Parish Ministries

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Song of Angels

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Jesus Meets His Afflicted Mother

Pray the Stations of the Cross On-line:

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Altar Servers & Coordinator

What better way for a youth of our parish to serve than as an Altar Server? This position is open to both boys and girls. Parents, talk to your son or daughter about this ministry. Grandparents, talk to your grand kids and encourage them to consider this. You could say, "Being an altar server is something that you will carry with you for the rest of your life. This ministry will serve you well, not only for your spiritual development, but also in the virtues and disciplines it fosters. Virtues and disciplines like commitment, punctuality, responsibility, roll model for younger kids, good grooming, proper dress and respect for our Lord to name a few." Kids and parents, talk to Fr. Pasquini about participating in this ministry.

The very rewarding position of Altar Server Coordinator is currently open. If you would enjoy working with outstanding children and teenagers, please consider this ministry to serve our parish and our Lord. If you are a parent of an altar server, possibly you could consider this position to support your parish along with your child. Imagine this: An altar server, during your watch, going on to become a priest or religious. What blessings!

The coordinator should be good at making schedules while being sensitive to the time commitment of the student and their parents. Sometimes the coordinator will have to get a last minute substitute because a scheduled server may get ill and not be able to show up for their scheduled Mass. After making a schedule, the coordinator needs to call each student and parent prior to each new schedule being published to see if there were any dates within the next time frame that they would not be available.

The coordinator would also schedule a time with Fr. Pasquini to train new servers and retrain existing servers as needed. The coordinator would consult with religious education for potential, new, server candidates.

The volunteer for this position should be motivated to praise these kids for their commitment and for what they do for the priests and parishioners. Nancy Cutright, the previous coordinator, has offered to make herself available to help in any way. You would be taught by the best!! She would be happy to share all her information, schedules, databases, etc. Feel free to call Nancy at (772) 562-8322 to discuss the requirements and rewards of this position.

Bible and Catechism Study

Bible study will be offered both in the a.m. and the p.m. Larry Gerrior will continue to lead a Bible study on Wednesdays at 9:15 a.m. in the Parish Center. Fr. Pasquini is teaching in an Open Bible study class on Wednesday evenings from 7-8 p.m. in the church. Parishioners are encouraged to participate in this activity and to especially bring a friend, Catholic or non-Catholic, to the evening session with Fr. Pasquini.

Fr. Pasquini is also teaching an Exploring the Church class using the Catechism on Monday evenings from 7-8 p.m. Come and learn. Invite a non-Catholic or un churched friend.

Building Committee

The building committee is composed of 6 members including a chairman. It is activated anytime a major construction project is to be undertaken. Ideally, volunteers for this committee should have some level of knowledge of construction or possibly some planning experience. The building committee also considers future needs in any planning cycle. The building committee advises and makes recommendations to the pastor and its' chairman interfaces with the Finance Committee. Currently, as of Aug. 9, 2007, the Building Committee is fully staffed. If you have interest in volunteering on this committee, please contact the Chairman, Bill Valyo, at 770-0598 and request to be put on a list in case a vacancy develops.

Building Maintenance Committee

This committee is actively involved with the general maintenance and upgrading of the parish buildings and grounds. Sometimes maintenance and upgrading issues can be handled by committee members. Other times these issues or needs are contracted out at the discretion of the committee chairman. Large maintenance projects are brought to the attention of the Pastor and the Finance Committee for approval before action is taken. Volunteers for this committee should have interest in, and be comfortable doing, routine maintenance jobs and enjoy teamwork in support of the chairman. If interested, you are encouraged to contact Fred Volk, Chairman, at (772) 360-8264.

Director, Religious Education

The paid position of Director of Religious Education (DRE) is currently open as a result of the retirement of Michelle Willis from this position. Michelle made an outstanding contribution to the religious education of students and adults and did so with both a high degree of professionalism and a deep and broad understanding of the faith. The parish is currently seeking a qualified person for this position.

If you are interested in this position or would like to volunteer in a support roll to the DRE, please contact Fr. Pasquini.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion assist the priests in the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass. Some also take the Eucharist to shut-ins in homes and nursing homes and sometimes to those in the hospital. Volunteers for this ministry receive basic training by the diocese and specific training by the pastor and/or Pat Dimesa, coordinator of this ministry. Our parish prides itself in following specific guidelines for this activity. If you have an interest in this ministry, please contact Pat Dimesa at 778-2926.

Finance Committee

The Finance committee is responsible for the on-going financial planning, parish accounting, income and expense budgeting, and financial reports of the parish. This committee is a distinct entity from the Parish Council in accordance with the Code of Canon Law because of their differing responsibilities. Volunteers for this committee should be skilled in business and finance. The committee should have a minimum of four persons. Please contact George Kelley, Chairman, at 567-6297 to discuss membership on this committee and the availability of an open position.

Knights of Columbus

Text describing the mission of the Knights has been requested.

Lectors

Lectors proclaim the Word of God in the first two readings at Mass. They also process with the priest to the sanctuary area. Schedules are published ahead of time so lectors know the date and time when they are to assist at Mass. If you are a good reader and project your voice well, please consider volunteering for lector. Contact Donna Haro at 299-0010.

Legion of Mary

The mission of the Legion of Mary is to bring friendship and spiritual comfort to persons in distress whether in the home, hospital or in an institution, with special attention to lapsed Catholics. Currently, the Legion of Mary is developing a working relationship with the Wellness ministry. Please call Eileen Kelley at 567-6297 to inquire about being a member of the Legion of Mary.

Liturgy Committee/Sacristans

This committee confers with the pastor and renders assistance in matters pertaining to the celebration of the liturgy, and any enhancements, which are in accord with the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (G.I.R.M.) as well as directives from the diocese. Responsibilities include the development and coordination of wedding and funeral liturgies. The committee also staffs and schedules the Sacristans who serve at all Masses.

We have a current need for a person to work with our pastor in developing policies and practices for funeral liturgies so that these liturgical celebrations reflect the spiritual beauty of our Catholic faith to all those who attend. This is an ideal way to evangelize to others. Once the practices are established, this volunteer would meet with the families of deceased parishioners to explain options available and, if needed, coordinate the liturgy with the priest celebrant. This is a truly blessed ministry and family members handling funeral arrangements are most appreciative. We estimate the time involved with a family member to be about 30-60 minutes which is a minimal commitment.

If you would like to volunteer as a Sacristan or as the Funeral Liturgy Coordinator, please contact the chairman of this committee, Jerry Martin, at 563-0537.

Liturgical Music

This ministry involves the selection of hymns, Responsorial Psalms and other music which will enhance the quality of the celebration of Mass. The choir group welcomes all those who would like to participate in this ministry. Please contact Jack Galvin at 778-8291.

Parish Council

The parish council assists the pastor in the coordination of all parish activities as well as other functions as described in the Parish Council Constitution. Council membership is comprised of Ex Officio Members, for the most part the leaders of the ministries on this web page, Extraordinary Members, those directly appointed by the Pastor who have special personal talent or needed professional qualifications, and At-Large Elected Members (18 years of age or older and not to exceed 4 persons). If you would like to serve on the Parish Council as an At-Large Elected Member, please contact Gwen Ripp, President, at 778-4912 to get you name on the list for the next election cycle.

Religious Article Shop

The Religious Article Shop is temporarily closed pending building plan outcome and implementation.

Respect Life

The Respect Life Program mission is to assist in the education of parishioners on a broad range of Catholic moral teaching and principles, especially that of the respect for life from the moment of conception to natural death. The program coordinator brings focus to these moral issues by increasing awareness among the faithful so that they are led to function as good stewards of Church teaching as they function within our society. If you are a champion of or want to be a champion of respect life issues, and want to assist in developing and implementing programs in accordance with the mission of this ministry, please contact Ginny Frederick, coordinator, at 567-6131.

Rosary Recitation

The rosary ministry handles the recitation of the rosary before all daily and weekend Masses. If you are gifted with a good voice, are comfortable praying the rosary, and can project your voice well, by all means consider this ministry. Please call Peggy Pendergast at 562-4209 for a daily Mass assignment or for a 9:00 a.m. Sunday Mass assignment. Please call Jan Freeman at 569-7179 for a 11:00 a.m. Sunday Mass assignment. Please call Rita Geary for a 4:00 p.m. Saturday, vigil Mass assignment.

Ushers

Ushers assist in the seating of parishioners, handle the collections during Offertory, offer Parish Bulletins to exiting parishioners, and other duties as called upon. New volunteers to ushering are always welcomed. Please contact Charles Neumann at 778-1476 to discuss your interest in this ministry.

Wellness

The goal of the Wellness Ministry is to reach out to all those who are in need of healing: spiritual, physical, emotional, or mental. Volunteers seek to serve those under served and most vulnerable in our communities such as the frail, elderly and those without access to quality healthcare due to financial or cultural barriers. Services are provided primarily to our own parishioners. This free service is for all in the community regardless of sex, race, religion or any other factor. Ask anyone on the receiving end of this service or anyone touched by this service through a friend or family member and you will hear what a tremendous gift this ministry is from our parish. Wouldn't you want to be involved in this? Be not afraid and say YES! If you are a nurse or a person who can sit and give comfort to a person, please call Pat Dimesa at 713-9435. Start living a beatitude today.

Women's Guild

In the past, this ministry has been involved in fund raisers in support of the building fund, the soup bowl and Publix Gift Certificates to be used in the Wellness ministry. Basically, the Women's Guild is there to step in where the parish or other ministries need them. For further information, please contact Tina Klingaman at 778-9763

Youth Group

The St. John of the Cross Youth Group exists as a ministry for the teenagers (St. John members and non-members alike) in grades 8 – 12 who are currently studying for confirmation, or, who have already been confirmed, but have not yet graduated high school. The activities include service projects to benefit our parish, our local community and the world at large. We have been meeting twice monthly during the school year. Meeting times allow us the opportunity to socialize and discuss our faith in today’s society while planning, preparing, and implementing activities.

Over the past 1-½ years of our existence we have made cross bookmarks for the hospitalized and homebound of our parish, shared crafts, story time and fun with the children living at the Samaritan Center for homeless families, and enjoyed pizza parties and a Christmas party. We also collected supplies, filled, and distributed Easter baskets for the children at the Samaritan Center.

We look forward to welcoming you and your friends this coming year! Join us as we grow and take part in the decision-making for our plans. Watch the bulletin, and this web site, for announcements of meeting dates and times.

For further information, please feel free to contact Suzanne Fallon, 794-5412 or by e-mail, jpfsmfiii@bellsouth.net.

Altar Servers & Coordinator What better way for a youth of our parish to serve than as an Altar Server? This position is open to both boys and girls. Parents, talk to your son or daughter about this ministry. Grandparents, talk to your grand kids and encourage them to consider this. You could say, "Being an altar server is something that you will carry with you for the rest of your life. This ministry will serve you well, not only for your spiritual development, but also in the virtues and disciplines it fosters. Virtues and disciplines like commitment, punctuality, responsibility, roll model for younger kids, good grooming, proper dress and respect for our Lord to name a few." Kids and parents, talk to Fr. Pasquini about participating in this ministry. The very rewarding position of Altar Server Coordinator is currently open. If you would enjoy working with outstanding children and teenagers, please consider this ministry to serve our parish and our Lord. If you are a parent of an altar server, possibly you could consider this position to support your parish along with your child. Imagine this: An altar server, during your watch, going on to become a priest or religious. What blessings! The coordinator should be good at making schedules while being sensitive to the time commitment of the student and their parents. Sometimes the coordinator will have to get a last minute substitute because a scheduled server may get ill and not be able to show up for their scheduled Mass. After making a schedule, the coordinator needs to call each student and parent prior to each new schedule being published to see if there were any dates within the next time frame that they would not be available. The coordinator would also schedule a time with Fr. Pasquini to train new servers and retrain existing servers as needed. The coordinator would consult with religious education for potential, new, server candidates. The volunteer for this position should be motivated to praise these kids for their commitment and for what they do for the priests and parishioners. Nancy Cutright, the previous coordinator, has offered to make herself available to help in any way. You would be taught by the best!! She would be happy to share all her information, schedules, databases, etc. Feel free to call Nancy at (772) 562-8322 to discuss the requirements and rewards of this position.

Bible and Catechism Study Bible study will be offered both in the a.m. and the p.m. Larry Gerrior will continue to lead a Bible study on Wednesdays at 9:15 a.m. in the Parish Center. Fr. Pasquini is teaching in an Open Bible study class on Wednesday evenings from 7-8 p.m. in the church. Parishioners are encouraged to participate in this activity and to especially bring a friend, Catholic or non-Catholic, to the evening session with Fr. Pasquini. Fr. Pasquini is also teaching an Exploring the Church class using the Catechism on Monday evenings from 7-8 p.m. Come and learn. Invite a non-Catholic or un churched friend.

Building Committee The building committee is composed of 6 members including a chairman. It is activated anytime a major construction project is to be undertaken. Ideally, volunteers for this committee should have some level of knowledge of construction or possibly some planning experience. The building committee also considers future needs in any planning cycle. The building committee advises and makes recommendations to the pastor and its' chairman interfaces with the Finance Committee. Currently, as of Aug. 9, 2007, the Building Committee is fully staffed. If you have interest in volunteering on this committee, please contact the Chairman, Bill Valyo, at 770-0598 and request to be put on a list in case a vacancy develops.

Building Maintenance Committee This committee is actively involved with the general maintenance and upgrading of the parish buildings and grounds. Sometimes maintenance and upgrading issues can be handled by committee members. Other times these issues or needs are contracted out at the discretion of the committee chairman. Large maintenance projects are brought to the attention of the Pastor and the Finance Committee for approval before action is taken. Volunteers for this committee should have interest in, and be comfortable doing, routine maintenance jobs and enjoy teamwork in support of the chairman. If interested, you are encouraged to contact Fred Volk, Chairman, at (772) 360-8264.

Catholic Communication While recognizing that several of our parish ministry activities involve aspects of evangelization in their mission, the Catholic Communication program specifically directs its efforts toward Catholic enrichment programs for our parishioners (e.g. Parish Web site and sourcing outside speakers), and toward encouraging lapsed Catholics to return to the faith (see Rediscovering the Church page on the parish web site), and toward those interested in converting to the Catholic faith (see Exploring the Church page on the parish web site). The leader of this ministry functions also as the Webmaster of the parish web site and handles questions coming into the web site from lapsed Catholics, those interested in the Catholic faith, as well as general questions from other visitors to the site. This ministry is in need of volunteers to source and qualify outside speakers to conduct parish missions and retreats for parishioners. This involves identifying candidates, reviewing tapes of their presentations, obtaining fee structures, and then making recommendations to the pastor for approval. In addition, we are looking for a volunteer to assist in adding content to and maintaining the parish web site and possibly assist in answering incoming questions to the web site. Both volunteers should be quite knowledgeable about their Catholic faith and have computer skills. If you are interested in any aspect of this Catholic Communication ministry, please contact Tom Frederick at 567-6131.

Director, Religious Education The paid position of Director of Religious Education (DRE) is currently open as a result of the retirement of Michelle Willis from this position. Michelle made an outstanding contribution to the religious education of students and adults and did so with both a high degree of professionalism and a deep and broad understanding of the faith. The parish is currently seeking a qualified person for this position. If you are interested in this position or would like to volunteer in a support roll to the DRE, please contact Fr. Pasquini.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion assist the priests in the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass. Some also take the Eucharist to shut-ins in homes and nursing homes and sometimes to those in the hospital. Volunteers for this ministry receive basic training by the diocese and specific training by the pastor and/or Pat Dimesa, coordinator of this ministry. Our parish prides itself in following specific guidelines for this activity. If you have an interest in this ministry, please contact Pat Dimesa at 778-2926.

Finance Committee The Finance committee is responsible for the on-going financial planning, parish accounting, income and expense budgeting, and financial reports of the parish. This committee is a distinct entity from the Parish Council in accordance with the Code of Canon Law because of their differing responsibilities. Volunteers for this committee should be skilled in business and finance. The committee should have a minimum of four persons. Please contact George Kelley, Chairman, at 567-6297 to discuss membership on this committee and the availability of an open position.

Knights of Columbus Text describing the mission of the Knights has been requested.

Lectors Lectors proclaim the Word of God in the first two readings at Mass. They also process with the priest to the sanctuary area. Schedules are published ahead of time so lectors know the date and time when they are to assist at Mass. If you are a good reader and project your voice well, please consider volunteering for lector. Contact Donna Haro at 299-0010.

Legion of Mary The mission of the Legion of Mary is to bring friendship and spiritual comfort to persons in distress whether in the home, hospital or in an institution, with special attention to lapsed Catholics. Currently, the Legion of Mary is developing a working relationship with the Wellness ministry. Please call Eileen Kelley at 567-6297 to inquire about being a member of the Legion of Mary.

Liturgy Committee/Sacristans This committee confers with the pastor and renders assistance in matters pertaining to the celebration of the liturgy, and any enhancements, which are in accord with the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (G.I.R.M.) as well as directives from the diocese. Responsibilities include the development and coordination of wedding and funeral liturgies. The committee also staffs and schedules the Sacristans who serve at all Masses. We have a current need for a person to work with our pastor in developing policies and practices for funeral liturgies so that these liturgical celebrations reflect the spiritual beauty of our Catholic faith to all those who attend. This is an ideal way to evangelize to others. Once the practices are established, this volunteer would meet with the families of deceased parishioners to explain options available and, if needed, coordinate the liturgy with the priest celebrant. This is a truly blessed ministry and family members handling funeral arrangements are most appreciative. We estimate the time involved with a family member to be about 30-60 minutes which is a minimal commitment. If you would like to volunteer as a Sacristan or as the Funeral Liturgy Coordinator, please contact the chairman of this committee, Jerry Martin, at 563-0537.

Liturgical Music This ministry involves the selection of hymns, Responsorial Psalms and other music which will enhance the quality of the celebration of Mass. The choir group welcomes all those who would like to participate in this ministry. Please contact Jack Galvin at 778-8291.

Parish Council The parish council assists the pastor in the coordination of all parish activities as well as other functions as described in the Parish Council Constitution. Council membership is comprised of Ex Officio Members, for the most part the leaders of the ministries on this web page, Extraordinary Members, those directly appointed by the Pastor who have special personal talent or needed professional qualifications, and At-Large Elected Members (18 years of age or older and not to exceed 4 persons). If you would like to serve on the Parish Council as an At-Large Elected Member, please contact Gwen Ripp, President, at 778-4912 to get you name on the list for the next election cycle.

Religious Article Shop The Religious Article Shop is temporarily closed pending building plan outcome and implementation.

Respect Life The Respect Life Program mission is to assist in the education of parishioners on a broad range of Catholic moral teaching and principles, especially that of the respect for life from the moment of conception to natural death. The program coordinator brings focus to these moral issues by increasing awareness among the faithful so that they are led to function as good stewards of Church teaching as they function within our society. If you are a champion of or want to be a champion of respect life issues, and want to assist in developing and implementing programs in accordance with the mission of this ministry, please contact Ginny Frederick, coordinator, at 567-6131.

Rosary Recitation The rosary ministry handles the recitation of the rosary before all daily and weekend Masses. If you are gifted with a good voice, are comfortable praying the rosary, and can project your voice well, by all means consider this ministry. Please call Peggy Pendergast at 562-4209 for a daily Mass assignment or for a 9:00 a.m. Sunday Mass assignment. Please call Jan Freeman at 569-7179 for a 11:00 a.m. Sunday Mass assignment. Please call Rita Geary for a 4:00 p.m. Saturday, vigil Mass assignment.

Ushers Ushers assist in the seating of parishioners, handle the collections during Offertory, offer Parish Bulletins to exiting parishioners, and other duties as called upon. New volunteers to ushering are always welcomed. Please contact Charles Neumann at 778-1476 to discuss your interest in this ministry.

Wellness The goal of the Wellness Ministry is to reach out to all those who are in need of healing: spiritual, physical, emotional, or mental. Volunteers seek to serve those under served and most vulnerable in our communities such as the frail, elderly and those without access to quality healthcare due to financial or cultural barriers. Services are provided primarily to our own parishioners. This free service is for all in the community regardless of sex, race, religion or any other factor. Ask anyone on the receiving end of this service or anyone touched by this service through a friend or family member and you will hear what a tremendous gift this ministry is from our parish. Wouldn't you want to be involved in this? Be not afraid and say YES! If you are a nurse or a person who can sit and give comfort to a person, please call Pat Dimesa at 713-9435. Start living a beatitude today.

Women's Guild In the past, this ministry has been involved in fund raisers in support of the building fund, the soup bowl and Publix Gift Certificates to be used in the Wellness ministry. Basically, the Women's Guild is there to step in where the parish or other ministries need them. For further information, please contact Tina Klingaman at 778-9763

Youth Group The St. John of the Cross Youth Group exists as a ministry for the teenagers (St. John members and non-members alike) in grades 8 – 12 who are currently studying for confirmation, or, who have already been confirmed, but have not yet graduated high school. The activities include service projects to benefit our parish, our local community and the world at large. We have been meeting twice monthly during the school year. Meeting times allow us the opportunity to socialize and discuss our faith in today’s society while planning, preparing, and implementing activities. Over the past 1-½ years of our existence we have made cross bookmarks for the hospitalized and homebound of our parish, shared crafts, story time and fun with the children living at the Samaritan Center for homeless families, and enjoyed pizza parties and a Christmas party. We also collected supplies, filled, and distributed Easter baskets for the children at the Samaritan Center. We look forward to welcoming you and your friends this coming year! Join us as we grow and take part in the decision-making for our plans. Watch the bulletin, and this web site, for announcements of meeting dates and times. For further information, please feel free to contact Suzanne Fallon, 794-5412 or by e-mail, jpfsmfiii@bellsouth.net.