St. Francis de Sales: Music Ministry Schedule

The "Ministry Minutes" below are brief announcements before Mass that will help us learn about all the wonderful things happening at SFDS, and invite you to participate more fully in our parish life:

If you are interested in volunteering for a SFDS ministry, please complete the form below by checking one or more ministries and pressing the Submit button.

Ministry	Ministry Minute
Altar Servers	If you are a parishioner between 4th and 10th grade and interested in actively participating in the worship celebrations you may want to become an altar server. Altar servers are scheduled to serve once a month, although a server may be asked to substitute for another altar server. Servers also serve for special worship services, such as Stations of the Cross and Holy days of Obligation. You will be trained by Susan Gallagher or Patrick Perkins in addition to a veteran altar server. You will also be requested to attend four general meetings each year. Why be or altar server? Past and present servers can best answer that question! “Altar serving is a great experience that allows you to understand the mass and make great friends in the process.” “It gives you a behind the scenes look of what happens in the mass.” “It gave me the chance to participate in the mass and see things in a different way.” “It’s a lot of fun!”
Development Committee	Over the last 20 years, Harford County has experienced unprecedented growth within the region. During that same period, our own St. Francis de Sales community has experienced a very similar trend. Everywhere you look, major infrastructure changes have transpired within our core ministries (Education, Service, Parish Life, Liturgy and Stewardship.) The St. Francis de Sales Development Committee has been a catalyst in ensuring our parish facilities meet the constant expanding needs of these ministries. Over the years, this committee has been a leading influence on large infrastructure changes such as: The Worship Center, The New Religious Education building, and The Refurbishing of the Stone Chapel. The committee focuses generally on annual giving, capital campaigns, and legacy giving. Meetings occur monthly and last for approximately two hours. If your business or career includes any expertise that might apply to our fund raising, marketing, or communications, please do not hesitate to join this committee. We are always looking for new people and fresh ideas. God has given us all many gifts. If some of your gifts could be used to help our committee, please contact Jim Wilson @ 410- 515-2167 or call the Parish Office.
Environment Committee	Good morning. My name is ____________(and I am a member of the Environment team.) Did you notice the changes made to the altar and surroundings? Well, unlike the Harry Potter novels, we do not have the use of house elves; this is the work of the Environment team. So much goes into making our liturgies vibrant and alive—the wonderful music, the thoughtful homilies, the willingness of so many ministers including the lectors, servers, greeters, ushers and Eucharistic ministers to serve, the participation of the Assembly and of course the setting which includes the flowers, hangings, altar cloths and other fabrics. These are the items which the Environment committee is responsible for. From the hopeful deep blue of Advent, to the joyful white and gold of Christmas, the somber purples of lent, the regal red of Palm Sunday, the explosion of color at Easter and the calming green of Ordinary time, the environment in which our liturgies are celebrated reflects the dynamics of our liturgical year. Our team works at various times—weekends, weekdays sometimes evenings. We are very busy certain times of the year, at the change of each liturgical season, and not so busy at other times when we have long stretches of ordinary time. If you have a creative urge to arrange some plants, an eye for what is pleasing to look at, or if you just want to help water the plants, think about becoming a member of the Environment team. Our committee is open to men, women and teens. Some of the work involves carrying boxes up from storage and ladder work, so strong arms are welcome. Please consider this committee—we’d love to have you. If you are interested, please fill out one of the yellow cards in the pews or see me (or the Bob and Nancy York after 9:00 Mass) after Mass.
Eucharistic Ministers Ministry	Hello, I am a Eucharistic Minister at St. Francis de Sales Church. A Eucharistic Minister assists the priest and deacon in distributing the body and blood of Jesus Christ to the assembly. Jesus was a servant to all people. Therefore, when you serve as a Eucharistic Minister, you are willing to assume the responsibility of being a servant to others, which is one reason I chose this ministry. Becoming a Eucharistic Minister is simple. You only need a one=hour training session to begin. You can serve at the Mass you like to attend and will usually serve only once or twice per month. Since you are coming to Mass already, this is a perfect ministry for you. We are in great need of Eucharistic Ministers at all the Masses. I hope you will consider this very special ministry. I will be in the Narthex after Mass to answer any questions you may have. Thank you.
Facility and Building Maintenance Committee	This committee helps support the pastor and the staff regarding building repairs, grounds maintenance, and other campus issued. Committee members have varied backgrounds from painters to electricians and all members re used to dealing with contractors and maintenance issues. The Committee meets quarterly or more frequently if pressing issues are present. At this time, there are monthly meetings with the architect regarding the refurbishment of the Worship Center. We are still months away from commencing physical work on this project, but at this time we are in need of experienced building trades professionals for guidance. If your business or career includes any expertise that might apply to our building or plant facility, please do not hesitate to join this committee. We are always looking for new ideas and ways to improve the efficiency of our facilities and beautify our church grounds. May of the projects that have been recently completed, such as the new windows in the Worship Center, the refinishing of the confessional room and the retaining wall in front of the Worship Center were made possible with the assistance of several volunteer workers. God has given us all many gifts. If some of your gifts could be sued to help our committee, please contact John Gorbecki 410-569-1271.
Faith Formation	According to the National Catechetical Directory, “ The fundamental task of catechesis is to proclaim Christ’s message, to participate in efforts to develop community, to lead people to worship and prayer and to motivate them to serve others.” Here, at St. Francis de Sales Parish, the Faith Formation Ministry seeks to instill sound catechesis through the professional training of its catechetical ministers. With a firm desire to share their faith and proclaim Christ’s message, catechists give generously of their time and talents to nurture and sustain OUR faith community. The parish offers a number of opportunities for one to grow in one’s understanding and the living out of one’s faith. High on the list is, of course, the Sunday Mass. The Faith Formation Ministry fosters spiritual growth and support through ongoing retreats, adult and youth Scripture studies, small faith groups, religious education for students in 1st through 10th grade, sacramental programs (i.e. first communion, reconciliation and confirmation) Children’s Liturgy of the Word, a vibrant and active Youth Group (118 youth have attended at least 1 or more events) Journey in Faith (JIF) program for youth who want to continue to examine and act on their faith beyond Confirmation and service opportunities. During the 2006-2007 school year, 480 students in grades 1-8 participated in religious education classes with an additional 130 students who were home-schooled. Year II Confirmation classes included 65 students culminating in the Celebration of Confirmation in June. The Year I Confirmation Class included 70 students. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a process of initiation of adults that belongs to all the baptized. This is the Church’s way of walking with each initiate. Last year, St. Francis de Sales supported the initiation of 2 elect (non-baptized persons) and 4 candidates (person from other faith traditions). In addition, the Office of Faith Formation directs and provides resources to the people, both young and old, for which the office serves. By the witnessing of Jesus Christ through service to the community, learning Catholic Doctrine, and through the living examples of its catechetical ministers, the office shines forth the light of Christ in today’s world. As a catechist, I derive tremendous honor and joy in teaching the Gospel message. It is my hope that by sharing my faith journey with the young people of our parish, they will be inspired to learn more about our Catholic tradition and how they can shine forth the light of Christ in their day–to-day interactions.
Greeters	Good morning! I’m here to talk briefly about the Greeters Ministry. As important as this ministry is, it is also one which takes up a minimum of time commitment and is therefore perfect for those who wish to become involved in the Parish but have time constraints. Requirements are: A smiling face, a warm greeting to share and arriving a half hour before mass to greet those arriving at church. Greeters hand out worship aids at the beginning of mass and then collect them at the end of Mass to be used for the next service. This is a wonderful way for families as well as individuals to convey a feeling of welcome to worshippers as they enter the church. Greeters are one of the first people that worshippers see, so a smile and a warm greeting set the tone for the rest of the liturgy. Greeters can be scheduled as frequently or as infrequently as they wish and they may choose the Mass which they normally attend to greet at. Parents with children too young to serve as altar servers, or to greet alone can opt to greet together and it is a wonderful opportunity for the children to become involved—beside, most people love to see little ones with their smiling faces! For new parishioners, it’s a great way to meet people and make friends. For long-time members, it’s a wonderful way to personally connect with all those friends which have been made over the years! In any case it is a win=win situation, because when giving a smile you get one in return!
Homeless Shelter	We at St. Francis have been involved with the homeless shelter for quite some time: originally when it was rotating from church to church, and, since last year when it was granted a permanent location in Riverside. Instead of hosting the shelter for a week each year, we now are responsible for one day a month. We provide drivers, dinner, breakfast & lunch and fellowship during the evening hours. Our ministry is in desperate need of volunteers to provide and prepare the breakfasts and bag lunches for the clients. This does not take long at all and the rewards are great. Also, volunteers are needed to sit with the clients and just visit with them in the evenings. Christ said "What you do for the least of mine, you also do for me." What we have done in this ministry is just short of miraculous. Many of the clients have secured meaningful employment and quite a few have moved on into their own apartments. It is a wonderful feeling to see these people who came to the shelter with nothing now living in their own homes. If you can help this ministry in any way, please call Ron or Debbie Ballweg at 410-272-0546 or leave a message at the office.
Involvement Awareness	The Involvement Awareness committee is a relatively new committee that has been established to help facilitate the pairing of volunteers with a specific ministry based on talent, time, need and interest. You could term the committee as a Human Resources Department for volunteers at SFDS. Once a parishioner is paired with a ministry, we follow up with both the ministry and volunteer periodically to see if the pairing is mutually beneficial. At this point we will also probe to determine if there is anything that could be done differently so that we are always evolving within our efforts to serve our faith community. Involvement Awareness is also active in maintaining communication with new members of our parish by attending the monthly Welcome Breakfast and following up with anyone who expresses interest in learning more about the parish and what we have to offer. Currently, the committee is developing a mechanism to serve as outreach to those in our parish who may need us. Maintaining open lines of communication with both new and current parishioners is paramount to our committee. This committee encapsulates the commitment to continually strive to be a welcoming community at SFDS. We are also working on ways to maintain an accurate database that identifies volunteers and their specific ministries as well as other talents and interests that they posses. In addition, the committee is responsible for maintaining a continual process of education and information about the various areas of ministry that are active at SFDS. The Involvement Awareness committee meets monthly for about 2 hours. There may be some phone calls involved for following up with ministry areas and volunteers as well as rotating attendance for Welcome Breakfasts. This may total an additional hour a month. God has given us all many gifts. If some of your gifts could be used to help our committee, please contact the parish office at 410-676-5119.
Knights of Columbus	My name is Dan Samis and I am the Grand Knight of the Fr Maurice J. Wolfe Council of the Knights of Columbus. I would like to take a minute of your time to describe to you our mission. The Knights of Columbus is a dynamic Catholic, family, fraternal organization of Catholic men who join together in church, community, council, family, and youth activities. The over 1.7 million-member organization is international in character; however, the major emphasis is focused on the activities of our local parish and community. A major thrust of our activities is directed at involving the member’s entire family. The Fr Wolfe council has over 220 members from this parish. Each member must be a practical Catholic and is required to pay annual dues which can be paid either annually or quarterly. A new member must pay a one-time initiation fee. A new member will precede through several ceremonies called degrees, which allow him to understand better, the principles of the Order and how we, as Knights of Columbus, are expected to conduct ourselves. Men who join the Knights of Columbus attend meetings, participate in Council activities, and serve on committees, run for office, etc. as time permits and their interests dictate. The rewards and satisfaction of membership in the Knights of Columbus are proportional to the participation of the each member and his family. The Fr Wolfe council meets every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month. Members are encouraged to participate as much as their time allows. The council understands that family and job responsibilities come first. What do we do? Our first principle as a Knight is Charity. We contribute our time to raise money for worth charities such as the John Archer School, Parkinson’s Research, Juvenile Diabetes, we sponsor the Courage Lion program for all of Harford County, and Habitat for Humanity. We support this parish through landscaping, self-help remodeling of the Education Center and Worship Center. The council supports our youth with an annual fishing trip, funds to attend religious activities such as NCYC, and the annual Kids Bingo and Children’s Christmas Party. Family activities are central to mission, such as family ice skating party, cruise on the Skipjack, and attending ballgames. We have fun activities, such as bus trips to Atlantic City. Many brother Knights say they joined to be a more effective Catholic; to be associated with and meet other Catholic men and families; to make new friends; to strengthen their ties with the Catholic faith; to expand their community and social activities; to help others in a meaningful and organized way and thus achieve a truly unique sense of accomplishment. As a Knight, you and your family can share in the tremendous works of the Order without feeling the need to identify projects and organize your support all by yourself. In this way, your whole family can fulfill their obligations and feel satisfied that they are part of a more satisfying and worthwhile activities then they could possible undertake as individuals. If interested in joining or if you have questions, fill out the yellow card at the end of the pew or see me after mass in the Narthex. Thank you for your time.
Knights of Columbus Ladies	You may have noticed the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary members at a variety of church events-- we’re the ones in the pink shirts! While we are, of course, affiliated with the Fr. Maurice J. Wolfe Knights of Columbus council here at St. Francis de Sales, our membership is open to all Catholic women of St. Francis de Sales parish. We conduct two annual fundraisers here at the parish: our Father’s Day Bake Sale and our fall fundraiser, which was most recently a jewelry bingo. One hundred percent of the monies raised go to various groups at SFDS, throughout Harford County and national/international charities. Through the money we raise we donate to the Religious Education program, the SVDP society, and to our Youth Group. In the county, we support Birthright with monetary donations and also baby supplies for mothers in crisis. Internationally we support the “Smile Train” which provides free cleft surgery for millions of poor children in developing countries. Last year a portion of our proceeds from the bingo went to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Our Ladies also make and distribute cards to our children making their First Communion, and our young adults making their Confirmation. We have many other service and social events and best of all we have fun doing them. We welcome all Catholic women of SFDS 18 years and older to join our group. New ideas and helping hands are always welcome! We meet on the third Monday of each month at 8 p.m. in the Knights Hall. Please feel free to stop in at one of our meetings. If you would like more information, please contact the Parish office.
Lectors	James A. Wallace, in his writings on the Ministry of Lectors states, “The ministry of lectors calls us to the improbable task of expressing the inexpressible; God’s unfathomable and ongoing love for all creation. God’s ongoing plan of redemption and salvation for all the world, and God’s ongoing work of sanctifying all who have been made in the divine image.” My name is Pam Vesely and I am the coordinator of the Lectors here at St. Francis de Sales. At each of our wonderful liturgies, our Lectors have the awesome responsibility of proclaiming God’s Word to the Assembly. Our lectors are dedicated and capable individuals who are fully aware that this task is not something to be taken lightly; prayer, practice and commitment are hallmarks of our ministry. Currently we have about 30 lectors who regularly read at our liturgies; meaning that lectors read about once a month. We have created a support system for our lectors which includes; training, a mentor program that provides assistance and guidance for lectors, workbooks that help us prepare and practice the readings, and workshops designed to hone skills and provide a deeper understanding of Scripture. Qualifications for this ministry include a willingness to pray to the Spirit to guide preparation and proclamation of God’s Word, a commitment to practice the readings and the ability to speak in front of a large group of people. I personally love this ministry; it has made me so much more open to God’s Word than I was before. If you are interested in learning more bout this ministry see me after mass or call the office and leave your name, and I will get in touch with you. As stated in the Roman Missal, “In the readings, the table of God’s Word is prepared for the faithful, and the riches of the Bible are opened to them.”
Liturgy Committee	Good morning. We are Bob & Nancy York, and we represent the Liturgy Committee of St. Francis de Sales. We all share the results of our ministry every weekend or holyday when you attend Mass in the music you sing, the flowers and decorations you see, some of the prayers you speak, and in some of the liturgical ministers who serve us. Our goal is to help attain the full, conscious and active participation of all who are gathered for Mass. We are a small committee that provides consultation and advise to our Director of Liturgy and Music, Mary Jo Piccolo, and to our pastor, Fr. Chuck. We provide planning for weekend and special liturgies, such as the Easter and Christmas seasons, act as a sounding board for new ideas, help incorporate Diocesan changes into our liturgy as needed, and provide an environment that enhances the dignity of the Mass. We meet on the third Tuesday of the Month at 7:00PM in the Parish Center. Part of each meeting is spent in reflection on scripture, and in discussion of topics relevant to our faith. Not only do we serve but we learn and have fun. Come visit us for a meeting or two to see what it is we do. All are welcome to join us. No experience necessary; on the job training provided.
Music Ministry	My name Tami Zavislan, and I am a member of the Music Ministry here at St. Francis de Sales. I’d like you to take a moment and think about how music is a part of your life. It may be in ordinary ways — listening to the radio in the car or working around the house; in the mall, grocery store, doctor’s office while on hold; or the song that you just can’t seem to get out of your head. And what about the extraordinary moments that just aren’t the same without music — birthdays, graduations, weddings, funerals, liturgy. Music — vocal and instrumental — shapes the ordinary and special times every day — even on Sunday at church. The psalmist calls us to ‘make a joyful noise to the Lord.’ And the Church calls us to sing and play to proclaim the Word, to praise God, to celebrate together as community. Through song, we can often express what words cannot do alone. Music creates a space for worship. Music not only creates a space for prayer - it is prayer. Our choirs, contemporary ensemble, hand bells, instrumentalists — more than 50 people strong — love praying and making music with you every liturgy. I wish you could have the wonderful experience of being in front here and hearing the glorious sound of the whole assembly singing together. And you can — if you feel so called, I invite you to learn more about the Music Ministry in our parish. Feel free to talk to any of us, and to join us. Singing is a special prayer - remember the song we learned as kids, maybe at summer camp. [A verse of Kumbayah – ‘Someone’s singing Lord…] Thank you.
Pastoral Council	Good Morning, my name is _______________ and I’m a member of the team of parishioners comprising the Pastoral Council. The purpose of the Pastoral Council is to assist the pastor in developing and deepening the parish faith community in order to fulfill the mission of Jesus here at St. Francis de Sales. As a collaborative and consultative planning group, the Council's vision and direction are focused on: Word, Worship, Service, and Stewardship. Cooperating with the pastor and the parish staff, the Council provides direction for the parish. Our agendas are varied and range from liturgical to financial issues and from stewardship to facilities, and everything in between. Serving on the council is an exciting and rewarding way to see all the great work and activities within our faith community. The council consists of up to fourteen members, all sixteen years of age or older, fully initiated, registered members of the parish and in good standing with the Church. Six of those positions are elected, six are selected by the council to represent the various ministries of Saint Francis de Sales. Two are appointed by the Pastor for one year terms, to balance the diversity of the council, to include a young adult to provide representation for that age group. So how can you become involved? First and foremost you can attend our meetings. Pastoral Council meetings are open to the entire parish. Please call the office to confirm our monthly meeting dates, but they are normally on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7pm. These monthly meetings, with the Pastor, provide an open, honest, and respectful forum of communication and dialogue regarding parish affairs. You can also review the minutes from the prior month’s meeting by accessing them on the St. Francis web site or by viewing hard copies in the Narthex on the usher’s stand. Finally, you can nominate yourself for one of the elected positions on the council. These are for two year terms, with a maximum of two consecutive terms. Elections will be held on or about the first weekend in February by secret ballot, which will be distributed to all registered parishioners during masses. A nominating committee is currently seeking candidates for our February Elections. If you would like to nominate yourself for one of these positions, or would just like more information on the pastoral council, please fill out one of the colored forms at the end of your pew, or so me after mass in the narthex. ( Omit for the 7:30…..You can usually find a member of the council at the guest registry following mass each week in case you have any questions. ) The contact information for the Executive Committee is also in the inside cover of the bulletin each week. Thanks and have a great day……
St. Vincent de Paul Society	I am sure you have heard the announcement at the end of mass about poor box contributions for the SVDP society. You may have wondered what SVdP is and who they are. The SVDP society is made up of volunteers from our parish. One of them may be sitting next to you right now. The SVDPS helps the poor by assisting those who cannot pay their rent, mortgage, utility bills, or buy their medicine. We also keep a well-stocked pantry to assist those who have little or nothing to eat. The pantry is kept well stocked by your generous donations of non-perishable items. Local businesses and our government donate bread, groceries and gift cards to help too. Our volunteers stock our pantry, pack the bags, dispense the food and other forms of aid. We also have a drive at Christmas for poor children who otherwise would not have a gift at this special timer of year. These are just a few of the works we do as SVDP volunteers. You may have said to yourself, “I would like to help but I just don’t know how or where to go”... We at SVDPS would be glad to have your assistance, just an hour a month is all it takes. There are contact numbers in the bulletin or you can speak with our representative after mass. Thank you very much for your donations! Please come and be a part of us! You are more than welcome, I’m sure!
The Sharing Table	Thirteen years ago, two women in Edgewood were concerned that people in need in Harford County could get a hot meal in various places during the week but had nowhere to go on the weekends. Deciding they were going to do something about it, the Sharing Table was born. The St. Francis social Action Committee, which in those days numbered about 6 people, was one of the first groups to sign up to serve a hot lunch on Saturday once every ten to twelve weeks. We have continued in that ministry during the past 13 years and to date we have served approximately 6000 meals to the needy. Our list o volunteers has grown since those first days but we are always in need of more willing workers. Our volunteers cook a chicken and rice casserole in their homes using a recipe we provide and bring it to the Prince of Peace Church in Edgewood on Saturday at 10:30am. We generally serve about 100 people, many of whom we have grown to know over the years. We serve from 11:30 until 1 and by 1:30 we have usually finished cleaning up and we can leave. So, if any of you are interested enough to work face to face with the needy and help us twice a year or so, please contact Ed Petrovic. An announcement and phone number appears regularly in the bulletin or the parish office can put you in touch. Thank you.
Ushers	What is the role of the usher, one might ask. The usher is the first individual a St. Francis member sees as they enter the Worship Center, the Stone Chapel, or Kilduff Hall for Mass. They are the ones who greet you with a smile and a friendly greeting. They are the ones who insure that the Church is ready to receive the congregation for the celebration of Mass. They help you locate a seat. They are the stewards during the collection. They are the traffic cops during Communion. They are the janitors following Mass by picking up extra bulletins or the worship aids left behind. They are the ones that distribute the Bulletins as you leave Mass and provide the annual calendars during the Holiday season, the palms at Easter time and other items during the course of the year. Yes, these are the Ladies and Gentlemen who serve the Parish of St. Francis de Sales in a most unselfish way. They are present weekends, holidays and sacramental celebrations or funerals as needed. Wouldn’t you consider joining this fine group of individuals who give of themselves so willingly? If you are interested, please contact me. I will be in the Narthex after liturgy. Thank you.