Stewardship Renewal Handbook 2014-2015

-708.425.5354-9525 S. Lawndale Ave. Evergreen Park, IL-mostholyredeemer.org-

The Call to Stewardship:where the gratitude in our heart and the work of our

hands shows our love for others. Receiving, thanking, sharing and praising God for the gifts we have received.

Catholic Diocese of Wichita website

Education MinistriesEducation CommissionThe Ministries of the Education Commission provide a wide variety of services and events for enrich-ment of all parishioners and their children. These Ministries strive to address all aspects of spiritual, intellectual and physical develop-ment. The Commission meets four times a year and is composed of the Heads of the various Ministries.

Baptismal PreparationThis Ministry instructs and prepares parents who wish to baptize their infants into the Faith. Volunteers meet with the new or prospective parents for one evening to explain the Sacrament and answer ques-tions. These classes, led by parent couples, meet once each month. Attendance by the infant’s parents is required before the Baptism is scheduled.

Children’s Liturgy of the WordChildren 4 -10 years old are called forward to hear the Word for Chil-dren during the 9:30 & 11:00 a.m. Sunday Masses. It is a way to intro-duce young children to the stories of Jesus, and to form in them a spirit that is attuned to God and to a spir-itual life suitable to their age. VIR-TUS Training is required.

Christ Renews His ParishThis Ministry invites all men and women to participate in an annual Saturday overnight retreat where previous participants share their faith experiences in a relaxed and informal setting. The retreat is an opportunity to meet fellow parishio-ners and renew one’s faith life in a social setting.

Library VolunteerOur Parish Library is located in the vestibule of the church. There are over 600 books that include biog-raphies, religious, fiction and chil-dren’s books as well as videos. The Library is open after Sunday morn-ing Masses. Items can be checked out and borrowed for up to three weeks.

RCIA TeamCatechists (instructors) and Spon-sors instruct Catechumens (the un-baptized) and Candidates (those baptized but who have not received the Eucharist or Confirmation) and who wish to complete their initia-tion into the Catholic Faith. Ses-sions are held weekly from October through Easter.

Youth Ministry Parent VolunteersParent volunteers are needed to help with the variety of meeting, trips, and special activities through-out the year. VIRTUS Training is re-quired.

Youth Ministry ParticipantsThe mission of the Most Holy Re-deemer Youth Ministry provides op-portunities for high school students to actively participate and grow in their faith. Activities include a week-ly drop-in and youth trips. A Christ Renews His Parish weekend retreat for teens is offered along with ser-

vice opportunities, including a sum-mer trip to a work camp in Kentucky. This Ministry is offered in partner-ship with St. John Fisher Parish.

Human Concerns Ministries Human Concerns Commission The Ministries of the Human Con-cerns Commission focus on the needs of the economically poor, disabled, hospitalized, homebound, and the fragile. Our Mission is to promote the attitude of our Church and society, which advances the fundamental respect of the dignity of all human beings. The Commis-sion is composed of the Heads of the various Ministries.

Sponsor-a-FamilyOur Parish participates in the Spon-sor-a-Family program, a month-long effort to collect Christmas gifts for the many children and families served by Catholic Charities. Pa-rishioners are invited to help make their Christmas joyous and happy. Parents are encouraged to have their children participate.

Drivers Volunteers drive parishioners to Sunday Mass and medical appoint-ments on an as-needed basis.

Hospital VisitorsThese volunteers visit parishioners who are patients at Little Compa-ny of Mary or Christ Hospital on a weekly schedule. Training, through Vicariate programs, is required for certification.

Ministry of CareThe Care Ministry seeks to be a sign of Christ’s presence to our home-bound. Specific groups within this ministry include: Eucharistic Min-isters to the Sick and Homebound and those in the hospitals. Training, through Vicariate programs, is re-quired for certification.

PADSOn Tuesday evenings, from Oc-tober through April, Most Holy Re-deemer parishioners staff a PADS shelter from 5-9 p.m. We provide assistance to the homeless guests by serving meals, distributing cloth-ing and being there to listen.

Respect LifeThe Committee promotes pro-life activities including a Respect Life Liturgy on the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision. Through the parish bulletin, it publishes infor-mation from the Cardinal’s Office for Life. Various fundraisers held throughout the year include the Oc-tober Baby Bottle fundraiser, the proceeds of which support women and saving lives of unborn children.

Su Casa Soup KitchenVolunteers prepare and serve bagged lunches on the 4th Sunday of January, March, May, July, Sep-tember, and November at the Su Casa Soup Kitchen located at 51st and Laflin in Chicago. Food is either donated or paid for from monetary donations.

St. Vincent De Paul SocietyThe Society is a Catholic organiza-tion of laypersons that seek to help those who are suffering economical-ly. At Most Holy Redeemer, the So-ciety assists families residing within our parish boundaries that are in material or financial need. The work is carried out in strictest confidence through a spirit of love and compas-sion. The human dignity and integ-rity of those being helped is always respected. Those participating in this Ministry must be discreet and participate anonymously.

Wake and Funeral MinistryThis Ministry asks ladies of the Par-ish to attend a short Wake Service at the Funeral Home for deceased members of the Women’s Guild and to stand as an Honor Guard at the Funeral Mass.

Music MinistriesThere are a variety of opportunities for those who wish to participate in this ministry, as listed below.

Adult ChoirThe Adult Choir practices on Wednesday evenings in Adamich Hall from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. and usu-ally sings at the 11:00 a.m. Mass ev-ery Sunday.

Bell ChoirThe Bell Choir Ministry provides musical accompaniment playing a set of Handbells for various liturgies and the Annual Christmas Concert. The Choir practices on Tuesday evenings from September to May.

Children’s ChoirThe Children’s Choir is composed of children in grades 3-8 from both the Parish school and the School of Religion. Choirs practice in Adam-ich Hall on Tuesday afternoons. To-gether they sing at Family Masses and other special liturgies through-out the year.

Folk/ Contemporary ChoirThe Choir practices every other Wednesday evening, September to May, in the church from 7:00 - 9:00

p.m. This choir sings at the 9:30 a.m. Mass every other Sunday. Resurrection ChoirThe Resurrection choir sings at most of the funeral liturgies in the parish. It is composed of men and women who arrive 15 minutes prior to the Liturgy. No other rehearsals are scheduled.

Parish Leadership MinistriesParish Pastoral CouncilThe Parish Pastoral Council serves as a liaison between the pastor, our various Parish Commissions, and the Deanery. Members serve three-year terms and attend month-ly meetings. Duties include support-ing existing ministries, assessing parish needs, and finding ways to reach goals consistent with our Mis-sion. The Council meets the third Tuesday of each month. Members are elected for three-year terms.

Parish Stewardship CommitteeThe Stewardship Committee is re-sponsible for developing and main-taining Stewardship as a way of life in our parish. Their primary respon-sibility is to inspire parishioners to draw closer to Christ and become more involved in the mission of our Parish through their gifts of Time, Talent, and Treasure.

Stewardship Newsletter CommitteeCommittee tasks include, interview-ing for and composing articles for the quarterly Parish Newsletter.

Parish Life MinistriesCarnival Planning CommitteeThe Committee plans the Parish’s largest fundraiser, held in June each year. The MHR parking lot is used for rides, games, food, and a beer garden. This event is an opportu-nity for the members of the parish to work and enjoy five days of fun together.

Construction & Maintenance VolunteersParishioners with expertise in any field of construction—electrical, plumbing, technology—are asked to volunteer their assistance on small projects around the church and school.

Garden Club/LandscapingThe Garden Club assists in the beautification of the Parish plant. These volunteers help with land-scaping as well as seasonal plant-ing.

Hospitality & Welcome CommitteeThe Hospitality Committee fosters a spirit of welcome to new parish-ioners and strengthens the spirit of community within the parish. This Commission seeks new ways to welcome new parishioners and fam-ilies. The participation of new mem-bers would be particularly helpful.

Men’s ClubThe Men’s Club is open to all men of the parish. In addition to month-ly meetings, the Men’s Club spon-sors a number of events through-out the year such as Breakfast with Dad, Final Four Party, AFC/NFC Party and the Tuition Raffle. They also volunteer at parish functions such as MHR Homecoming BBQ at Duffy Park, and run the carnival brat stand. There is also a Men’s Club sponsored softball league and fall basketball league; all are welcome and encouraged to participate.

Men’s Golf LeagueThe Men’s Golf league is open to all men of the parish.

Women’s Bowling LeagueThe Women’s Bowling league is open to all women of the parish.

Women’s Golf LeagueThe Women’s Golf league is open to all women of the parish.

Women’s GuildThe Women’s Guild is open to all women of the parish. The Guild pro-vides a number of social and spiritu-al activities throughout the year in-cluding the Turkey Trot Progressive Cocktail Party, Night of Reflection, and the bi-annual Mother-Daughter Brunch.

Spiritual Life MinistriesSpiritual Life CommissionThe Ministries of the Spiritual Life Commission serve our Parish by providing opportunities for spiritual growth through liturgical, para-li-

turgical, and devotional forms of prayer. The Commission is com-posed of the Heads of the various Ministries.

Altar ServersServers are eligible to serve in this ministry when enrolled in Grades 5 through 8 in our Parish School or the School of Religion. A priest administers training, and faithful at-tendance at scheduled Masses is required. Father Nemchausky will visit the classrooms and explain this ministry to our grade-schoolers.

Art & Environment TeamMinisters of Art and Environment are responsible for designing and setting of our worship space decora-tions appropriate for each liturgical season. Decorations are designed and constructed by members based upon input from Church documents, the Pastor, and Parish Liturgy Com-mission. All décor and activities are organized and scheduled according to the church calendar.

Eucharistic AdorationThe Holy Cross Adoration Chap-el offers Adoration of Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament five days a week. Many parishioners have committed themselves to one hour of prayer each week. The Chapel is open to all who wish to pray in a qui-et space.

Eucharistic MinistersEucharistic Ministers have the spe-cial responsibility of assisting the Presiders of daily and weekend Masses in the distribution of the Body and Blood of Christ at Mass. New Ministers are welcomed on an annual basis. Training, here in our Parish, and through other Vicariate programs is required before a Min-ister is mandated/approved for a three-year term by the Archdioce-san Office of Divine Worship.

LectorsLectors help proclaim the Word of God at our weekend Masses and

other Parish services. Good com-munication skills and an active faith life are required. Training is provid-ed here in our Parish and through other Vicariate programs.

Liturgy TeamAll Heads of Liturgical Ministries, the Pastor, and any other interest-ed parishioners meet on the second Tuesday of each month to plan and discuss activities that support and enhance our parish worship.

Mary’s MaidsThis ministry is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of our worship space. They meet each Monday following the 8:30 a.m. Mass. Extra volunteers are always needed.

Ministry of PraiseThe purpose of this ministry is to form a chorus of prayer in the par-ish. Ministers of Praise include the elderly, shut-ins, the infirm, and

residents of nursing homes. The requirements are to pray daily and to offer sacrifice for the intentions of the Parish, the whole Church, and the world.

SacristansThis ministry, appointed and ap-proved by the Pastor, is responsible for setting the altar and sanctuary for our weekday morning masses.

UshersUshers greet those arriving for our Liturgies, assist in seating parishio-ners at Mass, and take the offertory collection at Sunday and Seasonal Liturgies. Assignments are available for your preferred Mass.

Most Holy Redeemer SchoolThe mission of Most Holy Redeem-er School is to provide the youth of Most Holy Redeemer Parish op-portunities for intellectual, spiritual, moral, and educational growth. Our School is committed to educating the young to be followers of Jesus Christ and His Gospel teachings, life long learners, and people of prayer, service, and community building.

Athletic AssociationVolunteer adults and parents or-ganize and staff supervised sports activities for all children attending Most Holy Redeemer School and School of Religion. The Athletic Board strives to nurture Christian qualities of good sportsmanship, team cooperation, school spirit, and self-confidence. Sports include foot-ball, soccer, cheerleading, baseball, golf, volleyball and basketball. VIR-TUS Training is required.

GECKOGECKO is a school fundraising pro-gram allowing parishioners to pur-chase gift certificates for stores at which they frequently shop (grocery stores, gas stations, and hundreds more). Our School and School of Religion receive a portion of each sale to support their activities. Ad-ditional volunteers who can commit to a couple of hours per week are always welcome.

Parents’ ClubMHR Parent’s Club provides and encourages parental involvement at MHR School through education-al and recreational activities. The Parent’s Club also acts as a liaison between parents and faculty. Family membership dues and Market Day profits support Parent’s Club spon-sored events. Events include Back to School Bash, Halloween Par-ty, Breakfast with Santa, Catholic Schools Week, Teacher Apprecia-tion, Father-Daughter Dance, Moth-er-Son Outing, and end of year Ice Cream Social. Parents are encour-aged to participate in various meet-ings and activities.

School Advisory BoardThe School Advisory Board rec-ognizes the importance of quality Catholic education as it relates to the spiritual, academic, and social development of our children. The Board works with the Pastor in hir-ing the school principal, reviewing budgets, determining sources of funding, and other responsibilities. The Board is comprised of the Pas-tor, Principal and nine parishioners elected by the parish for three-year terms.

St. Patrick’s Day Party - Dash for CashEvery March volunteers from the school and the Athletic Associa-tion come together to hold a fami-ly-friendly fundraising event. It is a celebration of Irish heritage that benefits both the parish and school. Volunteers in this ministry will be responsible for staffing a table and selling tickets after Masses at the time of the fundraiser.

School of ReligionOur Parish’s Religious Education Program provides instruction for el-ementary students who attend pub-lic schools to foster their religious formation and incorporate Christian values and traditions into their daily living experiences.

School of Religion Advisory BoardThe Advisory Board meets bi-month-ly to advise and consult with the Director of Religious Education re-garding curriculum and activities pertinent to the School of Religion.

School of Religion AideAides offer support to the catechists and children. They help prepare the classroom, and also work directly with the children to help them with projects. VIRTUS Training is re-quired.

School of Religion CatechistThrough formal education and by their example, catechists aid par-ents in bringing their children into a full understanding of our Catholic faith. Classes are held throughout the school year on Monday eve-nings. Training is provided. VIRTUS Training is required.

Vacation Bible School VolunteerChildren 5 - 10 years old experience God through song, games, Scrip-ture, crafts, and especially com-munity. VBS takes place the last week of June. Junior High and teen volunteers are especially needed. VIRTUS Training is required.

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