2017 Ministry Handbook and information guide Church Madison, Ohio

Mission Statement: We seek to create mature disciples through prayer, education, love and service as Jesus Christ proclaimed.

Pastor, Fr. Sean J. Donnelly From Our Pastor

Dear Parishioners: For the past several months our Pastoral Council and Finance Council has been reflecting and planning with me about how best to encourage our parishioners to offer their gifts to God and our parish community. As St. Paul said to the Corinthians, each individual has a unique gift that he or she is able to offer. We have decided to use this period as an opportunity for all of us to reflect on our gifts and their use. As you prayerfully reflect on your gifts of time, talent and treasure, we ask that you fill out the commitment card on the last page of this booklet. When filling out the commitment card, we ask that each member of your family consider their commitment and that each individual fill out a separate card. Please put your commitment card in the offertory basket, or drop it off at the parish office. In preparation for this commitment process, it might be helpful for you to reflect on the following: What talents do you most readily share? What talents or gifts are you most hesitant to share? Reflect on the reasons for your reluctance. What talents have you buried? What talents have you multiplied? Is there something that you have always wanted to try but haven’t yet done so? Can you do it now? Jesus says, “I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10) My personal prayer for you is that your life be abundantly full of the power, mystery and grace of God. God enters into our lives and transforms them, just as He transforms our gifts of bread and wine into the living body and blood of our Savior, Jesus Christ. The more we offer of our time, talent and treasure, the more God is able to transform our offerings to build up His Kingdom. Thank you for the gifts you have given. I pray that this will be a holy and prayerful time for you and your family. Be2 assured of my prayers, Father Sean J. Donnelly 2017 Ministry Reflection and Prayer

Mission Statement: We seek to create mature disciples through prayer, education, love and service as Jesus Christ proclaimed. Vision Statement Immaculate Conception Church is a group of Christians who are in the process of becoming a vibrant Eucharistic people by deepening and expanding their faith. We accomplish this through prayer, the grace of the sacraments and the process of continuous conversion. With the prayerful leadership of the pastor and the work of many ministries and programs designed to educate, evangelize and support our parishioners and greater community, ICC is a shining example of how a parish uses the gifts of faith, hope and charity for the glory of God and in service to others. STEWARDSHIP PRAYER Loving God, I come to you in thanksgiving, knowing that all I am and all that I have is a gift from you. In faith and love, help me to do your will. I am listening, Lord God. Speak your words into the depth of my soul, that I may hear you clearly. I offer to you this day all the facets of my life, whether it be at home, at work, or at school—to be patient, to be merciful, to be generous, to be holy. Give me the wisdom and insight to understand your will for me and the fervor to fulfill my good intentions. I offer my gifts of time, talent and possessions to you as a true act of faith, to reflect my love for you and my neighbor. Help me to reach out to others as you my God have reached out to me.

3 Table of Contents

Educating Commission Sacramental Preparation 6 Pre School/Kindergarten PSR 6 Elementary PSR 6 Vacation Bible School 7 EDGE+ (Middle School PSR) 7 High School PSR 7 Pre 7 ICC Bible Study 8 Advent Wreath Class 8 Contemplative Prayer Class 8 Reaching Out Commission Men’s Fellowship 9 Small Catholic Communities 9 Knights of Columbus 9 Communion for the Sick 10 Avilas 10 Prison Ministry 10 High School Youth Renewal Program 11 RCIA 11 11 11 Participating Commission Pasta Dinner 12 Fish Bakes 12 Pancake Breakfast 12 Welcoming Committee 12 Parish Picnic 13 ICC Gift Shop 13 Donut Sundays 13

4 Table of Contents

Celebrating Commission Altar Servers 14 Children’s Liturgy 14 Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion 14 Readers 15 Choir 15 Guitar Group 15 Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament 16 Children’s Christmas Liturgy 16 Spiritual Development 16 Eucharistic Prayer and Praise 17

Caring Commission IC Charities 18 Consolation Ministry 18 Healing Ministry 18 Rosary for Life 19 Funeral Hospitality Ministry 19 Prayerful Shawlers 19 Other Ministries ICC Web Site 20 Online Giving 21 Notes 22 Suggestions 23

5 Educating

All Education Teachers & Volunteers working with children must have a background check. Fingerprinting is required.

Sacramental Preparation Purpose: To prepare youth to receive the sacraments of penance, first communion and confirmation. Ministry: Preparing the Catholic youth and their parents, assisting parents in ongoing formation of children at home. When We Meet: 1st Penance/1st Communion - PSR Sundays. Confirmation - select Sundays during school year. Needs: Additional Volunteers

Pre-School & Kindergarten PSR Purpose: To build a foundation of Catholic faith for our pre- school and kindergarten children. Ministry: Providing early religious teachings to our 3, 4, 5 year olds and kindergarten age children and to build a sense of community in our youngest parishioners. When We Meet: 11:00am - 12:00pm PSR Sundays during the school year. Needs: Additional Volunteers

Elementary PSR Purpose: To introduce elementary school children to the basic teachings of the Catholic faith through weekly instruction. Ministry: Educating children in grades 1 - 4 in the Catholic faith using the Christ Our Life series. Focus is on introduction. When We Meet: Sundays 9:30am - 10:45am Needs: Additional Teachers and Volunteers

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Educating

Vacation Bible School Purpose: To invite children to learn and celebrate the Catholic faith through a week-long summer program. Ministry: A Bible study for young children, pre-school through 5th grade, to get them involved in the Church. When We Meet: One week during summer vacation; planning to VBS includes approximately ten hours of time and set up. Needs: Additional assistants EDGE+ (Middle School PSR) Purpose: To educate our middle school youth in living the Catholic faith. Ministry: Educating children in grades 5 - 8 in the Catholic faith using The Edge+ and the Christ Our Life program. Focus is on community building. When We Meet: Wednesday evenings 6:30 - 7:45pm during the school year. Needs: Additional teachers and volunteers High School PSR Purpose: To give high school students the opportunity to understand their faith on a deeper level and be able to discuss questions they have regarding Catholic/Christian living. Ministry: PSR program for high school aged youth in continuing the formation of the young adult with spiritual growth. The focus of the class is discussion on the YouCat. It challenges the students to examine how they can approach life by living as authentic Christians who make a positive change in the world. When We Meet: Sunday nights September through May, 7:00-8:00pm Needs: Adult Advisers Pre Baptism Purpose: To prepare godparents and parents prior to their children receiving the Sacrament of Baptism. Ministry: Education on the Sacrament and of the responsibilities in forming children in the Catholic faith. When We Meet: 1st Sunday in March, June, September & December; 7pm in the library. Needs: Willing members to evangelize parents and godparents as to the importance and need of the Sacrament, and the life-long 7 responsibilities that baptism demands. Educating

ICC Bible Study Purpose: To study the books of the bible and their relationship to church teaching. Ministry: To teach Divine Revelation and Sacred Scripture in the context of the ’s teaching. When We Meet: Once weekly at designated times of the year. We are members of a teaching team of ministry members and graduates of Guadalupe Bible College. Needs: Additional trained instructors or parishioners who are willing to become instructors.

Advent Wreath Class Purpose: Using symbols to keep Advent Holy. Ministry: Families, couples and singles getting together to make a fresh advent wreath to use throughout the advent season. Scriptures, reflections and teaching are included. When We Meet: First Saturday of Advent after the 4:00 Mass Note: There is a registration and fee for the class. Contemplative Prayer Class Purpose: To continue to seek the Face of the Father, the Heart of Jesus and the wisdom and power of the Holy Spirit through formation, prayer and intercession for others. Ministry: We continue to be formed in prayer, scripture and silence. We are learning the importance to “come away to a desert place and rest” (Mark 6:31). We are learning of the great treasure we have in our Catholic Faith through the and the great Doctors of the Church. When We Meet: We are a group of men and women who gather weekly on Tuesday evenings after Mass. This group is open to anyone who desires to know the heart of God, to grow in Faith and to journey with others in prayer and formation. Needs: More people to pray with us

8 Reaching Out Men’s Fellowship Program Purpose: For the men of the parish to have fellowship and share scripture, join in prayer and learn more about the Catholic Faith. Ministry: To help other men of the parish grow in the Catholic Faith and in their own prayer life. When We Meet: Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month from 7:45 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Library of the Parish Center. Needs: The men of the parish who are willing to participate in this fellowship. Men are welcome to attend as often as they are available, with no commitment to attend subsequent meetings. There is a theme for each meeting, which appears in the bulletin the weekend before each meeting. Men are encouraged to bring scripture passages regarding the theme. Small Catholic Communities Purpose: To provide home-based communities that seek growth in faith through teaching, fellowship, praise and outreach programs. Ministry: We are a group of Catholics living in right order, who gather together to share our faith, hope & prayers under the authority of Cincinnati-based Presentation Ministries. We serve and minister to each other and our Parish Community of ICC. When We Meet: St. Pio meets every 2nd & 4th Friday at 7:30 pm and lasts from 2 - 4 hours. Sacred Heart meets every 3rd Friday of every month at 6:30pm. Needs: New members and teachers Knights of Columbus Council #5286 Purpose: To serve the communities of Madison and Geneva through prayer and charitable works. Ministry: The Knights offer a ministry of charity toward all in need through many programs including the Madison Food Bank, IC Charities, Special Olympics, ministry to the handicapped, scholarships and many other charitable activities. When We Meet: A social is open to everyone on the 4th Monday. Other meeting are for members only. Needs: Catholic men 18 and older who want to expand their faith and to serve their community. (6113 North Ridge West, Geneva)9

Reaching Out

Communion for the Sick Diocesan Training is Required. Candidates for this ministry must be at least 18 years of age, confirmed and approved by the Pastor. Purpose: To provide access to the sacraments for people in Nursing Homes and for the homebound of the parish. Ministry: To bring Communion to the sick who are confined to homes (for those who cannot come to church) and giving them access to the sacrament. Needs: Additional people willing to take Communion to the homebound or nursing homes.

Avilas Purpose: To pray for and foster priestly and religious vocations. Ministry: Under the patronage of St Theresa of Avila we pray for vocations and facilitate a devotion to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament outside of Mass. When We Meet: 1st Friday before 8:30 am Mass, Holy Hour every Wednesday after morning Mass. Meetings are 5 times a year at Center for Pastoral Leadership. Needs: Additional people of prayer

Prison Ministry Purpose: The purpose of the Prison Ministry is to spiritually support persons who are incarcerated through evangelization, prayers and our physical presence. Ministry: To visit the incarcerated. When We Meet: The prison ministry teams meet once a week on their assigned night at the assigned correctional facilities with a prepared scripture lesson which is used for instruction and discussion. The teams involved also meet once a month at St. Mary’s in Painesville to discuss the ministry and to take part in program planning. Needs: Volunteers are needed to continue the formation of teams for visitations at correctional institutions. 10 Reaching Out

High School Youth Renewal Program Purpose: To foster a closer relationship with Christ in teens, through prayer, praise and worship, scripture and reflection. When We Meet: The Youth Renewal Program begins with team formation in September, ending with an annual youth renewal. It is then followed by weekly meetings open to all high school age students in the spring and summer months on Monday from 7:30– 9:00pm. Needs: High school students willing to attend youth renewal, team formation and weekly Monday meetings. Adults interested and willing to commit to leading high school youth in a closer relationship to Christ through the youth renewal program. RCIA Purpose: To prepare adults for initiation into the Catholic faith. Ministry: A formation program in order to prepare those individuals seeking to enter into the Catholic faith. When We Meet: Select Sunday mornings. Needs: Additional instructors and help in recruiting additional participants. Legion of Mary Purpose: Giving Catholics an opportunity to do something positive for others while at the same time deepening their spiritual life and strengthening their faith. Ministry: Visiting the sick and poor of our community, nursing homes, hospitals and the homebound. When We Meet: Monday evening at 6:30pm. Needs: Active and/or auxiliary members and names of those that would like a visit. Neocatecuminal Way Purpose: To establish, within the parish, a Pastoral Work of Evangelization. Ministry: To gestate adult faith through a catechumenate. To give signs of Faith to draw those "far away" to the church. When We Meet: We meet for celebrations of the Word once a week, Celebrate the Eucharist and periodic convivences 11 (monthly). You have to attend a catechesis in order to join . Participating

Pasta Dinner Purpose: To utilize our gifts of welcoming and hospitality in order to bring the parish family and Madison community members together to have fellowship through an evening meal. Ministry: To prepare and serve spaghetti dinners as part of a Friday evening meal from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. When We Meet: 2 times per year. Needs: People to serve and prepare meals Fish Bakes Purpose: To utilize our gifts of welcoming and hospitality in order to bring the parish family and Madison community together to have fellowship through an evening meal during Lent. Ministry: To prepare and serve fish dinner as part of a Friday evening meal from 4:00 to 7:00 pm during Lent. When We Meet: Fridays during Lent. Needs: People to serve and prepare meals Pancake Breakfasts Purpose: To utilize our gifts of welcoming and hospitality in order to bring the parish family and Madison community members together to have fellowship through a meal before or after Sunday Masses. Ministry: To Prepare and serve pancake breakfasts as part of a Sunday morning meal from 8:30 to noon. When We Meet: 2nd Sunday of every month. Needs: People to serve and prepare meals Welcoming Committee Purpose: To nurture an atmosphere of hospitality before and after weekend liturgies. Ministry: To assist parishioners before and after Mass by greeting and/or answering questions that they may have. When we meet: As needed. Needs: Additional friendly people willing to assist others coming into the church. 12 Participating

Parish Picnic Purpose: To foster a sense of family community within our parish. Ministry: To plan a summer parish picnic that includes fun, food and fellowship. When we meet: The planning begins a couple of months before the event. The event is in July. Needs: Volunteers to help set up tables and chairs, set up children’s games, musicians for the entertainment, ice cream servers, and volunteers to help clean up.

ICC Gift Shop Purpose: To supply the needs of the parish in religious articles and Catholic gift items, such as rosaries, crucifixes, bibles, holy cards and misc. items. We provide a service that is not available in our area. This is also an evangelization tool to share our Catholic faith and promote Immaculate Conception Parish. When We Meet: No meetings, we communicate by phone for scheduling. Shop is open 9 am - 12:00 pm on Sundays during the PSR year. Needs: Additional people to run the cash register, assist customers, clean the shelves and re-arrange products.

Donut Sunday Purpose: To share in fellowship after the Masses When We Meet: 4th Sunday of the month after the Sunday Masses Needs: People to organize picking up donuts, making coffee and putting the donuts out for each Mass.

13 Celebrating

Altar Servers Grade level 4th–12th grade Purpose: To assist priests and during the celebration of the Mass and other liturgical devotions. Ministry: To serve at the Sunday Masses and Holy Days of obligation and to perform duties as directed by priests and deacons including learning the responses, correct postures, gestures and proper dress, etc. When We Meet: Training scheduled as needed. Needs: Additional servers

Children's Liturgy Purpose: To bring the Liturgy of the Word to children at their level of understanding. Ministry: Helping children learn the skills of reflecting on their lives in light of the Gospel of the day. When We Meet: Sunday, September-May, during the 11:00am Mass. Needs: Additional teachers

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Diocesan Training is Required. Candidates for this ministry must be at least 18 years of age, confirmed and approved by the Pastor. Purpose: To assist in the Eucharistic celebration by distributing Holy Communion. Ministry: The extraordinary minister's function is to distribute Holy Communion, either within Mass or by taking it to the sick who are not able to attend Mass, or when an ordained minister (bishop, priest or ) is absent or impeded. When We Meet: Annual meeting is desired. Needs: Additional ministers especially for 4:00 Mass.

14 Celebrating

Readers Purpose: To joyfully proclaim God’s Word within the Eucharistic celebration. Ministry: Readers that assist at all Masses by proclaiming the readings and helping the celebrant as needed. When We Meet: Meet as needed, usually once a year; information is shared by email or by phone.

Choir Purpose: To enrich the worship experience of the Mass and other Christian gatherings through vocal music. Ministry: A growing choral ensemble that practices proper vocal techniques in a friendly and diverse environment. When We Meet: Rehearsals every Thursday at 7:30 pm and one Mass every Sunday morning. Needs: New members always welcome ages 13 and up.

Guitar Group Purpose: To enrich the worship experience at Mass through guitar music. Ministry: To provide music with guitars to enhance the Mass and other services as well as church functions. When We Meet: Practices are Wednesdays 7 - 9 pm, September through May. Needs: More Musicians

15 Celebrating

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament Purpose: To help parishioners grow in a relationship with Christ. Ministry: To promote prayer and quiet time with the Lord. Eucharistic adoration is from Wednesday 9:00am to 10:00pm. Needs: All parishioners are encouraged to spend 1 hour a week before the Blessed Sacrament. Children's Christmas Liturgy Purpose: To share the Christmas narrative through the children of our parish. Ministry: We present a “nativity play” before the Christmas Eve Mass, traditionally known as the Children’s Mass, to tell of Jesus’ birth on a child’s level. When We Meet: Saturday mornings in December for approximately an hour. Needs: Children to participate in the program.

Spiritual Development Purpose: To promote Spiritual Growth through Liturgical and Eucharistic events within our Parish. Ministry: We offer many types of Spiritual activities throughout the year for everyone in our parish to participate in. (Meager meal, St. Joseph Table, Blessing of the Pets, 40 Hours Adoration, Christmas for the Homebound, 55+ Valentine Luncheon and Teaching, Living Rosary and many others.) We try to do more Catholic traditions in our Parish that will help make families more aware of Holy Days, the Saints etc. Meetings: 2nd Thursday of each month. Needs: Parishioners to help with the events.

16 Celebrating

Eucharistic Prayer and Praise Purpose: An evening of Exposition and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament with hymns of praise, Scripture reflections and praying the Rosary. When We Meet: On a designated Monday once a month and is published in the bulletin. Needs: Additional participants, musicians, readers and people to pray.

17 Caring Commission IC Charities Purpose: To serve the people of the community in need. Ministry: To provide the Madison community with material and financial relief along with spiritual support. When we meet: 1st Monday of the month. Needs: Individuals to meet with clients.

Consolation Ministry Purpose: To bring the consoling and healing love of Christ to members of our parish and the community who are suffering from any type of loss, illness, or pain. Ministry: To provide bereavement programs for members of our parish who suffer any type of loss. We provide support for those who have lost a loved one and assist with funerals and after care support. When We Meet: monthly meetings; a yearly bereavement support group. Needs: Additional people could be used to assist at funerals and as support group leaders.

Healing Ministry Purpose: To promote healing through prayer and the sacraments. Ministry: We pray for the needs of our parish community and assist with the Healing Masses on the last Saturday of the month. We get many calls for prayers, so we add them to our coordinated prayer chain where many people are informed of the prayer request. We also assist with Mass at local nursing homes every month. We have healing workshops during the year to help those who have lost a loved one. When We Meet: Monthly meeting before Healing Mass. Needs: New members to join us in prayer.

18 Caring Commission Rosary for Life Purpose: To give witness to the culture of life. Ministry: To join in prayer and to be a witness for the sanctity for life. When We Meet: 1st Saturday of the month, 7:30am - 1:00pm. Needs: Additional people who are willing to join us in prayer. We meet in the upper parking lot of the church at 7:30am and car pool to Cleveland. A prayer service will begin with confession at 8:30am followed by 9:15am Mass at St. Andrew’s Abbey, 2900 Martin Luther King Drive, Cleveland. After Mass we will reassemble on the sidewalk in front of Preterm abortion facility at 12000 Shaker Boulevard at 10:30am. There we will pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet and the Joyful, Sorrowful and Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary.

Funeral Hospitality Ministry Purpose: To provide a helping hand for families as they gather together for a meal after a funeral Mass. Ministry: To assist the family, friends and caterers as they bring food in for the meal. When we meet: No regular meetings, but we meet 1–2 hours before the family arrives. Needs: More volunteers to help with table placements, drinks, slicing desserts, and other minor set ups.

Prayerful Shawlers Purpose: To provide comfort to people who are suffering in any way by making handmade shawls. Ministry: We prayerfully knit/crochet shawls (all shapes and sizes and colors), Fr. Donnelly blesses the shawls. The shawls are gift wrapped and then delivered to people in need of comfort. Names are recorded in a book and prayers are offered up at every meeting. When We Meet: Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Anyone who is not able to make the meetings is welcome to make shawls at home and contact the parish office for delivery or pick up. 19 Website information www.iccmadison.com Learn all about the Sacraments and the Catholic Faith. Read the daily scriptures and also reflections from Francis. View our Newsletter on line and share it with someone away from the church. Been to an event lately? Visit Photos. Want to know what’s going on next week? Go to the Event Calendar. Forgot to pick up a bulletin? View the bulletins on line. PSR Cancelled? See special announcements on the website. Forgot to register for PSR? Now you can do it online! Want to view the Holy Week Schedule? See the front page of the website. Have a prayer request? Visit the website and send your request.

Join our E-Mail Campaign Want to be notified about parish events? Call the parish office with your E-Mail address or sign up on our website.

20 Online Giving Save paper. Save time. And make your gifts work harder than ever for our ministries by participating in our Online Giving program. When you give online, your gift will be transferred conveniently and securely from your bank account [or credit card] directly to the church. Access your account any time you like—you’re in complete control and that’s a win-win for you and Immaculate Conception Church.

1. Visit our church website at www.iccmadison.com 2. Click on the Online Giving link 3. Create your account It's that simple! For additional information or help setting up your account please contact the parish office at 428-5164.

“Immaculate Conception Madison Ohio”

21 Notes: ______

22 The many ministries in the parish have come from an idea or an inspiration and are gifts to the parish. God has a plan for you. If the Lord is guiding you to a ministry and you do not see it in this ministry handbook, please submit your idea or plans in writing to Father Donnelly or the parish office.

Suggestions: ______

Submitted by: ______

23 Immaculate Conception Church Madison, Ohio

Name______Sharing your Time, Talent & Treasure We invite you to share in a ministry Interested Ministry ______

Phone # ______

Cell Phone ______

E-Mail ______

Address ______