What does it mean to be
a 'good' steward?
“This participation takes different forms according to people’s different gifts and offices, but there is a fundamental obligation arising from the sacrament of Baptism (cf. Pope John Paul II, Christifideles Laici, no. 15): that we the people place our gifts, our resources—our selves—at God’s service in and through the Church.” In other words, as God has been generous to his children, we are called to be generous with our gifts, resources, and selves—sometimes referred to as time, treasure, and talent—in service to the Church and the people of God. For Catholics, some of this generosity necessarily must be directed to the evangelizing mission and ministries, both ordained and baptismal, of the Church. The national collections, together with appeals and collections of local parishes and dioceses, provide meaningful opportunities to exercise good stewardship.
Are you a good steward?
Liturgical Ministries
Altar Care Ministry
Care is divided into four (4) groups.
1 Launder linen used on the Altar
2 Soiled linen is collected on Sunday and returned on Saturday before vigil mass
3 Launder white vestment (Albs) worn by the priest – once per month
4 Launder vestments (Albs) worn by the altar servers - once per month
5 Cleaning – the general tidiness of the Church – once per week
There is no meeting. A schedule is posted every month. Phone calls and e-mails keep us together.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Duties: assist priest in serving communion (body and blood of Christ) at mass
Set up the vessels before mass, and clean up the vessels after mass
Visit and bring communion to the sick and homebound members
Try to be an example of Christ to the faith community
Flower Ministry
Celebrate yourself and your loved ones by donating flowers for the altar.
Please include your name, the date required, the person you are requesting the flowers for, and the purpose of the request, e.g., birthday, anniversary, thanksgiving, or memorial.
Donations are:
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$75.00 for an arrangement in front of the Main Altar
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$100.00 for the two ( 2 ) floral arrangements on the Main Altar
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$50.00 for the two ( 2 ) at the feet of Blessed Mother and St. Joseph
Please call the Parish Office during office hours (Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm) to request a floral arrangement. Payment is due at the time the request is made.
Music Ministry
Spanish Choir
Rehearsals: Wednesdays, 8:30p-9:30p
Sing: Sundays, 12:30p Mass
Thea Bowman Ensemble
Choirmaster: Jack Tilson
Open to adults 18 and over*
*young adults welcome
Rehearsals: primarily after the 8:00 Mass the 2nd and 4th Sundays;
Sing: Sundays, 8:00 Mass
Thea Bowman Visionary Choir
Choirmaster: Jack Tilson
Open to adults 18 and over*
*young adults welcome
Rehearsals: primarily Tuesday evenings 7-9 pm.
Sing: 1st, 3rd (and 5th) Sundays, 10:30 am Mass
Spanish Choir
Rehearsals: Wednesdays, 8:30p-9:30p
Sing: Sundays, 12:30p Mass
Usher Ministry
As a dedicated member of our hospitality team, the Usher is essential in creating a welcoming and organized environment for our parish community. Arrive early to ensure the church is prepared to receive parishioners, opening the doors and warmly greeting them as they arrive. Assist with seating to accommodate all attendees comfortably, especially during busy services. During Mass, help facilitate the collection process with efficiency and care. At the conclusion of the service, distribute bulletins and ensure the church is properly secured. Additionally, be available for meetings as needed to discuss and enhance our hospitality efforts. Your service plays a vital role in fostering a warm and inviting atmosphere for all who worship with us.
Formation Ministries
Prayer Group
We gather together to pray and give glory to God. We share our journey of faith and encourage and support one another in prayers. We learn about and discuss our catholic faith, our current catholic calendar, the sacraments, the bible, current events in our catholic church and other faith builders. All are encouraged and most welcomed to join us. We meet every Wednesday, in the church after the 7 pm Mass. We are looking forward to seeing you soon.
Religious Education
The Religious Education Program seeks to lead all parishioners toward a more intimate union with Jesus Christ. This program also provides formal instructions for youth ages 6-17. Students may receive the Sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation if they have been baptized in the Christian Faith, are in the right grade, and meet all requirements for that sacrament.
The Religious Ed. program begins each year in September and ends in May. Classes are held every Sunday from 9:15-10:15 am. We have a staff of very dedicated catechists who serve our students, giving their time and talent to catechizing others and continued growth in faith and understanding of our Catholic Community. We welcome all who wish to offer their time and talent in our program.
Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)
This one-year program will allow adults who want to learn more about the Catholic faith and become Catholic, those who have questions about Catholic beliefs, or those who have not received all the sacraments and would like to fully enter the faith walk. This weekly journey will begin in September and end with the Easter Sunday mass.
Christ Our Hope Parish community! Consider joining our OCIA program!
What is OCIA? Order of Christian Initiation of Adults
Who is invited? Anyone interested in receiving the sacraments of Baptism, Holy Eucharist, and/or Confirmation, anyone who has questions about the Catholic faith, anyone who wants to revive their Catholic faith, and those who have lost their reason for being Catholic.
Why OCIA? You can only become an adult Catholic godparent, sponsor and spouse with the full church blessings when have received all the above-listed sacraments.
What is needed? Your commitment to attend one weekly class.
Learn and grow as a Catholic ...... Saturday mornings.
Time and where? Sr. Thea Bowman Parish hall at 9:30 a.m.
Contact: Parish office at (770) 482-5017
Service Ministries
Men's Council
“The Men of Christ Our Hope” is a brotherhood of Catholic men from the parish who are firmly united in mutual friendship and respect. We provide support of the church community, inclusive of the clergy, the youth, and the elderly, all within truly diverse national cultures. We hold formal meetings on the 3rd Saturday of each month at 9:30am in Thea Bowman Hall. All men of the parish are invited to attend.
Pastoral Council
The Parish Pastoral Council is a consultative body within the parish from which the pastor seeks advice and counsel in the planning and administration of the parish. The Pastoral Council is not a legislative body; it is an advisor to the pastor and is charged with recognizing parish needs, setting priorities, and empowering people to participate in satisfying these needs according to the mission of our parish. The work of the pastoral council is to consider, plan and recommend ways for the parish to accomplish the mission of Christ. The pastoral council is a strategic organ in the parish that keeps the parish focused on this divine purpose – loving God, loving God's people, doing God's will and leading others to God through Christ. We meet August through June on the second Monday of the month after the 7:00 pm Mass. All meetings are open to the congregation, except when designated as a private meeting for members only.
Security Committee
This Committee is responsible for complete protection of the grounds. We provide safety and security to all. We promote policies, guidelines and procedures, including monitoring service, emergency response, fire and other alarms. We secure lighting and systems. We sponsor various fund raising events. Meetings are held every other Thursday at 7:15pm.
Stewardship Committee
Primary purpose and responsibilities: Recruitment of parishioners to service; Commitment of time, talent, and treasure; Promote parish-wide effort in all projects and events; Annual Appeal administration Meeting time is second Sunday between 8 & 10:30am Masses @ the Thea Bowman Hall
St. Vincent de Paul Society
The Society’s mission is to provide Spiritual as well as financial assistance to those in the Lithonia community. Parish donations are used to aid with food, utility bills, prescriptions, rent and mortgages. Members of the conference visit the homes of those who call on us so that we may access their needs, which in most cases are greater than what they conveyed. The entire process is handled with complete confidentiality. We meet every other Wednesday at 7:30 pm and welcome new members
Social Ministries
Generation Hope Teen Ministry
An atmosphere where teens share, apply, and strengthen their faith! We focus on having fun, meeting new people, and growing in our faith as teenagers. Our activities include group discussions about many different topics (these are decided by the group), attending concerts, service projects, conferences, and other event.
Young at Heart
The “Young at Heart” is an organization dedicated to the senior parishioners of our church. The organization provides the senior members of the parish an opportunity to fellowship at least once a month. The members are of diverse backgrounds and cultures, but they represent a group built on love, hope and faith in Jesus Christ. Their spirituality has been an influence on their ability to live independently, while maintaining healthy life styles. We meet for mass, usually, on the first Friday of each month followed by a luncheon or some other planned activity in the parish hall. The mass schedule or any of the planned activities may change based on holidays, weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances.
