Saint Katharine Drexel Catholic Church
Parish Ministries
Do you feel called to active parish service? There are many ways to serve here at St. Katharine's. We have over 600 lay volunteers in our parish. Below is a list of our ministries.
"We have gifts that differ according to the favor bestowed on each of us. One's gift may be prophecy; its use should be in proportion to his faith. It may be the gift of ministry; it should be used for service. One who is a teacher should use his gift for teaching; one with the power of exhortation should advise strongly. He who gives alms should do so generously; he who rules should exercise his authority with care; he who performs works of mercy should do so cheerfully." Romans 12: 6-8
Peer Community Groups
Boy Scouts
Youth organization dedicated to forming young men as future leaders and to learn more about the outdoors through camping trips and other activities. They meet each Tuesday evening at 7:00 pm in the Parish Hall from August to June.
For more information contact Brian Eberz.
Council of Catholic Women (CCW)
Under the guidance of Our Lady of Good Council the CCW supports, empowers and educates all Catholic women in spirituality, leadership and service through volunteering and donations. They work with the Archbishop and Bishops of Florida helping the needy on the parish and diocesan level, and serve as a medium through which Catholic women in Florida may speak and act on matters of public interest.
The CCW is affiliated with the Venice Diocese CCW (VDCCW), the Florida Council (FCCW) and the National Council (NCCW).
For information contact Bonnie King
To join, please fill out an application found in the Church Lobby.
Knights of Columbus # 11177
The K of C is an international fraternal and service organization of Catholic men who are committed to charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism. Their primary goal is to support the church community through family-oriented activities and programs. Knights are Catholic men, 18 years of age and older, who are committed to making their community a better place, while supporting their Church. The Knights meet every first Monday at 7:30 pm in the Parish Hall.
For information contact Grand Knight Bill Collins
Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary
The Ladies Auxiliary lends support to the Knights in their fund-raising activities, dinners, charitable works and social occasions. Membership is open to all women of the parish. The "Lady Knights" meet every first Monday at 7:30 pm in the Parish Hall.
For information contact Celia Schwartz Click here for the K of C Ladies Auxilliary website page
Marriage Preparation – FOCCUS Support Couples
FOCCUS (Facilitate Open Couple Communication Understanding & Study) married couples work along the pastor ministering to engaged couples using the FOCCUS program to help them with communication skills in preparation for marriage. We are currently seeking married couples to participate.
For information contact Fr. John Deary
M.O.M.S. – Ministry of Mothers Sharing
M.O.M.S. is a special 8-week session where mothers can grow in faith and share in the joys and challenges of life with other women in a warm and welcoming environment.
New session starting soon.
For information contact Sandy Wilkin
Over 50 Singles Group
This club addresses the spiritual and social needs of our parishioners 50 years and older. In this ministry, the group increases awareness and love of God, establishes new friends and has a good time. They learn information pertinent to their age group, enjoy socializing with old and new friends. They hold weekly card games on Mondays at 12 noon and enjoy outings, potlucks, and luncheon meetings with speakers. Monthly meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 12 noon in the parish hall. Events are published in the bulletin.
For information contact Betty Coburn
Middle School Youth Group
Open to all Middle School Youth, this group meets several times per month for "Friday Fun Nights".
For information contact Karen Marzullo
High School Youth Group
Brings teens 13 and up together to expand their faith and friendship with activities including meetings, prayer, games and group events, as well as giving community assistance and other projects such as selling Sunday newspapers outside of the Church each weekend. The Youth Group meets Sundays from 1 to 3 pm in the Parish Hall.
For information contact Fr. John Deary
Formation Ministries
Adult Bible Study
Join us in our journey through Scripture as we read, study, discuss and reflect on Holy Scripture. We have three different sessions which meet weekly. Choose from Wednesday at 11:00 am, Tuesday at 7:30 pm or Thursday at 7:30 pm in the Faith Formation Building. All are welcome to join at any time.
Contact Teri at the Faith Formation Office for more information. New sessions have begun on James
Catechesis
We have many opportunities for volunteers to share their faith and love in our Faith Formation Program. Ministries include CLOW (Children's Liturgy of the Word), Nursery during 8:30 and 10:30 Sunday Masses, CCD for grades K-8, Confirmation and Vacation Bible School. Please click here for more detailed information.
RCIA
Volunteer your time to help those who wish to become members of the Catholic church or adult Catholics who wish to receive the Sacraments of Eucharist and/or Confirmation by being a sponsor for one of the participants. This is a special ministry. It means being a friend to someone who wants to share your faith. Each member needs to have a sponsor to attend weekly RCIA meetings with them and to pray with them. Click here for more detailed information on RCIA.
Small Faith Communities
Our Small Faith groups meet in homes to study the weekly Gospel liturgy, share how to applies it to their lives, and build community within our parish. We have several groups who meet at different times and all are welcome to join.
Contact Fr. John at the Parish Office for more information.
Hospitality Ministries
Feast Day Committee
Each year in March we celebrate the Feast Day of St. Katharine Drexel with a weekend of activities, such as a Worship Concert, Dinner-Dance and the Sunday Feast Day picnic with games, entertainment, activities and raffles. All of this takes year-round planning. Our hard-working Feast Day Committee works together to make the annual Feast Day both a social and financial success.
For more information please contact Ann Marie Vastarelli
Greeters
(See Liturgical Ministries below)
Social Committee
The Social Committee sponsors and organizes events such as the Coffee Social after the 8:30 Mass each Sunday, dinner-dances and other social events which create a welcoming environment where parishioners can meet and socialize. Meetings are held quarterly throughout the year.
For more information please contact Ed and Del Johnson
Stewardship Committee
The Stewardship Committee exists to promote the practice of Christian stewardship of Time, Talent and Treasure within the parish. This committee is instrumental in assisting the pastor in the areas of Stewardship education, facilitation, communication, implementation, follow-up and evaluation of the parish Stewardship process.
For more information please contact Ramon Mescallado
Welcome Committee
Creates a warm and inviting environment for all newcomers to the parish. The Welcome Committee sponsors Welcome Socials several times per year to help new parishioners receive orientation to the parish and its ministries and organizations.
For more information please contact Michelle Pescatrice
Note: To protect the privacy of our volunteers, phone numbers are not published on the website. To obtain a contact phone number, please see our church bulletin or call the Parish Office.
Prayer/Spiritual Ministries
Adoration Ministry
Eucharistic Adoration is the act of worshiping the Real Presence of Jesus in the consecrated Eucharist. The exposed Blessed Sacrament should never be left alone so it is necessary to have people committed to filling in the adoration schedule.We hope and pray that all parishioners will join us at some time during the hours of Adoration every month.
Click here for more information on Adoration Ministry.
Charismatic Prayer Group
This prayer group meets each week on Thursdays at 7:30 pm in the Faith Formation Center. We celebrate by intercessory prayer, healing prayer, singing, scripture, sharing and testimonials.
For more information please contact Diane Davala.
Cursillo
The Cursillo Movement provides a method of living a Christian life where one's spirituality may be developed, lived, and shared. It begins with a Cursillo Weekend Retreat of daily celebration of the Mass, visits to the Blessed Sacrament, talks, meditations, and Christian fellowship.
The goal of the weekend is to empower the "cursillista" to become a Christian leader in each of his or her environments.
If you are interested in experiencing a Cursillo, please contact John Meyer.
More information can be found on our Venice Diocese Cursillo website: jesusinflorida.com
Healing Prayer Ministry
The Healing Prayer ministry was formed to help individuals experience God's healing love by providing them an opportunity to be listened to and prayed with by a team of trained intercessors. A prayer team is available for those desiring prayer. The team will meet with you individually by appointment. There is no cost, and everything is completely confidential. Healing prayer is available the 2nd Wednesday of the month between 7:30 pm and 9 pm in the Parish Hall.
For more information or if you are interested in joining the prayer team, please contact Judy Madia.
Holy Redeemer Associates
If you are searching for something more in your spiritual life, please come join us the first Thursday of the month
at 5:45 pm in the parish hall as we read and discuss the charisms and values of the Sisters of the Holy Redeemer
and learn how to incorporate them into our daily lives.
For more information please contact Joan Cushin
Lay Augustinians
The Lay Augustinian group meets the 2nd, 4th and 5th Wednesday of each month at 7:30 pm to pray together, read and discuss St. Augustine's life and teachings and share friendship rooted on the love of Christ. This group is associated with The Augustinians of the Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova.
All are welcome to join.
For more information please contact Teri Idler at the Faith Formation Office.
Parish Prayer Network
This group provides intercessory prayer for the parish community. Members dedicate their prayer time for petitions and requests that have been added to the Prayer Network.
For more information or to leave a prayer request please contact Sandy Barutha
Prayer Shawl Ministry
The care and love of knitting and crocheting have been combined into a prayerful ministry that reaches out to those in need of comfort and solace. Many blessings are worked into every shawl. These special blessings flow between the shawl creator and recipient, around our faith community, our circle, and our lives.
For more information please contact Tammy Cousin
Secular Franciscan Order
The Secular Franciscan Order was founded by St. Francis of Assisi and approved by the Holy Father with a written rule around 1221. For nearly eight centuries this gathering of faithful has been striving to live the Gospel life in the world. We are lay persons, religious and priests called to be in life-giving union with each other, each in their own special way, following Christ in the footsteps of St. Francis, continually working in the life and mission of the Church.
St. Maximillian Kolbe Secular Franciscan Fraternity meets in the Faith Formation building on the second Saturday of each month from 9:30 am to noon, and on the fourth Monday of the month for a potluck dinner and ongoing formation at a member’s home. Guests are always welcome to join us.
For more information contact Marguerite Schaeffer, sfo
Liturgical Ministries
Altar Servers
The Altar Servers are very important in the liturgy. During the Mass they assist the celebrant and help prepare the altar as well as add to the solemnity of the liturgy. This ministry is open to boys and girls who have made their First Communion.
For more information please contact Tom Mammott
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (Liturgical Ministry)
An Extraordinary Minister assists the celebrant in the distribution of Communion to the faithful at the liturgy. Extraordinary Eucharistic ministers often transfer the Eucharist from tabernacle to altar. It is a fulfilling ministry for parishioners who wish to serve their community. It makes few demands on your time beyond a scheduled attendance at Mass and several training sessions per year.
For more information please contact Fr. John at the Parish Office
Greeters (Ushers)
This ministry is a wonderful way to participate and to get to know the parishioners at the Mass that you attend. Greeters greet parishioners as they come in, help with seating, collections, and special needs, coordinate the congregation during Communion, distribute bulletins when parishioners leave, and help at the Information Counter in the lobby of the church.
For more information, contact the person who coordinates for the Mass you attend:
Saturday
4:00 pm - Frank & Carole Collins
Lectors
A lector proclaims the Word of God during the liturgy and leads the General Intercessions as well as other prayers or litanies as the liturgy may require, and reads the announcements before liturgy begins. Any confirmed Catholic of high school age or older is invited to serve the parish in this ministry. Training is provided.
For more information please contact Anne Murphy
Music Ministry (Choir and Cantors)
Music and song are an essential part of liturgical worship. The purpose of the choir is to lead the congregation in singing. Cantors are those who lead the congregation in singing acclamations and responses during the liturgy. Those who play some musical instrument are strongly encouraged to add their talents to our music ministry. Click here for the Choir page
For more information please contact Don Sansone
Sunday
8:30 am - Armando Ingratta
10:30 am - Dianne Lawrence
12:00 pm - Wally or Debra Vilkas
Service and Justice Ministries
Bereavement Support
At the time of a loved one's death, we rely on faith, family and friends to help us through the grieving process. This group meets monthly on the 1st Monday at 7:30 pm and/or the 3rd Monday at 2:00 pm and offers an introduction to the process of grief, prayer support and a chance to talk about how things are progressing (or not) with you and your family.
For more information please contact Betty Coburn
Cancer Support Group
This group was established to provide friendship and support to those parishioners faced with cancer.
For more information, please contact Fr. John
Christian Service Outreach
The outreach minister is referred by the parish to visit those in need in the local community to assess their needs and assist them with referrals to human and material resources in the community, including referrals for domestic violence help, health services, housing, legal assistance, educational opportunities, child services, etc.
For more information please contact Marguerite Schaeffer or Fr. John
Church Environmental Committee
Volunteers who prepare the church for the week-end Liturgies. They keep the altars clean, rearrange flowers and plants, make sure the pews are picked up and adequately stocked with missals and envelopes. and wash and iron the altar linens. This group also decorates the church for Christmas and Easter.
For more information please contact Jean Cerabona or Fr. John
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Nursing Home and Homebound Ministry
The Extraordinary Ministers to the homebound take the Eucharist to those unable to attend services at the parish such as the elderly, or disabled.
Volunteers also reach out to the residents of the Coral Trace and Woodlands Nursing Homes with Communion visits and weekly rosary and prayer. Once per month a priest will accompany them to hold a Mass at the Nursing Home and the volunteers help with the Mass.
For more information please contact Fr. John at the Parish Office
Finance Committee
The Parish Finance Committee assists the pastor in the administration of the finances of the parish by preparing the parish budget and overseeing and reviewing the actual revenue and expenses of the parish. The committee meets about four times per year and is made up of parish volunteers with an expertise in accounting, finance, stewardship, and business management.
For more information please contact Fr. John at the Parish Office
Gift Shop
The gift shop offers a variety of books, Bibles, sacramental gift items, rosaries, wall crucifixes and crosses, jewelry, statuary, music and other religious articles. We also carry special items during Advent and Lent. The gift shop is open before and after Mass on Saturday and Sunday. Volunteers work in the gift shop in one-hour shifts for as little as once per month. It is a wonderful way to serve our community and meet fellow parishioners.
For more information please contact Judy Madia
Parish Council
The Parish Council members are voted in by fellow parishioners at an election held once a year and serve a three-year term. They meet once per month on the third Wednesday at 7:30 pm with the pastor to discuss issues of concern, and seek to identify and respond to community needs and provide long-term planning for the Parish. The Parish Council members are a visible, active presence at St. Katharine's and listen to parishioners' concerns and needs and bring them to the monthly meetings.
Next Parish Council Election is: Spring 2012
Applications to run for election are available in the Parish Office.
Respect Life
The Respect Life Ministry focuses on life and death issues involving the beginning of life, end of life, the death penalty, and legislative action on the parish, diocesan, state and national levels. Our parish respect life volunteers help to bring diocesan and national information to the parish and organize informational sessions and prayer opportunities.
The Diocese of Venice Respect Life website is http://www.dovrespectlife.org/
For more information please contact Maria Maddalena
Respite Care
The Respite Program is designed to offer relief to those individuals who are the constant caregivers for someone in their home by allowing the caregiver some time for themselves. Volunteers are not expected to administer medications, to do housework, or food preparation. They act solely as a companion to the homebound. Respite volunteers are trained and insured through the NCCW (National Council of Catholic Women).
For more information please contact Dolores
Strength for the Journey Medical Support Group
This group was established to provide a friendship and support group to those parishioners faced with medical issues. The group meets periodically throughout the year and schedules speakers with information helpful to those with particular medical issues.
For more information please contact Lora McCann
Wedding Ministry
We are in need of volunteers to assist at the church when we have a wedding. This is a minimal committment and lots of fun.
For more information please contact Laura Hein
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