Parish vitality does not just happen. It is the result of effective leadership and competent and confident parishioners. The social life and outreach of Epiphany of Our Lord parish is filled with a variety of activities, resources and organizations that enables parish vitality and Catholic evangelization.
Members of the Epiphany of Our Lord community enjoy sharing time together at social occasions and participating in community events and support services.
Ministry
The faith community of Epiphany of Our Lord Parish is a witness to the love of Christ by living out the Gospel values and our baptismal promises in the world. We work to accomplish this through the use of our gifts of time, talent and treasure as we serve God and one another in the many parish ministries found in our parish family.
Answering our Baptismal Call
According to Vatican II, every baptized Christian is incorporated into Christ and shares in His Priestly, Kingly, and Prophetic Office. By virtue of their Baptism and Confirmation all are called by Christ to fulfill their right and duty to build the Kingdom of God here on earth by reflecting God’s Presence to the world. (Catechism of the Catholic Church - CCC 900). In the sacraments one acquires the attitude of Christ, so one’s ministry becomes an extension of Christ’s Ministry. All of us have our own special roles based on the gifts bestowed on us at Baptism. By living into the fullness of these gifts, we live out our Baptismal Promises. “Hence, the laity, dedicated as they are to Christ and anointed by the Holy Spirit, are marvelously called and prepared so that even richer fruits of the Spirit may be produced in them.” (CCC 901)
Answering the Call at Epiphany of Our Lord
Such fruits are most evident in: worship, spiritual, community, education, ministry to the sick & elderly, outreach, youth, family life, communication, and others. Each ministry under these headings is equally important in the communal and spiritual life of the parish. New parishioners have continually expressed how they have been welcomed and drawn to a fuller participation through the example of those who are already living their faith by serving their church. Adult faith formation is a growing priority. The results are a faith-filled community who give willingly in Christ’s Name.
We can attest to the generous spirit and right intentions of our parishioners. Their response to the needs of our parish family and the larger community give witness to their growing awareness of the Gospel message. This message challenges all to live into their true giftedness, which is passed down to our children, whose own participation as Altar Servers, Lectors and in service-oriented projects is a witness in itself. United with Christ, both young and old take part in sharing the reality of the sacraments with others. All the good works they do are done for the greater glory of God.
Our goal always is to return to our Christian Mission – to bear witness to God’s Kingdom. The only way, of course, our ministries can be truly faithful to this goal is to hear and heed Jesus’ words:
“This is my commandment: Love one another as I have loved you.” (John 15: 12)
Spiritual Growth
“Those who trust in the Lord shall renew their strength….
They shall run and not grow weary.” (Isaiah 40:31)
Spiritual Life is a journey that we engage in all of our life as we seek to find God and come to know and love God completely. In our faith every individual is expected, with the help of clergy and community, to nurture and tend the garden of his or her own religious life each and every day. We cannot do it alone.
The spiritual life of our parishioners is strengthened and nourished in numerous ways, beginning with our worshipping together each Sunday at Mass. Faith sharing groups, faith-based organizations and clubs, as well as other activities, enrich each other by their sharing and engaging in their Catholic faith.