Ministry at St.Patrick’s

This annual book is more than a list of programs and people. It is an invitation to change the world in Urbana and beyond. It is a call for young and old to renew the face of the earth. It is a call to listen to the voice of the Spirit speaking responsibility, ownership, and gratitude. It is an invitation to ministry at the local level.

That is the purpose of this book—to assist EVERYONE in bringing their talents, gifts, blessings to the forefront. Everyone is needed, EVERYONE.

We are blessed to be part of something that is holy, alive, and makes a difference in so many lives. We are blessed to have so many parishioners who step forward in the day-to-day ministerial needs of the parish.

Yet we need more. There are so many ministries to do and so little time. We need everyone. There are still those who have not felt welcomed, have not felt called. Please let this letter be your invitation. St. Patrick’s does so much, and yet there is so much more we could do. We need you!

Before you turn the page, I invite you to say a prayer that you will be open to the Holy Spirit. That God will guide you in your discernment of your gifts, talents, responsibility, and blessings. It is a time to open ourselves to God’s Divine Love.

Faith Development Ministry
Faith Development Ministry Leadership Team • Children’s Religious Education • Education Commission, High School of St. Thomas More • Holy Cross Commission on Youth Education • Marriage Preparation • Mystagogia • Pre-Baptism Classes • RCIA • St Patrick’s Presents . . . • Vacation Bible School • Youth Ministry

Parish Community Life Ministry
Parish Community Life Ministry Leadership Team • Coffee Shop • Communications Committee • Knights of Columbus • St. Patrick’s Guild • Seniors Group • Social Committee • Web Site Committee • Welcome Team Outreach Ministries: C-U Catholic Partnership • Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing Ministry • Ecumenical Outreach • Market-at-the-Square

Peace and Justice Ministry
Peace and Justice Ministry Leadership Team • Catholic Worker House • Council of Congregations • Faith in Action • Good Samaritans • JustFaith • Meals-on-Wheels • Pro-Life Committee • St. Vincent de Paul Society • Sister Church • Social Action Committee

Spiritual Enrichment Ministry
Spiritual Enrichment Ministry Leadership Team • Base Communities • Bible Study Groups • Catholic Young Adults • Centering Prayer • Men’s Book Club • Ministers of Pastoral Care • Ministry of Consolation • Parish Library • Parish Nurse Program • Prayer Chain • Re-Membering Church • Spiritual Direction • Vocation Awareness

Stewardship Ministry
Stewardship Ministry Leadership Team • Archives Committee • Building and Grounds Committee • Collection Counters • Financial Affairs Committee • Grounds Crew • Parish Council • Personnel Committee • Second Century Advisory Committee

Worship Ministry
Worship Ministry Leadership Team • Adult Servers for Funerals • Altar Servers • Children’s Liturgy • Eucharistic Ministers • Lectors • Liturgical Arts Team • Mass Setup • Music Ministry • Sacristan Assistants • Teen Liturgy • Ushers • Worship Ministries Team

Fr. Joseph T. Hogan
Pastor of St. Patrick’s from June 2004; ordained May 28, 1988. I oversee the entire pastoral ministry of the parish. I celebrate liturgies, confer the sacraments, offer counseling and spiritual direction, and serve as parish administrator. I am the Parish Staff Representative for Stewardship Ministry. My door is always open.

Deacon Cliff Maduzia
Permanent deacon, ordained for service at St. Patrick’s May 18, 2002. I assist at Mass, preach as needed, and officiate at occasional baptisms. Fun parish activities include starting/participating in faithsharing groups, Sunday coffee shop, and Knights of Columbus. My charitable outreach activities include facilitating the unemployed persons support group/network, collecting food donations for soup kitchens in the area (as a volunteer for the Susan Freiburg Memorial Food Surplus Program), and volunteering with the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Amy Jobin
Pastoral Associate from August 2008, Masters in Theological Studies, Certificate in Spiritual Direction. I am the new lay Pastoral Associate for Spiritual Enrichment Ministry. This ministry will focus on providing opportunities for members of the parish to discern and know their unique call as co-creators with God of our Church and our world and to recognize the sacred and the holy in our everyday lives. I will be ministering especially to young adults (aged 20-40) and women and will also minister in the areas of pastoral care and spiritual direction. I look forward to coming to know the spiritual needs of the parish community and to work with others to respond anew and creatively to these needs.

Mary Y. Long
Pastoral Associate from October 2007, Evangelization Coordinator from 1998; M.A. in Religion. I am the staff representative to the Ministry of Parish Community Life; I coordinate ministries such as the Parish Bible Study programs, the Welcome Team, the Military Moms Prayer Group, and “St. Patrick's Presents...” events, which draw the parish family together for community-building and spiritual growth opportunities. My focus is to keep our evangelization efforts moving forward, because sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ is the basis for everything that we do as a universal Church. I also represent our parish in the newly formed C-U 2 Catholic Partnership and am involved with outreach ministries through our Market-at-the-Square booth, Community Bible Study, the Pastor Prayer Network, and other efforts to collaborate ecumenically through joint projects with other churches and organizations to promote unity in the community. My husband, Jim, and I have three sons, and my mom, Lee Yemma, blesses us with her presence in our home.

Carolyn Handell McElrath
Pastoral Associate from July 2006, Director of Religious Education 1986-2006; M.A. in Religious Studies, M.A. in Theology, M.A. in Anthropology, ABD in Theology. I am the Parish Staff Representative for Peace and Justice Ministry. I work with the ministry leadership team to help encourage and discern ministry and ministerial activity and to promote full parish participation in that area. Together with the Parish Council, pastoral staff, and ministry teams, I help parishioners to realize and live out their baptismal calling through service to the parish and the wider community. In addition, I provide catechetical input as needed for the RCIA, for high school students preparing for Confirmation, and for parents of children preparing for First Reconciliation and First Communion. I also offer various classes for adults in Church History, Catholic Bible Study, the Catholic Catechism, and the social teachings of the Church.

Suzanne D’Andria
Coordinator of the Children’s Religious Education Program from 2005; B.F.A. in Music Education. With Peggy Loftus, I am a Parish Staff Representative for Faith Development Ministry. I am responsible for the coordination of volunteer catechists in the religious education of pre-school children from the age of 3 and first- through sixth-graders. My additional program responsibilities include sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation and First Communion, Vacation Bible School, and assisting with Children’s Liturgy.

Peggy Loftus
Coordinator of the High School Religious Education Program from 2000; M.S.W./M.S. in Social Work and Human Development. With Suzanne D’Andria, I am a Parish Staff Representative for Faith Development Ministry. I coordinate the high-school youth group, CREW (Christ Renews Everyone’s World), with the help of volunteers and teen leaders. CREW activities include religious education, teen liturgies, service and social activities, and annual mission trips to other areas of the country. Mission trip participants help with projects designed to assist the poor and marginalized of our society. In collaboration with many volunteers, I strive to provide a welcoming, faith-filled experience for our teens.

Laura Theby
Music Director from July 2008; M.M. in Piano Pedagogy. I am the Parish Staff Representative for Worship Ministry. I provide leadership for the parish liturgical music program, working with the pastor and the Worship Ministries Team to develop liturgies that invite the full, active, and conscious participation of the assembly. I recruit, train, and direct our cantors, choir members, and instrumentalists. I help plan parish liturgies and play organ and piano for Masses on Sundays and holy days, as well as for weddings and funerals.

Katie Hinrichs
Parish Secretary from June 2008. Hi! My name is Kathleen, but most people call me Katie, and I hope you will too. I look forward to meeting you. When you call the parish office, chances are that I will be your first contact. In my ministry as parish secretary, it is important that I provide a warm welcome to parishioners and newcomers to the parish. Ranking high among my many other responsibilities is preparation of the weekly bulletin, with updates of scheduled events and announcements of interest to parishioners. I look forward to serving you as St. Patrick’s parish secretary!

Bob Miller
Maintenance from October 2004. I’m a general fix-up, clean-up, and set-up person for the parish buildings and grounds. You’ll see me clearing snow from the walks, setting up the main hall for receptions or Coffee Shop, gathering equipment for special meetings, making small repairs as needed, organizing work crews for bigger jobs, vacuuming the church for weekend liturgies, helping to restore order after special events, and “other tasks as assigned.”

PARISH COUNCIL
The Parish Council is a group that advises the pastor and parish trustees in conducting the spiritual and secular affairs of the parish. Voting membership of the Council is made up of ten parishioners elected to a 3-year term, the two parish trustees, and the pastor. Parishioners elect 3 or 4 new Council members each year in April. Visitors are welcome at Council meetings, held on third Thursdays at 7 p.m. Agenda items may be suggested by calling the Council president two weeks in advance. Jack Collins, 355-9007 Council members for the year 2008-9:

Our parish is an exciting place to be in ministry. Our baptismal call is to live a life that mirrors the life of Christ. We respond to this call by daily placing our talents and gifts at the service of the Lord. We want to empower all of our parishioners, young and old, to grow in faith and to share their gifts in building up God’s Kingdom. The parish has implemented a plan to revitalize ministry here at St. Patrick’s Parish. Under this plan, all of the varied groups and activities within the parish function under one structure, defined by the following six key ministry areas:

• Ministry of Faith Development

• Ministry of Parish Community Life

• Ministry of Peace and Justice

• Ministry of Spiritual Enrichment

• Ministry of Stewardship

• Ministry of Worship

Each of these ministry areas is headed by a leadership team that includes a parish staff representative, a Parish Council representative, and a ministry area representative. The leadership team draws together all who serve in that ministry area to discern how best to meet the needs of the parish and the greater community. This structure embodies a genuine commitment to team ministry. Our ultimate goal is to encourage shared wisdom and leadership, to build more unified, effective programs, and to encourage broader participation and service. Together, we endeavor generously to build up the Kingdom, near and far.

Faith Development
The Faith Development Ministry Leadership Team includes the coordinators of the Children’s and High School Religious Education Programs, two Parish Council members, and an at-large representative. The team provides leadership and vision, planning and coordination of activities within the ministry, and maintains communication with the other five ministry areas of the parish. The ministry encourages education in the Catholic faith from childhood to adulthood. Suzanne D’Andria, 344-0398; Peggy Loftus, 356-8843; Ellen Noonan, 403-0979; Shelly Benson, 352-7230; Tracey Wszalek, 337-7961

Children’s Religious Education
Classes for pre-school through 6th grade are offered at a variety of times to accommodate the many children who register each year. Classes in St. Patrick’s parish center are held at 9:15-10:15 a.m. on Sundays. On first and second Sundays there is a special children’s Mass at 10:30 a.m. in the church. Classes are also offered for parish families in St. Joseph at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. Baptism preparation for children aged 3-12 is offered by appointment. Suzanne D’Andria, 344-0398

Education Commission, High School of St. Thomas More
The Education Commission is an advisory committee to the Pastors’ Board for The High School of St. Thomas More. One of the commission’s purposes is to participate in developing policy on education matters at the high school. Gary Laumann, 398-4162; George Fahey, 398-2421

Holy Cross Commission on Youth Education
For parish families whose children are enrolled in Holy Cross School, this group provides a forum for parents’ questions and concerns. Each year, this advisory group to the school’s principal invites the participation of a parent from St. Patrick’s. Jeannie Rasmussen, 355-2920

Marriage Preparation
Married couples assist engaged couples to prepare for marriage by administering a pre-marriage “inventory” called FOCCUS. After the married couple scores it, they discuss it in the privacy of their home with the engaged couple. Linda and Tim Bowers, 586-1862

Mystagogia
Mystagogia is a small faith community experience, designed as a follow-up for those who have participated in the RCIA (see below). It is intended to assist participants in “unpacking” and more deeply reflecting on the sacraments they have just received. Fr. Joe Hogan, 367-2665; Robert Dodd, 359-0822

Pre-Baptism Classes
A baptism preparation class is offered ten times a year on first Wednesdays from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in the parish center. These are small-group, interactive classes for parents on the sacrament of Baptism. Parents are strongly urged to attend a class before the birth of their baby. Couples are sought to help lead the small-group classes. Alice McLaughlin, 621-7145

RCIA
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the process by which adult men and women respond to God’s call to faith through Catholicism. Through catechetical presentations and reflective discussion of scripture, inquirers study the Church and discern God’s call to faith. Starting in September, formal catechetical sessions are offered on Thursday evenings, 7-9 p.m. This process of inquiry and discernment culminates in entry into the Church through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. The program is intended to be flexible to meet the needs of persons who may have conflicts with scheduled meeting times. Fr. Joe Hogan, 367-2665

St. Patrick’s Presents...
St. Patrick’s annually offers several parish-wide intergenerational events—known as “St. Patrick’s Presents...”—to address the need for community-building, spiritual formation, and outreach into the larger community. In an entertaining format of dinner/theaters or presentation/desserts, people are invited to grow in spirituality. These events also provide outreach into the community as a way to engage people by welcoming them to parish events in order to draw them into fuller communion with the Church, a step at a time. Parishioners are encouraged to use these events as a means of inviting family and friends to “come home” to the Church. Mary Long, 531-7008

Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School is a program for children aged 4-10. Bible stories, music, snacks, games, and crafts make up this action-packed week offered at the end of June. This is a great way to get kids excited about Church and their faith. Volunteers of any age, 11-99, are welcome to participate, dress up, and have fun with the children. Suzanne D’Andria, 344-0398

Youth Ministry
St. Patrick’s offers a holistic program for youth in grades 7-12, focusing on catechesis, prayer, service, and community building.
• Members of the high school youth group, CREW (Christ Renews Everyone’s World), are actively engaged in teen liturgies, religious-education activities, service projects, and summer mission trips to other areas of the country, where they participate in projects designed to help the poor and marginalized of our society. CREW meets on Sundays, 6:30-8 p.m. Adult volunteer are needed to prepare and serve dinners, lead small-group discussions, chaperone outings, and participate on the Mission Advisory Board. Peggy Loftus, 356-8843 or peggy@loftuscountry.com
• Junior-high students (7th- and 8th-graders) meet on Sundays, 6:30-8 p.m., for religious education classes and participate in occasional social and service activities. Amy Schuele, 469-7941
• Confirmation for high-school juniors and seniors and for adults is celebrated every other year at St. Patrick’s, next in the spring of 2010. Baptism preparation for teens can be arranged 10 on request. Parish office, 367-2665

Parish Community Life
Parish Community Life Ministry Leadership Team includes a Pastoral Associate, a Parish Council member, and an at-large representative. The team provides leadership and vision, planning and coordination of activities within the ministry, and maintains communication with the other five ministry areas of the parish. The ministry encourages participation in the community life of the parish and provides a welcoming presence and outreach in the community. Mary Long, 531-7008; Cynthia Morgan, 328-1190; Helene Kacich, 344-6760

Coffee Shop
After 7:30 and 9:00 a.m. Sunday Mass, the main hall of the parish center provides the setting for a socializing event known as the Coffee Shop. Men’s and women’s teams serve coffee, orange juice, and doughnuts until the supplies run out or until 10:30 a.m., whichever comes first. Come along to meet with friends or to make new ones. Jerry McArthur, 643-7775; Steve Beckett, 328-0353

Communications Committee
If you have journalistic interests or artistic skills, enjoy gathering or disseminating information, can use PageMaker or other paging software, or simply have ideas for InFocus, the Communications Committee would be pleased to hear from you. This committee seeks to deepen understanding and appreciation among parish groups and individuals through publicizing parish activities in the parish newsletter, In Focus, and in the diocesan newspaper, The Catholic Post. Margaret Stewart, 356-9475

Knights of Columbus
The Urbana Council 5752 of the Knights of Columbus is a fraternal organization of men that supports St. Patrick’s Parish and many local community projects. The local Council sponsors a variety of popular parish activities that include the Lenten fish fries, pancake breakfasts, golf outings, Ladies’ Knight Out, and the fall Tootsie Roll drive for the mentally and developmentally disabled. Bob Glazier, 582-2426

St. Patrick’s Guild
All registered parishioners, both men and women, are eligible and encouraged to join St. Patrick’s Guild, which is affiliated with the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women. Susan Hublein, 384-8356 The Guild’s many ministries include:
• Caring for the church and altar. Mary Ann Luedtke, 328-1143
• Providing meals after funeral liturgies for family and friends of the deceased. Alice McLaughlin, 621-7145
• Holding an annual fund-raising event during the holiday season. Susan Hublein, 384-8356
• Coordinating the parish’s participation in Meals-on-Wheels. Marcia Reed, 359-6112
• Handling arrangements for the weekly Mass at Champaign County Nursing Home and helping residents assemble for it. Sandy Anderson, 469-2416
• Coordinating the Cellar-to-Garret Sale. Amy and Marco Boscolo, 239-7585

Seniors Group
Parishioners at least 60 or 55 or 50 years of age (they can’t seem to settle on the minimum age when one may claim to be “senior”) meet four times a year for fun and good cheer. Each time they meet, they select a new committee to plan the next get-together. Shirley Splittstoesser, 367-3330

Social Committee
Many of the special parish events that we remember with a smile are organized by the Social Committee. The group sponsors such family social events as ice cream socials, all-parish dances, parish picnics, and other ways of gathering us to recoup our energies and restore our spirits. Are you an organizer? Aplanner? Acookie baker? Do you have ideas for bringing people together to become better acquainted, to enjoy one another’s unique personalities and gifts? Don and Laura Keefer, 337-0768; Chris and Denise Freidhof, 344-4059

Web Site Committee
The Web Site Committee was formed to oversee, promote, and improve St. Patrick’s Web site to make it a useful tool for all parishioners and to provide information about the many faithbased opportunities the parish offers. Members also maintain and upgrade parish computers and software. Jose Schutt-Aine, 390-4714 or jschutt@emlab.uiuc.edu; Bob Andersen, 359-6080 or randerse@illinois.edu

Welcome Team
To make the introduction to our parish community personal and inviting, the Welcome Team contacts new parishioners to offer a home visit and information to help acquaint them with parish life at St. Patrick’s. Invitations to Coffee Shop and to parish social events or groups provide opportunities for newcomers to meet other parishioners, helping them to feel more at home in our faith community. Mary Long, 531-7008

Outreach Ministries
Some ministries reach beyond our parish into the community and serve to invite and welcome people into our Church, to encourage collaboration within the Champaign Vicariate, or to collaborate ecumenically with other churches with the goal of unity in the Body of Christ. Mary Long, 531-7008 or yemmalong@yahoo.com.
• C-U Catholic Partnership is a collaborative alliance between the parishes of the Champaign Vicariate. It grew out of the effort to bring the movie The Human Experience to Champaign-Urbana. The Partnership’s goal is to sponsor faith-filled, large-group events to increase faith, galvanize the community for evangelization, promote Catholic teaching or themes in the arts, and provide a venue for non-Catholics to experience the beauty and richness of Catholic thought. Mary Long
• Deaf / Hard-of-Hearing Ministry offers the sacrament of Communal Reconciliation, sign-language interpretation at noon Masses, and a Day of Renewal opportunity. Sign-language interpreters provide a way for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing to participate more fully in the celebration of the Eucharist. Signlanguage interpretation is offered at the noon Mass on the first and third Sundays of the month and on special occasions. Minette Sternke, cudeafministry@gmail.com
• Ecumenical Outreach extends into the wider community to offer a welcoming, inviting presence to our brothers and sisters of other faiths. We seek opportunities to collaborate ecumenically through Bible study and joint projects with other churches and organizations to promote unity in the community. Mary Long
• St. Patrick’s has a presence at the Urbana Market-at-the-Square one Saturday a month during the summer (watch the bulletin for dates). This ministry seeks to provide a welcoming presence in the community and to represent the Catholic faith to people who stop by. Dan Richards, 328-1486

Peace & Justice
The Peace and Justice Ministry Leadership Team includes a Pastoral Associate, a Parish Council member, and an at-large representative. The team provides leadership and vision, planning and coordination of activities within the ministry, and maintains communication with the other five ministry areas of the parish. The ministry encourages a Catholic Christian response to issues of peace and justice. Carolyn McElrath, 367-2665; Marty Sierra Perry, 344-6321; Joseph Youakim, 355-0793

Catholic Worker House
This “House of Hospitality” provides shelter for homeless families and women and children, and operates a soup kitchen daily. Although not a parish program or institution, the St. Jude Catholic Worker House enjoys the support of many parishioners through donations of food, furnishings, time, and financial support. Meals for residents are prepared by volunteers and by residents at the house. House volunteers: 355-9774 (please call after 5:00 p.m., ask for live-in volunteer); meal volunteers: Ellen McDowell, 356-7101

Council of Congregations
St. Patrick’s Parish cooperates with other religious congregations in an interfaith group serving human needs in Champaign- Urbana. Together, Catholic, Protestant, Friends, Jewish, and Baha’i congregations provide an emergency fund and two person-toperson volunteer services: hospital support and friendly visiting. Peggy Whelan, 367-3668

Faith in Action
The Faith in Action program provides practical assistance to individuals or families facing an illness or some type of crisis. The services provided include transportation to medical appointments and grocery shopping, friendly visiting, respite, chores around the home, meal preparation, minor home repairs, and more. Volunteers are a part of a larger community interfaith program, serving senior citizens 55 years of age or older who reside in Champaign-Urbana and Savoy. Its “sister program,” Good Samaritans, provides similar services specifically for St. Patrick’s parishioners. Martha Paap, 337-4700

Good Samaritans
The Good Samaritans program offers help to parishioners of all ages who are experiencing a crisis and would benefit from some time-limited support. Members attempt to relieve family burdens during trying times by performing small acts of kindness (e.g., providing transportation to a doctor or hospital, preparing a hot meal, running errands to the supermarket or library, babysitting, providing simple home maintenance, raking leaves). Volunteers give an hour a week for up to three months to an individual or family, doing only what they have volunteered to do. Avolunteer is called upon no more often than twice a year. Carla Simmering, 328-4841

JustFaith
JustFaith is an intensive journey into compassion and solidarity with the poor and vulnerable. JustFaith participants meet weekly from September through May; the process requires about two hours’ reading each week as well as discussion, prayer, video input, retreats, and activities. The process is oriented toward helping participants to gain a better understanding of the Church’s social mission and to better integrate spirituality and social ministry in their lives. Carolyn McElrath, 531-7014

Meals-on-Wheels
For one week twice a year St. Patrick’s parishioners assist in bringing hot midday meals to people living in the Champaign-Urbana area. Prepared by University nutritionists at the Illini Union, the meals are picked up by volunteers who deliver them to designated recipients. Marcia Reed, 359-6112

Pro-Life Committee
St. Patrick’s Pro-Life Committee was established to study, pray, and plan activities that foster reverence for the whole of life, from conception to natural death. The committee sponsors an ecumenical memorial prayer service annually on Jan. 22, anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision, and participates in community respect-life
activities as well as in raising legislative alerts. Lu Pillar, 344-4909; Meg Grady, 337-6056

S t . Vincent de Paul Society
The SVDP is a service-oriented group of men and women who respond daily to Jesus’ call to feed the hungry and give shelter to the poor. Members rotate on-call duty to provide help as needed to less fortunate members of our community. Every weekday afternoon members give bags of food to those who come to the parish center. In the fall, Thanksgiving dinners are assembled and delivered to needy local residents. Parish office, 367-2665

Sister Church
In 1993 the Parish Council approved adoption of a parish church in Beit Jala, outside Bethlehem in the Holy Land, as St. Patrick’s “sister church.” The parish of about 1000 families is named for the Annunciation; it operates both an elementary and a secondary school, staffed by 36 teachers, with a combined student population of about 1000. Each year St. Patrick’s assists the pastor, Fr. Nidal, in his care for the needy of the parish. Because many people in the area lack employment and/or medical insurance, the parish’s Community of St. Vincent helps with school fees, hospitalization and surgical costs, medication, food, and clothing. Joseph Youakim, 355-0793

Social Action Committee
Membership in this committee is open to all who wish to heighten parishioners’ awareness of issues related to social justice. Members plan and implement social justice programs and suggest Christian responses to the needs of the poor, the oppressed, or the excluded. The group also seeks to link with other community groups in a broad range of ministries, such as ecumenism, education, environmental concerns, assistance to refugees, and service to the hungry, the homeless, and the unemployed. Joseph Youakim, 355-0793

Spiritual Enrichment
The Spiritual Enrichment Ministry Leadership Team includes a Pastoral Associate, a Parish Council member, and an at-large representative. The team provides leadership and vision, planning and coordination of activities within the ministry, and maintains communication with the other five ministry areas of the parish. The ministry provides opportunities to deepen one’s faith through individual and group activities. Amy Jobin, 367-2665; Doug Wolfersberger, 367-7129; Tracey Johnson, 356-1807

Base Communities
Small fellowship groups called base communities meet for friendship, mutual support, faith sharing, learning, prayer, and outreach. Members decide where and how frequently they will meet and the topics they wish to discuss. People interested in forming a base community can get help from the parish staff. Mary Long 531-7008

Bible Study Groups
St. Patrick’s Bible study groups are offered on many days and at many times; some meet in homes, some at the parish center. The staff will also help new groups to form if you would like to gather friends to study God’s Word.
• Community Bible Study is a parish network of small groups studying Scripture; it is part of an ecumenical communitywide Bible study. The format—which includes fellowship, prayer, and mission—provides a climate in which people can grow in their personal relationship with Jesus Christ through the application of Scripture to their lives and can gain insight through group sharing. The Sunday evening Leaders’ Bible Study provides leadership training and support. Mary Long, 531-7008
• The Great Adventure Program offers an opportunity in Bible study with a focus on learning more about the Catholic faith through tie-ins to the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The second year of “The Great Adventure: AJourney through the Bible” will be offered. Mary Long, 531-7008; Carolyn McElrath, 531-7014
• Seasonal Bible study opportunities are offered that tie in with Advent and Lent. Mary Long, 531-7014; Carolyn McElrath, 531-7014

Catholic Young Adults
Through study, faith sharing, and fellowship, this group brings young adults together as they figure out what it is to be grown up and Catholic. They meet weekly for organized Bible study or discussions and get together socially when they can. Susan Thomas, 621-2734

Centering Prayer
Contemplative prayer is the opening of mind and heart, one’s whole being, to God. Centering prayer opens us to an awareness of God’s presence and grateful acceptance of God’s action within. Individuals gather from 7:00 to 8:15 p.m. Mondays at St. Patrick’s church for shared reflection on a brief Scripture reading, followed by silent, centering prayer. First-timers and interested persons are always welcome. Mary Lou Menches, 344-1125

Men’s Book Club
Facilitated by Fr. Gene Kane, the Men’s Book Club meets on first Wednesdays from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. for a discussion of books on a variety of subjects related to the Church or aspects of the Catholic faith. Parish office, 367-2665

Ministers of Pastoral Care
Have you thought about what it might be like to be deprived of the Eucharist? To someone homebound or hospitalized, unable to come to church, the Eucharist is of paramount importance. Parish ministers visit less visible members of our parish family: the homebound, residents of area nursing homes and retirement communities, and patients at Carle Foundation Hospital.
• To the residents of Clark-Lindsey Village: Kathy Sarnecki, 469-7639
• To the homebound and to residents of Amber Glen, ManorCare, and Canterbury Ridge retirement community: Donna Thompson, 688-2701
• To residents of the Care Centre of Urbana: Susan Reese, 344-3414
• To Florida House Apartments: Jane Keeler, 684-2958
• To patients at Carle Foundation Hospital: Laura Cohen, 344-5062
• To residents of Champaign County Nursing Home: 18 Sandy Anderson, 469-2416

Ministry of Consolation
The Ministry of Consolation team provides semi-annual memorial services for parishioners who have lost a loved one, as well as grief support materials. They also facilitate the women’s Cancer Companions prayer/support group and the Prayer Shawl Ministry. Nancy Olson, 359-6424 or nancybolson@yahoo.com

Parish Library
The parish library includes books, tapes, and magazines for adults, teens, and children on a wide variety of subjects. During Advent and Lent, books and other materials are offered for sale to parishioners. The library is located in the classroom wing of the parish center. Lori Mestre, 365-9994

Parish Nurse Program
The Parish Nurse ministry focuses on empowering each person to make sound choices and decisions, to promote health and well being of body, mind, and spirit. Parishioners who are registered nurses volunteer to support the health of the congregation through health counseling and education, advocacy in the health care system, and referrals to appropriate resources. Lilia Peters, 355-9233 or 278-2118; Marie Bozinovich, 367-8126; Melody Billman, 469-9519

Prayer Chain
Parishioners on the Prayer Chain agree to pray especially for the needs that individuals have referred to them. Prayers for others should be requested only with their consent, and may be made without using their names if preferred. Requests, made in person or by telephone or e-mail, are kept in confidence. Nancy Steerman, 328-1217; Lu Pillar, 344-4909

Re-Membering Church
The name of this outreach process aptly describes its objective: remembering (re-peopling) the Church by facilitating the return of Catholics to their church community. An invitation is all that many estranged Catholics seem to need—that and the opportunity to tell their story of frustration, anger, rejection, apathy, or denial to a willing and empathetic listener. Team members try to provide that opportunity, as well as an updating on Church teaching, the Mass, and the sacraments for those who have been away for a while. Barbara Wysocki, 367-5014; Mary Lou Menches, 344-1125

Spiritual Direction
Spiritual direction is described as help given by one Christian to another that enables that person to pay attention to God’s personal communication, to respond to this personally communicating God, to grow in intimacy with God, and to live out the consequences of this relationship. The primary focus is on the experiences of God that most often occur in prayer. Aspiritual guide is one who walks with you, listens attentively, affirms, encourages, consoles, and challenges the life of the Spirit within you at this moment in your life. By appointment: Fr. Joe Hogan, 367-2665; Amy Jobin, 367-2665

Vocation Awareness
This ministry is available to help individuals discern their baptismal calling in choosing a life vocation and in promoting and encouraging vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Amy Jobin, 367-2665

Stewardship
The Stewardship Ministry Leadership Team includes the Pastor, a Parish Council member, and an at-large representative. The team provides leadership and vision, planning and coordination of activities within the ministry, and maintains communication with the other five ministry areas of the parish. The ministry encourages good stewardship practices and cares for our parish resources. Fr. Joe Hogan, 367-2665; Thomas Kim, 352-6442

Archives Committee
The Archives Committee collects and preserves information of historic and current interest about St. Patrick’s parish community. This includes photographs, newspaper clippings, Parish Council meeting minutes, and other official records. Members make this information available to the people of the parish, genealogists, and researchers. Nancy Steerman, 328-1217

Building and Grounds Committee
This committee is responsible for the maintenance, repair, and operation of all parish property and equipment. Electricians, masons, plumbers, carpenters, organizers, record keepers, and others with special skills provide organization and leadership for a variety of parish projects. Amateur do-it-yourself-ers are also in great demand. Randy Pankau, 365-9176

Collection Counters
On Mondays, from 8 to 10 a.m., a team of parishioners gathers to count the collections taken up at weekend Masses. What might otherwise be a time-consuming and tedious job is made easy and pleasant by teamwork and friendship. Parish office, 367-2665

Financial Affairs Committee
This committee assists in preparing the annual parish operating budget, analyzes expenditures in light of budgeted goals, and prepares financial reports for the pastor and the Parish Council. One of the committee’s primary functions is to increase parishioners’ awareness of the need and opportunities for their support of St. Patrick’s through regular financial contributions. Scott McCartney, 344-4071

Grounds Crew
The many plantings on our parish grounds are lovely year-round. To help them stay that way, the Grounds Crew keeps an eye on the need for new plantings, watering, and weeding. Helping hands, always welcome, make light work, as the saying goes. Chris Langendorf, 328-2809; Kathy McKenzie, 328-2241

Parish Council
The Parish Council consists of ten elected parishioners who advise the pastor and parish trustees regarding spiritual and secular matters of the parish. Council members assist and advise the ministry work of the parish and help to establish a welcoming environment for all who attend St. Patrick’s. Jack Collins, 355-9007

Personnel Committee
Personnel Committee members formulate, update, and monitor application of comprehensive personnel guidelines for all salaried employees of the parish. The committee also periodically carries out comparative studies of duties, salary structure, and benefits to assure employees of competitive and fair compensation levels. Cindy Kelly, 355-0541

Second Century Advisory Committee (ad hoc)
The Second Century Advisory Committee was appointed by the pastor in April 2004 to study the parish's current and future needs in terms of space and resources. Through prayer, discernment, parish survey, communication with the parish and other consultation, the committee will recommend a master plan to help carry St. Patrick's Parish forward in its second century of existence. Ellen Amberg, 367-0928

Worship
The Worship Ministry Leadership Team includes the parish Music Director, a Parish Council member, and an at-large representative. The team provides leadership and vision, planning and coordination of activities within the ministry, and maintains communication with the other five ministry areas of the parish. The ministry seeks to create an inspiring and prayerful liturgical environment for all parishioners. Laura Theby, 531-7003; Mary Karten, 898-0938; Donna Rinkenberger, 344-0750

Adult Servers for Funerals
Adult servers prepare the church for the celebration of the funeral Mass and assist the presider during the Mass, carrying articles to be used, offering incense, and preparing the altar for the Eucharistic sacrifice. Written procedures are provided for reference, augmented by on-the-job training. Katie Hinrichs, 367-2665

Altar Servers
Altar servers assist the presider in a variety of ways during the Mass, carrying articles to be used, assisting with the book of prayers (Sacramentary), offering incense, and preparing the altar for the Eucharistic sacrifice. Training takes place in the church for volunteers in 5th grade and above, and includes a review of procedures during Mass and practice in handling the Sacramentary, processional cross and candles, and incense and censer. Cheryl Mitchell, 369-0637 or mitchell 328@gmail.com

Children’s Liturgy
At Children’s Liturgy our younger children sit in the sanctuary and actively participate as a group at the 10:30 Mass on the first two Sundays of the month during the school year. Volunteers are needed to sit with the children in the sanctuary. Suzanne D’Andria, 344-0398 or sdandria@gmail.com

Eucharistic Ministers
Eucharistic ministers (Extraordinary Ministers of Communion) serve the meal at our Eucharistic banquet, sharing the Body and Blood of the Lord with all who come. Training for this ministry takes place in the church and includes a presentation on the meaning of Eucharist and the role of the Eucharistic minister. It also
includes a review of procedures for Communion ministry at Mass, practice in handling the communion cup, and advice on situations that may arise during Communion. Patricia Fowler, 384-3134 or patricia-fowler@sbcglobal.net

Lectors
In proclaiming the Word of the Lord, the lector shares the story of God’s love for us. This story defines our Catholic faith. Formation and training for this ministry take place in the church. Training includes practice with the microphone using a reading from the Sunday Mass, and procedures to be followed before, during, and after the Mass. Those for whom English is a second language but who can read and speak English are encouraged to consider this ministry. Judy Huelsbusch, 352-6724 or j.huelsbusch@gte.net

Liturgical Arts Team
Liturgical artists seek to fashion an environment that helps people pray together. They collaborate in the preparation and arrangement of materials designed to serve the community’s prayer, carrying out the themes of our worship services through the use of lighting, arrangements of objects, and banners. Assistance in designing, sewing, crafting, arranging is needed most especially for the liturgical seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter. Jan Callahan, 469-9346 or janet_callahan@sbcglobal.net

Mass Setup
Mass setup ministry enables the priest to prepare for the community’s worship service, secure in the knowledge that the bread and wine, chalice, communion cups, and any other special vessels or materials required are in place and ready for use. The setup needs for each Mass are listed for reference, with training provided by the Mass setup coordinator. The volunteer sets up for the same Mass each weekend. Mary Lou Menches, 344-1125 or mmenches@uiuc.edu

Music Ministry
All parishioners share in the parish’s music ministry through their full and active participation in parish liturgies. The parish music program welcomes all who desire to guide and support the sung prayer and praise of the assembly. Music Director Laura Theby, 531-7003 or ltheby@stpaturbana.org
• The 9:00 choir specializes in contemporary styles of music, accompanied by piano, guitar, and other instruments. Rehearsal on Thursdays, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
• The 10:30 choir has a repertoire that ranges from Gregorian chant to traditional choral classics to contemporary choral music. Some music-reading experience is desirable. Rehearsal on Wednesdays, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
• The funeral schola provides music at parish funeral liturgies, usually on weekday mornings. Rehearsal on second and fourth Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m.
• The children’s choir is a chance for young people to learn more about Church, a little about music and singing, and to have fun while doing it. The choir is open to third- through seventhgraders (second-graders with permission). The group sings at one Mass per month and on special occasions. Rehearsal on most Wednesdays, 5:15-6:00 p.m.
• The children’s liturgy ensemble is a group of adults and children who lead music at children’s liturgies and on special occasions. The group focuses on music that helps young children to recognize God’s love for them and to make a joyful response in song and in gesture. Rehearsal before each children’s liturgy and as announced.
• The praise band is made up of teens, guided by adults; it provides music for teen liturgies, CREW events, and other special occasions. The music is contemporary, accompanied by keyboard, percussion, guitar, and other instruments. Rehearsal as announced.
• Cantors lead the assembly in song at weekend parish liturgies. This includes singing the Responsorial Psalm, leading responses, and announcing the music.
• Skilled instrumentalists of all ages are welcome at any Mass.
• The bell choir rings for Masses occasionally during the year. Rehearsal, as announced, before each Mass.

Sacristan Assistants
Sacristan assistants prepare the gathering space and materials used in our parish liturgies. Care for the condition of the worship space where liturgy is celebrated, as well as for the vestments, vessels, candles, bread and wine, is essential to establishing an environment that is hospitable, welcoming, clean—one that fosters prayer. It is the work of caring people. Mary Ann Luedtke, 328-1143

Teen Liturgy
Teen liturgies are offered five or six times a year on Sunday evenings. Members of CREW serve as musicians, lectors, servers, and gift-bearers. All teenagers are especially welcome at these liturgies. Peggy Loftus, 356-8843 or peggy@loftuscountry.com

Ushers
Ushers, our ministers of hospitality, greet us on our arrival and may help us find adequate seating before the service begins. They distribute materials needed by the assembly for Mass, take up a collection of our offerings for the maintenance of our house of worship and the continuance of our mission as a parish, help to maintain
good order during the Communion Procession, and distribute parish bulletins as we leave the church. On-the-job training is facilitated by guidance from one’s peers. Chris Billing, 344-5407 or cbilling@bernsclancy.com

Worship Ministries Team
In all its work the team seeks to plan for and foster parish liturgies that are inspiring, beautiful, and consistent with our faith tradition. The Worship Ministries Team recruits, trains, and schedules volunteers who serve the parish as lectors, sacristans, artists, Eucharistic ministers, servers, ushers, musicians, and those who prepare what is needed for each Mass. The team, which meets nine months of the year on the third Tuesday of the month, also provides opportunities for continuing education and spiritual renewal. Mary Karten, 898-0938 or mlkarten@hotmail.com