Dear Followers of Our Lord Jesus,
We are presenting this booklet to you as a means of continuing our mission of Stewardship. A community that embraces Stewardship as a way of parish life builds on a foundation of four pillars: Prayer-praying daily, especially with gratitude; Formation-educating the mind and forming the heart; Service-reaching out to others; Hospitality-welcoming ALL who come to our doors. Each of our ministries can be placed within one of these four pillars, showing that gifts of time, talent and treasure are connected and help to form the Body of Christ of which every person in our parish is a part.
Remember, everyone is extremely important in God’s eyes, and everyone has been given gifts of time, talent and treasure that can be shared with God’s people. We use our gifts and talents to serve our family, friends, neighbors, parish and community. By the washing of the feet, Jesus taught us how to serve each other. Pray about your God-given gifts, use them and encourage others to use their gifts as well. Please consider getting involved in one of the following ministries.
If you are a new parishioner, Welcome! We invite you to review this booklet and get involved with our church community. If you have any questions, just give us a call or e-mail me at: rstrapper@yahoo.com.
Finally, I wish to deeply thank those who made this booklet possible our Advertisers. Please support them.
In God’s love,
Fr. Ray
Stewardship Prayer
Almighty and everlasting God, you have given me
everything:
Life, family, friends, employment, food,
Clothing, shelter, your love, and the promise of
eternal life.
For these gifts I give you praise, but I am especially
Grateful for the gift of your Son, Jesus!
I will thank you by giving a portion of my time,
talent, and treasure to
My family, community and my parish family, St.
Matthias.
Thank you God for all that you have bestowed on me! Amen.
Prayer
Eucharistic Adoration
Through Eucharistic Adoration we give glory to Jesus Christ
by entering into the Mystery of His Divine Presence and love. We foster a greater appreciation of the Holy
Sacrifice of the
Eucharistic Adoration is held Monday through Thursday
Age: High School age and older
Time Commitment: 1 hour a week or be part of a time-shared group or substitute when needed
Training/Qualifications: Love for the Eucharist
Contact: Linda Cerio at 440-845-7114
Praying Friends
Praying friends are parishioners who come before or stay after Mass to pray for anyone who wishes prayers.
Age: High School age and older
Time Commitment: 20 minutes—
Training/Qualifications: Prayerful Heart
Contact: Ann Clark 440-888-8220.
Eucharistic Ministers
Eucharistic Ministers distribute the Body and Blood of
Christ to the faithful at
Age: Eighteen years an older and must be confirmed
Time Commitment: Scheduled in advance, part-time and substitute positions available
Training/Qualifications: Love for the Eucharist and a one-day diocesan training course is required.
Contact: Randy Lamb at 216-524-5547 (Home) or 440-349-5237 (Office).
Ministers of the Word of the Lord (Lectors)
Ministers of the Word prepare for, pray about and proclaim
the Word of the Lord faithfully with their heart, mind and soul. Ministers
must be willing to spend time preparing and praying about the
Age: High School age and older
Time Commitment: Scheduled in advance, Proclaims the Word at Mass once a month
Training/Qualifications: Several sessions, instructor Grace Starinsky
Contact: Mary Sommer at (440)888-8220
Liturgy of the Word for Children
The Liturgy of the Word for Children gives children ages 5-7
(1st & 2nd grade) the opportunity to hear the Word of God in a way that is
meaningful for them during the Liturgy of the Word at
Age: High school age and older
Time Commitment: Once every 4-6 weeks at the
Training/Qualifications: Love for children, preparation is provided for each reading
Contact: Dianne Laheta at 440-888-8220
Music Ministry
The Music Ministry’s mission attempts to serve the Gospel and give praise to God, have concern for people at its center, contribute to the ongoing conversion of the congregation and the musicians, and strive for the highest quality possible.
The love of music is the first and foremost qualification. The ability to read music is a plus, but not a necessity. Ability to sing (carry a tune) is required and a willingness to commit to participate in weekly rehearsals and a weekend Liturgy with the singer or musician’s chosen choir. There usually is one rehearsal per week, per music group, varying in length from 60-90 minutes.
Contemporary Music Group rehearses on Thursday at
Joyful Noise praise and worship group’s rehearsal schedule varies, but usually has 2 or 3 rehearsals per month depending on upcoming events.
**Anyone interested in participating on a less regular schedule can make arrangements with the group’s director.
Contact: Sigmund Mikolajczyk at 440-582-0142
E-Prayer-Line
The Internet based E-Prayer-Line is an immediate notification for prayers for someone in the parish. Anyone with an e-mail address can participate. This is a way to get involved on a part-time basis with no time commitments. There are approximately 5-7 requests per week. The prayer-line is a great opportunity to deepen one’s prayer life. Prayers and Prayer requests are always welcome.
Age: Young Adult and older with web access
Time Commitment: About 7 prayer requests a week; schedule praying on your own time
Training/Qualifications: Prayerful Heart
Contact: Parish Office at 440-888-8220.
Altar Servers
Altar Servers assist the Celebrant(s) and the congregation in administering the physical functions of the liturgy allowing the congregation to focus more clearly on the entire Celebration.
Age: Anyone whose made his or her First Communion
Time Commitment: Usually one Mass a month
Training/Qualifications: Several short sessions
Contact: Pete Ulintz at (440) 237-8218
Paul Clark at (440) 842-2563
Formation
RCIA Rite Of Initiation of Adults
RCIA provides an ongoing process of conversion and “walking” with the people inquiring about the Catholic Faith as they journey through the stages of catechesis and conversion. The catechumenal process is a spiritual journey which varies according to God’s grace and the free cooperation of the individuals involved, as well as circumstances of time and place.
In order to be a member of the team or sponsor, one must have a desire to share faith with the Inquirers and be willing to journey with them. Different areas of ministry are required for the formation of a team: Hospitality Minister - a person with a welcoming spirit who sets up and provides hospitality; Catechist/Scripture Sharer-- versed in scriptures and knowledgeable about the Catholic Faith; Table Leader-has some knowledge of scripture and is willing to share faith stories and direct discussion; Sponsor--a companion, guide, model of faith who “walks along” the journey with the inquirer.
The RCIA journey is year-round and begins when the person inquires. There are four distinct stages that are integral to the Process: Pre-Catechumenate, Catechumenate, Enlightenment, and Mystagogia.
Age: Adult
Time Commitment: Varies throughout the program
Training/Qualifications: Fully initiated member of the Catholic Church
Contact: Fr. Ray Sutter 440-888-8220.
RCIA for Children
RCIA provides an ongoing process of conversion and “walking” with the children inquiring about the Catholic Faith as they journey through the stages of catechesis and conversion.
Age: 16 years and older
Time Commitment: Meets weekly for 2 hours for catechesis. Begins October and concludes in May.
Training/Qualifications: Fully initiated member of the Catholic Church
Contact: Dianne Laheta at 440-888-8220.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an approach to the religious formation of the child. It is rooted in Sacred Scripture, liturgy, and the educational philosophy and method of Maria Montessori.
Each week the children gather in a room prepared for them called an “atrium”. This specially prepared space contains many materials that the children can work with and use. For example, there is an area in the room set aside for work with the articles of the Mass: a smaller than child-size model altar, chalice, paten, lectionary, sacramentary, tabernacle, chasubles, among other articles. Another area is dedicated to the sacrament of baptism; another has dioramas depicting key events in the life of Jesus (the Annunciation, Visitation, Nativity, the Presentation in the Temple , the visit of the magi, and the Last Supper), yet another for a few select parables, and a prayer table is set up in an area where the children gather to pray.
This particular type of religious experience is well suited to the needs and capacities of the young child.
St. Matthias has two atriums. The upper room is dedicated to children 3-6
years of age. The classroom area is
dedicated to children 6-9 years of age.
This program is held on Sundays from
Contact Dianne Laheta for volunteer opportunities and more information regarding this program
at 440-888-8220.
High School Youth Ministry
This group performs service activities and plans or attends social functions together. The group focuses on the relationship with Jesus for young adults.
Age: Adults 21 and over
Time Commitment: Depends on event or activity, usually bi-monthly
Training/Qualifications: Virtus training
Contact: Randy Kula 216-409-2639
Sacramental Preparation Baptism
Preparation for the Sacrament of Baptism begins prior to the
Baptism. This includes teaching about the Baptism ritual and scriptures.
Contact: Parish Office at 440-888-8220.
Sacramental Preparation Reconciliation, Eucharist,
Confirmation
Assist children in preparing for the reception of the Sacraments.
Age: Adult instructors, Junior high and older can
assist the teacher
Time: Reconciliation – 6 Monday evenings in the Fall
Eucharist – 6 Monday evenings in the Spring
Confirmation – 6 Sunday afternoons beginning in January
Training/Qualifications: Fully initiated member of Catholic Church, Virtus training
Contact: Dianne Laheta at 440-888-8220.
Sacramental Preparation Marriage
Preparation for the Sacrament of Marriage begins 6 months
prior to the wedding. This includes monthly meetings with the priest or deacon,
attending a pre-canna class and/or meeting with selected married couples in the
parish.
Contact:
Parish Office at 440-888-8220.
Men’s Bible Study
The Men’s Bible Study studies the Bible with emphasis on issues specific to the man’s role in family and ministry. This is an introductory bible study group which each person has an opportunity to share his views.
Age: Men high School age and older
Time Commitment: Friday
Training/Qualifications: Prayerful Heart
Contact: John Price at 216-524-4003 (H)
Women’s Bible Study
The Women’s Bible Study studies the Bible with emphasis on issues specific to the woman’s role in family and ministry. This is an introductory bible study group which each person has an opportunity to share her views.
Age: Women high School age and older
Time Commitment: Tuesday
Training/Qualifications: Prayerful Heart
Contact: Ilona Balassy at 216-235-0405
Alpha
Alpha is a course in Christianity with an emphasis on developing a better relationship with Jesus.
Alpha is a place where no question is seen as too simple or too hostile. The course runs for 10 weeks and meetings are held once a week for three hours.
Age: High School age and older
Time Commitment: Length of a course
Training/Qualifications: Table leaders need to have completed the course; kitchen helpers always welcomed
Contact: Tom Tenhagen at 440-230-9125
Generations of Faith
“Generations of Faith” is an intergenerational faith formation program that provides catechetical aspects of the Catholic Faith. It is a lifelong curriculum for all ages developed around the events of our shared life as Church: the Church Year, Sacraments, Liturgy, prayer, spirituality, justice, service, community life, and proclamation of the Word. Anyone who is willing to share his or her faith is invited.
Age: 18 age and older
Time Commitment: Dependent on the sessions, which are every 6 weeks
Training/Qualifications: Knowledge of Catholic faith
Contact: Dianne Laheta 440-888-8220
Youth Alive
Jr. High School PSR for 6, 7 and 8th graders
Age: High School age and older
Time Commitment:
Monday evenings
Training/Qualifications: Knowledge of Catholic faith
Contact: Dianne Laheta 440-888-8220
Home Churches are small faith sharing groups (8-15) that meet and reflect on the Sunday readings. The Shepherds lead the groups and also provide a linkage to the entire parish.
Age: Everyone
Time Commitment: Usually meets monthly
Training/Qualifications: Virtus if home church includes children
Contact: Lin and Fran Pennypacker 330-908-0108
Ministry of Moms
Sharing (MOMS)
Mothers explore the spirituality of motherhood and areas of personal growth.
Age: Mom
Time Commitment: Once a month gathering; part-time members welcomed.
Training/Qualifications: Mom
Contact: Vicki Bartholomew at 440-237-5399
E-Kerygma-Line
The Internet base E-Kerygma-Line is an online discussion forum. This group selects areas of interest: scripture, Catholic doctrine, liturgy or current events that impact them and/or the St. Matthias community.
Age: High School age and older
Time Commitment: N/A
Training/Qualifications: Interested or Questions about Catholic Doctrine
Contact: Parish
Office at 440-888-8220.
Catholics Coming Home
This is a new
ministry in our cluster and is designed to welcome back Catholics who have been
away from the Church for whatever reason.
This 6-week series was initially held here at St. Matthias Church, this
past November/December, 2007.
Age: Adult
Time
Commitment: 6-week series, offered two
times/year; a few planning meetings to attend also
Training/Qualifications:
A non-judgmental, welcoming heart
Contact: Patti Bertschler at
(216) 236-6200
Service
Parish Pastoral Council
The pastoral council provides the communal means of carrying out the mission of the parish. The council works with the pastor in defining parish strategy.
Age: High School age and older
Time Commitment: Council meets 5 times a year, preparation varies, and service terms either 2 or 3 years
Training/Qualifications: Prayerful Heart
Contact: Pamela Ziss 216-642-1161.
Stewardship Committee
The stewardship committee develops and implements stewardship programs with focus on making "the church" aware of the meaning and importance of stewardship as part of a daily Christian Lifestyle. These programs will provide encouragement and opportunity for growth. Members can have a variety of skills: administrative, marketing, communications or organizational. However, all working hands are welcomed regardless of skills.
Age: High School age and older
Time Commitment: Individuals
perform assignments according to their schedules; group meets 4-8 times a year
Training/Qualifications: Prayerful Heart
Contact: Ann Clark 440-888-8220
Parish Finance Council
The Parish Finance Council is a consultative body assisting the Pastor in business and administrative matters of the parish.
Age: Minimum of 18 years old
Time Commitment: Meets once a month, individuals perform their assignments according to their schedules
Training/Qualifications: General business, accounting or finance knowledge
Contact: Donna Ross 216-642-3014
Liturgy Commission
The Liturgy Committee provides guidance to the Pastor about our parish liturgies. The commission is responsible for identifying the liturgical needs of the parish. The committee strives for better celebrations that foster and nourish faith and builds and sustains a tradition that reflects the community of St. Matthias.
Age: High School age and older
Time Commitment: Individuals
perform assignments to their schedules.
Group meets 4-8 times a year.
Training/Qualifications: Prayerful Heart
Contact: Deacon Ken Golonka at (440) 888-8220
Worship Environment Committee
The Worship Environment Committee is a subcommittee of the Liturgy Commission. The group plans and sets up the seasonal environment in the worship area.
Age: High School age and older
Time Commitment: Group meets on a seasonal basis
Training/Qualifications: Flower arrangement or interior design is helpful
Contact: Betty Yurik at 440-237-3589.
Consolation
This group offers support and comfort to parishioners and
their families who are or have experienced a personal loss. The group also provides individual planning
for the wake service, the Mass of the Resurrection and provides for the lunch
after the burial service. Throughout the year, this group offers ongoing
activities to offer continual support and comfort. This team makes preparations for the annual
memorial
Age: Not applicable
Time Commitment: As needed basis
Training/Qualifications: Attending a 2-day diocesan class
Contact: Dr. Miriam Keresman at 440-582-8482.
Meal Ministry
The mission of the group is to provide meals for parishioners who are in need due to a variety of circumstances. Meals are prepared and delivered according to an individual’s schedule, mutually agreed upon with those in need.
Age: Any age
Time Commitment: Part-time, group does not meet
Training/Qualifications: Able to drive to deliver meals or able to prepare meals
Contact: Karen Penko 216-328-9062.
Society of St. Vincent dePaul leads women and men to join together to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to the needy and suffering in the tradition of the founder, Blessed Frederic Ozanam and patron St. Vincent DePaul.
Age: High School age and older
Time Commitment: Part-time, meets monthly, provides service calls on a as needed basis
Training/Qualifications: Compassionate Heart
Contact: Dolores Somers 216-524-7551.
An opportunity to volunteer at a Near West Side Hunger & Outreach Center providing food, clothing and spiritual help to the needy of the near West Side of Cleveland.
All ages with willingness to help others and ability to have
fun are welcomed. Substitute or
Part-time opportunities are available. About 4 community meals are served a
year. Center volunteers can help out weekly.
The
Age: High School age and older
Time Commitment: Part-time, Full time and Substitute positions available
Training/Qualifications: Compassionate Heart
Contact: Diane Dereska at 440-842-3984.
Social Action Committee
The mission of this ministry is to focus attention on critical social and justice issues and provides educational information, as well as opportunities for service and advocacy.
Age: High School age and older
Time Commitment: As projects require
Training/Qualifications: Willingness to attend workshops and training when necessary
Contact: Ann Clark at 440-888-8220.
Men’s Club
This organization is focused on building Christian community through fellowship and participation. This group holds various fundraisers throughout the year. Proceeds are given to the church.
Minimum age is requirement is high
school. Meetings are quarterly
Age:
Time Commitment: Quarterly meetings,
individuals perform assignments according to their schedules.
Training/Qualifications: Helpful Heart
Contact: Joe Obergas at
(440) 743-0773
Visiting The
Sick or Homebound
Visit parishioners who may be ill, hospitalized, reside in a care facility on a temporary or permanent basis. Companionship and prayer are provided.
Age: Adult
Time Commitment: Per your availability
Training/Qualifications: A one-day or 2 half-day diocesan training courses are required.
Contact: Ann Clark at 440-888-8220.
Eucharist to the Home Bound
Bring the Eucharist to those in our parish who cannot be with us at Sunday Liturgy. This means traveling to their homes or care facilities
Age: Adult
Time Commitment: Per your availability
Training/Qualifications: Commissioned Eucharistic Minister
Contact: Ann Clark at 440-888-8220.
St. Matthias Womankind’s Little Wonders Committee
Womankind is a prenatal care center assisting mothers-to-be with medical, counseling and educational services at no cost to the client.
Committee members can have a
variety of skills: nursing, administrative, marketing, communications or
organizational. However, all working
hands are welcomed regardless of skills and age. There is much preparation
needed for fundraisers and educational activities held by Womankind. The group
meets on a per project/assignment schedule.
Age: High School age and older
Time Commitment: Part-time, Full time and Substitute positions available
Training/Qualifications: Compassionate Heart
Contact: Patti Bertschler at 440-262-3700.
Collection Counters
Counters count and record the Sunday collection.
Age: Minimum of 18 years old
Time Commitment:
approx. 5 times/year; substitute positions available
Training/Qualifications: Helpful Heart
Contact: Parish Office at 440-888-8220.
Homeless Ministry
In an effort to
reach out to those in Cleveland who are homeless, this ministry pr0vides a meal
once a week along with clothing and personal items. To help, one can become involved with the
weekly meal preparation, make donations of needed items and/or help with the
distribution of the meal and needed items.
Age: Anyone.
To help with distribution—age 18 and older
Training/Qualifications: Friendly and compassionate heart
Contact: Bill and Valerie Cunningham at (440) 230-9123
or Ann Clark at (440)888-8220
Hospitality
Welcoming Committee
The mission of the group is to make new members of the community feel at home. As new parishioners register, the group mails a welcome note, follows up with phone calls and holds quarterly gatherings for the new members.
Age: High School age and older
Time Commitment: Part-time, meets annually
Training/Qualifications: Friendly Heart
Contact: Donna Camarati at 440-885-1579
Greeters
Greeters open doors and welcome all worshipers at the weekend Masses. They make all worshipers feel welcomed. Greeters show up 10 to 15 minutes before Mass. Those interested in being a greeter should be friendly and cheerful. This is a wonderful opportunity for families to participate in parish life.
Age: Anyone
Time Commitment: Sundays, Part-time, Full time and Substitute positions available
Training/Qualifications: Friendly Heart
Contact: Marie Shiban 440-740-1300.
Ushers
Ushers serve the worshipping community by providing a warm and comfortable environment so that all may feel welcome in the house of the Lord. These warm friendly individuals greet, serve and direct the worshiping community. Ushers provide directions during the Communion service and help with the collection of financial gifts during the offertory. Usually need to be in attendance 15 minutes prior to and after Mass.
Age: High School age and older
Time Commitment: Sundays, Part-time, Full time and Substitute positions available
Training/Qualifications: Friendly Heart
Contact: Jerry Novak 216-287-9078.
Activities for Children through Grade 8
Provide activities for grade school and junior high students. Activities include: Bible Camp, Junior High Camp, cosmic bowling, etc.
Age: Parents of families
Time Commitment: Depends on event or activity
Training/Qualifications: Virtus training
Contact: : Dianne Laheta at 440-888-8220.
Bowling League
Join other church members for some fun each second Saturday of the month from 6-9P.M. at Seven Hills bowling lanes. This is a mixed couples bowling league. Substitutes are welcomed.
Age: 18 years or older
Time Commitment: Second Saturday of the month from 6:00P.M. 9:00P.M. Full time or substitute
Contact: Mike Kamman at 440-237-6713.