St. Mark Ministries & Activities

2014 Stewardship Booklet

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Table of ContentsADVISORY GROUP/MAINTENANCE MINISTRIES.................................................3

Pastoral Council.............................................................................................3

Finance Committee........................................................................................3

Liturgy Ministry..............................................................................................3

Grounds Keepers/Landscaping......................................................................3

Church Housekeeping Ministries...................................................................3

RELIGIOUS MINISTRIES.......................................................................................4

Baptism Class.................................................................................................4

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).............................................4

Youth Religious Education Ministry (PSR)......................................................4

Adult Education.............................................................................................4

Evangelization Outreach................................................................................4

Eucharistic Adoration.....................................................................................5

Light of Life Prayer Ministry...........................................................................5

Divine Mercy Sunday.....................................................................................5

Music Ministry...............................................................................................5

Mass Support Ministries................................................................................5

Money Counter.........................................................................................5

Extraordinary Minister of Communion.....................................................6

Altar Server Ministry.................................................................................6

Lector Ministry.........................................................................................6

Ushers.......................................................................................................6

Sacristan...................................................................................................6

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Rosary @ Mass....................................................................................6

PARISH ACTIVITIES MINISTRIES..........................................................................7

Marriage and Family Life Ministry.................................................................7

Shut-In Ministry.............................................................................................7

Prayer Shawl Ministry....................................................................................7

Hospitality for Special Events.........................................................................7

Bereavement Ministry...................................................................................8

Youth Activities..............................................................................................8

CHRISTIAN SERVICE/SOCIAL CONCERNS MINISTRIES.........................................9

Social Peace & Justice....................................................................................9

Faithful Citizenship...................................................................................9

Bridges of St. Mark Ministry.....................................................................9

Giving Tree.....................................................................................................9

Assistance to the Poor & Needy..................................................................10

Food Pantry.................................................................................................10

OTHER PARISH ACTIVITIES...............................................................................11

Pre-Cana......................................................................................................11

Knights of Columbus Council 15447.............................................................11

St. Vincent DePaul Society...........................................................................11

Friendly 60s (Senior Citizens).......................................................................11

Christmas and Easter Cantatas....................................................................11

MINISTRY CONTACT LIST..................................................................................12

ST. MARK MINISTRY/ACTIVITY SURVEY............................................................13

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ADVISORY GROUP/MAINTENANCE MINISTRIESThe purpose is to advise and assist Father relating to Church matters and upkeep of Church grounds.

Pastoral CouncilPastoral Council should provide a solid means of communication among the members of the Parish. Conceived as a unifying structure, it is the purpose of this Council to lead, plan, organize and keep the Parish fresh and alive. The Council members should keep upper-most in their minds the aims of self-study, renewal, and dialogue which inevitably leads to the service of others. As stated in the Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity, "In dioceses, as far as possible, councils should be set up to assist the Church's apostolic work, whether in the field of evangelization and sanctification or in the fields of charity and religious working with the laity in whatever way proves satisfactory." Therefore, Pastoral Council will advise the Pastor and his staff in matters that pertain to the spiritual and temporal goods of the parish such as Sacramental, strategic, and sustainable needs of the Parish. This forms a true Christian partnership among priests, religious, and laity.

Finance CommitteeThis committee advises Father regarding budgeting and financial decisions for the Parish.

Liturgy MinistryThe Liturgy Committee supports and promotes the spiritual development of the worshiping community by fostering spiritual growth through the celebration of life-giving liturgies. We work collaboratively with other Parish committees in regard to the liturgical life of the Parish. The Liturgy Committee meets monthly.

Grounds Keepers/LandscapingThe Ground Keeping team keeps the church grounds mowed during the summer and the parking lot cleared during the winter. The Landscaping team keeps the flower beds around the church looking well groomed.

Church Housekeeping MinistriesBelow is a list of ministries that are needed to prepare for the Sunday liturgy:

Church Cleaner This ministry is scheduled weekly; cleaners are required to dust and vacuum the church and hallway. Cleaning can be done at volunteers’ convenience.

Bulletin inserts: Volunteers are needed to help put inserts in the bulletin and mail bulletins to shut-ins. This is done weekly on Friday afternoon or Saturday before Mass.

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Church DecorationThis team of volunteers decorates the Church for special occasions like Easter and Christmas.

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RELIGIOUS MINISTRIESThe purpose is to teach the truths of the Catholic faith to children from four to thirteen years old and to bring adults into our faith.

Baptism ClassProvides an opportunity for parents and godparents to prepare for the Baptism of their child as they learn what the symbolism and meaning of the Sacrament is, and reflect on the impact which this event will have on the life of their child.

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)The RCIA is a restoration of the ancient practice of initiation in the Church. It was reinstated in 1972 by Pope Pius VI. The RCIA is not a program but a Sacramental process. This process consists of one Rite divided into various periods that reflect the individual's journey of faith.

Our team members and sponsors have stated that serving in the capacity of a team member or sponsor is a very rewarding experience, one in which they learned and grew as much as the Candidates and Catechumens.

Team members have diverse experience with a variety of gifts. Parishioners who would like to grow in their faith, while at the same time helping another come into full communion with the Catholic Church, should investigate the RCIA as a ministry choice.

Youth Religious Education Ministry (PSR)PSR ministry includes Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Sacrament of Reconciliation, First Communion, Confirmation and Vacation Bible School (VBS).

Children attend the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd from pre-school through sixth grade. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is based on the Maria Montessori teaching method. PSR class from 7th – 12th grade will be using the One Faith, One Lord curriculum this year. As the children grow through the program they learn about and receive the Sacraments.

VBS is a one week super fun summer program focusing on a theme from the Bible. The children come as young as pre-school and through 5th grade. The program is a mixture of music, stories, snacks, crafts, and games. The children present a program for their parents at the end of the week. Teen volunteers are needed for VBS. They may earn service hours for volunteering.

Adult EducationPast programs under this ministry have included: Bible Study, the Catholicism series, Food for Thought, and other programs designed to foster continuing education and faith formation for adults.

Evangelization OutreachThis deals with St. Mark’s evangelization to the local community at parades, other public events, and special presentations open to the community.

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Eucharistic AdorationThis is a new ministry to set up and coordinate the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at St Mark. Volunteers are currently being sought for this ministry.

Light of Life Prayer Ministry Light of Life Charismatic Prayer Ministry meets at St. Mark on Tuesday evening. All Christians are welcome. Members experience the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and intercessory prayer is part of this ministry. The team strives for holiness by putting God’s word into action while giving glory and thanks to God the Father.

Divine Mercy SundayDevotion to Divine Mercy is practiced daily by participants who pray for God's mercy for themselves and the whole world. Essentially, the Divine Mercy message focuses on praying for God’s mercy on the world, showing mercy to others, and striving to completely trust in Jesus.

The Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy are promoted as various methods of encouraging us to be merciful. This ministry is responsible for providing educational materials along with sponsoring speakers and programs designed to spread the Divine Mercy message.

This ministry promotes and participates in the celebration of the Feast of Divine Mercy by offering Confession, Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction; support in the form of musicians, readers, and lectors during the Chaplet and the Divine Mercy Mass, as well as the presentation of the Divine Mercy meal at the conclusion of the Mass.

Divine Mercy Sunday is always celebrated the Sunday after Easter as declared by St. Pope John Paul II.

Music MinistryThe mission of the Music Ministry is to unify and deepen our communal prayer. Music is integral to the celebration of any liturgical event. While the voice of the assembly is the primary voice in any liturgy, there are many additional ways to offer your gift of song to the glory of God and to draw others into participation in the Church’s worship, including serving as an accompanist, choir member, cantor, or other instrumentalist.

Mass Support MinistriesThe following ministries offer assistance with the weekend masses: Money Counter, Altar Server, Lector, Extraordinary Minister of Communion, Usher, Sacristan, and Rosary @ Mass. Individuals interested in participating in any of the Mass support ministries will be referred to the proper individuals within the parish for training.

Money Counter The function of the Money Counter ministry is to count and record all regular and special collections. The collection monies are counted on Sunday following the 10:30 AM Mass. Four volunteers are assigned each week to count collections. Volunteers are needed for this ministry. Training is required.

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Extraordinary Minister of CommunionAn Extraordinary Minister of Communion is a lay person who assists in the distribution of the Eucharist during Mass, to the homebound, and those in nursing facilities. Requirements for Eucharistic Minister are as follows: An individual must be a confirmed Catholic, complete training, be approved by the bishop, and commissioned by the parish priest. Becoming an Extraordinary Minister of Communion is a serious commitment to the parish which offers individuals the opportunity to grow in their faith while serving others.

Altar Server Ministry The purpose of this committee is to recruit, provide training, as well as on-going support, to those youth and adults who are servers. A Server may be a male or female youth (around fifth grade) or an adult. It is considered an honor in the Catholic Church to be a Server. It is important that the person has a desire to serve in this capacity as it requires both reverence and commitment. Training is required.

Lector Ministry A lector is someone who proclaims the Word during Mass. Becoming a Lector is a serious decision due to the importance of the Mass readings. One needs to consider the time commitment needed for this ministry as well as the importance of preparation before Mass. Requirements: Must be a practicing Catholic and attend training.

UshersThe Ushers assist with seating parishioners and with the offertory collection during Mass. Volunteers are also needed to be part of the team that tidy up the pews after Mass.

SacristanA Sacristan insures that proper preparation of the elements necessary for Mass is done. All elements must be put in order and checked for readiness before the Eucharistic celebration. It is the responsibility of a Sacristan/Eucharistic Ministers to clean and properly store vessels after the Mass. A Sacristan is appointed to

care for the Sacristy and set up for Mass. Any Catholic is eligible to be a Sacristan.

Rosary @ MassThis ministry leads the recitation of the Rosary at 10:00 on Sunday mornings.

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PARISH ACTIVITIES MINISTRIESThe purpose is to help parishioners of St. Mark meet other members of the parish and live out the faith in a social environment.

Marriage and Family Life MinistryThe goal of Marriage and Family Life is to promote positive family activities and values. It also includes ministering to the parish in the areas of parenting, building strong marriages, natural family planning, and life issues which parish members face.

Marriage and Family Life sponsors events and activities that foster family life. Activities have included:

Parish Family Picnic All Saints/Halloween Party Caroling to shut-ins Advent sacramental sales World Marriage Day Banquet Lenten Speaker Series Easter egg hunt Mother's Day brunch Father's Day brunch.

Shut-In MinistrySt. Mark’s Shut-In Ministry visits parishioners who are homebound to provide companionship to those with limited ability to socialize. Volunteers are welcome.

Prayer Shawl MinistryPrayer Shawl Ministry meets the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. If the idea of making a shawl for someone that expresses love and care during their time of need appeals to you, please join. Beginners are welcome!

Not crafty and want to help? Monetary donations are always accepted. The supplies for a shawl can cost as much as $25.00. Donations greatly help the ministry. If you have a yarn stash you would like to share, donations are gladly accepted. The donation of new yarn is very much appreciated. Donors are asked to purchase 5 skeins of the same color/dye lot of soft washable yarn.

Hospitality for Special EventsThe Hospitality Team strives to make others feel welcome when attending a Mass or other function at St. Mark Church. This is a newly formed ministry; although it has been functioning without an organized committee for many years. Some of the functions this ministry will be involved with are:

Wedding assistant to couples getting married at St. Mark Coordination of the Divine Mercy reception

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Refreshments for Diocesan sponsored meetings and evangelization programs Adopt a spiritual baby shower Epiphany Party Mass Greeters Cantata Reception

Bereavement MinistryThis ministry provides a luncheon for families after funerals. It is also responsible for sending sympathy cards

to the family of the deceased on behalf of the Pastor and Parishioners.

Youth ActivitiesThe Youth Ministry mission is to bring the Gospel message of Jesus Christ to youth from pre-school through the 12th grade.

Through various programs youth are instructed in the Catholic Faith and encouraged to live their lives loving and serving God and neighbor.

Programs include: PSR (Parish School of Religion), service projects, Gospel Road, media use in the service of God, fun fellowship, and more.

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CHRISTIAN SERVICE/SOCIAL CONCERNS MINISTRIESCatholic social teaching is based on and is inseparable from our understanding of human life and human dignity. Every human being is created in the image of God, redeemed by Jesus Christ, and therefore, is invaluable and worthy of respect as a member of the human family. Every person, from the moment of conception to natural death, has inherent dignity and a right to life consistent with that dignity. Human dignity comes from God, not from any human quality or accomplishment.

Our commitment to the Catholic social mission must be rooted in and strengthened by our spiritual lives. In our relationship with God we experience the conversion of heart that is necessary to truly love one another as God has loved us. The purpose of these ministries is to help both parishioners and non-parishioners in their time of need.

Social Peace & JusticeFaithful CitizenshipThe Faithful Citizenship team assists the Parish by providing educational materials and activities highlighting a more than thirty-year tradition of the Catholic Church to use the values of their faith to shape their participation in political life. It focuses on helping Catholics form their consciences so they can make sound moral judgments about public choices. Faithful Citizenship highlights four areas of special concern: Defending human life, promoting family life, pursuing social justice, and practicing global solidarity.

Bridges of St. Mark Ministry The Bridges of St. Mark Ministry hopes to help the Rach Suc Mission Church and its community in Can Tho, Vietnam, in the form of projects. Our intentions are to set certain projects as goals and work to fulfill them.

Our recent efforts have focused more on water filtration and purification. Funds have been sent to:

Purchase tables and chairs for students and volunteer teachers Repair restroom facilities at the mission church Fix a leak in their water tower

It is also our hope to cultivate a spiritual bond with these dear people – that we get to know them and they get to know us – that we learn with them the benefit of belonging to a Church that is much larger than ourselves, and that we discover once again that love and support for one another is part of our intrinsic nature.

Visit our website at: www.bridgesofsaintmark.org.

Giving TreeVolunteers are needed to help coordinate, promote, wrap, and transport Christmas gifts. These are donated to needy children, families, and senior citizens at Child Protective Services, Seton Apartments, and other agencies that help the needy during the Christmas holiday.

Respect for Life

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“What is urgently called for,” states Saint John Paul II in The Gospel of Life, “is a general mobilization of consciences and a united ethical effort to create a great campaign in support of life.” The U.S. Bishops call upon all the resources of the Church—its people, services and institutions—to work together to build a culture of life. Every member of St. Mark should prayerfully consider what God would have them do in support of the Church’s teaching regarding respect for life and dignity. There is a need for more volunteers who would like to serve the parish on this committee. Issues that are included in this ministry are:

Euthanasia and Suicide Biotechnology such as stem cell research and cloning Abortion Capital Punishment Natural Family Planning Post-Abortion Healing and Reconciliation

The Respect for Life team organizes the Adopt a Spiritual Baby Project, the baby bottle campaign in support of Pregnancy Decision Health Care Center, and the procurement and distribution of prolife educational materials.

Holiday Baskets

Holiday baskets are distributed to parishioners, Seton Apartment residents, and those in need during the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays. Volunteers are needed to pick up food, pack, wrap, and deliver baskets to agencies for distribution.

Assistance to the Poor & NeedyThe Social Concerns Ministry at St. Mark coordinates the distribution of donated goods to those in need within our Parish and community. Our assistance program provides monetary assistance to individuals and families in crisis within our parish to assist with utilities, medication, and other necessities. Crisis assistance is also given to community members through a cooperative referral program with Fairfield County Information and Referral.

Food PantrySt. Mark Emerald Food Pantry serves families living in Fairfield County. It is located at St. Mark. It is run solely by volunteers and is 100% funded by donations. Volunteers are needed to do a variety of jobs from receiving donated food, stocking shelves, serving the families at the pantry, and picking up donated foods on Wednesday at the Mid-Ohio Food Bank and other local businesses.

OTHER PARISH ACTIVITIESSt. Mark parishioners may become active members of the following inter-parish organizations.

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Pre-CanaThe Pre-Cana Ministry helps prepare couples intending to marry in the Catholic Church enter the state of marriage more maturely and to understand Marriage as a “Sacrament.”

The team members are responsible for organizing a two day event a week prior to the session being held in the Deanery. The focus of the event is on the Theology of the Body. The focus of day 1 is on God’s plan for a joy filled marriage and day 2 reflects on living a joy filled marriage.

Each couple on the team gives a presentation on a particular subject in the important areas of a relationship which include: Spirituality, communication, finance, sexuality, and family of origin.

Knights of Columbus Council 15447Chartered in 2012, Council 15447 at St. Mark Church was formed to offer assistance to parish members, their families, and the community at large. Social and intellectual fellowship is promoted among members through educational, charitable, religious, social welfare, and public relief works.

For more information on being a Knight of Council 15447 please visit: www.kofc15447.org on the web.

St. Vincent DePaul SocietyThe purpose of this ministry is to bear witness to Christ and His Church by showing that our faith inspires us to work for the good of humanity. St. Vincent DePaul brings together dedicated Catholic men and women to assist those in need through various works of charity without regard to race, creed, or national origin.

Food, clothing, lodging, prescriptions, furniture, transportation, utilities, rent, nursing home visits, and pallbearers are provided to those in need. Other activities include clothing collections, Christmas baskets, support of hospice, gifts for the forgotten in nursing homes, Lifeline, and support of the community free job list.

Friendly 60s (Senior Citizens)This ministry brings together senior citizens in a social atmosphere. It is an ecumenical group that welcomes people 55 years and older. Friendly 60s meet in the Jim Aranda Building at St. Mark on the first Thursday of the month. The meeting times can be found in the bulletin.

Christmas and Easter Cantatas On December 12, 2008, St. Mark church began a tradition of presenting Christmas and Easter cantatas. Our most recent performance was this past April on Palm Sunday. The choir and orchestra presented an outstanding performance of the Requiem mass by W. A. Mozart. These performances are accompanied by a symphony orchestra of professional musicians. The choir is an ecumenical group of singers from as many as 18 area churches. Christmas performances are presented on the third Sunday of Advent at 7:00 PM. Easter performances are performed on Palm Sunday, also at 7:00 PM. The choir is open to anyone who can sing and loves making beautiful music. Rehearsals are held late Sunday afternoons 10-12 weeks prior to the performance. A dress rehearsal is also held on Saturday the day before the performance. For further information contact David Spencer, Director at 740-603-7821 or by email at vdspencer@frontier.com.

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MINISTRY CONTACT LISTMINISTRY LEADER/CONTACT PHONE # EMAILRCIA Pam Dittoe (740) 215-0685 pditty50@hotmail.com

Family Life Ruth Hoch (740) 689-9541 hochra@peoplepc.com

Parish Council John Brunney (740) 215-5548 jtbrunney@yahoo.com

Finance Committee Paul Sullivan (614) 833-0474 a7d191@aol.com

Ushers Jerry Joos (740) 653-6377 jljoos@msn.com

Money Counter Theresa Brunney (740) 215-3911 stmarktheresa@yahoo.com

Religious Education Kim Kirchgessnor (740) 687-3640 kimk@fmchealth.org

Youth Ministry Teresa Marvin (740) 653-6399 tmarvin1@columbus.rr.com

Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers Carol Sullivan (740) 653-4260 mcsulli@sbcglobal.net

Cantor/Musician Kathy Smith (614) 406-7929 stmarkkathy@gmail.com

Lectors Anita Spires (740) 969-2645 mmespires@gmail.com

Altar Servers Jerry Joos (740) 653-6377 jljoos@msn.com

K of C Council #15447 John Brunney (740) 215-5548 jtbrunney@yahoo.com

Bereavement Barb Kilbarger (740) 681-1939 jakebarb23@aol.com

Church Cleaners Theresa Brunney (740) 215-3911 stmarktheresa@yahoo.com

Prayer Shaw Patty Abel (740) 654-0892 wring1@columbus.rr.com

Rosary @ Mass Jim Hanley (740) 653-2866 jhanley001@columbus.rr.com

Grounds Keepers Jake Kilbarger (740) 681-1939 jakebarb23@aol.com

Bridges of St Mark Randy Tipple (614) 506-0044 ctipple68@gmail.com

Liturgy Fr. Pete (740) 653-1229 pgideon8@me.comFood Pantry Phyllis Robitzer (740) 756-7202 r.313.p.robitzer@att.net

Evangelization Bev Shaffer (614) 332-3684 bevshaffer@hotmail.com

Hospitality (Church Ladies) Joanne Sullivan (740) 653-9323 joannesullivan1@gmail.com

Social Concerns Jan Zerovnik (740) 243-0569 js195109@ohio.eduSacristan Jake and Barb

Kilbarger(740) 681-1939 jakebarb23@aol.com

Light of Life Jan Kiger (740) 654-0884 phili@att.net

Seasonal Decoration Patty Reid (740) 654-5563Pre-Cana Beth and Steve

Ford (614) 374-4715 eaford59@gmail.com

Landscaping Jerry Joos (740) 653-6377 jljoos@msn.comCantata (Christmas, Easter) David Spencer (740) 603-7821 vdspencer@frontier.com

Other ministries not listed Theresa Brunney (740) 215-3911 stmarktheresa@yahoo.com

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ST. MARK MINISTRY/ACTIVITY SURVEY(Please check the appropriate boxes below and complete the contact information)

Contact Information

Name: ______________________________________ Telephone # __________________ Cell ___________________

Address: ______________________________________ Email Address: _______________________________________

City/State/Zip ______________________________________

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Eucharistic Minister RCIA

Usher Prayer Group – Light of Life

Lector Food Pantry

Greeter Religious Education

Alter Server Youth Ministry

Cantor Hospitality

Liturgy Committee Church Cleaning

Parish Pastoral Council Ground Maintenance

Knights of Columbus Bulletin Insert

Social Concerns Money Counter

Social Peace and Justice Tidy Church after Mass

Music Ministry (Sing or Play) Marriage and Family Life

Prayer Shawl Rosary @ Mass

Seasonal Decorating Eucharistic Adoration

Bereavement Meals Evangelization Ministry

Sacristan Cantata

Pre Cana Bridges of St. Mark

What other talents/abilities/professional experience which may be helpful in present or future Ministries?

Any other comments

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