Immaculate Conception Catholic Church — 2020 Stewardship Renewal Handbook

You Invited Me In

2020 Stewardship Renewal

A Steward’s Prayer O Lord, giver of life and source of freedom, I know that all I have received is from Your hand. Gracious and loving God, You call us to be stewards of Your abundance, the caretakers of all You have entrusted to us. Help us to always use Your gifts wisely and teach us to share them generously. Send the Holy Spirit to work through us, bringing Your message to those we serve. May our faithful stewardship bear witness to the love of Jesus Christ in our lives. We pray with grateful hearts, in Jesus’ name. Amen 2

You Invited Me In “For I was a stranger and you invited Me in” Mt. 25:35.

As Scripture tells us in the Gospel of Matthew, when we reach out to invite a stranger into our community, it is Christ Himself whom we are inviting. Let us, therefore, be eager to invite and embrace the stranger — those within our parish walls who still may feel isolated and those on the margins in our wider community who wait for an invitation to join our parish family.

A Core Christian Value Here at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, we want to help every individual know they are invited and welcome to be part of our Catholic family. The presence of hospitality, the invitation to “ join us!” can make all the difference for a newcomer or a returning member of the church to feel at home here. Acquaintances should be welcomed with open arms and warm smiles. Visitors must feel the genuine love present in a hearty “Welcome!” At Immaculate Conception, we invite the stranger to join us as family, for that stranger is none other than Christ Himself standing before us.

In a stewardship way of life, this welcoming attitude of hospitality is an immensely important concept. The truth is, if someone doesn’t feel invited and welcome, how will they receive the love of God through us? Hospitality opens the door to a person’s heart and allows him or her to receive joy, grace and love. For Immaculate Conception to continue to grow as a stewardship community, we must help everyone who walks through our doors feel like they truly have come home. We must make hospitality a cornerstone. Our ministries and prayer lives must also reflect this desire to welcome the stranger by seeking to serve and to pray for our brothers and sisters “on the margins” as Pope Francis has said.

3

Time While many of us understand that prayer is an important element of the Christian life, most of us admit it is 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 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?

Will you commit to praying not just for your own needs but for those of your brothers and sisters in the wider community and world who are suffering?

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: iBreviary, Magnificat, Divine Office or The Pope App (news and homilies from Pope Francis) • Websites: usccb.org/bible/ readings (daily readings of the Catholic Church), Vatican.va (The Vatican and Holy See), Immaculate.net

4

“Stewardship of time… should include setting aside periods for family prayer, for the reading of Scripture, for visits to the Blessed Sacrament, and for attendance at Mass during the week whenever this is possible.”

— U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Stewardship: A Disciple’s Response

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 Immaculate Conception, our ministries provide opportunities for us to serve God and others.

Whether it is giving a warm meal or simply a warm smile, we can welcome others into the family of God by being Christ to them. Inviting the stranger, while sometimes challenging, is also deeply rewarding!

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.

“There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service, but the same Lord… To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.”

— 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 5

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?

“The one who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You are being enriched in every way for great generosity, which through us produces thanksgiving to God.” — 2 Corinthians 9:10-11

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 inviting God into every aspect of your life, even your finances.

6

2020

Ministries Liturgical Ministries ADULT CHOIR

The choir enhances the Liturgical Services of our parish. Choir Masses are sung on a rotating schedule, and rehearsals are held on Wednesday evenings from 7:30-9 p.m.

Anyone high school age or older is welcome.

Michael Kelley, 216-374-8961

ADULT SERVERS

Adult men of the parish serve at funerals. We welcome men whose mornings are free to serve funerals.

Fr. Michael Troha, 440-942-4500

ALTAR SERVERS

Altar servers begin to serve at Immaculate Conception during the fourth grade. Girls and boys are needed for serving Mass on Sundays as well as weddings, Eucharistic Devotions and other solemn occasions.

Fr. Michael Troha, 440-942-4500

ART & ENVIRONMENT

Decorating the Church for various liturgical seasons and celebrations.

Maureen Hogan, 440-479-8255

CANTORS/SONG LEADERS

Song leaders assist in leading the singing at the Masses.

Michael Kelley, 216-374-8961

CHURCH CLEANING ANGELS

The “angels� help in the weekly clean-up of the church on Monday mornings. They maintain all areas of the church to include vestibules, pews, sanctuary and sacristies.

Elayne Kramer, 440-942-4500

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION

Ministers distribute Holy Communion at weekday and weekend liturgies, as well as take Holy Communion to parishioners who are homebound, in nursing homes, and in hospitals.

Michael Kelley, 216-374-8961

LECTORS

Lectors proclaim Scripture Readings at Mass and other liturgies.

John Tigue, 440-946-7567

7

MASS GREETERS

Greeters welcome those who come to Immaculate Conception’s liturgies. Their purpose is to make parishioners and visitors feel welcome with a smile and greeting.

Children are welcome to join their parents to act as a family group of greeters.

Meg Radtke, 440-520-3363

SACRISTANS

Adults who have a desire to serve the Lord are needed to serve as sacristans to prepare the church for weekly Mass, weddings, funerals, and other liturgical celebrations.

Michael Kelley, 216-374-8961

USHERS

The ushers are men and women who welcome parishioners and visitors at liturgies, assist in seating them, take up the collection and facilitate in the orderly reception of Holy Communion.

Mike Zahler, 440-667-6083

Spiritual Enrichment ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT

The BLESSED SACRAMENT CHAPEL is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our Chapel has been open since 1986, and it takes 270+ dedicated people each week to spend an hour with our Lord.

Stacey & Dennis Lann, 216-990-2121

AVILAS PRAYER GROUP

AVILAS is a group of parishioners who meet to pray for an increase of vocations and for those who are priests and religious. AVILAS meets the third Tuesday of the month, beginning with Mass and ending one half hour after Mass.

Mary Ann Takacs, 440-946-5330

EVANGELIZATION COMMITTEE

Striving to bring back into active participation in the Catholic faith, the Evangelization Committee reaches out to in-active Catholics to re-engage them with Christ and his Church. Through the Catholics Returning Home program and distribution of Catholic literature, they strive to welcome all baptized Catholics home to the Catholic Church.

Lee Jarocki, 440-728-6640

FATIMA HOLY HOUR/BLUE ARMY PRAYER GROUP

This group meets Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. in the Immaculate Conception Chapel in the Rectory for prayer and the Rosary.

Sue Cherry, 216-835-0992

LEGION OF MARY

The Legion ministers to those who are living in nursing homes and hospitals, and to shutins living in their own homes. We enrich our own lives by serving the spiritual needs of the people. Members meet every Monday at 3:30 p.m. Auxiliary members volunteer to pray the Rosary daily.

Patricia Brown, 440-256-6705 8

MEN’S PRAYER GROUP

Men of the parish gathering together where scripture is read and discussed, and time is spent in prayer, growing their relationships with God and each other.

Larry Schnieders, 440-951-5629

RELIGIOUS LIBERTY & COUNTRY PRAYER GROUP

This Prayer Group prays for our country, religious freedom and government leaders.

Time is spent in song, prayer and recitation of the Patriotic Rosary. They meet the second and fourth Sundays of the month in the evening.

Dolores Fratino, 440-946-3712

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA)

RCIA is the means by which unbaptized persons enter the Church. Additionally, non-Catholic Christians enter into full communion with the Church, and Catholic adults prepare for the Sacraments of Eucharist or Confirmation through this program.

Volunteers needed: catechists, hospitality, assistance, sacramental sponsors.

Deacon Paul Hlabse, 440-259-4067

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL (VBS)

This group of women meets monthly, joining together to strengthen their relationships with God through prayer, scripture reading, and discussion.

Pam Consolo, 216-337-8278

VBS is a week long summer event for pre-K and elementary school-aged children. A theme is presented through Bible stories, songs, skits, crafts, and other activities. Junior high, high school students, and adults are needed prior to and during VBS week for planning, registration, decorating, and for other activities.

Sr. Josephine Rosoamampionona, 440-942-4500

Faith Formation Office

Parish Life Ministries

WOMEN’S PRAYER GROUP

PARISH SCHOOL OF RELIGION

Youth are formed in the Catholic Faith through instruction that encourages growth in knowledge and the spiritual life. Classes meet on Monday from 6-7:30 p.m. mid-September to the end of May. Catechists and classroom aides are needed.

Sr. Josephine Rosoamampionona, 440-942-4500

FAMILY MINISTRY

Families are invited to gather in the parish gym one Saturday night per month for prayer, fellowship and games, and to enjoy food and beverages. The evening begins with a group Rosary and a half hour presentation from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, followed by games for the kids and conversation for the adults.

Daryl Blatnick, 440-220-2213 Dennis Lann, 216-990-2121 9

FUNERAL LUNCHEONS

This ministry prepares luncheons for families after the funeral services of their loved ones.

Members assist with setting up and serving the meals as well.

Anna Ranallo, 440-942-9285

GARDEN CLUB

Parishioners “take ownership” of the parish flower gardens by utilizing their gardening and landscaping talents.

Lawrence Gradwell, 440-942-6196

GREETING CARD MINISTRY

The mission of the Greeting Card Ministry is to lift one another up, to provide encouragement and to celebrate, as they share God’s love through handmade greeting cards.

They create hand-stamped greeting cards that are provided to the residents in the area nursing homes, homebound parishioners, and others upon request. They meet on the 4th Tuesday of the month from 6-8 p.m.

Margaret Wissman, 440-953-8479

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

The K of C is a Catholic men’s fraternal organization. Fellowship is promoted through educational, charitable, religious and social service. Meetings are held at IC on the first and third Tuesday of every month.

Greg Schmidt, 440-479-6234

MARY’S WAY MINISTRY

Mary’s Way Ministry is an international movement designed to support women and their families during the joys, trials and sorrows of the childbearing years and beyond. Mary’s Way Ministry’s mission is to cherish children, encourage families and build community. We offer peer support, mentoring and spiritual nourishment.

Claudia Cogan, 440-221-1798 Barb Schoen, 440-946-5939

10

OKTOBERFEST COMMITTEE

The entire parish comes together the third weekend in July to sponsor the annual “Oktoberfest in July.” The core committee for Oktoberfest meets once a month from January until August each year. New members are most welcome.

Brent Woerner, 440-655-6196

OKTOBERFEST VOLUNTEERS

The entire parish comes together the third weekend in July to sponsor the annual “Oktoberfest in July.” The preparations involved are numerous, and we rely on the hands of many to successfully put on this event. Around 500 volunteers are needed for this event each year.

Lauren Smith, 440-479-2574

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY

Prayer shawls are lovingly made by volunteers and blessed by the priest for anyone who needs God’s love and prayers. Monthly meetings are every 2nd Monday at 3 p.m. in the Church Meeting Room A. Yarn is provided for members to knit or crochet the shawls at home.

Rose Hanslik, 440-951-8402 Ellie Dreher, 440-951-1339

PRO-LIFE COMMITTEE

The Pro-Life Committee seeks to educate parishioners about right-to-life issues, as well as promote events that celebrate the right-to-life. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month.

Julie Sbrocco, 216-469-5309

ST. JAMES PAINESVILLE & MCKINLEY MEAL MINISTRY

Volunteers from our parish go monthly to St. James Episcopal Church in Painesville and McKinley Center to prepare and serve a Sunday and weeknight meal to those in need.

Sue Penicka, 440-953-9133

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY

The Society is a spiritual organization that carries out its mission by helping anyone in need of food, clothing or shelter, from our parish or living in our parish territory.

Meetings are held at 6 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month.

Sue Penicka, 440-953-9133

SENIOR MINISTRY (50+)

Members of this new ministry gather to make friends and maintain social contact. Meetings normally consist of activities such as cards, bingo, occasional speakers, entertainers and, hopefully, will include refreshments or lunch.

Fr. Michael Troha, 440-942-4500

SOCIAL EVENTS COMMITTEE

The committee plans and presents various social events throughout the year, including Breakfast with Santa, Breakfast with the Easter Bunny, the Parish Picnic, etc.

Jeaninne Hozian, 440-667-7264 Marietta Hrach, 440-382-6980

SOCIETY OF MOTHER TERESA

Members of the Society of Mother Teresa cook and deliver meals to the residents of Western Lake County who are unable to provide meals for themselves due to disability, ambulatory issues, or no family/relative support. Members brighten their day by spending a few minutes visiting with them.

Sandy Smith, 330-801-6970

Administrative Committees FINANCE COUNCIL

This council is mandated by Church Law and is a consultative body that makes recommendations to the pastor. The members of the Finance Council are appointed by the pastor and include persons with skills in finance, administration, and law. There are six voting members whose three-year terms expire in a rotating manner.

Rhonda Schnipke, 419-615-8857

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL

The council is a consultative body to the pastor to ensure that the mission and ministries of the parish are carried out. The six members serve rotating three-year terms.

Fr. Michael Troha, 440-942-4500

STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE

The Stewardship Committee implements stewardship as a way of life in the parish.

Members act as models of stewardship for other parishioners by engaging in a life that is committed to the Eucharist, prayer, service and ongoing formation. A new stewardship Committee is being formed and will begin meeting in 2020. Potential committee members will go through a discernment process with Fr. Troha as we finalize this new ministry.

Fr. Michael Troha, 440-942-4500

11

Please keep until Fall 2021

mmaculate

onception

37940 Euclid Avenue • Willoughby, OH 44094 440.942.4500 • www.immaculate.net