At Immaculate Conception in New Munich, when the Christmas trees are up and the creche is set, the church awaits a different kind of sparkle and shine in preparation for the arrival of the Newborn King – their cleaning ministry, God’s Housekeepers.
December’s cleaning is especially important.
“There’s lots of dusting and vacuuming, especially pine needles, after the decorations go up,” Shirley Worms, group coordinator says.
The ministry, however, is not just for Christmas cleaning. Every month, volunteers gather to perform regular cleaning tasks—dusting pews, cleaning bathrooms, wiping down windows, and more. If not for these volunteers, no one would complete the consistent upkeep.
After the local Christian women’s group recognized a need for regular cleaning over four years ago, the ministry started and soon the responsibilities grew. A new gathering space was added which increased number of volunteers required from four to six.
To organize themselves, the names of those on duty for the month are listed in the bulletin, the person at the top of the list calls the other participants to set a day and time for cleaning. Then, it is up to a chore list in the sacristy to be their guide.
“It’s not the most visible ministry,” said Worms. “Most people don’t think about the cleaning, but it’s getting done.”
Although, some may say that their work leaves Immaculate Conception just a bit more immaculate.
Above: The pews at Immaculate Conception Church in New Munich were filled for the Immaculate Conception Mass Dec. 9. (Dianne Towalski / The Central Minnesota Catholic)