ART & ENVIRONMENT MINISTRY Contact: Lois Latzy

Art & Environment ministry is responsible for enhancing the Sanctuary area with the appropriate liturgical year’s changes in respect to Holy days, Feast days, special occasions (Confirmation, First Communion) and seasonal colors. Duties include changing altar area linens, procuring all necessary supplies, purchasing flowers and providing the manpower to make the weekly/monthly/seasonal changes, as well as designing and sewing banners and Altar linens.

BAPTISM PREPARATION  Contact: John Pucke

An individual or a couple can volunteer to participate in the Baptismal program. You would assist in the Baptism of children at a Mass or in the separate Baptism ceremony (selected Sundays at 1:30 p.m.) 2 to 6 times a year. It’s easy and a great way to serve the parish, meet new people and welcome the youngest members of our community!

WEDDING ASSISTANTS Contact:  Caron Bergen

One Wedding Assistant is needed for each wedding rehearsal and ceremony.  Wedding Assistants are responsible for performing the following tasks; running the Rehearsal (either with or without the direction of the deacon/priest); setting up the Sanctuary for the Wedding; performing Sacristan duties (if needed for a wedding performed within a Mass); guiding the bridal party before, during and after the Wedding; and tidying up the Sanctuary and Hospitality Room after the bridal party departs.  This requires a multi-day, multiple hour commitment on a Friday evening (Rehearsal) and Saturday morning or evening (Wedding), only once per month.  Training, policies, and a small stipend are provided.  Good communication skills and neat appearance are required.

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OUTREACH

BEREAVEMENT (COMPANIONS ON THE JOURNEY)  Contact: Sheila Kanoza 874-9108

If you have lost a spouse, child, parent, sibling, or friend, your grief is real.  The Bereavement Group, Companions on a Journey, is to help you deal with your grief.  Meetings are 7:00-9:00 p.m. in the Hospitality Room.  Child loss meets 1^st & 3^rd Wednesdays of the month.  All grief support meets 2^nd & 4^th Wednesdays of the month.  Social group is open to anyone who has suffered from the death of a loved one.  It is a group that socializes monthly.  You do not need to be a member of the support group to attend.

LAZARUS LUNCHEON MINISTRY   Contact:  Carol Heuser 777-4322 x104

Offered to parishioners having a funeral at St. Max.  Coordinators will host a peaceful and comfortable luncheon for family and friends following the ceremony.  Volunteers needed to make phone calls requesting help, prepare a side dish, or help with set up or clean up the day of the funeral luncheon.

CHARITABLE PROJECTS IMPACT  Contact: Kathie Roberts

IMPACT (Individuals Making Pro-Active Charity Together) has a twofold purpose in the parish. It disburses the biannually budgeted money from the parish general fund, as well as the funds received from three special pink envelope (in the monthly contribution packet) collections.  Under the patronage of St. Maximilian Kolbe, we strive to impact the local and global community by being pro-active in organizing  special collections of goods, directing in-kind donations from parishioners, and coordinator volunteer opportunities that aid economic needs and inspire spiritual growth. 

CHRISTMAS FOOD BASKET  Contact: Patrick McKenna

Christmas Food Basket Ministry is a special once a year reach-out program in which all members of the parish can participate. St. Max parishioners select a specific needy family from lists provided by local agencies and then purchase food ($100-$150) to feed this family during the holiday season. Workers are needed in December to load food boxes in trucks and deliver to local agencies.

COMMUNION TO THE SICK  Contact: Carol Heuser 777-4322 Ext. 104

Please contact the parish office if you or a family member would like communion brought to your home if you are sick or shut in. If you are an extraordinary minister and would like to distribute to the sick please call Carol.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS  Contact: Rick Carpenter

The Knights of Columbus is the largest Catholic Fraternal organization in the world. The St. Max Council is one of over 10,000 worldwide. Members and their families are provided opportunity for service to the parish and the community. Men at least 18 years old are eligible for membership. Members meet on the second Wednesday of each month.

MORE THAN A MEAL  Contact: Kathy Johnson

Formally known as Meals on Wheels, More Than A Meal is sponsored by the Senior Citizens Center (SCC) of Hamilton.  St. Max has responsibility for delivering daily meals to SCC clients in Liberty Township.  Volunteers pickup coolers of frozen and chilled food at the parish (10:30a.m. on weekdays only) then deliver the meals along a predetermined route consisting of about 10 houses.  Although the client list changes frequently, the route takes an average of 1.5 hours to complete.  Each driver typically delivers on one or two mornings a month. 

MINISTRY OF CARE Dena Moulton  Visit our web page!

A ministry of welcoming…to all parishioners.  We will reach out in friendship and care to our neighbors – in happy times and in times of need.  Neighborhood Representatives:  Be “a good and special neighbor” to approx. 10 of our St. Max families.  Area Coordinators are responsible for communication with an oversight of approximately 10 Neighborhood Representatives.

NURSING HOME MINISTRY  Contact: Jill Back

This is a ministry in which volunteers pray a Rosary with meditations for the elderly on a weekly basis at three area nursing homes. This is a weekly ministry that continues throughout the year. The purpose of this ministry is to intercede for the elderly who are nearing the end of their days on earth, to unite their prayers to the Immaculate Heart and the Sacred Heart and to provide prayer support and Christian friendship to those elderly who are suffering, lonely, and miss the opportunity for parish community and prayer. Currently we have a group that goes to nursing homes on Tuesday & Thursday mornings for about one hour. New volunteers are always welcome.

OFFICE HELP AT THE PARISH  Contact: Kathy Wojciechowski 777-4322 ext. 101

Volunteers are needed at different times to assist the parish in special mailings, stuffing bulletins, etc.

RESPECT LIFE  Contact: JoAnn Neumann

The Respect Life Committee is a ministry of prayer, education and service for the respect of life in its weakest states. The St. Max group primarily focuses on the unborn. We have a Holy Hour on the 3rd Wednesday of each month to pray for an end to abortion and the respect of all life. We hold a “baby shower” each year for a crisis pregnancy center and engage in other fundraising events as opportunities arise. Our goal is to educate our parishioners and community about the realities and evils of abortion.

SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT de PAUL

The society is the largest lay association of charity in the Roman Catholic Church. The society serves those in need by person-to-person contact.  This is accomplished through a home visit made by parishioners who belong to a conference.  We offer what we can to anyone within our parish boundaries.  Membership in a conference offers opportunities for spiritual growth, friendship and service.

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SOCIAL

FESTIVAL  Contact: Laura McKenna

A parish festival is held the 2nd weekend in June. The purpose of the festival is to provide an opportunity for parishioners to become acquainted with one another and to provide additional funds for capital improvements and debt reduction. The festival is a social event requiring many volunteers from the parish to help plan and work during the weekend of the festival.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS  Contact: Rick Carpenter

The Knights of Columbus is the largest Catholic Fraternal organization in the world. The St. Max Council is one of over 10,000 worldwide. Members and their families are provided opportunity for service to the parish and the community. Men at least 18 years old are eligible for membership. Members meet on the second Wednesday of each month.

WELCOME WEEKEND  Contact:  Amy Pfiester

The Welcome Weekend Reception is a ministry offered to acknowledge and welcome new parishioners to the St. Maximilian Kolbe Church community. The reception takes place eight times a year after each weekend Mass. Volunteers are needed for baking, set-up/clean-up and being present before, during or after a Mass to replenish food & drinks. The commitment is only eight times a year and it's a wonderful time to meet new people!

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FUNDRAISING/FINANCE

ADOPT A “SCAPE”  Contact: Larry Witsken 777-4322 Ext. 110

A ministry that is in need of individuals, families, and groups to maintain a section of landscaping here at our facility.  Responsibilities include weeding, mulching, and nourishing your area.  This ministry will be guided by the facilities manager.

FESTIVAL  Contact: Laura McKenna

A parish festival is held the 2nd weekend in June. The purpose of the festival is to provide an opportunity for parishioners to become acquainted with one another and to provide additional funds for capital improvements and debt reduction. The festival is a social event requiring many volunteers from the parish to help plan and work during the weekend of the festival.

GROCERY FUND  Contact: Jane Schnobrich 777-4322 ext. 111

Kroger Gift Card - Purchase a gift card at the parish office and use it when buying your groceries.  St. Max receives up to 4% of all purchases.  The card can be reloaded over and over again.

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EDUCATION/FORMATION

ALPHA Contact: Gwen Johnson 777-4322 Ext. 107

There is a place for spiritual explorers on a quest, looking for their true North, a reference point from which they can measure their own life experiences and opinions, where questions are treated as opportunities, not obstacles. It’s an interactive place, where the curious are rewarded for their efforts and the weary are helped with their load, an informal atmosphere where life, faith and God can be questioned and experienced, where Christ’s claims are investigated, His work is examined, and His presence is felt. It is Alpha and it is waiting for you.

Alpha is a ten week course offered in the fall and spring that covers topics like “Why did Jesus have to die?” and “How can I be sure of my faith?” Each Tuesday night during the Alpha session, we gather for dinner, hear a brief teaching, and then discuss what we’ve heard in a smaller group format. It’s a great time to build relationships and get more information about the basics of following Jesus. Pre-registration is required.

FAITH LESSONS FOR WOMEN/MOMS/ADULTS  Contact: Elizabeth Conner

Faith Lessons for Women is on Wednesday mornings from 9:30-11:30 in the Parish Conference Room.  For more information call Pam Lawson.  For childcare, please call Elizabeth Conner.

Faith Lessons for Adults is on Wednesday evenings (no childcare provided) in Room 18 of the Fr. Porter Family Life Complex from 7-8:30pm.  For more information contact Pam Lawson.

Faith Lessons for Moms is on Wednesday mornings in the gym.  For childcare contact Elizabeth Conner.  This group includes weekly exercise with the faith formation.

All three groups use a combination of book studies, video, prayer and presentations for ongoing faith formation and fellowship.  For information about book order deadlines, call the contact above or go the Adult Faith Formation page.

LIBRARY  Contact: Biz Ebben

The ministry of the Monsignor Whalen Memorial Library is to care for the current collection of books, audio and videotapes, and to process newly purchased as well as donated items. We also sponsor a monthly book discussion group from October through April. Volunteers are needed to work in the library after weekend Masses for one half-hour, once a month—this includes checking items out and in, adding new patrons to the library computer system, re-shelving checked-in items, and checking the return box for items that need to be checked in. We also need volunteers who can help during the week by neatening shelves, making sure items are shelved correctly, contacting patrons who have overdue items and getting the monthly new parishioner lists from the office, as well as periodically processing donations and newly purchase items. Processing new items involves using the library computer to input cataloging information about each new item, as well as assigning a barcode to each new item. Training on the library software is provided. Volunteers are welcome in all aspects of the library’s mission.

MARRIAGE PREPARATION  Contact: Bob & Kathy Obert

This is a couple-to-couple program. The couple works with engaged couples in marriage preparation. The sponsor couple reviews the Focus instrument with the engaged couple. The meetings are informal & take place in the sponsor couples’ home.

MIGHTY MAX  Contact: Heather Allesandro

“Partners in Learning!” Mighty Max is a small group experience featuring stories, songs, finger plays and art projects that you and your child (ages 18 months to 3 years) can share at class and at home. These activities make for rewarding time together and positive mutual independence. Our classes meet once a week in 6 week sessions (Sept. thru May).

MODERN SAINT NEWSLETTER  Contact: Dianne Feltz

The Modern Saint newsletter is mailed to all parishioners every month. Part-time assistance is needed.

Editor: The editor is responsible for the administration of the Modern Saint monthly newsletter that is mailed to all parishioners. Monthly duties include: sending an email reminder for submissions to a mailing list the week before deadline. Monthly submissions received through the parish office mailbox or email must be collected, edited for content, punctuation, clarity and size and then submitted with instructions by email to the layout editor. A final edit of the 8-10 page issue must be performed before submitting for publication. The parish office is responsible for folding, stuffing and mailing the newsletter.

Layout Editor: The Layout Editor receives edited articles, photographs and instructions from the Modern Saint Editor and places all items in newsletter form for publication. Each completed monthly issue must be emailed to the editor for a final edit, necessary changes made and then the final issue must be emailed to the printer for publication.

Staff: Writers and photographers are needed to assist the Modern Saint Editor with acquiring information for the monthly newsletter. These positions require no more than a few hours per month.

Assembly Staff: Assistance is needed in preparing the Modern Saint monthly newsletter for mailing and delivery to the post office. These positions require no more than a few hours per month.  

THIS IS OUR FAITH & A BIRTH IN BETHLEHEM  Contact: Colleen Gerke 777-4322 Ext. 106

These are seasonal events for persons of all ages to explore the life of Jesus and practices of our faith in preparation for Christmas and Easter.  A volunteer team of 10 adults is needed to coordinate each event.  It generally involves two meetings in preparation for the event. Each December the Family Ministry team offers this event for young children (about 3 years through 8 years) and their parents. This special birthday party for Jesus allows parents and children to visit various centers based on the birth of Jesus: Crafts, Games, Music and Storytelling. We then all meet back in the gym for cupcakes, ice cream and of course singing Happy Birthday to Jesus! A volunteer team of 10 adults is needed to coordinate this event. It generally involves only two meetings.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL  Contact: Colleen Gerke 777-4322 Ext. 106

Adults and Youth Volunteers are needed to plan and work during Vacation Bible School for approximately 200 children in grades K-4. Vacation Bible School is held from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon the last full week of June.  Volunteer assistance needed in: Crafts, Music, Storytelling, Snacks and Games. A six-person leadership team coordinates this event. Volunteers are needed for this team as well.

VOCATIONS COMMITTEE  Contact: Margy Conditt

The Vocations Committee works to promote awareness and appreciation of all vocations, with special emphasis on vocations to the priesthood and religious life.  The committee organizes prayer opportunities and various vocations-related events, as well as providing support to those discerning or following a call from the Lord to serve as a priest or religious.  Meetings are usually held monthly, September through May.

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PRAYER

ANSWER THE CALL MEN’S GROUP  Contact: Ron Pfister

This group meets on the second Thursday at 7:00 p.m. and the fourth Saturday at 7:00 a.m. of every month in Room 5 of the St. Max Complex. An informal meeting with opening prayer; an open discussion of events or personal thoughts on how God has come closer to our lives during the past couple of weeks and, time permitting, a reading and discussion of the upcoming Sunday’s readings.