The Ministry of Hospitality The Ministries of St. Charles Borromeo Hospitality is the hallmark of what it means to be church. There are many opportunities for people to extend a sense of warmth and welcome. The different components of this ministry are: 50 Plus Club This group of parishioners comes together for a potluck lunch and program on a monthly basis. In addition, they come to share their concern for each other, their stage in life, and most of all the presence of God manifested in their togetherness. Chairperson: Mary Smith Friends and Family This social group, open to everyone in the parish, gets together on a regular basis to have some fun and enjoy each other s company. Chairperson Kim Norris Welcome Ministry This ministry reaches out to those who are new to our parish. With a folder full of information, these ministry members make a home visit to share hospitality on behalf of us all. Transportation Providers This fleet of drivers provide rides for those in need of transportation to Mass, parish events and personal appointments. We Care Working with the Ministry of Consolation, We Care offers a relaxing and needed meal after a funeral. People are needed to prepare side dishes and/or serve as a host/hostess at the lunch. Chairpersons Katie Armstrong, Connie Huber, Cindy Livingston, Rosie Schniers, Judi Vaughn Helping Hands A special ministry that will provide meals for parish members who have medical treatments, surgery, or other events that warrant a homemade meal whose main ingredient is love. Chairperson Maureen Smith General Hospitality Many opportunities arise when refreshments and a smile are needed: parish gatherings, visitations, receptions, etc. Members attend to these events. Chairperson Maureen Smith The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) The RCIA is an initiation into a way of life. It is a process of growth and conversion. The process is for anyone wanting to learn more about the Catholic faith and way of life.. those who are unbaptized those who have been baptized in another faith tradition and are no longer living in that tradition those who were baptized Catholics and received no further formal instruction. Sponsors will journey with the catechumen or candidate by attending sessions, introducing them to the community, answering their questions and basically just being there for them.
The Ministry of Liturgy We, as an empowered community, must do our best to work together to develop liturgical celebrations that invite and encourage full, active and conscious participation by all members. - Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy The Ministry of Liturgy works to encourage the above through the following sub-ministries. Environment Ministry is responsible for decorating the worship space through the year. In addition to members who meet on a regular basis to plan and design part time volunteers are needed to help with a one-time task or project. Chairperson: Lucy Campanis Music Ministry is responsible for providing music for our Masses and other liturgical celebrations. Needed are: Organists/Pianists Other Instrumentalists Cantors Choir Members Chairperson: Glenna Murphy Liturgical Ministers are given the opportunity to assist at our Masses by attending to these various roles: Ushers Servers Greeters Lectors Eucharistic Ministers Gift Bearers Eucharistic Ministers are also needed to bring the Eucharist to our homebound members and those who would be hospitalized at Sarah Bush. The Rosary is prayed before every weekend mass. People are needed to lead this beautiful prayer at these masses. The Traveling Rosary is a group of parishioners who travel to different residential and health care facilities, once a week, to communally pray the rosary. The Ministry of Maintenance This ministry works closely with Wayne Neese, our custodian, and Ryan Siegel our Maintenance Supervisor to attend to the physical needs of our buildings and grounds. Duties of ministry members include: overseeing the maintenance of all buildings working as crews different times of the year assessing the future needs of the parish buildings The following work crews are needed: carpentry painting landscaping general maintenance Chairperson: Curt Buescher
The Ministry of Community Meeting the needs of others is of paramount concern to this ministry. By becoming involved in the various programs listed, we truly step forward in our discipleship and put our faith into action. Coalition for People in Need (CPN) As covenant church, members are needed as volunteers to work with those who are seeking assistance. CPN s office is now at their new location on State Street and is open late afternoons. Contact person Rory Steidel 345-5099 Faith and Light Community Opportunities of worship and social interaction are offered to the members of our parish who are developmentally disabled. The different residential homes bring the folks to the 5pm mass the 3 rd Saturday of the month. Ministry members attend mass with them and then together enjoy a light supper in the hall afterwards. Chairperson: Deb Cuddy Habitat for Humanity - As a covenant church, we support Habitat through prayer, our annual collection, a work crew, and a lunch team who provides meals for the workers. All it takes is love and a little guidance to build a home. Parish Contact: Corrine Joyner St. Vincent de Paul - For nearly 200 years the poor and needy of the world have found a friend in the SOCIETY of St. VINCENT de PAUL. Our local Council is a dedicated group of volunteers (students and permanent community) who respond to the needs of the poor by making home visits. We refer to other existing help agencies when possible and have provided aid with rent, utility bills, food, medicine, eyeglasses, and other needs. Our focus is on serving Christ in others through the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy. Meetings are held at 5:15pm ontuesdays at the St Philip Neri Newman Catholic Center. Parish Contact: Terry Coulton St. Hedwig Haus of Hospitality Opening its doors in October of 2011, this Catholic Worker House offers a place for women and children in crisis. Volunteers are so very needed to spend time and be on the Haus. A shift is usually three hours but can be adjusted. While there, they can visit with the guests, help a child with homework, cook a meal and simply be a presence of Christ to others. Hedwig Haus 345-6901 Opportunities for Prayer Of course as Catholics prayer is a very precious part of our everyday life. It is what draws us closer to our God and makes us more aware of the needs and feelings of others. In our parish we have two wonderful opportunities to unite ourselves as one voice to God. - The St. Charles Electronic Prayer Chain A few years ago, a member of our parish called frantically requesting prayers for his brother who had just had a medical emergency. Immediately calls went out to many people and each was asked to call others. That incident became the catalyst for the Electronic Prayer Chain. Now as requests come into the office - within minutes a large number of people can be contacted and prayers can be offered up. If you have access to the internet and would like to be a part of this group of faithful prayers sign up at the fair! - The Blessed Frederic Ozanam League consists of any and all individuals who choose to offer prayers and sacrifices for the intention of those assisted by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and others requesting their prayers. Members spiritually assist our local Vincentians in living the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy. Members receive a prayer booklet, St. Vincent Medal and an occasional newsletter highlighting prayer intentions. All ages are welcome to participate in this ministry of prayer.
The Ministry of Education The call to follow in the footsteps of Jesus requires each of us, regardless of age and background, to learn all that we can about our faith, our church, and in turn, ourselves. The Ministry of Education provides such opportunities in these ways: Ministry Member This ministry works as a group of thinkers and innovators for the present and future direction of educational programs for both children and adults. As a member, your input is needed as we prepare ourselves and our youth for the challenges of living the Catholic lifestyle today. Catechist - Catechists are an integral part of the Ministry of Education. It is also not too early to consider being a new catechist for next year or to volunteer as a substitute. Classes are: - Grades Pre- K through 3 rd, as well as 7 th and 8 th meet Sunday mornings after Mass. - Grades 4 th through 6 th meet after school on Wednesdays. - High School sessions are held 2 Sunday evenings of each month at 7pm in Moriarty Hall. Materials and In-Services are provided for all grade levels. Each class is assigned two teachers for more flexibility. Our Adult Education opportunities continue in our parish through the Living the Eucharist Program, Wednesday morning Scripture Study, Symbolon Sunday and Sunday Question and Answer Session. Our Living the Eucharist sessions will begin again this Lent. Watch the bulletin for more information and the vestibule for the group sign-up sheets. Chairperson: Kathy Hussey The Ministry of Consolation The Ministry of Consolation s focus is to reach out to the individuals of our parish when they have experienced the death of a loved one. This ministry secures the liturgical ministers needed for visitations held at the parish and for the funeral masses. Those who wish to be a part of the ministry need to be available during the day when most funerals are scheduled. The following are needed: Lectors Ushers Eucharistic Ministers Servers Greeters Pall Attendants Guest Registry Chairperson: Laura Tucker
Secretarial Help Our parish office is a very busy place and often times help is needed. Our Office Manager, Reba Kortte, would enjoy your help: stuffing bulletins copying assisting in mail outs Most work is done during regular office hours but times arise when work can be taken home and completed. St. Charles Women When St. Charles began in the mid 1800 s, our women and their families gave their time and talent so their church would flourish. The same is true today. In addition to being a part of our many parish ministries, they sponsor social gatherings, parish retreats, and our annual bazaar and rummage sales contributing much to the parish life and friendships among the church community. Their generosity toward capital purchases of our parish also speak of their dedication to the legacy of St. Charles. Co-Chairs Cindy Livingston & Renee Smith GIFT SHOP - The SCW also sponsor a monthly gift shop where religious items for various occasions and celebrations may be purchased. Women are needed to help with the set up and sale. Chair Corrine Joyner The Ministry of Youth This illustrious group is made up of youth of our parish together with adult advisors and Angie Buescher, our youth minister. Duties of teen members are: to bring a spirit of excitement and questioning to seize the opportunity to serve others to invite other teens who are not active in this ministry to challenge oneself and others to live the Gospel of Jesus Duties of adult members: provide activities for the Junior and Senior High Members involve the youth in the life of the parish through the various ministries and activities work with the Ministry of Education to provide religious instruction promote ecumenical activities: social, religious or cultural.
The Ministry of Leadership The Pastoral Council and the Finance Council go about the work of the present and future affairs of St. Charles. These councils are called by the parish to serve as consultants to the pastor in assuring that all aspects of parish life reflect the mission and ministry of Jesus: to teach, to pray, to serve one another - Guidelines for Parish Pastoral Councils - Diocese of Springfield in Illinois The members of the Pastoral Council: pray encourage participation of parishioners foster unity promote dialogue of all members of the parish evaluate the vision and the movement of the parish family meet monthly The members of the Finance Council: pray coordinate the budget making process each year review the expenditures at the end of the year keep the Pastoral Council and the parish family updated coordinate any increased revenue projects meet quarterly The members of both councils serve a three year term. Appointments are made by the pastor after consultation with present council members. There are openings on each council. Knights of Columbus The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic, family, fraternal, service organization. They work to strengthen family life. They work actively toward Christian goals of unity and understanding. They strive to promote Catholic values. They foster athletic, cultural and social events. They aid the developmentally disabled. The Knights of Columbus were founded in 1883. Today they have over a million and a half members in over 9,000 local units throughout the world. Council # 4024 meets the second Wednesday of each month at 7pm in the Knights Room, located in the lower level of the rectory. Grand Knight: Mark Bates Knight of Columbus Women s Auxiliary - #4024 This newly formed group strives to participate in charitable, church, community and family activities through their time, energy and service to others. They also assist in promoting the welfare of K of C Council #4024 and promote friendship among members and their families. President: Kathleen Bates