St. Joseph/St Raphael Springfield at 225 E. High Street, Springfield, OH 45505-1052 US - Ministry Volunteer Program
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Ministry Schedule: September 5 - December 27, 2009 Mass
Volunteer Ministries Handbook
Volunteer Ministries Handbook St.Joseph ~ St.Raphael Volunteer Ministries & Coordinators St.Joseph ~ St.Raphael Ministry Survey
MINISTRY VOLUNTEER HANDBOOKLITURGICAL MINISTRIES
CHOIR
“Sing a song to my God with tambourines, sing to my Lord with cymbals. Raise to Him a new psalm; and exalt Him, and call upon His name.” Judith 16: 1. The St. Joseph and the St. Raphael choirs are looking for new members to join them in their ministry. Both choirs sing at Masses from September through May. St. Joseph choir sings at the 10:30 am Mass and practices on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm in St. Joseph Church. St. Raphael choir sings at the 11:00 am Mass and also practices on Wednesday evening from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm in St. Raphael Church. See Coordinators List.
EUCHARISTIC DISTRIBUTOR
A Eucharistic Distributor assists the celebrant with the distribution of the Eucharist at each Liturgy. Eucharistic Distributors are trained in this ministry. The training covers both the practical and spiritual aspects of this ministry. At the training, distributors also sign up for specific Mass times for which they wish to be scheduled. Schedules are distributed on a quarterly basis and assignments are also listed in the bulletin. If you are unable to serve at a scheduled Mass we ask that you contact a replacement. A calling list is included in each ministry schedule. Contact Fr. Caylor if you are interested in serving in this ministry. See Coordinators List.
GIFT BEARERS
Being a gift bearer is a special way of participating in the Liturgy of the Mass. “It is praiseworthy for the faithful to present the bread and wine.” The Offertory Gift Bearers carry the gifts to the altar. You are asked to report to an usher when you arrive. Then go to the back of the church while the collection is being taken. The priest signals when to come forward and the gifts are taken up the steps and handed to the priest or deacon. If you are unable to walk up the steps, let the usher know and the priest will walk down the steps to you. Gift bearers are scheduled about every three months. Gift bearers can be families or friends. See Coordinators List.
LECTORS
A Lector proclaims the Word of God through the First and Second Readings at Liturgy. Lectors are generally assigned one reading a month at the Mass time of their choice. Some may be asked periodically to substitute. The lectors receive workbooks and the assigned readings should be studied and well rehearsed prior to the Mass. Becoming a good lector takes time and attention. Having some experience in public speaking is helpful but not a requirement. Good diction and pronunciation are essential. Proper clothing should be worn when lectoring. Anyone interested in becoming a lector should see Coordinators List. An instructional session would then be arranged.
HOSPITALITY- GREETERS & USHERS
The ministry of Hospitality/Ushers is a service that can be both a blessing and a boost to the parish community. The primary responsibility of the Greeter is to welcome those who come to worship and to enhance a heartfelt hospitality. Greeters will be scheduled for a full month. They should arrive 15 minutes early (30 min. for special functions and Christmas/Easter). They hold the door open for people as they enter the main part of the church and greet them with a warm and friendly smile. Greeters may be asked to distribute special programs occasionally. If you are interested in being a Greeter, see Coordinators List. Currently St. Joseph does not have Greeters. The primary responsibility of the Ushers is to be of assistance to those who come to worship. That assistance is usually offered in one of two ways: either in assuring people that they are welcome and made comfortable or in helping to see that things flow smoothly during the service. This includes taking care of lights, doors; wheelchair bound parishioners, parishioners who are unable to walk to Communion and the distribution of bulletins at the end of the Mass. Ushers should arrive at least 15 minutes before Mass starts (30 min. for special occasions). 4-5 ushers are needed for each Mass. See Coordinators List.
SERVERS
Altar Servers assist the celebrant throughout the Liturgy. The ministry of Altar Server is open to boys and girls who are in the 4th grade or older. Adult servers are also welcome. Servers are trained as needed by Fr. Caylor and are scheduled at the Mass for which they sign up as available. See Coordinators List if you are interested in becoming an Altar Server.
SPANISH MASS
The Sunday Mass is celebrated in Spanish on the 3rd Sunday of each month at St. Raphael Church at 5:00pm. The Mass includes beautiful music. If you are interested in assisting in the music or as a liturgical minister please see the Coordinators List. Baptism, Marriage, Confession, and Anointing of the Sick are also available in Spanish. For more information on these services also see the Coordinators List.
SERVICE MINISTRIES
BEREAVEMENT COMMITTEE
The Bereavement Committee serves the families of deceased members of the parish by providing food and other assistance when a death occurs. Members of the parish provide luncheon items for a reception following the funeral. Coordinators of the committee contact the family, prepare food and serve at the luncheon. If you are interested in helping with this ministry, see the Coordinators List.
CHURCH CLEANING CREWS
Members of the cleaning crews, dust mop/sweep all floor areas, replace all used candles, straighten the books, remove all debris (bulletins, etc.) from the pockets, fill processional candles with liquid wax, clean the reconciliation room if needed, and clean the choir loft. They check plants for clean up, replace altar candles if needed and clean wax drip plates on candle stands, as well as any other wax dripping. They discard old bulletins, Parish News and outdated posters in the narthex. Extra cleaning is done before weddings and funerals. Prior to Christmas and Easter, a more extensive cleaning is done. Since heavier cleaning is at this time male volunteers would be appreciated. These cleaning sessions are scheduled on Saturdays. The Grounds Cleaning Crew check walks, ramp and steps for grass clippings and debris and trim hedges as needed. Volunteers are needed the most for autumn leaf removal, although this is not necessarily a weekly job. Since most of the volunteers work during the week, this is usually a Saturday task. The St. Raphael crew meets following 12:10 Mass on Fridays. St. Joseph‘s cleaning crew meets at the church on Tuesday morning. If you would like to help keep our churches clean and grounds looking nice, please see the Coordinators List.
CHURCH ENVIRONMENT
From the joyful decorations of Christmas to the somber settings of Lent our churches are decorated to reflect the liturgical season and assist us in the celebration of our sacred liturgies. To assist in this ministry see Coordinators List.
COLLECTION COUNTERS
Teams from the parish count the offertory collection each week. Volunteers are scheduled once a month. St. Raphael collection is counted on that Sunday, St. Joseph collection is counted on the following Monday. See Coordinators List.
EUCHARISTIC MINISTRY TO THE HOMEBOUND
This ministry involves taking communion to a person confined to his or her home, residing in a nursing home or assisted living facility and also to parishioners who are patients at Community Hospital. Hospital visits are alternated among the other 2 Catholic parishes so we are responsible for one week a month. Prayers from a Communion to the Sick prayer book are said, followed by giving the Body of Christ to the sick person. The time and day of this visit should be agreed upon by both the distributor and the home bound person. In this ministry we remember all of our parishioners and include those who cannot attend Mass by taking Holy Communion to them. Training in this ministry would be given upon request. If you would be interested in ministering to our homebound parishioners, please see Coordinators List.
GARDENING ANGELS
If you love to make things grow we have a place for you. The Gardening Angels adopt an area of the St. Joseph or St. Raphael flower beds. They weed and plant but watering is done by our maintenance staff. See Coordinators list.
GREETERS FOR FUNERALS
Also part of the Bereavement Committee, members of this ministry are asked to greet families prior to a funeral. Volunteers are usually scheduled for a month’s time. You would arrive 30 minutes prior to the funeral, hand out programs and assist anyone who is unfamiliar with our church facilities. If you are unable to serve at any time during your assigned month we ask that you attempt to find a replacement, but if you are unable we will assist in finding someone. Call the parish office to volunteer for this ministry.
LAUNDERERS
Our volunteers who work in this ministry are primarily in charge of laundering the purificators used during the Eucharist. Occasionally work also needs done on albs and altar cloths. See Coordinators List.
MAINTENANCE & RENOVATION
If you are handy with a tools or a paint brush, there is a need for your skill. With 6 aging building on our 2 campuses we are always in need of some extra help with repairs/renovations. Please see the Coordinators List.
NURSERY
The nursery is located in the church undercroft (Hoban Hall) and is open during the 11:00 Mass year round. Volunteers are scheduled at the most once per month, preferably once every other month, providing there are enough volunteers. Teens are welcome to assist adults. All adult volunteers for the nursery are required to attend the Child Protection training and participate in the Archdiocesan fingerprinting. The nursery is typically for children birth to age 3. Contact the Parish Office or see the Coordinators List to volunteer for this ministry. Currently St. Joseph does not have a nursery offered.
OFFICE ASSISANTS
Volunteers are needed throughout the year for clerical duties such as compiling mailings, stuffing bulletins, etc. Please call the parish office if you are available.
PARISH NURSES
To promote holistic health within the parish community (holistic health refers to a process of wholeness that exists when there is harmony The Parish Nurse Program organizes volunteer nurses from the parish between the body, mind, and spirit). The Parishes Nurses are available every 4th weekend of the month. Call the parish office if you are a nurse who is interested in assisting in this ministry.
PARISH SOCIALS
Volunteers assist the coordinators in food and activity preparation for gatherings. In the past these have included Mardi Gras, Epiphany, Parish Picnic, Graduation brunch, Dances, Anniversary breakfast and Card party. Volunteers are not required to help at all functions. Many people head up each social. Call the parish office to volunteer.
ROSARY MAKERS
The Rosary Makers meet at the home of Tom Herzog on 4th Thursday of each month. They turn in completed rosaries at that time and pick up supplies for new projects. If you are interested in this ministry please call the parish office.
SOCIALIZERS
The Socializers meet during Lent and Advent to prepare gifts for the homebound of the St. Joseph/ St. Raphael community. They meet after the 12:10 Mass once a week to share a lunch and prepare cards and gifts. See the Coordinators List. You can also watch the bulletin for announcements of meetings. They are in need of more helping hands to help in this ministry.
OUTREACH MINISTRIES
CHRISTIAN FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE
The Christian Friendship Circle is a citywide, interfaith and interracial group that meets monthly to work on service projects. Among other activities, they recycle Christmas cards to take to nursing home residents, make gowns, lap robes and prayer shawls for nursing homes and make Christmas gift bags for nursing home residents. Meetings are held the 3rd Thursday of the month, from 10:00 Am to 1:00 PM. The member churches take turns hosting the meetings and providing a light lunch. St. Raphael is the only Catholic member parish and has only 3 parishioners involved. New members are needed to keep the Catholic representation in this group. A brochure in the narthex has more information. Please see the Coordinators List if you are interested in joining this group.
CHRISTIAN MUSIC COFFEEHOUSE
All are invited to relax and have a cup of coffee (or non alcoholic beverage of choice) and listen to beautiful live music performed by local musicians. The Coffeehouse is scheduled throughout the fall on the third Saturday of each month at St. Raphael’s Hoban Hall. The hall is handicap accessible by the elevator in the church. We begin with a delicious potluck supper. Bring your favorite dish to share. Please see the Coordinators List if you wish to perform or volunteer to serve. Hope to see you there.
CLARK COUNTY JAIL CHAPLAINCY
The Clark County Jail Chaplaincy was established in 1978 by concerned Christians of Clark County. Volunteers from Clark County churches hold services, visit inmates one on one and minister to the families of the incarcerated. There is always a need for one on one visitation, which involves a minimum of one hour to as much time as you would like to spend per week. This is a much-needed ministry. See the Coordinators List.
DIVERSITY GROUP
This ministry helps the parish in celebrating our growing diversity by sponsoring events such as St. Martin’s Day and Las Posada. We are open to new ideas and new members. See the Coordinators List.
INTERFAITH HOSPITALITY NETWORK
IHN is an organization of faith communities committed to providing temporary housing for families and women who are homeless and seeking employment. Parish members of St. Joseph/St. Raphael assist in this ministry at Christ Episcopal Church, 409 E. High St. The main responsibilities of St. Joseph/St. Raphael involve providing dinner and overnight hosts. There are 8 host churches so we participate every 2 months. Every evening during our IHN rotation, dinner is served to our guests. Dinner hosts can be combinations of families or individuals. Responsibilities include preparing dinner for the number of guests in the program. Meals do not have to be elaborate – some of the favorites are pizza, hamburgers, tacos or spaghetti. Dinner hosts arrive at CEC at 5:00 to set up and serve the meal at 5:30. Hosts are welcome to eat with the guests. Guests help with cleaning up after the meal. Hosts stay until the overnight hosts arrive at 7:00. Overnight hosts arrive at 7pm. They interact with guests, pack lunches for the next day and put out an evening snack. Lights out is at 10:00 and hosts make sure the building is locked. Overnight hosts have their own quarters. Guests are awakened at 6am, eat a light breakfast and leave at 7am. Hosts make sure lights are turned off, building is locked and leave a few minutes later. Anyone who would like to help with dinner or be an overnight host, please see the Coordinators List.
SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE
The Springfield Catholic Social Action Committee is composed of representatives from each of the Springfield parishes and Catholic Institutions, along with others who are committed to Gospel values and the great gift of Catholic Social Teaching. They meet 4th Tuesday every other month at the St. Joseph Parish Center. For more information see the Coordinators List.
JUSTICE, ACTION, MERCY (JAM)
JAM is a local faith based organization. Their mission statement defines the group as,”Religious Congregations engaged in direct action to hold social, political and economic systems accountable to do justice. Each year JAM representatives hold house meetings in order to bring issues to the surface that are of concern to the local congregations. Those issues are compiled and several are chosen as a focus. Committees are form to study each issue and an action is decided upon. Volunteers are needed to serve on JAM committees. Throughout the year we also need parishioners to attend the house meetings, and assemblies as the process moves along. Please contact Fr. Caylor if you are interested in this ministry. Look for announcements regarding assemblies in the bulletin.
RAINBOW TABLE
For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink” Here is an opportunity to live out these directive from our Lord. The Rainbow Table which is located at St. John’s Lutheran Church on the corner of Columbia and Wittenberg offers a hot meal each Friday to those in need. Volunteers prepare and serve meals and are needed between 9:00am through 2:00pm. St. Joseph and St. Raphael have a regular rotation throughout the year. See Coordinators List to assist with this ministry.
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL
Inspired by Gospel values, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, a Catholic lay organization, leads women and men to join together to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to those who are needy and suffering in the tradition of its founder, Blessed Frederic Ozanam, and patron, Saint Vincent de Paul. As a reflection of the whole family of God, members who are known as Vincentians are drawn from every ethnic and cultural background, age group and economic level. Vincentians are united in an international society of charity by their spirit of poverty, humility and sharing, which is nourished by prayer and reflection, mutually supportive gatherings and adherence to a basic Rule. Organized locally, Vincentians witness God's love by embracing all works of charity and justice. The Society collaborates with other people of good will in relieving need and addressing its causes, making no distinction in those served because, in them, Vincentians see the face of Christ. St. Joseph and St. Raphael parish is host to two conferences, the basic element of the Society. St. Joseph Conference meets on the third Wednesday of the month at 7 pm. St. Raphael Conference meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 7 pm. Meetings are usually held in the St. Joseph Parish Center.
MISSION PARISHES
ST. LUCY PARISH, ANAPU, BRAZIL
The St. Raphael Parish Community began our relationship with the people of Brazil 20 years ago through Sr. Dorothy Stang. Over the years we have sent representatives to this area of the rainforest and given financial support through Advent and Lenten Alms cans and written letters to government officials. The proceeds from these collections have helped in specific projects such as the purchase of a truck and the building of a gathering place. Since Sr. Dorothy’s murder we have continued to support the efforts in this region. Contact Deacon Norm if you are interested in information about our relationship with St. Lucy.
FORMATION MINISTRIES
ADULT EDUCATION ON SUNDAY MORNINGS
During the school year adults are invited to join in continuing study and growth in our Catholic faith. God continues to speak to us throughout our lives, but we need to feed our spiritual life with good food. They meet at the St. Raphael Parish Center from 9:30-10:40am (during CCD time). Early dismissal is announced for those wishing to attend 10:30 Mass at St. Joseph. All are welcome! See the Coordinators List. Adults from the parish gather each Monday evening from 7:30 to 9:00pm at St. Joseph Parish Center to study Scripture through video assisted study with informal small group work. The content is sound teaching and the atmosphere is friendly! Please bring a Bible and a friend along. Call the parish office. See the Coordinators List. Team leaders assist with small groups and presenting material. New Beginnings is a three- hour, three part course that takes participants on a life-changing journey. 101 My Parish looks at your local parish in a new, fresh way and sees it as the powerful force it can be. 201 My Spirituality provides the means to find deepen and enrich personal spirituality in everyday life. And in 301 My Ministry, participants will discover their unique value and talents and how they might best be put to use in the parish and community. If you are interested in volunteering to be part of the presenting team see the Coordinators List. If you are interested in being a participant, contact the parish office and watch the bulletin and website for our next session.
ADVENT & LENTEN RETREATS
Teams come together to plan 2 intergenerational retreats each year. Volunteers are needed in all areas. Committees include food, prayer, children’s activities, music and teen/ adult sessions. Please come together with us to plan. Call Patty Larger or Deacon Norm to volunteer.
BIBLE STUDY CCD
The parish religious education program meets on Sunday mornings during the school year from 9:30- 10:40am. If your child is not in a Catholic School we encourage participation is program. Classes range from Preschool to Senior. Catechists are volunteers from the parish and courses are offered to assist in facilitating classes. The Archdiocesan Child Protection Video and Fingerprinting is needed when in the classroom on a regular basis. Please see the Coordinators List if you are interested in leading or assisting in a classroom.
NEW BEGINNINGSMARRIAGE PREPARATION
Volunteers meet with engaged couples to discuss various areas of communication. To volunteer for this ministry contact Fr. Caylor.
BAPTISMAL PREPARATION
This is a required instructional program to prepare parents for the baptism of their child. During this class, the history of baptism, the baptismal rite, symbols associated with baptism, and the role of the Sponsor are reviewed. Classes are conducted on the 1st Thursday of each month at St. Joseph Parish Center. If you would like to help in this ministry please call the parish office. PRESCHOOL “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.” Preschool ministry needs individuals capable of showing tender loving care to assist in teaching children, ages 3-5, about God and God’s love for us. Classes meet on Sundays in conjunction with the CCD calendar during 11:00 Mass at St. Raphael’s on the first floor of the Parish Center. Class size varies from week to week. Ideally two adults should be present in order to accommodate the needs of the children. At least one adult in the classroom must be trained in child abuse and fingerprinted. Teen helpers are also appreciated. If you enjoy being around young children, delight in watching them learn and can commit to helping approximately one Sunday per month, please see the Coordinators List.
RCIA
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the process available to those who are interested in becoming members of the Catholic Church. All begin with a time of Inquiry or questioning. This is a most important time to get answers to basic questions, begin to build relationships, enter the process of finding a sponsor and choosing the right path of formation. The period of formal formation follows inquiry. These sessions meet from September through the Easter season. During this time Catechumens and Candidates journey toward reception of the Sacraments of Initiation. The team is lead by Deacon Norm. If you are interested in working with the team, or walking with someone as a sponsor please contact Deacon Norm at the parish office. We also encourage you to invite those who are searching to our Inquiry sessions which meet the 1st Sunday of each month.
SCRIPTURE SAFARI
Scripture Safari is our parish Vacation Bible School. We have gathered together the children of this parish and the wider community for 19 years. Volunteers are vital to our Safari. We need teens entering the 7th grade and older to serve as teen helpers. We need adults to lead classes and assist. We need people to work in areas such as snacks, games, music and performance. Scripture Safari begins the Monday after the Clark County Fair, which is usually the last full week in July. This makes Safari for next year July 31st through August 4th. Teen volunteers are asked to attend a training prior to safari. Begin looking for information in the bulletin and on this website prior to the end of school.
VOCATION COMMITTEE
The Second Vatican Council recommended all parish communities further vocation awareness in their parishes. We cannot create a “vocation”, only God can do that. But we can create “vocation consciousness”. This Committee will help provide an atmosphere in our parish in which we can prayerfully consider Christ’s call in our lives and especially to foster those whom the Lord is calling to the priesthood and religious life. Please see the Coordinators List if you are interested in this ministry.
YOUTH ACTIVITY CORE TEAM
Activities are planned by the Youth Ministry Core Team. The team is composed of students and adults who gather on the 1st Sunday of the month at noon in the St. Raphael Parish Center. The Core Team is open to all High School members of the parish. Each year the team goes on a reward trip Youth ministry is built on the relationships between Jesus, the High School student and other members of the parish. All activities are to help these relationships to grow and bear fruit. Each member of the Core Team and any other student who request one will have a Prayer Partner. This is an adult member of the parish who will pray for and with the student throughout their high school years. They are there for each other as they face the joys and challenges of life. If you are interested in volunteering for core team or as a prayer partner please call Deacon Norm Horstman. *Names and phone numbers of coordinators can be found in the church directory or by calling the parish office. Directories are available to all registered members of St. Joseph/ St. Raphael “Life according to the Spirit, whose fruit is holiness, stirs up every baptized person and requires each to follow and imitate Jesus Christ, in embracing the beatitudes, in listening and meditating on the word of God, in conscious and active participation in the liturgical and sacramental life of the Church, in personal prayer, in family or in community, in the hunger and thirst for justice, in the practice of the commandment of love in all circumstances of life and service to the brethren, especially the least, the poor and the suffering.
U.S. Catholic Bishops, “Called and Gifted for the Third Millennium”
