Deacon El Niles who shared his life experience which included converting to Catholicism, being called into the diaconate and his joys of assisting the parish priests. His favorite part of his ministry is Baptisms. He also described the difference between a Eucharist Mass with a priest versus a Eucharistic Prayer Service with a deacon.
Nancy Pitmann described the importance of proclaiming the Word as a Lector. She shared her life experience and being called to this ministry since her Confirmation 20 some years ago. She has been a lector ever since then. She also talked about her involvement at her college Neumann Center, where she also was a lector and met many other students with the same interests.
Edy Schmalz shared her experience of being part of the Hope House ministry on the "cooking" end of the ministry. She has involved her religion classes in baking desserts and this year will be helping with cooking the meal and bringing students to serve.
Taylor Mautner shared her experience of serving at Hope House with her family and noting how many families with young children come. She said the work is not hard to do, but is really needed and appreciated.
Ann Thoma shared her experience as being on one of the Altar Care bands. She noted that it is important to keep the sanctuary tidy and clean. She explained the tasks that are done, much like at home such as vacuuming, dusting, and polishing. It doesn't take much time at all, and usually she does this once a month. Other teams share in the cleaning throughout the year. She also noted that it is important to get young people involved in this ministry as many of the elderly women involved are finding it difficult.
Cari Altmann talked about Children's Liturgy and is in the process of recruiting volunteers as leaders and aides. Cari has been involved in this ministry for about 13 years and enjoys being with the little children. She showed everyone the guide that is used to bring the Gospel message into terms that young children can understand. Confirmed students can be leaders and high school students can be aides-in-training.
Georgia Burns talked about a little-known ministry...that of transporting people to church who can't drive themselves. Most of the time this is the elderly who have a difficult time getting around due to physical ailments, but sometimes it is for those who recently had surgery or such that just need a ride for a few weeks. It is important to be the "eyes of Christ" at times to see who might be in need because usually people don't ask for help. If you notice someone who might need this service, let the rectory know so that arrangements can be offered to them.
Norm Denney is our Parish Council trustee, which actually we didn't get a chance to talk about. In this role, Norm helps Father Mesmer decide how best to use money in the parish based on needs of the church. This includes maintenance, donations, and refurbishings. Norm, did share more on the Hope House ministry. He noted the importance of "presence". In today's society, we are always giving financially to various organizations, and that is good, but you never really see what is happening with your donations. Going to Hope House and being present in the midst of serving others, is an experience that one never forgets. Time given to others is a treasure that is invaluable.
Joanne Mumford has a special love and respect for the Eucharist which she shared with the students. She shared her discernment as she felt a call to this ministry. She said how she felt unworthy to touch the Eucharist because she held in such reverence, but after talking with Father Mesmer, she understood that her humility brought her to such love and closeness with Jesus and this was to be shared with others. She feels so close to Jesus in this ministry and recommends it to anyone who want to share such a close relationship with Jesus and the community.
Father Mesmer was unable to be present, but we planned on that! Students from the "People of Faith" block video taped an interview with Father. His message to the students was that the priesthood is a wonderful life filled with great friendships. He noted that it is important for priests to have friends, because it is an important human need. In answering student questions, he said he loves to wear his blue jeans, he does in fact drive a car, he enjoys theater in his free time and roots for the New England Patriots. His favorite part of being a priest is being with people, and the hardest part is handling the emotional times of funerals.
We are hoping to have the interview with Father posted soon after some editing is done, so Stay Tuned!
Other ministries that were unable to be represented last night are:
- Christmas Outreach headed by Kelly Crumb. She will be needing help closer to Christmas to help bring packages to the rectory, check tags and make sure all presents are brought in.
- Homebound Visits led by Diane Crumb. She notes that there are many people who really e look forward and enjoy visits from parish members.
- Youth Ministry led by Tricia Pennise. Jessica Willson, another Adult Youth Minister says the ideas are flowing for activities! The core group now has 8 leaders who are planning some exciting activities for December and January which the entire high school group can participate in.
- Pastoral Council also led by Tricia Pennise. This ministry is to help Father understand the spiritual needs of the Church and assist with other planning for fund raising, mission retreats, etc. The council meets every other month and is open to ideas from the parish.
If you are interested in participating in any of these ministries, as an adult or as a student, please either contact Andrea Slaven or the Rectory at 363-3882!
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