Poise and purpose are the main attribute required for this ministry.  Acolytes must be comfortable moving in front of people in a way that dignifies the presence of the objects they bring to the table of the Lord.  Servers become very familiar with the ritual and can deepen their own appreciation for the liturgy by wearing the robe of baptism, carrying the cross and candles, holding the book of prayers and setting the Lord's Table.

Altar Society
     Through fund-raising activities and donations, the altar society purchases altar candles, wine, hosts and other altar supplies.  They also provide the meat items for our funeral dinners.  The Society has been known for their generous contributions to the parish.  All women of the parish are encouraged to participate.

Blood Drive
     We at Saint Charles sponsor quarterly Sunday Blood Drives.  If you are able to donate blood, watch the calendar and the bulletin for the dates of the blood drives.  Because of our donors, the Blood Bank offers up to 100 units of blood reimbursement available to the members of our parish and their tax dependants.  If you wish to utilize this, contact the Oklahoma Blood Institute at 405-232-0670 or visit their web site at www.obi.org.

CGSAA Gate Worker
     These are volunteers in the parish who collect money and welcome fans during basketball tournament games.  These tournaments occur in late February and early March.  If you are able to volunteer your time please contact the School Office.

Christian Formation Program
     CFP is the Sunday School program that teaches our youth about our religion.  From 2 year olds to 5th graders, occurring on Sunday mornings between the masses from 9:40 - 10:40am, September to May.  For more information about CFP, please see the Religious Education page or contact Vince Brady.  These classes are taught by volunteers from the parish family.  A few staff meetings occur during the year.  Class size is usually 15-25 students.

Coffee and Donuts
     Between Mass Social with Coffee and Donuts - Each Sunday during the school year between the 8:30 and 11:00 am masses, come over to Beckman Hall.  Here you will have a comfortable place to rest, visit and enjoy light refreshments.  You can visit with old friends, make new friends and together enjoy something to eat and drink.

Concession stand / Gym Worker
     We need individuals willing to volunteer their time to sell and serve drinks, popcorn, candy and other items during CGSAA volleyball and basketball games and tournaments.  These games occur from September through March.  Occasionally assist in the clean-up and closing of the concession stand and Activity Center.  This position is open to anyone in the parish who wishes to volunteer.  You do not need to have children enrolled at Saint Charles School.

Craft Creators
     Individuals are needed who can assist with the production of materials, from easy to difficult, for retreats for our young people.  People are needed for paper cutting and stenciling T-shirts.  Those with band saws can cut out hearts, crosses and other designs out of 1/4" plywood.  This group does most of their work at home and their time is given at their individual availability.

Dorothy Day Center (formerly Northwest Food Pantry)
The Dorothy Day Center is a dream realized.  Dedicated in November, 2005 by Archbishop Beltran, the 2,000 square foot building is east of the church and next to the white frame Catherine McCauley Free Health Clinic. The center is named for Doroty Day (1897-1980), a journalist and social activist who founded the Catholic Worker movement an d consecrated her life to serving the poor. Contact: Marcus Evans 405-740-0697

Evangelization Committee
      The Evangelization Committee welcomes new parishioners to our community.  The Committee helps to strengthen the presence of Christ in their lives by providing religious literature during the liturgical year and information regarding participation in various St. Charles’ organizations.  The Committee also tries to return Catholics to their faith through outreach and listening programs.  For more information about Evangelization at Saint Charles Borromeo check the Evangelization page.

 If you wish to join us, we meet on the first Monday of the month at 6:00 PM in the Kastner Room.  If you wish more information, please email us at vinnienola@aol.com.

Eucharistic Ministers
     Eucharistic ministers enable us to emphasize the communal ownership of the liturgy, and they facilitate the distribution of the Eucharist if both forms (bread and wine).  Those who serve must be inviting, caring people.  They must give each member of the assembly a gracious welcome befitting the honored guests at the table of the Lord.  This ministry is for those who wish to share their faith in the Eucharist with the members of the assembly.  The best Eucharistic ministers have the ability to communicate their faith through eye contact and gesture.  They are truly present to people in the brief moment that is shared.

     Eucharistic ministers are graced with the opportunity to share Christ's Body and Blood with others.  They recognize Christ in the faces of all who approach.  They are privileged to proclaim each person a member of the Mystical Body by saying the words,  "The Body of Christ" and "The Blood of Christ."  Eucharistic ministers at once profess their own faith and encourage others to join them by saying, "Amen."

Food Preparation
     There are many opportunities for volunteers to prepare food:  funeral dinners, homemade bread for newcomers, a meal for a family in crisis, cookies or finger food for one of our parish activities.  Food preparation is also needed for the mobile meals program.

Funeral Dinners
     This group provides a meal for the immediate family following a funeral at Saint Charles.  Our Altar Society provides the meat item.  The meal is prepared by volunteers who also set up, serve the family and clean up following the meal.

Grounds Maintenance
     Volunteers are always needed to assist the Property Director with grounds maintenance and flower bed care.  We are looking for individuals or families to join our Adopt a Flower Bed program.  Volunteers are also needed to care for the indoor, potted plants.  Most of our beds are perennials.  The time required for this program is flexible to your schedule.  If you or your family is available to volunteer, please contact Property Director.

Holiday Programs
     We do more than just Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets, we also provide children with necessary items for returning to school.  We provide food baskets during Thanksgiving and Christmas, and include gifts for children at Christmas.  The names of people we serve come from our Pastoral Team, teachers in our school and volunteers in our outreach ministries.  We need people to purchase food and gifts, donate time for organizing, help prepare baskets, wrap gifts and, of course, deliver the food and/or gifts.

Holy Trinity Prayer Group
     In Matthew 18, 19-20 we read that when two or more are gathered in prayer to the Father in Jesus' name, the Father will grant them what they pray for.  We gather together, because prayer has special power.  We also sing, reflect on the word of God, and share together.  This group encourages each other and their gifts through the power of the Holy Spirit.  This group gathers on Wednesday nights in the Kastner Room from 7-9pm.

Journey of Faith
     The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process by which individuals interested in becoming Catholic are introduced to the Church and its teachings.  This process requires sponsors for each catechumen or candidate.  Sponsors are parishioners who wish to share their faith life with others.  They are usually expected to attend the RCIA classes during the year and to share the Journey of Faith with the one they sponsor through Easter and their reception into the Church.  The RCIA classes meet on Thursday evenings for 1 1/2 hours from September through Easter, plus retreats and liturgical events.  If you are interested in being a sponsor, or if you or a friend or family member is interested in the RCIA program, please contact the Religious Education Director, Vince Brady.

Just Faith
     Interested in exploring the social justice tradition of your faith?  Want to know more about the spiritual journey of Francis of Assisi, Mother Theresa, Oscar Romero and the prophets?  Consider taking part in a justice formation process called Just Faith to begin this September at our parish.  The program includes readings, videos and conversations about the most difficult topics, face-to-face encounters with the poor, and an investigation into the intersection of spirituality and Christy activism.  The thirty-week program includes weekly meetings, regular readings, retreats and immersion experiences.  Participation will be limited to the first 15 registrants, there is an interview process and the commitment is large.  the cost of the program, which includes books, is $150.  If you are interested in the Just Faith program, please contact the parish office.

Knights of Columbus
     The Knights of Columbus is a fraternal order of Catholic man over the age of 18.  They are dedicated to the fundamental concepts of charity, fraternity, family and service.  They are also known as being generous contributors to the parish.  Council 8204 at Saint Charles Borromeo Church donates money for scholar ships to Saint Charles School, Bishop McGuiness High School and Saint Gregory's College.  The Knights have numerous activities throughout the year including parish breakfast buffets, fish fry/spaghetti dinner and numerous other events to raise money for the causes of the families they support and the parish.  To learn more about the Knights of Columbus Council 8204, CLICK HERE.

Knitting Group
     This group creates knitted hats and blankets for the Catholic Worker House.  They also make items to be sold at the Altar Society Bazaar.  They meet the third Tuesday of each month from 9:30 to noon.

Lectors
     The cycle of readings used in liturgy directs us on a journey of faith.  Lectors are our storytellers on this journey, proclaiming the scripture in a way that reminds us God's word is alive here and now.  By leading the general intercessions, Ministers of the Word remind us of our connections to both local and global communities and help us pray for those in need.  Those in this ministry should possess good public reading skills (articulation, pacing, eye contact) and a manner of speaking that draws attention not to themselves but to the Word of God.  They should also be sensitive to the use of inclusive language, where appropriate.

     By utilizing the appropriate preparation material (provided), lectors gain a fuller knowledge and understanding of scripture.  By proclaiming the scriptures in the assembly, lectors bring to birth the living word of God in this place, in this hour, the same word that created, healed and redeemed us.  Like the Eucharist ministers, lectors minister the presence of Christ, for it is Christ who speaks when the scriptures are proclaimed in church.

Legion of Mary
     This group offers spiritual assistance by visiting the sick, shut-ins and inviting inactive Catholics to return.  Devoted to Our Lady, time is spent in daily prayer and reflection.  Members also attend funerals of Catholics, when possible.  This group meets weekly on Monday at 9:30am.

Legislative Advocacy Coalition
     This group advocates for the poor and works towards social change in systems by reacting to six action alerts each year.  From these action alerts, the group's members use the information and contact their legislative representative to voice a concern of how their vote concerns the justice, equality and dignity of the poor.  For more information on the LAC please click here.

Mass Coordinators
     Mass coordinators are entrusted with the coordination of all ministers at a particular liturgy.  Organization and "grace under pressure" are the hallmarks of a skilled mass coordinator.  While careful planning is important to maintain the smooth functioning of all ministers, the coordinator must also be flexible enough to orchestrate additions or changes to the liturgy.  This includes: finding substitutes for scheduled ministers who are ill or otherwise unable to attend the liturgy, reviewing special rites with the presider and other ministers, and assisting youth servers.  The coordinator's primary responsibility is to foster a sense of calm and reverence as ministers prepare for the Mass.

Men's Faith Group
     This group meets monthly on a Tuesday evening from 5:45 to 6:45, and consists of a prayer service and a brotherly drink.

Ministry of Praise
     Weekly, this group receives a list of prayer concerns of our parish community.  They commit to praying daily for these special needs.  This is one of the ways a person who is homebound can contribute to the faith life at Saint Charles.  This group devotes a minimum of 10 minutes of every day to their service.  This prayer list remains confidential.   If you have a prayer request for this ministry contact the parish office, and your concern can be added to the Ministry of Praise list.  If you  wish to join this ministry, please contact the parish office. 

Mobile Meals
     We prepare and deliver hot nutritious meals every Friday to the frail elderly in our area, thereby helping them continue to reside in their homes.  Other area churches similarly commit to providing this service one day a week.  The suggested donation for the food is $1.00; we do not require a donation here at Saint Charles.  Please note that there is often a waiting list for this service.  If you wish to be considered for this program, contact mobile meals as soon as possible.  If you or someone you know could benefit from this service, contact mobile meals at 405-607-2314.

Music Ministries
     By joining our hearts with the beauty of sound, this ministry gives voice to our faith through the art of music.  Music soothes, excites, challenges and unites us in ways that words alone cannot.  Through our hymns and responses, the singing of our choirs and the sounds of our instruments, music enables us to touch the very mysteries of God as we unite together in prayer.  The ability to carry a tune is necessary requirement in this ministry.  Music reading skills are helpful.  Good listening skills and a sense of humor are also vital. 

     By serving as choir members or cantor, singers and instrumentalists gain a more thorough understanding of music - both simple and intricate, ancient and modern - and of its role in the liturgy.  As music stirs the soul, musicians enable others to experience and express their common faith in Christ and this offering of musical gifts is returned spiritually many times over.

North Side Quilters
     The purpose of this group is to promote quilting, share ideas and encourage our members to participate in the community services of: Child Abuse Resource and Evaluation Center, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and for the babies born to needy mothers at Saint Anthony's Hospital.  This group meets the second Wednesday of each month from 9:30 till noon.

Office Volunteers
     Folding, stamping and stuffing are tasks that come up quite often.  The folks who participate are fun and usually have a lively time discussing all kinds of things.  This group stuffs flyers into the bulletins and handles all of the parish mailings.  The group is flexible for time frames, but usually takes place during the office hours of the parish office.   If you are available to volunteer your time to the parish office, please contact the Parish Office.

Oscar Romero Catholic Worker House
     The Catholic Worker advocates for the poor and those who cannot advocate for themselves.  Volunteers strive to live in accordance with the social teachings of the Catholic Church and to be faithful to the magisterium of the Church.  This organization seeks individuals or families to bag and deliver groceries to the poor and to those without transportation, and to prepare and deliver hot meals and supplies to the homeless and to those who are hungry or in need.  Saint Charles weekly collection of food and items for the poor is divided between the Catholic Worker House and our local Dorothy Day Center (formerly the Northwest Food Pantry).

Parish Activities
     The primary goal of this group is to ensure that everyone feels welcome and a part of this community.  The group plans all the parish parties and occasions for celebration.  They decorate and make sure that parish events are the best they can be.  Activities are planned for all age groups.  We are always seeking genial and fun-loving people, who like to be where the action is.  Check the parish calendar for upcoming events.

RAIN Team
     RAIN stands for Regional AIDS Interfaith Network - Team members act as extended families to people with AIDS, assist them with patient needs, take patients to their medical appointments and befriend them.  This project helps bridge the gap of fear and judgment sometimes directed towards AIDS patients.

Sacristan
     Sacristans serve the assembly and the ministers by preparing all the physical elements needed for the Mass.  They prepare the chalice, the paten and the other vessels for the Eucharist, estimate attendance for the Mass and put out appropriate quantities of bread and wine, assist the presider and other ministers in vesting, ensure that the Sacramentary and the Lectionary are properly placed, and clean the vessels used for Communion.

     Sacristans must be attentive to detail and be flexible during the celebration (e.g., making sure Eucharistic ministers have enough bread and wine during communion, refilling patens from tabernacle if necessary, etc.).  Good hand-eye coordination is also essential, since sacristans routinely handle breakable vessels.  By being responsible for the maternal things of worship, sacristans grow in appreciation for how liturgy "works" as a series of signs.  By enabling reverent and joyful celebrations, sacristans create a hospitable house for the church as they ready the room for the Lord's supper.

Scripture Study
     This group meets on Tuesday mornings from 9:30 - 11:00am.  If you are interested in being a part of a study group that meets at this time or any other time, please contact the parish office.

Sewing Ministry
     This group creates baby and infant clothing, blankets for Birthright and hospital gowns for the handicapped and helps with special needs of individuals.  Although some Sewing Ministry members work at home, most come together on Wednesdays for a few hours of working together.

St. Charles - McAuley Free Clinic
    The St. Charles - McAuley Free Clinic serves the parish and the community by providing free health care to people without health insurance.  Volunteer lab technicians, nurses, office workers, pharmacists and physicians staff the clinic.  Patients may be referred to other physicians in our community for care not provided by the clinic.  Referral physicians are volunteers or work at very low cost.  Some patients may be able to get their medications free at the clinic.  Programs such as diabetes education and consultation on dietary needs are provided to patients.  For more information about the clinic or to volunteer your time and talents, please visit the St. Charles -  McAuley clinic page.

Saint Vincent DePaul Society
     This is a group of lay people who have joined together to grow spiritually by offering assistance to the needy and suffering.  We assist people who live within our parish boundaries and help them with their material needs, while recognizing that they have spiritual and other needs as well.  People asking for help are sometimes directed to other sources that might be able to give them more permanent help, if needed.  The parish supports the St. Vincent de Paul Society through the poor boxes.  Contact the Society's pager at 405-530-0300 if you have questions about the Society or if you wish to speak to a Society member about assistance.  All calls are anonymous and confidential.  If you have an interest in any of these services areas, please contact Margaret Phipps at the parish office, or via e-mail.

Social Ministries
     Social ministries promotes family life and involve the Parish in social service and community activity designed for Christian outreach.  They create an atmosphere whereby the community of Saint Charles can gain an understanding of a Christian Catholic position on social and economic justice.  The Social Ministry Board usually meets the first Monday of the month.  Everyone is invited to serve on this board.  The only requirement is that you are a member of Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Church.  There are  15 committees within the area of Social Ministry.

     Saint Charles is a vibrant community involved in serving the poor.  A variety of programs and social activities are available to facilitate your involvement in parish life.  You and your family are invited to participate in any or all of these programs, either as volunteers or as recipients of programs.  Non-Catholic spouses and friends are always welcome to participate in Social Ministries activities.

     If you have any questions about Social Ministries or would like to volunteer, please contact Margaret Phipps.

     The door of the church is a symbol of our baptism, our entry into the Christian life.  Ushers and greeters welcome followers of Christ at the door, recalling Matthew 7:7, the Sermon on the Mount: "Ask and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you.  For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened."  Ministers of hospitality are graced with the opportunity to extend Christ's love in this way to both friend and stranger.

Women's Prayer Dinner
     This event occurs six times a year and is posted in the bulletin.  Dinner is followed by a 45 minute program or by an invited speaker.  This is a time for women of all ages to share a meal, visit with other ladies and devote time to personal growth and reflection.  We average 85 to 100 women at every dinner.  The suggested donation for dinner is $3.00, but if your funds are limited, a donation is not required.  We do require reservations for dinner and free child care.  Call the parish office at 405-789-2595.

Young Adults
     This ministry is aimed at those 18-35 years of age and is intended to try to connect them with Jesus, with the Church, with the mission of the Church, and to connect them with their peers in the community. This group meets every Tuesday night from 7:30 to 9:00 PM whether formal or not and does anything from Movie viewing and dinner, to discussing current issues, to performing service projects for the parish.  Major activities include annual Parish Easter Egg Hunt, Spaghetti dinner and bingo, and summer co-ed softball.

     Every Tuesday night the Young Adults (18-35+) meet to discuss different topics and join in on different activities, this is a chance to meet and develop better and new relationships with adults in similar situations.  Young Adults include anybody from the age of 18 up to 35 and beyond, single, married, divorced or separated.  The activities are coordinated by a group of Young Adults on a core team.  Volunteers are needed to coordinate activities for Young Adults such as retreats, guest speakers and sports.  Team members are responsible for coordinating planned activities within Saint Charles Church as well as with the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City.

Youth Group
    Youth ministry at St. Charles is the response of the Church community to young people’s needs & the sharing of the unique gifts of youth with the larger community. Youth Ministry is:

• To youth: the Catholic community exercising its pastoral role in meeting young people’s needs.
• With youth: Young people sharing with adults a common responsibility to carry out the church’s mission.
• By youth: Young people exercising their own ministry to others by virtue of their gifts.
• For youth: Adult youth ministers attempting to interpret & advocate for the needs & concerns of youth.

Two goals of Youth Ministry:

      (1)   To foster the personal & spiritual growth of each young person.

      (2)   To draw young people to responsible participation in the life, mission, & work of the faith community.

     Youth ministry has two main areas of focus, the junior high (grades 6 thru 8) and high school (grades 9 thru 12).  Junior High School meets every Wednesday night from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm with the first half of the session focusing on catechesis and the second half being social time for interaction and community building. High School youth group meets from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm and is similar in structure.  Both groups also have outside activities on the weekends such as social activities (movie nights, youth conferences, etc.) and service activities (Christmas in April, Angel program, food pantry, etc.)