Ascension Catholic Church — 2022 Stewardship Renewal Handbook

L e t Me Be Y o ur Se rva n t A s cension Catholic C hu r c h

2022 Stewardship Renewal

SHOWING HOSPITALITY This year, we at the Ascension Catholic Church are emphasizing the virtue of hospitality. Our goal is to become a welcoming community that extends a friendly invitation to each member to become active in building the Body of Christ. In our parish, “Let Me Be Your Servant” is an appropriate theme as we strive to live as Jesus taught us.

Just as Jesus welcomes every person with open arms, we welcome the presence and involvement of all our members — whether they are longtime parishioners, new families, or just recently returning to the Church. Just like the father in the story of the Prodigal Son, God welcomes each and every one of us to come home. As a community of faith, we strive to show Christ’s love and kindness to those we encounter.

This year, during our annual Stewardship Renewal, will you prayerfully discern how God is calling you to be His servant in welcoming others?

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STEWARDSHIP OF

TIME

While many of us understand that prayer is an important element of the Christian life, most of us admit that it’s difficult to find a quiet moment to spend with God. As Christians, we must remember that we cannot give what we do not have. In order for us to welcome others into the life of the Church, we need to make sure that our spiritual lives are properly in order. To become a more prayerful person, take inventory of how you spend the 168 hours in the week. Are you taking time to talk to God in prayer, to speak with Him as you would a friend? Are you seeking His truth through reading the Scriptures? Will you make Him first on your priority list so that you are able to give to others from the graces He has given you?

Maintaining A Healthy Prayer Life: • Pope Francis encourages all Catholics to spend time in daily prayer, thanking God for His blessings, asking for His help in difficult circumstances and reading Scripture.

• Receive spiritual nourishment in the Eucharist at least every Sunday.

• Receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation on a regular basis and asking God for the grace to live a life of holiness.

Helpful Prayer Resources: • Catholic phone or tablet apps: MyParish App: Ascension Catholic Church, iBreviary, Magnificat, Divine Office or The Pope App (news and homilies from Pope Francis) • Websites: ascensionbismarck.org (our parish website), usccb.org/bible/readings (daily readings of the Catholic Church), Vatican.va (The Vatican and Holy See), Formed.org

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STEWARDSHIP OF

TALENT

“As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10). Each of us has received gifts from God that we are to use in humble service. While many of us may not recognize the skills or abilities we have as gifts, they are a means by which we can give glory to God through serving each other.

At Ascension, our ministries provide opportunities for us to serve God and others. From a warm smile to giving someone a warm meal, we are able to welcome others into the family of God by being Christ to them.

Reaching out in love, while sometimes difficult, can be quite spiritually enriching! Will you take the time to ask God how you can best serve Him through the service of His children?

Ways to Welcome and Serve Others: • Pray about how your gifts can best be used to help others feel welcome.

• Sign up for a parish ministry that stretches you to put others’ needs before your own.

• Greet our fellow parishioners before or after Mass, introducing yourself to unfamiliar faces.

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STEWARDSHIP OF

TREASURE Throughout Scripture, we are taught to give to God our “first fruits” or the “choicest portion.” In modern speech, we might say that the first “line item” in the family budget should be returning a portion of our income to God. Both symbolically and in actuality, this is a powerful expression of God’s place in your life. “Where your treasure is, there also lies your heart” (Matthew 6:21). Will you take some time to reassess how you prioritize God in your finances?

Reasons to Tithe: Why give a percentage of income?

We give the tithe (which means 10% of one’s harvest or income) because it is a Scriptural benchmark that has been honored since the early Church (see Malachi 3:10).

Working Toward Giving the Tithe 5% to the parish offertory 1% to the diocese 4% to other charities If you have difficulty reaching your goal of the tithe, try increasing your giving incrementally, by one or two percent of income each year. Over time, you will find that the tithe is a reasonable goal that can be reached. Most importantly, you will know that you have been faithful in placing God first in everything, even in your finances.

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2022 MINISTRY CATALOG Please note the Color-Coded level listed after each ministry that indicates the current need of each parish ministry.

Black – low • Blue – moderate • Red – high

LITURGICAL MINISTRIES ADULT ALTAR SERVERS FOR FUNERALS

Adult altar servers for funerals assist the priest at funeral Masses.

Contact: Julie Ternes, 701-223-3606, jternes@ascensionbismarck.org Need level: high

ALTAR SERVERS

Altar servers assist the priest and deacon during the weekend Mass and other special Masses. This ministry is open to any youth in fourth grade and above.

Contact: Cody Volk, 701-223-8030, ccmvolk3@hotmail.com Need level: moderate

ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE

The Environment Committee decorates and prepares the church for the different liturgical seasons and special occasions. Members of the committee create an atmosphere that will enhance the worship experience for parishioners and deepen their awareness of God’s presence.

Contact: Julie Ternes, 701-223-3606, jternes@ascensionbismarck.org Need level: moderate

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EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion assist the priest in distributing the Sacred Body or Precious Blood during weekend Masses or other special Masses.

Individuals interested in joining this ministry must be at least 16 years of age and confirmed.

Contact: Julie Ternes, 701-223-3606, jternes@ascensionbismarck.org Need level: high

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION TO THE HOMEBOUND

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion to the Homebound take Communion to those unable to attend Mass with the parish family.

Contact: Rita Ritter, 701-223-3606, rritter@ascensionbismarck.org Need level: moderate

HOSPITALITY MINISTERS

Hospitality Ministers help create an atmosphere of hospitality during weekend Masses and other special liturgies. These individuals welcome people to the church, assist with seating, and assist with the offertory collection and Communion procession. Individuals, ages 12-14, must serve with a parent.

Contact: Julie Ternes, 701-223-3606, jternes@ascensionbismarck.org Need level: high

LECTORS

Lectors proclaim God’s Living Word at weekend and daily Masses and other special liturgies. Individuals interested in joining this ministry must be high school age or older and confirmed.

Contact: Deacon John Paul Martin, 701-527-3469, john.paul.martin@noaa.gov Need level: moderate

SACRISTANS

Sacristans assist the clergy in setting up for daily and weekend Masses and other special Masses, and in caring for the liturgical vessels, vestments, and sacred furnishings.

Contact: Julie Luger, 701-223-3606, jluger@ascensionbismarck.org Need level: high

VIDEO MINISTERS

Video ministers operate the slide presentation program, run the livestream equipment, and make any needed volume adjustments to

the sound system during weekend Masses or other special liturgies.

A basic knowledge of computers is needed. Training is provided. The video slideshows are prepared for the ministers. Open to high school students through adults.

Contact: Julie Ternes, 701-223-3606, jternes@ascensionbismarck.org Need level: high

MUSIC MINISTRIES Contact: Julie Ternes, 701-223-3606, jternes@ascensionbismarck.org

ACCOMPANISTS

Accompanists accompany vocalists on organ, piano, or guitar during Mass or other special liturgies.

Need level: high

CANTORS/VOCALISTS

Cantors/vocalists lead the congregation in song during Mass and other special liturgies. Cantors/vocalists may sing as soloists or within a small group.

Need level: high

INSTRUMENTALISTS

Instrumentalists play alongside cantors, small groups, or choirs.

Need level: moderate

LARGE PARISH CHOIR

The choir leads the music at Sunday Mass when scheduled and other special liturgies. Rehearsals are held as needed for the scheduled liturgies.

Adults and high school students are welcome to join this choir.

Need level: high

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PARISH EVENT MINISTRIES

Involvement with the following Parish Events is available via sign-ups (online and in the church entrance) in the weeks preceding these events. Direct contacts to those who mark “interested” on this form are not made; please watch for the sign-ups!

CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER

This dinner is held on Christmas Eve at Ascension. It is for those who are alone or have nowhere to go for Christmas. Many volunteers are needed to help setup, cook, dish up, serve, and clean up after the meal. Volunteers are also needed to help pass out gifts and treat bags or provide music.

Contact: Beth Kathol, 701-223-3606, bkathol@ascensionbismarck.org Need level: high

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FAMILIES IN FAITH – PARTICIPANT

Families in Faith is a ministry geared toward families with young children (ages 0-12). Once a month, families are invited to gather together for a social with a guest speaker for the parents and playtime for the kids.

Contact: Tera Miller, 701-866-9901, teraleemiller@gmail.com

FAMILIES IN FAITH – ADULT VOLUNTEER Older adult volunteers are needed to help oversee the childcare and activities planned for children while the parents are meeting. Teens are also present to help babysit.

Contact: Tera Miller, 701-866-9901, teraleemiller@gmail.com Need level: high

PARISH ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE

The Parish Activities Committee builds the parish community through activities that bring together parishioners of all ages.

Contact: Tera Miller, 701-866-9901, teraleemiller@gmail.com Need level: high

PARISH PICNIC

This is the annual parish appreciation picnic. Hot dogs, hamburgers, and drinks are provided; parishioners bring potluck items. This is one of the ways Ascension Catholic Church shows their appreciation to our parishioners. Volunteers are needed in a variety of ways.

Contact: Beth Kathol, 701-223-3606, bkathol@ascensionbismarck.org Need level: high

PARISH SPRING DINNER

This is the annual parish dinner with all the trimmings. Volunteers are needed to cook, dish-up, serve and cleanup.

Contact: Beth Kathol, 701-223-3606, bkathol@ascensionbismarck.org Need level: high

ST. MARY’S CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL CARNIVAL

This annual event raises funds for Catholic education in Catholic schools and parish religious education programs. It is a three-day event and includes meals, Midway games, Bingo, live and silent auctions, and a raffle. Each parish is responsible for coordinating volunteers to operate specific activities or booths in the midway.

Contact: Carrie Meyer, 320-766-7317, carriemeyer@midco.net Need level: high

THE BANQUET

An ecumenical outreach to the poor and homeless. It consists of hosting and serving a meal that takes place at The Dream Center. Our parish is involved two to three times a year.

Contact: Tina Kellar, 701-226-1458, tkellar@good-sam.com Need level: moderate

MEALS ON WHEELS

Ascension is responsible for delivering meals during the noon hour to the homebound on one or two Bismarck routes during the month of June.

Contact: Rita Ritter, 701-223-3606, rritter@ascensionbismarck.org Need level: moderate

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FAITH FORMATION MINISTRIES Contact: Beverly Brintnell, 701-258-5692, bbrintnell@ascensionbismarck.org

ADULT FAITH FORMATION

A variety of Adult Faith Formation opportunities are held throughout the year, such as small faith-sharing groups, Bible study, book discussions and more.

FAITH FORMATION COMMITTEE

The Faith Formation Committee is an advisory board for the parish Faith Formation programs. It meets approximately four times per year, and members serve three-year terms.

Need level: moderate

FAITH FORMATION VOLUNTEER

Volunteers are needed to help serve in a variety of ways throughout the year. Volunteers can help for a single occasion or on a regular schedule.

Areas include meal events, hall monitor, creating bulletin boards, environment and other opportunities as needed or any place you can share

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your talents. *Requires background check in accordance with the diocesan policy on Safe Environment.

Need level: high

FAITH FORMATION CATECHIST

Faith Formation catechists have the opportunity to share and teach the Catholic faith with children and youth in grades K-9. Catechists help youth and children come to know Jesus Christ and the teachings of the Catholic faith. Faith Formation sessions take place at 4 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Wednesday evenings during the school year. *Requires background check in accordance with the diocesan policy on Safe Environment.

Need level: high

RCIA PARTICIPANT

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is the process in which adults become full, active, participating members of the Catholic Church. RCIA helps us to grow in our relationship with God, become familiar with Catholic teachings and practices, get acquainted with people in the community, and get involved in service with the community. The process is open to non-Catholics, Catholics who have been baptized but not confirmed, and Catholics who are confirmed but wish to learn more about their faith. Classes go from September to May. Contact: Deacon Doyle Schulz, 701-214-9359, doyleschulz@yahoo.com

RCIA SPONSORS

RCIA teaches individuals about the Catholic faith and Church traditions.

Parishioners are needed to volunteer as sponsors, catechists, or prayer partners for those who wish to become Catholic.

Contact: Deacon Doyle Schulz, 701-214-9359, doyleschulz@yahoo.com Need level: moderate

VOCATIONS COMMITTEE

The Vocations Committee obtains and distributes information on vocations.

Committee members promote an awareness of and encourage prayer for vocations and those serving as priests, deacons and religious.

Contact: Mike and Julie Luger, 701-222-0382, mnjluger@bis.midco.net Need level: moderate

YOUTH MINISTRIES

Contact: Beverly Brintnell, 701-258-5692, bbrintnell@ascensionbismarck.org

HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH ACTIVITIES

MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH ACTIVITIES

For middle school youth in grades 6-8 who are interested in learning and sharing the faith in a meaningful and fun environment. Events available for participation are the Diocesan Middle School Rally and National Middle School Youth Conference.

YOUTH MINISTRY CORE TEAM

The Core Team is comprised of youth leaders and adults in the planning and implementing of both middle school and high school youth group events. *Adults require background checks in accordance with the diocesan policy on Safe Environment.

Need level: high

BABYSITTING FOR ADULT EVENTS

Teens are needed to help babysit children during various parish events and classes for adults. Babysitting takes place at the Parish Center and there is adult supervision.

Need level: high

For high school youth in grades 9-12 who are interested in learning and sharing the faith in a meaningful and fun environment. Events available for participation are Search, Diocesan High School Youth Rally, NCYC (National Catholic Youth Conference) and Steubenville.

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SERVICE/ OUTREACH MINISTRIES

FUNERAL LUNCHEONS (SERVING)

Members of this ministry assist grieving families by preparing, serving, and cleaning up funeral CIRCLE OF FRIENDS luncheons.

This is a support group for women who Contact: Rita Ritter, 701-223-3606, have lost a loved one. They meet the rritter@ascensionbismarck.org first Thursday of the month for lunch. Need level: low Contact: Lil Krance, 701-202-5594

COMPASSION MINISTRY

Teams of six to eight parishioners who are dedicated to providing assistance to grieving families. This includes calling to see if the family needs anything, dropping off a fruit basket and paper product basket (provided by the parish), and perhaps making a meal.

Contact: Tammie Johnson, 701-258-5380, tmjohnson@bis.midco.net Need level: high

FUNERAL LUNCHEONS (CALLING FOR FOOD)

Members of this ministry call parishioners to donate food for funeral luncheons.

Contact: Rita Ritter, 701-223-3606, rritter@ascensionbismarck.org Need level: moderate

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FUNERAL LUNCHEONS (PROVIDING FOOD)

All parishioners are called on a rotating basis to help provide salads, bars, chips, and pickles for funeral luncheons.

HOMEBOUND VISITATION

This ministry is devoted to providing friendship and supporting the spiritual needs of the homebound.

Are you talented in conversing and listening? An hour or two a month can provide a muchneeded connection, comfort, and companionship to the most isolated and lonely in our parish.

Contact: Rita Ritter, 701-223-3606, rritter@ascensionbismarck.org Need level: high

LADIES OF ASCENSION

This organization offers all women in the parish the opportunity to participate in apostolic works.

Contact: Rita Ritter, 701-223-3606, rritter@ascensionbismarck.org

OFFERING COUNTERS

The Offering Counters count the weekly offertory on a rotating basis depending on the counters’ availability.

Contact: Beth Kathol, 701-223-3606, bkathol@ascensionbismarck.org Need level: low

OFFICE HELPERS

Occasionally, the office staff needs volunteers to help stuff envelopes, assemble bulletins, and perform other office duties.

Contact: Rita Ritter, 701-223-3606, rritter@ascensionbismarck.org Need level: low

PRAYER LINE

Members of Prayer Line pray for those in the parish with serious illnesses or injury, as well as for the needs and concerns of the community at large.

Contact: Pauline Mueller, 701-226-9471 Need level: high

SOCIAL CONCERNS COMMITTEE

The Social Concerns Committee promotes the social justice concerns of our parish and reaches out to the community. Initiatives of this ministry include “The Banquet,” Christmas Giving Tree, prayer blankets, and other projects.

Contact: Tina Kellar, 701-226-1458, tkellar@good-sam.com; Heather Leier, 701-258-3972, hnleier@bis.midco.net Need level: moderate

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SACRAMENTAL MINISTRIES DIACONATE

Permanent deacons are ordained ministers of the Church. Diaconate candidates go through a five-year formation process, which is made up of a two-year Aspirancy Program and three years of formation.

Contact: Msgr. Jim Braaten, 701-223-3606, jbbraaten3@ascensionbismarck.org Need level: high

MARRIAGE PREPARATION SPONSORING COUPLES

Married couples meet with engaged couples before the wedding. They administer the FOCCUS inventory and review the results with the engaged couple.

Contact: Bob and Paulette Heringer, 701-400-0065, pheringer@bis.midco.net Need level: moderate

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PASTORAL LEADERSHIP MINISTRIES PARISH FINANCE COUNCIL

The Finance Council is consultative and assists the Pastor in all aspects of the parish’s financial administration and is accountable to the Pastor and parishioners for the financial integrity of the parish and all the financial dealings conducted by the parish. Members serve five-year terms. Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of the month at 12 noon.

Contact: Mike Schmitz, 701-471-1896, mschmitz@s-hcpa.com Need level: appointment by pastor only

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL

The Pastoral Council serves as a consultative board to the Pastor. The council strives to discern the needs of the parish and offer guidance and help in following its mission to share the

NATIONAL CATHOLIC ORGANIZATIONS CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS OF AMERICA

The Catholic Daughters of America is a group of Catholic women who lend support and love to other Catholic women. Members participate in spiritual programs and activities.

Contact: Virginia Dolajak, 701-258-5379, momofsixls@yahoo.com message of Christ with others. New members are elected or appointed each December and take office in January. Council members serve three-year terms. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. from September to May. Contact: Josh Hager, 701-516-7542, josh.hager3@gmail.com Need level: by election or appointment by pastor

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS #7602

The Knights of Columbus is a fraternal service organization of men, founded under the principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. This organization provides men with a vehicle for building up the parish community and family life with an emphasis on family, youth, church, council, and STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE community activities.

Contact: Jeff Simek, 701-426-4766, The Stewardship Committee studies jeffrey.simek@soliddakota.com the meaning of stewardship, and formulates ideas and ways of We realize that our parishioners have promoting stewardship, including many more gifts to share than what ways in which parishioners can offer the first fruits of their time, talent and is listed in this ministry catalog. If you have a stewardship gift you would treasure to the Lord and the parish like to share that is not covered in community. Meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m., these ministry descriptions, please note this in the designated space on your approximately six times a year.

Commitment Card.

Contact: Eric Miller, 701-527-1878, emiller@ae-solutions.com Need level: high

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TIME TO

COMMIT The famous Christian author, C.S. Lewis, once wrote, “A person whose hands are full of parcels cannot receive a gift.” Stewardship is a lifelong conversion of heart, mind and soul, so that we are able to receive God’s love and return that love to Him. The better we understand our Catholic faith and our personal role within God’s kingdom, the better equipped we will be to share God’s love and resources — our time, our talent, and our treasure — with others. This year, how will you take the next step in your journey of sharing God’s love through personal formation and conversion?

A s cension Catholic C hu r c h 1905 S 3rd St. | Bismarck, ND 58504-7118 701-223-3606 | www.ascensionbismarck.org