ST. CLARE OF ASSISI MINISTRY BOOKLET COMMITMENT SUNDAY - AUGUST 11/12

has created each of us wonderfully, and lavished us God each with the most astonishing talents. He further gives us the precious gift of TIME, with every minute of every day available for us to use in ways great and small that give glory to God. It is our privilege as grateful stewards of these important gifts from God to set aside a portion of our time, identify what our abilities are and offer back service to our Maker. Our parish thrives because our members understand that it takes many hours and many hands to build up and serve our faith community and the Body of Christ. With more than 1,000 households at St. Clare Parish, no one person needs to do it all. We all, however, need to do our part. The great news is that it s easy, rewarding and even FUN to be a steward! Making a time and talent commitment simply means signing up for a parish activity or group that sounds interesting and making it a priority to be present and involved. It is a way to return a meaningful share of your time and giftedness to God! If you ve never signed up for a parish ministry or organization before, let this be your year to take a step into stewardship. There are opportunities to serve as frequently as you choose including many one-time events. If circumstances make it easier to serve from home, you ll find plenty of ministries that fill the bill. It s easy to find good matches for your interests, talents and lifestyle. Sign up individually, or pick ministries that you and your friends, spouse or entire family can enjoy together. Now we invite you to open your heart, open this booklet and be open to the Holy Spirit as you read about the ministries our parish offers! Then, use the enclosed Stewardship Commitment Card to select the ministries in which you (and your household) would like to join. Turn in your card at church on Commitment Weekend, August 11-12, or return it to the parish office as soon as possible. Time and talent are God s great gifts to you. What you do with them is your gift of gratitude to God! With thanks, Fr. Jim and the St. Clare Stewardship Commi ee

30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50. 51. 52. 61. 62. 63. 64. 65. 66. 67. 68. 69. 70. 71. 72. 73. 74. 75. Welcome Committee Hospitality Committee Stewardship Committee Altar Sodality Second Saturday Men's Group Quilting Group St. Clare Senior Group O Fallon Knights of Columbus O Fallon K of C Auxiliary O Fallon Columbian Squires Circle Art & Environment Altar Angels Grounds and Gardens General Maintenance Set up/clean-up OUTREACH PAGES 1-4 Fair Trade Sales/Bridge Bread Sales Soup Kitchen: Provide Food Soup Kitchen: Serve Food Work of Human Hands Sale Respect Life Committee Guatemala Sister Parish Committee Hands for Hoyleton House Building Project 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. FAITH FORMATION PAGES 5-8 YOUTH Crazy 8s-7th & 8th Grade Youth Group High School Youth Group Vacation Bible School Helpers Children's Liturgy of the Word Youth Commission/Lead Activities Luke 18 PSR Catechists, Helpers & Subs 53. 54. 55. 56. 57. 58. 59. 60. PARISH LIFE PAGES 9-14 76. 77. 78. 79. 80. 81. 82. 83. 84. 85. 86. 87. 88. NEW MINISTRY #65 Second Saturday Men's Group Nature Trail Clean-up Our Daily Bread Social Justice Team Legislative Advocacy Giving Tree Ministry Prison Ministry St. Louise de Marillac Conference St. Vincent DePaul Society ADULT Young Adults Retreat Committee Marriage Prep-Sponsor Couple Catholic Men for Christ Adult Faith Formation Committee RCIA Hosts & Ambassadors RCIA Catechist/Discussion Leader RCIA Sponsors Prayer Chain Hope for the Journey-Grief Support Circle of Healing & Hope Office Volunteers Parish Newsletter/Photographer Funeral Meals: Prepare Food Funeral Meals: Serve Food Meals for Families in Distress Food for Adult Faith Formation Food for Youth/Support for Youth Provide Transportation Sunday Nursery Sound Board Operator Why do the ministries start at #30? Sign ups for Liturgical Ministries #1-29 (Greeters, Altar Servers, Choir, etc.) are held in the spring. If you aren't involved in any Liturgical Ministries and are interested in signing up, please visit our website at stclarechurch.org/ministry.

OUTREACH #30 FAIR TRADE SALES/BRIDGE BREAD SALES This ministry promotes fair trade in commonly used food items by selling them once a month a er weekend Masses. By joining, you can help provide a living wage for workers, help the local homeless popula on and contribute to a be er economy. Items include coffee, tea, chocolate, olive oil and bakery items from Bridge Bread in St Louis. Contact: Steve Hughes, 618-830-9824; smhughes44@hotmail.com #31 SOUP KITCHEN: PROVIDE SOUP, SANDWICHES & DESSERT Volunteers can donate canned soup, packaged deli meat, hot dogs, cheese, bread and buns, packaged cupcakes or cookies. Homemade food is not permi ed. We appreciate and depend upon the food that is donated to help feed the hungry. See our website page for more details. Contact: Debbie Oitker, 314-865-9001; oitkerd@gmail.com #32 SOUP KITCHEN: SERVE AND CLEAN-UP Volunteers (minimum age: 14) serve lunch at Cosgrove's Kitchen in East St. Louis on the second or fourth Saturday of each month. Volunteers may be called once per month and meet at 8:30 a.m., carpool, and are back by 12:30 p.m. Contact: Debbie Oitker, 314-865-9001; oitkerd@gmail.com #33 WORK OF HUMAN HANDS SALE This ministry promotes the sale of fair trade products from ar sans and farmers in developing countries. In the fall, we sponsor a large before- Christmas sale that features high quality handmade goods. Volunteers are needed to set up, take down, and serve as cashiers. Contact: Jana Bechtoldt, 618-624-6227; bechtjl@gmail.com -1-

OUTREACH #34 RESPECT LIFE COMMITTEE The mission of Respect Life is to help create a renewed respect for all human life from concep on to natural death through legisla on, educa on, ac on, and prayer. We meet monthly to pray and plan various ini a ves including fund-raisers and dona on drives to provide support for Fontebella Maternity Home and the 4US organiza on. Contact: Mary Fleming, 618-977-1544; mbflem@sbcglobal.net #35 GUATEMALA SISTER PARISH COMMITTEE We promote our parish's rela onship with Our Lord of Esquipulas Parish in Guastatoya, Guatemala, helping with communica on and correspondence and coordina ng visits between our two parishes. We raise funds, including scholarships, and keep St. Clare parishioners informed on issues involving Guatemala. Knowledge of Spanish is helpful but not necessary. Contact: Laura Polillo, 618-541-9680; lpacmt@gmail.com #36 HANDS FOR HOYLETON Adults and youth will work hand in hand on facili es improvements and interac ng with the children at Hoyleton Children s Home in Hoyleton, IL, during the summer mission trip and/or the annual weekend retreat. Contact: Karen Jalbert, 618-610-9149; karenjalbert@gmail.com #37 HOUSE BUILDING PROJECT Volunteers help build homes for low-income families in the area and help with other smaller construc on and clean-up projects as needed. No experience required. Contact: Dave Zimmerer, 618-444-2209; dbzimm@charter.net -2-

OUTREACH #38 NATURE TRAIL CLEAN-UP This parish outreach effort provides individuals and families with a fun and worthwhile service project. Volunteers are scheduled throughout the year to maintain the four nature trails in O Fallon. Contact: Jenny Vogt, 618-632-0542; jennyvogt72@aol.com #39 OUR DAILY BREAD Volunteers pick up le over bread from the O'Fallon Schnucks and take it to Holy Angels Shelter, taking about an hour and 15 minutes (depending on where you live). Volunteers can pick up the bread any me Sunday morning. Contacts: Bob Johnson, 618-632-2662, jbobjo@netscape.net & Kurt Lafrance, 618-416-0074 #40 SOCIAL JUSTICE TEAM The Social Jus ce Team educates and encourages St. Clare parishioners to live lives formed by Catholic Social Teaching and works to increase awareness of jus ce issues in our local community. Honoring the image of God within each of us achieves our full human dignity. Sustainable living respects all life God has created. Contact: Deacon John Gomez; 618-416-1616; gomezclan@aol.com #41 LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY We speak on behalf of the least in society using the resources of our faith and the opportuni es of this democracy to shape a society that is more respec ul of the life, dignity, and rights of the human person and of all of God s crea on. Sign up to receive e-mail ac on alerts about various jus ce issues and to help with parish le er wri ng campaigns about twice a year. Contact: Jenny Vogt; jennyvogt72@aol.com -3-

OUTREACH #42 GIVING TREE MINISTRY Giving Tree volunteers help prepare for, organize, and deliver Christmas gi s purchased by St. Clare parishioners for needy families in the O'Fallon/Shiloh area. The Giving Tree is coordinated through the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Contacts: Judy Bugger, 618-632-4074; jbugger1@charter.net & Corrine Wright, 618-632-4062; cjwrigh n59@gmail.com #43 PRISON MINISTRY The Diocese of Belleville's prison ministry has various volunteer opportuni es inside and outside of prison, including leading prayer and faith discussions with inmates, wri ng to inmates as a pen pal, suppor ng inmates' families, and advoca ng for restora ve jus ce and legal reforms. Volunteers of varying skill sets are needed (finance, administra on, teaching, hospitality, etc.) and meet with diocesan representa ve to determine the best fit. Contact: Ma Flynn, 618-632-3562; ma hewflynn5@gmail.com #44 ST. LOUISE DE MARILLAC CONFERENCE The St. Louise de Marillac Conference provides women the opportunity to experience Vincen an spirituality as we help those living in poverty. We also assist the execu ve director in other du es as assigned at the St. Vincent de Paul office. Contact Connie or Jennie for more informa on. Contacts: Connie Garre, 618-558-8062 & Jennie Riley, 618-980-2221 #45 ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY This group consists of members of St. Clare, St. Nicholas and Corpus Chris parishes, who serve individuals and families experiencing poverty in our local community. Members call and/or visit homes to offer assistance. Contact: St. Vincent de Paul, 618-632-4270-4-

FAITH FORMATION-YOUTH #46 CRAZY 8s - 7TH & 8TH GRADE YOUTH GROUP If you are in the 7th or 8th grade and want something fun to do on Sunday evening, sign up here! Adults are also needed to help chaperone or bring food/drinks. Contacts: Amber Hardy, 530-0870; love2sing85@hotmail.com & Theresa Voss, 618-581-4864; voss420@sbcglobal.net. #47 HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP Join our lively and ac ve high school youth group, which normally gathers at 6 p.m. on Sundays, but also does special service and faith events. Contacts: Karen Jalbert, 618-610-9149; karenjalbert@gmail.com & Jane Dotson, 618-632-3562; janeadotson@yahoo.com #48 VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL TEACHERS, LEADERS & HELPERS Adults and youth (6th grade and up) are invited to help with Vaca on Bible School, which is offered to children ages 4-10 in mid-july. Teachers and leaders may be in charge of a class or a specific area, such as cra s, dance, snacks, recrea on or Bible games. Helpers assist teachers or leaders in their area. Contact: Jane Dotson, 618-632-3562; janeadotson@yahoo.com #49 CHILDREN'S LITURGY OF THE WORD Share the Gospel in a language our youngest members understand as a leader for Children s Liturgy of the Word. Couples or friends can even sign up together. The program follows the format of the Liturgy of the Word at Mass and explains various elements of the liturgy to the children. Contact: Alicia Luechtefeld, 618-531-0220; alicialuechtefeld@yahoo.com -5-

FAITH FORMATION-YOUTH #50 YOUTH COMMISSION/LEAD YOUTH ACTIVITY Share your vision for our youth ministries; plan or lead youth events. We oversee ministries such as Youth Group, Crazy 8s, socials, Living StaGons and much more. Contact: Jane Dotson, 618-632-3562; janeadotson@yahoo.com #51 Luke 18 LUKE 18 This popular retreat for 8th graders always needs new adult, college and high school volunteers. Especially needed are sleep house hosts, kitchen volunteers and food donors. Our annual retreat is on MarGn Luther King Jr. weekend in January. Join us and make a diﬀerence to 80+ 8th graders in just one weekend! Contacts: Jennifer Wilson; 618-910-3607; j.wilson347@yahoo.com & Ma9 Wilson, 618-795-2526; msw.7391@ymail.com #52 PSR CATECHISTS, HELPERS & SUBSTITUTES Help our children in grades K-8 learn about their faith at the Parish School of Religion on Sunday mornings during the school year. Catechists teach a class and helpers assist the catechists. SubsGtutes are called to help out when needed. No theology or educagon degree required just a willingness to help children and share your faith. Contact: Jane Dotson, 618-632-3562; janeadotson@yahoo.com -6-

FAITH FORMATION-ADULT #53 YOUNG ADULTS The Young Adults Group meets in casual gatherings to socialize, pray, and learn more about our Catholic faith. Some ou ngs are purely social. Sign up to receive informa on about upcoming events. Contact: Ma Flynn, 618-632-3562; ma hewflynn5@gmail.com #54 RETREAT COMMITTEE This commi ee provides oversight, guidance, and support to individual parish retreat teams, promotes parish and other retreat opportuni es, and does con nual assessment and evalua on of parish retreats and parishioner retreat needs. Contact: Ellen Gravlin, 618-531-9151; ellen.gravlin@charter.net #55 MARRIAGE PREPARATION - SPONSOR COUPLE This ministry is for a married couple who will work with an engaged couple in preparing them for marriage. A er a one- me training session, the couple will be assigned one or two engaged couples per year, for a total of four evenings with each couple. Sessions include discussions on faith, finances, communica on, paren ng, etc. You can plan the evenings around your schedule. Contact: Mark & Dore e Arbogast, 618-622-9650; mdarbo@earthlink.net #56 CATHOLIC MEN FOR CHRIST Our Mission is to provide a venue for prayer, fellowship, and spiritual nourishment for the men of St. Clare Parish. We meet on the fourth Saturday morning of each month and offer a program of guest speakers and informa ve/instruc onal Catholic videos. No advanced prepara on required to a end. Contacts: Tom Grimmig, 618-239-6580; grimmigs@charter.net & Steve Hellmann, 618-624-3071, scardfan@aol.com -7-

FAITH FORMATION-ADULT #57 ADULT FAITH FORMATION COMMITTEE Commi ee members work together to create adult faith forma on opportuni es that integrate all aspects of the Catholic faith. They offer input on and help implement a variety of programs, striving to make real the Catholic Church s understanding of adult faith forma on as the center of the Church s religious educa on efforts. Contact: Ma Flynn, 618-632-3562; ma hewflynn5@gmail.com #58 RCIA HOSTS & AMBASSADORS Hospitable and welcoming volunteers sign up to help people who are unfamiliar with the Catholic Church and our parish feel more welcome and at home by having someone who is curious about becoming Catholic join you at Mass, a end parish events with you, meet you for coffee, or share a meal and conversa on in your home. Contacts: Darrell Raynor, 618-541-2806; dceraynor@gmail.com #59 RCIA CATECHIST/DISCUSSION LEADER Help those seeking to become Catholic integrate into parish life and grow as disciples. Connect them to relevant parish ac vi es and ministries, facilitate discussions that integrate faith and daily life, and help explain Catholic teachings and beliefs. Training and resources are provided, and all catechists are asked to a end certain RCIA trainings and adult faith forma on events. Contact: Ma Flynn, 618-632-3562; ma hewflynn5@gmail.com #60 RCIA SPONSORS We need adults and teens 17 years and older to serve as companions for people entering the Catholic Church. We ask volunteers to be sponsors based on the number and needs of those going through RCIA. Contact: Ma Flynn, 618-632-3562; ma hewflynn5@gmail.com -8-

PARISH LIFE #61 WELCOME COMMITTEE This commi9ee has three funcgons and you can choose your pargcipagon level. 1) Welcome potengal newcomers afer Masses at the monthly Coﬀee & Donuts, 2) Make phone calls to welcome new parishioners, 3) Provide food and/or help host the newcomer recepgons, held every two-three months. Contact: Ellen Gravlin, 618-531-9151; ellen.gravlin@charter.net #62 HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE Hospitality..."People will forget what you said, what you do, but will never forget how you made them feel." If you enjoy helping out with fun parish events, then the hospitality team is for you! Our commi9ee organizes and runs events, including the parish picnic, Trunk or Treat, Easter brunch, and coﬀee and donuts. Contact: Kristy Turner, 618-402-0885; krisnturner@hotmail.com #63 STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE The commi9ee plans and implements the parish s stewardship goals, educagon and commitment process of Gme, talent and treasure. We meet one weeknight per month. Contact: Michele Taylor, 618-960-1836; cheletayl@gmail.com #64 ALTAR SODALITY The Altar Sodality is a women s group commi9ed to providing various forms of service: Liturgical items for the parish; funeral meals for grieving parishioners; Altar Angels; and ﬁnancial support to the Newman Center. The Sodality also oﬀers social acgviges for its members and welcomes new women. We meet on the 3rd Monday of the month from September-May. Contact: Nancy Karrigan, 618-632-5127; knkarrigan3@gmail.com -9-

PARISH LIFE #65 SECOND SATURDAY MEN'S GROUP This group meets monthly for a variety of social ac vi es including movie nights and barbecues, almost always following the 5:00 p.m. Mass on the second Saturday of the month. Contact: Mike Howk, 618-974-4289; mike.howk@gmail.com #66 QUILTING GROUP Quilters meet every Tuesday (10:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.) to create quilts for the church. Beginning and expert quilters are welcome. Contact: Corrine Wright, 618-632-4062; cjwrigh n59@gmail.com #67 ST. CLARE SENIOR GROUP Adults 55 years & older are invited to join our vivacious, fun-loving, relaxed group for entertaining mee ngs and ou ngs. Contact: Judy Bugger, 618-632-4074; jbugger1@charter.net #68 O FALLON KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS The K of C is a fraternal organiza on dedicated to promo ng members, faith through outreach and service. Membership is open to prac cing Catholic men, who are at least 18 years old. Contact: Knights of Columbus, 618-632-6229 #69 O FALLON KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS AUXILIARY The Auxiliary is a group of women who work together with the K of C to provide for the needs of the local parishes and community. The mission areas are church, family, youth, community, and council. Contact: Knights of Columbus, 618-632-6229 #70 O FALLON COLUMBIAN SQUIRES CIRCLE The O Fallon Knights of Columbus offers young men between the ages of 10-18 a chance to be involved in our community. Squires ac vely par cipate in programs and a end mee ngs. Contact: Knights of Columbus, 618-632-6229-10-

PARISH LIFE #71 ART & ENVIRONMENT This commi ee is responsible for enhancing our worship space by decora ng the church every weekend throughout the year. Help out whenever your schedule permits; families welcome! Extensive help is needed at the beginning of Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter seasons. Contacts: Leslie Goldberg, 618-616-9222; lgsparkles79@yahoo.com & Kathy Sjoquist, 618-974-1380; kathysjo@sbcglobal.net #72 ALTAR ANGELS Altar Angels serve God by cleaning the church. We mop the altar area, do dus ng and clean the pews and windows. We have four different groups with each group working one Saturday a month. Your commitment to the Altar Angels would be one to two hours a month. We are a fun-loving group that helps provide a healthy, clean church. We check and straighten the hymnals and envelopes and put out new candles, if needed. Contact: Carol Williamson, 618-514-5920 or 618-632-4708; willecjc@yahoo.com #73 GROUNDS AND GARDENS This is a seasonal ministry, mostly needed in spring and summer. If you can mow, edge, pull weeds, plant flowers, prune trees or know a thing or two about roses and other blooms, sign up for this ministry. All ages are welcome. Help whenever your schedule permits; families welcome! Contacts: Bill Matzker, 618-741-6012; laurelhts1@aol.com #74 GENERAL MAINTENANCE Lend your skills in pain ng, carpentry, plumbing, electrical or mechanical engineering to help with repairs to our buildings, when necessary. Contact: Pat Jurgensmeyer, 618-363-3882; jugpat005@gmail.com #75 SET UP/ CLEAN-UP Volunteers, men and women, are needed to form a team of people who could assist in se ng and/or cleaning up before/a er special parish events such as Oktoberfest, Pentecost Fes val, etc. Ideally volunteers would be called on to help with two or more events per year. Contact: Parish Office, 618-632-3562-11-

PARISH LIFE #76 PRAYER CHAIN Par cipants make a commitment to pray for special inten ons listed in the parish bulle n, conveyed over the phone, or e-mailed for more immediate needs. Contact: Nancy Bu mer, 618-632-1281; nan1tchr@sbcglobal.net #77 HOPE FOR THE JOURNEY - GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP This peer support group is open to people grieving the loss of a family member or friend. We provide community through faith sharing, prayer, and personal conversa on. This keeps people from isola on, empowers them to face grief, provides posi ve role models, and leads them to experience healing and consola on. Contact: Ken & Barb Kenney, 618-726-7587; Ken: kj_kenney@sbcglobal.net; Barb: barb63107@yahoo.com #78 CIRCLE OF HEALING AND HOPE This Bereavement Commi ee exists to reach out to people a er a significant loss, especially the death of a loved one, in an effort to help them find healing and hope. Contact: Margaret Andrasko, 314-853-6407; v.andrasko9010@a.net #79 OFFICE VOLUNTEERS Office volunteers are needed occasionally for copying le ers, mailings, assembling, inpu ng data in Excel spreadsheets and making phone calls. Contact: Parish Office, 618-632-3562 #80 PARISH NEWSLETTER WRITERS/ PHOTOGRAPHERS Share your talent as a writer or photographer for the parish newsle er. Contact, Jane Dotson, 618-632-3562; janeadotson@yahoo.com -12-

PARISH LIFE #81 FUNERAL MEALS: PREPARE FOOD Volunteers are called on a rotagng basis to prepare a side dish or dessert for families following funeral Masses. Contact: Pat Musser, 618-792-4431 #82 FUNERAL MEALS: SERVE FOOD Volunteers set-up and serve meals to families following funeral Masses. Contact: Pat Musser, 618-792-4431 #83 MEALS FOR FAMILIES IN DISTRESS Volunteers are needed to provide meals when an individual or family is facing a crisis situagon. Contact: Felicia DeGonia, 618-207-9285; felicia.degonia@yahoo.com #84 FOOD FOR ADULT FAITH FORMATION EVENTS If you like to cook, your help is needed to provide occasional meals and snacks for various adult faith formagon events. Contact: Ma9 Flynn, 618-632-3562; ma9hewﬂynn5@gmail.com #85 FOOD FOR YOUTH/SUPPORT FOR YOUTH Support our youth by baking something for a bake sale, sending refreshments to a youth event, working the kitchen for a youth event or chaperoning. Or you can support the youth twice a year at graduagon and ﬁnals by wrigng notes, donagng food and/or helping assemble study bags and care packages. Help with one thing or many. It s up to you. Contact: Jane Dotson, 618-632-3562; janeadotson@yahoo.com #86 PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION Volunteers provide transportagon to church, doctor appointments, and parish acgviges. Contact: Felicia DeGonia, 618-207-9285; felicia.degonia@yahoo.com -13-

PARISH LIFE #87 SUNDAY NURSERY Adult and youth volunteers are needed for our nursery, for children ages 6 months and up, during Sunday Masses. Contact: Kimmy Huber, 618-301-0534; kimmyhuber@gmail.com #88 SOUND BOARD OPERATOR Volunteers high school age or older are needed to help the church assembly hear and be inspired by The Word in prayer, readings, and music during weekend Masses, and other occasions. Contact: Gary Borges, 618-444-1381; gmb6270@charter.net -14-