St. Rita
Altar Society
Serving Christ by Caring for His House
The Altar Society is a ministry of parishioners who joyfully serve behind the scenes to help create a beautiful, welcoming, and prayerful environment for worship. Through quiet acts of stewardship, members care for the sanctuary, prepare the church for the liturgical seasons, and help ensure that God's house reflects the beauty and reverence of the Sacred Liturgy.
Working under the pastoral guidance of our Pastor, the Altar Society supports the mission of St. Rita in the Desert by caring for the place where our parish family gathers to encounter Christ.
Our Mission
The Altar Society exists to support the spiritual life of our parish by caring for the sanctuary and fostering a spirit of service within our parish community. Members work together to preserve the beauty and dignity of our church while supporting the mission of St. Rita in the Desert under the pastoral leadership of our Pastor.
We believe that even the quietest acts of service—preparing the altar, caring for the linens, decorating for the liturgical seasons, or helping with parish projects—can become meaningful expressions of faith when offered with love.
"Lord, I love the house where You dwell, the place where Your glory abides."
— Psalm 26:8
Ways to Serve
Members of the Altar Society assist with many aspects of parish life, including:
Sanctuary Care
- Caring for altar linens and sanctuary furnishings
- Caring for candles and other sanctuary appointments
- Helping preserve a beautiful and reverent worship environment
Liturgical Seasons
- Preparing the church for Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, and other liturgical seasons
- Decorating the sanctuary for major feast days and parish celebrations
Parish Service
- Supporting parish projects and special events as needed
- Encouraging fellowship, stewardship, and active participation in parish life
Ministry Highlights
🙌 Volunteer Opportunities
Help Bring the Harvest Market to Life!
The Altar Society is leading this year's Harvest Market at the St. Rita Harvest Festival, and we'd love your help!
Whether you can volunteer for a few hours or the entire weekend, there's a place for you on our team.
🎓 Classes & Workshops
Interested in Learning to Quilt?
We're considering offering beginner quilting classes as a future Altar Society fundraiser. If you'd like to participate or receive updates when registration opens, let us know!
❤️ Ways to Support
Support the Altar Society
Your financial support helps the Altar Society care for our sanctuary, provide seasonal decorations, and continue serving the parish throughout the year.
Join the Altar Society
Whether you can serve every month or only lend a hand during the liturgical seasons, your time and talents are always welcome.
The Altar Society is made up of parishioners who share a love for our church and a desire to serve Christ by caring for His house. Every act of service—large or small—helps create a welcoming and prayerful environment for our parish family.
You do not have to be a formal member of the Society to volunteer for decorating projects or seasonal preparations. There are opportunities to serve throughout the year, and we welcome anyone who wishes to share their gifts in support of our parish community. This reflects the Society's encouragement of active participation while recognizing that formal membership is available for parishioners who regularly participate in its mission.
Meeting Information
📅 Second Thursday of each month
🕑 2:00 PM
📍 St. Rita in the Desert Parish Office
Why It Matters
The beauty of our church reflects the love we have for God and helps prepare hearts for worship.
Through simple acts of service, the Altar Society helps make every celebration of the Mass a welcoming and prayerful experience.
