Directory of Ministries
Organized Alphabetically
Adoracion Nocturna – The members of this long-standing ministry at Holy Family Church for Spanish-speaking and/or bilingual parishioners, pray in Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, which is made available following the 6pm Saturday Vigil Mass until 10pm. In August, they host an annual Anniversary Celebration at Holy Family Church for new and continuing members, their families, and guests. Contact Santiago Perez (559) 264-8617
Los miembros de este ministerio de larga data en la Iglesia de la Sagrada Familia para feligreses de habla hispana o bilingües oran en Adoración ante el Santísimo Sacramento, mientras este está disponible después de la Misa de Vigilia del sábado a las 6 p.m. hasta las 10 p.m. En agosto, organizan una Celebración anual de aniversario en la Iglesia de la Sagrada Familia para miembros nuevos y antiguos, sus familias e invitados. Contacto: Santiago Perez (559) 264-8617
Adult Bible Study – This parish-wide Bible Study offers morning sessions (10am -noon) and evening sessions (7pm – 9pm) in English at the Parish Center on several Thursdays from September through April. Pre-registration is required.
Contact: Melissa Dimas (559) 741-3776 or email missydimas@sbcglobal.net
Altar & Rosary Society (ARS) – This ministry bonds its members in service, prayer, charity, and fellowship. Active members assist with the cleaning of the sanctuary at St Mary’s Church on Saturday mornings and at St. Charles Church on Friday mornings. Several members also launder and care for the sacred linens, cloths, and liturgical garments. With annual dues, the generous stewardship of its members, and an occasional Bunco fundraiser, the ministry helps to purchase liturgical items for the Parish and supports parish events and activities. Members also meet and trains parishioners how to make rosaries, which they provide free to many including: catechist, ministries, parishioners, the homeless, for retreats, and missionaries. They host annual rosary sales at the various churches, which provides them funding for the materials needed for their mission’s work.
Contact: Irma Hernandez (559) 804-6729 or email Irma.hernandez.51@gmail.com
Our Lady’s Rosary Makers – As part of the Altar & Rosary Society, this group of parish volunteers is trained to make and provide rosaries, at no cost, for our Parish Community and beyond. For rosaries or to volunteer:
Contact: Lupe Ramirez (559) 967-8476 or email saky.1948@gmail.com
Annulment Support Ministry – This ministry offers educational opportunities for those with questions about the annulment process, with ministry facilitators offering emotional and spiritual support to those petitioning the Tribunal for an annulment. Meetings are announced in the parish bulletin for those requesting assistance or interested in becoming a facilitator for our parish.
Contact: Joe Tejeda (559) 303-9647 or email joetejeda@outlook.com.
Bethlehem Center – The Bethlehem Center is a mission of the Good Shepherd Catholic Parish in Visalia dedicated to provide food and clothing to those in need in an atmosphere of dignity and respect. Meals are served in our dining hall 7 days a week 365 day a year. Pantry food is also offered daily as is our resource center and intake office.
Contact: Bethlehem Center, Deacon Henry J. Medina at (559) 734-1572 or email hmedina@gscparish.org
Catholic Daughters of America (CDA) – This fraternal, international organization of Catholic women (age 18 and over) focuses on service, Marian devotion, fellowship, and support of vocations. They participate in community endeavors and support many parish activities and events. They meet on the 1st Monday of most months and host several events each year (an Annual Tea in November, 2 Bunco events, and an Anniversary Luncheon). Contact: Elaine Carrasco (559) 553-2450 or email jcdavisalia@gmail.com
Catholic Breakfast Club — This organization hosts several guest speakers throughout the year at breakfast meetings held at the Wyndham Hotel from 7am - 8:30am on the 2nd Thursday of the month (September – June). Their gatherings offer an opportunity for members, non-members, and their guests to network and listen to a speaker on topics which promotes Catholic values and ethics in all areas of one’s life. Reservations are needed for breakfast meetings and nonmembers are welcome.
Contact: Eileen Daly (559) 805-7008.
Catholic Women’s Guild – This ministry promotes and provides religious, educational, cultural, and charitable activities for the women of the parish. They meet regularly and have an annual Membership Drive. Members are encouraged to select a smaller "circle of interest", in which to engage and develop fellowship: a Craft Circle, Prayer Circle, Sewing Circle (making bonnets for newly baptized infants), and a Prayer Blanket Circle (making small blankets for others suffering an illness or undergoing medical treatment). They host an annual weekend retreat at St Anthony's in September for members.
Contact: Irene Mosqueda (559) 740-8415 or email momztypin@sbcglobal.net
Christopher Ministry – This ministry administers Holy Communion to the sick, homebound, and to those who cannot physically attend mass. If you have a friend or family member in one of these situations and would like to receive Communion at home, please contact the Parish Office at (559) 734-9522. With a large demand for communion to homebound individuals, patients at Kaweah Delta and other facilities, there is a need for additional Christophers. This is a very rewarding ministry, not only for those receiving the Eucharist, but also for those who take it. The time commitment depends on each Christopher’s schedule.
To volunteer, Contact: Iris Rangel (559) 859-0559
Este ministerio administra la Sagrada Comunión a los enfermos, confinados en casa y a quienes no pueden asistir físicamente a Misa. Si tiene un amigo o familiar en alguna de estas situaciones que desea recibir la Comunión en casa, por favor comuníquese con la Oficina Parroquial en el (559) 734-9522. Con una gran demanda de Comunión para personas confinadas en casa, pacientes en Kaweah Delta y otras instalaciones, existe la necesidad de Christophers adicionales. Este es un ministerio muy gratificante, no solo para quienes reciben la Eucaristía, sino también para quienes la llevan. El compromiso de tiempo depende del horario de cada Christopher.
Para ser voluntario, comunicarse con: Iris Rangel (559) 859-0559
Cursillo de Cristiandad – This apostolic movement is currently available to our bilingual and Spanish-speaking parishioners and is recognized by the Roman Catholic Church and supported by our diocese. Founded in Majorca, Spain in 1944 as a training technique for Christian leaders, its presence has spread to several additional Christian churches. The experiences of its members bear witness of what it means to live as a Christian in all aspects of their lives.
Contact: Ernesta Sanchez (559) 303-9797 or email sanchez52ernesta@icloud.com
Este movimiento apostólico está actualmente disponible para nuestros feligreses bilingües y de habla hispana; es reconocido por la Iglesia Católica Romana y apoyado por nuestra diócesis. Fundado en Mallorca, España, en 1944 como una técnica de entrenamiento para líderes cristianos, su presencia se ha extendido a varias iglesias cristianas adicionales. Las experiencias de sus miembros dan testimonio de lo que significa vivir como cristiano en todos los aspectos de sus vidas.
Contacto: Ernesta Sanchez (559) 303-9797 or email sanchez52ernesta@icloud.com
Dominicans Lay Chapter (St Hyacinth) – This international order of lay religious men and women follows the teachings of the Dominican saints and study the Catechism, as a community. Through daily observances, contemplative prayer and study, their aim is the sanctification of the soul. They meet regularly and host formation instruction for new members.
Contact: Arlene Vianello (559) 799-7526 or email arlenevia@yahoo.com
Encuentro Matrimonial Mundail – This ministry is the Worldwide Marriage Encounter for Spanish-speaking parishioners, offering community support for couples desiring improvements in their marriages. Through a series of presentations, learned communication skills and self-examination of attitudes and behaviors, participants deepen their intimacy and faith by exploring their relationships with their spouses and God.
Contact: Jonathan Perez (714) 673-0593, email: jmpg10904@gmail.com or
Contact: Maria Ramirez-Perez (949) 274-6292 email: ramirez56743@gmail.com
Este ministerio es el Encuentro Matrimonial Mundial para feligreses de habla hispana y ofrece apoyo comunitario a las parejas que desean ver mejoras en sus matrimonios. A través de una serie de presentaciones, habilidades de comunicación aprendidas y el autoexamen de actitudes y comportamientos, los participantes profundizan su intimidad y fe al explorar sus relaciones con su cónyuge y Dios.
Contacto: Jonathan Perez (714) 673-0593; correo electrónico: jmpg10904@gmail.com y
Contacto: Maria Ramirez-Perez (949) 274-6292; correo electrónico: ramirez56743@gmail.com
Eucharistic Adoration – The Sacred Heart Adoration Chapel in St Mary's Church is available for all to pray before the Blessed Sacrament. Devotees, members of ministries, and/or individual parishioners can be scheduled for an hour of prayer in the Chapel by contacting a coordinator. To use the chapel freely, please register for admittance at the Parish Office. On Thursdays only, Adoration is held at Holy Family Church. Please refer to the bulletin for specific hours at each location.
Bilingual Contact: Rosie Soto (559) 310-0669 or email rsoto2503@gmail.com
Adoración Eucarística – La Capilla de Adoración del Sagrado Corazón en la Iglesia de Santa María está disponible para que todos oren ante el Santísimo Sacramento. Para inscribirse para una hora de oración en la Capilla, los devotos, los miembros de los ministerios o los feligreses individuales pueden contactar a un coordinador. Para usar la capilla libremente, por favor regístrese para la admisión en la Oficina parroquial. Solo los jueves, la Adoración se lleva a cabo en la Iglesia de la Sagrada Familia. Consulte el boletín para conocer las horas específicas en cada ubicación.
Bilingüe Contacto: Rosie Soto (559) 310-0669; correo electrónico: rsoto2503@gmail.com
Evangelization Retreats and Small Communities - With a focus on evangelization, scheduled retreats take place throughout the year for English and Spanish-speaking parishioners to develop and strengthen personal relationships with God. After the retreats, participants are encouraged to join small communities, creating ongoing fellowship, and inspiring them to become active members in our Parish.
English contact Irene Mosqueda (559)740-8415 or email irenemosq62@gmail.com
Spanish contact: Alejandro Aguayo (559) 303-4633 or email saguayo68@yahoo.com
Con un enfoque en la evangelización, los retiros programados se llevan a cabo durante todo el año para que los feligreses de habla inglesa e hispana desarrollen y fortalezcan las relaciones personales con Dios. Después de los retiros, se alienta a los participantes a unirse a pequeñas comunidades, creando un compañerismo continuo e inspirándolos a convertirse en miembros activos de nuestra parroquia.
Para espanol, comuníquese con: Alejandro Aguayo (559) 303-4633 o envíe un correo electrónico a saguayo68@yahoo.com
Para inglés, comuníquese con Irene Mosqueda (559) 740-8415 o envíe un correo electrónico a irenemosq62@gmail.com
Franciscans Secular Order – This international organization of lay religious men and women follows the Gospel of Christ. In the footprints of St Francis, members seek holiness through prayer, action, and promotion of the reign of God within the Franciscan Family, the Church, and the World.
For meeting times, contact John Paine (559) 732-3566 or email jpaine4@msn.com
George McCann School – At George McCann Memorial Catholic School we instill in our students the importance of education as spiritual and intellectual preparation for the unique mission in life to which God calls each of us. We are a family of parents, students, educators and parishioners who strive to create a Catholic faith community through a quality education based on gospel values.
Visit their website for more information: www.catholicschoolvisalia.org
The Gospels Bible Study – This free class is offered on Tuesdays at St Charles’ Main Hall from 7pm – 8:30pm. With a strong emphasis on the Catholic faith, through a study of the Old and New Testament this leader-led class is great for those who want to learn without the burden of preparation. Refreshment and food available.
Contact: Jerry DeMelo (559) 960-3245 or email catholicjerry@gmail.com
Health Ministry – This ministry program works in coordination with the diocese to promotes the wellness of mind, body, and soul of parishioners and clergy; assisting all in making responsible and informed health choices which reflect the Catholic tradition. They provide yearly BP checks during parish-wide events and provide classes and publish educational article on wellness and dealing with chronic disease through self- management.
Contact: Emma Camarena (559) 731-1605 or email ecamaren@kdhcd.org
Junior Catholic Daughters of America (JCDA) – This organization is open to Catholic girls age 6 - 18 years and is part of the fraternal court of Catholic Daughters of America at GSCP. Through activities, service projects, works of charity, and faith development they aid to instill Catholic moral character in our young women. They meet at Holy Family’s Hall several Sundays a month from 11:45pm – 2:00pm. (See bulletin/website for details)
Contact: Elaine Carrasco (559) 553-2450 or email jcdavisalia@gmail.com
Knights of Columbus – An international, fraternal organization for Catholic men, over the age of 18. It promotes faith and fellowship among its members and their families, offers works of service and charity throughout the parish and community at large, and assists in public events where the Bishop is present.
Contact: David Zarate (559) 288-5439 or email davzarate@gmail.com
Lahu Community – A ministry for our Lahu community and their families; strengthening the cultural and traditional bonds and assisting them with involvement with parish life and spiritual growth for their members. They host a celebration for their community for Thanksgiving and Christmas and invite the parishioners to join in their annual 3-day New Year Celebration, involving cultural music, dance, and prayers. They also participate in parish-wide activities by providing cultural cuisine and/or preforming in their cultural dress for all to enjoy.
Contact: Korn Seechan (559) 730-0279 or email: seechankorn@icloud.com or ekariseechan@yahoo.com
Legion de Maria – This Marian prayer group for Spanish-speaking and bilingual parishioners, helps evangelize the community of St Thomas in Goshen. Members participate in acts of charity for the sick and disadvantaged and are encouraged to participate in the life of the Church through other ministries.
Contact: Leticia Guerrero (559) 303-1119
Este grupo de oración mariana para feligreses de habla hispana y bilingües ayuda a evangelizar la comunidad de Santo Tomás en Goshen. Los miembros participan en actos de caridad por los enfermos y desfavorecidos y se les anima a participar en la vida de la Iglesia a través de otros ministerios.
Contacto: Leticia Guerrero (559) 303-1119
Liturgical Ministries – Learn more about liturgical ministries such as Altar Servers, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Lectors/Readers, Sacristans and Greeters by visiting our Liturgical Ministries Webpage
Contact: Sedelia Sanchez (559) 734-9522 or email ssanchez@gscparish.org
Aprenda más sobre los ministerios litúrgicos como Monaguillos, Ministros Extraordinarios de la Sagrada Comunión, Lectores/Lectores, Sacristanes y Saludadores visitando nuestra página web de Ministerios Litúrgicos
Contacto: Sedelia Sanchez (559) 734-9522 or email ssanchez@gscparish.org
Medjugorje Prayer Group – This prayer group meets on the 2nd Monday of every month at 7pm, in the St. Therese Room in the St. Charles Hall. They follow the directives learned from Our Lady in Medjugorje, praying for peace, conversion, and intentions of members.
Contact: Steve or Irene Perry (559) 302-0494 or email avaperry2@yahoo.com
Our Lady of Fatima Committee – This ministry plans and organizes the annual parish-wide Fatima Celebration, in the tradition of honoring Our Lady’s apparition and message. The week-long festivities include: nightly rosaries, (Monday - Friday at 7pm), a Candlelight Procession and Living Rosary on Saturday, and culminates with a parish-wide carnival, auction, and free lunch on Sunday. All proceeds benefit George McCann School. Committee meetings are held monthly (Jan- July and Oct - Nov) and weekly in August and September.
Contact: Chris King (559) 967-4937 or email kings4au@sbcglobal.net or
Contact: Ruthanne Parlier (559) 734-9522 or email rparlier@gscparish.org
Our Lady of Guadalupe Committee (OLOG) – The members of this ministry for Spanish-speaking and/or bilingual parishioners have the primary purpose of participating in the organization of the celebration in honor of our Blessed Mother under the title of Our Lady of Guadalupe, highlighting the message given to San Juan Diego. This celebration is held on December 12th of each year.
Contact: Marithsa Santacruz (559) 977-3042.
Comité de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe – Los miembros de este ministerio para feligreses de habla hispana y/o bilingües tienen como propósito principal participar en la organización de la celebración en honor a nuestra santísima madre bajo el título de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, destacando con ello el mensaje dado a San Juan Diego. Dicha celebración se lleva a cabo el día 12 de diciembre de cada año.
Contacto: Marithsa Santacruz (559) 977-3042.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH) – established on June 27, 1999, is a community of believers sharing their faith and the Filipino culture and traditions. Its mission is to honor Mary, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, through evangelization, prayer, and service. The ministry holds an annual June Celebration and annual December Novena, Simbang Gabi. Members prepare and serve lunch to the patrons of the Bethlehem Center on the 2nd Saturday of the month and prepare/sell lumpia at the Bethlehem Cafe every month, to benefit the Bethlehem Center. There are no membership fees. All are invited to pray the Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help on Wednesdays following the 12:15 Mass.
Contact: Edelia Magao (559) 972-7210 email: edelia18@sbcglobal.net
or Dominga Tabutol (559) 907-0965; email: mingtabutol@gmail.com
Prayer & Life Workshops – This Association, born within the Roman Catholic Church and approved by the diocese, fosters the prayer life of parishioners. It offers a 15-week series, in English and Spanish, several times throughout the year, encouraging attendees to strive to carry out the apostolic lay service to their Parish.
Contact: Leonardo Garcia (559) 745-5047 or email: talleresdeoracionyvida1984@gmail.com
Talleres de Oración y Vida – Esta asociación, nacida dentro de la Iglesia Católica Romana y aprobada por la diócesis, fomenta la vida de oración de los feligreses. Ofrece una serie de 15 semanas, en inglés y español, varias veces a lo largo del año, animando a los asistentes a esforzarse por llevar a cabo el servicio laico apostólico a su parroquia.
Contacto: Leonardo Garcia (559) 745-5047 o correo electrónico: talleresdeoracionyvida1984@gmail.com
Pro Life Ministry – This ministry promotes the basic principles of the Catholic teachings regarding the value and dignity of every human person, in that life is sacred and created in the image of God. Members pray the 40 Days for Life Rosary at Fresno’s Planned Parenthood Clinic and help to promote and organize parish involvement for the One Walk LA bus trip. For information regarding meetings and events, Contact: Ralph Jimenez (559) 300-3405 or email r77x7@yahoo.com
Renovación Carismática Católica – This ministry for Spanish-speaking and bilingual parishioners evangelizes the baptized through formation and testimony, strengthen their faith. They hold a weekly Praise Night on Wednesdays at Holy Family Hall.
Contact: Maria Magana (559) 747-4012 or email mmmagana17@gmail.com or
Contact: Maria Castellanos (559) 736-7322 or email: masocaci@gmail.com
Este ministerio, para feligreses de habla hispana o bilingües, evangeliza a los bautizados mediante la formación y el testimonio, fortaleciendo su fe. Llevan a cabo una Noche de Alabanza semanal los miércoles en el Salón de la Sagrada Familia.
Contacto: Maria Magana (559) 747-4012 o por correo electrónico mmmagana17@gmail.com o
Contacto: Maria Castellanos ((559) 736-7322 correo electrónico masocaci@gmail.com
Serra Club – This Tulare and Kings County organization follows Saint Junipero Serra, the great missionary and their patron, in promoting and fostering vocations to the priesthood and consecrated religious life. Encouraging its members to further their catechesis to fulfilling their Christian vocation of service to others, monthly meetings on the 2nd Monday hosts guest speakers at 6pm in the Serra Center. Members encourage participation in Adoration in praying for vocations and host an annual Golf Tournament and Annual Breakfast to raise funds for those studying for religious life. They are involved with many service activities with our youth and help with the Annual Gathering of Priests & Religious in the Fall.
Contact: Victor Carrillo (559) 805-4823 or email vic@all41.net
St Joseph’s Christian Bookstore – TThis non-profit Christian Supply Store in Visalia offers books, CDs, hosts biannual sales at the parish and sells sacramental and spiritual gift items. It is operated with the assistance of its own Board of Directors and is opened Monday – Saturday. Volunteers from the parish and surrounding communities apply to help in this retail store.
Contact: Judy Ramage (559) 734-2691.