OLPH Ministries

To learn more about the opportunities to serve at OLPH, click on the appropriate button.  If you would like more information, please contact the OLPH Office.

Support Our Liturgies

Assist at Mass and worship services
  • Altar Linens

    Volunteers help us care for the linens used at Mass. Duties include cleaning soiled purificators and other altar linens at home, following the weekend liturgies.  The clean and pressed linens are then returned in time for the liturgies the following weekend.  

  • Altar Servers

    Children and youth in grades 4 and up participate in Sunday and Holy Day liturgies by assisting the Presider.  The altar servers assist in carrying in the processional cross, holding the Missal for the celebrant, and helping to prepare the altar for Eucharist. Training is provided, and servers are usually scheduled at one to two Masses per month.

  • Art & Environment

    Members of this group focus on the physical and aesthetic appearance of our worship space. They plan and create visual enhancements, such as floral arrangements, and care for other liturgical items, such as candles and vessels, which give flavor and shape to the liturgical seasons. Care and watering of indoor plants and flowers is especially needed at Christmas and Easter.  

    Photo Gallery
  • Baptism Ministry

    Volunteers prepare for upcoming Baptismal liturgies by setting out needed items and reserving family pews with bows. Other volunteers create cross- stitched mementos for each child.

  • Children's Choir

    The Children's Choir allows children in kindergarten through middle school an opportunity to develop a sense of ministry and to learn basic choral techniques.  


    The OLPH Children's Choir rehearses from 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM on most Sundays throughout the school year, and they sing at Mass approximately once per month.

  • Choir

    The OLPH Choir is a volunteer, non-auditioned choir for adults and high school youth.  The choir provides musical leadership at Sunday and Holy Day Masses and liturgies throughout the year.  


    Attendance at rehearsals and faithful participation in the choir’s assigned liturgies are essential.  A good ear, ability to read music, and choral experience are helpful.  Rehearsals are held on Thursdays from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM during the school year, and there is a 30-minute warm-up before each Mass.

  • Eucharistic Adorers

    Volunteers commit to spend one hour each week in silent prayer with our Lord Jesus Christ, present in the Eucharist. Come, be at peace, give Him thanks and praise, seek forgiveness, read the bible, say the Rosary, or just "be still and know that I am God." Eucharistic Adoration takes place in the worship space each Wednesday from 3 :00- 6:15 pm and from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.  


    In addition to those who are scheduled to attend at a regular time each week, all are welcome to stop by for prayer at any time.

  • Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

    Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (formerly Eucharistic Ministers) have the very special privilege of sharing Jesus' own gift of his Body and Blood with members of our parish family. They also help prepare vessels before Mass, set the Eucharistic table, and help clean up afterwards. 


    This ministry is opened to confirmed Catholics who agree to serve at weekend Masses and Holy Days on a rotating schedule (typically 2-3 times per month). Training is provided. 

  • Funeral & Wedding Team

    Funeral and wedding coordinators assist at funeral and wedding liturgies.  Volunteers assist the pastor in preparing the worship area for the liturgies, scheduling liturgical ministers (lectors, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, sound board operators), and assisting the pastor during the liturgies.  

  • Lectors

    Lectors proclaim the Word of God whenever the community gathers to worship. A lector's gifts include the ability to speak with clarity and expression, and the willingness to use these gifts to share the Word of God with others. 


    This ministry is opened to confirmed Catholics who agree to serve at weekend Masses and Holy Days on a rotating schedule (typically 1-2 times per month). Training and materials are provided.

  • Sacristy Team

    This team keeps the sacristy in order, keeping track of vestments, linens, ritual books, candles, wine, charcoal and other needs.  They help set up for Mass and tend to the sanctuary lamp.

  • Sound Board Operators

    Volunteers are needed to operate the sound board at weekend, Wednesday, and Holy Day Masses, as well as other activities throughout the year.  


    This ministry is ideal for youth and adults who are comfortable operating electronics and paying close attention to the sound balance.  Training is provided.

  • Ushers

    Ushers have the important role of making the members of the community, as well as visitors, welcome as they gather for worship. Other duties include assisting with seating, taking up collections, and distributing worship aids and bulletins. 

Support Our Children & Youth

Help our younger members learn the faith

Note that VIRTUS training and background screenings are required for all volunteers working with children and youth under the age of 18. In addition, all catechists are expected to participate in Pathways, the diocesan catechist training program.

  • Nursery & Childcare

    Nursery services are provided during the 10:30 AM Sunday Mass for children 6 months to 3 years old. While parents of children using the nursery are asked to assist with childcare, adults who enjoy working with little ones are also encouraged to volunteer. 


    Adults are also needed to serve as childcare providers for children 6 months to 11 years old during a variety of church activities. Volunteers are contacted as needs arise.

  • Preschool

    Preschool class meets during the 10:30 AM Sunday Mass from mid-September through April.  Classes are led by teams of two adults; each team serves once a month.  Responsibilities alternate between leading the class and serving as an aide.  Teen aides may be scheduled if class size is large.

  • Religious Education (K-12)

    Classes are held on Sunday mornings from 9:00 -10:15 am from mid-September through April. Aides may be needed to assist children with special needs.  A volunteer to assist catechists in gathering materials and supplies and photocopying as well as to monitor activities is needed on Sunday mornings.

  • Sacramental Preparation

    First Reconciliation sessions are held in the fall and First Communion sessions are held in late winter/spring.  Four 2-hour sessions are held for each sacrament; a 3-hour retreat is also scheduled for First Communion participants and their parents.  Adult aides assist the catechist in the classroom and at the retreat.  Volunteers are needed to provide childcare during parent sessions and to assist at the retreat and receptions. 


    Confirmation sessions are held once a month, usually beginning in October and ending after the celebration of the sacrament.  Assistance is needed with providing lunch for the monthly sessions, assisting with the Confirmation liturgy, and with staffing the reception following the Confirmation liturgy.

  • Vacation Bible School

    Vacation Bible School (VBS) is held annually for one week during the month of June. VBS runs from 9:00 am -  12:00 pm for children ages 3-12 years.  Daily activities include music, crafts, storytelling, games, and snack time. Planning gets underway in early spring.  


    Our Coordinator of Religious Education plans, organizes, and oversees all activities.  Activity leaders help plan and lead a specific activity, such as crafts, music, etc. Additional volunteers (adults & teens) are needed to serve as crew leaders and aides during the week , as well as assisting with a variety of activities. Training is provided.

  • Youth Ministry

    Adults are needed as drivers and chaperones for various youth events.

Support Our Community

Help to welcome newcomers & provide fellowship for all
  • Community Life

    Volunteers set up, serve, and clean up at parish events, including the following.


    • Sunday morning hospitatility (following the 10:30 am Mass)
    • Parish Picnic (the Sunday after Labor Day)
    • Sacramental receptions (following FIrst Communion, Confirmation, and the Easter Vigil)
  • Funeral Reception Committee

    Volunteers prepare and serve meals following funeral services at OLPH.

  • OCIA - Order of Christian Initiation of Adults

    OCIA is the program that OLPH offers for those interested in learning about the Catholic Church and those considering becoming Catholic. Meetings are from 9:00 am - 10:15 am on Sundays from September through May.  Volunteers share their faith and help lead others to Christ. 

  • Pastoral Care

    Volunteers visit with  and listen to our homebound parishioners, including those who are in the hospital or a longterm care facility.  In addition, volunteers read the Scriptures, pray, and distribute the Eucharist.

Support Our Operations

Help us maintain the facilities, grounds, and processes that support our ministries
  • Bus Drivers

    Volunteers drive the church bus to pick up those who are unable to drive to Sunday Mass, primarily those in assisted living facilities. Drivers are also needed to bring Roanoke College students for Triduum liturgies.  


    Volunteers must be over 18 and have a valid driver’s license.  Some training is required.  

  • Landscaping Team

    Volunteers plant beds, trim bushes, mulch, weed, and mow lawns. 

  • Maintenance Team

    Volunteers help with general church and rectory maintenance, such as minor plumbing repairs, replacing air conditioner filters, changing light bulbs, painting, and minor repairs as necessary.

  • Offertory Counters

    Offertory counters (or "money counters") are vetted parishioners who securely process and summarize weekly donations. They safeguard the church's financial integrity by accurately counting cash and checks, recording donor information, and preparing bank deposits while maintaining strict confidentiality.  Teams of 3 unrelated adults are responsible for counting the collection on a rotating basis, with each team counting approximately once per month.

  • Office Volunteers

    Volunteers answer the phone when the parish secretary is out of the office, as well as assisting with shredding, recycling, filing, collating, and preparing mailings.

  • Olive Branch Volunteers

    Our Catholic gift shop and book store is run with the help of volunteers.  We welcome anyone that would like to give 1 - 3 hours a month.   


    Hours of operation:  Sundays before/after Mass, Wednesday from 4:00 - 6:00 pm, and Saturdays from 3:00 -4:45 pm.