PARISH MINISTRIES AND ORGANIZATIONS
DIVINE MERCY APOSTOLATE -- focuses on training apostles of the Divine Mercy based on Holy Scripture, the teachings of the Fathers of the Church and the Magisterium of the Catholic Church as these have been enriched by the mission and mystical experience of Saint Sister Faustina. A course of spiritual formation is offered. During the formation, members are invited to take pledges to continue the work of the Apostolate at their own parish and in the world. The spirituality of the apostles of Divine Mercy is characterized by ever deepening faith and commitment to a self-giving relationship with the Person of Jesus Christ and with our neighbors. For information about the Divine Mercy Apostolate at St. John of God Parish contact: Jocelyn Fuentes @ (562) 805-1342 or
jfuentes22@verizon.net.
ALTAR ERVERS PROGRAM – The purpose of the Altar Server Program is to build a Christian Community with those youths wishing to serve on the Altar. For information on registration and training sessions contact the Pastoral Office (562) 863-5721 or a Sacristan.
ALTAR & SHRINE SOCIETY – A women’s group whose purpose is to keep clean and to keep in proper order the Church and materials for the celebration of the Church’s Liturgy. They meet on Friday morning after the 7:30 AM Mass. If you are interested in being a part of this service group, please call the Pastoral Office to leave a message for Marie Olson (562) 863-5721.
BAPTISMAL CATECHESIS – Provides Baptismal education to parents and Godparents of infants to be baptized; by means of a preparation class. The class is held on the second Thursday of the month at 7:00 PM in PastoralCenter # 1. Baptismal services are held on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month at 2:00 PM in the Church. Contact Sr. Carmel (562) 863-5721 Ext. 225 for an appointment.
BEREAVEMENT GROUP– Its purpose is to offer a supportive presence for parishioners in times of loss of a loved one, divorce or job etc. A prayer and sharing group is held once a month. Also provides one on one support if needed. Contact Pastoral Office (562) 863-5721.
BIBLE STUDY– They meet every 1st and 3rd Wednesday from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Bible Study class will help bring an enrichment of our spiritual lives through devotional reading of Sacred Scripture. Contact the Pastoral Office for scheduled sessions (562) 863-5721.
BOY SCOUTS – The purpose is to involve young boys ages (10 to 18) to the world of scouting where challenges, excitement and fun awaits them, while learning the values of respect, love of self, adults and country. They meet on Wednesdays from 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM in the Small Hall. Please contact Scott Samson (562) 921-6235.
CHLDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD – To present the Word of God, so that it becomes a living experience for the children. This takes place during the school year at the 9:30 AM Sunday Mass. Please Contact the Pastoral Office (562) 863-5721.
CHOIR MINISTRY– Supporting the congregation by providing vocal and instrumental music to enhance the liturgies and Para liturgies. Contact Lisa Mathews Derleth: (562) 863-5721 Ext. 224
Meetings: Tuesday 7:00 PM in the Church (choir for the 9:30 AM Sunday Mass)
Sunday afternoon 3:30 PM in the Church, (choir for the 5:00 PM Sunday Mass)
CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS – The purpose is to evangelize the non-baptized individual and accept into the faith those baptized in other denominations. There are also faith formation classes for those who have had no formal sessions and would like to receive the Sacraments of Communion or Confirmation. Sessions are held every Monday from 7:00 – 9:00 PM in PastoralCenter # 1. Please contact Sr. Carmel Wright (562) 863-5721 Ext. 225.
CONFIRMATION PROGRAM/YOUTH MINISTRY– Offers sacramental preparation for High School age youth. It also sponsors social events for youth to share and grow together. Meets on Monday 7:00 – 8:30 PM and Wednesday 7:00 – 8:30 PM. Prior registration is needed. Please contact Carolann Doyal (562) 863-5721 Ext. 236.
CUB SCOUTS/WEBELOS – See “Boy Scouts” for purpose. Boys from ages 6 to 10 meet in the Small Hall 7:00 – 9:00 PM every Tuesday. Please contact Jose Islas (562) 762-7097.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL–St. John of God School strives to provide a strong Christian environment with a good background in their Catholic Faith while at the same time provide the best academic, spiritual, social, and physical program possible for our children. We recognize that we are a community of many cultures and that our school families play a vital role in our Parish Community. We strive to help people understand that we are one family in the Body of Christ. Contact Mary Pekarcik (562) 863-5721.
ENVIRONMENT– Continuing maintenance of the Sanctuary area and floral arrangements, in order to appropriately reflect the liturgical season throughout the year. Contact Lisa Mathews Derleth (562) 863-5721 Ext. 224.
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS – To help assist the priest in the distribution of the Body and Blood of Jesus to the worshipping community in the Church Liturgies. Registration and training as needed. Please contact Dolores Martinez (714) 926-9860.
EUCHARISTIC MINISTRY TO THE SICK – To send ministers to contact and offer service through bringing the Eucharist to all those unable to come to church for worship. Every Sunday after the 9:30 AM Mass. Please contact person Sister Carmel Wright (562) 863-5721 Ext. 225.
FIESTA COMMITTEE– To plan the Fiesta community builder and fundraiser annual weekend. The Fiesta offers fun, including rides, games, food booths, bingo and entertainment. The parish welcomes additional volunteers for this annual event. Please contact the Pastoral Office for information (562) 863-5721.
FILIPINO MINISTRY LEADERSHIP – To promote involvement in the parish activities and ministries. Sharing our cultural values and keeping our traditions alive. Meetings when needed. Contact Henry Fuentes (562) 863-9588.
FINANCE COMMITTEE – The Purpose is to assist the pastor with the finances, budget, maintenance, and other monetary issues of the Parish. Please contact Fr. Edward J. Dober (562) 863-5721.
GIRL SCOUTS – See “Boy Scouts” for purpose. For girls ages 6 to 18 who meet at 7:00 – 9:00 PM Tuesday in the Buechner Hall. Please contact Marie Baker (562) 929-9866.
LECTORS – To proclaim the Word of God at our Sunday and weekday Liturgies. Registration and training is needed. Please contact Dolores Martinez (714) 926-9860.
LEGION OF MARY – Its purpose is to seek personal sanctification through social service and Catholic action. Support for giving service is drawn through the daily recitation of the Rosary. Legion prayer and the performance of two hours of spiritual and corporal works of mercy. Meets in the Pastoral Conference Room every Tuesday at 6:00 – 7:00 PM. Please contact Gene & Elsa Llanora (562) 929-4250.
LITURGY TEAM – To plan and enhance our Liturgies, in order to nurture and encourage spiritual growth to all who come to worship at Saint John of God. Meets once a month. Contact Lisa Mathews Derleth (562) 863-5721.
QUINCEAÑERA PROGRAM - To help foster religious awareness and active participation in this Hispanic cultural celebration. The Quinceañera and family should be registered parishioners and live within the church boundaries. Request mass with a minimum of six months to a year, will have a mini retreat, will need to do 15 hours of community service, and should be enrolled in the St. John of God confirmation program and write a 500 word essay. This is the essence of the program. Please contact Pastoral office (562) 863-5721.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION ELEMENTARY & JR HIGH – The program fosters the total religious education of youth from local public school and seeks to draw them into the Parish and community family. Please call (562) 863-5721 ext: 231-School meets:
Tuesday: 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 – 10:30 AM and 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
SPANISH PRAYER GROUP – Promotes knowing ones Catholic faith through reflecting the Word of God, sharing in prayer, initiation retreats, mass, and holy hour. Meet every Wednesday at 7:00 PM in the Buechner Hall. Contact Norma Mc Gough (562) 863-5404.
SPANISH MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER – Provides an opportunity to focus on renewing marriage vows. At the end of the weekend retreat teaches the technique of communication and a follow – up helps to reinforce the concepts touched on during the weekend. Contact Pastoral office (562) 863-5721.
SPANISH MINISTRY LEADERSHIP – To coordinate, plan and involve the community in parish ministries and activities. Sharing our cultural values and keeping our traditions alive. Contact Manuel Lazcon (310) 877-1304.
USHER/GREETER – Welcomes people and assists them during the celebration of the Mass by finding seats, taking up the collection, assisting at the time of communion, and distributing church bulletins. Contact Pastoral Office (562) 863-5721.
VOLUNTEER PANTRY MINISTRY - To provide a food supplement to those of low income in the Norwalk Community. The volunteers separate, re-package and distribute donated food items. The distribution is from 4:00 – 5:00 PM every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the Month. Contact Rosanne Cash 868-5007.
WEDDING COORDINATOR – To maintain our guidelines and assist with the planning and set – up of the Church. Lead the rehearsal and assist at the wedding ceremony. Contact Yolanda Preciado (562) 868-5305 or Ana Maria Guzman (562) 863-4187.
