OLA Ministries:  Everyone has one or more talents that are special gifts from God.  We encourage you to share your special gifts with OLA, and offer your help in one or more of the parish ministries.  The vitality and vibrancy of our parish depend on your generous contributions of time and talent.  If you are interested in participating in any of the following parish ministries, please contact the OLA Parish Office at 505-256-9818.

Lectors  Men, women and youth who proclaim God’s Word as revealed in Scripture.  Participation in this crucial activity usually occurs once every 4 to 6 weeks.  If interested in this worthy ministry, contact Dolores Armijo at 505-792-2979.

Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist  Men, women, and youth 18 years and older who are called to assist in the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass.  Participation at Holy Communion is usually once or twice a month.  If interested, contact Sally Rosenheim at 505-255-6813.

Altar Servers  Youth who have received the Sacrament of the Eucharist who assist during the celebration of the Mass.  Participation usually occurs once or twice a month.  If interested, contact Jim Klarkowski at 505-281-1005.

Ushers  People of all ages are needed to assist in welcoming and seating the community, assist during Holy Communion and taking up the collection at all weekend Masses.  For further information, contact the parish office at 505-256-9818.

Ministry to the Sick and Home-bound  Within the boundaries of the OLA Parish, we have a hospital, nursing homes, assisted living centers and several private care homes, all caring for the needs of our sick and infirm.  Volunteers are needed to bring Christ to the many people residing in these facilities.  Commitment can be from 1 hour per month to 2 hours per week.  If interested in this very caring ministry, contact Deacon Jim Delgado at the parish office (505-256-9818).

Children’s Liturgy of the Word  For the first 20 minutes of the 10:00 AM Mass on Sundays, children (Kindergarten through 3rd grade) meet in the Sacristy where volunteers present the Sunday readings and Gospel in an age appropriate manner.  The children return to their parents for the Liturgy and the Eucharist.  This ministry needs volunteers to coordinate and plan Sunday lessons and activities, and aides to assist the lead catechists in teaching and ministering to the children.  If interested, contact the parish office at 505-256-9818.

Choirs  Individuals of all ages who love to sing are invited to participate in the sung prayer of the Church as members of the 5:00 PM Saturday choir and the 8:30 AM, 10:00 AM, and 11:30 AM Sunday Mass Choirs.  For more information, contact the parish office at 505-256-9818.

Altar Ministry  In our Lady of the Assumption Parish, as in all parishes, there are many household duties to perform such as caring for the flowers and candles; cleaning altar clothes, linens, vestments, the large altar area,  the Blessed Sacrament area,  the cry room,  the confessionals, the two sacristies and the choir area. We try to enlist the help of young and old to come each week for an hour or two, mostly to just dust and vacuum.  We also clean and fill the holy water fonts.  We make preparations for Christmas, Holy Week, Easter, and other church activities.  There is always a need for volunteers in any of these various altar ministries.  If you would like to help, please contact the parish office at 505-256-9818.

Catholic Men’s Ministry at OLA  The Catholic Men’s Ministry is an organization for Catholic men who work together under the banner of Unity & Charity to serve their parish community.  The Men’s Ministry meets every first and third Thursdays of the month at 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.  For further information, contact Scott Neary at 505-269-4827.

Coffee and Donuts  This community building activity is hosted by a different parish group each month.  Coffee and donuts are served after the 8:30, 10:00, and 11:30 AM masses in the gym every other Sunday of the month during the school year.  For more information, contact the parish office at 505-256-9818.

Legion of Mary: Our Lady of the Assumption Presidium  The Legion of Mary is an organization whose purpose is the sanctification of its members by prayer and active cooperation in the work of Mary and the Church.  Its members are required to lead a devout Christian life, attend weekly meetings of prayer, spiritual reading and instruction.  If you are interested, contact the parish office at 505-256-9818.

Special Programs: Countdown Event  The Countdown Event is a school fund-raiser held on the Saturday before Lent.  All proceeds benefit Our Lady of the Assumption School.  Five hundred tickets are sold at $100 each.  Your $100 include lunch for two and entitles you to a chance to win numerous cash prizes, along with the Grand Prize of $10,000.

For more information contact the parish office at 505-256-9818.