2 0 2 1 S T E WA R D S H I P R E N E WA L
THE EUCHARIST UNITES US
A STEWARDSHIP PRAYER Jesus, teach us to pray. Help us to manage our time so that we can spend it with You. Holy Spirit, fill us with your gifts. May we offer ourselves in sacrifice for our parish and for all in need. Father, give us generous hearts. Help us to manage our finances and to offer first fruits to you. As your faithful disciples, we ask this for ourselves and for Catholics everywhere, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
TIME
Spending Time with God in Prayer 2
TALENT
Using My Talents in Parish Ministries
TREASURE
Financially Supporting the Church
STEWARDSHIP T
he Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that we are the Body of Christ — “Those who receive the Eucharist are united more closely to Christ. Through it Christ unites them to all the faithful in one body — the Church. Communion renews, strengthens, and deepens this incorporation into the Church, already achieved by Baptism. In Baptism we have been called to form but one body. The Eucharist fulfills this call” (CCC, 1396). By our Baptism, we have become the People of God. And it is through the reception of the Eucharist that we are unified as a Church to Christ — renewing, strengthening and deepening our union. As we witness the miracle of the Mass, the bread and wine becoming the Body and Blood of Christ, we are given hope. For it is in Christ’s sacrifice that we, as the People of God, unite our praise, sufferings, prayer and work to Him (CCC, 1368). When we give God everything, our lives take on a new meaning. All that we do is one step closer to eternal life with the One Who loves us. Together, as a Church, we strive for holiness and sanctity. At Immaculate Conception, we have embraced stewardship as a way of life for our parish family. Because the Eucharist is at the center of our faith, it is also at the center of our stewardship way of life. As we enter into this time of Renewal, let us ponder the reality that we are one in the Body of Christ. Together, as the People of God, we are called to love and serve our Lord in every moment. Let us pray with new intensity as we receive the Eucharist as our love and our life, offering our gratitude to the Giver of this priceless Gift with our entire selves through concrete commitments of Time, Talent and Treasure. 3
TIME
J
ust as our bodies need healthy physical nourishment to survive and thrive, so, too do our spiritual lives require nourishment. We are called to use the gift of time above all to nourish our souls. So, we must take an honest look at ourselves. Do we put our spiritual life first, or do we focus more on the cares of the world or on escape from those cares? Do we use our time to obtain the lasting “food” of good spiritual nourishment that Christ and the Church offer to us? When we commit time each day to seeking spiritual food, our loving and generous Father will transform our lives. How will you commit to use your time in the year ahead so that God can truly feed you? Consider these ideas to help you get started: — Consider attending one extra Mass each week, making a mid-week visit to Jesus in the tabernacle or attending Eucharistic Adoration. — Prepare yourself for Sunday Mass by reflecting ahead of time as a family on the lectionary readings that will be proclaimed. Even five or 10 minutes will change you! — Commit to saying grace before meals and have every family member mention one way they were “fed” by God that day. — Every night before bed, pray slowly and lovingly the prayer that Jesus Himself taught us, the “Our Father.”
“For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me.” — John 6:55-57 4
TA L E N T
W
e are one in Christ, yet uniquely distinct. As St. Paul tells us in his letter to the Corinthians, “There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord” (1 Cor. 12:4-5). As one body in Christ, we are unified in our mission to build up the Kingdom of Heaven. And within our unity, we are given countless gifts and talents. Have you considered the gifts God has blessed you with? Are you using them to give Him glory? Pray about the following possibilities: — Get involved in a service ministry at our parish that stretches you to be more selfless. — Pray for our ministries, our parish leaders and all parishioners, asking the Holy Spirit to guide our parish community. — Commit to a daily extra act of service toward a family member as a concrete way to serve the Lord. — If you remain homebound, we value and need your talents! Consider ways you can serve right from home — helping with phone calls or emails for a ministry or offering skills like sewing or baking for parish events. There are countless ways to serve God’s kingdom.
“In the building up of Christ’s Body there is engaged a diversity of members and functions. There is only one Spirit who, according to his own richness and the needs of the ministries, gives his different gifts for the welfare of the Church” (CCC, 791). 5
TREASURE
F
or the true steward, money has a spiritual component. When used according to God’s will, our income becomes a sort of prayer — which demonstrates our love and gratitude for God, and our real trust in His plan for our lives. Our spending habits are also a reflection of who and what we truly love. God asks us to love Him above all else. Do we? Try challenging yourself in the following ways this year: — Take a look at your current spending habits, and assess what expenses are preventing you from offering your treasure more selflessly. — Ask yourself if your family budget reflects what you most love in this life so that your spending is a reflection of that love. — Commit to giving a percentage of your income to God through the parish offertory as an expression of your love for God, Who withholds nothing of Himself from us.
“From the very beginning Christians have brought, along with the bread and wine for the Eucharist, gifts to share with those in need. This custom of the collection, ever appropriate, is inspired by the example of Christ who became poor to make us rich” (CCC, 1351). 6
2021 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. Kwami Adoboe-Herrera, 440-463-9315
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. Marietta Simone, 440-479-7992
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 Homebound Ministers Elayne Kramer, 440-942-4500
LECTORS
Lectors proclaim Scripture Readings at Mass and other liturgies. John Tigue, 440-479-7959
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 7
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 many 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 8
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 of Mary is an apostolate of men and women seeking to grow in holiness through prayer, good works and evangelization. Active members meet weekly for prayer, study and engage in works that build the Church, such as visiting the sick. Auxillary members pray the Rosary daily. Elizabeth Alder, 440-521-1931
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. Diane Harper, 440-413-3743
WOMEN’S PRAYER GROUP
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
FAITH FORMATION OFFICE PARISH LIFE MINISTRIES 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
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)
VBS is a week-long summer event for pre-K and elementary schoolaged 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
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
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, 440-479-4008
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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. Barb Schoen, 440-946-5939
OKTOBERFEST COMMITTEE
Our Parish Nursing Ministry has been newly created to help members our community through nursing practices, according to the teachings of Jesus the Healer. Through this ministry, wellness checks will be available to our Parish community, which will include monthly blood pressure checks, hearing tests and temperature checks. Kathy Brazytis, 440-749-6109
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, 440-571-4117
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
ST. JAMES PAINESVILLE & MCKINLEY MEAL MINISTRY
OKTOBERFEST VOLUNTEERS
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY
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
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PARISH NURSING 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, 440-375-1548
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, 440-375-1548
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. Elayne Kramer, 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. Jeff O’Brien, 440-488-5847
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. Pam Lann, 440-269-8057
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. Elayne Kramer, 440-942-4500
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YOUR OFFERING TO GOD T I M E TO C O M M I T
E
very member of this parish family has been called by God to be here, in this time and in this place, for a reason — to be loved by Him and to love Him and others in return. He has given us Love itself in the Eucharist. As a parish family, let us love Him in return with our Time, our Talents, and our Treasure.
Please bring your completed commitment card to Mass on Oct. 9/10, mail it to the parish in the envelope provided or fill it out online at immaculate.net. P L E A S E K E E P U N T I L FA L L 2 0 2 2
37940 Euclid Avenue, Willoughby, OH 44094 440-942-4500 www.immaculate.net