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Heart of Mary Cluster

Ministry Booklet

A listing of opportunities to share one’s

gifts of time and talent in the parishes of

St. Mary, Vinton

St. Mary, Urbana

Sacred Heart, Walker

Our Mission Statement:

The Heart of Mary Cluster, inspired by the Holy Spirit,

provides a welcoming faith community in which we

proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ by the way we live,

by our worship together and by serving others.

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In places throughout this booklet, references are occasionally made

to individual parishes by the use of the following abbreviations:

SMV = St. Mary, Vinton

SMU = St. Mary, Urbana

SHW = Sacred Heart, Walker

Dear Parishioners of the Heart of Mary Cluster,

Being part of a faith community is like being part of a

family. There are many roles that must be filled and

tasks to be completed. The family functions best

when everyone takes an active role.

As you look through this Ministry Booklet, you will see there are

many roles and responsibilities in our cluster that must be filled

in order for our parishes to function well and thus carry out our

mission as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.

In order to accomplish all that we have set out do to, we ask

each member to consider how God is calling them to share

their gifts of time, talent and treasure. The ministries presented

require various gifts and abilities, as well as varying levels of

time commitment . There are opportunities for individuals,

couples and families to be involved.

As you look through this booklet, please prayerfully consider

where God is calling you to serve. What gifts and talents do

you possess that could serve the community?

If each of us does our part, we can accomplish great things in

the name of the Lord and do so for His glory, not ours. Thank

you for taking the time to reflect on how God is inviting you to

serve Him in our local community and thus help build up His

Kingdom here on earth.

In the peace of Christ,

Marcia Reilly

Parish Life Coordinator

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Liturgical Ministries

Altar Server Assist the priest during Mass SMV - youth in 5th-12th grade; SHW & SMU - youth

in 4th-12th grade Training is required and provided

Reader

Proclaim the Scripture readings at Mass High school youth and adults Training is required and provided

Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion (EM)

Help distribute the Body & Blood of Christ at Mass Parishioners who have received the Sacrament of

Confirmation and been commissioned to serve as an EM

Training is required and provided Eucharistic Minister to the Homebound

Take communion to care centers and homes of parishioners who are unable to attend Mass

Parishioners who have received the Sacrament of Confirmation and been commissioned to serve as an EM

Training is required and provided Ministry of Hospitality-Greeter & Gift Bearer

Welcome parishioners and guests as they arrive for Mass

Carry forward the gifts of bread and wine and the collection at offertory

Distribute bulletins as people leave Mass A wonderful family ministry

Ministry of Hospitality-Usher

Assist parishioners in finding a place to sit and take up the collection

Monitor the congregation for any needs which may arise during Mass

A ministry for men, women and teens

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Sacristan Immediate preparation for liturgies-unlock church,

arrange the sacred vessels and other items needed for Mass

Ensure all liturgical ministries are filled prior to the start of Mass

Store vessels and lock church after Mass A ministry for individuals, couples or families

Organist/Pianist

Lead music at weekend liturgies with a cantor and/or choir

Strong accompanying skills are necessary Instrumentalist

Any type of instrument such as flute, guitar, violin, brass or woodwind

Cantor

Lead song at weekend liturgies with a pianist, organist or guitarist

Vital skills: a good voice, comfort with a variety of music and the ability to read music

Adults and teens are welcome Choir

Open to all students and adults New members are always welcome

Leader of Children’s Liturgy of the Word

Share the Scripture readings with young children at an age-appropriate level

Takes place during the Liturgy of the Word at Mass Offered at SMU and SMV Great opportunity for teens and adults

Church Environment

Help decorate the church for each liturgical season Great opportunity for both individuals and families

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Rosary Leader Lead the congregation in praying the rosary prior to

Mass Must begin at least 25-30 minutes before Mass is

scheduled to start Morning Prayer Leader

Lead Morning Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours Currently only offered at SMU on Wednesdays, could

be offered at SMV on Tuesday and SHW on Thursday if there are willing leaders and participants

Materials and training provided Stations of the Cross Leader

Lead Stations of the Cross on Friday evenings during Lent

Eucharistic Adoration

Commit to spending one hour in prayer each week before the Blessed Sacrament

Currently only offered in Vinton on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Even if you cannot commit to one hour each week, everyone is invited to stop by any time even if just for a few minutes

Liturgical Ministry Scheduler

Schedule liturgical ministers for weekend Masses Currently filled by the following individuals:

SHW: Kerry Peyton; SMU: Amy Katcher; SMV: Carrie Weber (altar servers) and Sue Keller (all other ministries)

Altar Linen Care

Clean and iron altar linens and server albs Liturgy Committee Member

Assist Sacramental Priest and Parish Life Coordinator in facilitating the communal prayer in our cluster by providing input and leadership

Meets on the first Tuesday of the odd-numbered months, except in July, at 6:30 p.m. in Urbana

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Faith Formation Opportunities

NOTE: Volunteers for all opportunities that involve direct

contact with children must complete Safe Environment

training and have a background check completed.

Catechist Teach and share our faith with children in grades K-8

on Wednesday evenings from September thru April Materials and a curriculum are provided Catechists choose if they wish to be compensated or

volunteer their time

Catechist Aide Assist a catechist in teaching and sharing our faith

with children in grades K-8 on Wednesday evenings from September thru April

Catechist aides choose if they wish to be compensated or volunteer their time

Substitute Catechist Fill in for catechists on Wednesday evenings on an

“as-needed” basis Catechists choose if they wish to be compensated or

volunteer their time

Edge Leader Edge is a middle school faith formation program

offered on Wednesday evenings Be part of a team teaching and sharing the faith with

children in grades 6-8 Leaders choose if they wish to be compensated or

volunteer their time

Life Teen Leader Life Teen is a high school faith formation program

offered on Wednesday evenings in Vinton for Vinton students and in Walker for both Urbana and Walker students

Be part of a team teaching and sharing the faith with high school students

Leaders choose if they wish to be compensated or volunteer their time

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Site Supervisor Provide support and leadership for our Faith

Formation students, catechists and families by opening/closing facilities, answering phones, making copies and otherwise managing the office while classes are in session

Site supervisors choose if they wish to be compen-sated or volunteer their time

Snack Supervisor

Assist/oversee snack time for the Faith Formation sessions that meet immediately after school in Vinton and Walker

Snack supervisors choose if they wish to be compensated or volunteer their time

Faith Formation Music Leader

Lead children in Faith Formation in learning Catholic Christian music, including Mass parts

Music is offered on a different schedule at each parish site, taking up a portion of class time on the days it is offered

Music leaders choose if they wish to be compensated or volunteer their time

Confirmation Team

Be part of a team that will assist the Coordinator of Youth Ministry with preparing 10th and 11th grade students for the Sacrament of Confirmation

Volunteers must be confirmed, active Catholics with a passion for sharing their faith

Confirmation is offered alternate years between SHW/SMU and SMV

Totus Tuus-Assistant

Totus Tuus is a weeklong summer catechetical program for students entering grades K-12 in the fall

Volunteers are needed to assist the Totus Tuus missionaries in various activities and games and also help with snacks

The week Totus Tuus is offered varies each year. The schedule is determined by the Archdiocese.

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Driver for Youth Activities Transport students to/from activities using one’s

personal vehicle Volunteers must be at least 21 years old In addition to completing Safe Environment training

and having a background check, volunteers must complete “Be Smart, Drive Safe” on-line training

Faith Sharing-Small Group Leader

Facilitate a small group using the Sunday Scriptures, Bible study materials, FORMED resources or an appropriate book study

Sample materials and other resources are available Schedule (day/time) as well as location group meets is

flexible and mutually agreed upon by the group members

Baptism Preparation Team

Meet with couples preparing to have their first child baptized

Share information about the sacrament of baptism and answer couples’ questions

Classes meet on the second Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. and rotate among the three parishes

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Team

Meet with individuals interested in becoming fully initiated members of the Catholic Church

Prepare/lead discussion on various topics central to our Catholic faith

Typically meet from September thru April Date/time/location of meetings vary each year depend-

ing on schedule of the individuals in the group Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Sponsor

Accompany an individual who has expressed interest in becoming a member of the Catholic Church

Attend weekly meetings, participate in discussion Pray for the individual one is sponsoring as well as

others in the process Must be a confirmed, practicing Catholic in good

standing with the Church

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Marriage Mentor Couple Meet six times with an engaged couple preparing for

marriage using provided materials (Witness to Love workbook and video content)

Pray for and support the engaged couple; invite them into the life of the parish

Mentor couples must be married five or more years, have been married in the Catholic Church and attend Mass regularly. Both spouses need NOT be Catholic.

Adult Faith Formation Team (NEW!)

Serve on a team whose purpose would be to help facilitate adult faith formation opportunities (retreats, speakers, small faith sharing groups, Bible studies, etc.) within the cluster

Help promote adult faith formation opportunities in the area and across the Archdiocese-including men’s and women’s conferences, speakers, retreats, grand-parents’ ministry, etc.

Work with the Coordinator of Youth & Young Adult Ministry to promote and provide young adult opportunities

Marriage Enrichment Team (NEW!)

Implement marriage enrichment programs in our cluster to help strengthen marriages. (The Archdiocese has several resources available to choose from.)

Promote marriage as a vocation

Faith Formation Commission Member Assist in guiding the Faith Formation opportunities

for all age groups in our cluster Members are elected and/or appointed for a three-year

term and can serve for a maximum of six years Meets at 6:30 p.m. in Urbana on the third Tuesday of

the even-numbered months except in December

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Parish Life Opportunities

Parish Life Committee Member Oversee and assist in efforts to build community

within our parishes, including social events Welcome new parishioners and help to foster a sense

of belonging for all parishioners Coordinate outreach efforts to various groups such as

college students, homebound and young families Creative people wanted! Join this group to imagine

and design enjoyable events for people of all ages! Funeral Lunch Helper

Help with the preparation, serving and cleaning up of funeral luncheons

Food for Funeral Luncheons

Provide a salad or dessert for a funeral luncheon Funeral Food/Worker Coordinator

Contact volunteers from a list of parishioners who have signed up to work at or provide food for a funeral luncheon

Hospitality for Parish/Cluster Events

Help set up/clean up after parish/cluster events Provide snacks and/or baked goods Will be contacted on an “as-needed” basis throughout

the year Wednesday Evening Community Meals

Assist with preparing/serving monthly community meals before Faith Formation on Wednesday evenings from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Offered at SMU only Father’s Freezer

Prepare frozen meals to be distributed to individuals/families experiencing significant life events (i.e.-newborn child, illness, job loss, death)

Deliver meals to families Only active at SMU at this time

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Fall Festival Planning Committee Be part of a team serving as a chair or co-chair of

various aspects of the annual Fall Festival SHW and SMU only SHW’s Fall Festival normally takes place on the 3rd

or 4th Sunday of September. SMU’s Fall Festival normally takes place on the 2nd Sunday of October.

Fall Festival-Event Worker

Work a shift at the annual Fall Festival Meet other parishioners and have fun! SHW and SMU only SHW’s Fall Festival normally takes place on the 3rd

or 4th Sunday of September. SMU’s Fall Festival normally takes place on the 2nd Sunday of October.

Crunch Cabin Fever/Winter Fun Fest

Be part of a team serving as a chair or co-chair of various aspects of the annual Winter Fun Day. Usually takes place the 3rd or 4th Sunday of January

Meet other parishioners and have fun! SMV only

People Who Care Dinner

Held on first Saturday in December at SHW A noon-time meal and entertainment for community

members 65 and older Help decorate, prepare, serve and clean up

Coffee & Donuts

Host coffee & donuts after Mass, including preparing/serving coffee and drinks

SMU - also need to pick up donuts at Casey’s (the donuts are paid for in advance!)

SMU - 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month SMV - every Sunday Sign-up sheet is located on serving table (SMV) or

bulletin board near kitchen (SMU)

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Greeting Card Ministry Address birthday cards for parishioners celebrating

75+ years to be sent on behalf of the parish Would like to expand this ministry to include cards

for anniversaries, sympathy cards, new baby, etc. Prayer Shawl Ministry

Make prayer shawls for those in need of support and comfort during difficult times

Open to members of any age and any level of experience in knitting or crocheting

Gather with others to knit/crochet or do so at home on your own time

Active group meeting in Urbana at this time Quilting Group

Gather with others to make quilts for parish raffles as well as various organizations (i.e. Birthright, Catherine McAuley Center, Iowa Veterans Home, Mercy Hall-Perrine Center, ECHO Ministries, etc.)

A group meets on Tuesday mornings at SMV and another group meets on Wednesday mornings at SMU

Prayer Chain

Pray for those in need of healing or special prayers Receive prayer requests via e-mail or phone In need of coordinator for SHW and SMU

Behold Your Child Ministry (NEW!)

Provide a ministry of presence to parents who have experienced a miscarriage, stillbirth or infant loss

Training required. Offered by the Archdiocese at various locations throughout the year.

Bereavement Ministry (NEW!)

Provide a ministry of presence to those who have ex-perienced the death of a loved one

Training required

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Welcome Ambassadors (NEW!) Commit to personally welcoming new members into

our parish/cluster faith community at Mass as well as through home visits and phone calls

Knights of Columbus

Catholic men, 18 and older, committed to making their community a better place while supporting the Church

Monthly meetings: SMV (Marian Council) meets on the second Thursday of the month in the parish hall. SMU/SHW (John Paul II Council) meets on the first Thursday of the month at the KC Hall in Center Point.

Stewardship

Discipleship Committee Member Assist in leading discipleship/stewardship activities in

our cluster, including but not limited to: Assisting with evangelization efforts (speakers,

books, retreats) Educating the parish/cluster about

stewardship as a way of life Working with staff and other committees to

assess the ministry needs of the parishes/cluster

Drawing forth the stewardship of time, talent and treasure from all parishioners

Committee generally meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 5:30 p.m. at SMV. No meeting in December.

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Social Justice Opportunities

Social Justice Committee Member Provide leadership for social justice activities in our

cluster Committee meets on the third Thursday of even-

numbered months at 6:30 p.m. at SMU. No meeting in December.

Haiti Committee

Support and help promote the relationship with our sister parish of Notre Dame de Lourdes in Belle Fontaine, Haiti

Assist with various collections that take place throughout the year (Adopt-a-Student, school supplies, medical supplies)

Assist with fundraising efforts, specifically spaghetti dinners held after Mass at SMV

Optional - travel to Haiti as part of a team to minister to our sisters and brothers

Catholic Worker House Meal Ministry

Be part of a team that provides food for a monthly meal at the Catholic Worker House in Cedar Rapids

Food Pantry Volunteer

Stock shelves and monitor inventory Meet with clients and complete paperwork required by

HACAP SHW and SMU only

Giving Tree

Provide assistance to community members in need at Christmas time

Make tags for Giving Tree, purchase gifts, help sort/deliver gifts

Coordinators at each parish are as follows: SHW - Gloria Loughren SMU - Angie Buck SMV - Linda and Leo Wobeter

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Administration Opportunities

Pastoral Council Advisory body to the pastor/parish life coordinator Elected position. Nominations and elections take

place in May Three-year term, six-year maximum SMV Pastoral Council meets on the second Tuesday of

the odd-numbered months at 6:30 p.m. SHW/SMU Pastoral Council meets on the third

Thursday of the odd-numbered months at 6:30 p.m. Meetings rotate between SHW and SMU.

Finance Council

Advisory body to the pastor/parish life coordinator regarding the administration and stewardship of human resources, parish facilities and parish finances

Appointed position Meets in Urbana at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Thursday

of January, April, July and October Buildings and Grounds Committee

Oversee the maintenance of parish facilities Provide input/consultation on major projects Experience and expertise in buildings/grounds and

related trades preferred Meets on an “as-needed” basis

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Miscellaneous Opportunities

Office Volunteer Assist with mailings and other office projects on an

“as-needed” basis

Money Counter Routine counting of money received in weekend

collection Bulletin Boards/Communication

Update bulletin boards in collaboration with parish/cluster staff

Advise/assist with other parish communications as needed

Creative individuals wanted! Grounds Keeping

Assist with plantings and general landscaping of parish grounds

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What are YOUR gifts, talents

and interests?

How will you share them with

our faith community?

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Website: heartofmary.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Heart-of-Mary-Cluster-Catholic-Churches

Just as it is important to share one’s gifts of time and talent with our faith community, sharing of our treasure - our financial support - is equally necessary. It costs money to keep the lights on, maintain our facilities, purchase liturgical supplies, offer Faith Formation and sacramental prep and pay our staff a living wage, among other things.

Please consider supporting your parish in one or more of the following ways:

Tithe using the adult budget envelopes that are mailed to your home each quarter.

Encourage your children to tithe by using special offering envelopes designed for children and teens. Call the office to secure a set of envelopes for your students.

Sign up to donate on-line using My eOffering. Go to our website (heartofmary.org/my-eoffering) to learn more.

Use Bill Pay to donate. A check will be sent directly from your financial institution to your parish. Can set up on-line or at your bank.

Farmers can choose to donate grain. Find a form to transfer ownership of the grain on our website at heartofmary.org/year-end-giving-opportunities

Make an IRA distribution to your parish.

Designate your parish as a beneficiary on a life insurance policy, 401K account, etc.

Remember your parish in your estate planning.

Designate a portion of your purchases on Amazon to your parish by shopping on smile.amazon.com. Learn more at heartofmary.org/amazon-smile

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Cluster Leadership

Marcia Reilly Parish Life Coordinator m.reilly@dbqarch.org

Cell: 319-310-1772

Fr. Jim Brokman Sacramental Priest

dbqhc1@dbqarch.org

Deacon Steve Ford Permanent Deacon

DBQ203D@dbqarch.org Home: 319-849-2296

Mary Pat Muhlena Coordinator of Faith Formation (gr. K-5)

m.muhlena@dbqarch.org Office: 319-472-3368

Brenda Kowalsky Coordinator of Youth (gr. 6-12)

& Young Adult Ministry b.kowalsky@dbqarch.org

Office: 319-448-4241

Nancy Dobney Business Manager for St. Mary, Urbana and Sacred Heart, Walker

dbq207bm@dbqarch.org Office: 319-448-4241

Jeannie Springer Business Manager for Cluster

and St. Mary, Vinton dbq203sec@dbqarch.org

Office: 319-472-3368

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Life is Your Gift to Us

God, life is Your gift to us.

Through Baptism, You invite us to share the gift of life in

service to others.

Be with us as we choose each day to show Your presence

in our world.

Give us the courage to respond to Your call.

We pray especially for those who serve You in all ministries

here in our cluster. May they continue to bear the

Good News through their words and actions.

Open the minds and hearts of the many, that

they may accept Your challenge to build the

kingdom in our cluster.

Lord Jesus, You tell us that the meaning of life

consists in giving. Help us to realize that it is

not riches or power or fame that gives life meaning. Rather

it is generosity and service to You and others that brings

true fulfillment and makes life worthwhile.

May all of our service help us to build Your Kingdom.

Amen.

“It was not you who chose me, but I who chose

you and appointed you to go and bear fruit

that will remain, so that whatever you ask the

Father in my name he may give you.”

John 15:16