Parish Ministries
Altar Care
Donna Benning, 696-8500.........................Altar
Terri Sardina, 693-7691............................Flowers
Elizabeth Moore, 698-1569........................Linens
Purpose: To ensure the attractiveness of the altar and sanctuary.
Responsibilities: Fit and hem new altar cloths; keep altar linens clean and fresh; change altar cloths in keeping with the liturgical calendar; arrange and maintain altar flowers.
Member Attributes: Respect for the sanctity of the Mass. Volunteers are welcome.
Altar Servers
Brother Michael Molloy, 693-6901
Purpose: To assist the priest at Masses in a variety of ways.
Responsibilities: Set up the altar for Masses; light altar candles; carry the cross of procession; other duties as needed.
Member Attributes: Child must be at least in 2nd grade, have made her or his first Holy Communion, and be a registered member of Immaculate Conception Church. In addition, the child must have a respect for the Mass and be committed to a training and service schedule.
Time & Training Requirements: Training scheduled as needed.
Bible Studies
Adult Study: Bob Lange 698-5924, Bob Dylewski 890-5870
Women’s Study: Sharon Asbury, 697-6188
Purpose: To offer a selected course of Bible study that gives an in-depth look at a particular aspect of our faith from a scriptural basis.
Responsibilities: Provide instruction as outlined in the course study, with additional materials as appropriate. Facilitate group discussions of study topics.
Member Attributes: Leaders should be practicing Catholics in good standing with the Church who possess a sound knowledge of the Bible. Good communication skills in presenting lecture materials and facilitating discussions. Enthusiasm in helping others understand and appreciate the Word.
Meetings and Time Commitment: Attend scheduled Education Commission meetings. Preparation for classes will vary with topic and familiarity with the study materials. Adult Bible Study sessions are held at 7:00 pm on Wednesdays. Women's Bible Study meets Wednesday mornings from 9:15 am to 11:00 am in meeting room 1 in Church.
Centering Prayer
Contact parish office at 693-6901
Purpose: To expand one's prayer life
Responsibilities: Attend and support group.
Member Attributes: Desire to increase prayer life.
Time Commitment: 1-2 hours per week.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Bill Stewart (English), 891-2675 or wcstew@juno.com
Antonio Padron (Hispanic), 228-5914
Purpose: Assist the priest in the distribution of Holy Communion at Masses.
Responsibilities: Distribute the Precious Body and Precious Blood. Assist in purifying the Sacred Vessels after Mass.
Member Attributes: Candidates must be practicing Catholics in good standing, at least 18 years old and dependable. Should have a deep understanding and respect for the sacrament of Holy Communion. New parishioners are required to provide a letter from their previous pastor.
Time Commitment: Ministers can expect to serve twice monthly.
Training Requirements: Attend a short, local training session.
Training Schedule: 2-3 times a year, as needed.
Facilities
Charlie Dufner, 698-4859
Tim Gibson, 606-1728
Larry Berkow, 693-3277
Purpose: To act in an advisory capacity to the pastor in determining the maintenance needs of existing buildings and the grounds; to assist in developing short and long-term church and school building projects.
Responsibilities: Establish maintenance plan and budget; oversee maintenance & improvement projects.
Volunteer Needs: Volunteers are welcome.
Helpful Attributes: Construction or building maintenance experience.
Time Commitment: Flexible.
Faith Formation - Children's Church
Sandy Donecho, Director of Religious Education
Office - 697-7420
Faith Formation Classes (Grade K-8)
Grades K-8 meet in Immaculata School on Sundays from 10:15 am to 11:15 am
Children's Sacramental Preparation
Reconciliation and First Communion - Preparation begins in the 1st Grade; Sacraments are received in the 2nd Grade
Confirmation - Preparation begins in the 7th Grade and continues in 8th; Sacrament is received in the 9th Grade. Meets on Sundays from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm in the Church Chapel
Children's Church
For Pre-K children, ages 3, 4 and 5
Children leave at the beginning of 9:00 am and 11:30 am Sunday Masses to hear and learn about our faith in a child friendly manner.
Scriptures from Scratch
Open to any adults interested in learning about the Scriptures. Meets Sunday from 10:15 am to 11:15 am in the Immaculata School Library.
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults)
Provides a systematic look at the beliefs, practices and "laws" of the Roman Catholic Faith. Ideal for people who are not Catholic, who wish to know more about the Catholic Faith.
See RCIA description for more details
RCIC (Rite of Christian Initiation for Children)
For children under the age of 18 not attending Faith Formation classes (above). Meets Sundays from 10:15 am to 11:15 am in Immaculata School.
Bible Studies
Women's Bible Study meets Wednesday mornings from 9:15 am to 11:00 am in meeting room 1 at the Church
Bible Study meets Wednesday evenings from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm in the St. Francis Room.
Familia
Annamarie Jakubielski, 891-2729
Purpose: Provide women an opportunity to grow in their faith and enrich their roles as wives and mothers
Responsibilities: Attend regular meetings to study, learn and pray together. (Nursery provided)
Meetings and Time Commitment: Every other Wednesday from 10:00 am to 11:30 am in meeting room 2 at Church
Good Samaritan
Alma Lopez, 693-6901; hispanic-ministry@bellsouth.net
Purpose: To provide material assistance to the poor in Henderson County.
Responsibilities: Collect good-condition furniture and household items; distribute them to the needy. Collect and distribute blankets & warm jackets, as well as Christmas & Three Kings gifts to the needy.
Helpful Attributes: Organizational skills & muscles.
Time Commitment: Varies.
Great Life Series
Marcia Caserio, 692-5179
Kathy Baluha, 692-7304; kbaluha@gmail.com
Purpose: Provide education and support to aging members of the parish
Responsibilities: Develop programs which informand build community
Greeting Cards Ministry
Terri Winfield, 891-8163 or rlwinfield@aol.com
Purpose: Send cards to welcome parishioners, to celebrate reception of the sacraments and various events.
Responsibilities: Mail cards to names supplied by the church office. Cards are designed on a computer and printed.
Member Attributes: Artistic and computer skills
Time Commitment: Varies by season.
Grounds and Gardening
Les Klotzback, 692-4956
Purpose: To develop and maintain the church grounds, in order to provide a pleasant and lovely environment.
Responsibilities: Ground maintenance.
Volunteer Needs: Volunteers are always welcome.
Helpful Attributes: A green thumb
Time Commitment: Flexible.
High School Youth Ministry (Life Teen)
Emily Sevier, Youth Minister - 775-6932, 681-5596
lifeteenic@gmail.com
Purpose: Life Teen is an international Catholic movement that serves the Church and leads all teens closer to Christ by providing resources and training that encourages vibrant Eucharist celebrations and opportunities for teens to grow in their faith.
Responsibilities: Plan and carry out each week's Life Night by bringing teens the teachings of Christ and the Church, and to an experience of being loved and accepted within the community.
Member Attributes: Life Teen serves all high school teens, those in grades 9 - 12
Meetings and Time Commitment: Life Teen Mass is every Sunday at 5 pm in the Main Church, followed immediately by Life Night. Life Night ends by 8 pm.
Areas of Interest: If interested in serving in any of the following areas, please contact Emily Sevier.
Meals: Volunteers to provide a meal for our teens on Sunday evenings.
If you are interested or would like more information, please contact
Joy Simpson, 890-8282.
Service: Life Teen is looking for opportunities to serve the community.
If you have ideas or know of opportunities, please call Emily.
Fundraising: We are constantly looking for ways to fundraise for our
ministry efforts as well as aid in the cost of activities.
CORE Member: Adults who are responding to their baptismal call to
serve in youth ministry.
Music Ministry: Provide the music for the LIFE TEEN 5 pm Mass.
Hospitality
Barbara Morgan, 697-0281
Tina Okpych, 693-7216
Purpose: Welcome new parishioners.
Responsibilities: Make welcoming calls to new parishioners; arrange semi-annual welcome events for new parishioners.
Member Attributes: Desire to make new members feel involved and welcome.
Time Commitment: Flexible; several hours at semi-annual gatherings
Training: Awareness of parish activities and services.
Immaculata Catholic School
Carole Breerwood, Principal, 693-3277 or www.immac.org
Established in 1926, Immaculata has an 82-year tradition of dedication to students of all faiths.
Immaculata School, a Pre-K through Grade 8 Catholic school, is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and the Diocese of Charlotte. All students receive instruction in Religious Education, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, English/Language Arts, Computer/Library Skills, Health, Physical Education, Art, Music and Spanish, following the State and Diocesan curriculums. Immaculata offers a wide array of clubs, such as Chess, sports, activities, and a strong tradition of special after-school programs.
The Immaculata School community is committed to preparing each student spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, socially, and physically to face the challenges of a changing world.
Immaculate School affirms its commitment to minister to the handicapped or special need student. Students will be accepted if the school program and educational facilities are suitable to effectively meet the needs of the student.
Interfaith Assistance Ministry (IAM)
Eileen Funke, 697-7029 or vol7iam@bellsouth.net
Purpose: IAM offers emergency funds, food, clothing and referrals to those in our community needing crisis assistance. Immaculate Conception is one of the founding churches of IAM.
Responsibilities: Work with the local community churches, agencies and organizations on behalf of its clients, offering "a hand up - not a handout".
Helpful Attributes: Compassion, good communication skills, a desire to help County residents in crisis. Responsible for maintaining client confidentiality. Computer skills helpful in some areas.
Time Commitment: Four hours, one day per week.
Training and Training Schedule: Volunteers are placed in a position and trained, after completing a rotation of all departments.
Justice and Peace
Peg Costigan, 692-3496; kaycees1@bellsouth.net
Purpose: Foster involvement in the promotion of peace and justice through the education on Catholic social teaching
Responsibilities: Topics considered - legislation regarding economics and poverty; immigration; life issues; capital punishment
Helpful Attributes: Familiarity with the encyclicals and documents of the church on social issues
Time Commitment: Few hours per month
Knights of Columbus
Immaculate Conception Council #7184
Ed Suarez, Grand Knight 697-0369
The Knights of Columbus is an international Catholic fraternal organization open to men age 19 and older, who are in union with the Church. The Knights have been forerunners in the Pro-Life movement and one of North Carolina's major contributors to programs for the mentally challenged.
Master Plan
Jim Welter, 329-1391 or j.welter@mchsi.com
Purpose: To plan for future growth of the Parish.
Responsibilities: Assess the needs of the Parish ministries and Commissions, and develop land and facility plans which support projected growth.
Membership: By appointment of the Pastor.
Ministry to the Sick and Homebound
Dr. Colin Thomas, 692-8291 or doccolin@bellsouth.net
Purpose: To bring the Blessed Sacrament to those hospitalized, homebound, in assisted living or nursing homes.
Responsibilities: Ministers of Holy Communion, who volunteer for this ministry, are trained to minister to the sick and homebound.
Member Attributes: Members must be practicing Catholics in good standing, with a fervent respect for the Sacrament and a desire to help those who cannot come to Church.
Time Commitment: Several hours, 1-2 days a week.
Training: One Saturday morning session a year.
Special Requirements: Background check.
Ministers of the Word (Lectors)
Bill Stewart (English), 891-2675 or wcstew@juno.com
Carmen Ortiz (Hispanic), 231-6868
Purpose: To proclaim the Word of God at Masses.
Responsibilities: Prepare to serve by reviewing and reflecting on the readings to be proclaimed.
Member Attributes: Candidates must be practicing Catholics in good standing, at least 18 years old and dependable. Should have a deep understanding and respect of the Word. New parishioners are required to provide a letter from their previous pastor.
Time Commitment: Ministers can expect to serve approximately once a month.
Training Requirements: Attend a short, local training session.
Training Schedule: 2-3 times a year, as needed.
Music Ministry
Steve Aldridge 693-9274
Purpose: To enrich the spiritual environment at sacred gatherings, through music and song.
Responsibilities: Lead the congregation in song and music that supports the liturgical calendar, presented respectfully (i.e. not a performance).
Desired Attributes: Commitment to practice and performance schedules; musical training desirable but not a must; respect for the role of music in the Mass.
| Group |
Rehearsals |
Note |
5 pm Saturday
Evening Choir |
7:30 - 9:00 pm
Wednesdays
Main Church |
4 pm, Saturday
gather & warm up
in chapel |
9 am Sunday
Ladies Chorus |
3:30 - 4:30 pm
Tuesdays
St. Francis Room |
8:30 am, Sunday
gather & warm-up
in chapel |
11:30 am Sunday
Cantata Choir* |
7:00 - 9:00 pm
Thursdays
Main Church |
10:30 am, Sunday
gather & warm-up
in chapel |
1:30 pm Sunday
Spanish Mass |
7 - 9 pm Fridays
in Chapel |
Members must be
fluent in Spanish |
Angels' Praise
Youth Chior |
6 - 7 pm
Wednesdays
Main Church
(during school Year) |
Sings an anthem on
a rotating basis at
all Masses
(except 7:30am Sunday) |
| Hand Bell Choir* |
4:30 - 5:30 pm
Mondays
St. Francis Room |
Performs on a
rotating basis at
scheduled Masses |
|
* Members required to sign a commitment form
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The Parish Ensemble is open to any individual who plays a musical instrument. Reherses Monday evenings in the main church, 6-7 pm. Plays on Christ the King, Saturday Vigil Mass before Palm Sunday, Easter and Pentecost.
Cantor Ministry is open to any individual who wishes to lead congregational singing, with approval of the Music Minister.
Operation Christmas Child
Christine Cromarty 693-6901
Purpose: Collect shoebox Christmas gifts for children of underdeveloped countries under the auspices of The Samaritan’s Purse
Responsibilities: Put leaflets in church bulletin; collect the shoeboxes, deliver shoeboxes to designated Samaritan’s Purse collection area
Time Commitment: Hours in October and November.
Parish Dinner
Lisa Dillon, 272-6605; Chris & Marybeth Burns, 890-0085
Purpose: Build community
Responsibilities: Assist in planning, setting up, serving and cleanup of monthly parish dinner
Member Attributes: Organizational skills
Time Commitment: Several hours per month in planning; dinner first Wednesday of each month 5:30-7:00 pm
Parish Outreach
Jane Lombardo, 693-9014 or jlom1247@webtv.net
Purpose: Help persons in need of assistance during illness or who can no longer drive, respite, home visitation
Responsibilities: Provide transportation for medical care and church; prepare and deliver meals; phone calls to keep in touch; referrals to agencies.
Member Attributes: Patience and compassion. Experience with elderly or nursing experience helpful.
Time Commitment: Varies.
Prayer Anchor
Gail Andrzejewski (English), 891-2424
Mary Richter (Hispanic), 891-4206
Purpose: Provide prayer support for those requesting prayers
Responsibilities: Willingness to pray for the needs of others
Member Attributes: Time and prayerful attitude
Time Commitment: Flexible
Training: Confidentiality and as needed
Pro-Life Committee
Mary Duffner, 698-4859
Purpose: Increase awareness of pro-life activities
Responsibilities: Develop activities that promote pro-life, from conception to natural death.
Member Attributes: Catholic.
Time Commitment: Flexible.
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults)
Tim & Bonnie Gibson, 693-6901 or rciaprogram.org
Purpose: Provide a systematic look at the beliefs, practices and “laws” of the Roman Catholic Faith. RCIA is ideal for non-Catholics who wish to know more about the Catholic Faith.
Responsibilities: Provide teaching instruction in the history, theology and Sacraments of the Roman Catholic Church.
Opportunities & Attributes: Individuals who are in good standing with the Church and exhibit a degree of spiritual maturity may be considered as sponsors participating in the RCIA program. Teachers with knowledge of Catholic theology, especially those with a particular area of devotion or expertise, are sought as guest instructors. A familiarity with Protestant beliefs is helpful.
Meetings and Time Commitment: Attendance at all classes is mandatory for participation, and sponsors are expected to accompany candidates for celebrations of specific Church rites as scheduled in advance.
Meetings: Classes begin in early September and culminate with the Easter celebration. Classes are held each Sunday from 9:00 – 11:00 am.
Rose’s Ministry – Funeral Reception
Sandy Donecho, Office - 697-7420
Purpose: Help grieving families greet relatives and friends in a Church Family environment.
Responsibilities: Prepare a coffee and cake reception following a funeral service at Immaculate Conception. Receptions vary in size and may include flowers, and other fare such as sandwiches and snacks.
Member Attributes: A quiet, supportive nature; a desire to assist others during their time of sorrow.
Time Commitment: Flexibility is key. Receptions are scheduled as needed; teams rotate responsibility.
Sacramental Preparation - Baptism
Jane Lombardo (English), 693-9014 or jlom@webtv.net
Antonio Padron (Hispanic), 828-228-5914
Purpose: Assist families and individuals by offering preparatory instructions for those wishing to receive the sacrament of Baptism.
Responsibilities: Provide teaching instruction for reception of the sacrament of Baptism in accordance with the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Work with the Pastor and Parochial Vicar to schedule and facilitate Baptisms.
Helpful Attributes: Prospective leaders must be practicing Catholics in good standing, familiar with Church practices as they relate to the sacrament of Baptism. Good communication and organization skills. Enthusiasm for welcoming newly baptized into the Church family.
Meetings and Time Commitment: Attend scheduled Education Commission meetings. Meet with families and individuals for Baptism instruction. Schedule and facilitate Baptisms with Pastor or Parochial Vicar.
Sacramental Preparation - Confirmation
Jon Sherrill (English), 697-2996
Carmen Ortiz (Hispanic), 693-6901
Purpose: Prepare baptized Catholics to receive the Holy Spirit in the sacrament of Confirmation, providing a special strength to spread and defend the faith by word and action as true witnesses to Christ.
Sacramental Preparation - First Holy Communion
Sandy Donecho (English), 697-7420
Antonieta Cruz (Hispanic), 693-7521
Purpose: Prepare baptized Catholics to unite more closely to Christ through the sacrament of Holy Communion, helping them to grow in grace by living a more Christian Life.
Sacramental Preparation – Matrimony
Felicia & Matthew Carter (English), 272-5114
(Hispanic) – contact the Church Office
Purpose: Provide faith-based preparation for engaged couples approaching the Sacrament of Marriage
Responsibilities: Provide preparation to engaged couples
Member Attributes: Catholic married couples
Time Commitment: Flexible
Training: Ongoing
Sacristan
Brother Michael Molloy, 693-6901
A Sacristan is a person assigned to take care of all the sacred vessels used in the Liturgy. This is a very simple explanation but it really involves much more, especially here at our Parish. As Sacristan here I set up for all the Masses and try to make sure everything flows smoothly and that everything is in its proper place. A Sacristan is a behind-the-scenes kind of person not looking to be seen but at the same time keeping an eye on everything. It involves keeping inventory of all the supplies like altar breads, wine, candles, incense, altar linens, and so on. It is a ministry especially dear to us Capuchin Friars since so many of our Saints have been humble sacristans reaching to a high degree of holiness in this hidden but beautiful ministry.
Secular Franciscans
Tim Gibson, SFO, 692-7833 or timothy@timothygibson.net
Purpose: Observe the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ by following Saint Francis of Assisi, who made Christ the inspiration and the center of his life with god and people
Responsibilities: Commit to the three stages of development
Member Attributes: Desire for a deeper life of faith
Meetings and Time Commitment: 4th Sunday 1:00-3:00 pm and three stages of development
Training: Orientation, Inquiry, Candidacy, and Profession
Sunday Coffee Hour (Following 9:00 am Mass)
Loretta Frantz, 697-8194
Purpose: Provide coffee and donuts after 9:00 am Mass
Responsibilities: Arrange for serving of coffee and donuts; cleanup
Member Attributes: Planning and organization
Time Commitment: 1-2 hours per week
Wedding Anniversary Celebration
Lois Kaupa, 697-4329 and Barbara Morgan, 697-0281
Purpose: Honor couples celebrating wedding anniversaries of 15, 20, 25, 30, etc. years with an annual church blessing, papal blessing, and small reception. Married couples will be recognized for their commitment to God, spouse, and family.
Welcoming Ministry (Ushers)
Bill Stewart, 891-2675 or wcstew@juno.com
Purpose: Create and maintain a climate of hospitality
Responsibilities: To verify/prepare the church for worship, and welcome parishioners and visitors. Prepare the offertory procession; collect the congregation’s gifts; assist in seating as required.
Member Attributes: Members must be at least 18 years old, dependable, kind, friendly and reverent.
Time Commitment: Arrive at church early in order to check the church and welcome parishioners and visitors to the celebration of Mass.
Training Requirements: Attend a short, local training session.
Training Schedule: Periodically, as needed
Widows Ministry
Jane Lombardo, 693-9014
Purpose: Provide guidance and grief counseling to widows
Responsibilities: Attend meetings
Member Attributes: Widows
Time Commitment: 1st Wednesday lunch at noon at Seasons; 3rd Wednesday after 12:10 Mass
Widowers Ministry
Greg Savold, 697-5249 and Bob Grady, 697-2900
Purpose: Provide guidance and grief counseling to widowers
Responsibilities: Attend meetings
Member Attributes: Widowers
Time Commitment: 2nd Thursday
Women’s Guild
Margaret Stephen. 698-7420
Purpose: Provide spiritual and social justice programs to women of the parish
Responsibilities: Become a member of the Guild (dues required) and participate in activities
Member Attributes: Women of Immaculate Conception parish
Time Commitment: 3rd Thursday after 12:10 Mass, plus several hours per month
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