PARISH
MINISTRIES
MINISTRY CATALOG
St. Mary Catholic Church
1749 Racine Ave. NE
Solon, IA 52333
Phone: 319-624-2228
Fax: 319-624-3264
www.solonstmary.org
2) Prayer
Parish Mission Statement
Acknowledge God as the source of all that we are and
all that we have through prayer and worship.
Recognize the Eucharist as central to the spiritual life.
To create and maintain a Christ-centered Catholic
community where our personal call to holiness,
service and spiritual growth leads to authentic
witness as Christians.
3) Formation
Stewardship Team
Mission Statement
Understand the meaning of stewardship and follow the
path of a life-long learner. Provide a good example of
continuous conversion to a life of stewardship.
We believe stewardship is our grateful and obedient
response to God’s redeeming love for all creation.
We are called through baptism to become followers
of Christ. Stewardship is a way of life, a way of love.
We acknowledge that our ability to respond faithfully
to God’s love is empowered by the Holy Spirit. We
further acknowledge each person’s inherent need to
give, and by encouraging and enabling our
parishioners, they shall respond to God’s love by
sharing their gifts.
4) Service
Minister to the needs of our parish, the wider
community and Church. Serve compassionately those
hurting or in need, suffering in any way. Give thanks to
God for all our gifts.
Time and Talent Areas of Opportunity
Liturgy
Introduction
Mitch Holte 319-624-3151
mholte@southslope.net
Our parish views stewardship as a way of life. Our
approach to stewardship education includes engagement
in acts of Hospitality, Prayer, Formation and Service,
each known as a Stewardship Pillar to emphasize the
continuous cycle of stewardship. “Stewardship as a way
of life” does not mean only being Catholic on Sunday, or
only giving of our money – it requires us to put Jesus
Christ first in our lives and to live every aspect for the
glory of Him. It asks each of us to give of our time, talent
and resources by having fun together, praying together,
learning together and serving together. What you are is
God’s gift to you… what you become is your gift to God.
Liturgy Commission Member: Participate in 6-9
commission meetings/year: Working within the
commission to develop and implement meaningful
liturgical celebrations throughout the year and to provide
opportunities for spiritual growth and prayer.
Greeters: Reach out to welcome people as we gather for
Mass. Arrive 15-20 minutes early. Serve every 6-8 wks.
Ushers: Care for people at Mass; also help with seating,
collection and distributing bulletins. Arrive 15 minutes
early. Serve every 6-8 wks.
Four Pillars of
Stewardship
Lectors: Reflect upon, and then proclaim the Word of
God and intercessions at Mass. Serve every 6-8 wks.
Gift Bearers: Represent the faith community by
presenting the gifts to the priest.
*Children Liturgy: Lead K-5th graders in reading the
Sunday scripture and applying it to their lives.
Eucharistic Ministers: Assist with distributing Holy
Communion at Mass. (must be confirmed).
1) Hospitality
*Bring Holy Communion to Homebound: make 3-4
visits following 8:30 Mass. Serve 1-2x/month.
Extend a warm, loving welcome to all- through worship,
service, study, social time or personal need. Present a
visible sign of Christ's loving kindness.
Altar Server: 4th grade and older.
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Sacristan: Make preparations for Mass 45 minutes
before.
Organ/Piano/Guitar: Receive training for leading the
parish in music. Serve 1-2x/month.
Funeral Lunch Support: Calling parishioners to bring
food or assist at the lunch: 2-4x/year.
Cantor/Song Leader: Receive training in leading the
parish in song and ways to increase participation. Receive
initial/annual training. Serve 1-2x/month.
Calling/Emailing for Special Events: Calling/emailing
parishioners to bring food for special events such as the
Harvest Festival, Stewardship Fair and Vacation Bible
School.
Youth/Adult Choir: 7th grade and older. Practices on
Wed. from 7:40-8:30 in the church. Sing at Christmas,
Easter, once/month & other church celebrations.
Scholarship Process: Committee assembled to review
scholarship applications to determine the two $500
scholarship recipients to second-year college students.
Funeral Choir: Sing at Funeral Masses during the day.
Practice before the Funeral Mass. Come when able.
Providing Food: Preparing a dish for parish events
throughout the year: 2-4x/year.
Church Decoration: Assist with decorating worship area
for the various liturgical seasons. Help plan the
environment for the various seasons.
Church Life
Care/Cleaning of: Altar Linens: making sure cloths used
during Mass are cleaned and pressed 2x/month. Server
Robes: Clean and press robes 1-2x/year.
DeWayne Klouda 319-624-3989
Marianne-klouda@uiowa.edu
Church Life Commission Member: This commission
works to build community by offering a variety of
activities. It meets 4-6 times throughout the year.
Prayer Sponsor: Pray for a child or couple in
Sacramental Preparation (Baptism, First Communion,
Confirmation or Marriage).
Eucharistic Adoration: Spend an hour before the
Blessed Sacrament on Fridays after Mass.
Welcoming Committee: Meet with new members,
following Masses, 4-8 times throughout year. Help them
complete a parish registration form & answer any
questions. Training provided.
RCIA Team Member: RCIA is the process by which adult
men & women become full members of the Church. Team
helps catechist by sharing faith stories & showing
hospitality to candidates. Training provided. Attend 23x/month, Oct-Mar.
Newcomers Welcome Dinner: Includes meal planning
and inviting new members; 1-2x/year.
RCIA Sponsor: Make the RCIA candidate welcomed and
comfortable in the community. Attend 3-4x /month, OctMar.
Games at Parish Events: Help plan children & adult
games/activities: bingo, water volleyball, etc. 1-2x/year.
Parish Retreats & Missions: Serve on a team
planning/organizing retreats or missions for our parish.
Care Center Bingo: Be a liaison with Solon Care Center;
schedule parish volunteers for 1st Thurs. @2:00. Help
work at the Care Center Bingo.
Helping Hands
St. Mary Newsletter: Mailed quarterly to all households:
Reporter: Interview parishioners and write articles.
Soup Dinner: Help organize & cook, 1/year.
Website Development/Maintenance: Maintaining,
enhancing design, and expanding current content to
meet the communication needs of parish.
Marianne Harney 319-624-2630
marianne-harney@uiowa.edu
Pat Zimmerman 319-337-8296
pat.zimmerman@pearson.com
Neighborhood Party: Help organize and plan or host
party in my neighborhood.
Helping Hands Circle Leader: Four meetings per year.
Provide leadership in carrying out the mission of Helping
Hands, and coordinate events assigned to his/her circle.
Creative/Graphic Arts: Design posters, flyers to help
with the communication needs of parish.
First Communion & Confirmation Receptions:
Coordinate event & call parishioners to bring food. Assist
at the reception.
Picture Directory: Be a liaison with company helping
with photo sessions, mailings, and hospitality.
Cookie Walk: Coordinate the Cookie Walk- publicity,
decorations, work either Saturday night or Sunday.
Photography: Attend parish events and take digital
photos for future parish use. 2-3x/year.
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Parenting Support: Group meets 4-6 times within 1-2
month time frame. Materials provided. Parent support for
toddlers/preschool, elementary, pre-teens, teens.
Videographer: Record for parish events/projects.
Date Night Event Coordinator: Work with one or two
other people to organize the Annual Date Night for
couples in our parish: advertising, mailing invitations,
arranging for childcare, desserts and post-date social
time for couples. Date night is the Saturday before
Valentine’s Day from 4:30-8:30 pm.
Family Life
Patty Benzing 319-466-0082
pattybenzing@mchsi.com
Family Life Commission Member: Participate in about 4
commission meetings per year to discuss and plan
ministries to assist families at all stages in life.
Social Activities: Help organize activities couples and
families. Examples: picnics, progressive dinners, movie
or family game nights, arts/craft nights, swimming.
Meals for Moms/illness: Prepare a meal for a family with
a new baby or a family experiencing difficulties due to
illness, tragedy, etc. (You choose how often you would
like to make a meal). Those with email and internet
access will receive a message when meals are needed.
The message will have a link to a website where you can
sign up to bring a meal. Please indicate whether you
would like to receive notification through email or by
phone.
Adopt a Grandparent: Individuals or families to visit
shut-ins or care center residents 1-2x/month.
Additional Opportunities
Boy Scouts Troop #120: Boy Scouts of America is
designed to help young men grow to be good citizens
and have faith in their God. Scouts turn no boy away;
they are reverent to their God while learning the
principles of faith and good citizenship. Their slogan is
“Do a Good Turn Daily!”
*Childcare (Nursery): Sundays during 10:30 Mass
(designate how often you want to be scheduled each
year).
*Childcare (for Baptism Classes): 2-4 x/year from 6:308:00 pm for children whose parents are attending
baptism/parenting classes.
Knights of Columbus: Catholic men, committed to
making their community a better place, supporting their
Church, enhancing their faith while enhancing their
family’s faith.
*Childcare (during Rel. Ed. Classes): Provide childcare
6-8 x/year from 6:25-7:45 pm for children whose parents
are attending meetings or classes.
Catholic Foresters: Practicing Catholics of all ages
interested in fellowship and helping the church and
community.
*Childcare (general): Childcare is needed throughout the
year to support various ministries. You would be called
prior to the event to determine availability.
Habitat for Humanity: Assist when available. Parish can
sponsor a “Group Build Day.”
Book Fair helper: Assist with book sales 1-2x/year. Help
select books, assist with setup, sale and cleanup.
Stewardship Team: Promotes Stewardship as a "way of
life" to our parish family by encouraging members to use
their God given gifts. Plan and organize Stewardship
Fair. Work with other parish committees as support. Meet
1-2x/month.
Bill Christensen 319-624-8066
bill_christensen@hotmail.com
*Play Group participant/organizer: Weekly informal
gatherings in the church hall/playroom to provide social
interaction for stay-at-home parents and their children.
Toys provided.
Mailing Ministry: Materials provided to send, throughout
the year, to individuals/families who have lost a loved one
in the past year (can be done from home). Other select
mailings as well.
Harvest Festival Planning Committee: Individuals &
couples to serve on planning committee. Meet in the
summer to oversee planning for this annual fall event.
Helpful for members to serve 2-3 years.
Marriage Support/Enrichment Group: Meet once
monthly along with other couples to support and
encourage one another in marriage. Videos, books,
discussion points, etc. would be used. Materials would be
provided.
Harvest Festival Advertising: Help with promotion of
the event.
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Building & Grounds: When available- Cemetery: cleanup. Gardens: planting, fall clean-up, weeding. Basic
Repair: plumbing, electrical, carpentry, painting.
Faith Formation
Julie Agne 319-624-2228
solonstmarydre@diodav.org
Sean Lokmer 319-624-2228
solonstmaryym@diodav.org
Office Work: When available- Mailings: (Daytime-work
with group at church). Telephone Work: (from home to
parishioners). Computer Data Entry: (At church-daytime).
Money Counters: Meet on Monday morning to count and
record weekend offerings. Scheduled every 3-5 weeks.
Faith Formation Commission Member: Coordinates
parish initiatives in faith development and lifelong
education by assessing and evaluating current efforts
and developing new initiatives. Meet 6x/year.
Social Justice & Peace
The youth faith formation program runs from September
through the first week of May. Lead catechists oversee
the planning for their grade. Assistants provide support
and can lead classroom sessions. Small group leaders
and the ministry team are responsible for preparing the
lesson for their assigned group each week.
Sandy Willey 319-930-0209
willeysandy@yahoo.com
Social Justice Commission: Meet 6-9x/year to plan
ways to promote an awareness of the social teachings of
the Gospel and provide ways for parishioners to respond
to the Gospel challenges of justice, peace & compassion.
*K-6 Lead Catechist, *K-6 Assistant Catechist, *5-9th
Small Group Leaders, *10-11th Ministry Team, *Hall
Monitor: Oversees and supports activities taking place
during classes and does some clean-up following class,
*Child Care Coordinator: Schedules childcare volunteers
for daycare room, Music Support Assist: With opening
music celebration, music in classrooms, preparing for
Class Masses, First Communion Team: Help coordinate
events which support families of First Communicants
such as Advent Dinner & Gathering, Tour of the Church,
First Reconciliation, Eucharist Retreat.
Right to Life: Help create awareness and opportunities to
become involved in issues surrounding abortion,
euthanasia, stem cell research, and abuse issues. This
includes support for Choices Medical Clinic in Iowa City
and for Hope & Healing Ministries.
Prison Ministry/Mentoring: Training provided to serve
inmates or mentor those on probation.
Advocacy: Contact me by email when legislative issues
arise regarding human dignity & justice issues so that I
can respond electronically to my elected officials.
Children’s Christmas Musical: 1-6th gr. prepares in fall
for December musical. Direction & training provided to
oversee rehearsals, set & scenery, costuming, rehearse
lines, print materials, plan dinner.
Food Collection: Help needed delivering the first
weekend of the month collection of non-perishables to the
Solon Food Pantry or Iowa City Crisis Center. As often as
available to help.
*RCIC Team: Meet with families of un-baptized older
children (1-6th grade) to prepare them for joining the
church. Training provided, meet 6-8 times Nov-Apr.
Blood Drives: Contact me when parish sponsors a blood
drive. 2-3x/year.
*Vacation Bible School: Third week in July. Help in the
area of crafts, games, storytelling, opening celebration,
snacks, registration, material prep at home, photography.
Parish Nurse Assistance: Assist Parish Nurse in health
and well-being activities.
Nancy Upmeyer 319-624-2944
nancyupmeyer@hotmail.com
Family Service Club: Parents organize service projects
they can do with their children throughout the year.
Care Center Giving Tree: Coordinate this annual event
with the Solon Nursing Care Center.
Parish Library: Keep library materials organized by
shelving returned items, labeling new materials,
organizing special library events.
Environmental: Coordinate awareness for parish.
Adult Small Community Leader: Training provided for
those willing to facilitate one of our adult studies.
Parish Studies: 8 Week Bible Overview, Bible Studies,
Women’s Book Study, Men’s Book Study, Theology of
the Body, 20 wk Church History, Lenten Studies, Men’s
Prayer Group, Women’s Prayer Group, Couple’s Study
Group.
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Area Events: Martha & Mary Conference-February,
Marriage Encounter, Catholic Men’s Conference, CEW
Men & Women Retreats.
Cooking: In the hall, 1-3x/year for parish events.
Hall Helpers
Set Up/Serving: For parish meals, 1-3x/year.
Funeral Dinners: Assist with funeral dinners during the
day.
Hall Decorating: For parish events.
Kitchen Clean-Up: During/following event 1-3x/year.
Meal Organizing: Plan/organize meal for parish events
(Menu, supplies needed, shopping for food, etc.).
Event Set-Up: Set up tables, chairs, serving lines for
parish events. Help as available, 2-4x/year.
Baking: Bake items for events throughout the year as
often as you are able, drop off in evening or morning.
Event Take Down: Take down tables, chairs, etc after
parish events. Help as available, 2-4x/year.
*Completion of Safe Environment Training as prescribed
by the diocese is required
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