Note: The success of any parish depends on the involvement of the parishioners. Following is a list of the many ministries in which you are invited to take part. Please note, however, that according to guidelines set forth by the Archdiocese of Detroit, all adults who wish to work with youth, must take part in the “Protecting God’s Children” child safety program and submit to a criminal history check. Please contact the Parish Office for details.

Christian Service Commision

The Christian Service Commission serves the parish and local community by addressing, primarily, the Corporal Works of Mercy: 

Widowed Friends

A bereavement ministry for those who suffer loss through death. This is an opportunity for caring companionship, healing, spiritual development and new growth. This service facilitates the journey from grief to a new sense of joy and purpose.

Divorced and Beyond

A parish-based self-help program for newly divorced people based upon the premise that sharing thoughts, feelings, faith and experiences with others in the same situation is one of the most helpful ways to move beyond the pain of divorce.

Linked Hearts

A cooperative ministry of Dryden area churches located in building on Dryden Road. Non-perishable food items, cleaning products, and toiletries are collected and provided for those in need. Parishioners bring these items to the narthex each week and young children may bring donations to the Altar at the Offertory.

Giving Tree

The Giving Tree provides assistance to needy families in our community at Christmas. During Advent, parishioners may select a tag from the tree and purchase the gift(s) indicated on it. Volunteers sort and deliver the gifts.

Helping Hands Ministry

Volunteer parishioners provide hot meals and other services (housecleaning, childcare, errands etc.) on a temporary basis to those faced with extraordinary circumstances, such as hospitalizations, loss of a home or job etc..

Holiday Food Baskets

Baskets of food, cleaning supplies and toiletries are donated by parishioners to needy families at Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas and picnic/barbecue items for July 4th. Donations and volunteers are always needed.

Parish Health Ministry (Parish Nurse)

A volunteer qualified medical professional is needed to organize this ministry, which will provide blood pressure checks, seminars on health topics and other health services.

Prayer Cards

Prayer cards are sent to those in difficult times as a sign of compassion.

Senior Adult Parishioners Society (SAPS)

This lively senior group meets regularly for fellowship, prayer and fun.  Come join us at our twice-monthly meetings.

Society of St. Vincent DePaul

This international volunteer organization of lay Catholics helps those in need. When called upon, our representative assists others with rent, utility bills, medicine etc. with funds from the poor boxes at the Church entrances and from the Thanksgiving Day and Good Friday collections.

Vocation Committee

Prison and Jail Ministry

The Thumb Regional Correctional Facility in Lapeer and the Lapeer County Jail have pastoral ministries. Contact:

Su Vaughn, Immaculate Conception Church, Lapeer, at 810-664-8594 or Sacred Heart Church, Imlay City, at 810-724-1135. 

Project Rachel

This program, sponsored by the Archdiocese of Detroit, provides support, healing, and Reconciliation for post-abortive women. 1-888-722-4355

Project Life  313-237-5784

The Refuge

This non-profit organization provides temporary shelter to the homeless with the support of Lapeer County churches. Dryden Wesleyan Church is a host site one week each year.  St. Cornelius parishioners are encouraged to help.

Parish Pastoral Council 

The Parish Council is the leadership body in our parish, serving in a consulting capacity to our Pastor in the coordination of parish activities. Positions are filled through an annual process of prayer and selection by lot, so that all parishioners are given a chance to serve.  All council members serve staggered three-year terms. All parishioners are encouraged to attend council meetings.

Family Faith Formation (Education)

Providing faith formation through qualified personnel and programs in parish catechesis and spiritual formation.

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Registration form for Religious Education is accepted from spring of the prior year until classes begin in September. For (2 page PDF) Registration Form, click HERE .  

Family Faith Formation (1st through 8th Grade)

Traditional Classroom Educational Program

Our First through Eighth grade classes use textbooks and hands-on work in weekly lessons that meet our bishops’ requirements for Religious Education. Students learn how to live a Christian life; the importance of Sacraments; holy days, feast days and patron saints; and how to be a missionary witness in daily life. Many sections are available to fit family schedules.  1st - 5th grades: Wednesday, 4:15 - 5:30 PM or 1st - 5th grades and a combined 6/7/8th: Wednesday, 6:15 - 7:30 PM.  Registration usually takes place in spring until classes begin in September.
We offer an opportunity for parents and young adults to be involved in the religious education program. Lots of help and a textbook is provided to help you teach the faith to the students.

Sunday Family Program (WINGS)

This program is designed for middle-school children (grades six through eight) and their parents. They meet one Sunday each month in Dunn Hall. By involving families, we hope to foster spiritual growth and responsible participation in the life of the Church. Families follow a lesson outline at home then discuss the material at a monthly meeting. The group rotates among three textbooks over the three-year course. Team facilitators provide suggestions and extra information. WINGS I: 3:45 - 5:45 PM, WINGS II: 6:00 - 8:00 PM.

Sacrament Preparation Workshops

Sacrament workshops are scheduled through the year for all second and eighth grade students (and a parent). At these workshops, we work with families to continue their faith formation. Second-graders receive their First Reconciliation in winter and First Communion in spring. Children older than second grade who have not received First Reconciliation should contact the Family Faith Formation Office. Confirmation candidates attend a retreat in September, choose a Confirmation name and receive the Sacrament in the Spring.

Special Needs Program

A special-needs program is offered for elementary age children on two Saturday mornings each month from 9:00 - 10:00 AM. This program is offered by a qualified teacher and an experienced aide in a small group setting. The materials are designed to help the students learn the essentials of the faith and to receive the Sacraments when they are ready.

Sunday Children’s Liturgy of the Word

All children four years old through the first grade may participate in the children’s Liturgy of the Word during Sunday 10:30 AM Mass during the school year. Children are led out to Dunn Hall after the Opening Prayer and return after the Prayer of the Faithful. Registration is not required.

Vacation Bible School (VBS)

Vacation Bible School is a week-long Bible-based program for student ages four years old through fifth grade. VBS takes a lot of organization and many helpers in front of and behind the scenes. Energetic participating students from any denomination are welcome to join in this fun-filled week that takes place the third week in July, 9:00 AM - noon. Everyone is welcome to come and guide us on our journey.

Youth Ministry

The youth ministry team consists of ministers, young adult leaders and parent volunteers. All Youth Ministers have both Basic and Advanced Youth Ministry Certification. The Jr. High Youth Minister has Basic Youth Ministry Certification and is continuing toward Advanced Certification in a nationally accepted program.

Junior High “Salt of the Earth” Youth Group

This youth group is open to all 6th - 8th graders. They meet in Dunn Hall every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month at 6 p.m. (7 p.m. during the summer.) The youth gather to strengthen their relationship with Jesus and to reinforce their Catholic faith through teachings, prayer and other activities. They build skills in acceptance, trust, respect and family unity. The evening is filled with fun, games, prayer and discussion. The Junior High program also works closely with the High School program in many events throughout the year.

High School “Light of the World” Youth Group

This youth group is open to all 9th-12th graders. Meetings are every Wednesday from 7–9 p.m throughout the year. This evening provides a weekly feeding of Catholic teachings through many different media. Our goal is to have each teen build his/her own relationship with Jesus and to share his/her gifts and talents with the parish and community. The teens are continuously encouraged to be active in all aspects of the liturgy--  including Eucharistic ministry, ushering, lectoring, music-- and in working with young and old. Each year, the teens gather with other parishes to attend a High School Youth Conference in Steubenville, Ohio. More information about current events HERE.

Worship Commision 

The Worship Commision promotes and strengthens the programs of continuing liturgical renewal.  Since liturgy is the “source and summit” of Christian life, the Worship Commission is actively connected with all aspects of parish life. 

Altar Servers

Boys and girls in the fourth grade and older who have received First Communion are invited to this ministry, to assist the priest during Mass and other liturgies. Training is provided.

The Decorating Committee

This group of talented parishioners decorates the Church for daily and weekend Masses for all liturgical seasons throughout the year.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

These ministers assist the priest with the distribution of the Body and Blood of Christ at Mass as well as to the homebound and those who are hospitalized or imprisoned.

Gift Bearers

Families may participate in Mass by bringing up the offertory gifts. If interested call the parish office. The schedule is posted in the church bulletin.

Greeters

Our greeters welcome people as they arrive for Mass, reflecting the hospitality of St. Cornelius.

Lectors

Readers proclaim the Word of God at daily and weekend Masses and at other special liturgies.

Marriage Preparation

Prospective brides and grooms receive support and information as they prepare for this Sacrament.

Music Ministry

All parishioners are invited to share their musical gifts by joining as a cantor, or as a member of the Adult Choir.

Sacristan

The Sacristan volunteers to prepare the Church for Mass.  This person is responsible for making sure that the sacristy and altar are ready for the celebration of the Eucharist and other liturgical services. Sacristans are also responsible for opening and closing the Church.

Ushers

Men or women, high school age or older, are welcome to assist at Mass in this ministry. Ushers guide and assist people with seating and other needs as they enter and leave the Church, organize the collection and distribute bulletins.

Women of St. Cornelius

All women of the parish are invited to join in fellowship and prayer for our parish community and beyond.  Everyone is welcome to volunteer in the many ministries: