|
| For the organizations listed below, please click on the
ALL CAPITAL title for the description. |
Christian Formation
-
Adult Formation Committee -
-
Adult Formation seeks to
provide opportunities for adults in the parish to grow
in faith through educational, spiritual and social
programs, activities which it sponsors, and by
maintaining a library of books, videos, and audio
cassettes for parish use.
-
Christian Formation Committee -
-
The Christian Formation
Committee is concerned with total Catholic education in
the parish. In the collaboration with the pastor, it is
to provide leadership and guidance in the area of
Christian formation and to formulate goals and
objectives that will guide Catholic formation programs
for children, youth and adults. These goals and
objectives are to be developed in conjunction with the
pastoral plan prepared by the pastor and the parish
council. The committee is to work with, and coordinate
the efforts of the religious education staff, the
school's faculty and those persons or groups which
administer and collaborate in the parish's educational
program.
-
Confraternity of Christian
Doctrine (C.C.D.) -
-
The Confraternity of
Christian Doctrine (C.C.D.) is designed to meet the
catechetical and Christian formation needs of those
children attending public schools. The program follows
the guidelines of the Diocese. Teachers are certified in
Religious Education by the Diocese in accordance with
the guidelines approved by the Bishop for all teachers
of religion. Small classes are designed to give teachers
an opportunity to meet the individual needs of each
child, and parents are invited to become associated with
the program. The curriculum of theology is adapted for
weekly, rather than daily sessions. Classes run from
6:30 - 7:45 P.M. Tuesday evenings beginning
mid-September
and ending mid-April. These sessions are for children in
grades 1 through 8. The Sunday morning Pre-School Program includes children
who are 3 through 5 years of age, who are presently in
some type of pre-school. This class runs from 9:30 -
10:30 A.M., September through April. This program is a
structural learning program which re-enforces the skills
the child is learning in school (e.g. numbers, colors,
motor skills) while learning about God and his world.
-
Development Committee -
-
The Development Committee
was established in 1988 to secure the long term
financial needs of education in the parish, primarily
focusing on the grade school. Our mission statement is
as follows: Institute development programs to meet
the long range educational needs of St. John the Beloved
Parish so that the parish can continue to provide
quality spiritual and educational enrichment for its
parishioners that is not cost prohibitive. Our plan
for accomplishing our mission is to assemble talented
people and organize ourselves into subcommittees with a
narrow focus on specific projects. Our main focus each
year is our annual fund campaign for the school. A major
thrust of our efforts deal with marketing our school and
parish. We have organized the committee infrastructure
to manage our programs, ensuring continuity due to
personnel turnover. We are always looking for fresh
ideas and volunteers.
-
Home School Association -
-
The primary function of the
Home School Association is to serve as liaison between
the parents of children at St. John the Beloved and the
faculty. Home School Association is also active in
various fund raising activities and social events
throughout the school year. They organize Santa's
Breakfast, Movie Night, Santa's Gift Shop, Sweatshirt
Sale, the Faculty Holiday Gathering, and they provide
special student treats during the school year. There are
three general meetings held each year. All parents are
encouraged to attend these meetings to share their ideas
and concerns. The Executive Committee meets once a
month. All monies raised by H.S.A. go directly to the
school. Yearly elections of officers are held and all
are welcome to join the association.
-
Long Range Planning Committee -
-
R.C.I.A. -
-
The Rite Christian/Catholic
Initiation of Adults known as R.C.I.A. is the process of
which people become members of the Catholic Church. The
process is concerned with the formation of the candidate
into believing, living, praying and serving in the Roman
Catholic Community. This gradual development cumulate
into the celebration of the initiation (sacraments of
baptism, confirmation, and the Holy Eucharist) which
takes place at the Easter Vigil. The R.C.I.A. is
designed primarily for:
-
People seeking baptism,
that is, those not previously baptized.
-
People baptized in
other Christian denominations who now seek
membership in the Catholic Church.
-
People who have been
baptized in the Roman Catholic Church, but also have
had little or no formation in the Catholic
tradition.
The R.C.I.A. group meets
from September through the Easter Vigil. All who fit the
above description are welcome. Also, we are always
looking for candidate sponsors and team member
volunteers.
-
St. John the Beloved Grade
School -
-
Our school serves in the
ministry of Catholic education for boys and girls in
kindergarten through eighth grade. Within this full-time
learning environment, the faculty fosters worthwhile
academic and religious programs, using multiple learning
styles and motivational techniques to provide a high
standard of quality education. We believe that a child
is a unique individual, capable of reaching his/her
potential.
-
Vacation Bible School
-
-
Vacation Bible School takes
place in July (Monday through Friday) from 9
A.M. to 12
noon for 3 year olds through 6th graders. What a great
place for your children to experience the excitement of
friendship - friendship with Jesus and friendship with
others. The activities of the day include crafts, games,
songs, and snacks that revolve around each days bible
story. The program concludes with a closing ceremony and
family picnic.
-
Vocation
Committee -
-
Many of our Parishioners are
not aware that there exists a Vocation Committee at St. John
the Beloved. The reason for that is simple: The activities
of the Committee, most of the time, are "private" and
"personal". We don't hold meetings every month. Rather, we
make use of the opportunities to talk to our youngsters
individually and in groups about vocation to priesthood and
religious life. We encourage our children to participate in
the various devotional activities of the parish
organizations.
In the past, the Vocation Committee has displayed a booth at
the Parish Organization Information Weekend. The booth
contains information and literature on priesthood and
various religious orders.
The Blessed Virgin Mary Sodality, Blue Army and the Parish
Pro-life Organization sponsor Holy Hour to say the Rosary and
other prayers for an increase in vocations to priesthood and
religious life. This is on a weekly basis. The response from
our Parishioners is very encouraging. We also distribute Our
Holy Father's vocation prayer cards to our parishioners.
-
Youth Ministry
-
|
Devotional Organizations
|
Liturgy Committee
- Adult Choir
-
- The adult choir sings at the 11:00
A.M. Mass from September to June. They also sing at various
Holy Days and special occasions. The choir sings four-part
harmony and welcomes all who can carry a tune. Practice is
held every week in the church.
- Altar Servers -
- Boys and girls from the 4th grade
up may become servers. In the Fall of each year sign-ups are
held in the school and C.C.D. to train new servers. They are
scheduled to serve once or twice a month as needed.
- Cantors and Organists -
- Anyone able to sing or
play the piano and/or organ can volunteer to provide musical
direction at the Masses.
- Eucharistic
Ministers -
- The Eucharistic Ministers consists of lay men and
women who are delegated by the Bishop on the
recommendation of the Pastor to assist the priest with
the distribution of the Eucharist at Mass and to bring
the Eucharist to the home-bound. After the Eucharistic
Ministers are chosen they attend a period of training
given by the diocese.
- Lectors
-
- These are lay people of the parish who volunteer to
proclaim the word of God. Anyone in good standing, from
high-school age up, may become a lector and are given
some training before they are assigned to read at a
Mass. Lectors are scheduled once or twice a month.
Periodical workshops are held for lectors to improve
their presentations. The reader prepares him or herself
before Mass by studying and practicing the readings at
home.
- Liturgical
Environment -
- This group is responsible for coordination of the
altar decorations (flowers, banners, etc.) with the
theme of the liturgy and liturgical season. They also
assist in maintaining the appearance of the church.
- Ushers
-
- The ushers are men of good standing who present a
neat and respectful appearance. Their duty is to assist
people in finding seats, direction during Communion
time, taking up collections, arranging for the gifts to
be carried up to the altar at the Offertory and filling
the bulletin boxes before each Mass. After the Mass
ushers remove lost valuables from the pews.
|
Parish & Family Life
- Athletic
Association -
- The Athletic Association funds the athletic program
at St. John's to allow students to play any and all sports
available. The association sponsors the St. John's
Carnival and Vegas Nights. Meetings are every other
Wednesday, at 8 P.M. in the Gerres Building. Both men and
women are welcome.
- Cub Scouts
-
- Boys in grades 1 - 5 may become Cub Scouts. Pack
meetings are held on the third Friday of the month from
7 - 9 P.M. Dens meet once a week for discovery and
sharing, arts and crafts, camping and outdoor skills.
This is a 12 month program. There is a yearly
registration fee which includes patches and a
subscription to Boys Life Magazine. Registration is in
September. Members do not have to attend St. John the
Beloved.
- Eagle's Club
-
- After-School Care Program offered to the students of
St. John the Beloved. Program is available to registered
students on school days only - half or full day
sessions. Fee is based on attendance.
- Girl Scouts
-
- Girl Scout troops are broken into 4 divisions: Daisy
Scouts (Kindergarten); Brownies (grades 1 - 3); Juniors
(grades 4 - 6); Seniors (grades 7 and up). Troops meet
every other week after school and in the evening. Some
activities include hay rides, roller skating, square
dances, camping, arts and crafts, and cookie sales. Dues
are charged to cover activities and there is a
registration fee. Members do not have to attend St.
John's School.
- Knights of
Columbus -
- The Knights of Columbus is a fraternal organization
of Catholic men 18 years of age or older, in good
standing, who engage in various social, spiritual, and
charitable activities. They are members of a national
group and are devoted to the needs of the church at
large. The Council (#11796) at St. John the Beloved
parish meets every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month in
the Gerres Building. Please
click here to
visit their web site!
- Leisure Group
-
- The Leisure Group is a social group for people age
50 and up. This group meets the second Tuesday of the
month from September to May. Meetings begin with 11:00
A.M. Mass followed by a meeting in the hall and a
luncheon. 50-50 chances are sold at the meeting to help
subsidize the cost. There is nominal charge for the
luncheon. The club consists of about 90 members from
various parishes in the area. If you would like to join
this group watch the bulletin for a notice of the next
meeting. You may sign up at the meeting and will be
called monthly to see if you will attend.
- Nursery
-
- The nursery is available for infants and toddlers
during the 9:30 A.M. Mass. Toys and a small snack are
provided. The nursery is staffed by volunteers. The
nursery is located behind the church in the Gerres
Building.
- Parish Life
-
- Parish Life is a women's organization involved in
fund raising and building a sense of community within
the parish. The group sponsors activities such as the
Fall and Spring Swap Shop, Fall Craft Fair, New Year's
Eve Dance, the Penny Party and a retreat. Parish Life
meets first Wednesday of each month at 7:00
P.M. in the
school library. Meeting attendance is not required to be
involved.
- Pastoral Care
-
- A combination outreach program and resource
center where parishioners can call for spiritual,
physical, and emotional support including: healthcare
needs; contacts for counseling; financial aid; visits to
the homebound from Eucharistic Ministers (and our social
committee); hospital visitations; home evaluations from
our parish nurse; help for individuals and families who
are facing challenging times. This office works closely
with our Clergy, volunteers, parish nurse, and the
pre-existing organizations within the parish to assure
holistic and compassionate care for each individual.
|
Social Concerns
- Emily P.
Bissell Hospital -
- This group of parishioners assist the priest with
the weekly Mass at Emily P. Bissell Hospital. The Mass
is held each Monday at 1:00 P.M. Parishioners arrive
early in order to assist residents who need to be
accompanied from their rooms to the Mass and return the
residents to their rooms after Mass. For those residents
who cannot attend Mass, members of this group visit
those residents in their rooms. There are no regular
meetings aside from this weekly activity.
- Lazarus Group
-
- This group of parishioners offers assistance to
parish families who have had a death in the family by
preparing and serving food. The food may be delivered to
the family's home or served in the church hall following
the funeral. Meetings are not held as members are
contacted by telephone when there is a need for food
preparation.
- Lukans
-
- These parishioners visit the homebound and work in
conjunction with the Eucharistic Ministers to bring them
the Holy Eucharist. They meet, as needed, after the
daily 8:00 A.M. Mass. Regular activities include trips to
Emily P. Bissell Hospital.
- Peace and
Justice -
- The Peace and Justice Committee is composed of
parishioners involved in the parish and social ministry
of St. John the Beloved R.C. Church. They seek to
increase awareness and participation in social ministry,
education, outreach, public advocacy and self-help
programs. Membership is open to all. They meet on the
fourth Wednesday of the month at 7:00 P.M. in the school
library or the Adult Formation Office located in the
school.
- Pro-life
-
- This group is for parishioners who want to be
involved in Pro-life issues. The group also functions as
an educational vehicle for Pro-life issues. The group
meets, as needed, after Sunday Mass or via their
telephone tree. Their activities go on throughout the
year with about on activity each month. The activities
include: phone tree calls regarding state and/or federal
legislation on Pro-life issues; postcard and letter
campaigns; weekend projects on Pro-life Sundays; the
Shower for Baby Rachel (donations of shower gifts to
unborn children of unwed mothers); the annual Mother's
Day Carnation Sale for Birthright.
- St. Vincent
de Paul Society -
- As part of the international organization which
includes regional and diocesan functions, these
parishioners respond to the spiritual and temporal needs
of families within the parish boundaries. They meet
regularly on the first Thursday of each month at 7:30
P.M.
in the school faculty room. The activities involved in
helping these families include: visiting their homes in
pairs; providing financial and/or material assistance;
referring troubled family members to the appropriate
social service or Catholic charity; the clothing drive
for the local St. Vincent de Paul Society Thrift Shop;
the annual Thanksgiving food drive; visitation to the
Emily P. Bissell Hospital and participation in R.C.I.A..
|
Diocesan Organizations
- Engaged
Encounter (Pre-Cana Conferences) -
- For couples preparing for marriage in our community
of faith. Marriage preparation has two parts: 1) a
series of meetings with the parish priest/deacon; and 2)
participation in one of several available marriage
preparation programs. The programs are designed to
assist you in learning more about yourself, your partner
and your relationship.
- Marriage
Encounter -
- Marriage Encounter is open to all happily married
couples that want to enhance their relationship with a
communication technique of sharing their feelings,
hopes, fears, frustrations, and joys. Marriage Encounter
weekends are offered four times a year throughout the
Diocese.
- Natural
Family Planning -
- A series of four sessions to teach fertility
awareness to married or engaged couples. The class
teaches the natural signs of fertility to space children
or to achieve pregnancy. Classes are scheduled as needed
and taught on an individual basis.
|
| |
|
