Hand in hand with expanding parish and school facilities comes the growth of parish programs. In the early days of St. Rose of Lima Parish, much of the volunteer work came from the combined efforts of the Mother’s Club, Ushers Club, Men’s Club, Scout Movement and men and women recruited from every area of the parish. St. Rose was renowned for a vibrant and active Catholic Youth Organization, CYO, under the leadership of Joe St. Thomas and family. Many of the active youths of the time are today involved as adults at St. Rose in various areas of parish ministries including youth ministries.
In 1971 the first Parish Council came into being, one of the first of its kind in the Archdiocese. The primary objective of the first Parish Council was to implement Vatican II directives. The various committees of the council were active in sponsoring parish socials, assisting in the maintenance of buildings, developing a finance board, and spreading the word of God to the community at large.
In 1984, in keeping with the wishes of the Vatican Council, the Parish Council took on a new format and the Pastoral Council was born. Sister Jean Rosario, O.P., assumed the duty of Coordinator of Pastoral Ministries. These included relevant areas of evangelization facing parish communities in the modern world: community life, education, family life, outreach, Christian service, communication, spiritual life and worship, youth, and plant management. The Pastoral Council still works through these ministries. The concept of lay leadership involvement progressed with the development in 1990 of committees to assist each council member with the work of his or her ministry, thus including the talents and abilities of many more parishioners. The Pastoral Council, with all its varied branches, is made up of St. Rose’s own parishioners giving generously of their time as ministers of Word and Sacrament, as teachers, helpers, ushers, choir members, musicians and servers. Others bring food to the poor, consolation to the suffering, advice to the lonely, and preparation for Sacraments and life. The Parish family of St. Rose of Lima has always been generous with their Time, Talents and Treasures. In 1999 a part time Volunteer Coordinator was added to the staff to direct and publicize the different areas in both the school and parish where volunteers are needed and welcomed.
A year of spiritual renewal and social gatherings, brought together parishioners, past and present, as well as the entire community, culminating in a Golden Jubilee Mass celebrated on October 12, 1998.
Father Jorge Rodriguez joined St. Rose of Lima Church as Associate Vicar in June, 2001. One of his first tasks was to put together a volunteer team to produce a Sunday bulletin for our Latin members. The first volume was introduced to parishioners on March 3, 2002.
Our late Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, declared the year 2005 the Year of the Eucharist. It was in this spirit the Pastor and Pastoral Council decided to remodel the church. Renovations included tile for the floors of the Church, a new organ, sound system, and the remodeling of the Church Sanctuary, in marble. We know that Jesus has His home in everyone of us – but there is also His Eucharistic Presence, Jesus living in our Church and inviting us to come to Him. The parishioners of St. Rose have provided a beautiful home for Him to dwell among us.