Parish Ministries
There are four Pastoral Council Covenant Ministries: Parish Life and Worship, Parish Outreach, Spiritual Development and Stewardship. All of the ministries in the parish belong under one of these four main covenant ministries. Below are listed the covenant ministries and the ministries/committees that are under each of them.
PARISH LIFE AND WORSHIP MINISTRIES
The Parish Life and Worship Ministries nourish and give direction to the liturgical aspect of parish life. These ministries ensure that parishioners are provided with opportunities to deepen their faith through a variety of prayer experiences and liturgical celebrations.
ALTAR SERVERS
The Altar Servers assist the Presider at Liturgies/Services in order to promote a sense of reverence among the community. Altar Servers will have an understanding of liturgy as well as knowledge of “behind-the-scenes” preparation for Mass. Altar serving is open to grades 5 and up. The servers have two training sessions a year and one general meeting.
CROSS BEARERS
Cross Bearers assist in the Liturgy by leading the procession into the church at the beginning of Mass, and the recessional from the church at the conclusion of the liturgy. There are no formal meetings, just a short informative session before you begin your ministry. If you do not have a lot of spare time, it is a great ministry to participate in. The Cross Bearer ministry is open to grades 8 and up. Attendance at the annual evening of spiritual reflection is also expected.
EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION
The purpose of Extraordinary Ministers (Eucharistic Ministers) is to assist in distributing Holy Communion. There is a required training session. Attendance at the annual evening for liturgical ministers is expected. Extraordinary Ministers are scheduled about every three weeks at the Mass of your choice, depending on the number of Extraordinary Ministers available.
GREETERS
Greeters arrive at weekend liturgies 15 to 20 minutes early and stand at the Church entrances to welcome everyone. At the conclusion of Mass, they again stand at the Church entrances to distribute the weekly bulletin as the assembly leaves the Church.
Greeters ensure that there are parishioners available to be gift bearers and to dress the altar. If no one is signed up to be gift bearers, Greeters are asked to extend this privilege to parishioners attending Mass. Two Greeters should dress the altar; however, this privilege can also be extended to parishioners attending Mass.
Greeters may choose to attend the Mass convenient for them. A schedule is provided quarterly. Training is provided as needed. Attendance at the annual evening of spiritual reflection is expected.
LECTORS
Lectors proclaim “The Word of God” at weekend and special liturgies. A training session is required as well as attendance at the annual evening of spiritual reflection. Lectors are scheduled approximately once every four to six weeks at the Mass of your choice.
LITURGY COMMITTEE
The liturgy committee meets monthly to plan and coordinate special liturgies throughout the year. This ministry is comprised of the pastor, a staff representative, the director of music ministry, representatives for each liturgical ministry, and any interested parishioner. This committee meets once a month from September to May from 7 to 9 p.m.
MUSIC MINISTRY
Parishioners of all ages are invited to share your love of music with others in the music ministry by singing and/or playing musical instruments at liturgies. Anyone who loves music is invited to contact the Music Office.
ADULT CHOIR
Weekly rehearsals are Thursday nights from 7 to 9 p.m. for all weekend Masses. Extra rehearsals as needed for special liturgies, or special events such as preparing a Cantata. Anyone in grade 9 and older is welcome to sing in the choir. The ability to read music is helpful, but not required! There is also no audition. Adult choir does not rehearse during the summer, but members may still sing at masses.
HANDBELL CHOIR
Weekly rehearsals are Tuesday nights from 7 to 9 p.m. The handbell choir plays periodically throughout the school year, including Holy Week, and Christmas. Anyone in grade 9 and older is welcome! The ability to read music is helpful, but not required! There is also no audition! Handbell choir does not meet during the summer.
FUNERAL CHOIR
Provides musical support at funeral liturgies (usually weekday mornings). Funeral Choir meets 45 minutes before the funeral to rehearse music. Other rehearsals as needed.
INSTRUMENTALISTS
Everyone who plays an instrument is welcome to play at mass. This includes guitars, string, woodwinds, brass, percussion and more! Instrumentalists, grade 7 and up are invited to play at all liturgies. Contact the music office for more detail.
LITURGICAL DANCE
Our dancers add the beauty of “prayer in motion” to our liturgies at Thanksgiving, Epiphany, Easter and Pentecost. Depending on the need, dance may also be presented at various other times throughout the year. Rehearsals are once or twice weekly, during the 6-8 weeks prior to the date of dance. Any adult or youth parishioner in grade six or above with an interest in dancing for God is welcome to join this ministry.
YOUTH MINISTRY
Youth music ministers, instrumentalists and vocalists; grades 7-12 meet as needed to prepare for liturgies such as World Youth Day, Easter, Christmas and at other times throughout the year. Grades 3-6 meet as needed to prepare for liturgies such as World Youth Day, First Communion, Easter and other times throughout the year.
LIVING WAY OF THE CROSS
A parish-wide Lenten presentation that dramatizes the Stations of the Cross. Parishioners act as dramatic players, narrators, set/lighting crew, costume crew, writers, directors, coordinators, musicians, etc. Involves parishioners of all ages. Fun!!! Meeting time(s) vary, but some rehearsal attendance required. Presentation happens during Lent. Watch parish bulletin for date/time of informational meeting.
USHERS
Ushers assist at Mass welcoming and seating people. They are responsible for taking up the collection. Attendance at the annual evening of Spiritual reflection is required. Day and time of service: Ushers serve for a month at a time, every third month, at the Mass of their choice.
PARISH OUTREACH MINISTRIES
The Parish Outreach Ministries discern the needs of persons in the parish and wider community, especially the poor, and identifies resources to meet these needs enlisting the active cooperation of parishioners. These ministries fulfill the justice dimension of scripture and our church tradition acknowledging every Christian is called to service and to work for justice. The ministries’ scope of responsibility is two-fold: to meet immediate needs and to work for changes in structures of society, which are oppressive.
BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY
The purpose of the Bereavement Committee is to provide support and comfort on behalf of the parish to family members when they’ve lost a loved one.
BETHANY HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE
The purpose of the committee is to prepare and serve a luncheon after a funeral in a relaxed and warm atmosphere. Members extend any assistance and comfort to the family and friends of the deceased that they can, and hopefully ease their pain from a very sad day in their lives. The Committee meets at “every funeral we serve,” and an annual general meeting.
LAZARUS ASSEMBLY
As the friends of Lazarus gathered at the time of his death, parishioners who attend the funeral mass at our parish do the same for those who have died, thus called the Lazarus Assembly. There are no meetings, parishioners attend as members of the assembly when they are available and represent the parish family of St. Augustine’s.
FUNERAL LITURGIES
Parishioners who help with our funeral liturgies give a presence of comfort to families in time of sorrow. The various ministries listed below help to provide a final farewell to deceased members of our parish community. Individual training for all the ministries is provided as needed
ADULT SERVERS
There are two ways in which servers are needed at a funeral. One person is the cross bearer and takes care of the incense, and the other person is the altar server as at a funeral mass.
EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF THE EUCHARIST
The number of Eucharistic Ministers needed for the mass depends on how many people attend the funeral. We are always in need of two ministers for the cups, and more stations are added to enhance the accessibility for those present, to receive Eucharist under both species.
GREETERS
The greeters are the first people that those attending the funeral mass meet when entering our church. A friendly smile, warm hello, and handing funeral programs to those who gather for the mass, help to create a sense of peace and a place of welcome.
FUNERAL PROGRAMS
Funeral programs are a helpful way for those attending the funeral to be aware of the music, readings and other elements of the funeral mass that will take place.
To prepare funeral programs you must have a computer at home and be computer literate. You must also have the time to come to the Pastoral Office, on short notice, to make copies of the amount of programs requested. Training on use of the office copy machine is required.
LECTORS
At our funeral masses we encourage family members, or friends of the family, to read the selected scripture and prayer of the faithful. When this is not possible, the parish provides lectors for the Mass.
TAPE MINISTRY
Each funeral is recorded and given to the family as a memory. One person is needed to set up the tape before mass, start the recording when the funeral begins, and stop the recording at the end of mass. The tape is presented to a member of the family, at the cemetery, by whoever is leading the committal service.
CAREGIVER’S SUPPORT GROUP
The Caregiver’s Support Group is a parish based support group for those who are involved in the care of others (e.g. an elderly parent, ill spouse, chronically ill child, someone with a developmental disability, someone with Alzheimer’s disease, long distance care etc.). Its purpose is to allow caregivers to share their stories, concerns, and needs and receive support in a warm, caring, nonjudgmental, confidential atmosphere. Meetings are from 7:00-9:00 PM once a month.
CATHOLIC PARENTS OF GAY AND LESBIAN CHILDREN SUPPORT GROUP
The function and purpose of this group is to provide support for Catholic parents, siblings, and other family members of gay and lesbian children. Please contact Julie at 635-7584 for information.
FOOD PANTRY
The Food Pantry collects non-perishable food donated weekly by parishioners. Once a month or as needed, a volunteer delivers the food to the Methodist Church which is the main food pantry for the Baldwinsville community. There are 12 volunteers, one for each month of the year.
HOSPITALITY RECEPTION COMMITTEE
This committee provides a welcoming atmosphere of friendship and fellowship for celebrations and occasions that occur within the church community. Volunteers in this group can help by providing baked goods, setting up, serving and/or greeting at the event(s). Volunteers will either receive a letter or be given a call to see what service they would like to provide. This group has one meeting in the Fall.
JUST FAITH
Just Faith is an extended justice education process that meets weekly employing books, videos, lecture, discussion, prayer, retreats, and hands-on experiences. The intent is to provide a tapestry of learning opportunities that emphasize and enliven the justice tradition of the church. Just Faith is designed to empower and transform participants so they can become voices and agents of God’s news to the poor. Meets for thirty weeks decided by the group.
BEYOND JUST FAITH
Beyond Just Faith is for those participants who have gone through the Just Faith process and wish to continue this process. The group continues to study books, videos, movies, articles, and hands-on teaching experiences, and to bring these teachings and experiences to the parish and the outside community in a broader perspective. The group meets twice a month, one week to discuss social justice issues from the books and articles they have read, or from videos they have seen. The second week is a planning session where we put our social justice education into action.
MIGRANT WORKER MINISTRY
The Migrant Worker Ministry focuses on the physical and spiritual needs of the migrant laborers in our immediate area. Major activities in the Spring and Summer months include a Clothing Collection and a Food Drive.
NURSERY
Nursery service is provided during masses by trained volunteer adults and youth from our parish. VIRTUS Training is required
PARISH NEWSLETTER TEAM
This team publishes news concerning parish ministries and events in "St. Augustine's News" which is distributed in December and May. The team gathers information, articles and photos, and edits, formats, and distributes the newsletter via bulk mail. Meetings are as necessary.
PARISH NURSING COMMITTEE
The Parish Nursing Committee offers educational and wellness opportunities through blood pressure screenings, health information and home visits for the ill and homebound. Special events include flu and pneumonia shot clinics. All nurses of the parish are invited to join.
PASTORAL VISITORS
Pastoral visitors are people of prayer called to share in Christ’s healing mission by visiting the sick, elderly or shut-ins of the parish weekly or biweekly. By listening to, talking with, praying with, and bringing communion to our sick and shut-ins, Pastoral Visitors remind them of the parish’s concern and become a visible sign of God’s presence in their lives.
Additional opportunities include assisting with sending bulletins and/or cards to our sick and shut-ins, audio taping funeral liturgies for the family of the deceased or weekend liturgies for our shut-ins, and helping pick up, prepare and deliver Easter and Christmas plants from the parish to our sick and homebound. After an initial training session, Pastoral Visitors meet once or twice a year for prayer, additional training in Pastoral skills, experience sharing, and spiritual development.
PRAYER LINE MINISTRY
A Prayer Line was established at St. Augustine's in August 2004. It offers a chance for people to share their need for prayers either for themselves or others. Permission is needed from the person who is being prayed for so they are aware that their name is out in the community for prayers. After signing a covenant you will receive a list of participants. When you receive a call from the previous person on your sheet, please contact the person under your name. If there is no answer, please call the next person on the list so that prayers are continued. For confidentiality first names can be used if desired. Contact Bob Peet at 635-3064.
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
This ministry is a prayerful ministry that reaches out to those in need of comfort and solace. Some uses for the "Shawls" are medical procedures, comfort after a loss, during bereavement, prayer or medication, birthing, nursing a baby, during an illness and recovery.
There are 35 women in our present ministry that knit, crochet or quilt the shawls. At the beginning of each shawl prayers and blessings of the recipient are said. The prayers are continued until the shawl is finished, it is then blessed by Fr. Paul. The shawls are presently being distributed to St. Augustine's parishioners, Syracuse University Hospital patients, and Crouse Palliative Care Department patients.
We have presently given away 167 shawls since this group's beginning. We have also developed an offshoot of this group and that is the Baptismal Prayer Shawl Group. Every baby Baptized at St. Augustine's receives a hand made blanket made with prayers and love.
We presently meet the first Monday of the month after the 10:00 a.m. Mass in the Gathering Room for prayers and socialization. We meet twice a year at 7:00 p.m. so that the working members of our group can attend. We have been instrumental in helping other parishes establish a similar group in their churches. If you know of someone who could use a prayer shawl or lab robe, please call Rose Hurd at 638-0694 or Carol Turner at 638-0897.
REFUGEE FAMILY MINISTRY
The purpose of this ministry is to help with the resettlement of a refugee family. We visit the family; help orient them to their new surroundings, and American customs and language. We help with appointments and grocery shopping. We also raise money for various needs of the family. We work with the guidance of the Refugee Resettlement Program, a division of Catholic Charities. Meetings are on a need basis. The Refugee committee is not active in sponsoring a family at this time.
ST. JOSEPH’S TABLE PLANNING COMMITTEE
The St. Joseph's Day dinner is a social event for the whole family that takes place near St. Joseph's Day in March. It replicas an Italian custom of a meatless meal in honor of this feast day. Homemade Italian breads, dishes and desserts are prepared by parishioners, Italian music accompanies the dinner.
SENIOR LUNCHEON COMMITTEE
The purpose of this committee is to provide a get together of seniors or anyone else who wishes to come. Everyone brings a dish, which is set up in buffet style. Occasionally there is a presentation of mutual interest. Typically 35 or so attend. Come and share a meal and good fellowship. The luncheon meets all year round on the first Wednesday of the month following Mass at 11:30. You do not have to be a member of this parish to attend and feel free to bring a friend.
SOCIAL ACTION MINISTRY
The Social Action Ministry meets as needed to plan activities. The ministry includes: helping with a School Supply Collection, Thanksgiving Baskets, Christmas Giving Tree, Meals on Wheels, Easter Gift Bags, and other occasional activities as needs arise. Volunteers enjoy helping others through this ministry which includes a Halloween party and a picnic for inner city children associated with the Brady Faith Center.
SUMMER PICNIC COMMITTEE
The summer picnic is a social function that the whole family can enjoy. It follows the annual Mass on the grass with a picnic lunch provided by the parish. It continues with an afternoon full of games and prizes for both children and adults. Meetings are as needed.
WELCOMING COMMITTEE
This committee reaches out to welcome new parishioners to our parish community. This committee hosts a Welcoming Potluck and/or other events to welcome new parishioners. This committee also organizes the Parish Photo Album. This committee meets as needed.
WINTERFEST COMMITTEE
Winterfest is a social function in which the entire parish can participate. It is a great time to socialize, play games, and dine with other parishioners. This twoday event kicks off on a Saturday night with a potluck dinner. It ends on a Sunday afternoon with games, food, and fun for the whole family. Meetings are as needed.
WOMEN’S GROUP
The Women’s Group is dedicated to several charitable organizations including but not limited to: Baldwinsville Meals-On-Wheels, Catholic Charities Adopt-A-Family in our parish, Birthright and Vera House. This group meets the second Wednesday of each month from September through June at 7:00 p.m.
SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT MINISTRIES
Spiritual Development is a life-long process aimed at personal conversion and growth in faith. The committee advises in the design, implementation, and evaluation of the total Catholic Christian educational and formational process in the parish. This includes sacramental preparation, formational and educational programs for adults, youth and children, and various opportunities for spiritual and social experiences.
BIBLE STUDY
The purpose of Bible Study is to join with others to gain further insight into the wonders of God found in Scripture. Through study, discussion, and presentation, participants allow current biblical understanding to touch their minds and hearts in order to enter into a deeper relationship with God. The meetings are announced in the bulletin.
BOOK GROUP
Parishioners are invited to share in small group discussions on selected books. These discussions are at various times and announced in the bulletin.
CATHOLIC YOUTH ORGANIZATION (C.Y.O.)
CYO is open to any teenager in grades 7 through 12 and adults who are interested in working with the youth of the parish. The purpose of CYO is threefold: (1) Spiritual: to promote/explore members’ relationship to God/each other; (2) Social: to plan appropriate social events that promote healthy interaction; and (3) Community: to encourage events that benefit the community/social awareness. Meetings are held on Sundays 6:00-8:00 p.m./Special Events (September - June).
RECOGNIZING THE SACRED
(was Faith Formation Committee)
If you are willing to work hard and spend many hours helping to create and attend, both adult and intergenerational opportunities for our parish, this core committee is for you. Members of this committee must have attended a Sacred Sabbath Retreat and a Sacred Moments Assembly. Meetings are scheduled at various times for planning, evaluating and finetuning events.
FAITH FORMATION
VIRTUS training is required for anyone 18 and older. Also, all catechists are highly encouraged to attend the basic teacher training courses offered by our Diocese.
“Being a catechist, (teacher) in St. Augustine’s Faith Formation program is a rewarding experience for me. The best part of teaching is when the students realize that this faith we talk about is part of our everyday lives.” Darlene St. John
CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD
If you want to teach children in grades 1–5 but aren’t able to make a weekly or an hour time commitment, then Children’s Liturgy of the Word would work for you. CLW takes place during the 11:00 Sunday mass, with the dismissal after the Opening Prayer and children, along with the teacher, returning to mass during the preparation of the gifts. Teachers in this program are scheduled once every six weeks and the focus of the session is the Sunday readings. Training is required.
KINDERGARTEN
Introducing kindergarten children to the basics of our Catholic faith is an eye opener! You might learn in a new way more about Jesus, Mary, Christmas, The Holy Spirit, Easter and many stories from the Bible. This class takes place during the 11:00 mass from October – April. This is not an every weekend commitment. A meeting in the fall is required.
SEEDS
Do you enjoy watching 3 and 4 year olds come alive when they experience something new? This is the class for you! Stories, simple crafts and songs make this a fun way of learning for our youngest parishioners. This class takes place during the 11:00 mass from October – April. This is not an every weekend commitment. A meeting in the fall is required.
FAITH FORMATION - GRADES 1-5
If you enjoy being with elementary school age children please consider teaching this age group. Students in these grades also make cards for our homebound and nursing home parishioners throughout the seasons of the year. There are two teaching times to choose from: Sunday morning from 9:45 – 10:45 or Tuesday 2:15 – 3:15. Classes begin in late September and finish the end of April. Catechists receive a teaching manual and have access to many resources in the Faith Formation Office. Training is required.
FAITH FORMATION - GRADES 6 AND HIGHER
Teaching pre-teens and teens about their faith can be both challenging and rewarding. This age group is beginning to have questions about their faith and their relationship with God. Discussion is critical in these learning sessions. Classes are held at the teacher’s convenience Sunday after the 11:00 mass or Monday – Wednesday evenings. There are two semesters of classes, October and November, February and March. Teachers do not have to teach both semesters. Teaching guides and resources are provided. Training is also provided.
HALL MONITORS
Do you have a good book you want to read or are you looking for some time to relax? Come and be a hall monitor for the evening Faith Formation classes. We even provide the rocking chair! Hall monitors ensure the safety for both the students and teachers when classes are in session.
HELPERS (Aides)
An extra person in the classroom is not only helpful, but also required when there is not a co-teacher. If you’re not ready to teach, being a helper is a great way for you to experience the classroom. All Faith Formation classes need a helper to assist the teacher.
SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS
Catechists can have family emergencies, become sick or maybe out of town and are not able to teach their class. We can never have too many or enough substitute teachers to call. If you can help with this ministry, please do not hesitate to step forward, as cancelling classes makes it difficult for all involved.
WALKERS
If you like to walk, enjoy all forms of weather, keeping children safe, and having coffee and desserts with other parishioners, then take notice of this ministry! Walkers accompany the students from McNamara Elementary School to and from Faith Formation classes held at the Pastoral Center. Walkers are needed on Tuesday afternoon from 2:00 – 3:20, beginning late September – the end of April. This unique group discusses a variety of subjects in our Gathering Room as they wait for the Tuesday class to end.
FAITH SHARING GROUPS
A group of parishioners (8-10) gather to pray and share faith experiences that flow from the gospel of the coming Sunday and participate in the mission of Christ through some action that they choose to do together. Meetings vary according to host home and participants’ needs. Groups meet once a week for six weeks. Ministry for these groups includes facilitating the group and/or hosting the group.
SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION TEAMS
Baptism Team
The function and purpose of the group is to have team members meet with new parents to help them understand the responsibilities of Baptism and commitment to the Church. It is open to single parents or married couples that are parents. Meetings are held the third Wednesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. Couples rotate meetings.
Catholic Christian Initiation - Adult Team
The Christian Initiation Team journeys with adults who are seeking to become Catholic through the celebration of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. Inquiry sessions are held for those with questions about what it means to be Catholic. Team members lead faith sharing and catechetical (instruction) sessions for those who are seeking full initiation as well as assist in the planning and implementation of the many liturgical rites associated with the process. Ministry opportunities include being a catechist, providing hospitality, and being a sponsor. Training is provided. Catechetical sessions meet once a week and Team meetings are once a month.
Catholic Christian Initiation - Youth
This process involves working and journeying with both the youth and their parent(s) or guardian. Members of the team are privileged to help with the preparation of the youth for the Sacraments of Initiation that are celebrated at the Easter Vigil. There is a focus on Breaking Open the Word during these sessions. There are several planning sessions and team members teach once every six weeks on Sunday from 11:30 – 1:00. An understanding of the RCIA process is helpful and training will be available.
Confirmation
Any youth who has been confirmed is invited to join the Confirmation Team and help our Confirmation candidates prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Sessions are held on various Saturday’s from 10:00 – 2:00 and begin the end of January – April. Attending a team meeting before the sessions begin is required and regularly assisting at the Saturday sessions is helpful for the candidates
First Eucharist
Children preparing for First Eucharist are always full of excitement! Parents are the teachers at home and catechists review that work with the children and add new material during the class. The four classes are held on various Wednesday evenings February – April. Training will be provided.
First Reconciliation
Creating a positive environment for children who are preparing for First Reconciliation helps the children to better understand the richness of this Sacrament. Parents are the teachers at home and catechists review that work with the children and add new material during the class. The four classes are held on various Wednesday evenings late October – January. Training will be provided.
Marriage Team
The Marriage Team hosts the Wedding Anniversary Mass for married couples on a Friday evening in February, and the Marriage Preparation Workshop for engaged couples on a Saturday in March. Team couples are paired with engaged couples and conduct a couple to couple session, the wedding rehearsal, and are present to start off the wedding ceremony. The married couple talks about their sacrament of marriage and topics like communication, sexuality, finances, etc. Training and materials are provided. Interfaith couples welcome. Day and time of the meetings are at the convenience of the couples.
CALIGRAPHERS
Did God give you this remarkable talent? All of our sacramental certificates are individually completed by a calligrapher. This service is needed during December and April. Your artistic work becomes a meaningful keepsake for families.
EUCHARISTIC BREAD BAKERS
We supply the baking tins and the bread mix, unless you make homemade mix. Little loaves of bread are given to each of our children on the day they receive First Eucharist. This baking takes place the end of April or the beginning of May.
SEWING MINISTRY
Do you enjoy sewing? This ministry would mainly consist of making the baptismal robes given to our newly baptized youth and adults at the Easter Vigil Mass. The sewing can be done at your convenience. We will supply the fabric and pattern if needed. You must have a sewing machine.
SMALL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES
Small Christian Communities strive to become community through faith reflection, spending time with each other outside of meetings, and making a long-term commitment to the group. Group meetings are on-going through the year, at the discernment of the group. The Small Christian Community puts the Gospel at its core and tries to live the words and actions of Jesus in their daily lives through caring for each other, as well as bringing this message to the larger community through action. At St. Augustine’s we have several Small Christian Communities that meet year round. These groups also participate in the Faith Sharing processes. Existing groups are open to new members. Ministry opportunities include facilitating a new group or participating in the ministry that flows from the group.
SOCIAL JUSTICE ISSUES AND CONCERNS COMMITTEE
This group is comprised of persons interested in raising consciousness on social justice issues and the Catholic Social Teachings that support them. Members formulate plans to provide the parish community information on the issues using bulletin announcements and inserts, forums, conscious attention to the issues in the prayer of the parish and legislative advocacy. The group identifies several issues a year to focus on; the issues combine a mix of global, national and local concerns. Meetings are held as needed and any interested parishioner is invited to participate.
RESPECT LIFE COMMITTEE
(a subcommittee of the Social Justice Issues and Concerns Committee)
Christ came to give us life and as disciples of Christ we support life from conception to death. As a committee, the Respect Life Committee raises awareness of life issues in our parish community including abortion, capital punishment, violence and abuse, war, poverty and homelessness. The committee advocates concrete action on these and other life issues.
SPIRITUAL DIRECTION GROUPS
Spiritual Direction Groups help participants to grow in their relationship with God. In each session, members share with each other and with a trained spiritual director their unique experiences of God in their lives and through their prayer that month. There are direction groups for both men and women. Morning and evening groups meet monthly.
STEWARDSHIP MINISTRIES
The Stewardship Ministry makes recommendations to the pastoral council concerning all aspects of parish financial and budget matters; personnel, stewardship of resources, church and fund raising coordination, and upkeep of the physical facilities and properties of the parish. The activities and recommendations of this ministry are firmly rooted in the biblical concept of stewardship.
BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS MINISTRY
The purpose and function of this Committee is to inspect the church property and buildings. It recommends repairs and improvements and implements their completion. Meetings are as needed.
CLEANING MINISTRY
The purpose and function of the Cleaning Ministry is to keep the church and Pastoral Center ready for worship and parish functions through a weekly cleaning schedule. The group meets once a year, in September, to set up the cleaning schedule.
COLLECTION COUNTERS
Collection Counters count and deposit the weekend and any special church collections. There are 4 teams of 3-5 people who meet usually Sunday morning from 11:00 AM- 12:30PM. Teams rotate every four months.
FR. MC LAUGHLIN SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE
The trust is a perpetual trust in memory of Fr. Tom’s contribution to the parish and his love for its members. The scholarship is given to a high school senior from the parish who will be attending a Catholic college or university. The committee meets 2-3 times per year to collect and review applications and selects the winner. The award is presented at the Graduates’ Mass in June.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
This committee makes recommendations to the Pastoral Council concerning all aspects of parish financial and budget matters. It prepares the annual budget for approval by the council, prepares the annual financial report to the parish and coordinates all major fund raising activities such as the Hope Appeal or a building fund. Typically four meetings are held during the year.
TITHING COMMITTEE
The Tithing Committee was established to oversee the use of parish budgeted money through the process of grant applications that are received from both local and global organizations and charities. This committee meets once in the Spring to prayerfully review and determine which grants will be honored and how much money they will receive.
FUN(D) RAISING COMMITTEE
This committee is responsible for planning one or two fun(d) raising activities during the year. Committees promote fun, socialization, and help build community. Proceeds from these events help defray expenses to the parish and are used toward our Diocesan assessment for Catholic Schools.
PASTORAL OFFICE MINISTRY
This is an "as needed" committee who are asked to sub in the Pastoral Office answering phones, helping with mailings, photocopying, welcoming those who come to the office and other clerical duties when the Parish Business Administrator is away.
PLANT CARE MINISTRY
The purpose and function of this committee is the care of all houseplants in the Church and Pastoral Center through a weekly watering and grooming schedule. Meetings are as needed.
SISTER PAT GEARY CHRISTIAN SERVICE AWARD
This committee was established after the death of Sr. Pat in 1998 to continue and share the Christian service, the social mission of the church and a call to respect the dignity of all people as Sister Pat had throughout her life. Through the process of completed nomination forms returned to the committee, the recipient is chosen after prayerful thought and consideration of each nominated parishioner. The committee meets twice a year.