New at Mater Dei? Ready to get involved?
Would you love to find an educational, fun way to glorify God? If so, the Altar Flower Group may be the place for you!
Who is the leader of this group?
My name is Jan Howard, and I have been arranging flowers with the Altar Group ever since the parish moved to our present location in December of 2009.
What does your ministry/group bring to the Mater Dei community? What is the purpose or goal of this ministry/group?
At present we have thirteen volunteers who donate usually 3-4 hours (sometimes more) of their time each month to beautify our altars by purchasing, arranging, and maintaining the flowers on the main altar, the Mary and Joseph Altars, and at the Infant Jesus and Sacred Heart statues at the back of the church. We usually have one person in charge of the arrangements for each week, and other team members help with prepping, arranging, cleaning vases, and watering those arrangements.
What service opportunities does your group offer to members of the community? What qualifications or skills are needed or would be helpful to have in order to participate or serve in this group?
Some of our ladies go to the wholesale florist or the grocery store and purchase the flowers. (They are reimbursed from our altar flower fund.) Then they go to the church and arrange the flowers with the help of usually two other people. It would be great if you have had experience arranging flowers, but it is not necessary. The person who is in charge for that week will be able to teach you what you need to know.
What kind of time commitment would be required from a new volunteer?
We usually arrange the flowers on Saturday mornings after the 8AM Mass and Benediction. Occasionally we do them during the week for special feast days. The maintenance of the arrangements is done by whoever is available when it is needed. You can offer to help one or two Saturdays a month, or arrange to help water and maintain the bouquets a few times a month during the week if that works better for your schedule. Also, we can always use extra help with the Christmas poinsettias and the Easter lilies.
What are some of the most rewarding parts of this service?
The most rewarding part of this ministry is that you get to spend time with great people, learn about flower arranging, and serve God all at the same time! We would love to have your help.
Any final thoughts?
If you would like to donate financially you can make a check out to “Mater Dei” with “Altar Flowers” on the memo line, and put it in the Sunday collection or mail it to the rectory. Many people donate to help supply arrangements for special feast days or in remembrance of a loved one. You could also support the Altar Flower fund by purchasing CDs from the CD rack in the parish hall. We appreciate any support you can offer!
Who could someone contact to join the Altar Flower Team?
You can contact Jan Howard by email: flowers@materdeiparish.com