked by charity and faithfulness

The Young Adult Ministry (YAM) seeks to help young adult Catholics (ages 18 - 39) married and single) grow in their relationship with God, their understanding of the faith, their bonds of friendship with other young adults, and their commitment to serve others, especially the parish community and the poor. YAM encourages vocation discernment among its members and supports them in living the Christian life as students, professionals, and young families.

Parish youth who have received First Holy Communion may join the Altar Server Ministry. Altar Servers are the lay ecclesial ministers who prepare the altar for Holy Mass and who assist the Presider and Deacons during Holy Mass. Altar Servers may also serve at other liturgical celebrations such as baptisms, funerals, weddings, and Eucharistic Exposition and Benediction. Altar Servers are expected to have a deep understanding of the Eucharistic celebration and reverence proper to serving at the altar and to be able to receive Holy Communion.Service begins with an orientation to the ministry and training on the order of the Mass, actions done during Mass, the sacred objects and books, and the prayers of the Mass. Opportunities for continuing formation and training are provided.Youth may serve from elementary through high school.

The Arts & Environment Ministry enhances and supports the liturgical celebration through decorating the altar and the church. We develop an ongoing program to involve current and new parishioners in our community activities with their specific time, talent and treasure.These ministers have special place in making the liturgy a beautiful and inspiring place to worship. Through their talents and time, they transform a building into worship space using color, art, and flowers

The Prayer Lights Ministry makes home visits to share the faith and pray with you for God’s blessing, healing, comfort, and strength.

The Prayers and Devotions Ministry is an extension of the Sacred Liturgy and are Touchstones of Faith. “Devotions” are so pleasing to God that He can refuse nothing to those who practice it. The ministry is dedicated to work and pray for the salvation of souls, for peace and for the Triumph of the Two Hearts. We promote the Devotions among all Catholics, especially young people and families who have not learned the meaning or value of devotions — nor are they aware of the tremendous spiritual and temporal blessings and graces so terribly needed today, which our Lord is willing to shower upon those who have a true love for Him and His Blessed Mother, and who especially respect and venerate the Blessed Sacrament.

Music Ministry helps people to respond to God’s word, to acclaim the gospel, to sing of our salvation in Christ and gather our many voices into one. Music Ministers consist of members of the choir, cantor, piano/organ instrumental accompanists.

The Word Minister or Lector becomes Christ’s voice for the assembly as he/she prepares and is assigned to a particular mass. We are assigned to read the Introduction, the First Reading, Responsorial Psalm (if there is no Cantor), Second Reading, Prayers of the Faithful (if there is no Deacon), and any special announcements as requested.

The Hospitality ministers set the tone for the celebration. They greet the Assembly as they arrive for Mass, making everyone feel welcome. During the liturgy, the ministers of Hospitality continue their ministry as hosts of the service by finding seats at appropriate times, gathering monetary gifts during collection, choosing the gift bearers at the Offertory, directing the flow of traffic during Communion, and making themselves available for fellowship after Mass.

In extraordinary circumstances, the Presider at Holy Mass may call upon members of the laity to assist in the administration of Holy Communion. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are those lay ecclesial ministers who have received training to serve at Holy Mass and are in the proper disposition to receive Holy Communion. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are expected to have a deep understanding of the Eucharistic celebration and demonstrate right reverence while serving at Holy Mass. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion may be assigned to a team. Teams are scheduled to serve at the anticipated Sunday Mass, Sunday Masses, and holy days of obligation. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion may also bring Holy Communion to those who are sick. Also called Community Link Ministers, these lay ecclesial ministers must have a pyx, burse, and the Rite of Communion of the Sick.For information, complete a Lay Ecclesial Minister application form available at the Parish Office.

The Children’s Liturgy captures the attention of young children in a way that will enable them to hear the message, as it would apply to their lives today. During the 10:00 AM Sunday Mass, children in preschool through third grade are dismissed after the opening prayers, where they hear the Sunday readings adapted for their level of understanding. The children return to the church after the prayer of the faithful to rejoin their families.

St. Vincent de Paul Ministry is a group that “seeks in a spirit of justice and charity and by person-to-person involvement of its members, to help those who are suffering.” It provides direct service, to address human dignity needs relevant to/and related to Catholic Social Teaching. The ministry collaborates with other people & agencies of good will in relieving “de-humanizing need” and working to spread Gospel values.

Couples for Christ is called to bring families back to the plan of God, and to bring the strength and light of Christ to those who are struggling to be true Christian families in the modern world. We are a family ministry whose primary focus is on Christian family renewal and global evangelization. Our initial faith formation and renewal program is the Christian Life Program and it is open to all interested adult parishioners. The CLP helps lead individuals and couples into a renewed understanding of God’s call to us. At the completion of this program, you are invited to join a small household group where you are provided continual spiritual and emotional support and encouragement as you grow in your spiritual life. We provide ongoing formation through teachings, recollections, and retreats (e.g. ­ Family Enrichment Retreat, Marriage Enrichment Retreat, etc.) We also provide opportunities for fun and fellowship in our ministries. (e.g. ­ Family Christmas Party, Youth and Singles SportsFest, Kid’s Harvest Festival, etc.)

The Parish Vocations Committee exists to promote vocations to the priesthood and religious life, guiding and encouraging the parish community in prayer and education about vocations, and facilitating the launch a vocations campaign in the parish. The Committee also works to encourage promising candidates.

The Parish Finance Council functions as a consultative body to the pastor of St. Catherine’s. It consists of selected professionals to advise the pastor in these areas:

1. Preparation of the annual operating budget

2. Long-term financial planning

3. Annual parish financial report, which is submitted to the Diocesan Bishop

4. Annual and periodic financial reports to the faithful

The Council ensures that an adequate system of internal controls is in place to guide the parish in caring for and managing financial resources and temporal goods.

Families in Christ Jesus Community (FCJC) is a movement of Catholic Christian Communities who believe in the urgent need to respond to God’s call to proclaim and defend His Gospel on the family (Genesis 1:28; Gen 2:24). We are a part of a nationwide ministry of families bringing families to Christ. Learn more about programs, mission, and our sister communities across the United States at the national website.