Altar Server (Adult and Junior) – The Altar Servers assist the priest during Mass, bringing him the necessary items, corresponding to each part of the Mass.
Camino Young Adult Group - Join a group of young adults sharing life and faith, valuing one another, and connecting with the church’s story.
Catholic LGBTQ Ministry -This Catholic LGBTQ Ministry affirms that all the baptized, in the diversity of our sexual orientation and gender identities, are called to full participation in the life, worship, and mission of the church. The ministry fosters inclusivity, mutual understanding, and appreciation of all persons by promoting hospitality, education, and support to our LGBTQ+ members and their family, friends, and allies. (adapted from our friends at St. Patrick's, Memphis)
Christian Mothers/Ladies Guild - The Christian Mothers/Ladies Guild of St. Mary Magdalene Parish is primarily a religious group of women who come together to pray and plan different programs within the parish and support the parish in its various needs. They coordinate the Century Club fundraiser and the monthly Birthday celebrations, typically held on the last Sunday of the month after the 9 a.m. Sunday Mass.
Cultural Action Team (CAT) - The Cultural Action Team members meet monthly to explore the wonderful and diverse races and cultures in our Parish with sensitivity, openness, and creativity. The team examines how we can improve interrelationships through understanding and acceptance of differences. This is an exciting and unique opportunity to shed the outer mantle and see the beauty within each of us.
Eucharistic Minister - The Eucharistic Ministers assist the priest with the distribution of Communion. Some of these ministers also take Communion to area nursing homes and the homebound.
Family Ministry - The mission of the Family Ministry of Saint Mary Magdalene Catholic Parish is to nurture a vibrant, faith-based community
where families can grow spiritually, build fellowship, and work towards a more just and compassionate world.
Global Solidarity Partners - St. Mary Magdalene Parish seeks to grow in awareness of our brothers and sisters around the world who are victims of poverty, injustice, and war; to grow in solidarity with them in prayer; and act communally to support them in their struggles. Presently our global solidarity partners include Queen of Apostles Academy and Clinic in Uganda (Founded by Fr. Fred, who previously served at St. Bede Parish!), Earth Interwoven, Bread for the World and the Chimbote Foundation.
Lector - The Lector proclaims the Word of God, the Prayers of the Faithful, and any announcements at every Mass.
Martha’s Ministry - Martha’s Ministry is a group that exists to provide loving hospitality to our fellow parishioners in times of need. New baby, loss of a loved one, surgery, illness, or major life events are all times we could use a hot meal delivered, help watering plants, bereavement planning, grocery runs, etc. Martha’s Ministry is named in honor of Jesus’ dear friend who concerned herself with the “details” of hospitality.
Money Counter - The money counters count, record, and deposit the offertory collections from all Masses.
Music Ministry - We invite singers and instrumentalists (high school and adult) to be a part of the weekly liturgies at St. Mary Magdalene Parish. We have three choirs: St. James Choir and Mother of Good Counsel Choir practice before Mass, and St. Bede Choir practices on Thursdays from 7:30-9 p.m. in the church at St. Bede. Come and make a joyful noise with us!
OCIA (formerly RCIA) - OCIA is an opportunity for non-Catholics to explore the teachings of the Catholic Church in an ongoing setting with opportunities to experience prayer, worship, fellowship and service through a Catholic lens. OCIA is also for adult Catholics who may have been baptized but need preparation for First Reconciliation and Holy Communion or Confirmation. Please contact Melissa Viator, Pastoral Associate/Director of Religious Education, 412.661.7222 x 5, or [email protected].
Religious Education - We strive to provide the youth of the parish with a stellar religious education program that arms them with the knowledge of the Faith. With this knowledge, our youth can live strong spiritual lives in the love of Christ and enjoy the riches of the Catholic Faith. We need catechists, aides, substitutes, and advisory board members!
Social Justice & Peace - The Social Justice and Peace Committee mobilizes parishioners to understand and act on Catholic Social Teaching regarding pressing issues at the local, national, and international levels. Following the call of Jesus to love all people as our sisters and brothers, especially those who are poor, oppressed, or in special need, the committee’s focus is social action to change social policies for a more just and peaceful world.
Social Ministries & Community Outreach - Welcoming neighbors in need and assisting those who come to our door are at the heart of the Gospel call to love and service. St. Mary Magdalene Parish straddles some of the most impoverished neighborhoods of Pittsburgh. We do what we can to respond with mercy, to offer hope, and whatever tangible assistance seems appropriate and leads to other resources. We are proud to serve our parish communities with our Ministry Center, Parish Food Banks, Mary’s Child, and Stone Soup Garden.
Usher - The Ushers welcome people to our worship sites, pass the baskets during the collection, ensure order and safety during the Mass, and hand out bulletins at the conclusion of Mass.
Youth Ministry - St. Mary Magdalene is in the process of building up a middle school youth ministry for those in grades 6 to 8. We are in need of volunteers for a Youth Ministry Core Team to coordinate service and outreach opportunities as well as faith-sharing social events for our youth. If you are interested in helping us form this ministry, please contact Dante Romite at [email protected].
The following ministries are affiliated with Saint Mary Magdalene Parish
Knights of Columbus - Charity is the first principle of the Knights of Columbus. Knights are men who get things done by volunteering time to serve the needs of our local parish and community. Our local chapter of Knights belongs to the global Catholic organization of the Knights of Columbus, who together freely give countless hours of service around the world.
Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary - The Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary provide opportunities for all Catholics to be actively involved in their faith by living the Gospel message. The Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary engage in a variety of church and community service projects.
Saint Vincent De Paul Society - St. Vincent de Paul Society's members reach out to the poor by home visits and corporal works of mercy, serving Homewood-Brushton, Lincoln-Lemington, and Wilkinsburg.
All volunteer positions require registration with the Diocese of Pittsburgh’s Safe Environment database, VIRTUS, and completion of all volunteer clearances and training. Please contact Melissa Viator by email: at [email protected] or by phone at 412.661.7222. Melissa will help you to obtain and/or update clearances. Thank you for your commitment to Saint Mary Magdalene Catholic Parish through your time, talent and treasure!