Stewardship of Service volunteer your time and talents

Stewardship of Service volunteer your time and talents I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things - St. Teresa of Calcutta Congregation of Appleton

TABLE OF CONTENTS Parish Leadership 3 Building & Grounds Committee 3 Evangelization Committee 3 Faith Formation Committee 3 Family Life Committee 3 Finance Council 3 Pastoral Council 3 Social Justice Committee 3 Worship Committee Pastoral Ministry 7 Card Ministry 7 Care Minister 7 Communion to Homebound 7 Elizabeth Ministry* 7 Martha Ministry 7 Nursing Home Ministry 7 Prayer Chain Ministry 7 Prayer Shawl Ministry 7 St. Vincent de Paul* Education & Formation 4 Adult Small Group Leader 4 Catechist (Teacher) 4 Faith Formation Bulletin Board Helper 4 Faith Formation Classroom Aide 4 Faith Formation Office Aide 4 Jesus and Me Music Ministry 5 Adult Choir 5 Cantor 5 Children s Choir 5 Encounter Contemporary Praise Group 5 Handbell Choir 5 Instrumentalist 5 Men s Choir 5 Resurrection Choir 5 Small Singing Group Parish Support Services 6 Building & Grounds Crew 6 Bulletin Stuffer 6 Data Entry Helper 6 Mail Crew 6 Money Counter 6 Receptionist 6 SCRIP Volunteer Special Events & Social Ministries 8 Childcare Volunteer 8 Coffee & Donuts 8 Crafty Ladies 8 Event Baker 8 Funeral Luncheon Crew 8 Mission Quilters 8 Special Events Helper Worship Ministry 9 Altar Server 9 Art & Environment Committee 9 Communion Minster 9 Funeral Altar Server 9 Greeter 9 Lector 10 Media Screen Technician 10 Media Sound Technician 10 Prayers of the Faithful Writer 10 Sacristan 10 Usher What Next? 11 How to proceed... 2

PARISH LEADERSHIP Building & Grounds Committee This committee acts in an advisory capacity to assess and determine the physical needs of the parish facilities and landscape. Members consult with the Finance Council, pastor, and church administrator regarding renovation and improvements. In addition, this committee is responsible for long-range planning, preventative maintenance, efficiency, safety and security of parish facilities. Evangelization Committee This committee is responsible for inspiring and equipping the parish in developing, implementing and sponsoring initiatives that help people to encounter Jesus; accompany people on their journey of faith to build lives of intentional discipleship; and send parishioners out into the world to help others discover the best way to live through Jesus Christ. The committee is an advisory and working committee focused on efforts to share the Good News of Jesus Christ so that conversion of hearts and growth in discipleship continue to take place. Faith Formation Committee This committee is made up of parents and catechists who are interested in fostering the spiritual, cognitive, and emotional development of each child and support the spiritual life of the home church. The committee meets with the Faith Formation Administrators and serves in an advisory and support capacity. Family Life Committee The Family Life Committee exists to provide opportunities for parents and their children of all ages to enjoy fellowship with one another, as well as, the entire St. Bernard Parish Community. The committee meets once a month to plan and execute seasonal events geared toward building families of disciples. Finance Council This group works closely with the pastor to advise and assist in the wise stewardship of the material gifts entrusted by God to the parish in support of the mission of the parish and broader church. The Finance Council generally meets once a month to discuss all financial issues, including financial statement review, budget review and approval, and to assure the parish follows all canon and civil laws. Pastoral Council A planning and visioning body that works closely with the pastor and staff to set parish priorities, coordinate parish activities, act as a think tank and advisory group for the pastor. Members of the council are confirmed, practicing Catholics, and must be registered members of the parish. Members are chosen through a selection process held in the summer of each year. Social Justice Committee The Social Justice Committee facilitates ways for parishioners to go beyond the walls of St. Bernard Parish into the local community, the state, our country, and the world. The committee strives to promote Catholic social teaching by providing educational programs to enlighten parishioners on how to address the root causes of societal needs. Worship Committee The Worship Committee works to promote active participation in worship and is responsible for the liturgical life of the parish. This committee meets once a month during the months of September through May. 3

EDUCATION & FORMATION Adult Small Group Leader Whether it s on online study, bible study, faith sharing group or book study, small group leaders are critical to the spiritual formation of fellow adults. As a leader or co-leader you bring group members into the presence of the Holy Spirit by directing journeys into the mysteries of God s Word, the elements of Truth in this world, and the life stories of other people. If you love people and the Church then this is the ministry for you! No experience necessary. Materials and training are provided. Catechist (Teacher) Catechists are the backbone of our faith formation program. Each week he or she reviews the lesson plans ahead of time and prepares to teach their grade level's material. Commitment includes preparation time and Wednesday evening classes either from 4:30-5:45 or from 6:30-7:45. A catechist is anyone who loves Jesus and wishes to pass their faith on to the next generation. All catechists must complete a background check and safe environment workshop. Faith Formation Bulletin Board Helper Bulletin Board helpers are given a basic idea or topic and then asked to prepare an eye-catching creation for bulletin boards using materials provided by the Faith Formation department. If you have a creative flair and are looking for a ministry to do on an as needed basis, then this is for you! Faith Formation Classroom Aide Faith Formation Classroom Aides support the Catechist who leads the lesson. Various duties may include helping students with cutting, writing, or paying attention as well as reading a book to the class. Faith Formation Office Aide Office aides help answer phones, record attendance, prepare materials for classes, and open the door for late arrivals during Faith Formation classes or anytime during the week that assistance is needed. Jesus and Me J.A.M." time takes place on Sundays (September through May) during the 10:00 am Mass. Children age 4-7 are invited to leave the congregation for a short time during the Liturgy of the Word to go out and hear the Word of God proclaimed and explained at their level. All volunteers must complete a background check and safe environment workshop. 4

MUSIC MINISTRY Adult Choir If you have a passion for worship and a desire to help the church in praise, join the St. Bernard Adult Choir. The choir is comprised of adults and young adults from grade 9 and up. The choir sings a diversity of repertoire, including tradition, contemporary and classical. Rehearsals are on Wednesday evenings from September through May. The choir sings 3 times a month and for special liturgical celebrations during Christmas and Holy Week. Cantor Offers support for community prayer through song and reflection. Anyone with good vocal skills is encouraged to inquire about this ministry. Cantors are scheduled according to their availability. Rehearsals and vocal coaching are offered monthly, along with periodic training to develop the skills and awareness needed to lead music prayerfully. Anyone who is prayerfully considering the Ministry of Cantor will be asked to audition and work closely with the Director of Music. Children s Choir Children grades K-6 are invited to share their gift of music, both vocal and instrumental, through participation in our children s choir. The children s choir tries to sing once a month (September through May) and at the Christmas Eve Children s Mass. Encounter Contemporary Praise Group This group provides music on a monthly basis at our contemporary liturgy. The ensemble includes band members using guitars, drums, keyboards, and more, as well as vocalists with a passion for praise and worship. Handbell Choir Be a part of adding to worship on a monthly basis by providing beautiful handbell music! This group is open to anyone from youth to adults. You don t even have to be able to read music! If you can count, you can play bells. Rehearsals are Thursday evenings September through May. Instrumentalist Instrumentalists of any kind are always welcomed to help celebrate! If you play the piano, organ, strings, winds, brass, guitar, percussion, we can find a place for you. Play on a regular basis or for special liturgies. Men s Choir Men ages high school and older compose the St. Bernard Men's Choir. A dedicated group of men who sing at 2-4 Masses per year. Rehearsals are held one week prior to the liturgical celebration. Men, if you don't want to commit to weekly rehearsals, this is the group for you. Resurrection Choir This Appleton Inter-parish choir sings at funerals occurring at St. Bernard parish as well as other local Appleton churches. Rehearsals take place immediately preceding the funeral liturgy. Weekday availability is essential for participants. Small Singing Group Individuals who are not able to commit to weekly rehearsals of the choir may find small ensemble participation a desirable alternative. Our small vocal groups each provide music once a month at weekend liturgies. The rehearsal schedule is set-up based on the availability of the members of the group. 5

PARISH SUPPORT SERVICES Building & Grounds Crew Volunteers with plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and general maintenance skills are needed. Depending on the project, others are welcome to join the group. Periodically there is a need for setups in the church, Parish hall, and classrooms, especially for Christmas, Easter, holy days, and special events. Some outside work is done also. Bulletin Stuffer Volunteer on an as needed basis to insert special flyers, notices, and announcements into the parish bulletin. Data Entry Helper Volunteers help enter data into our parish database. Commitment is as needed and is flexible to fit your schedule. Mail Crew Mail Crew volunteers help prepare parish mailings (copying, folding, stuffing, sealing, etc.) on an as needed basis. Meet others while providing a much needed service. Money Counter Volunteers are needed Sunday mornings to count weekend collections. Meet and work with other parishioners while providing a valuable service. Commitment is approximately 2½ hours, 6 times per year. Receptionist Have a friendly voice and enjoy helping others? Duties will vary from day to day depending on the needs of the parish office. Time commitments vary and are determined on an as needed basis. SCRIP Volunteer Help St. Bernard Parish raise money by selling SCRIP gift cards. Volunteers help out once a month for 20 minutes after a mass of their choice. Duties include collecting payments and dispersing gift cards. 6

PASTORAL MINISTRY Card Ministry This ministry provides greeting cards from our parish to individuals who are ill, grieving, homebound etc. Cards are also sent for birthdays of parishioners 70 and over and for holidays. A personal note or signature is written by our caring volunteers. Time commitment: varies. Care Minister Care ministry is a service to our parish community inspired by Jesus loving example of serving others. Care ministers connect with parishioners who are alone, ill, recovering from illness, grieving or are no longer able to physically be present for church services. We are a prayerful, listening presence supporting the needs of others through God s healing comfort. Training provided. Time commitment: once per week to once per month. Communion to Homebound This group of Care Ministers serve parishioners through prayer, word and Eucharist. Our ministers provide prayer service and Communion to our homebound parishioners. Training provided. Time commitment: 30 mins to 1 hour weekly, may vary. Elizabeth Ministry* Elizabeth Ministry is a like-to-like outreach to women during times of miscarriage, nursing questions, stillbirth, difficulty conceiving, infertility, adoption issues, birth defects, etc. Visits to affirm, support, encourage, and to assist women in these situations take place in the home, hospital, or church settings. In addition St. Bernard Elizabeth Ministers help with organization and preparation of the annual Miscarriage, Infant and Child Loss Memorial. Time commitment: varies. Sections marked with an asterisk denote an opportunity through an organization whose leadership is located outside of St. Bernard Parish. We are happy to direct you to the people in charge of the events and groups. Martha Ministry This giving ministry gathers as a group the 3rd Thursday of the month to prepare delicious meals to be frozen in individual and family size portions for parishioners in need. Recipes and ingredients are provided. Time commitment: Monthly or when available, no cooking in summer or December. Nursing Home Ministry A group of care ministers who visit individuals one on one, or in a group setting. We build relationships by providing a listening presence, prayer, Communion or a Communion Service. Training provided. Time commitment: Weekly to monthly, varies. Prayer Chain Ministry A prayerful group who pray individually for those who are in need of healing and comfort through the power of prayer. Volunteers are notified by phone when prayer intensions are requested for someone. Time commitment: Daily prayer at your convenience. Prayer Shawl Ministry This ministry brings comfort and caring to individuals in need of healing through the gift of a hand knit or crocheted shawl. The shawls are prayed over while volunteers make them and are then blessed by our pastor when they are completed. Made independently. Time commitment: Done at own pace. St. Vincent de Paul* The St Bernard Conference with an active parishioner membership has a vision to end poverty through systemic change by holding the values of holiness of life, service of the poor, humility, simplicity, charity and community of faith. The membership continues to assist those in need through guidance, financial, goods in kind and spiritually by praying with them. Meetings are held the first Monday of each month. 7

SPECIAL EVENTS & SOCIAL MINISTRIES Childcare Volunteer Provide dependable, safe, secure and nurturing care in our parish nursery to children ages 0-4 years of age. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age with experience in caring for children and must complete a background check and safe environment workshop. Coffee & Donuts Coffee and donuts are served in Parish Hall each Sunday after 8:00 am and 10:00 am Mass, September thru May; and after 8:00 am Mass June thru August. This hospitality ministry invites the entire parish family to socialize as they share good and drink. This is a great way for a family to serve together setting up, serving and cleaning up. Crafty Ladies This creative group meets once a week throughout the year to create decorations for sale at the Annual St. Bernard Holiday Bazaar that takes place in early November of each year. Proceeds from the bazaar are used by the Ladies of St. Bernard to fund St. Bernard Card Ministry and Mission Quilting Ministry as well as other events throughout the year. Event Baker Do you love to bake? Then this is the ministry for you! Volunteers are called on an as needed basis to bake treats for various parish special events and socials. 8 Funeral Luncheon Crew This ministry represents our church community in a very compassionate way. Members work as a team to set up, serve, and clean up during funeral luncheons. Food is catered. Your commitment will be very beneficial to our parish families in their time of need. Mission Quilters St. Bernard Mission Quilters meet on the second Wednesday of each month to assemble and tie already sewn quilting pieces. Finished quilts are then given to the Appleton Community Clothes Closet and Veterans Hospitals and Nursing Homes in the area. No special skills necessary, just a desire to help, chat and have snacks! Special Events Helper The goal of this ministry is to foster a parish community by planning and facilitating parish events (e.g., Mardi Gras Celebration, Hot Chocolate Bar, Wine & Cheese). Volunteers arrange events throughout the year. Duties will include setting up; decorating, cooking and serving food; and cleaning up.

WORSHIP MINISTRY Altar Server Altar Servers assist presiding priests at daily, weekend and Holy Day Masses. They assist the priest and deacon in the celebration of the Mass so the liturgy can be conducted with grace and reverence. This ministry is open to children in grades 5 and higher and adults. 2 training sessions are required. Servers are asked to commit to one Mass a month at the Mass of your choice and during special liturgical celebrations. Art & Environment Committee The art and environment committee helps create a prayerful environment to draw the community into deeper awareness of God through creation. The liturgy director and members plan and coordinate the floral and plant arrangements and other decorations of the church during the different liturgical seasons. Greeter If you like to smile and enjoy meeting new people this is the ministry for you! The hospitality greeter actively and enthusiastically welcomes parishioners and guests coming to Mass and events. This ministry opens doors for people arriving, assists people who struggle getting around, and assists with questions about facility locations and events. Open to all, and is also a great family ministry. Greeters are asked to serve once a month at the Mass of their choice. Lector Lectors proclaim the word of God to the parishioners so that all may more meaningfully share in the Eucharistic celebration. Lectors should be comfortable speaking in front of people and possess good speaking skills. Ministers serve once a month at the liturgy of their choice. Communion Minister Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion give the Eucharist to their fellow parishioners at daily and weekend Mass and special liturgical celebrations. One training session is required. Ministers serve once a month at the Mass of their choice but are encouraged to server whenever there is an opening. Funeral Altar Server Funeral altar servers accompany the presider as he greets the family and receives the body in the entrance procession and assists the priest during the Mass. Funeral Servers used for funerals are trained specifically for these Masses and are used on an as need basis. 9

WORSHIP MINISTRY Media-Screen Technician Overhead screens are integral to the congregation s participation in each Mass. We are always in need of individuals who are willing to volunteer their time for this ministry. If you have a gift for technology, we need you. Each media technician assists at 1-2 Masses a month based on personal availability. Computer skills are a recommended, but training in the use of this software is provided. Usher Ushers assist in creating a friendly, welcoming atmosphere for the celebration of Masses. This ministry of hospitality helps people find seating as they gather, ushers members to Communion, takes up the collection, secures the offertory, and cleans up after Mass. This ministry is open to all women and men, individuals and families. Training is provided. Ministers serve once a month at a Mass of their choice. Media Sound Technician Providing balanced music for each liturgical celebration is made possible through the work of our sound technicians. Training is provided for anyone who is interested in providing set-up and monitoring of sound equipment such as, microphones, amplifiers, and the main sound console. Willingness to learn basics of sound mixing is essential. Commitment for this ministry is one to two Masses per month. Prayers of the Faithful Writer Writers of the Prayers of the Faithful exercise a most important ministry for the parish community. Through these petitions to God, the writer becomes a voice for the faithful. The writer is assigned a weekend and submits the petitions the week before. Sacristan The sacristan assists the presider with whatever details/duties he needs done for the assigned Mass. The sacristan sets up the credence table and altar and makes sure there are enough altar servers, lectors and extraordinary ministers of communion. Training is provided. 10

WHAT NEXT? Pick Your Ministry After you have reviewed the available ministries, you will want to pick the ministry or ministries that you wish to join, continue, and/or discontinue, and mark them or write them down. If you are renewing all of your existing service commitments, please still make note of your ministries on the Stewardship of Service form. Fill out a Stewardship of Service form Hard copies of the Stewardship of Service form are available in the St. Bernard parish office or literature rack in the church narthex. Questions? If you have any questions about a given ministry please call the parish office at 920-739-0331 or email stbernard@stbernardappleton.org, and the office staff will assist you or direct you to the appropriate ministry leader. Thank you! Without the help of all our volunteers, using the many gifts that the Lord has given, we would not be able to make such a great impact in our community or provide such wonderful worship, educational and community-building opportunities. Together we can do great things! 11

Congregation of Appleton 1617 W. Pine Street Appleton, WI 54914 920.739.0331 Stbernardappleton.org