(located in the Parish Offices)

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1 PAGE 16 ST. MARY S CATHOLIC CHURCH 212 West Main Street St. Clairsville, Ohio Phone: Fax: office@stmaryschurchstc.com NOVEMBER, 2016 (located in the Parish Offices) GIFT ITEMS AND GREETING CARDS FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS: BAPTISMS - WEDDINGS - ANNIVERSARIES FIRST COMMUNION - CONFIRMATION - RCIA CHRISTMAS - GRADUATION - MOTHER S/FATHER S DAY ROSARIES - CRUCIFIXES - STATUES RELIGIOUS JEWELRY - MEDALS 7-DAY CANDLES - HOLY WATER FONTS HOLY CARDS - BIBLES - SPIRITUAL READING (PERSONALIZED ROSARIES AVAILABLE BY SPECIAL ORDER) Open during Normal Parish Office Hours Please take a moment to stop by and check out our new items! New addresses Please make note of our new addresses: Fr. Tom Chillog...tchillog@stmaryschurchstc.com Mike Zabrecky dre@stmaryschurchstc.com Karen Gress/ Fran Nottingham. finance@stmaryschurchstc.com Cathy Holubeck/ Susie Gibson.secretary@stmaryschurchstc.com Office.. office@stmaryschurchstc.com The church s website is now Dear members of St. Mary s Parish Family, As I compose this letter on the Solemnity of All Saints, it is an absolutely beautiful day as I look outside and see that it is nearly 80 degrees! My mind just can t seem to comprehend that it is Fall and not Summer, and that I should be wearing a jacket and not walking around in my shirtsleeves. I m sure that this mixed up weather will turn to the blustery days of winter. It has to. This momentary gift of a beautiful summery day is soon to pass. Reflecting on the passing of the seasons I think about the passing of our loved ones during this month of All Souls. All of us have been touched by someone who has passed away over this last year. We keep a candle burning in the church next to our Book of Remembrance - which contains the names of our beloved - during the month of November. We place the All Souls envelopes there as well as we pray for all our beloved deceased family and friends. All Souls Day is a holy day set aside for honoring our beloved dead, and this day is primarily celebrated in the Catholic Church, but it is also celebrated in the Eastern Orthodox Church and a few other denominations of Christianity. According to our Catholic belief, the soul of a person who dies can go to one of three places. The first is to heaven, where the deceased who is in a state of perfect grace and communion with God goes. The second is to hell, where those who die in a state of mortal sin are naturally condemned by their choice. The intermediate option is to purgatory, which is thought to be where most people, free of mortal sin, but still in a state of lesser (venial) sin, must go. Purgatory is an important stop on our final journey so that souls can be cleansed and perfected before they enter into heaven and behold our God face to face. There is scriptural basis for this belief. The primary reference is in 2 Maccabees, 12:26 and 12:32. Turning to supplication, they prayed that the sinful deed might be fully blotted out... Thus made atonement for the dead that they might be free from sin. Consistent with these teachings and traditions, as Catholics we believe that through the prayers of the faithful on earth, our beloved dead are cleansed of their sins so they may enter into heaven. This venerable tradition is marked throughout our world in many different ways. The Church has always taught that we should pray for our beloved who have passed on so that they may one day enjoy the peace and joys of heaven with our Savior. Do consider stopping before or after Masses and adding the names of your beloved to our Book of Remembrance so that we may pray with you for them too. Masses: Saturday: 4:30 pm Sunday: 9:00 & 11:30 am Weekday Masses: 7:45 am Saturday Morning: 9:00 am We now have our bulletins and other important info available online. Check it out at: Don t forget to download our Parish App for your smartphone and electronic devices from the App store. Look for St. Mary s Catholic Church, St. Clairsville, OH The next issue of our Newsletter will be mailed in February Please submit all articles by Friday, January 13, HIGHLIGHTS: MUSIC MINISTRY BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY SHUT-IN MINISTRY YOUTH MINISTRY 3 KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COLUMBIAN SQUIRES WOMEN OF ST. MARY S ST. FRANCIS SOCIETY MIRACLE OF LIFE SCRIP ADORATION 7 PARISH MINISTRIES & ORGANIZATIONS RELIGIOUS EDUCATION LITURGICAL TIMES /9 ST. MARY S CENTRAL 12 FAMILY/SOCIAL 13 10/11 FINANCIAL STATEMENT 14/15 GIFT MINISTRY/ 16 ADDRESSES

2 PAGE 2 PAGE 15 MUSIC MINISTRY What is Sacred Music? Music, great music, distends the spirit, arouses profound emotions and almost naturally invites us to raise our minds and hearts to God in all situations of human existence, the joyful and the sad. Music can become prayer. Pope Benedict XVI. Music that blends both spiritual and artistic excellence, is liturgical it is sacred. Such music has the ability to cultivate, strengthen, and deepen the spiritual experience of those gathered for worship. The musical tradition of the Church is a treasure of immeasurable value. Liturgical music never dominates, but serves. Sacred music imparts spiritual truth to one s mind, heart, and soul. It displays a dimension of meaning and feeling that mere words cannot. Music makes prayer more pleasing, promotes a sense of congregational unity, and confers greater solemnity upon the sacred rites. Singing is an expression of joy. In Colossians 3:16, St. Paul exhorts the faithful assembled in expectation of their Lord s return to sing together. He says, Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly...singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. Our relationship with God is one of love, and whether we sing loudly or softly, on pitch or out of tune, sing! St. Augustine very rightly says that, it is natural for a lover to sing and that those who sing pray twice. So sing your praise, your love song, to God He will surely be pleased. As always, we are seeking new members for the Adult and Youth Choirs as well as anyone interested in becoming a Cantor. Adult choir practices are held every Wednesday at 7pm in the Church. Youth Choir meets Wednesdays at 3:15 and is open to all students third grade and older. Please consider taking part in Music Ministry! Matthew Berher, Director of Music Ministry Phone: (740) or music.stmary@gmail.com BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY The purpose of the Bereavement Ministry is to help people through the stages of grief. The Bereavement Ministry is available to parishioners and non-parishioners who are dealing with the death of a loved one. We are here to provide practical, hope-filled pathways to use while going through the stages of grief. Our mission is to communicate that no one has to go through their grief alone. We have several series of meetings throughout the year. All sessions are held on Sunday evenings and are posted in our parish Sunday bulletins. We welcome all those dealing with grief...whether you yourself have lost someone, or you are helping others handle their grief. If you have attended any of our sessions and would like to come back, you are also welcome. You are urged to contact us at any time if you have any questions about our ministry, or if you need additional support between our scheduled sessions please call Debbi Shutler ( ). NURSING HOME AND SHUT-IN MINISTRY: DANA JESKEY We have many things to be grateful for. I want to thank the good, loving, dedicated men and women who every week take Jesus to those who cannot get to Church. There are about 21 of us who take turns going to the 5 Nursing Homes and private homes. If you have any interest in serving our parish in this Ministry, please contact Father Tom at the Parish Offices or me, Dana at I have a wonderful announcement for our Eucharistic Ministers that I can t talk about until December. It is wonderful and happy news for our whole church. Don t you love a mystery??? God Bless, Dana FISCAL YEAR FINANCIAL STATEMENT, CONTINUED Marian Hall Kitchen Supplies - Bingo 7,076 Marian Hall Kitchen Supplies - Social 2,523 Ministry to the Bereaved Expense 2,981 Miscellaneous - Administrative 8,767 SMC Support Envelopes 0 Maintenance - Service 6,685 TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES: 410,715 OPERATING INCOME: 403,878 NON-OPERATING EXPENSES: (Non-Operating Expenses refers to activities that occur more infrequently and generally do not affect the everyday business of the Parish) Non-Operating Expense 8,950 Insurance - General 17,462 Property Taxes 6,892 Parish Assessment 40,392 Assessments to SMC 150,000 Assessments to SJC High School 78,752 Church Improvements 20,380 Parish Office Improvements 4,152 Marian Hall Improvements 1,068 TOTAL NON-OPERATING EXPENSES: 328,048 NET INCOME 75,830 This year-end financial report is a summary of our revenues and expenses. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. We appreciate you being good stewards of your treasure, and sharing your financial resources with the rest of the community. We remain dedicated to our goal of safeguarding the financial assets of St. Mary s Church. Thank you, Fr. Tom. St. Mary s Church Checking, Savings and Loan Balances - Years Ended June 30, 2016 & 2015 Assets: 6/30/16 6/30/15 Huntington - Checking Account Balance $ 18,406 $ 15,870 Belmont Savings $ 27,463 $ 27,384 Huntington - Savings Trust Fund Balance * $ 711,899 $ 410,510 * Includes the following: Proceeds from the Sale of St. Mary s Lafferty $ 56,387 Proceeds & Funds from St. Stanislaus Parish $ 107,115 Proceeds & Funds from St. Joseph s Parish $ 171,467 Total - Checking/Trust Savings $ 757,760 $ 453,764 Liabilities: WesBanco - Line of Credit Balance $ 403,347 $ 447,367 Narthex Improvement Project Total - Loans $ 403,347 $ 447,367

3 PAGE 3 PAGE 14 FISCAL YEAR FINANCIAL STATEMENT WHAT YOU GAVE US & OTHER MONIES RECEIVED: July 1, 2015 June 30, 2016 Church Collections 584,617 Youth Ministries 353 Religious Education Fees 4,520 Bingo Kitchen Profit 11,407 SMC School Support Envelopes 211 Diocesan/Parish Share Campaign Rebate 82,939 Transfer Bingo Profits 73,806 Designated Collections 27,276 Ministry to the Bereaved 2,241 Non-Operating Income 7,792 Other Income 19,431 OPERATING REVENUE: $814,593 NOVEMBER 13, 2016 YOUTH GROUP 5:00PM NOVEMBER 27, 2016 YOUTH GROUP 2:00PM WHAT WE DID WITH IT: (Operating Expenses refers to the day-to-day expenses of running the Parish) Designated Collection 29,048 Salaries 145,678 Payroll Taxes 11,164 Workers Compensation 1,232 License/Fees 956 Health/Eye/Dental - Priest 25,199 Health Insurance - Lay 12,258 Pension - Priest 4,000 Pension - Lay 2,625 Priest Car Allowance 7,500 Clergy Retreat 0 Offices Supplies 855 Office Expense 13,952 Subscriptions & Memberships 280 Public Relations 733 Educational Program - Clergy 1,446 Gifts & Donations 3,828 Contribution Envelopes 3,978 Bulletins 3,626 Missalettes 4,791 Altar & Sanctuary 13,243 Choir Music 698 Youth Ministry General Fund 966 Religious Education Ministry 6,625 Household - Rectory 4,415 Household - Food 8,695 Social Activities Expense 835 Utilities 40,033 Maintenance and Repairs 31,972 Maintenance Supplies 2,052 BUNCH OF BELIEVERS SCHEDULE Come join our Youth Group for some fun, friends, food, and FAITH! Anyone in grades 6 12 is invited to come and spend some quality time together! B.O.B. DECEMBER 11, 2016 CHRISTMAS 5:00PM DRE@stmaryschurchstc.com Check us out on Facebook!

4 PAGE 4 PAGE 13 KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS Membership in the Knights of Columbus continues to grow; more than 1.8 million men have taken advantage of opportunities for community and parish volunteering, fraternal benefits, and camaraderie offered through the order by joining the Knights of Columbus. With more than $76 billion of insurance in force, the order s fraternal benefits help families find security for themselves and future generations. Our Lady of Peace Council #4243 is in its 60 th year and has more than 200 members. All practicing male Catholics (age 18 and older) are invited to join. For an application or additional information, contact John Swan (740) , Stephen Gazdik (740) or any council member. UPCOMING EVENTS / st, 2 nd, and 3 rd Degree Exemplification K of C Insurance Informational meeting Diaper Drive for Miracle of Life Steak Fry - to benefit Seminarians Ladies Appreciation Dinner Memorial Mass /Social It s OK to say Merry Christmas Campaign Christmas Party Knights Opportunity Grant Fund Sponsor Special Olympics Election Day: Senior Citizens taken to polls Collect items for needy Veterans wheelchairs, canes, etc. Sponsor students for Pro-Life Rally in Washington DC Ohio Charities Ticket Campaign Diocesan Day of Renewal for Men Measure-Up Campaign - April 28 th and 29 th, May 5 th and 6 th, nd Annual Spaghetti Dinner - March 11, 2017 Pancake Breakfast Pennies for Heaven - ongoing program to benefit Seminarians Basketball Free-Throw Contest Paper Recycling bins are located in SMC s Parking Lot Annual Garage Sale -May 5 th and 6 th Ohio K of C Convention in Cincinnati - May 27 th and 28 th 60th Anniversary of Council - October/November Please watch the Parish Bulletin for more details about these and other events! Looking for a place for that special gettogether? The K of C Hall, National Road West (across from Riesbeck s) is available for rental for birthday parties, anniversary parties, reunions, graduation parties, etc. The cost is $ (members) and $ (non-members). For more info please call John Swan (740) KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS OFFICERS Grand Knight - John Swan Deputy Grand Knight - Steve Gazdik Financial Secretary - Jeff Turner Chancellor - Rick Young Lecturer - Chuck Schneider Treasurer - Ernie Schlatt Advocate - Jason Garczyk Warden - Tom Pickens Inside Guard - Dave Clark Outside Guard - Paul Kuthy Trustees- Bob Munko, Steve Williams, Tom Hauner Chaplain - Very Rev. Thomas Chillog District Deputy - Jeff Turner 4 th Degree Navigator - Jeff Turner COLUMBIAN SQUIRES The Columbian Squires is the youth organization of the Knights of Columbus. It is open to boys ages who are practicing Roman Catholics. The purpose of the Squires is to assist the Church and the Community through service while developing leadership skills to prepare them to make a difference in our world. The Squires run their own meetings under the guidance of a counselor and adult volunteers who are Knights. Squires participate in leadership seminars and retreats. A State Convention is held every year to elect new officers and go over the programs. Also, some fun activities are planned throughout the year such as bowling, golf, basketball, volleyball, and corn-hole tournaments. If you are interested in finding out more, please contact Marty Schumacher (740) Meetings are held on the 1 st & 3 rd Thursdays of the month at 7:00pm at the Council Home on National Road. (across from Riesbeck s) Come and join us! Note: Members are encouraged to participate in Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction at the Church prior to the meetings on the first Thursday. FAMILY AND SOCIAL CONCERNS MINISTRY This ministry offers opportunity to support our parish family through prayer, education, and outreach by: Promoting a Respect for Life and for the God-given dignity of all human beings. Welcoming Home parish family members who have fallen away from our community of faith. Providing Welcoming Socials for New Parishioners, and supporting an Employment Network. If you would like to help in any of these areas of ministry, or have ideas, or needs please contact Jim or Marie Crumbacher at or mcrumbacher@aol.com. BIBLE STUDY OPPORTUNITIES Evening Bible Study! Our weekly evening Bible Study on the Letters of St. Paul will be held in the Parish Offices on Wednesdays. The sessions will start at 6:30pm and will be finished at 8:00pm. Call Mike (740) for more information. Friday Morning Bible Study is from 9:30am 11:30am in the Parish Offices. The topic of our discussion will be the Base of Western Society - The Law. For more information, call Uli Heiby at (740) Sunday Morning Bible Study is from 10:10am-11:20am in the Parish Offices. The life of the Catholic Church in the United States will be reviewed. Then the Gospel of Mark, including the Synoptic Gospels and Mark s audience and focus will be explored. Cost is $15/person or $25/ per couple. For more information, contact Rena Duff at (740) STATE FUNDED SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM SMC participates in the Ohio Department of Education s EdChoice Expansion Scholarship Program for private school students. This scholarship is for parents who wish for their children to have a Catholic education but who may not be able to meet the tuition requirements. Students who will be in kindergarten, first, second, third, or fourth grade in the school year are eligible. This scholarship is income based. If you qualify, the scholarship will actually cover your entire yearly tuition and it follows the student year to year as long as parents meet the eligibility requirements. The application process is confidential. For more information, please call and speak with Mrs. Kennedy, principal.

5 PAGE 12 PAGE 5 ST. MARY S CENTRAL SCHOOL THE WOMEN OF ST. MARY S Greetings and Best Wishes from St. Mary s Central, Although Mother Nature was not kind to us with the hot, humid weather, our first few weeks of school were peaceful and productive. Our enrollment remained steady. The students returned, happy to be back at school, and our veteran faculty and staff have returned refreshed from their summer break. School Masses are usually held on Fridays at 1:45pm. Please join us in our liturgy celebration. Lectors and Eucharistic Ministers from the parish are welcome to participate in our masses as well. Please call the school at so that we may put you on the schedule. It is always our goal to improve and enhance our academic program. To that end, 40 new ipads have been added to our inventory making that technology readily available to a greater number of students. New textbooks, including history (grades 7&8), science (grades 6-8) and math (grades 6-8) have online e-books so that students do not have to carry their textbooks home. They can simply go online and the textbook is available. Mrs. Hendershot, science teacher, began the robotics after school program in late September. The program is open to students in grades 6, 7, and 8. The students meet after school to learn robotics programming. The program is opened to 4 th and 5 th grade students in the spring. The Knights of Columbus of the Our Lady of Peace Council are to be commended for their efforts to secure tuition assistance funds through their Opportunity Grants program. These gentlemen actively demonstrate their belief in our school and we are grateful. All donations stay at St. Mary s Central School and are used specifically for tuition assistance. If you are asked to contribute, please say yes. To our private and anonymous benefactors, you have been blessed with generous hearts and we are grateful. For each of you who have supported SMC through your prayers, your positive comments, your participation in our fundraising efforts, and your faith in our mission, we are grateful as well. God bless each and every one of you. We always thank God for all of you mentioning you in our prayers. 1 Thessalonians 1:2 Sincerely, Nannette Kennedy, BA, MS Principal ST. FRANCIS SOCIETY St. Francis Society is an organization for all those 55+ years of age. We meet monthly for social, educational, and spiritual growth. Our meetings are usually held the 3 rd Wednesday of the month beginning at 11:15am with lunch at noon followed by a program or speaker and a brief business meeting in Marian Hall unless otherwise specified (watch the bulletin for any changes).. Mark your Calendar: We will host our annual Christmas Party Brunch at 12:30pm, December 4, 2016, at the Belmont Hills Country Club. Cost is $18.00 per person and includes tax and gratuity. The menu is the country club s famous Sunday brunch: Made to Order Omelet and Waffles Bar plus other breakfast/lunch entreés. There will be an optional $10 gift exchange. In lieu of a gift exchange, you are invited (optional) to bring a donation of toys for the Children s Hospital of Pittsburgh or items/monetary donations for the Miracle of Life Support Group. Join us to bring in the holiday season with November 16 If you are interested in joining the committee and/or helping with any of our projects, please contact one of the committee members or the Parish Offices and leave your name and phone number. We will put future dates for upcoming meetings in the bulletin. Coordinating Committee Members: Marie Berher (740) , Anne Farnario (740) , Connie Komar (740) , Lu Riley (740) , Pat Tolbert (740) , Joyce Hummel (740) , Bonnie Vasquez (740) , Helen Vascura (740) and Vita Norris (740) SCHEDULE OF REGULAR MONTHLY MEETINGS Mary s Crazy Fun Bingo December 14 Christmas Party in Marian Hall open to all members, parishioners and friends. Reservations must be made by noon on Saturday, December 10 th. January and February (no meetings due to unpredictable weather) Everyone over 55 years young is welcome to attend and encouraged to invite a friend! Please watch the parish bulletin for more details! For more information, please call Jan Martin (740)

6 PAGE 6 PAGE 11 MIRACLE OF LIFE SUPPORT GROUP UPCOMING LITURGICAL TIMES ST. MARY S SCHOOL - SCRIP The Miracle of Life Support Group thanks all who recently made donations through the use of the envelopes in their packets. Your generous support is most appreciated and will aid this ministry to continue providing assistance to mothers and infants in need. During the past six month period alone we have continued to distribute countless diapers, cribs, clothing, and layettes. We also thank those from various community organizations and individuals who have so generously contributed to this program. Anyone who is interested in making a donation can send it to Miracle of Life Support Group, P. O. Box 273, St. Clairsville, OH (Please make checks payable to Miracle of Life Support Group) Again, thank you to all who have and continue to support this invaluable ministry. Major Retailers Want to Give Our School Money Through Gift Cards! The SCRIP Store, in the All Saints Chapel, is where you can purchase gifts cards that benefit St. Mary s Central School. It is mentioned after each Mass by Fr. Tom or Fr. Ed as part of their weekly announcements. With so many new parishioners, we wanted to take the opportunity to let everyone know about the program and invite you to participate. SCRIP is the largest single fundraiser for St. Mary s Central School. For anyone who is not familiar with SCRIP, the concept behind the program is very simple: - Through the Great Lakes SCRIP company, retailers sell gift cards to the school at a discount. - Families buy the gift cards at full face value and use them for their everyday shopping or gift giving. Example: If you buy a $100 gift card, you GET a $100 gift card. - Our school and either a school family, the scholarship fund or the library fund evenly split the discounted difference. Even if you do not have a child enrolled at St. Mary s you can still purchase SCRIP and apply the profit towards a student s tuition of your choice (such as a grandchild) or the proceeds can go to our Scholarship Fund or to our Library Fund. Many national retailers participate in the SCRIP program including WalMart, Kohl s, Red Lobster, Marathon, Pilot, Panera Bread, Lowe s, Sears, MC Sports, and Ulta. Many local retailers participate as well including Riesbeck s, Lendon Floral, Mehlman s, Bud s Bloomers and Swan s Sporting Goods. There is a copy of our SMC SCRIP order form on the back of this sheet. Please stop by the SCRIP Store, in the All Saints Chapel, to find out more! Thanksgiving Day Mass at 9:00am, Thursday, November 24 th. You are invited to bring canned or dried goods to church to be presented at offertory time. These gifts will be given to our local Food Pantry. The Columbian Squires will coordinate this effort. You may also make a monetary donation or use the envelope in your packet. The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Vigil Mass at 6:30pm, Wednesday, December 7 th Masses at 9:00am and 12:00pm, Thursday, December 8 th Parish Confessions School Confessions will be at 1:30pm, Monday December 12 th Parish Confessions will be 6:30pm, Monday, December 12 th Christmas Eve Mass at 4:30pm, Saturday, December 24 th. This Mass will be incense free to accommodate those people with allergies and respiratory problems. Mass at 8:00pm, Saturday, December 24 th Christmas Day Mass at 10:00am, Sunday, December 25 th Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God Vigil Mass at 4:30pm, Saturday, December 31 st Masses at 9:00am and 11:30am, Sunday, January 1, 2017 Liturgical Ministry Sign-Up Sheets are hanging in the Sacristy hallway for all of these services. Please sign your name if you would like to volunteer for any of these Masses as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, Lector, Acolyte or Usher

7 PAGE 10 PAGE 7 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: MIKE ZABRECKY Grade School PSR began on Sunday, September 25 th. We offer classes for Grades 1-8. Class is held from 10:10am - 11:15am in St. Mary s Central School, so your family is free to attend either Sunday morning Mass together! High School PSR (Grades 9 and 10) began on Sunday, October 2 nd. On the first Sunday of each month, students meet together in Marian Hall at 11:15am to attend the 11:30am Mass. Class follows in Marian Hall and the students are dismissed at 1:30pm. First Reconciliation and First Communion are typically celebrated during the second grade year. Our Sacramental Preparation program begins in January. More details will be provided at a later date. Confirmation Preparation began on October 9 th. On the second Sunday of each month, students meet together in Marian Hall at 11:15am to attend the 11:30am Mass. Class follows in Marian Hall and the students are dismissed at 1:30pm. Our RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is already in progress. We meet on Thursdays at 6:30pm in the Parish Offices. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about initiation into the Catholic Church, please call me at the Parish Offices (740) for more information. It is a busy year, so study hard, pray harder, and we will see you at Mass! God bless! Michal Zabrecky, DRE We are very excited to continue the Children s Liturgy of the Word which takes place during the 9:00am Mass. Children that are in pre-school and kindergarten are dismissed to Marian Hall after the Opening Greeting of the Mass and reflect on the readings on their age-appropriate level. They then return to church and participate in the Liturgy of the Eucharist with the rest of the congregation. We are looking for a few parents and adult volunteers who are willing to lead the Children s Liturgy of the Word once or twice a month. If you are able to help, please contact Michal at the Parish Offices. ADULT EDUCATION: VERY REV. THOMAS A. CHILLOG Father Tom s Adult Education Sessions: A Powerful Study on the Blessed Mother Begins on Monday, November 7 th. Filmed on location in the Holy Land, Mary: A Biblical Walk with the Blessed Mother will place you in the midst of the powerful drama of Mary s earthly life, taking you through her joys and her sorrows. You will learn how she works in our lives today, drawing us ever closer to her divine Son. Seeing Mary in this way will change you forever. She will become part of your daily life and help you to become more like Christ. Father Tom will facilitate this 8-part DVD Bible study featuring Dr. Edward Sri, beginning on Monday, November 7 th and the following Mondays (11/14, 11/21, 11/28 and 12/5) in Marian Hall at 6:30 in the evening. You will need to register for this study so that sufficient workbooks may be ordered. Please call the parish offices to sign up. Plan to join us for this wonderful program. There will be more information forthcoming about the costs of the workbooks, etc. For more information online, please visit BibleStudyForCatholics.com You are invited to join us for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Prayer on the First Thursday of each month. Following the morning Mass, the Blessed Sacrament is exposed on the altar for the day. We conclude with Benediction at 6:30 p.m. Please try to make time in your day to spend some special time with the Lord. ST. CLAIRSVILLE AREA COUNCIL OF CHURCHES The Council of Churches works with other churches in the community to provide food for families in need in the St Clairsville school district. We at St Mary s work two months of the year to help with families by packing items for those that come that month for help. We provide gifts to children for families from the St. Clairsville Food Pantry and Project Manna from the Epworth Center in Bethesda. You can sponsor a child by taking a name off our Angel Tree in the back of church during Advent. The Council also sponsors the Soup and Sermons during Lent. If you would like more information or to help with the Food Pantry, Christmas Gifts, or Soup and Sermon, please contact Jim or Marie Crumbacher at or by at mcrumbacher@aol.com. To be eligible to receive food at the St. Clairsville Area Council of Churches Food Pantry you must be a resident within the St. Clairsville School District and bring proof of name and address. The pantry is open every Thursday from 1:00 to 3:00 and qualified individuals can come once a month. FATHER EDWARD A. MAXFIELD, JR. One of my many jobs here at Saint Mary s is visiting our parishioners who are homebound or in care facilities. As it turns out, there are a lot of them within our parish boundaries! Four care facilities, one assisted living facility, and many homebound parishioners. I know that there are a lot of them, but don t worry, I m not doing this alone. I m assisted by a team of lay volunteers, currently led by Dana Jeskey, but our deacon candidate, Chuck Schneider, will be taking over before too long. This team (too many to name here!) visits each of our care facilities weekly, to distribute communion and to visit the ill and elderly. I visit each of those facilities monthly to celebrate mass and to offer the sacrament of anointing of the sick. Our team of ministers to the homebound visits our parishioners at home at least once a month, and I visit at their request to celebrate the sacraments of confession and anointing of the sick. I know this seems busy, but I m so glad to be able to give back to the parishioners who have supported our parish in the past and deserve our support now. If you or someone you know is homebound or in a care facility and never sees me or our volunteers, let us know and we will fix it. Also, if you re interested in assisting our ministry and visiting our elderly and ill parishioners, let me know and we will put you to work!

8 PAGE 8 PAGE 9 PARISH MINISTRIES & ORGANIZATIONS St. Mary s Church has an abundance of ministries and organizations. These allow our parishioners to become more involved in the life of our parish, and to also help us to get to know each other better. We encourage you to read over the listing below and to become involved. Just give us a call to volunteer. A Snapshot of St. Mary s Parish Life Opportunities LITURGICAL MINISTRIES Contact Father Tom or Father Ed to volunteer for these ministries. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (Eucharistic Ministers) assist with the distribution of the Body and Blood of Christ at Mass. They are called upon occasionally to take the Eucharist to those who are infirm or homebound. There is usually one class required to become an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. Lectors proclaim the Word of God and when there is no Deacon present at Mass, lead the Intercessions at the Liturgies. There is usually one class required. Ushers/Greeters assist the assembly to find seats, take up the weekly offering, and offer assistance as needed to the assembly. They are unofficial greeters, as they are usually the first person that people encounter as they enter the church. Anyone, male or female, is welcome to participate as an usher/greeter. Altar Servers (Acolytes) assist the priests/deacon at the altar. This ministry is open to males and females in Grade 5 and older. MUSIC MINISTRY This ministry consists of a variety of opportunities to assist the faithful to worship God through song, enhancing the liturgical prayer life of our parish. The music ministry is coordinated by Matthew Berher, (740) We welcome anyone who is interested in these opportunities to contact Matthew. Choir - sings at 9:00am Sunday Mass from September through Pentecost. Rehearsals are held on Wednesdays at 7:00pm. All parishioners ages 14 and up are invited to participate in the adult choir. Resurrection Choir - sings at our funeral liturgies, providing much needed support to those who are bereaved. Anyone is welcome to join this choir. Cantors - assist the liturgical assembly most importantly by singing the Responsorial Psalm and other music during the liturgy. Rehearsals are usually held prior to the Choir rehearsal from 5:00pm 7:00pm. Saint Mary's Youth Choir -All children in elementary and middle school, grades 3-8, are encouraged to participate in this exciting choir. Rehearsals are held after school on Wednesdays in the church. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAMS A variety of faith formation programs are available to all parishioners including: Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) for adult inquirers interested in becoming a Catholic, Parish School of Religion (PSR) for children in grades K-12, pre-sacramental programs for those preparing for Marriage, Confirmation, First Penance and First Communion, weekly adult bible studies and adult catechism classes, Children s Liturgy of the Word for preschoolers on Sundays, youth activities, retreats, and service projects, Summer Vacation Bible School. Many volunteer teachers and helpers serve in these programs. These programs are coordinated by Mr. Michal Zabrecky, Director of Religious Education. If you would be willing to assist in any of these areas, or are interested in learning more about these programs, please contact Mr. Zabrecky at the Parish Offices (740) YOUTH MINISTRY PROGRAM This program is offered for our youth who are in Junior High and High School. The program offers fun, service, education, and spiritual opportunities for our youth. Mr. Michal Zabrecky is the Director of Youth Ministry. You may contact him at the Parish Offices (740) to become involved in this program or to offer assistance. FAMILY AND SOCIAL CONCERNS MINISTRY This ministry offers a variety of opportunities to promote a greater respect for life and for the God-given dignity of all human beings, within our families and our community through prayer, education, and outreach to those in need. This ministry also focuses on the Welcoming Social for New Parishioners, and the Employment Network. If you would like to help in any of these areas of ministry please contact Jim or Marie Crumbacher (740) or to mcrumbacher@aol.com. PARISH MINISTRIES & ORGANIZATIONS ( CONT.) COUNCIL OF CHURCHES & FOOD PANTRY We maintain a good ecumenical relationship with the local churches and work together on a variety of programs. For more information, please contact Marie and Jim Crumbacher (740) KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS & COLUMBIAN SQUIRES Knights of Columbus Council 4243 is part of the national fraternal organization dedicated to assisting Catholic men to serve the church. The Knights were formed to render financial aid to members and their families. Mutual aid and assistance are offered to sick, disabled, and needy members and their families. Social and intellectual fellowship is promoted among members and their families through educational, charitable, religious, social welfare, war relief, and public relief works. The Knights meet at their Council Home on National Road, across from Riesbeck s, on the first and third Thursdays of the month (meetings beginning at 7:00pm). For more information, call current Grand Knight John Swan (740) or Steve Gazdik (740) The Columbian Squires is the youth organization of the Knights of Columbus. It is open to boys ages who are practicing Roman Catholics. For more information, please call Marty Schumacher (740) ST. FRANCIS SOCIETY Monthly luncheons, programs, and activities are offered for Seniors 55+. The St. Francis Society meets monthly on the third Wednesday afternoon in Marian Hall. For more information, please call Jan Martin (740) THE WOMEN OF ST. MARY S This organization offers a variety of programs for the women of the parish. Their offerings are listed in the parish bulletin. Currently, the leadership includes Marie Berher (740) , Anne Farnario (740) , Connie Komar (740) , Lu Riley (740) , and Pat Tolbert (740) MINISTRY TO THE BEREAVED Luncheons in Marian Hall are offered to families following the Funeral Liturgy. Mrs. Anna Rogers (740) coordinates these luncheons. If you would be willing to assist in the preparation of these luncheons please call Mrs. Rogers. Bereavement Support Group Ministry which meets regularly to assist those who are dealing with the loss of a loved one and moving through the stages of grieving. For more information about upcoming sessions, please contact the coordinator of this ministry, Debbi Shutler (740) or the Parish Offices. MINISTRY TO THE SICK AND SHUT-IN Weekly communion services are offered at all the area nursing homes, as well as visits to hospitals and the homebound parishioners to give them Holy Communion. If someone is ill or hospitalized, please contact the coordinator, Dana Jeskey (740) or the Parish Offices. MIRACLE OF LIFE SUPPORT GROUP Assistance for needy mothers during or after pregnancy is available to residents of Belmont County. To volunteer or donate, please contact Carol Cenkus at (740) PARISH NURSE MINISTRY This group of professional nurses offers a variety of informational and referral assistance to parishioners. Regular blood pressure screenings are offered following Masses on the first weekend of each month. The nurses meet as needed. A person is being sought to head this ministry. For more information or to become involved with this ministry, please contact Janet Berher (740) PASTORAL COUNCIL AND FINANCE COUNCIL The councils serve as an advisory body to the pastor. Pastoral Council members are elected/appointed to serve a three-year term meeting as needed. If you have any questions or concerns, please know that you are welcome to contact any of these parishioners. Elected members of the Pastoral Council include: Ginny Favede (740) , Thomas Kutzlo (740) , Kevin Shutler (740) , Mark Westlake (740) Ex officio members include: Father Chillog, Father Maxfield, Nannette Kennedy, Matthew Berher, and Michal Zabrecky. Members of the Finance Council are: Dick Dolan (740) , Janet Hissrich (740) , Ron Remp (740) , and Bob Vincenzo (740) BINGO - Our Bingo is held every Tuesday at 6:30pm in Marian Hall. Floor workers are always needed and appreciated to work the Bingo. We send a letter requesting assistance for helpers each month. If you can help, please reply to your letter to work. Contact Lill Misencik (740) for more information about working the floor. Kitchen workers are needed as well. Contact Cathy Costain (740) if you can assist in the kitchen on a regular basis or on if you can substitute occasionally. Revenue generated from the Bingo assists the parish in paying our assessments to our Catholic Schools.