Time and Talent
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One of the most significant aspects of biblical faith is the Call to Stewardship. In the Book of Genesis, God places humankind in charge of creation, to diligently, energetically and faithfully take care of the many gifts and resources which God, out of divine bounty, has given for our use. At Holy Family Parish, Stewardship applies to all of us. Stewardship means a commitment from each of us to all. Stewardship means an honest look at the gifts God has given to us and then an honest look at our calendars to see how we can share those gifts with others: Time, Talent and Treasure. All of these elements work together to keep our parish an alive, healthy, growing, comfortable, challenging and faithful place in which to worship our God by serving our neighbor. Won’t you please do what you can do best to assist in this worthy endeavor?
Rev. Laurin J. Wenig, pastor
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Parish Council 
The primary responsibility of the parish council is to guide and determine the direction of the parish by providing spiritual leadership, engaging in pastoral planning, and formulating and ensuring the implementation of policies in accordance with the parish mission. Parish council members are discerned from nominations received. The term is for a period of three years. Meetings are held the fourth Wednesday of the month.
Committees
Each committee has a chairperson and/or a member of the pastoral staff as liaison. Some committees also have a Parish Council liaison. Many of these committees have subcommittees who help with specific areas of ministry. New committee members are always welcome and appreciated.
Finance |
Stewardship |
| Buildings & Grounds |
Prayer & Worship |
| Home & School |
Athletics |
| Personnel |
Technology |
| Human Concerns |
Religious Education Advisory Board |
| School Board |
Participate In The Mass
Prayer and Worship Committee Member:
The Prayer & Worship Committee nourishes and gives direction to the liturgical aspect of Holy Family Parish life. It fosters good worship in the parish on an ongoing basis and translates the liturgical vision of the Second Vatican Council into celebrations of the parish. It ensures that the parishioners are provided with opportunities to deepen their faith through a variety of prayer and liturgical experiences. If you are interested in the liturgical aspects of Holy Family Parish life, but are not sure which activity is for you, this is a great place to start. Commitment: Quarterly meetings. Prayer and Worship Committee members also serve on the following subcommittees, however they are also open to non-committee members. (1) Art and Environment: Plans and decorates the church based on the liturgical season. (2) Liturgical Ministry: Provides scheduling support and training of all areas of ministry. (3) Music Committee: Promotes general direction and evaluation in the area of music.
Greeter*:
Welcomes parishioners and guests to liturgical celebrations at Holy Family.
Commitment: Arrive 15 minutes prior to the assigned mass. On a rotational basis usually once every few weeks.
Usher*:
Assist and welcome parishioners during liturgies by greeting, directing, taking collections, and distributing bulletins. They also select parishioners to bring the bread and wine to the altar at the preparation of the gifts. Minimum Age: High School. Commitment: On rotational basis usually once every few weeks.
Acolyte*:
Assist presider at masses and special liturgical celebrations. Training provided. Minimum Age: 9th Grade Commitment: On a rotational basis usually once every 5-8 weeks.
Proclaiming Scripture (Lector/Reader)*:
Proclaim the Holy Scripture at the various liturgies of the parish.
Commitment: On a rotational basis usually once every 5 1/2 to 11 weeks.
Eucharistic Minister*:
Serves the faith community by distributing consecrated bread and wine during our liturgies. Commitment: On a rotational basis usually once every 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 weeks.
Holy Family Parish Choir*:
Mixed voice choir that rehearses Thursday evenings and leads the congregation in singing at the 10:30 am mass weekly as well as at other special liturgies and ecumenical services. Open to adults and youth. Minimum Age: High School students Commitment: 3 1/2 hours/week - September through May.
New Life Choir*:
Unison/2 part choir that supports the sung prayer at our parish funeral liturgies. Open to adults. Commitment: as needed.
Cantor:
Facilitates the role of singing in worship and encourages the assembly in its sung prayer. Open to adults and youth. Minimum Age: 9th grade Commitment: 2 times per month/flexible.
Instrumentalist:
An opportunity for those who play musical instruments to share their talent with the assembly. Open to adults and youth. Minimum Age: 9th grade. Commitment: As needed depending on celebration/music repertoire.
Altar Servers*:
Altar servers are parishioners who, after some training, assist the priest at mass and other liturgical services. Minimum Age: Open to girls and boys in 6th - 8th grade. Commitment: On a rotational basis usually once every 7 1/2 to 10 weeks.
Liturgy of the Word with Children:
Sunday readings are provided during the 10:30 am Eucharistic Liturgy, in a language and manner suited to children. Leaders then guide the children in a reflection on how the readings apply to their lives. Commitment: 15 minutes every 4-6 weeks during the school year, plus preparation time. Leaders may work alone or in teams. Training available. High School youth encouraged to participate. Service hours given.
Communion for Homebound & Hospitalized*:
These special Communion Ministers are adult parishioners, who after being trained, bring the Holy Eucharist to our parishioners who are sick, homebound and/or in nursing homes. Commitment: Flexible.
Wash/Press Church Linens:
Various volunteers wash and press church linens. Commitment: Once/Quarter on a rotating basis.
Prayer Groups
The following parishioners meet on a regular basis to pray and share their faith. Please refer to the parish calendar for specific dates and times:
| Sunday Night Prayer Group: Meets in Kerstein Center Chapel at 7:15 PM to pray the rosary. |
| Thursday Evening Prayer Group: Meets in Kerstein Center Chapel at 7:15 PM (Marge Hogan). |
| First Friday Prayer and Vigil: Meets in Kerstein Center Chapel immediately following 8 am mass until 10 PM (Marianne Scobey). |
| Friday Morning Prayer Group: Meets in parishioners homes(Carol Loomis, Lucia Korom or Rhonda Oberland). |
| Cenacle Prayer Group: Meets Monday nights at 7 PM in Kerstein Center Chapel. |
| Small Christian Communities: Several groups meet throughout the Parish. Call the Parish Center Office for more information. |
| Men's Scripture Group: Meets mornings (Jerry Pierre). |
| Prayer Support from Homebound Parishioners: Prayer chain activated when needed. |
Outreach
Human Concerns Committee:
Committee Members are generally (although not exclusively) involved in other Outreach activities. The committee provides a forum for exchanging ideas and communicating upcoming events. If you are interested in the mission of the Human Concerns Committee, but not sure which activity is for you, this is a great place to start. Commitment: 2 meetings/year.
Befriending Visits:
Volunteers offering the extremely valuable gift of companionship. The intent is to let people know that others are still thinking about them, and are interested in their well being and insights. Commitment: Visits are very low key and flexible. Approximately once per week for about 1/2 hour.
St. Gall Meal Program:
The St. Gall Meal program is directed toward providing food for the homeless or poor families. Volunteers are given a menu and asked to prepare a portion of the meal in their home, and then bring the meals to Holy Family. From Holy Family, the meals are delivered to St. Gall Church where the meal will be served. Approximately 12-16 people are needed to cook (i.e. some prepare the salad, others prepare the entree or dessert). Delivery and serving of the meals requires an additional 4 - 5 people. Commitment: Holy Family serves their meal the 3rd Tuesday of every other month. Serving and clean up take about 1 1/2 hours
Guest House Meal Program:
The Guest House meal program is run in the same manner as the St. Gall meal program except that the program is directed toward providing food for homeless men. Approximately 35 people are involved in this effort with delivery and serving of the meals requiring 4-5 people. Commitment: Holy Family serves their meal every 4th Saturday of the month.
Sharing Sunday:
Drivers are needed to deliver food from Holy Family's Pantry to various central city locations once a week. Drivers are rotated throughout the year, so that this ministry is ideal for people short on time but long on giving. Commitment: 2 times/year on a rotating basis. Deliveries can be made on a Saturday morning.
Parish Blood Drive:
The spring and fall blood drive is a joint effort with St. Monica. Commitment: A chairperson is needed for calling (25-30 calls) past donors to remind them of the next blood drive date.
Respect Life Advocacy:
The primary responsibility of the committee is to promote the Catholic faith's teachings on life. Promotional activities include bulletin inserts and updates to the respect life bulletin board. The committee also sponsors layette collections and the sale of roses on Mother's day. Commitment: 6 times per year.
Funeral Reception:
Volunteers prepare a meal for family and friends after the funeral. This is a short notice activity. Members can also participate by preparing or donating food such as pre-cut salads or punch. Commitment: Twice per year on a rotating basis.
Angel Tree Committee:
The purpose of this ministry is Christmas outreach to the children of prison inmates. Holy Family receives a list of approximately 100 children from Prison Fellowship. Toward the end of November an Angel Tree is located in McCormick Hall with the names of the children and their request for one toy and one article of clothing. Commitment: There are a number of activities associated with this ministry. Volunteers are needed to drive to the central city or to the near south side to deliver the gifts. Each person is asked to deliver 1-3 presents. Volunteers are also needed to phone the custodial parent or guardian to verify the data supplied from Prison Fellowship (i.e. names, sex, address) and to gather other information (e.g. clothing sizes, toy preferences) about the children. Volunteers can also expect to place approximately 15-20 phone calls. Finally, volunteers are needed to complete a number of miscellaneous tasks (e.g. cutting out angels, adding names to the angels, providing information and instructions after the mass, sorting presents, etc.) associated with the ministry.
Bereavement Ministry:
The goal of the Holy Family Bereavement Ministry is to represent the parish community by being present through caring, support and prayer for its members who are experiencing emotional, physical or spiritual loss in their life. Minister to people who have lost a loved one. Volunteers send notes on anniversary dates, place phone calls, or make short visits. Volunteers also assist at funerals as readers or as eucharistic ministers as needed. Commitment: Once per month for about 1 1/2 hours.
Crop Walk:
The annual Crop Walk on the 2nd Sunday in October is a fundraiser for the Hunger Task Force (food pantries). Three to four weeks before the walk, the volunteers get together to help with publicity and coordination of Holy Family's participation in the walk. Commitment: Approximately 2-3 hours per week for 3-4 weeks in September.
Habitat for Humanity:
Currently volunteers from Holy Family to help on a project house. Basic housing construction knowledge is needed. Volunteers are needed one Saturday a month for a few hours. Commitment: 3-4 hours/month.
Loaves and Fishes Committee:
Members make and deliver dinner for parishioners in time of need. Because of the circumstances involved, this is usually a short notice activity. Commitment: Parishioners can expect to be called upon 1-2 times per year on a rotating basis.
Mission Outreach Committee:
Mission Outreach is directed towards helping those beyond the parish boundaries on a local, national and international level. Members of this committee review requests for financial support and disburse Mission Outreach funds on a quarterly basis. Examples of agencies funded by Mission Outreach include Jeanne McCue's work in Bosnia, and the Benedict Center (local jail ministry). Funding for Mission Outreach is generated from the proceeds of the 5th Sunday special envelopes and 3% of our weekly stewardship envelopes. Commitment: One meeting per quarter.
Shoreline Interfaith:
Outreach to the elderly. One or two board members needed to attend meetings held at Bay Shore Lutheran. Commitment: 6 meetings/year.
Employment Network:
Parishioners helping other parishioners in job seeking efforts.
Social Activities
Quarterly Newsletter:
Holy Family's Quarterly Newsletter has become a cherished vehicle of sharing the Good News. Articles written by both parish staff and parishioners cover human interest, events and education on all levels. Writers are needed to carry out this tradition of excellence. Articles are submitted quarterly and are published on a space available basis. Commitment: Varies
Newcomers' Receptions:
Be one of the first people to greet new parishioners at this festive event. This ministry is done twice per year in the evening. Coordinate, setup or serve at this wonderful gathering. Share your experiences of our parish with new parishioners. Commitment: 5 hours, twice/year.
Hospitality Sundays:
Often called the coffee and donut ministry, this group of dedicated parishioners serves up hospitality on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month (with the exception of June, July and August). Help make coffee and juice and serve donuts. Commitment: 2 1/2 hours; twice/month.
Widow's Group:
Tuesdays or Fridays for lunch or dinner. (Gladys Schwarz)
Chicago Bus Trip:
An annual day of shopping and sight-seeing in Chicago with transportation provided by coach bus departing from Holy Family. This trip is usually taken in December. Need passengers and bus hosts. Some pre-trip publicity needed. Commitment: Planning 1 month prior.
Baking/Bake sales:
Supply baked goods for various groups at Holy Family on an as-needed basis. Parish school, Religious Education and Youth Ministry have bake sales during the year. Commitment: As needed.
Auction Dinner Dance:
Parish-wide event fund raiser in which a proceeds go towards parish and school budget items. The dinner dance is always held in February, however, planning begins in September with preparation type work getting quite heavy in January. Commitment: As with all major fund raising events, volunteers are needed for a variety of tasks (e.g. decorations, writing thank you notes, soliciting businesses for donations), requiring various amounts of time.
Annual Golf Outing:
Annual Fr. Tom Kerstein Memorial Golf Outing held in the Fall. Need golfers, publicists, general event coordinators. Commitment: Several planning meetings prior to golf outing.
Parish School
Parish School Board Member:
The Parish School Board functions in an advisory capacity for all matters associated with and pertaining to the parish school. The board is responsible for the school budget which includes such things as teacher salary structure, marketing efforts, facility improvements, tuition, and curriculum expansion and long range planning. The board is comprised of nine members each serving three year terms. Members are selected through a discernment process in spring. Notices of available spots are posted in the bulletin. Commitment: One school board meeting per month (10 meetings per year) and subcommittee meetings as necessary.
Development Committee:
Coordinates efforts to promote Holy Family Parish School. Assist with planning the Annual Holy Family Dinner Dance and golf outing.Commitment: Varies
Home and School Association Committee Member:
Analogous to a PTA organization at a public school. Primary function is to help provide the extras that may not necessarily be part of the school operating budget. Examples of past contributions include: school PA system, stocking the library, playground equipment, cafeteria tables. Commitment: One committee meeting per month and sub -committee meetings as necessary.
Market Day Worker:
Home and School fund raiser where the school works through a distributor. Commitment: 20-30 minutes of phone calling from your house once a month or 1 afternoon per month to sort and bag orders.
Magazine Drive Worker:
Home and School's largest fund raiser. The children do all the leg work rounding up magazine subscriptions, while the adults get to play CPA and tabulate the totals. The magazine drive is held every year at the beginning of the school year. Commitment: Anywhere from 1-10 hours (depending on your schedule) tallying the results of the sale.
Pancake Breakfast Helper:
Home and School fund raiser that is held once in the fall and always on Super Bowl Sunday. Commitment: One hour shift.
Spring Plant Sale:
Home and School's fund raiser to support the purchase of bedding plants for the parish. Orders taken in April, delivery of plants in May. Commitment: Varies
Library Worker:
Primary responsibility is to read stories to our young school children. Collateral duties include general librarian aid type activities. Commitment: One hour of reading per week.
Learning Center Volunteer:
Similar to a teacher's aide position. Responsibilities range from tutorial work to classroom setup and bulletin board organization. Commitment: One hour per month
Lunch Time Volunteer:
Responsibilities include playground supervision and cafeteria supervision while the teachers are having lunch. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays the lunch time volunteers help serve our children hot lunch. Commitment: Volunteers are scheduled on a rotating basis.
Family Ties Newsletter:
Production of the quarterly school newsletter for parents, friends, supporters and members of Holy Family parish. Writers, photographers, mailing coordinators are always needed. There are 1200 people on the mailing list. Commitment: The goal is to publish the newsletter 3 times per year.
Tutor:
Works one-on-one or with small groups of children on an as needed basis.
Religious Education
K-8 Advisory Board member:
The mission of the board is to promote quality religious education for children enrolled in the elementary Religious Education program at Holy Family. The goals of the board include: communicating the needs of families to the board, facilitate communication among catechists, parents, and students; assist and advise in the development of programs; acknowledge and support catechist volunteers; assist in the recruitment of catechists. Members coordinate and/or actively participate in Religious Education events and activities. Commitment: 2 hour, monthly meetings (September-June).
K3 - 8 Catechist/Teacher, (or substitute)*:
Provide classroom religious instruction in our Catholic faith which promotes the understanding and practice of the faith in our students' daily lives and complements the teachings of Catholic Christian values that occur in the home. Catechists should be able to share their own faith and encourage the children to be able to recognize and make connections between their faith and their life experiences. (Substitutes have the same responsibilities, except on an on-call basis. The lesson plan is prepared by the regular catechist). Commitment: Holy Family's K3 - 8 Religious Education program consists of 25-26 Sunday morning classes from September through May. The duration of the class is 65 minutes (9:10-10:15). Catechists should anticipate approximately 2-3 hours of preparation time for each class. There are also periodic In-service and faculty meetings.
Catechist Aide:
Volunteers assist the catechist in the classroom on Sunday mornings. (9:10-10:25). Activities may include assisting the children with in-class assignments or art projects. The duration of the class is 65 minutes. The lesson plan is prepared by the regular catechist. Commitment: Holy Family's K3 - 8 Religious Education program consists of 25-26 Sunday morning classes from September through May.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Children (RCIC):
RCIC is the journey by which children enter the Catholic Church through the Sacraments of Baptism and/or Eucharist. This spiritual journey toward initiation is primarily a journey of faith and conversion that is personal and in preparation to the age of the child. It includes formation and information (religious instruction). Commitment: The process will begin in September and continue until the Easter Vigil. Team members are needed to plan for the sessions. Catechists are needed for the teaching portion of the sessions which may include a family component. Sponsors are needed to walk with the child(ren) on their faith journey.
Summer Bible Experience:
Bible stories, puppet shows, songs, crafts on Tuesday, July 10, 17, 24, 31 at 1:00 PM Adults and children welcome. Commitment: Prepare for Bible story and the activities which enrich it on one (1) Tuesday or more. Student helpers are also welcome.
High School Team Facilitator/Discussion Group:
Sunday evening religious education for Grades 9 and 10. Our Freshman and Sophomore program is geared toward nourishing its participants in their knowledge and appreciation of Scripture. Prominent books of the Bible are examined to assist teens in developing a clearer understanding of historical and spiritual truth. Commitment: Two Sunday evening meetings per month (usually 7:00-9:00 PM), (September -May), and one 2-1/2 day retreat.
Confirmation Team:
Volunteers help candidates focus on assimilating our Catholic faith's beliefs, traditions, and practices into their interpersonal relationships with self, others, God, and the world. Candidates are called to consider what it means to live as a Christian, a follower of Christ. Moral decision making, conscience, the teachings of the Catholic church, current societal issues, comparative religions, prayer, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit are all focuses for Candidates preparing for Confirmation. Commitment: Two Sunday evening meetings per month (usually 7:00-9:00 PM), (September - May), and one 2-1/2 day retreat.
High School and Confirmation Service Coordinator:
All of the Grade 9-11 children are encouraged to donate time and talent to a variety of ministries. The Service Coordinator keeps track of all the commitments and handles any schedule conflicts that arise. The work consists primarily of placing phone call reminders to ensure that commitments are met. Commitment: 1-5 hours per week (September - May).
Adult Formation Committee Member:
The mission of the committee is to provide and encourage spiritual formation and education in all aspects of Catholic spiritual life for adult parishioners. The committee plans and coordinates various enrichment activities. Members' responsibilities include: praying for the movement of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of adult parishioners, helping identify opportunities for spiritual enrichment and serving in any capacity necessary to make programs a reality. Commitment: The committee meets 8 times during the year (summers are off) and each meeting lasts approximately onehour.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA):
RCIA is the journey by which adults enter the Catholic Church through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and/or Holy Eucharist. Baptized adults may also complete the Sacraments of Initiation either through Continuing Conversion or seek Full Communion with the Catholic Church from another Christian denomination. Commitment: There are a number of ways to participate in this life enriching ministry. Sponsors are needed for each adult participating in the Initiation Rite or Adult Confirmation. The sponsor's role is to be a companion and walk with the participant in their faith journey. RCIA begins in September and meets weekly until the Easter Vigil/Season. Team Members are needed to assist in planning and coordination inquiry, candidate and mystagogy sessions as well as retreat planning. Monthly planning meetings assist this process. Catechists are needed for the teaching portion of the candidate sessions. Catechists present a single topic in the Catholic Church and many areas are available. Faith Sharers provide real life examples of how faith is carried out. This is a one time opportunity and only a 5-10 minute "sharing" is asked. Hospitality Volunteers are always needed for both candidate sessions as well as the Easter Vigil reception to plan, coordinate and serve. Training is available in all areas!
Catholics Returning Home*:
It is an opportunity for gathering and welcoming Catholics who have been away from the Church and are interested in returning. It is structured very informally so that inactive or returning Catholics, together can explore issues related to former vs. present teachings in the Church. Commitment: Meetings are a few times throughout the year usually occurring during the Christmas and Easter seasons. 2-3 team members are needed.
FOCCUS Couples:
This one-on-one ministry provides participants with an opportunity to meet and mentor couples preparing for marriage. The primary function of this ministry is to have couples preparing for marriage participate in a life issues inventory. The results of the inventory are then shared and discussed. Formal and informal training is provided for all first-time participants. This is a great opportunity to share your marriage experiences (e.g. career demands, interfaith challenges, financial roles) with others. Commitment: There is generally a 1-hour kickoff meeting for all participants in February or March. The meeting is used to discuss the Catholic teachings on marriage or to discuss topical marital issues. The discussions with the couple preparing for marriage are done in your home and usually require 2 or 3 meetings (5 hours total) to go over the life issues inventory.
Athletics
Committee Member:
Committee members are generally (although not exclusively) involved in other activities. If you are interested in the Athletics committee, but not sure which activity is for you, this is a great place to start.
Coach:
Opportunities to coach Girls' and Boys' Basketball, Volleyball and Softball/Baseball are available. Commitment: Varies depending on season
Open Gym:
The Open Gym Program is a weekly activity evening for children of the parish school. The program runs on Friday nights from October through April, with 1st and 2nd graders generally participating in the first Friday night of the month; 3rd and 4th graders on the second, and so forth. Students play basketball, soccer or other games and generally socialize. Concessions are sold. Parent volunteer chaperones supervise the gym and hallways. Commitment: Varies
Spaghetti Dinner:
Do you love the smell of fresh tomato sauce? The Athletic Association could use your talents in this annual dinner occurring on a Sunday afternoon. Commitment: Varies; pre-event preparation is needed as well as the day of the event.
Administrative Services
Stewardship Committee:
The Stewardship Committee is responsible for coordinating the parish's gifts of time, talent and treasure. With respect to treasure, the primary function of the committee is to focus on the monetary needs of the church, and respectfully stimulate sufficient funding for the Church to carry out Her mission. Equally important in carrying out the mission of the Church is the use of the laity's time and talent. The Stewardship Committee strives to connect those in need with those offering help. Commitment: The committee meets every 3rd Wednesday of the month for about 2 hours.
Time, Talent & Treasure Committee:
Assist in coordination of parish annual renewal of treasure (Fall) and time & talent (Spring).
Communications/Publications:
Advise and contribute to production of both parish and community communications such as bulletin, parish newsletter, alumni newsletter, website, press releases, etc.
Development/Planned Giving:
Help promote long term financial stability of parish through development of variety of funding alternatives such as Planned Giving, Memorials/Bequests, third source funding, etc.
Endowment Committee:
Overseas the administration of the Holy Family Parish School Endowment Fund and the Rev. Thomas F. Kerstein Scholarship Fund in the areas of policy, investments and application/award requirements. The committee is also responsible for the stability of the funds as well as developing and implementing opportunities for fund growth. Commitment: Meetings are held six times per year on the first Monday evening of the evening.
Finance Committee:
The Finance Committee oversees the financial affairs of the parish and coordinates the establishment of the annual budget. Working with the
Stewardship Committee, they estimate revenue for the coming fiscal year, then meet with department heads to determine fixed and variable expenses. Once the budget is established, the committee works with the
parish business manager to monitor revenue shortfalls and/or expense overruns, and makes adjustments as necessary. Commitment: Committee meets once a month on the 2nd Wednesday of the month from 7:30 am to 8:15 am Additional meetings are required during February & March in conjunction with the preparation of the budget. Committee members rotate responsibility for reviewing the parish's monthly reconciled bank account statements.
Technology Committee:
The committee is responsible for the planning, selection and implementation of information technology for the parish. Maintains a current technology master plan as well as user policies. Additionally, the committee will be involved in maintaining the hardware and software to meet user requirements. Anyone who has knowledge and experience with computer networks, information technology requirements, web site design and maintenance is encouraged to join this committee.
Buildings and Grounds Committee:
The Buildings and Grounds Committee is responsible for maintaining the parish's capital assets (i.e. school, parish center, church, and rectory). The committee coordinates normal preventative maintenance activities and reviews proposed improvements or additions to the parish's building and grounds. The committee also works closely with the Business Manager to oversee work bid and installed by contractors. Engineers, architects, and members of the building trades are strongly encouraged to consider joining the Buildings and Grounds Committee. Commitment: One hour committee meetings once a month.
Buildings and Grounds Volunteer:
If you have any (professional or amateur) building related skill or hobby (e.g. carpenter, electrician, plumber, woodworker, interior decorator, upholsterer, painter, audio file, landscape architect, HVAC tech., mechanic, voice and data cabling, commercial artist, etc.) the parish has had a need for it in the past, or will need it in the future. If you have a special skill, this is the place to write it down. The parish gets involved in all kinds of projects, big and small. An extensive list of volunteers is very helpful because any work done by parishioners saves the parish from having to hire contractors to do the work. Commitment: Varies depending on season.
Personnel Committee:
Recommends, reviews and develops personnel policies and procedures.
Evaluates employee benefit plans and recommends changes when appropriate. The committee reviews the employee handbook annually and is part of the employee grievance procedure.
Clerical:
There is always a need for administrative support in a parish as large as Holy Family. Any amount of time you can spare to answer phones, do word processing, stuff envelopes, etc. would be appreciated. Commitment: Varies.
Artists:
Volunteers with a creative eye are always needed for special projects from flyers to general design. Commitment: Varies by season.
Opportunities for Children and Youth
Acolyte*:
Assist presider at masses and special liturgical celebrations. Minimum Age: 9th Grade Commitment: On a rotational basis usually once every 5-8 weeks.
Altar Server:
Altar servers are parishioners who, after some training, assist the priest at mass and other liturgical services. Minimum Age: Open to girls and boys in 6th - 8th grade. Commitment: On a rotational basis usually once every 7 1/2 to 10 weeks.
Cantor:
Facilitates the role of singing in worship and encourages the assembly in its sung prayer. Open to adults and youth. Minimum Age: 9th grade. Commitment: 2 times per month/flexible.
Holy Family Parish Choir*:
Mixed voice choir that rehearses Thursday evenings and leads the congregation in singing at the 10:30 am mass weekly as well as at other special liturgies and ecumenical services. Minimum Age: High School students Commitment: 3 1/2 hours/week - September through May.
Children's Choir*:
Open to boys and girls in grades 2 through 6. Rehearses weekly and sings once per month during the 4:30 mass and for other special liturgies. Parent helpers are needed as well. Minimum Age: 2nd grade Commitment: 45 minute rehearsal weekly with 1 1/2 hour mass once a month; October through Palm Sunday.
Instrumentalist:
An opportunity for those who play musical instruments to share their talent with the assembly. Open to adults and youth. Minimum Age: 9th grade Commitment: As needed depending on celebration/music repertoire..
Teen Missionary Group:
This is a wonderful opportunity for the youth of Holy Family to share, learn and grow. Annual missions to other parts of the US, such as Appalachia, offer teenagers a stewardship and enrichment opportunity. Bake sales and candy sales are some of the many fundraising events used to assist this group in their activities. Minimum Age: Open to grades 9-12. Commitment: 12 days in summer plus fundraising events and retreat.
Vacation Bible School:
This one-week program for preschool through fifth grade begins the week after school ends in June. The 9:15-11:45 AM class focuses on a different bible story each day. The reading is reinforced with activities, music, games and crafts. Minimum Age: 7th grade. Commitment: There are a number of opportunities available, all with different levels of involvement. Volunteers interested in this ministry could teach; lend a hand as teachers aides; plan the years activities; or even help with the supervision in the classroom or on the playground.
How To Get Involved
The first step in donating you time and talent is to please print and return the Time and Talent form. You can also download a printable version of the Time and Talent booklet. The booklet and form require Adobe Acrobat installed on your computer. You may also email the Parish Secretary and detail your interest.
The committees has been organized by categories to make it easier to find a ministry that suites you. We have included along with the description the following items (where appropriate) for each ministry.
Commitment: The number of hours and the time of year if it is not year long. |
Minimum Age: This is designed for ministries involving children and teens. |
* : Indicates training is provided or in-service opportunities are available. |
