St. Christopher Parish at 20141 Detroit Road, Rocky River, OH 44116 US - Caring Ministry
| Caring Ministry |
As serving and caring people reflecting a compassionate Lord, we are committed to the care and support of human life in all its stages, to strengthening the family and to work for justice. Parish Newsletter – Belltower Beacon “. . . Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 Purpose: To create a quarterly newsletter which informs, welcomes, and inspires St. Christopher community. Commitment: Volunteer opportunities: Writers of articles, researchers, proofreaders, photographers of parish events, and other follow-up assignments as needed. Preparation: Quarterly planning meetings are held for each issue. Other meetings may be held as needed to make assignments and meet deadlines for each issue. Former newsletter experience a plus, but not necessary. Ministry with the Sick/Aging/Bereaved/Divorced “I give you a new commandment: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13: 34-35 Purpose: To provide support to those who are sick or suffering and experiencing difficult or transitional times in their lives. Commitment: Ministers who take Eucharist to the homebound Ministers take Eucharist to the homebound on a weekly basis. Ministers assist in assembling residents for Mass the third Tuesday of each month and serve as lectors or eucharistic ministers. Each month one person serves in the role of coordinator. Every Tuesday, except on the monthly Mass date, volunteers lead the praying of the rosary with residents. Ministers are scheduled on a rotating basis, generally once a month, periodically serving in the role of coordinator who prepares the service and designates those who will serve as eucharistic ministers and lectors. Volunteers also assist in gathering residents together in the meeting area. Ministers are scheduled on a rotating basis, assist with gathering the residents together in the meeting area and serve as eucharistic ministers or lectors. Every Thursday volunteers lead the rosary with residents. Prayer Support (Ministry of Praise) For those who are sick, disabled or anyone over age 60. Members receive a monthly newsletter and pray for the current needs of the parish at home on a daily basis. Volunteers visit parishioners who are hospitalized in one of our three local hospitals. Volunteers phone sick and homebound parishioners for 1-2 hours every other week from the rectory office on a day of their choice. Volunteers spend 1-2 hours a month visiting parishioners who reside in area nursing homes. Funeral Ministry Members attend funeral Masses to support the family of the deceased and serve as liturgical ministers if needed. Specially trained parishioners facilitate ten-week groups in both bereavement and divorce ministry. Groups in both areas are typically held once or twice each year. Preparation: Volunteers who minister in any of the above areas receive training provided within the parish specific to that ministry. Social Concerns Committee Purpose: To offer concerned parishioners the opportunity to foster love and caring by studying social and moral issues, offering solutions and taking positive action toward promoting justice and charity. Commitment: A desire to grow spiritually and deepen personal faith by serving those in need. Some of the opportunities include the following: Food Collection, Church in the City, Saturday Meal at St. Colman, G.I.F.T. (formerly the Giving Tree), Voter Registration. Preparation: A desire to help those who suffer from injustice by raising awareness and seeking solutions by study and discussion. "As long as you did so for the least of my brothers and sisters, you did so for me." Matthew 25:40 Purpose: St. Vincent DePaul Society members assist those in need with food and financial assistance in emergencies. Commitment: Blankets and funds are collected before each winter to help the homeless and the poor stay warm in the winter. Financial support for the St. Vincent DePaul Society is received from monthly church envelope donations, the poor box in the church, and from 4 to 6 pancake breakfasts. The work of this organization is done anonymously and in the strictest of confidence so that no one feels ashamed to ask for help. Preparation: No prior experience is necessary. If you are interested in helping St. Vincent DePaul as a member or wish to volunteer to serve at a pancake breakfast, please contact the rectory office. Marriage and Family Ministry “Let marriage be held in honor among all.” Hebrews 13:4 Purpose: To offer Marriage and Family support to the parish of St. Christopher by proving meaningful formation and education programs. Commitment: Quarterly meetings. More as needed. Preparation: A zeal and enthusiasm for helping couples and families. “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” Matthew 25:35 Purpose: This ministry is part of a larger effort in the greater Commitment: A variety of opportunities are available during the course of the week such as cooking, serving meals, light cleaning, laundry, visiting and helping with homework. Volunteers sign up for specific times and responsibilities during the week. Preparation: Some training is necessary and takes place prior to the week we are scheduled. Hospital Visitation
Telephone Support
Nursing Home Visitation
Support Group Facilitators
“Let love be sincere, hate what is evil, hold on to what is good, love one another with mutual affection. Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.”
Interfaith Hospitality Network