Liturgical Ministries - updated for 2009
Music Ministries
Adult Choir and Instrumentalists
James Tokarski - 724-444-1971 ext 121
The Adult Choir adds beauty and solemnity to the liturgy. The choir primarily sings at the 10:00 AM Sunday Mass and at various other special liturgies such as Christmas, Confirmation and liturgies during Holy Week. Choir rehearsals are held weekly from September through May on Thursdays. Instrumentalists are welcome to play for special celebrations with the adult choir.
Cantors
James Tokarski - 724-444-1971 ext 121
Cantors lead the congregation in song at liturgy. They serve a vital role collaborating with the Director of Music Ministry to provide the music for worship. The Director of Music Ministry prepares tape recordings of all hymns and responses for the cantors.
Children’s Choir
James Tokarski - 724-444-1971 ext 121
The children’s choir is comprised of youth from grades K through 5. They assist in music at Liturgy on Christmas Eve and Easter and at one or two regular Sunday liturgies during the year. Rehearsals are Monday evenings October through Easter.
Contemporary Choir
Carol Huber - 724-443-6843
The contemporary choir offers another style of music to enhance our liturgical celebrations with vocalists, keyboard and guitar players and other instrumentalists.
Handbell Choir
James Tokarski - 724-444-1971 ext 121
Adult and youth (grades 4 and up) handbell choirs add to the beauty of the music at special liturgical celebrations and at one or two regular Sunday liturgies during the year. Adult handbell rehearsals are on Thursday evenings September through May and children’s handbell rehearsals are on Monday evenings September through May.
Life Teen Choir and Instrumentalists
Holly Joy Penzenstadler - 724-444-1971 ext 128
Teens and adults are invited to participate in the Life Teen music ministry. Masses are held twice per month (usually on the second and fourth Sundays) at 5:00 PM from September through May. Rehearsals take place prior to the Mass beginning at 4:00 PM.
Altar Ministries
Lectors
Ron Bergman - 724-443-7159
Proclaim the 1st and 2nd readings at Mass plus intercessions and announcements. This requires two separate-one hour training sessions.
Meetings: Reflection once every two years
Commitment: Lector at 1 or 2 Masses each month
Liturgy of the Word for Children
Jeaneen Bellows - 724-449-6213
Catechists provide the liturgical readings for the children and an explanation on an age appropriate level. Materials are available.
Meetings: Children’s Liturgy occurs twice a month during the 10:00 AM Sunday Mass. Usually the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month
Commitment: Approximately 20 minutes during Mass, 2 - 3 times a year and appropriate preparation time
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Ron Bergman - 724-443-7159
Distributes Holy Communion (Body and Blood of Christ) to the congregation. Sets vessels up for the next Mass.
Meetings: Reflection once every two years
Commitment: Once a month at Mass or more frequently if needed
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion to the Shut Ins
Ron Bergman - 724-443-7159
Distributes Holy Communion to those at home or in institutions.
Meetings: Reflection once every two years
Commitment: Each person should receive Holy Communion on a weekly basis.
Altar Servers
Mary Jordan - 724-444-1971 ext 112
Assist the priest during Mass. Grades 3 through high school as well as adults are welcome.
Masses: Saturday evening or Sunday morning
Commitment: Initial training session totaling 7.5 hours, one hour Mass scheduled approximately once a month. Holy Days of Obligation, Weddings, Funerals and other worship services require altar servers.
Sacristans
Mary Jordan - 724-444-1971 ext 112
Preparation for all liturgical celebrations - placement of hosts, wine and water. Setting of liturgical books.
Meetings: As necessary
Commitment: 30 minutes before Mass on Saturday evening or Sunday morning
Arts and Environment
Mary Ann O’Connor - 724-443-6401
Planning and decorating the church sanctuary and the Narthex. This also includes the social hall for Christmas and Easter Masses.
Meetings: As needed
Commitment: Decorating time for all liturgical feasts
Welcoming Ministry
Greeters
Mary Jordan - 724-444-1971 ext 112
Greeters foster a warm and welcome atmosphere to worship. Entire families are encouraged to participate in this ministry. Greeters are at the entrance of the church and as worshippers enter, they are welcomed with a smile, handshake and warm hello.
Meetings: Reflection once every two years
Commitment: 30 minutes before Mass on Saturday evening or Sunday morning
Ushers
Raymond Bender - 724-443-9087
Welcome parishioners to Mass, help with seating, take collections and distribute bulletins.
Meetings: Reflection once every two years
Commitment: 20 minutes before and 20 minutes after Mass on Saturday evening or Sunday morning
Faith Formation - Adult
Baptism Preparation
Carol Behring - 724-316-2820
Provides instruction for new parents preparing for the Sacrament of Baptism.
Classes offered the second Tuesday of each month at 7:45 PM
Commitment: 1 hour session - 2 or 3 times per year.
Bible Study
Mary Jordan - 724-444-1971 ext 112
Scripture study sessions are held every fall and spring on various Bible texts using varied sources. Sessions meet every other week on Tuesday evenings or Thursday mornings.
Commitment: Preparation time and 90 minute sessions. Number of sessions varies depending on the study.
Catechetical Studies (Diocesan)
Elizabeth Bedel - 724-444-1971 ext 120
Various catechist certification courses are offered throughout the year at our parish facility and neighboring parishes. These courses cover methodology, morality, the creed and Sacraments. Please watch the bulletin for times and courses offered.
Church Library
The Church Library, located in the narthex, offers a wide selection of religious books. Please feel free to visit and borrow any of the books.
Cursillo
Patti Deschamps - 724-443-7894
Betsy Rice - 724-443-5744
The “Little Course” equips individuals with the tools to live out their Christian lives with purpose and genuine love for our Lord.
Meetings: 2nd and 4th Monday of the month 7:30-9:00 PM
Commitment: Get away weekend followed by two meetings per month
Marriage Encounter
Barton and Ann Miller - 724-449-8859
Offers weekend experience designed to give couples the opportunity to look deeply into their relationship with each other and God.
Meetings: Monthly
Commitment: Once a month for 3 hours of fellowship
Marriage Preparation
Dave and Lynn Hein - 724-933-1998
Provide couples preparing for marriage with the opportunity to hear and reflect upon the experience and call of marriage within the Catholic Church.
Meetings: Once per year
Commitment: 6 week session on Sunday evenings 2 hours each - offered in spring and fall
Patio Gatherings
Mary Jordan - 724-444-1971 ext 112
Each summer, we gather in small groups for spiritual study and reflection to grow in faith, hope and love. Sessions meet every other week on an evening or Thursday morning.
Commitment: Preparation time and 90 minute session. Number of sessions varies depending on the study.
RCIA Team (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
Mary Jordan - 724-444-1971 ext 112
Catechizes adults inquiring about the Catholic faith while leading them to the Easter Sacraments. All are welcome to any or all of the sessions.
Sessions: Thursday evenings - September through April - 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Commitment: Varies based on ministry: i.e., catechist, hospitality, sponsor
Retreats
Peter Faix - 724-444-8488
Diane Scheib - 724-443-4793
Weekend of spiritual refreshment, renewal, and growth of body and soul at St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center in Pittsburgh.
Meetings: Retreat weekend in February (men) and October (women)
Commitment: Help with retreat promotion during the year
Small Faith Communities
Mary Jordan - 724-444-1971 ext 112
In order to foster a deeper spirituality, we offer programs where we reflect on the Scripture readings for the upcoming Sunday. We listen and are open to God who continues to reveal himself in the church represented in the small group where two or more are gathered in His name.
Meetings: Once per week
Commitment: Preparation time plus 90 minute session
Faith Formation - Youth
Catholic Faith Formation Ministries
Elizabeth Bedel - 724-444-1971 ext 120
Christian Initiation of Children (C.I.C.)
This is a process designed to prepare children and teenagers who, for different reasons, have not received the sacraments in the traditional manner. We will tailor a program to help your child to receive the sacraments of our faith and grow in understanding and love of the Lord.
On-site and Home-site Learning Environments
We offer weekly faith formation sessions both at our on-site campus and in neighborhood homes. Each “class” is staffed by volunteers as teachers and aides. Home-sites may also have home-site sponsors who offer hospitality and the location for meeting. The following formative opportunities are available in both on-site and home-site learning environments. While home-sites may be less classroom oriented, the curriculum and activities are identical in both environments insuring diocesan catechetical guidelines are accomplished for each age/grade level.
Early Childhood Faith Formation Program: Full faith formation for 4 year olds and Kindergarten aged children. Curriculum centers on God as Creator, creation, family, the Church family and membership, relationships, introductory prayer and basic scripture learning. Much hands-on and discovery activities keep children involved and moving and are led by teachers and aides. This program is very popular and registration may be limited.
Primary Grades 1-5 Faith Formation Program: Following a liturgy-centered model, this program is rooted in the experience of the Sunday Mass. In each session, the Sunday scriptures are proclaimed, studied, prayed and integrated as young members build their Catholic identity. The curriculum used takes a spiral approach to religious education and offers increasing depths of faith experiences and knowledge in Catholic doctrine, morality, and the sacraments in age appropriate faith levels based on the child’s age/grade. Like topics are studied in the different grades the same week so that discussion and integration may take place with siblings of differing age at home.
Junior High Faith Formation Program for Grades 6-8: also based in a liturgy-centered model, the Junior High program offers curriculum in Scripture, “Creed and Prayer” and “Liturgy and Morality.” Each session is led by a teacher and aide employing dynamic methodology applicable to pre-teens. Programming at the Sunday evening session partners with the Life Teen Mass and incorporates periodic integration and social activities with high school students who are meeting concurrently in our Life Teen Youth Ministry program.
Family/Home School Program: Previously identified as the Family Program or the Home School Program, these programs have become so similar in nature that we have combined them into one program. The program uses the same curriculum as the on-site and home-site options. The formation of the children occurs primarily with the family in their home. Catechetical sessions are led by the child’s parents. Parents can plan a single lesson using plans that are available through eConnect, an online program developed by the publisher of the book series utilized at the parish. Students are to complete the reviews online or in the text and submit them to the Faith Formation Office. Families are also required to attend several events throughout the catechetical year to promote fellowship and a sense of community with families involved in the on-site and home-site programs.
Faith Formation for Persons with Special Needs
Using the Rose Kennedy religious education curriculum for children and adults with special needs, this program is oriented to children with mental retardation and other special needs. Similar to an IEP used in the public school, the Individual Faith Formation Plan (IFFP) provides detailed information regarding a child’s diagnosed needs and their social/emotional/psychological abilities. In addition, it maps out religious education programming content and methodologies for parish pastoral administration, parents, catechists, and the child. While preferred, the degree of mainstreaming within another program option depends upon the preparation, support structures, and abilities of volunteer catechetical staff to creatively deliver the best possible formative experience with the child.
Vacation Bible School
Elizabeth Bedel - 724-444-1971 ext 120
Vacation Bible School is a fun spirit-filled week for children from pre-school through grade five using Catholic curriculum. They experience the teachings of Jesus using fun activities and songs.
Meetings: None
Commitment: One week in June
Middle School Ministry-EDGE
Holly Joy Penzenstadler - 724-444-1971 ext 128
The junior youth ministry has spiritual as well as social functions and is open for students in sixth, seventh and eighth grades. Activities of a wide variety are planned, with religious, educational and service projects of utmost importance in this stage of developing Christian awareness for those seeking to confirm their faith.
Life Teen-Senior Youth Ministry
Holly Joy Penzenstadler - 724-444-1971 ext 128
Life Teen-Leading teens closer to Christ. Life Teen ministry is a combination of worship, education, service and social events for students in grades 9 through 12. Youth meet on Sunday evenings for catechesis, faith sharing, prayer, service opportunities and fellowship.
Catechists
Elizabeth Bedel - 724-444-1971 ext 120
We are always in need of catechists and aides to provide the religious education for the children in the parish Pre K through Grade 8. This includes the sacramental preparation for reconciliation, holy Eucharist and confirmation.
Meetings: Follow faith formation times
Commitment: Catechist - 6 hours per week including lesson planning, Aide - 2 hours per week and office help 2 hours per week.
Life Teen and Edge Core Group
Holly Joy Penzenstadler - 724-444-1971 ext 128
Adults are always welcome to come to plan, handle public relations, setup and chaperone events for high school and junior high students.
Meetings: Monthly planning meeting
Commitment: Varies depending on activities
Devotions and Prayer
Charismatic Prayer Group
Bob Sauers - 724-444-6524
Faithful Christians gather together to praise the Lord in prayer and song and are open to the charisms (gifts) of the Holy Spirit.
Meetings: Tuesdays after the 7:00 PM Mass
Commitment: 90 minutes weekly
Fatima Devotions
Bernadette Given - 724-443-3138
Recitation of the Rosary and Fatima prayers before Mass.
Meetings: 8:30 AM on the first Saturday of the month
Commitment: Approximately 20 minutes
Rosary
Mary Jane Hansen - 724-443-4658
Use the front pew and microphone to recite the rosary from beginning to end for the congregation prior to Mass during the months of May and October
Commitment: Approximately 20 minutes before Mass begins
Stations of the Cross
Stations of the Cross are prayed on Fridays during Lent at 7:00 PM in the church. Once per year, Life Teen presents Living Stations at 8:00 PM on one given Friday.
St. Francis of Assisi Blessing of Animals
On the Saturday closest to October 4 (the feast of St. Francis of Assisi), animals are blessed on the patio in front of the church at 11:00 AM.
Easter Blessing of Foods
On Holy Saturday (the day before Easter Sunday), a blessing service is held in the church to bless all Easter foods. The service is held at 12:00 Noon.
All Souls Memorial Service
On the Sunday closest to November 2, a prayer service is held in church to remember all beloved deceased relatives and friends. Those who were buried from our parish in the previous year are remembered in a special way. The service is held at 3:00 PM and a light reception follows in the narthex.
Memorial Day Ceremony
On the Sunday preceding Memorial Day, a prayer service is held following all Masses at the flagpole to remember all who gave their lives in the defense of freedom.
Caring For God’s People
Bereavement
Mary Jo Robbins - 724-444-1971 ext 122
Referrals to local support groups or counseling as needed
Comfort Blanket Ministry
Eleanor Heuer - 724-443-6569
This group makes comfort blankets to be given to those who are going through difficult times as a symbol of the prayers and concern of the parish family.
Meetings: Mondays 9:30 AM - come when you can, work at home
Commitment: Flexible: Many hands and various skills needed to complete projects
Divorced and Separated Support Group
Mary Jo Robbins - 724-444-1971 ext 122
Thirteen week DivorceCare program presented three times per year. Christian program supplemented by uniquely Catholic concerns.
Meetings: Mondays 7 PM to 8:45 PM
Emergency Relief Committee
Mary Jo Robbins - 724-444-1971 ext 122
Provides necessary support supplies during a local or national emergency
Meetings: Quarterly
Commitment: Flexible based upon crisis situation
Funeral Luncheon
Brigid Christenson - 724-443-1934
Coordinates the setup, serving and cleanup for the funeral luncheons held in our parish social hall.
Meetings: As necessary
Commitment: 4 hours per luncheon
Food Bank
Donna Martin - 724-443-6140
Pick up all food from donations at church and deliver to the Lighthouse on Route 8. In December we distribute “Angel Gift Tags” and deliver gifts.
Meetings: As necessary
Commitment: One day per month all year, approximately 1 - 1 ½ hours
Good Neighbor Program
Mary Jo Robbins - 724-444-1971 ext 122
Coordinates volunteers to provide: Meals for those in a crisis situation or who are dealing with serious illness; Handy Helpers to assist those who are temporarily unable to do simple household tasks; Caregiver Relief to provide companionship to a homebound person for a couple of hours, to enable their caregiver to leave the home.
Meetings: As necessary
Commitment: Flexible based on community needs and volunteer abilities
Caregiver Relief volunteers must attend training session
Nurses
JoAnn Merhaut - 724-443-6186
Blood pressure screening on first and third Sundays after 8:00 AM Mass.
Meetings: As necessary
Commitment: One Hour twice per month.
Stephen Ministry
Mary Jo Robbins - 724-444-1971 ext 122
Provides one on one Christian support to individuals going through life transition or crisis.
Meetings: Twice monthly
Commitment: Initial training of 50 hours is spread out over 4 months
Welcoming Committee
Liana Murray - 724-443-0136
Welcoming new parishioners and their families, giving them a welcome packet and explaining the wonderful things our parish has to offer.
Meetings: As necessary
Commitment: One hour per parishioner visit
Caring For Church Property
Outdoors
Grass Busters
Herb Bombich - 724-443-5742
Mow lawns around the church area, parking lot islands, and perimeter of the parking lot.
Meetings: As necessary
Commitment: Approximately 2 ½ hours every 7 - 10 days - April - October
Gardening Committee
Carole Keeley - 724-449-7538
Maintain the outside gardens of the church: weeding, watering and pruning.
Meetings: As necessary
Commitment: 2 - 2 ½ hours a week-late May - September
Indoors
Dust Busters
Len and Marjorie Weidner - 724-444-0031
Cleaning the church and narthex: dusting, vacuuming pews and mopping the floors.
Meetings: As necessary
Commitment: Approximately 1 ½ hours every five weeks
Sanctuary Cleaners
Mary Jordan - 724-444-1971 ext 112
Dust and sweep sanctuary floor, refresh holy water and baptismal font. Refill vigil candles.
Meetings: As necessary
Commitment: 1 - 1 ½ hours every 5 weeks on Thursday or Friday
Altar Linens/Cloths
Alice Skundrich - 724-443-6739
Launder and press the corporals and linens used at the altar during Mass.
Meetings: As necessary
Commitment: 3 hours every 3 months
Plant Caregivers (Indoor)
Chris Morris - 724-443-2026
Water live green plants in the sanctuary and in the narthex.
Meetings: As necessary
Commitment: 1 - 1 ½ hour every 5 weeks on a Thursday or Friday morning
Administration
Office Volunteers
Mary Jordan - 724-444-1971 ext 112
Counting collections, balancing each Mass, recording amounts and preparing deposit slips.
Meetings: Sundays or Mondays
Commitment: 3 to 4 hours each time - twice per month
Office Helpers
Amy Kapp - 724-444-1971 ext 110
Preparing mailings, collating materials, assist in answering phone.
Meetings: As necessary
Commitment: Flexible
Parish Organizations
Catholic Men’s Fellowship
Jim Davis - 724-444-7425
Ray Bender - 724-443-9087
Provides spiritual growth and fellowship for men of any age
Meetings: Every Thursday evening at 9:00 PM
Commitment: 2 hours per week
Forever Young
Patricia Mershimer - 724-443-5813
Carole Keeley - 724-449-7538
Welcomes anyone over 55! Our motto is “Fun, Food and Fellowship and stay Forever Young!”
Meetings: 2nd Thursday of the month - 12:00 noon - September - May
Commitment: Monthly meetings of 2 hours and $5.00 membership fee
Ladies Group
Marion Temple - 724-265-2776
Provides fellowship for women of the parish - Come and enjoy!!
Meetings: 3rd Monday of the month - 7:00 PM - September - May
Commitment: 1 ½ - 2 hours a month
Ladies of Charity
Carol Kowalski - 724-443-5469
Visiting shut-ins and nursing home patients
Meetings: Last Monday of the month - 7:00 PM
Commitment: 1 hour per month for visitation and 1 hour for meetings
Men’s Group
John Wallace - 724-449-7293
Provides fellowship for men of the parish - Come and enjoy!!
Meetings: 2nd Tuesday of the month - 8:00 PM - September - May
Commitment: Average 3 hours per activity
Mission Group
Jean Gabor - 724-443-1022
Provide spiritual and financial support primarily to an orphanage in Patzun, Guatemala throughout the year. We also make an annual trip to assess their needs and offer assistance.
Meetings: 2nd Tuesday of the month - 7:45 PM
Commitment: Time varies depending on fundraisers
Parents of Little Ones (POLO)
Jackie Weigand - 724-444-4613
Offers parents of little ones a chance for spiritual growth, relaxation, learning, meaningful discussion and creative activity. We provide safe environments for the children with age appropriate activities.
Meetings: 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month-9:00 AM-September - May
Commitment: Two hours per meeting
Respect Life
JoAnn Merhaut - 724-443-6186
Coordinates pro-life activities: March for Life, Life Chain, collections for pro-life groups and sponsor two blood drives a year.
Meetings: Every other month
Commitment: Varies depending on activity
St. Vincent de Paul Society
Church Office - 724-444-1971
Leads women and men to join together to grow spiritually by offering person to person temporal assistance to those in need and suffering.
Meetings: 1st Wednesday of the month
Commitment: 1-4 hours a month or as needed
Committees
Education
Elizabeth Bedel - 724-444-1971 ext 120
Studies and reviews faith formation program in accordance with Diocesan policies.
Meetings: As necessary
Commitment: 2 hours per meeting
Stewardship
Ron Baumgarten - 724-443-3684
Plans, promotes and supervises parish fund raising events.
Meetings: As necessary
Commitment: Average 6 hours per activity
Temporality Committee
Al Weigand, Sr. - 724-443-2938
Oversee maintenance for all church facilities and grounds. Make recommendations to pastor on construction and grounds projects.
Meetings: 2nd Thursday of the month - 7:00 PM
Commitment: 2 hours per meeting, plus other projects as needed
Worship Committee
Mary Jordan - 724-444-1971 ext 112
Plan themes for Advent and Lenten seasons. Oversees all aspects of worship for liturgies, devotions and prayer services.
Meetings: As needed
Commitment: 2 hours per meeting
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