September 2015

LITURGY AND WORSHIP................................1Altar Server...........................................................1Lector....................................................................1Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion (EMHC) 1Ministry of Caring (EMHC for Homebound)............1Liturgy and Worship Committee...........................1Liturgy of the Word for Children Ministry Team....1Ministry of Hospitality...........................................2Ushers...................................................................2Sacristans.............................................................2Linen Care.............................................................2Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.....................2Art and Environment.............................................3Music Ministry.......................................................3

PASTORAL CARE...........................................4Saint Patrick Pastoral Council................................4Hospital Care.........................................................4Healing Prayer Ministry.........................................4Building and Grounds............................................5Gardening Angels..................................................5Culinary Angels.....................................................5Martha’s Kitchen (Includes Funeral Dinners).........5Prayer Line............................................................5Men’s Group..........................................................5Women's Faith Sharing.........................................6Program Leader....................................................7

FAITH FORMATION........................................6Faith Formation and evangelization Commission..6The Adult Faith Formation Team...........................6

YOUTH MINISTRY..........................................7High School Youth (Grades 9-12)..........................7Middle School Youth (Grades 7-8).........................7

PARISH ADMINISTRATION MINISTRIES...........7Saint Patrick Finance Council................................7Festival of Tables..................................................7

Coffee & Donuts ..…………………………………………..8Lenten Soup Dinners.............................................8Cookie Club/Coffee & Donuts................................8Social Justice Committee.......................................8Couples Mentoring Program..................................8

Summerfest..........................................................9SAINT PATRICK SCHOOL………………………………..10

(School Board/PTO)Athletic Association...............................................11Father Flohe Foundation.......................................11Shamrock Newsletter Editorial Team....................12

ADDITIONAL SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES...........12Knights of Columbus.............................................12Couple to Couple League......................................12Portland Right to Life............................................12Right to Life Youth Society....................................13Catholic Order of Foresters...................................13

LITURGY AND WORSHIPALTAR SERVER

Those called to serve at the altar are to “assist the deacon and to minister to the priest…to attend to the service of the altar…in liturgical celebrations, especially in the celebration of Mass.” This ministry is open to young people beginning in 5th grade though the end of High School. Adults and families may also volunteer as Mass Servers.

LECTOR The role of the Lector in the Liturgy of the Word is crucial. Lectors assist in the mission of the Church, which is to preach the Gospel to the whole world. Thus, the Ministry of Lector is the key Lay Ministry in the celebration of the Eucharist. As the Lector proclaims the Word of God, God Himself speaks to His people.

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTER OF HOLY COMMUNION (EMHC)A Minister of Holy Communion is called to serve the very “life of the Church, the living Body of Christ.” EMHCs are entrusted with “administering the Eucharist, [and] with taking Communion to the sick.”

MINISTRY OF CARING (EMHC FOR HOMEBOUND) These are Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHCs) who take Communion to the sick and homebound.

LITURGY AND WORSHIP COMMITTEE This Committee’s role is to anticipate the liturgical needs of the various Feasts and Seasons of the Liturgical year and provide feedback on the Liturgies celebrated. They also make recommendations to the Pastor on Liturgical issues.

LITURGY OF THE WORD FOR CHILDREN MINISTRY TEAM Lead the Children’s Liturgy of the Word with others by taking the place of the priest and the deacon for the first part of the Mass, the “Liturgy of the Word.” Help children in Grades K through 3rd understand and apply the Scripture Readings for the particular Sunday to their daily lives. Anyone of high school age or older is encouraged to share the Word. Parents and older children/teenagers may form a team and do this together as a family.

MINISTRY OF HOSPITALITYMinisters of Hospitality welcome people to the church at weekend Masses. They represent the intent of our parish community to welcome and embrace all who come to share prayer. It is part of our effort to become a more welcoming parish. The goal is to make sure

that nobody enters through our church doors without being welcomed by someone. If you consider yourself to be a friendly and welcoming person, whether you are single, married or have a family with children, we need you!

USHERS Ushers take up the collection, seat late comers, and recruit volunteers for taking up the gifts. More importantly, this ministry is to be “the Hands of Christ [extended] to the living Body of Christ,” – opening doors, smiling a greeting, lending assistance to those in need..

SACRISTANS Sacristans provide the vital service of preparing the sanctuary and church for the celebration of the Eucharistic Liturgy, and assisting the deacon and the priest as needs arise.

LINEN CARE Volunteers take soiled linens (soiled with remnants of the Precious Blood and Sacred Host) home for laundering and ironing. This may include purificators, corporals, hand towels, albs and/or altar cloths.

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT Everybody is welcome to stop and pray anytime during Adoration hours, although, we need committed individuals who can commit to one specific hour each week to watch over the Blessed Sacrament.

Have you ever longed for a VERY, BEST FRIEND; someone with whom you could share your heart and soul? Someone who could understand and know your thoughts, feelings, and desires and not judge you? Someone who could share your joys and sorrows completely? This kind of friendship extends beyond the limitations of any human relationships and is found only with God.In our friend and family relationships, we want to spend quality time with those we love. Spending time with God during Eucharistic Adoration shows God we love Him enough to spend quality time with Him. By asking God to be with us throughout our day, guiding us in all we think, say, and do, we are giving Him the opportunity to bless our day abundantly. Our parish has a wonderful gift in giving us the opportunity to spend time with our loving and generous God in Eucharistic Adoration! If you have never come to spend some quiet, quality time with our Lord, please consider coming once. Whether you’re able to stay for 5 minutes or 30 minutes or 60 minutes, you’ll find your time

was not wasted! God WANTS to spend time with us as much as we NEED to spend time with Him!

ART AND ENVIRONMENT As a sub-committee of the Liturgy and Worship Committee, this faith-filled group is dedicated to the set-up and decoration of the Church environment in order to enhance our Eucharistic celebrations for the various Feast Days and Seasons of the Church year.

MUSIC MINISTRY Do you enjoy praising God through music? Consider being part of the St. Patrick Music Ministry team and help us make a joyful noise. As music ministers, we lead the congregation in song during worship. Whether you sing or play an instrument such as the organ, piano, guitar, bass, flute, trumpet, trombone, saxophone, violin, percussion, or hand bells, we offer a variety of opportunities for you to share your talents.Adult Choir This group rotates singing at the 9:30am and 11:30am Sunday Masses September thru June. Rehearsal is held in church every Wednesday evening from 7:30pm – 9:00pm September – June.Sunday Morning 9:30 Mass Contemporary EnsembleThis group sings every other week at the 9:30am Sunday morning Mass. Rehearsal is held on Sunday morning from 8am -10am just prior to the Sunday Mass at which they sing.Sunday Morning 11:30 Mass Contemporary EnsembleThis group sings every other week at the 11:30am Sunday morning Mass. Rehearsal is held on Sunday morning from 10am -11am just prior to the Sunday Mass at which they sing. Saturday 4:30 Vigil Mass Contemporary EnsembleThis group sings every other week at 4:30pm Saturday evening Mass. Rehearsal is held on the Thursday prior to the Saturday Mass at which they sing, from 7pm – 8:30pm.Cantor ProgramA Cantor leads the congregation in prayer through song. The cantor may also be the Psalmist but does not have to be. Cantors are required to prepare prior to their scheduled Masses.Psalmist ProgramA Psalmist proclaims the Word of God, the Psalm, in song. The Psalmist may also be the cantor but does not have to be. Psalmists are required to prepare prior to their scheduled Masses.Children’s Christmas Choir

This group sings for the 4:30pm Christmas Eve children’s Mass. Rehearsal is held on Saturday mornings from 10am - Noon from November – December.

Hand bell ChoirThis group rings hand bells for Mass on Christmas Day and for a Mass during the Easter Season; either on Easter Sunday or Pentecost Sunday. Rehearsal is held in St. Patrick School on Thursdays from 7pm – 8:30pm September – December and 7pm – 8:30pm January – April. No experience necessary ~ we will teach you everything you need to know!Resurrection ChoirThe Resurrection Choir sings for many of our Funeral Liturgies.  Funeral Masses are held at 11am or 1pm. Rehearsal is held twice a year from 10:30am – Noon on a weekday.Music CommitteeThe Music Committee meets every other month during the school year. The music committee is responsible for making decisions regarding the planning and use of music for Masses. Time commitment is 1.5 hours every other month.

PASTORAL CARESAINT PATRICK PASTORAL COUNCIL

The Pastoral Council is the visioning and planning body for the pastoral and spiritual concerns of the parish. It strives to identify the needs of the parish, studies and reflects upon those needs, makes recommendations and plans as to how those needs can be met, and evaluates the ministerial efforts of the parish.

Qualifications: A person must be willing to participate in prayer and study, be prepared to give time and attention to the work of the Council, able to dialogue and interact with other members, be dedicated to advancing the common good of the parish as a whole.

HOSPITAL CARE There is great need for hospital visitation, especially when clergy are unavailable. Hospital Visiting is one way for the Church of St. Patrick to say to someone who is sick that we care. Hospital visiting currently might involve visiting any of the Lansing or Ionia hospitals when there is a need.

HEALING PRAYER MINISTRY

The purpose of our healing prayer ministry is to pray in the presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament for the spiritual, physical, and emotional healing of all who are in need of such. We encourage anyone in need of any kind of healing to come and be in the healing presence of the Blessed Sacrament, while we pray. If unable to attend, however, we welcome anyone to call with any specific or general healing needs so that we may pray in their behalf. We very much encourage those with healing needs to seek the Sacrament of The Anointing of the Sick as well as prayer before the Eucharist. We also encourage anyone who receives healing of any kind to let it be known in some way so that we can offer praise and thanksgiving to Jesus, the Divine healer, and to help build the faith of our parish family.

BUILDING AND GROUNDS Recommends intermediate and long term property maintenance planning.  Sub-committee of Finance Council.

GARDENING ANGELS This is the perfect opportunity for anyone who enjoys gardening; from watering plants and flowers to planting our beds or just maintaining our beautiful grounds.

CULINARY ANGELS The Culinary Angels are parishioners who are willing to provide a "blessing" meal to those who may be in need of support due to hospitalization, tragedy, or a new baby or death in the family. 

MARTHA’S KITCHEN (INCLUDES FUNERAL DINNERS) A ministry focused on preparing and/or serving food at special events. Service opportunities vary from coordinating food preparation for funeral dinners or other parish events, helping to serve at these events, or to prepare a dish to share at an event.

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRYWe cover the ill, the homebound, the elderly, etc. with physical warmth and spiritual support by making shawls, cap shawls, and hats & booties (for newborns.) We also make hats, mittens, and scarves for the Christmas baskets.

PRAYER LINEMembers of the St. Patrick Prayer Line pray for the intentions of those in need or expressing thanks to God. Intentions are submitted by either

someone in need or by someone calling on their behalf. Members also pass this information on to the other prayer line members using a phone tree.

MEN’S GROUP The purpose of the Men’s Group is to support men in the Catholic Church who are trying to live the true teachings of the Church. We have found for many men this to be a difficult task because of all the contradictions that they are bombarded with. We established three primary areas which we call the three S's i.e., Support, Study and Service. We meet every Saturday of the month from 6:30 am to 8:00 AM at C.I.A. Headquarters. All men are welcomed to join us. The study portion includes watching Catholic Videos, book studies, bible studies and healthy dialogue. Some of the service projects the Men's Group have organized include bringing speaker Marcelliano D' Ambrosio to St. Patrick’s three years ago, inviting Jean Watson this past Christmas Season for a night of Christmas Music and initiating the distribution of Matthew Kelly's book Rediscovering Catholicism.

WOMENS’S FAITH SHARING GROUPThe Women’s Faith Sharing Group was started in 2015 to give women of our parish a safe place to share how Jesus has touched their lives.  Through prayer, study, and fellowship we strive to grow in our relationship with Jesus and each other.  We share and reflect on the Sunday readings, watch videos clips by Catholic speakers such as Matthew Kelly and Dr. Taylor Marshall, and discuss books, movies, and activities that help us enrich our faith.  We discuss thoughts, issues, challenges related to living a Christian life as women.  We look forward to where the Holy Spirit will lead us in this ministry.  We meet twice a month on Saturday mornings and welcome women of all ages to join us.

FAITH FORMATION

FAITH FORMATION AND EVANGELIZATION COMMISSION The Parish Faith Formation and Evangelization Commission (P.F.F.E.C.) assists the Pastor, the Director of Faith Formation, and Evangelization, Coordinator of Youth Ministry in developing and supporting a vision for effective parish based catechesis and faith formation, as well as developing and supporting goals and programs for faith formation/catechesis of adults, youth, children and families. P.F.F.E.C.’s role is advisory and consultative to the Pastor, the Director of Faith Formation, and the Coordinator of Youth Ministry. Commission members are members of the parish, committed to prayer and study, committed to the development of faith formation/catechesis for all parish members, committed to regular meetings, and resourceful in assisting with the goals of parish faith formation.  The members should also have the

ability to engage in dialogue that facilitates consensus.  Officers consist of a chairperson, an assistant chairperson, and a secretary.  Subcommittees may be formed as needed.

THE ADULT FAITH FORMATION TEAM This group helps plan/organize our Adult Faith Formation programs and evangelization efforts. Members assist Director to initiate and oversee responsibilities of the programs; they extend their support and communicate to the entire faith community; and they seek to improve

the vision and mission of Parish Faith Formation Programming and strategies.

PROGRAM LEADER Program leaders work individually or as part of a team to develop, promote, implement, and evaluate programs and strategies.

YOUTH MINISTRY The purpose of St. Patrick Youth Ministry is to lead middle school and high school teens to a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. We do this through fellowship and community building, discipleship training, worship and prayer, service of others, and evangelism.

HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH (GRADES 9-12)High School Ministry is every Sunday from 6:30-8:30 pm at C.I.A. Headquarters. Major events during the year include: an alternative Spring Break experience – Mission Trip, Dinner Theatre and Big Man for Christ Pageant, Steubenville Youth Conferences and DYMO camp

opportunities in the summer months, as well as social events like Movie Nights, etc.

MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH (GRADES 7-8) Middle School Ministry is every Friday from 2:30-4:00 pm at C.I.A. Headquarters.

PARISH ADMINISTRATION MINISTRIES

SAINT PATRICK FINANCE COUNCIL The Finance Council is to advise the Pastor on financial matters and the administration of parish property, assist in the preparation of the general parish budget, review the parish financial, personnel, and administrative

operations, review the care and maintenance of parish property and buildings, develop long range planning for operational and capital needs, and assist in encouraging parish financial stewardship. Some (or any) of these responsibilities may be delegated to Committees of the Finance Council.

FESTIVAL OF TABL ES Festival of Tables is a women’s luncheon held in the winter. Volunteers include: a coordinator; greeters; a decorator/ambiance specialist; a kitchen crew (preferably men); and women to host their tables. Hostesses are asked to decorate their tables with linen and tableware in whatever theme they choose. This luncheon is hosted by the women of St. Patrick’s, supported especially by the Welcoming & Social

Committee, and benefits the Portland Area Ministerial Association.COFFEE & DONUTS

Coordinate and assist with the Coffee and Donuts social gathering held after mass the first Sunday of each month in the parish hall.

LENTEN SOUP DINNERS Sponsor or assist with Lenten Soup Suppers held after Stations of the Cross on Friday evenings during Lent.

COOKIE CLUB The Cookie Club is a ministry for people that would like to welcome new parishioners into our parish family. In teams of two, the members visit new parishioners. They take gifts of homemade cookies or other baked goods. They also take a packet containing the Stewardship and Ministries Book, the Parish Directory, and a welcoming note written on St. Patrick Parish note paper.

SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMITTEEThe Social Justice Committee began in 2015 with Deacon Dan Shumaker as our guide. It is a committee in the making beginning with the introduction and education of parishioners of St. Patrick to the seven basic themes of Catholic Social Teaching:

(1) Life and Dignity of the Human Person(2) Call to Family, Community and Participation(3) Rights and Responsibilities(4) Option for the Poor and Vulnerable(5) The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers(6) Solidarity(7) Care for God’s Creation

The mission of the Social Justice Committee is to educate and empower Catholics to practice charity and justice defined by Catholic Social Teachings (as listed above). This will be accomplished by working in collaboration with the other established ministries at St Patrick, as well as coordinating activities when possible with our cluster Parish, St. Joseph, Pewamo, along with continued education of our members.

COUPLES MENTORING PROGRAMThe couples mentoring program is in place to better serve our engaged couples as they prepare for the sacrament of Holy Matrimony.  Mentor couples receive training and meet with engaged couples several times leading up to wedding.  This group also plans "Date Night" evenings for married couples of all ages.

SUMMERFEST Various positions to fit everyone.

Ministry Position Total #

Immediate Need as of 11/1/205

Co-Chairs 6 2Core Committee 5 23-on-3 Chair 2 03-on-3 Workers 20 205K Run Chair 1  5K Run Workers 5 55K Timer 1 1Bike Rally 4Chicken Dinner Chair 2  2Chicken Dinner Cook 1  Chicken Dinner Cook Assts 15 15Chicken Dinner Workers 20 20Cooking 1  Food Tent Chair 1 1Food Tent Workers 50 50Fund Raising (Merchants) 1 1Gathering Tent Chair 2 0Gathering Tent Workers 50 50Kids Games & Activities Chair 2  Kids Games/Activities Workers 50 50

Outdoor Mass Chair 2  Outdoor Mass Workers 5 5Physical Properties Chair 2 0Preparing Meat 1  Public Relations 1  Raffle Chair 2 2 Raffle Workers 14 14Receive Desserts 1 1Set-up Festival 30 30Softball Tournament Chair 2  Softball Umpires 10 10Tear-down Festival 30 30Volleyball 2

SAINT PATRICK SCHOOL

Our Mission StatementWe Pray!  We Learn!  We Achieve!

Our Philosophy"And whatever we (you) do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."  (Colossians 3:17)

We depend upon hundreds of volunteers working in close partnership to carry out our special mission. Giving time and talent helps the school provide support in areas that either would not get done at all, or would get done only by sacrificing another necessary service. School volunteering is a witness to the students as well as to your

faith.Volunteer opportunities are too numerous to list. Some volunteer categories include, but are not limited to, the following: maintenance; office help; website design and maintenance, classroom assistance; lunch aids; fundraising efforts; and many more – please call the school at 647-7551 or visit the school website at www.portlandstpats.com to learn how you can help.

SCHOOL BOARD The school board serves as an advisory board to the school administrators and pastor. The activities of the school board include strategic planning, formulation and evaluation of school policies, as well as oversight of financial operations and mission effectiveness.

PARENT/TEACHER ORGANIZATION

The mission of the St. Patrick Parent/Teacher Organization is to advance the welfare of the students in St. Patrick School through the coordinated efforts of parents, teachers and students, and to provide support in obtaining the necessary tools to aid in the educational and spiritual development of the students.Why get involved? The success of the PTO is dependent upon the efforts and ingenuity of our St. Patrick family. One of our objectives is to increase volunteerism and stewardship. Wide arrays of volunteer opportunities are available. Parent participation is necessary to reach our goals. You can choose your level of involvement and area of interest. Together we can make a measurable difference for our school. Join our team to help make our group even stronger!

ATHLETIC ASSOCIATIONThe organization’s original duty was to raise the money necessary to operate the Shamrock athletic program, and its members have never veered from that goal. Currently the athletic budget runs over $160,000 per year, and every penny of it is raised by this group. Other than the Father Flohe Foundation, the Athletic Association is the single largest revenue-generating group in the parish.The income for the athletic program comes from these sources:

The Annual Fall Festival held the second Sunday of October The Shamrock Auction held the last Saturday in April (The proceeds of the

auction are split 50/50 with the school.) The Shamrock Sport Raffle which features four drawings each month Gate/Door Income at games Sale of concessions at gamesVolunteers are needed for each of the above. Volunteer opportunities range from a couple of hours working Fall Festival; Donating and/or making an item for auction; to a commitment of chairing an event.

FATHER FLOHE FOUNDATION The FFF is a 501(c) 3 organization.  Contributions are tax deductible. The FFF provides annual funding for St. Patrick School

Each June, the Foundation awards the Father Flohe Education Bell Award to an alumnus of St. Patrick School who in their life has exemplified the high goals and accomplishments that a graduate of St. Patrick can achieve.

The Foundation awards the Marie Leik Slowinski Scholarship each year to a student who demonstrates good study habits, steady improvement and hard work.

The Foundation provides funding for the Shamrock Newsletter. Since 2003 the Foundation has hosted the 50-Year Reunion for St. Patrick

graduating classes.How to Support the Foundation

Cash Contributions Life Income Gifts and Life Insurance Memorial Gifts and Bequests

Contributions can be made by various means. See the Parish web site for more details.

SHAMROCK NEWSLETTER EDITORIAL TEAM The Shamrock Newsletter Editorial Team is responsible for writing and mailing the Shamrock Newsletter. The newsletter is mailed two times per year (in April and October) to all members of the parish, all school alumni, and all donors to the Father Flohe Foundation. 

ADDITIONAL SERVICE OPPORTUNITIESVolunteer opportunities outside of St. Patrick Parish and School that further our mission.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS The Knights of Columbus was founded by Fr. Michael McGivney in 1882, and is the largest Catholic service organization in the world. It is open to any practicing Catholic man 18 years and older, and offers the opportunity for fellowship with people who share the same beliefs. As an organization they help raise awareness for needy causes and generate funds to support a variety of charitable activities. The Knights also encourage and support those considering the priesthood and religious life, and are dedicated to the Catholic Church, the Pope, our parishes, and our communities

COUPLE TO COUPLE LEAGUE The Couple to Couple League (CCL) is an international, interfaith, non-profit organization dedicated to teaching Natural Family Planning (NFP) to married and engaged couples. It is essentially a volunteer organization because services are provided by professionally-trained volunteers who are supported by a relatively small staff at the international headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio. Local Chapters of the organization consist mainly of certified Teaching Couples and Promoters, along with other supportive members.

PORTLAND RIGHT TO LIFE Right to Life is a non-sectarian, non-partisan organization of pro-life groups in the state of Michigan, committed to articulating and protecting the right to life of defenseless human beings, born and unborn. Portland is one of 100 Right to Life affiliates in Michigan who raise money for programs and projects to achieve that goal. We strive to educate people on Life issues and encourage community support for programs and legislation that foster respect and protection for human life. We are vigilant in the struggle against assisted suicide and euthanasia, and are regular contributors to Pregnancy Services of Ionia County who support women in crisis pregnancies.

RIGHT TO LIFE YOUTH SOCIETY   It is our goal is to show that being pro-life is more than a state of mind; it is a way of life. We are a group of high school and college students committed to educating our peers on the realities of abortion and assisted suicide. We are dedicated to speaking up for those who are unable to speak for themselves. We strongly believe that every human being should have the basic fundamental right to life, and strive to protect all individuals from conception until natural death.

CATHOLIC ORDER OF FORESTERS Catholic Order of Foresters is a not-for-profit fraternal insurance organization.  COF is people helping people, bonding together for mutual support, loving and serving God by giving our physical, financial, and spiritual resources to make a difference.  Each COF member holds a Catholic Order of Foresters life insurance policy or annuity and is eligible for COF's unique added-value fraternal benefits, which enhance membership and set us apart from commercial companies.  Among these added-value benefits are eligibility for scholarships and educational awards, tuition assistance for Catholic school students and public school students attending Catholic religious education

programs, and newborn and orphan benefits.  For members facing terminal illness, we offer early access to life policy proceeds through our Living Benefits accelerated rider.  Our members form a fraternal network of more than 400 local courts, offering social, educational, spiritual, and benevolent activities.  Members are also welcomed and encouraged to participate in the Order's leadership and government. Through local courts, member volunteers have the opportunity to support Catholic and community causes.  Our successful Matching Funds Program© of charitable giving allows courts to raise money for school, parish, community, and humanitarian needs.

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