Time & Talent Opportunities
All Ministries
We are all stewards of some possessions and influence. The question is: “What kind of stewards are we?” If we start with a spirit of gratitude for the gifts God has granted us, we are able to reflect more prayerfully upon the opportunities we have to give back to our community and our church. Listed below are some of the ways we share our gifts at St. Thomas Aquinas. Please contact Susan Williams, Stewardship Chair, if you are interested in serving (926-5892 or bswilliams442@sbcglobal.net).
Arts & Environment If you love to arrange flowers, decorate on a limited budget, sew, have a gift for decor or don’t mind climbing a 24-foot ladder, this committee is for you! You’ll help change the church environment for liturgical seasons, and procure necessary flowers, cloths, etc. No meetings, but a representative attends the Liturgy committee meetings. Time commitment: 3-4 hours per quarter and as need arises around the Christmas and Easter seasons. Leader Rachel Waltz, 253-5872, rachelsmsn@yahoo.com
Annual Blood Drive Members of this committee ensure the success of the annual STA blood drive. You’ll collect signatures, call donors to remind them, make announcements in church, provide food for donors, set up and clean up after drive. Meetings are held Wednesday evenings as needed around the time of the drive. Leader Al and Jean Gibson, 259-9401, egibson@sbcglobal.net
Auction There’s a spot for everyone on this diverse and important committee! The parish auction, held every two years, is the major fund-raiser for our church and school. There are 16 committees: acquisitions, large ticket acquisitions, database management, item packaging and merchandizing, catalog ad sales, catering, décor, graphic design, ticket sales, sponsorships, communications, school baskets, raffle, set-up/tear-down, and hospitality. Planning begins the February before the auction in November. Meetings are typically held once a month through the summer, then more frequently leading up to the event. The hourly commitment depends entirely upon what you are willing and able to give. Leader Joanie Morris at 925-1319, dmorrisj@earthlink.net.
Bereavement When a member of our community dies, it is our responsibility and privilege to support the family with our compassion, prayers, and practical help. As a member of this committee, you may hang the bereavement flag; write condolences to the family, have a Mass offered; help at funerals and wakes; and share resources on death and dying issues. Occasionally the committee hosts memorial services or educational programs. The committee also created and maintains a Parish Book of Resurrection which lists every parish death from the inception of the parish. Leader Jane Clarke, 283-2085, jclarke@butler.edu.
RCIA The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults Are you interested in joining the Catholic Church? Would you like to know more about Catholicism? The Rite of Christian Initiation is for adults thinking about joining the Church, including those who have never been baptized, those baptized in another faith, and those baptized as Catholics but never confirmed. Weekly RCIA meetings run from September to April on Monday evenings from 7PM to 9PM in the Bethany room at STA. Leader: Karen Spear, 925-0918 KSpear@clarian.org.
Sacramental Prep First Communion is a huge event in every Catholic child’s life. You can help plan and prepare second graders for their Reconciliation and First Communion, guiding them to understand the gift of God’s love and grace through the Sacraments and helping them love the Eucharist! Volunteers in this ministry conduct small group activities, facilitate dinner, help make banners with candidate families, help with worship. This area is for people who you have a loving heart, a willingness to share Christ with our children, patience and organizational skills, computer skills, or communication skills. Leader Norma Seib, 253-1461, njseib@sta-indy.org
Sip and Serve provides beverages and doughnuts following Mass on two Sundays of every month so that parishioners and visitors are given an opportunity for fellowship following Mass. Volunteers pick up doughnuts, prepare coffee, lemonade, tea, and hot chocolate and provide service and collect money following Mass in the Narthex. All is cleaned up and put away. We need friendly, social parishioners who can count money. Leader Kelly Longenecker, 257-5639, kellylongenecker@yahoo.com
St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry The St. Vincent de Paul food pantry, located at St. Thomas Aquinas, provides emergency food for those in need. A family representative may come once a month to receive between 18 & 30 items of food or supplies depending on family size. They are offered a choice of items, not a pre-packed order, unless they choose the latter. They are required to provide a photo id and a letter mailed to their home in the last three months. The pantry is open from 8:30-10:30 am. Volunteers in this ministry check in clients, fill orders, stock shelves, and transport food from Gleaners to the pantry. We need people with smiling faces, a non-judgmental attitude and can give 4-20 hours per month. Leader Mark A. Varnau, 846-8885, mvarnau@indy.rr.com
St. Vincent de Paul Society exists for charitable giving of money, food, and materials, fulfilling one of Catholic Charities main entities. If you have a fair bit of determination and patience, we will teach you how to help the less fortunate establish a home. Volunteers at our warehouse distribute clothing and housewares every 6th Saturday. They distribute food daily during the week at our pantry. They visit those wanting warehouse goods and determine their needs. They call people who have requested monetary assistance with their rent or utilities to discuss their situation. Regular meeting dates are the first Thursday of the month, 7 pm, in the Parish Center. Leader John Juerling, 466-1486, jhjuerling@concast.net
Stewardship Members of the Stewardship Committee are responsible for promoting involvement in and providing for the financial needs of the Parish. Three specific objectives: involvement in ministries and activities of the Parish; prayer for the Parish and parishioners; and financial support through pledges obtained through Stewardship education and campaign results. Most of the activity is from September to November with peak involvement during Stewardship Weekends in October. Meetings are kept to a minimum. Leader Susan Williams, 926-5892, bswilliams442@sbcglobal.net
Finance Committee The finance committee is responsible for the development, review and approval of the parish revenue and expense budget and for the review and approval of all fundraising efforts. The Finance Committee (which consists of two representatives from the school, two from the parish office, six from the parish at large, the parish Priest and/or Pastoral Associate) maintains a general ledger system to properly record all revenue and expenses and maintains a monthly income statement and balance sheet to accurately reflect the financial position of the parish. A CPA reviews all entries and reports. This is an appointed committee that needs members with accounting and financial experience to understand the flow and timing of revenues and expenses and to anticipate the challenges to balancing the budget. Being open to ideas and discussion and being flexible but firm are key attributes. Regular meeting are on the fourth Saturday of each month from 8:30-10am with accommodations for holidays or vacations. Leader Brian Madden, 924-9637, bmadden@cemcocpa.com
Peace & Justice Committee Informs and involves the Parish in economic and social justice concerns and pursues ways to promote peace in the larger community. This community may encompass our neighborhood, city, state, nation, or international concerns. We research local organizations providing special services to our community and request donations to support them. We display posters, announcements, newsletters, and other information about causes we support; communicate through bulletin announcements and Mass announcements; provide speakers for the Between the Masses series; submit an annual budget to the Finance Council. Meetings are held on the first Monday of the month from 6-7:30 pm. If you have an interest in local, national and international economic and social justice issues, and a willingness and desire to make changes for the better inspired by the example and teachings of Jesus Christ, please join our committee. Leader Marcha Bennett, 253-1461, mdbennett@sta-indy.org
Prayer Power Prayer Power is a group of parishioners dedicated to daily prayer for specific and individual needs of others. This gives shut-ins and busy people an opportunity to volunteer and participate in a ministry from the comfort of home. Prayer Power receives requests for prayer by self-referral, phone, or email. Volunteers commit to prayer for 6 weeks. Requests are held in confidence. All that is required is to set aside a brief time each day to pray. There are no rules regarding how to pray. Volunteers of the Prayer Power Ministry should have a daily prayer time and faith to believe that God answers prayer. Members must have a spirit of generosity, compassion, and commitment towards those seeking prayers and must respect the confidentiality of prayer requests. Leaders Carole Y. Finnell, 253-4081, sewswell@excite.com or Sue Thomas, 253-3965, tsthomas@aol.com
RE Kids (K-5) RE Teens (6-8) RE High (9-12) Friendly, organized, faith-filled parishioners who want to pass on their Catholic faith will find this ministry very rewarding. You will teach a class of 3-10 children on Sunday mornings, 9:15-10:15, during the school year. Usually you team teach, so the commitment is only every other week. Materials are provided. Approximately 1 Hour class time and 2 hours prep time for each day you teach. Leader Norma Seib, 253-1461, njseib@sta-indy.org
Respect Life The goal of this ministry is to bring attention to pro life issues especially during Respect Life weekend in October and the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade in January. Volunteers organize, make announcements, and raise funds for St. Elizabeth Home. If you are motivated, love life and people and have leadership qualities, please join our committee. Leader Peggy Alderman, 283-6812
Buildings and Grounds Parishioners who have a knack for repairs, engineering, and contstruction would be a natural fit for this committee, which oversees the buildings and grounds of the campus. You’ll help conduct a yearly facility assessment, acquire quotes from qualified contractors to correct deficiencies found and supervise selected contractors. You’ll plan and sponsor a fall and spring cleanup weekend. Meetings are the second Thursday of the month in the parish library from 7:30-9:00 a.m. with others as needed. Leader Tom Chiplis, 251-8762, pappamom@aol.com
Caring Place Members of this committee provide socialization, peer support, health screenings and care for frail elderly and physically challenged individuals, offering respite for caregivers. Site—Fairview Presbyterian Church. You could walk or feed clients, play cards and games, assist with art projects, dog therapy, exercise and physical therapy, take local outings, read the Bible, play piano. If you love the elderly and disabled, have good rapport, and are gentle and caring, please join this ministry. Leader Sr. Susan Dinnin S.P. 466-0015
Cathedral Soup Kitchen Our Gospel calls us to serve the poor and feed the hungry. This committee provides nourishing Sunday noon meals for inner city poor and homeless. About 200 volunteers are needed to prepare meals, serve, do dishes, clean and mop, and take out trash. Teams rotate on a 2 month basis, 52 Sundays a year. Cooking time runs from approximately 9 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. and serving is from approximately 11:45 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Leader
Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) The Liturgy of the Word for children age 3 years to 5th grade opens up the Word of God for youth at an appropriate age. Volunteers plan weekly lessons, arrive at 10:15 and teach from 10:30-11 am. Craft materials are provided. 19 volunteers are needed Sunday mornings, September-May. Leader Norma Seib, 253-1461, njseib@sta-indy.org
Christ Renews His Parish This committee helps parishioners build a closer relationship with God by holding retreat weekends twice a year, for men and women separately. Volunteers will participate in the retreat weekend and then a formation period. These retreatants then host the next retreat weekend. If you have a desire to grow closer to God and Jesus and can spend two weekends, approximately 6 months apart and one evening a week for 12 weeks after the first weekend with your group, please get involved. Leaders Rod or Julie Hughes, 253-4464, Roderick_julie@hotmail.com
Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) Sports fans! Use your interests and talents to foster teamwork, sportsmanship and raise kids’ self confidence! We need coaches and adult role models to teach kids what an STA Tiger acts like on and off the court; provide equipment and uniforms; and raise money for the program through poinsettia sales, ticket sales, and concessions. Meetings are the 2nd Monday of the month at 7:30pm. A coach puts in about 5 hours per week for a 6 week session. Athletic committee averages 2-3 hours per month. Leader Karen Gardner, 925-4868, mgardner1@indy.rr.com
Eucharistic Ministers This ministry provides a group of specially trained STA parishioners who distribute communion during all Masses, take communion to the sick, and may lead communion services. All communion ministers go through a training session, with special training for those ministers who are willing to be head ministers. Head ministers set up for each Mass and wash all vessels used following each Mass. Training sessions for all new and renewing ministers will be conducted as needed. Ministers serve about every 3-4 weeks. They are expected to make a commitment for 3 years at a time. Leaders Sharon Mason (5:30pm & 8:00am Masses) 283-1686, samson@stvincent.org, Melissa Trumpey (10:30 am) 594-8376, mtrumpey@sbcglobal.net
Evangelization and Marketing Members of this committee meet to determine ways to tell the St. Thomas Aquinas story to the parish and community at large as well as gather new people to our vibrant parish and award-winning school. Contact the Parish Office, 253-1461
Faith Sharing Groups The purpose of this ministry is to provide small church community experience within the larger church community and to encourage spiritual sharing and growth. If you have organizational skills, communication skills and a willingness to share your faith experience, this group might be for you. Volunteers connect parishioners to share faith in small, home based groups (including Lenten suppers), provide materials for faith sharing to new and existing groups, and liaison between groups and parish for volunteer opportunities. Meetings are as needed. Average commitment is 2 hours per month. Leader Laura Henderson, 259-7149, lhenderson@bakerhill.com
Greeters This ministry is rooted in the biblical traditions of welcoming the stranger and building community. Greeters represent the whole parish community. By loving reverence shown to each person, we witness to the presence of God in the Assembly. We welcome people as they arrive for Mass, address the congregation at the beginning of Mass, arrange for the bread & wine to be brought up, take up the collection, hand out bulletins and good wishes as people leave church, and straighten up church after Mass. The time commitment is one Mass per month. Leader Nancy Stark, 849-2782, nmestark@netdirect.net
Groundhog Romp We all need a midwinter break, and volunteers for this ministry have a great time making that happen. The Groundhog Romp provides fundraising and fellowship, reaching outside the parish to create a great, affordable party. Committees include 50/50 raffle, beverage, food, decorations, ticket sales, set up/tear down. It’s a blast! Leader Karen Gardner, 925-4868, mgardner1@indyu.rr.com
Haiti There are many opportunities for persons of any background or talent in this vital STA ministry. The Haiti committee promotes exchange and communication through interaction with our sister parish, St. Jean-Marie at Belle-Riviere, Haiti . The committee members attempt to convey both the beauty and extreme poverty of Haiti through an annual report, regular news updates, photo/info displays, school visits, website displays, and email messages. Meetings are held the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 7pm in the Narthex. General time commitment is 2-3 hours per month or whatever the individual is willing to invest. Leader Joe Zelenka, 283-7061, jzelenka@msn.com
Home and School Association The purpose of the Home and School Association is to provide teacher and staff support, to provide communication between our homes and school, to provide enrichment opportunities for parents and children, to provide support in times of crisis and to foster parish and community support. All talents are needed: volunteers organize field trips and guest speakers; welcome newcomers; plan the sock hop and grandparents day; fundraise; serve pizza; provide tuition assistance and family support; sell Scrip; buygifts for teachers, supplies, books for the Book Fair; reward readers with book-it; make phone calls; solicit donations; and many other tasks. You can give as little or as much time as you desire. Meetings are the 3rd Friday of the month, in the morning. Leader Nancy Logan, 931-1218, nlogan@dow.com
Lectors Men and women proclaim the readings each weekend. Preparation time is needed to prepare well. A training session is offered. Time commitment is once or twice each month. Leader Jan Miller, 253-7934
Marriage Prep Marriage is one of the sacraments of the Christian Community. If you have a strong marriage, have been married for at least 5 years and are willing to share your marriage experience, this could be an incredibly rewarding ministry for you. Volunteers in this ministry help prepare engaged couples to better live the sacrament of marriage and experience it to its full richness. Sponsor couples are required to take a three hour training session and must be able to meet with engaged couples 3-4 times for 2-3 hours each. Meetings are scheduled between the sponsor couple and engaged couple. If you and your spouse are able to relate to others, are willing to share your own marriage experience, are good listeners and are persons of faith and to be good listeners, please join this ministry. Leader Andy & Dottie Weidekamp, 849-6556, weidbis@sbcglobal.net
Meals for Moms Meals for Moms provides meals for families with newborns so they have a chance to bond and to give mothers a chance rest and heal. Volunteers provide dinner on a scheduled date. They are given directions to the home, number of family members, and any dietary restrictions. Each volunteer contacts the newborn’s family to confirm date and time of delivery. There are no meetings required for this ministry. All communication occurs via phone and email. If you are friendly, caring, and supportive and can cook or provide a meal, please consider lending your talents to this worthy ministry. Leader Jennifer Timpe, 722-0879, jentimpe@yahoo.com
Ministry to the Sick, Nursing Home Members of this ministry visit Spring Mill Meadows Nursing home once a week to visit with and bring the Eucharist to Catholic residents. Volunteers obtain the hosts from the Parish Chapel; check with the Activity Dept at the nursing home for update of residents requiring the service; lead and/or assist with the Communion service or Mass; and provide bedside visits to all who cannot attend the Communion Service or Mass. Volunteers are taught basic procedures of a nursing home and how to conduct a Communion service. The time commitment is 1 ½ hours on Thursdays at 4 PM. once per month, or more frequently if desired. Occasionally substitute for Tuesday volunteer for bedside visits. If you are compassionate and comfortable in visiting the sick to provide emotional and social support, we need you. Leader Jeanne Riteris, 251-9260.
Ministry of Moms Sharing (MOMS) The single qualification for this ministry is that you are a mother! A guided series takes mothers on a spiritual journey where they do personal reflection, scripture reading, and sharing with a group of other mothers. Volunteers are needed to serve as facilitators and prayer sponsors. Each session consists of a 10 week commitment; meetings are once a week during those 10 weeks for 2 hours. Moms of all ages are welcome—from brand new moms through grandmother-dom! Leader Karen Momper, 924-4341, kmomper@indy.rr.com
Music Ministry Persons who are interested in singing, playing and instrument, being part of a choir are all welcome to join this ministry. Practice is usually on Monday or Thursday evenings. Leader Tina Valdois-Bruner at 253-1461, saintthomasmusic@sbcglobal.net
Nursery It’s such a small commitment...if you love kids and are willing to volunteer during 10:30 am Mass about once every 3 months, many parents will thank you for allowing them to worship without distraction! This cooperative nursery meets in the small room just off the church. Leader Robert Nargang, 255-7536. blnargang@sbcglobal.net
Office Volunteers Answer phones and assist with large mailings when no substitute is available and time is short. If you can answer phones, take messages and send calls to voicemail boxes when necessary and/or stuff and alphabetize/zip code envelopes, please help the office. Leader Marcha Bennett, mdbennett@sta-indy.org
Summer Religious Ed for Kids Summer religious ed for kids is our parish’s answer to vacation Bible school! It gives all parish kids fun, education, theme based, scripture-based programs to enjoy. Volunteers in this ministry plan the theme, snacks, stories, and scriptures for the summer “camp” which takes place on four Sundays followed by a campout in the summer. Imagination, creativity, 10-12 hours planning, then 2 hours each Sunday for 4 Sundays, then one weekend for the campout, are the requirements for this ministry. Leader Helen Weber-McReynolds, 255-3441, hweber@clarian.org
Young Children's Playgroup This group meets monthly for fellowship and fun to build relationships with other moms in the parish and to foster friendships among our children. We meet the second Friday of the month, at 10 am. During warm weather we meet at local parks and playgrounds, in the winter we rotate homes of those who want to be a hostess. There is not a requirement to be a hostess, you only need to come to play. All moms (and dads) are welcome! Volunteers host playgroup in the winter, come to playgroup each month. Leader Susan O’Reilly, 925-7554, soreilly@indy.rr.com
Youth Ministry—Youth Commission Help give a voice to the youth in our church! Meet to gather information and plan activities to support the youth and their parents in the parish on the 1st Thursday of the month, 7-8:30 pm, in the Parish Center. As a volunteer in this ministry, you’ll plan and carry out programs, recruit volunteers, help come up with ideas, help integrate youth into all ministries of the Church. Leader Norma Seib, 253-1461, njseib@sta-indy.org
Youth Ministry-High School We plan and execute Confirmation, plan and chaperone high school youth nights to help children understand the gift of God’s love. Volunteers are group leaders and presenters for Confirmation. We make food, watch open gym, and chaperone activities. A calendar is available that lists event dates. Leader Norma Seib, 253-1461, njseib@sta-indy.org
Youth Ministry-Jr. High We provide youth activities for the junior high students of our church and school, including social, spiritual, service, and educational activities in order to help them understand the gift of God’s love. Volunteers are small group leaders, retreat leaders, chaperones, and help integrate youth into liturgy and music. Volunteers also help with service projects. Regular meeting dates are every 3rd Saturday night, 5:30 Mass-9:30pm; Lord’s Pantry one Saturday a month 8:30-11am; October 30 Harvest of Can Goods service project. Leader Norma Seib, 253-1461, njseib@sta-indy.org
Young Adult Ministry Group of young adults 18-30 years of age gather for fellowship and sharing. Leader Jenny Rhodes, 294-3107, jrhodes@pike.k12.in.us.