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Parish Ministries
Ministry of Community
Meeting the needs of others is of paramount concern to this ministry - not just the needs of our parish community, but our local and global communities as well. By becoming involved in the various programs listed below, we truly step forward in our discipleship and put our faith into action.
- Coalition for People in Need (CPN)
As a covenant church, members are needed as volunteers to work with those who are seeking assistance. CPN's office is located on State St. and have office hours of Tue.-Thurs. 4 - 5:30 p.m., and Fri. 4-5 p.m.
As a covenant church we support Habitat through prayers, an annual collection and a work crew. All it takes is love and a little guidance to build a home. Why not be part of the St. Charles Team ?
Parish Contacts: Kathy Hussey & Corrine Joyner
- Faith and Light Community
Opportunities of worship and social interaction are offered to the members of our community who are developmentally disabled. On Saturday mornings, volunteers drive our members to church for a communion service, join them for breakfast and then deliver them safely home. This takes place twice a month and drivers alternate.
Chairpersons: Bob & Laura Hussey
- St. Vincent DePaul Society
An international group, under the patronage of the great French priest St. Vincent DePaul, with strong roots in our community. Its participants are people of prayer seeking to serve God’s poor through the spiritual and corporal works of mercy.
Parish Contact: Terry Coulton
Opportunities for Prayer
Of course, as Catholics, prayer is a very precious part of our every day life. It is what draws us closer to our God and makes us more aware of the needs and feelings of others. In our parish we have two wonderful opportunities to unite ourselves as one voice to God.
- The St. Charles Electronic Pryer Chain
A few years ago, a member of our parish called frantically requesting prayers for his brother who had just had a medical emergency. Immediately calls went out to many people and each was asked to call others. That incident became the catalyst for the Electronic Prayer Chain. Now as requests come into the office- within minutes a large number of people can be contacted and prayers can be offered up.
- The Blessed Frederic Ozanam League
Any and all individuals who choose to offer prayers and sacrifices for the intentions of those assisted by the Society of St. Vincent DePaul and others requesting their prayers. Members spiritually asisst our local Vincentians in living the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy. Members receive a prayer booklet, St. Vincent Medal, and a regular letter highlighting Prayer intentions.
Ministry of Hospitality
Hospitality is the hallmark of what it means to be church. There are many opportunities for people to extend a sense of warmth and welcome and a "Glad you're here !" attitude.
The different components of the Ministry of Hospitality are:
Meeting regularly throughout the year, this spunky group of parishioners come together to share their love for each other, their stage of life and most of all, their God.
Chairpersons: Mary Smith
This social group is open to everyone in the parish. They get together on a regular basis to have some fun and enjoy each other’s company.
Chairperson: Kim Norris
This ministry reaches out to those who are new to our community. With a folder full of information about St. Charles, our local community and a baked treat - these members share hospitality on behalf of our parish.
Chairperson: Mary Padgett
This fleet of drivers provides rides for our elderly and homebound to Mass on the weekends, to parish events, and personal appointments when needed.
Working with the Ministry of Consolation, We Care offers a relaxing and well needed meal after funeral Masses. People are needed to:
- prepare side dishes
- serve as host/hostess at the dinner.
Chairpersons: Judi Vaughn, Cindy Livingston, Rosie Schniers, Connie Huber, & Katie Armstrong
Many opportunities arise during the year when refreshments are needed:
Parish Gatherings, Funeral Visitations, Receptions, Visitors etc. These members would see to these functions.
Chairperson: Maureen Smith
A special ministry that will provide meals for parish members who have medical treatments, surgery or other situations of need.
Chairperson: Maureen Smith
Ministry of Liturgy
The Ministry of Liturgy helps provide very meaningful and grace-filled liturgical celebrations through the following sub-ministries:
Responsible for decorating the worship space through the year. In addition to members who meet on a regular basis to plan and design- part-time volunteers are needed to help with a one-time task or project.
Chairperson: Lucy Campanis
Resonsible for providing music for our Masses and other liturgical celebrations. Needed are:
Organists/Pianists
Other instrumentalists
Cantors
Choir Members
Chairperson: Joyce Harwood
Ushers
Servers
Greeters
Lectors
Eucharistic Ministers
Gift Bearers
Eucharistic Ministers are also needed to bring the Eucharist to our homebound members and those who would be hospitalized at Sarah Bush.
- Children's Liturgy of the Word
A treasured part of our Sunday worship. Adult leaders are needed who will be dismissed with the children and break open the Word on a level they understand and embrace. Materials from Treehaus Publications are used.
Chairperson: Amy Jackson
Ministry of Consolation
(Sub-committee of Ministry of Liturgy)
The Ministry of Consolation's focus is to reach out to the individuals of St. Charles when they have experienced a loss. Ready to assist the pastor, this ministry secures more than 15 persons needed for the Funeral Mass. Those who wish to be a part of this ministry need to be available during the day, when most funerals are celebrated.
The following ministers are needed:
- Lector
- Ushers
- Eucharistic Ministers
- Servers
- Greeters
- Pall Attendants - Those who will place the pall, the white cloth reminiscent of our Baptism, over the casket.
- Guest Registry
Chairperson: Laura Tucker
The Ministry of Education
The call to follow in the footsteps of Jesus requires each of us, regardless of age and background, to learn all that we can about our faith, our church, and in turn, ourselves.
This ministry works as a group of thinkers and innovators for the present and future direction of educational programs for both children and adults. As a member your input is needed as we prepare ourselves and our youth for the challenges of living the Catholic lifestyle today.
Catechists are an integral part of the Ministry of Education. It is also not too early to consider being a new catechist for next year or to volunteer as a substitute. Classes are:
Grades PreK through 3rd, as well as 7th & 8th meet Sunday mornings after Mass
Grades 4th through 6th meet after school on Wednesdays
High School sessions are held 2 Sunday evenings of each month at 7 p.m. in Moriarty Hall
Materials and In-Services are provided for all grade levels. Each class is assigned two teachers for more flexibility.
Opportunities include Why Catholic program, Wednesday morning Scripture Study, and Saturday Night at the Movies
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
The RCIA is an initiation into a way of life. It is a process of growth and conversion. The process is for anyone wanting to learn more about the Catholic faith and way of life
those who are unbaptized
those who are baptized into another faith tradition and are no longer living in that tradition,
those who are baptized Catholic and received no further instruction.
RCIA is in session the year round, with new groups forming twice a year or as needed. Volunteers are needed in the following areas:
One who will journey with the catechumens and candidates, by attending the sessions, introducing them to the community, answering their questions and basically being there for them.
One who will constantly pray for the candidate or catechumen as they journey towards the sacraments.
Will attend the scheduled sessions and offer their gifts and presence for the benefit of all in attendance.
Ministry of Youth
The members of this ministry coordinate the activities of the junior and senior high school youth of the parish. Together with the youth themselves, they are involved in social and educational functions and all that brings the youth into greater realization of what it means to be Church.
Youth Minister: Angie Buescher
Ministry of Maintenance
Maintenance members evaluate the conditions of the parish buildings and grounds, obtain multiple bids on projects, prepare studies of future maintenance needs, all in collaboration with the parish maintenance technician.
Chairperson: Curt Buescher
Moms & Tots
This ministry reaches out to young mothers. Meeting weekly, women and their children gather to share their stories and the presence of Christ in their lives.
Chairperson: Tammy Mejdrich
Secretarial Help
Our parish office is a very busy place and often times help is needed. Our Office Manager, Jenny Butler would enjoy your help stuffing bulletins, copying, and assisting in mail outs. Most work is done during regular office hours but times arise when work can be taken home and completed.
Knights of Columbus
The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic, family, fraternal, service organization.
They work to strengthen family life.
They work actively toward Christian goals of unity and understanding.
They strive to promote Catholic values.
They foster athletic, cultural and social events.
They aid the developmentally disabled.
The Knights of Columbus were founded in 1883. Today they have over a million and a half members in over 9,000 local units throughout the world. Council #4024 meets the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Knights Room, located in the lower level of the rectory.
Grand Knight: Matt Piescinski
St. Charles Women
When St. Charles began in the mid 1800's, our women and their families gave their time and talent so their church would flourish. The same is true today. In addition to being a part of our many parish ministries, they sponsor social gatherings, parish retreats, and our annual bazaar and rummage sales, contributing much to the parish life and friendships among the church community. Their generosity toward capital purchases of our parish, also speak of their dedication to the legacy of St. Charles.
Co-Chairs: Cindy Livingston & Renee Smith
The Ministry of Leadership
The Pastoral Council and the Finance Council go abot hte work of the preent and future affairs of St. Charles. These councils are called by the parish to serve as consultants to the pastor in assuring that all aspects of parish life reflect the mission and ministry of Jesus:
- to teach
- to pray
- to serve one another
Guidelines for Parish Pastoral Councils- Diocese of Springfield in Illinois
The members of the Pastoral Council:
- pray
-encourage participation of parishionres
-foster unity
-promote dialogue of all members of the parish
-evaluate the vision and the movement of the parish family
-meet 10 times a year
The members of the Finance Council:
-pray
-coordinate the budget making process each year
-review the expenditures at the end of the year
-keepthe Pastoral Coucil and the parish family updated
-coordinate any increased revenue projects
-meet quarterly
The members of both councils serve a three year term. Appointments are made by the pastor after consultation with present council members.
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Ministries
