St. Christopher Parish at 20141 Detroit Road, Rocky River, OH 44116 US - Participating Ministry
| Participating Ministry |
As a community, we recognize and celebrate the goodness of people and their baptismal call to participate in the life of the parish; thus, we are dedicated to the ongoing development and renewal of parish life. Ladies Guild “A woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” Proverbs 31: 30-31 Purpose: The Guild of St. Christopher parish is a spiritual and service organization which fosters a spirit of friendship and community among the women of our parish. Commitment: The Ladies Guild Board meets on the second Wednesday of the month and is open to all members of the parish. There are many social and spiritual activities. We provide service in various forms for our parish and the community at large. Preparation: The willingness to volunteer some time and ideas. Marian Prayer Hour “Again I tell you, if two of you join your voices on earth to pray for anything whatever, it shall be granted you by my Father in heaven.” Matthew 18:19 Purpose: A monthly time of prayer devoted to Our Blessed Mother. We pray for our parish, for our priests, for life, and for our personal intentions. We pray in petition and in thanksgiving. We meet on the third Tuesday of every month in the Church at 1:00 p.m. Commitment: As our group has developed and grown, we have reached out to each other’s needs and included them in our prayers, not only at the meetings, but at other times during the month also. Our Blessed Mother, in approved recent apparitions, has asked us to pray, pray, pray. Preparation: There is no preparation for members; just bring your rosary and prayer booklet that we have available. We include the rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, as endorsed by Pope John Paul II, and other timely prayers in our hour-long meeting. Youth Ministry “Let no one look down on your because of your youth, but be a continuing example of love, faith and purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12 Purpose: St. Christopher Youth Ministry provides an opportunity for teen parishioners to meet, pray and discuss their Catholic faith with their peers. The Teen Core Group offers a leadership opportunity for those teens that wish to undertake a role in planning events with the Youth Minister and Adult Team. Commitment: All high school age parishioners are encouraged to join Youth Ministry and be involved at whatever level of commitment that they are able. Youth Ministry events are held once a month on Sunday evening from August to May. The parish Youth Minister coordinates all Youth Ministry events. Adult volunteers are needed to help implement programs, to chaperone at on-site events as well as outings away from the parish and to build healthy mentor relationships with teens. Preparation: Adult volunteers will attend preparation meetings with the Youth Minister to discuss requirements of each event. They may also be invited to attend workshops that are offered through the Diocese of Cleveland. Any adult who works with children in the Diocese of Cleveland must complete the requirements of the VIRTUS program Pro-Life “I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Choose life, then, that you and your descendants may live, by loving the Lord, your God, heeding his voice and holding fast to him.” Deuteronomy 30:19-20 Purpose: To educate parishioners and the community by providing and promoting Pro-Life activities. Commitment: Willingness to participate in various activities during the year including the Birthright Bake Sale in December, the Cleveland Right-to-Life Rally in January, and the Respect Life Flower Sale in October. Preparation: No preparation required, just a willingness to help. Block Party Committee “To eat, drink and enjoy the fruits of our labor is a gift from God.” Ecclesiastes 3:13 Purpose: A yearly gathering open to parishioners of all ages. We begin with an outdoor Mass at 5:00 p.m. on the parish grounds followed by an evening filled with entertainment, food, music, and socializing. Commitment: The Block Party Committee generally meets three times: June, July, and August. Bulletin announcements prior to the meetings announce the exact dates and times. Preparation: No training is needed – enthusiasm and creativity are a plus! Welcoming Committee “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” Matthew 25:35 Purpose: To cultivate an active and welcoming spirit within the St. Christopher Community, by personally reaching out to new parishioners and by enabling existing parishioners to establish richer connections to the Church and its members. Commitment: Your voice is added to that of the staff to make new members feel that they are indeed part of a caring Christian community. Volunteers can assist in any of the following ways: Parish hosts, which includes personally inviting a new parishioner to the Welcome Mass and Welcome Dinner; assisting at the new member dinner; or developing various activities that enable parishioners to come together in a social atmosphere, meeting old friends and making new. Preparation: There will be an introductory session for prospective parish hosts; there is no additional preparation at this time. Meetings scheduled as needed. Scouts “Let the children come to me, for such is the Mark 10: 13-16 Purpose: The parish has Scout troops for Brownies, Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts. All the troops follow scouting principles in helping the scouts in the following areas: 1. Developing individual potential 2. Relating to others 3. Developing values 4. Contributing to society Commitment: Meetings are held throughout the school year in the school building. Exact times vary depending upon the troop. Leader and Co-leaders (or parent volunteers) are to be present at each meeting or field trip. One parent for each child is asked to become a registered scout member. Preparation: Leader or other adults must complete appropriate training as required by scouting guidelines. Athletic Association “ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7 Purpose: To promote, coordinate, and finance an athletic program at St. Christopher Parish. The Association shall encourage participation in the athletic program of grade school and high school students of the Parish and create deeper Parish interest in these activities. It shall attempt to assure that all interested young persons have the opportunity to be involved in athletics at the level of his/her ability. The Association shall endeavor to furnish fields, safe equipment, facilities and coaches necessary to accomplish these goals and raise the funds to finance these activities. The Association shall at all times promote the philosophy and objectives of Catholic education and encourage all participants in the program to do the same. Commitment: All adult members (age 21 or over) of the parish shall be General Members of the Association. Members shall have the right to attend any and all General Membership Meetings, present new programs, make suggestions and discuss pertinent problems. The Members shall have the right to vote on Constitutional Amendments. The General Membership Meetings shall be held at least four times a year. The first meeting shall be in July and subsequent meetings shall be every three months thereafter. Meetings shall be held during the first week of each respective month. The Executive Committee, consisting of not more than nine appointed members, shall meet at its discretion to conduct the business of the Association. These meetings are historically held every month but June. Preparation: No preparation is necessary. However, all Board members are responsible for and expected to participate in all fundraising activities of the St. Christopher Parish Athletic Association. Any adult who works with children in the Diocese of Cleveland must complete the requirements of the VIRTUS Program.