Evangelization & Catechesis Ministries

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1% CHALLENGE TEAM
Contact: Jo Zink, 513-777-4221, takethechallenge@saint-max.org

The goal of the 1% Challenge is to foster and grow a culture of daily prayer with Scripture.  The 1% Challenge Team consists of parishioners who provide the Scripture verses and content that will go out to the parish through a daily email and social media.  Some of our team members select scripture verses that are used for the emails and Monday videos.  Other team members develop the scripts and produce the Monday videos that are posted each week. We are always looking for new members for our team.  Email or call with any questions or interest in being on the team.  A love of scripture and passion to share with others is the only thing you need!

ALPHA
Contact: alpha@saint-max.org

Alpha is a series of 11 sessions exploring the Christian faith.  Each session includes food, a short video that is designed to spark a thought-provoking conversation and group discussion. There is no pressure, no follow-up, and no charge.   Since 1990, Alpha has been experienced by 29 million people of many Christian denominations from 169 countries in 112 languages. It is fully endorsed by the Catholic Church as a great starting place for many people interested in the faith.

No matter who you are, nonbeliever, cradle Catholic, or anywhere in-between, you’ve got questions, and that’s what Alpha is all about. Alpha is for anyone who is curious.  The talks are designed to encourage conversation and explore the basics of the Christian faith in a friendly, open, and informal environment. No question is out of bounds, and you are free to discuss as little or as much as you wish.

BIBLE STUDIES
Contact: Cathy Casto, scripturestudy@saint-max.org

Beginners to seasoned scripture scholars are welcome to join our St. Max Bible Studies. These groups meet weekly to read, study, and discuss the Bible via study guides and DVD programs. Each group is autonomous and studies different aspects of the Bible. Most studies begin in the fall and continue through the spring but you are welcome to join at any time. There are various times available. 

Dead Theologians Society
Contact: Debby Kellner or Jo Zink, DTS@saint-max.org

Dead Theologians Society is for youth in grades 8 through 12.  Meetings begin with social time including games and snacks and then move into the main part of our meeting where we'll enter into the candle-lit, catacomb-like environment to pray and be inspired by the heroes of the Church.  The saints were normal people, but were able to die to the world and live lives of extraordinary virtue and holiness.  Come and be inspired by these men and women and learn how you too can be a hero! Meetings are the second Friday of the month from 7:00 - 9:00 PM in the youth room. Safe parish approved adults volunteers are also welcome to come and help out!

EXODUS 90
Contact: Rick Brandell, Exodus90@saint-max.org

Exodus 90 is a difficult 90 day exercise for men. Designed to shift your spiritual life into 5th gear, the exercise embraces three fundamental components of the Christian life for men: prayer, asceticism, and fraternity. Beginning in early January (90 days prior to Easter) and culminating with the conclusion of the Easter Vigil, you will do the following:

PRAYER: pray one hour each day.

ASCETICISMS: no eating between meals, fast with the Church on Wednesdays & Fridays, no sweets or sweet drinks, black coffee or tea only, no alcohol, no phone or internet use unless required for home/work, no gaming, no TV, movies or youtubes, no unnecessary material purchases, take cold showers, attend at least one daily Mass weekly, listen to only spiritually uplifting music, engage in intense exercise at least three times weekly.

FRATERNITY: meet weekly for encouragement & accountability, check in daily with your anchor (another man in your fraternity.)

FAITH LESSONS FOR MOMS
Contact: Lisa Brown, affmoms@saint-max.org

Focusing on the unique needs of stay-at-home and part-time working mothers, weekly meetings include exercise, book discussion/faith formation, and fellowship with other moms. Childcare is provided at minimal cost. The group meets Wednesday mornings during the school year from 9:30-11:30AM. 

FAITH LESSONS FOR WOMEN
Contact: Mary Graf, 513-894-8096, affwomen@saint-max.org

A gathering for women in all stages of life, this group meets to pray the rosary, study, discussion, and faith sharing. The group meets Wednesday mornings during the school year from 9:30-11:30AM in the conference room. 

HEARTS AFIRE
Contact: Jane Rowland, 513-755-0625, heartsafire@saint-max.org

The Hearts Afire Parish-based Programs are a bold and fresh approach to small group, adult faith formation at Catholic parishes. Structured around the bestselling books and videos by popular author and retreat master Fr. Michael Gaitley, MIC, these simple programs are setting hearts on fire in thousands of parishes across the globe. We hold 2 small groups for each study throughout the year, to accommodate morning and evening schedules. 33 Days to Morning Glory is a 33 day journey to Marian Consecration (6 sessions). Consoling the Heart of Jesus brings you deeper into Jesus' Merciful Heart (10 sessions), and Wisdom and Works of Mercy: The One Thing is Three covers Catholic faith formation and a discussion about choosing works of mercy (11 sessions). If you are interested in deepening your relationship with Mary and Jesus, then come join us and discover the peace and joy that your heart craves!

HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH MINISTRY
Contact: John Baumann, 513-777-4322 Ext. 118, jbaumann@saint-max.org

High School Youth Ministry seeks to spread the good news of great joy to teens! Our vision is to form disciples of Jesus Christ, foster personal and spiritual growth, and learn how to serve and evangelize. A committed team of adults and teen peer ministers work toward that vision by gathering as large groups and small groups for fun and formation, doing works of service, going on retreats, meeting for social events, and traveling to youth conferences and service trips. All high school teens are invited! Adults interested in helping with this ministry discern with the coordinator where their gifts and the ministry’s needs overlap.

JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH MINISTRY - JRHIGH1X1
Contact: John Baumann, 513-777-4322 Ext. 118, jbaumann@saint-max.org

JrHigh1X1 is a ministry that is open to all 6th, 7th and 8th grade youth.  We gather during the summer for Summer Service Camp and Terrific Tuesdays, monthly during the school year. We utilize videos, games, discussions and speakers when we gather in order to learn, grow, serve and have fun together.

JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH MINISTRY - GROUP FACILITATORS
Contact: John Baumann, 513-777-4322 Ext. 118, jbaumann@saint-max.org 

Adults and high school youth are needed to chaperone, help with activities and provide support (food, etc.) for our junior high youth group JrHigh1x1. Adult volunteers must remain current with their SafeParish training.

JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH MINISTRY - PRAYED FOR BY NAME INTERCESSORS
Contact: Robin Burbrink, 513-777-4322 Ext. 124, rburbrink@saint-max.org

Adults, high school students and families intercede daily for all our junior high youth by praying for each of them by name. Those who serve in this ministry will be sent a prayer at the beginning of the school year with the first names of about 10 youths. Each intercessor is asked to do their best to pray the Prayed for by Name prayer daily for a year beginning in September through the following May using their unique list of names. You may join at any time.

LIBRARY
Contact: Marlene Doughman, 513-703-1061, library@saint-max.org

Join the team! We are always training new volunteers and looking for new members of the library committee. Please send us an e-mail or come to the parish office and let us know you are interested in joining this ministry! We care for the current collection of print books, audio books, and videos/DVDs, and process new purchases and donations. The library is open any time the building is accessible. It is a multi-purpose room, if the door is closed, please stop by at another time.

LIVING WATERS
Contact: Steve Conner, 513-737-2605, livingwaters@saint-max.org

This ministry is about getting to know and respond to the call to fully live our Catholic faith through the power of the Holy Spirit. We support one another as brothers, sisters and families as we journey together toward attaining personal holiness though the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The group meets on the first and third Sundays 7:00-8:30PM to give praise, honor and glory to God through music and use of the gifts and charisms of the Holy Spirit. We also offer healing and intercessory prayer on these evenings for those in need. Music is provided by RAIN. All are welcome! Living Waters also sponsors Life in the Spirit seminars inside and outside the parish. This ministry also sponsors Growth in the Spirit seminars, study groups related to the charisms and gifts of the spirit, healing services, days of renewal, and days of fellowship. Healing services are held every fifth Sunday at 7:00PM in the church.

The RAIN Music Ministry is an arm of this ministry which also provides praise and worship music at our seminars, regional events, festivals, the area prisons, and various other conferences and church functions.

Contact: John Pomerleau, 513-317-2560, rain@saint-max.org

MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT
Contact: marriageenrichment@saint-max.org

This ministry strives to lift up married couples throughout the various stages of life through fellowship and formation. Our mission statement embraces our desire to present opportunities and events for married couples to grow in the faith and in their relationship with each other. The Marriage Enrichment team meets monthly to plan these events.

MEN IN TENTS
Contact: Dave Brunsman, 513-777-4322, MenInTents@saint-max.org

The Men In Tents event is an annual 3-Day (Friday evening through Sunday early afternoon) even that occurs in October, normally at Camp River Ridge in Oldenburg, Indiana.  A small team of men plan the event each year and a theme is prayerfully chosen.  Theme's are based on a man's response to Christ's call in his life.  Planning begins in July.  Members should be 21 years or older and members of the parish.

MEN’S SPIRITUAL WORKOUT
Contact: Michael Brunner, 513-835-5872, mensspiritualworkout@saint-max.org

A men's group focused on helping Catholic men grow spiritually and strengthen their faith. The group conducts a spiritual workout to help men tackle life's challenges and inspires the men to grow in their relationship with Jesus. A workout centers around watching a video on a specific topic, catered to men. The workout also includes prayer, scripture and small group discussion. The group meets every month on the second and fourth Sunday from 8:00 - 9:30PM.

MIGHTY MAX
Contact: Sarah Lewis, 513-777-4322 ext. 128, slewis@saint-max.org

Mighty Max is a small group faith formation experience for preschool-aged children. Parents or guardians attend with their child while we build preschool skills, play, sing, create, and learn about our faith. Each class is centered around a theme and features prayer, a lesson, stories, songs, sensory play, a craft, and a snack which parents take turns providing. Each class is an hour long and there are 6 classes per session. Each session is $50 and is limited to 12 students. Classes take place in the Youth Room at St. Max.

RELIGIOUS FORMATION OF YOUTH: FAITH ON FIRE, formal formation for Early Childhood through Grade 8
Contact: Mary Lou Baker, 513-777-4322 Ext. 120, mbaker@saint-max.org

The Religious Formation of Youth (Faith on Fire) Program serves youth in early childhood-grade 8 and offers options for liturgical and traditional approaches to catechesis. Our program focuses on the message of the Sunday Gospels and thorough instruction on Catholic doctrine, sacraments/liturgy, morality, and prayer. 

CATECHISTS, Faith on Fire Program

Contact: Mary Lou Baker, 513-777-4322 Ext. 120, mbaker@saint-max.org

Adults and teens interested in sharing their time and faith are needed as catechists, assistant catechists, and special needs aides in our formal formation program.  Visit:  https://saint-max.org/Catechists to learn more.

ST. BENEDICT BIBLE STUDY
Contact: Paul Groh, 513-324-2937, stbenedictbible@saint-max.org

St. Benedict Bible Study is a faith sharing and bible study group that focuses primarily on preparing for the Sunday readings, to help each other more deeply understand scripture and how it can relate to personal faith journeys. The group is composed of adult men and women and open to all adults of the parish. We meet Saturday mornings 9:30-11:00AM.

ST. GABRIEL CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL
Contact: Amy Gutman, 513-771-5220 Ext. 1, a.gutman@stgabeschool.org

St. Gabriel Consolidated School, a Catholic elementary school, is dedicated to nurturing the faith, academic, and service lives of students with an emphasis on enriching the whole child. The school serves the parishes of St. Maximilian Kolbe (Liberty Township), St. John (West Chester) and St. Gabriel (Glendale). It is operated, supported and directed by a School Advisory Commission that reports to the Board of Pastors and the Principal. Registration is directly through the school.

ST. MONICA SOCIETY
Contact: Cathy Nichols, 513-675-1570, StMonicaSociety@saint-max.org

The St Monica Society is a fellowship and prayer group that provides support to anyone whose loved ones have left the Catholic faith. The group meets every Monday at 2:30pm in the St Patrick's Conference Room for fellowship, and then moves into the church at 3:00pm to pray for both their loved ones and everyone who has left the faith. All are welcome to join in this prayer and ministry.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL ADULT VOLUNTEER
Contact: Holly Moran, 513-777-4322 ext. 107, hmoran@saint-max.org

Adult volunteers are needed to work during Vacation Bible School. We are offering the archdiocesan program known as Totus Tuus, which stands for “Totally Yours’ as our VBS experience. This ministry is available for Catholic youth in grades 1-6, in the morning and early afternoon, and then for grades 7-12, in the evening. VBS will be held in mid-July and lead by seminarians and college students from the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Volunteer assistance is needed with crafts, music, storytelling, snacks, games, lunch, and to guide youth to activity areas. Completion of the SafeParish Child Protection Training and a background check are required for adults 18 and older before beginning this ministry. Without our volunteers, we will be unable to host VBS. 

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL TEEN VOLUNTEER (Grade 7 or Older)
Contact: Holly Moran, 513-777-4322 ext. 107, hmoran@saint-max.org

Teen volunteers are needed to work during Vacation Bible School. VBS is held in mid-July, usually during the morning and early afternoon hours. Our VBS/Totus Tuus program is led by seminarians and college students. Volunteer assistance is needed with crafts, music, storytelling, snacks, games, lunch, and to guide youth to activity areas. Service hours are available for volunteers. 

VOCATIONS COMMITTEE
Contact:  vocations@saint-max.org

The Vocations Committee offers prayers for all vocations - religious, married and single. They strive to expand prayer for vocations within the parish community and promote awareness of religious vocations, including the priesthood, diaconate, and consecrated religious life. The committee organizes visits from outside organizations (both male and female) to foster personal interaction within the parish community.  On a limited scale, the Vocations Committee is available to assist in serving visiting and local religious organizations while conducting special events.  Committee meetings are held monthly during the school season, with breaks for summer and Christmas.

WOMEN’S RETREAT TEAM
Contact: Holly Moran, 513-777-4322, ext. 107, hmoran@saint-max.org

Whether you are a cook, decorator, event planner, or something in between, we need your energy and ideas for our women’s retreats. Retreats that are planned for this year are Women’s Advent by Candlelight Retreat and our annual Women’s Retreat, which will be held in January. Please join us in serving the women of our parish.

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