PARISH
MINISTRIES
MINISTRYCATALOG
St. Mary Catholic Church
1749 Racine Ave. NE
Solon, IA 52333
Phone: 319-624-2228
Fax: 319-624-3264
ParishMissionStatement
To create and maintain a Christ-centered Catholic community where our personal call to holiness, service and spiritual growth leads to authentic witness as Christians.
Stewardship Team Mission Statement
We believe stewardship is our grateful and obedient response to God’s redeeming love for all creation. We are called through baptism to become followers of Christ. Stewardship is a way of life, a way of love. We acknowledge that our ability to respond faithfully to God’s love is empowered by the Holy Spirit. We further acknowledge each person’s inherent need to give, and by encouraging and enabling our parishioners, they shall respond to God’s love by sharing their gifts.
Introduction
Our parishviewsstewardshipasaway oflife.Ourapproach tostewardship education includes engagementinactsof Hospitality,Prayer,Formation andService, each known as aStewardship Pillartoemphasize the continuous cycle of stewardship.“Stewardshipasawayof life”does notmean only being Catholicon Sunday, or onlygivingof ourmoney– itrequiresustoput Jesus Christ first inour lives and tolive everyaspectforthe gloryofHim. Itaskseach ofusto give of ourtime,talentand resources byhaving fun together, prayingtogether, learning togetherand servingtogether.What you are isGod’s giftto you… whatyou become isyourgifttoGod.
Four Pillars of Stewardship
1) Hospitality
Extend a warm, loving welcome to all- through worship, service, study, social time or personal need. Present a visible sign of Christ's loving kindness.
2) Prayer
Acknowledge God as the source of all that we are and all that we have through prayer and worship. Recognize the Eucharist as central to the spiritual life.
3) Formation
Understand the meaning of stewardship and follow the path of a life-long learner. Provide a good example of continuous conversion to a life of stewardship.
4) Service
Minister to the needs of our parish, the wider community and Church. Serve compassionately those hurting or in need, suffering in any way. Give thanks to God for all our gifts.
Time and Talent Areas of Opportunity
Liturgy
Mitch Holte 319-624-3151
Liturgy Commission Member: Participate in 6-9 commission meetings/year: Working within the commission to develop and implement meaningful liturgical celebrations throughout the year and to provide opportunities for spiritual growth and prayer.
Greeters: Reach out to welcome people as we gather for Mass. Arrive 15-20 minutes early. Serve every 6-8 wks.
Ushers: Care for people at Mass; also help with seating, collection and distributing bulletins. Arrive 15 minutes early. Serve every 6-8 wks.
Lectors: Reflect upon, and then proclaim the Word of God and intercessions at Mass. Serve every 6-8 wks.
Gift Bearers: Represent the faith community by presenting the gifts to the priest.
*Children Liturgy: Lead K-5th graders in reading the Sunday scripture and applying it to their lives.
Eucharistic Ministers: Assist with distributing Holy Communion at Mass. (must be confirmed).
*Bring Holy Communion to Homebound: make 3-4 visits following 8:30 Mass. Serve 1-2x/month.
Altar Server: 4th grade and older.
Sacristan: Make preparations for Mass 45 minutes before.
Organ/Piano/Guitar: Receive training for leading the parish in music. Serve 1-2x/month.
Cantor/Song Leader: Receive training in leading the parish in song and ways to increase participation. Receive initial/annual training. Serve 1-2x/month.
Youth/Adult Choir: 7th grade and older. Practices on Wed. from 7:40-8:30 in the church. Sing at Christmas, Easter, once/month & other church celebrations.
Funeral Choir: Sing at Funeral Masses during the day. Practice before the Funeral Mass. Come when able.
Church Decoration: Assist with decorating worship area for the various liturgical seasons. Help plan the environment for the various seasons.
Care/Cleaning of: Altar Linens: making sure cloths used during Mass are cleaned and pressed 2x/month. Server Robes: Clean and press robes 1-2x/year.
Prayer Sponsor: Pray for a child or couple in Sacramental Preparation (Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation or Marriage).
Eucharistic Adoration: Spend an hour before the Blessed Sacrament on Fridays after Mass.
RCIA Team Member: RCIA is the process by which adult men & women become full members of the Church. Team helps catechist by sharing faith stories & showing hospitality to candidates. Training provided. Attend 2-3x/month, Oct-Mar.
RCIA Sponsor: Make the RCIA candidate welcomed and comfortable in the community.Attend 3-4x/month, Oct-Mar.
Parish Retreats & Missions: Serve on a team planning/organizing retreats or missions for our parish.
Helping Hands
Marianne Harney 319-624-2630
Pat Zimmerman 319-337-8296
Helping Hands Circle Leader: Four meetings per year. Provide leadership in carrying out the mission of Helping Hands, and coordinate events assigned to his/her circle.
First Communion & Confirmation Receptions: Coordinate event & call parishioners to bring food. Assist at the reception.
Cookie Walk: Coordinate the Cookie Walk- publicity, decorations, work either Saturday night or Sunday.
Funeral Lunch Support: Calling parishioners to bring food or assist at the lunch:2-4x/year.
Calling/Emailing for Special Events: Calling/emailingparishioners to bring food for special events such as the Harvest Festival, Stewardship Fair and Vacation Bible School.
Scholarship Process: Committee assembled to review scholarship applications to determine the two $500 scholarship recipients to second-year college students.
Providing Food: Preparing a dish for parish events throughout the year: 2-4x/year.
Church Life
DeWayne Klouda 319-624-3989
Church Life Commission Member: This commission works to build community by offering a variety of activities. It meets 4-6 times throughout the year.
Welcoming Committee: Meet with new members, following Masses, 4-8 times throughout year. Help them complete a parish registration form & answer any questions. Training provided.
Newcomers Welcome Dinner:Includes meal planning and inviting new members; 1-2x/year.
Soup Dinner: Help organize & cook, 1/year.
Games at Parish Events:Help plan children & adult games/activities: bingo, water volleyball, etc. 1-2x/year.
Care Center Bingo: Be a liaison with Solon Care Center; schedule parishvolunteers for 1st Thurs. @2:00. Help work at the Care Center Bingo.
St. Mary Newsletter: Mailed quarterly to all households:Reporter: Interview parishioners and write articles.
Website Development/Maintenance: Maintaining, enhancing design, and expanding current content to meet the communication needs of parish.
Neighborhood Party: Help organize and plan or host party in my neighborhood.
Creative/Graphic Arts: Design posters, flyers to help with the communication needs of parish.
Picture Directory: Be a liaison with company helping with photo sessions, mailings, and hospitality.
Photography: Attend parish events and take digital photos for future parish use. 2-3x/year.
Videographer: Record for parish events/projects.
Family Life
Patty Benzing 319-466-0082
Family Life Commission Member: Participate in about 4 commission meetings per year to discuss and plan ministries to assist families at all stages in life.
Meals for Moms/illness: Prepare a meal for a family with a new baby or a family experiencing difficulties due to illness, tragedy, etc. (You choose how often you would like to make a meal). Those with email and internet access will receive a message when meals are needed. The message will have a link to a website where you can sign up to bring a meal. Please indicate whether you would like to receive notification through email or by phone.
*Childcare (Nursery): Sundays during 10:30 Mass (designate how often you want to be scheduled each year).
*Childcare (for Baptism Classes): 2-4 x/year from 6:30-8:00pm for children whose parents are attending baptism/parenting classes.
*Childcare (during Rel. Ed. Classes): Provide childcare 6-8 x/year from 6:25-7:45 pm for children whose parents are attending meetings or classes.
*Childcare (general): Childcare is needed throughout the year to support various ministries. You would be called prior to the event to determine availability.
Book Fair helper: Assist with book sales 1-2x/year.Help select books, assist with setup, sale and cleanup.
*Play Group participant/organizer: Weekly informal gatherings in the church hall/playroom to provide social interaction for stay-at-home parents and their children. Toys provided.
Mailing Ministry:Materials provided to send, throughout the year, to individuals/families who have lost a loved one in the past year (can be done from home). Other select mailings as well.
Marriage Support/Enrichment Group: Meet once monthly along with other couples to support and encourage one another in marriage. Videos, books, discussion points, etc. would be used. Materials would be provided.
Parenting Support: Group meets 4-6 times within 1-2 month time frame. Materials provided. Parent support for toddlers/preschool, elementary, pre-teens, teens.
Date Night Event Coordinator: Work with one or two other people to organize the Annual Date Night for couples in our parish: advertising, mailing invitations, arranging for childcare, desserts and post-date social time for couples. Date night is the Saturday before Valentine’s Day from 4:30-8:30pm.
Social Activities: Help organize activities couples and families. Examples: picnics, progressive dinners, movie or family game nights, arts/craft nights, swimming.
Adopt a Grandparent: Individuals or families to visit shut-ins or care center residents 1-2x/month.
Additional Opportunities
Boy Scouts Troop #120: Boy Scouts of America is designed to help young men grow to be good citizens and have faith in their God. Scouts turn noboyaway;theyare reverent totheir God while learning theprinciples of faith andgood citizenship. Their sloganis“Do aGood Turn Daily!”
Knights of Columbus: Catholic men, committed to making their community a better place, supporting their Church, enhancing their faith while enhancing their family’s faith.
Catholic Foresters: Practicing Catholics of all ages interested in fellowship and helping the church and community.
Habitat for Humanity: Assist when available. Parish can sponsor a “Group Build Day.”
Stewardship Team:Promotes Stewardship as a "way of life" to our parish family by encouraging members to use their God given gifts. Plan and organize Stewardship Fair. Work with other parish committees as support.Meet1-2x/month.
Bill Christensen 319-624-8066
Harvest Festival Planning Committee: Individuals & couples to serve on planning committee. Meet in the summer to oversee planning for this annual fall event.Helpful for members to serve 2-3 years.
Harvest Festival Advertising: Help with promotion of the event.
Building & Grounds: When available- Cemetery:clean-up. Gardens:planting, fall clean-up, weeding. Basic Repair:plumbing, electrical, carpentry,painting.
Office Work: When available- Mailings: (Daytime-work with group at church). Telephone Work: (from home to parishioners).Computer Data Entry: (At church-daytime). Money Counters: Meet on Monday morning to count and record weekend offerings. Scheduled every 3-5 weeks.
Social Justice & Peace
Sandy Willey 319-930-0209
Social Justice Commission: Meet 6-9x/year to plan ways to promote an awareness of the social teachings of the Gospel and provide ways for parishioners to respond to the Gospel challenges of justice, peace & compassion.
Right to Life: Help create awareness and opportunities to become involved in issues surrounding abortion, euthanasia, stem cell research, and abuse issues. This includes support for Choices Medical Clinic in Iowa City and for Hope & Healing Ministries.
Prison Ministry/Mentoring: Training provided to serve inmates or mentor those on probation.
Advocacy: Contact me by email when legislative issues arise regarding human dignity & justice issues so that I can respond electronically to my elected officials.
Food Collection: Help needed delivering the first weekend of the month collection of non-perishablesto the Solon Food Pantry or Iowa City Crisis Center. As often as available to help.
Blood Drives: Contact me when parish sponsors a blood drive. 2-3x/year.
Parish Nurse Assistance: Assist Parish Nurse in health and well-being activities.
Nancy Upmeyer 319-624-2944
Care Center Giving Tree: Coordinate this annual event with the Solon Nursing Care Center.
Environmental: Coordinate awareness for parish.
Faith Formation
Julie Agne 319-624-2228
Sean Lokmer 319-624-2228
Faith Formation Commission Member: Coordinates parish initiatives in faith development and lifelong education by assessing and evaluating current efforts and developing new initiatives. Meet 6x/year.
The youth faith formation program runs from September through the first week of May. Lead catechists oversee the planning for their grade. Assistants provide support and can lead classroom sessions. Small group leaders and the ministry team are responsible for preparing the lesson for their assigned group each week.
*K-6 Lead Catechist, *K-6 Assistant Catechist, *5-9th Small Group Leaders, *10-11th Ministry Team, *Hall Monitor: Oversees and supports activities taking place during classes and does some clean-up following class, *Child Care Coordinator: Schedules childcare volunteers for daycare room, Music Support Assist:With opening music celebration, music in classrooms, preparing for Class Masses, First Communion Team: Help coordinate events which support families of First Communicants such as Advent Dinner & Gathering, Tour of the Church, First Reconciliation, Eucharist Retreat.
Children’s Christmas Musical: 1-6th gr. prepares in fall for December musical. Direction & training provided to oversee rehearsals, set & scenery, costuming, rehearse lines, print materials, plan dinner .
*RCIC Team: Meet with families of un-baptized older children (1-6th grade) to prepare them for joining the church. Training provided, meet 6-8 times Nov-Apr.
*Vacation Bible School: Third week in July. Help in the area of crafts, games, storytelling, opening celebration, snacks, registration, material prep at home, photography.
Family Service Club: Parents organize service projects they can do with their childrenthroughout the year.
Parish Library:Keep library materials organized by shelving returned items, labeling new materials, organizing special library events.
Adult Small Community Leader:Training provided for those willing to facilitate one of our adult studies.
Parish Studies:8 Week Bible Overview, Bible Studies, Women’s Book Study, Men’s Book Study, Theology of the Body, 20 wk Church History, Lenten Studies, Men’s Prayer Group, Women’s Prayer Group, Couple’s Study Group.
Area Events:Martha & Mary Conference-February,Marriage Encounter, Catholic Men’s Conference, CEW Men & Women Retreats.
Hall Helpers
Funeral Dinners: Assist with funeral dinners during the day.
Event Set-Up: Set up tables, chairs, serving lines for parish events. Help as available, 2-4x/year.
Event Take Down: Take down tables, chairs, etc after parish events. Help as available, 2-4x/year.
Cooking: In the hall, 1-3x/year for parish events.
Kitchen Clean-Up: During/following event 1-3x/year.
Set Up/Serving: For parish meals, 1-3x/year.
Hall Decorating: For parish events.
Meal Organizing: Plan/organize meal for parish events (Menu, supplies needed, shopping for food, etc.).
Baking: Bake items for events throughout the year as often as you are able, drop off in evening or morning.
*Completion of Safe Environment Training as prescribed by the diocese is required