Our collaborative is blessed with a great many ministries and volunteers. Have you heard God's voice prodding you to volunteer or offer your gifts and talents to the Lord? As you scroll through the various ministries listed below, pray about how you can serve the Lord.
Some of these ministries are collaborative-wide, while others are church specific. Please email us or call the Collaborative Pastoral Center (781-648-0220) to inquire about a particular ministry.
All Parishioners who want to serve must submit to a criminal background check (CORI), read the Code of Conduct, complete an Application Form, and attend the Protecting God's Children (VIRTUS training).
Altar Servers
This ministry of service during Mass is inclusively "staffed" by both boys and girls. Altar servers are scheduled for each of the weekend Masses and for special celebrations such as Holy Days or the special Evening Prayer Services and Masses during Advent and Lent. In addition, altar servers are often available by request for weddings and funerals.
Contact: Fr. Alwin Chinnappan
Arlington Eats
Arlington EATS began in 2014 when a teacher at the Thompson Elementary School in Arlington, MA realized some of her students were experiencing behavior issues because they were hungry and began by offering snacks in the schools. In addition to our snack program, Arlington EATS has evolved to offer vacation and summer lunches as well as a monthly community dinner. We have donation baskets at the entrances of both churches.
Contact: Arlingtoneats.org.
Boy Scouts of America
Boy Scout Troop 313 is chartered by Saint Camillus Parish. Troop meetings are held at the St Camillus Parish Hall located in the church basement. The church is located at 1175 Concord Turnpike. If you would like to join Troop 313, please attend one of our meetings. Troop meetings are currently taking place on Wednesdays at 6:30 PM outside St. Camillus. Please see the Troop Website for further information.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are active, confirmed Catholics who wish to serve their fellow parishioners and have a love of the Eucharist. Extraordinary Ministers are ordinary Christians who model Christian living in faith and conduct in their ministry and in their daily lives.
Contact: Fr. Alwin Chinnappan
Faith Formation
The Catholic Villages of Arlington, K through Grade 9
The Faith Formation Process for children in Kindergarten through nine is designed to support families in the religious development of their children. Our goal is to lead parents/caregivers/guardians to reflect on the life of Christ as they lead their children to a closer relationship with God. Mass attendance, in-person or online, is encouraged as a companion to building faith formation in our children.
Contact: Meredith Smith
Grades 9-12 and Youth Confirmation Preparation
We have a team of adults who serve as small group leaders in our youth confirmation preparation process. This was formerly called CCD or Religious Education, and the adults were referred to as Teachers/Catechists. Youth Ministry can't happen without the great support of adult volunteers! The small group leader's role is to lead discussion groups using provided materials and create a welcoming and encouraging environment for teens. We are expanding the sacramental preparation of our young people beyond classroom-style learning.
Contact: Meredith Smith
Giving Tree (Advent/Christmas)
This annual project is designed to encourage parishioners to give from their
hearts at Advent/Christmastime so that others who are needy may continue to know they are loved as the Christ Child was loved.
Contact: Fabiola Aguilera
Homebound Visiting
Each week a number of parishioners bring the Eucharist to the home-bound, who cannot get to Mass by reason of illness, infirmity, or age. Prayers are said, Scriptures are read, and the Eucharist is given, bringing healing, strength, and a source of unity with Jesus and one's fellow parishioners. Those engaging in this ministry are trained, approved, and commissioned by the parish.
Members of the clergy go out to area nursing homes and celebrate Mass, bring Eucharist, and offer Anointing of the Sick.
Contact: Fr. Alwin Chinnappan
Society of Saint Vincent de Paul
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul strives to make contact with needy individuals and families in Arlington and provides those in need with short-term assistance and life improvement possibilities. Thanks to everyone who contributes to our mission to help our neighbors in need. Donation slots are now available at St. Camillus Church to the left and right of the front side altars on the walls as well as in the rear of St. Camillus near the center interior doors. Donation boxes continue to be available at St. Agnes near the doors of the church.
Contact: 781-648-0220 extension 450
Music Ministry
“As sacred song united to the words, music forms an integral part of the solemn liturgy. Yet the function of music is ministerial; it must serve and never dominate.” This is the premise upon which our liturgical music programs are based. The collaborative is very fortunate to have an active music ministry of all ages who strive to be ministers of faith and prayer. Our goal is to enhance sung prayer during the liturgy and encourage the community of faithful to worship in song. Virtual gatherings are planned during the COVID-19 closure. Contact Roger for more information.
Contact: Roger Mansen
Offertory Counters
Parishioners who serve in this ministry in both parishes give their time to tally up the weekly and special collections throughout the year.
Contact: Fabiola Aguilera
Safety Committee
The Collaborative Safety Committee oversees the safety and security of our buildings. It coordinates necessary processes and procedures to ensure the parishioners and visitors are safe during our Masses and ministry programs.
Contact: Fr. Marc Bishop
Ushers and Greeters
Ushers welcome and attend to the needs of the congregation, as well as being responsible for seating and the communion procession. Ushers are a group of dedicated men and women of all ages who faithfully greet our parishioners as they arrive for Sunday Mass. We are accepting new ushers - Training is provided.
Contact: Scott Morin
Vocations Committee
The Catholic Parishes of Arlington Vocations Committee promotes and prays for life Vocations: Priesthood, Diaconate, Religious Life (female and male), Marriage, and Single life. There are no in-person gatherings during the COVID-19 closure.
Contact: Fr. Marc Bishop
Young Adults
Young Adult Ministry is open to those ages 19-39 from all walks of life and any vocation. Gatherings are typically held on or near St. Agnes/St. Camillus campuses include nights of discussion, worship, study, and socialization. The ministry’s main goal is to meet the needs of the young adults in the Arlington area seeking to grow in faith alongside one another. Any young adults interested are welcome to join us.
Contact: Scott Morin