Ministries
Stewardship Opportunities at St. Gertrude
"As each one has received a gift, use it to serve
one another as good stewards of God's varied grace." (1
Pt 4:10)
We invite you to look over the following list of organizations
and choose some way to share your time and talent with others
at St. Gertrude Parish.
Also, you can download
our printable catalog of ministries, updated 9/2007.
Adoration
Contact: Mary Ann Stevenson 561-9236
Adoration provides an opportunity for us to strengthen our relationship
with Jesus by spending more time with him. Our parish offers
adoration of the Blessed Sacrament each Wednesday & Thursday
from noon—8:00 PM
Altar Servers
Contact: Liette McManaman 272-0042
Students in grades 5 through high school are invited to become
altar servers. Early in the school year, permission slips and
registration information are sent home through the school and
religious education programs. There are after school practices
led by a team of parents and a priest. Students must commit
to serving Sunday and weekday Masses on a regular basis; the
altar server schedule is set up in advance to allow for substitutions
if necessary.
Alumni Committee
Contact: Christina (Hassman '82) Tkacz 583-5510
The purpose of the committee is to organize and implement alumni
initiatives.
Athletic Boosters
Contact: Steve Koesterman 792-9922
The Boosters actively support and promote youth sports for children
(in 3rd through 8th grades) of registered parishioners. Individuals
are needed for coaches and for fund-raising activities.
Baptism Team
Contact: Tom and Carol Winstel 271-7980
Assists the friars with liturgical and practical assistance
for the monthly Baptism class and the Baptism ceremonies that
are held on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Sundays.
Bereavement Ministry
Contact: Mary Kay Feighery 791-0356
The Bereavement Ministry assists the clergy in helping family
and friends of the deceased who have Funeral or Memorial Masses
celebrated at St. Gertrude's Church. Members of this ministry
express the sympathy of the parish, offer help with liturgy
planning, assist in practical needs and pray for the deceased
and their loved ones. We work with the Helping Hands Committee
if there is a request for a reception after the funeral. Our
numbers are few, and St. Gertrude's has at least 50 funerals
per year. Mary Kay Feighery will be glad to talk to you, explain
the procedures and give whatever assistance you need if you
have no previous experience in this area. Men and women are
welcome.
Caregivers Support Group
Contact: Nancy Silvers 936-0940 or Alex Poon 271-2717
Are you caring for an elderly or disabled loved one? You’re
a caregiver whether you devote as much as 24 hours a day or
as little as 5 minutes a week to someone you care for. Join
us as we explore care giving together and discuss such topics
as: Maintaining the balance of the caregiver, Solving care giving
problems, Learning from the experience of others and discovering
additional available resources. Sponsored by the Caregiver Assisted
Network a program of Catholic Social Services and funded in
part by the council on aging.
Catholic Men's Fellowship
Contact: Kevin Lynch 746-1937
Our group meets every 2nd and 4th Saturday, in the school cafeteria,
from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. Our goal is to help men enrich their
spiritual lives so that their relationships with God, Family
and community are improved. For additional information contact
Kevin, visit our men's fellowship
web page, or visit
the Cincinnati Catholic Men's Fellowship website at www.thecall.org.
Circle of Prayer
Contact: Valerie Badinghaus 530-0245
Our members support parishioners exclusively through prayer.
Anyone may request a prayer and your request will be handed
on to each member. Intentions are remembered for as long as
requested and are kept confidential.
Childcare during Masses
Contact: Sam & Clare Rayburn 745-0988
Childcare is offered during the 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. Sunday masses
for children from ages 1 through 5. Dependable volunteers are
needed for this ministry.
Cincinnati 2000 Steering Committee
Contact: Fr. Michael Dosch, O.P. 561-5954
This group is preparing for a powerful weekend Eucharistic Prayer
Festival for the youth of our city held each spring. It is sponsored
by St. Gertrude and takes place at Moeller High School.
Visit
the Cincinnati 2000 web site.
Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts
Contact: Sally Reidel (Cubs) 831-1070 Bill Theis (Boys) 791-7191
At St. Gertrude scouting is a family oriented program that encourages
children to learn and practice leadership skills. Scouting programs
begin in grade one and are organized within the context of the
Dan Beard Council.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Contact: Kelly King 561-1992
The members of this group distribute the Eucharist at Mass to
fellow parishioners and may, on occasion, distribute to the
sick and shut-ins.
Evangelization Commission
Contact: Nancy Brockhoff 793-1755
The Evangelization Commission spreads the good news of Jesus
Christ by offering parishioners opportunities to deepen and
renew their faith through participation in evangelization ministries.
This commission started the ministries of Greeters, New Member
Welcoming, and Visitors at Mass.
Familia
Contact: Anita Pappalardo 248-8237
This mothers group meets every other week during the regular
school year. They reflect upon the gospel and use the national
study guides. Familia is a national apostolate of Catholic laity
committed to the well being of the family. There is also a husband
and fathers program, which we hope to start in the future.
Festival Committee
Contact: Cathy Egan 494-1391
This is a great occasion for parishioners to get to know each
other and build community spirit by pulling together for a common
goal and at the same time support our biggest fund-raiser. Located
on the parish grounds, it takes place in June. It includes games
for all ages. To become a festival worker, sign up on a volunteer
card offered at all the Masses a few weeks before the festival
A committee member will contact you.
Finance Commission
Contact: Steve Badinghaus 530-0245
Provides assistance in administering the finances and physical
facilities of the parish. It serves in an advisory capacity
to the pastor and business manager. Members are appointed.
Fun Bunch - Seniors group
Pat Schoo 891-1345; Nancy Silvers 936-0940
The group meets monthly in the parish center for a luncheon
and to plan events.
Gertie Moms
Contact: Cory Hauke 474-9300 or gertiemoms@gmail.com
If it takes a village to raise a child, then we have one for
you! Gertie Moms is a fantastic group to join as you begin and
continue the momentous journey of motherhood. We are a "village"
of new moms with babies and preschoolers from the parish involved
in spiritual, social and educational activities--and we always
have room for more! For more information
see the Gertie Moms page.
Gift Bearers
Families or individuals symbolizing our entire community, bring
the gifts of bread, wine and vessels to the altar during the
Mass. Volunteers become gift bearers at the Mass they attend
by picking up the cross on the table of gifts in church before
mass begins.
Girl Scouts
Contact: Jan Wenzel 791-6393
Their mission is to help girls grow up to be caring, competent,
confident women. There is a full scouting program beginning
with Daisies in kindergarten, Brownies in grades 1-3 , Girl
Scouts in grades 4-6 and Cadettes in grades 7-9.
Grounds Care
Contact: Reen Taylor 561-0059
The Garden Club works to improve the beauty of our parish's
flowers, shrubs and lawns
Helping Hands
Contact: Tish Shefcik 272-0266
The volunteers in this organization lend a hand when needed.
They visit or phone shut-ins, help the sick, elderly and the
bereaved. On an emergency basis, they prepare meals, do grocery
shopping, baby-sit with the elderly and provide transportation
to church, school, doctor or hospital. They assist the elderly
in other areas as needed.
Knights of Columbus
Contact: Collin Rink 271-9473
This organization is open to Catholic men over 17 years of age
and is a fraternal service organization of more than 10,000
councils. They are dedicated to the support of family, church,
charity, and community. Locally, the Archbishop Elder Council
#1195 has a special interest in raising charitable funds for
the mentally handicapped and for youth programs. The council
meets in the St. Gertrude Parish Center, where it leases space
on the lower level. It is open to Catholic men over 17 years
of age. Visit our Knights of Columbus web
page and the
Elder Council's official web site for more information.
Ladies of Charity
Contact: Teresa Dorsey 683-5196
Their primary function is to assist the poor. They channel financial
support to local organizations to give direct aid to those in
need. After all Masses on the first and second Sunday of the
month, parishioners contribute clothing, food and other items
to the Sharing Van in the parking lot. They also help in area
soup kitchens and contribute to the needs of the individuals.
The Ladies of Charity sponsor the Thanksgiving food drive and
the Christmas Giving Tree. They assist the bereaved by providing
and serving food after funerals. Their support comes from the
Treasure Mart in July and the Craft Show in the fall, plus donations
from private contributions and the parish. Visit
our Ladies of Charity web page for more information.
Lectors
Contact: Bob Bross 513-550-1889
Men and women of the parish who proclaim the readings and make
announcements at weekend Masses and other liturgical services.
Lectors, you can download
the June through August 2010 schedule here.
Legion of Mary
Contact: Mary Ann Stevenson 561-9236
A worldwide association whose members are at the disposal of
the parish priests for any form of social service and Catholic
action. At present time, our most engaging work is with the
sick and elderly who are confined to their homes or nursing
homes. Mass is offered at the local nursing homes once a month.
The Legionaries take Communion and pray the Rosary with the
residents each week. We also take Communion to the homebound
and sick in hospitals when needed.
Music Ministries
Contact: Steve McManaman 272-0042
Our parish has 5 activities that support our sacraments with
beautiful music: the Traditional Choir sings three Sundays a
month at the 9:30 a.m. Mass and practices on Wednesday evenings
from 7:30 p.m. until about 9:15 p.m. It is open to everyone
from high school age and older. The Teen Choir sings once or
twice a month at the 11:00 a.m. Mass and sometimes for special
occasions. The Children's Choir sings about once a month and
also for special occasions. The Resurrection Choir sings at
the funerals in the parish (contact; Marty Cunningham 891-4226).
They practice on the second and fourth Wednesdays at 9:00 a.m.
The Contemporary Music Ensemble sings at the Sunday 6pm Mass.
They practice prior to the Mass at 5:00 p.m. (contact Paul Kindt
697-9208 ).
Natural Family Planning
Contact: David & Ann Stein 561-5751
NFP provides safe, healthy, effective and morally acceptable
alternative to contraception that is completely reversible and
accepted by the Catholic Church. Classes are taught right here
at St. Gertrude by professionally trained teaching couples.
Newsletter Committee
Caroline Melson 561-5954 ext. 136
Parish newsletter is published bi-monthly and mailed to all
parishioners. There are opportunities for writers and photographers.
Outreach Commission
Contact: Casey Huber 891-5688
Fosters greater involvement of the parish community in service
organizations that, through Christ, effectively fulfill the
corporal works of mercy.
Parish Coffee
Contact: Mark & Nancy Findley 474-3454
Coffee and donuts are served after specific Sunday Masses for
the purpose of socializing and meeting new parishioners. Volunteers
are needed to assist with set up and clean up.
Parish Library
Contact: Emily Bissonnette 931-2142
Located in the conference room of the parish center it provides
a selection of good Catholic study aids, videos, and devotional
readings. It is open except when meetings are scheduled.
PTO (Parent Teacher Organization)
Contact: Donna McIlvenna 561-2558
The PTO is committed to being a partner in the spiritual and
intellectual development of our children and helps to foster
a spirit of cooperation and community. The PTO meets the first
Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m.
Pastoral Council
Contact: Craig Babcock 683-5588
The Pastoral Council is a group of 12 parishioners who serve
three-year terms. They serve as a vehicle of pastoral planning,
dialogue and communication among the pastor, parish staff, parishioners
and the various organizations of the parish. The council meets
on the last Monday of the month from August through May at 7:30
p.m. in the Parish Center. To have an item accepted for the
agenda call the pastor, the chair or any member of the council.
The Pastoral Council unites the work of the following commissions:
Administration and Finance, Development and Stewardship, Education,
Evanagelization, Outreach, Youth and Family, Worship and the
Building Committee.
Planned Giving Committee
Mike Momper 792-0808
Prayer Ministry for the Dying
Contact: Debbie Koch 522-9851 or Rodie Ionna 793-8659
In her journal, Divine Mercy in My Soul, Saint Faustina relates
how at one point Our Lord instructed her to pray the Divine
Mercy Chaplet for the dying. He told her that His mercy and
compassion would surely be extended to those for whom the Chaplet
was prayed during the moments before death. This new prayer
ministry is seeking volunteers to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet
for parishioners who are approaching death. The chaplet takes
only ten minutes to pray and is prayed on Rosary beads. The
prayer does not have to be said in the presence of the dying
person; it can be done in one’s home, car, office—anywhere.
Prayer volunteers will be called when the death of a parishioner
is imminent. Volunteers commit to praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet
immediately (or as soon as possible) after receiving the phone
call and for three days afterward. A pamphlet on how to pray
the chaplet will be given to prayer volunteers. The psalms say
that the death of His faithful ones is precious to the Lord.
The moments before death are sacred, graced moments for the
Christian. The desire of those in this prayer ministry is to
intercede on behalf of the dying one for the Lord’s peace,
mercy and compassion to be given to him/her. This is done through
the chaplet by confidently reminding the Father of the love
His son has shown us by His passion and death, always in the
light and hope of the Resurrection.
Publicity Committee
Caroline Melson 561-5954 ext. 136
Captures parish and school evenst for the newsletter, bulletin
and external media.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
Contact: Pat and Gary Norris 677-5379
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the Church's way
of welcoming new members into the Catholic Church. It prepares
adults for the reception of the sacraments of initiation which
are Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion. The program at
St. Gertrude is comprised of two weekly sessions. First on Sunday,
the candidates futher explore the scriptures used for Mass that
day. Then, on Monday evenings from 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. the candidates
meet to study the teachings of the Church. The RCIA program
begins in September and lasts until Easter. Visit
our RCIA web page for more information.
Religious Education (for the Youth of the parish)
Contact: Shari Siebert 561-8369
For students aged 3 through grade eight: classes meet from mid-September
through the first week of May. Pre-school and kindergarten classes
meet on Sunday mornings. Students in grades 1-8 have a choice
of Sunday or Tuesday sessions. Volunteer catechists from the
parish provide students with a thorough presentation of Catholic
teaching, beliefs, and practices. Call the Religious Education
office for registration informatin.
Respect Life
Contact: Debbie Graham 984-4766
Our parish is committed to the belief in the sanctity of human
life from conception to death. Respect Life seeks to support
activities which espouse these beliefs. This group aids the
Pregnancy Problem Center East and works with Right to Life of
Greater Cincinnati,. Respect Life sponsors community activities
such as Life Chain, Gift of Life Layette and donates time and
support to Pro-Life charities. Respect Life is open to men and
women.
Rosary Making
Contact: Reen Taylor 561-0059
Learn the craft of making rosaries out of one piece of nylon
cord, 7 yards long. Finished rosaries are used for the "Youth
2000" annual retreat and also sent to our Dominican missions
in Africa, the military, and other special projects.
Saint Gertrude School
Contact: Judy Bayer 561-8020
The school has ongoing needs for volunteers in all areas of
school life including library volunteers, office help and teacher
needs. Learn more about our school.
St. Vincent de Paul Society
Contact: Larry Ball
The St. Vincent de Paul Society has a dual goal: to enrich the
spiritual lives of its members and to perform charitable deeds,
both material and spiritual, for those in need. Members go together
to visit those in need, especially the poor with young children
and the elderly poor. Their work is confidential. Support comes
from the poor boxes in the church and from private contributions.
They meet on the first and third Monday in the school, room
10.
Social Commission
Contact: Cheryl Schuermann 271-6026
This group organizes many social activities at the parish, like
the Father/Son and Mother/Daughter Breakfasts. This is a wonderful
opportunity to help plan social events.
Spiritual Book Club
Contact: Debbie Koch 522-9851
The Spiritual Book Club is for anyone age high school and up
who enjoys reading books pertaining to our Catholic faith and
heritage, and discussing them within a small group setting.
The SBC meets three times a year: during Advent, Lent, and summer.
We meet on Tuesday nights from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. in the Parish
Center. In the past, we have read papal encyclicals, biographies
of saints, books on prayer, the Eucharist, the Mass, Mary, and
many more. Hopefully, this leads us to a greater appreciation
and knowledge of our Catholic faith and the heritage handed
down to us by the saints. Visit our Spiritual
Book Club page for more information.
Stewardship Committee
Contact: Caroline Melson 561-5954 ext 136
The Stewardship Committee assists parishioners in offering their
time, talent, treasure, and prayer for the good of the parish's
mission now and in the future.
Third Order of St. Dominic
Contact: Patty Connelly 793-2246 (Our
Lady of Peace chapter); David Brecount 421-1212 (Bishop
Fenwick Chapter)
Dominican Laity, Our Lady of Peace Chapter meets every 2nd Monday
in the library of the Parish Center. Dominican Laity Bishop
Fenwick Chapter meets monthly on the second Tuesday at 7:00
PM in the Parish Center. All are welcome (men and woman, single
or married) to attend either chapter and consider becoming a
Lay Dominican.
Thirties Group
Contact: Parish office at 561-5954
The St Gertrude’s 30s group meets weekly on Thursday nights.
Visit our Thirties Group web page
for more information.
Twenties Group
Contact: Parish office at 561-5954
The St Gertrude’s 20s group meets weekly on Thursday nights
and sponsors various events (social, outdoors, educational,
and religious) throughout the month. All young adults ages 18-33,
single and married, are welcome to join us! See our website
for more information: http://stgertrude.org/20sgroup.
Twinning Committee
Contact: Casey Huber 891-5688
It is in this spirit of sharing our many blessings that St.
Gertrude Parishioners and the Dominican Order's East African
Vicariate are engaging in an exciting new ministry by developing
a twinning relationship with one another. This new undertaking
will be an Experiential learning process for both of our communities
(St. Gertrude and the African Vicariate). By twinning with one
another we will engage in an active, mutual and on-going faith
commitment. We will grow together by sharing our spiritual and
cultural gifts along with other resources.
Ushers
Contact: Doug Postler 791-6298
Ushers do more than seat people and take up the collection.
They greet the faithful as they gather for the Eucharist; they
answer questions, give directions, aid anyone attending church
that is ill, and distribute the bulletins. Anyone in the parish
may be an usher.
Visitation of the Sick
Contact: Marge Crema 272-2767
The goal of this ministry is to bring the Sacrament of the Holy
Eucharist once a week to all
parishioners who are unable to attend Sunday Mass because of
illness or being home-bound. One day a month a priest and lay
minister will visit and offer Sacraments of Reconciliation,
Holy Eucharist, and Anointing of the Sick. If parishioners are
going to the hospital for surgery, the parish office can arrange
for anointing of the sick.
Vocation Committee
Contact: Craig Babcock 683-5588
We promote vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
Welcoming & Hospitality Ministries
Contact: Peggy Nachtrab 792-9939
New Member Welcome: Parishioners are involved in the registration
of new members after the 9:30 a.m. Sunday Mass in the parish
center.
Greeters: Parishioners help welcome our church family to Mass
each week by simply opening the door and offering a warm welcome.
Visitors at Mass: Volunteers in this ministry are responsible
for checking the visitor books located inside the church and
making initial contact with those who have requested more information
about St. Gertrude.
Why Catholic?
Contact: Kristie Pudluck 289-4280
Why Catholic is a unique adult faith formation program that
is solidly based on Scripture and the Catechism. Why Catholic
encourages learning in a prayerful small community setting.
Worship Commission
Contact: Clyde Dorn 791-0988
Develops and oversees plans that will enhance the quality and
quantity of spiritual worship and participation, and build a
strong faith community.
Youth Ministry
Contact: Emily Van Atta 527-3975
The high school age youth group exists to provide a variety
of opportunities and experiences so that each person can become
a mature, well-rounded Catholic Christian adult. Meetings are
held in the Parish Center on Sunday evenings following the Mass
from 7:00pm-9:00pm. Watch the bulletin for details. Visit
our Youth Ministry web site for more information.
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