Church of St. Mary Parish — 2022-23 Stewardship Renewal Handbook

A Place to Belong

Church of Saint

A Place to Belong

“So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone.”

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A PLACE TO BELONG

From the Church’s earliest beginnings, Christians have built tight-knit communities. In the early Church, koinonia, or community, was a word with enormous significance. It evoked strong feelings of hospitality and belonging between those who had committed themselves to live as disciples of Christ. The early Church consisted of these groups of people who lived together, ate together and were willing to die for each other. This is the foundation upon which our Christian sense of community is built.

A CORE CHRISTIAN VALUE

Here at the Church of St. Mary, we want to help every individual to know that they are welcome and wanted as a part of our Catholic family. The presence of hospitality can make a newcomer or a returning member of the church feel at home. Friends are welcomed with open arms and warm smiles. Visitors feel the genuine love present in a hearty “Welcome!” Family members do not visit; they belong.

In terms of stewardship, hospitality is an immensely important concept. The truth is, if someone doesn’t feel like they are wanted and appreciated, how will they receive the love of God through us? Hospitality opens the door to a person’s heart and allows him or her to receive joy, grace and love. For St. Mary to continue to grow as a stewardship community, we must help everyone who walks through our doors feel like they truly have come home. We must make hospitality a cornerstone.

Stewardship of Time

While many of us understand that prayer is an important element of the Christian life, most of us admit that it’s difficult to find a quiet moment to spend with God.

As Christians, we must remember that we cannot give what we do not have. In order for us to welcome others into the life of the Church, we need to make sure that our spiritual lives are properly in order. To become a more prayerful person, take inventory of how you spend the 168 hours in the week. Are you taking time to talk to God in prayer, to speak with Him as you would a friend? Are you seeking His truth through reading the Scriptures? Will you make Him first on your priority list so that you are able to give to others from the graces He has given you?

MAINTAINING A HEALTHY PRAYER LIFE:

• Pope Francis encourages all Catholics to spend time in daily prayer, thanking God for His blessings, asking for His help in difficult circumstances and reading Scripture.

• Receive spiritual nourishment in the Eucharist at least every Sunday.

• Receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation on a regular basis and ask God for the grace to live a life of holiness.

HELPFUL PRAYER RESOURCES

Catholic phone or tablet apps: iBreviary, Magnificat, Divine Office or the Hallow App

• Websites: usccb.org/bible/readings (daily readings of the Catholic Church), Vatican.va (The Vatican and Holy See), www.oneinfaith.org/stmarys

Stewardship of Talent

“As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10). Each of us has received gifts from God that we are to use in humble service. While many of us may not recognize the skills or abilities we have as gifts, they are a means by which we can give glory to God through serving each other. At St. Mary’s, our ministries provide opportunities for us to serve God and others. From a warm smile to giving someone a warm meal, we are able to welcome others into the family of God by being Christ to them. Reaching out in love, while sometimes difficult, can be quite spiritually enriching! Will you take the time to ask God how you can best serve Him through the service of His children?

WAYS TO WELCOME AND SERVE OTHERS:

• Pray about how your gifts can best be used to help others feel welcome.

• Sign up for a parish ministry that stretches you to put others’ needs before your own.

Greet our fellow parishioners before or after Mass, introducing yourself to unfamiliar faces.

Stewardship of Treasure

Throughout Scripture, we are taught to give to God our “first fruits” or the “choicest portion.” In modern speech, we might say that the first “line item” in the family budget should be returning a portion of our income to God. Both symbolically and in actuality, this is a powerful expression of God’s place in your life. “Where your treasure is, there also lies your heart” (Matthew 6:21). Will you take some time to reassess how you prioritize God in your finances?

“The one who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You are being enriched in every way for great generosity, which through us produces thanksgiving to God.”

— 2 Corinthians 9:10-11

REASONS TO TITHE

Why give a percentage of income?

We give the tithe (which means 10% of one’s harvest or income) because it is a scriptural benchmark that has been honored since the early Church (see Malachi 3:10).

WORKING TOWARD GIVING THE TITHE

5% to the parish offertory 1% to the diocese

4% to other charities

If you have difficulty reaching your goal of the tithe, try increasing your giving incrementally, by one or two percent of income each year. Over time, you will find that the tithe is a reasonable goal that can be reached. Most importantly, you will know that you have been faithful in placing God first in everything, even in your finances.

2022 Ministries

Liturgy

ALTAR SERVERS

Altar servers are the helping hands and feet for the presider during liturgies.

Contact: Pat Seanger, 320-248-6630, pseanger@meltel.net

CHILDREN’S LITURGY

OF THE WORD

Children’s Liturgy of the Word leaders gather young children who have not yet received First Communion and lead them in readings of Scripture, activities and prayer suited to their age during the Liturgy of the Word at Mass. Their ministry calls them to bring the Word of God alive to the youngest members of the gathered assembly. Many adult volunteers are needed for the success of this ministry.

Contact: Amanda Maus, 320-290-5860, amaus15@hotmail.com

CHURCH DECORATORS

The Church of St. Mary has a team of dedicated volunteers who keep the altar and sanctuary decorated

according to the seasons of the church, with special emphasis on Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter. Volunteers of varied skills and talents are always needed.

Contact: Lisa Brixius, 320-290-9613, blb13@albanytel.com; Pat Tomasek, 320-256-4625, pmtomasek@gmail.com

HOSPITALITY MINISTERS — GREETERS

The members of this ministry welcome parishioners and guests into the church at each Mass in order to create a welcoming environment, help attendees feel comfortable, and answer any questions guests may have.

Contact: Andy and Judy Heinen, 320-248-3680, jaheinen@meltel.net

HOSPITALITY MINISTERS — USHERS

Ushers act as doorkeepers, greeting each person with a smile and/or handshake, and are available to answer visitor questions and extend extra help in seating those who need assistance. They also pass the

collection baskets during the Offertory and may distribute bulletins after Masses.

Contact: Craig Maus, 320-980-5271, cmaus30@hotmail.com

LECTORS

Lectors proclaim the readings from Sacred Scripture to the gathered assembly. Their ministry calls them to allow the Word of God to speak through them and to come alive in the hearts of all those who hear it, and to lead the assembly in praying the Prayers of the Faithful.

Contact: Linda Wenker, 320-249-1917, wenker@meltel.net

LITURGY COMMITTEE

The Liturgy Committee helps set the tone for our liturgies. Our goal is to be welcoming and inviting and to provide a respectful, prayerful and beautiful atmosphere in both sound and sight. We strive for worship that is lifegiving.

Contact: Jane Salzl, 320-256-3087, fredsfarm@meltel.net

LITURGY TECHNOLOGY

This service benefits the entire community by providing everyone with the ability to participate more fully in the Mass, whether attending in person or viewing the Mass online. You will be taught how to run the soundboard, screens and cameras. If you like electronics, this is your ministry!

Contact: Troy Tomford, 320-333-5315, ttomfor1@gmail.com

MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION

Ministers of Holy Communion are entrusted with a special responsibility of assisting the priest and deacon in the distribution of the Body and Blood of Christ at Mass. The function of this ministry is to ensure that the Eucharist is distributed under both forms of bread and wine in a reverent manner. To become a Eucharist Minister, one must participate in the appropriate training sessions and periodic enrichment sessions.

Contact: Ruth Traeger, 320-492-4583, ruth56352@gmail.com

MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION TO THE HOMEBOUND

A group of dedicated parishioners bring Communion to those who cannot worship on Sundays due to illness or advanced age. Every week, in addition to Jesus in the Eucharist, they bring kind words and prayers to those who are homebound, hospitalized or in nursing homes.

Contact: Ruth Traeger, 320-492-4583, ruth56352@gmail.com

MUSIC MINISTERS

Music ministers share their musical gifts and talents with the parish as cantors, choir members, instrumentalists, and accompanists. Their ministry calls them to lead the gathered assembly in sung worship, and to create a prayerful musical environment that allows worshippers to draw closer to God. Music ministers may serve as:

Cantors: Lead and encourage singing of the assembly; proclaim the psalms in song

Children’s Choir: Open to those

in third through sixth grades; typically sings once per month during school year

Parish Choir: Open to all adults; typically sings twice per month and for seasonal celebrations

Resurrection Choir: Sings for funerals at the request of the deceased’s family

Instrumentalists: Encouraged to share their gifts and talents alone or with any of the above groups

Contact: Jane Salzl, 320-256-3087, fredsfarm@meltel.net

SACRISTANS

Sacristans prepare and care for the various liturgical signs and symbols used during the sacraments — holy water, holy oils, incense, candles, and the gifts of bread and wine. Their ministry calls them to “prepare the feast and celebration” by seeing to the preparation and purification of Eucharistic vessels, as well as other liturgical tasks.

Contact: Pat Seanger, 320-248-6630, pseanger@meltel.net

Building, Grounds and Maintenance

BUILDING & GROUNDS COMMITTEE

Members of the Building & Grounds committee oversee the upkeep and maintenance of the parish buildings and grounds. Meetings are scheduled as needed.

Contact: Butch Haider, 320-250-2656, bhc@arvig.net; Carl Worms, 320-248-5022, carl@wormsreadymix.com

CEMETERY COMMITTEE

Members of the Cemetery Committee oversee the maintenance and care of St. Mary’s and St. Patrick’s Cemeteries, manage the finances, and establish policies. Cemetery guidelines are available from the parish office. Meetings are scheduled quarterly.

Contact: Mark Mayers, 320-248-7075

Parish Life

AFTER-MASS HOSPITALITY VOLUNTEERS

The St. Mary’s Parish After-Mass Hospitality Volunteers serve coffee and cookies after weekend Masses. A yearly schedule is set based on the number of times per month that hospitality will be hosted. The purpose is to foster fellowship with our community.

Contact: Joan Loxtercamp, 320-290-9701, jdloxy@gmail.com; Denise Kociemba, 320-249-6604, kociemba@meltel.net

BLESSED BAKERS

The Blessed Bakers is a group of bakers that, when called upon, are willing to bake for parish events such as After-Mass Hospitality or other occasions. Funerals are not included in this ministry. People are asked to furnish a few dozen cookies or pan of bars about three or four times a year. Together, we can make this world a little sweeter!

Contact: Carol Klaphake, 320-256-3775, cbklaphake@gmail.com

CLEAN TEAM

St. Mary’s has six groups that clean our beautiful church. Each group is assigned two months out of the year to clean. Each group has a group leader and decides what day and time works best for the group. This is a meaningful opportunity to serve both God and fellow church goers.

Contact: Diane Budde, 320-429-0341, edbudde@meltel.net

FOOD SHELF MINISTRY

The Food Shelf Ministry provides food for the hungry of our community.

Contact: Denise Kociemba, 320-249-6604, kociemba@meltel.net

FUNERAL LUNCHEON SERVERS

Men and women are needed to serve lunch for our funerals. This is a great opportunity to support our fellow parishioners in their time of need and to meet new people.

Contact: Barb O’Brien, 320-256-4422, obrien@meltel.net; Helen Van Drehle, 320-256-3101, dhvandrehle@meltel.net

HELPING HANDS

St. Mary’s has opportunities for people to help with maintenance of our grounds such as cutting lawn, watering trees, and outdoor lighting for Christmas. If you have time and would like to help a couple of hours, or have special talents you would like to share, we would be excited for you to join us.

Contact: Jane Salzl, 320-256-3087, fredsfarm@meltel.net

LEGION OF MARY

St. Mary’s Parish has an active Legion of Mary group, which is an international association of Catholic women and men. Active members make weekly visits to the sick, shut-ins and bereaved. Auxiliary members pray a Rosary and other Legion prayers daily.

Contact: Caroline Jacobs, 320-256-3207, caroline.jacobs71@outlook.com

PARISH LIFE COMMITTEE

The mission of the Parish Life committee is to be the smiling faces and helping hands that bring people together. We will try to strengthen community — a bond that connects us as the Body of Christ.

Contact: Jane Salzl, 320-256-3087, fredsfarm@meltel.net

PRAYER LINE

The prayer line is a network of parishioners who pray for intentions requested by fellow parishioners. The prayer requests can be anything from burdens one is trying to overcome to healing of a sickness. This is an effective way to intercede for important prayer intentions. New intercessors are always welcomed. All prayer requests are kept confidential.

Contact: Jean Ritter, 320-256-3878; Pat Seanger, 320-256-7353

RAFFLE COMMITTEE

This committee oversees the church’s fundraisers and runs our summer and calendar raffles, important parts of the church’s budget. Contact: Rosie Athmann, 320-292-0233, rathmann@meltel.net

SPIRITUALITY GROUP

Members of this group meet weekly to engage in spiritual conversation using various resources in order to understand and deepen their faith.

Contact: Lisa Brixius, 320-290-9613, blb13@albanytel.com

ST. MARY’S CHRISTIAN MOTHERS/WOMEN

St. Mary’s Christian Mothers/ Women Society brings together women of the parish to share ideas on family life and spirituality and to support one another in prayer. The organization began in 1913 and meets on the third Tuesday of October, January, February and April. The Christian Mothers/Women are involved in parish activities, such as the sixthgrade reception and sponsor gifts for the Confirmation and First Communion classes.

Contact: Caroline Jacobs, 320-256-3207, caroline.jacobs71@outlook.com

ST. MARY’S MISSION SOCIETY

St. Mary’s Mission Society provides an opportunity to gather for prayer as well as organize parish activities such as Spring and Fall Bingo. We sponsor a once-a-year collection and that money, along with money raised, is donated annually to mission minded endeavors, both near and far.

All members of our parish are members of the Mission Society. We meet October through April in the parish conference room on the second Wednesday of the month at 8:30 a.m.

Contact: Jane Salzl, 320-256-3087, fredsfarm@meltel.net

School

BOARD OF EDUCATION

The Board of Education is responsible for establishing, coordinating and operating the programs of education for St. Mary’s School. It creates better understanding and support of Catholic education by determining goals for the school

in cooperation with the parish personnel.

Contact: Pete Klaphake, 320-293-4615, pete@kfm.com

ENDOWMENT COMMITTEE

Members of the Endowment Committee oversee the St. Mary’s Education Endowment Fund. Regular meetings are held the first Tuesday of January, April, July and October.

Contact: Mark Meyer, 320-241-6481, mkmeyer@meltel.net

ST. MARY SCHOOL

VOLUNTEER

St. Mary School is committed to instructional excellence. The school serves students from Pre-K through sixth grade, offering basic academic programs, religious education, school liturgies and a sacraments program. In addition, the school offers computer, art, music, library and physical education classes. There are numerous opportunities for parish members to volunteer to help out at our school.

Contact: Mrs. Autumn Nelson — Principal, 320-256-4257, anelson@smsmn.org

Administrative/ Service FINANCE COUNCIL

The Finance Council assists the pastor with the responsible oversight of our parish’s temporal goods. They review and approve the annual parish budget and advise the pastor in financial matters.

Contact: Doug Welle, 320-290-6302, dmwelle@meltel.net

PARISH LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

The Parish Leadership Council, formally the Parish Council, is the primary leadership body of the parish, working with the pastor and the Finance Council in overseeing all parish activities. Its members include the pastor, parochial vicar, trustees, seven elected parishioners and members of the Finance Council. All parish committees report to the Parish Leadership Council.  Contact: Tricia Klaphake, 320-290-0597, triciak21@hotmail.com

SOCIAL MEDIA MINISTRY

The primary function of this group is to keep the parishioners informed of all activities and events via social media. The committee is responsible for receiving information from the various ministries and publishing it on the One in Faith social media platforms.

Denise Kociemba, 320-249-6604, kociemba@meltel.net

STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE

The Stewardship Committee is a group of parishioners who believe in and engage in a life of stewardship and, under the direction of the pastor, work to promote stewardship as a way of life for the parish. Committee members engage in continued education and have various responsibilities for ongoing stewardship activities.

Contacts: Deacon Ernie Kociemba, 320-248-5124, kociemba@meltel.net; Chris Ellering, 320-293-6246, tcring99@gmail.com

Formation

BAPTISM PREPARATION MINISTRY

A dedicated group of deacons prepare parents and godparents to understand and appreciate the responsibilities that come with the Sacrament of Baptism. They stress the duty of the parents in the ongoing faith formation of the child.

Contact: Deacon Ernie Kociemba, 320-248-5124, kociemba@meltel.net

FAMILY FAITH FORMATION PROGRAM

The family faith formation program for our four-parish cluster (St. Andrew’s. St. John’s, St. Michael’s, and St. Mary’s) is for students in 1st through 11th grades and their parents/ guardians. Most faith formation sessions (including Confirmation classes) take place on Wednesday evenings, with the exception of First Reconciliation/First Eucharist classes, which are on Saturday mornings. There are many ways to help with the Faith Formation ministry! Teachers and teachers’

helpers are always welcome, at any age level, either for one particular night/topic, or for a whole school year. We also appreciate help with once-per-year faith formation liturgies (like the All Saints/ All Souls liturgy or Stations of the Cross) and various service projects (like roadside cleanup and Food Shelf collections). Lastly, parishioners can help with providing food/snacks for the faith formation students, especially those who need to come straight from their after-school activities to Wednesday night faith formation.

Contact: Rita Meyer – Faith Formation Administrative Assistant, faithformation@stmarysofmelrose.com; Juliann Heller – Interim Director of Faith Formation, faithformation@stmarysofmelrose.com or text on the Remind App; Blanca Barragan, Faith Formation Assistant (bilingual), 320-256-4207, stmarys@stmarysofmelrose.com

MARRIAGE PREPARATION

MINISTRY

Couples planning to celebrate marriage enter into a time of marriage preparation 12 months

after setting a wedding date. Sponsor couples are trained to help engaged couples in the marriage preparation process using the Fully Engaged curriculum to evaluate their relationship and preparations for marriage.

Contact: Deacon Ernie Kociemba, 320-248-5124, kociemba@meltel.net

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA)

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the educational process whereby adults who wish to become Catholic learn about the faith, build their relationships with God, and prepare to enter the Catholic Church on Holy Saturday at the Easter Vigil Mass. Catholics who simply want to learn more about the Catholic faith are welcome to attend. We are in need of catechists, helpers and sponsors to facilitate conversation in the RCIA candidates’ preparation.

Contact: Deacon Ernie Kociemba, 320-248-5124, kociemba@meltel.net

SOCIAL CONCERNS MINISTRY

The Social Concerns Ministry strives to assist the parish community to understand and act on Catholic Social Teaching. This is achieved by identifying, supporting and training leaders who will organize people and activities around four specific complementary ministries: direct service, legislative advocacy, global solidarity, and community organizing. Concerned volunteers with various skills are always welcomed.

Contact: Deacon Ernie Kociemba, 320-248-5124, kociemba@meltel.net; Deacon Jesús Hernandez, 320-267-6028;

Deacon Jorge Carillo, 320-339-3372

YOUTH MINISTRY

Youth Ministry provides a fun and positive environment for youth in grades 7-12 to grow in their faith through worship, fellowship and service projects.

Contact: Cindy Hemmesch, 320-293-4670, carcenea@live.com

Time to Commit

CALL TO ACTION

The famous Christian author, C.S. Lewis, once wrote, “A person whose hands are full of parcels cannot receive a gift.” Stewardship is a life-long conversion of heart, mind and soul, so that we are able to receive God’s love and return that love to Him. The better we understand our Catholic faith and our personal role within God’s kingdom, the better equipped we will be to share God’s love and resources – our time, our talent, and our treasure – with others. This year, how will you take the next step in your journey of sharing God’s love through personal formation and conversion?