St. John the Baptist Catholic Parish
 

Stewardship of Time, Talent and Treasure

Planning Guide and Pledge Cards

Each parishioner is invited to reflect on and re-evaluate their gifts of Time, Talent and Treasure in light of their commitment to St. John the Baptist Parish. Every parishioner is asked to give generously.

Take a Step...
Move Gradually Toward Stewardship

  1. Review the list of Ministries and Organizations available at St. John the Baptist Parish.
  2. Select those reflecting your personal talents, goals and interests.
  3. Complete your Time and Talent Pledge Card. If you have children at home, make this a family activity and encourage your children to share their time and talent with our parish. Sufficient spaces for commitment are provided on the card.
  4. Review your annual income and calculate 5% for St. John Parish. Divide by 52 weeks to determine your weekly tithe and complete the Stewardship of Treasure Pledge Card. See Guide For Weekly Giving.
  5. Insert both pledge cards in the enclosed envelope and return in the collection basket on Commitment Sunday, September 23. If you choose to tithe by direct debit, you will also need to include the Direct Debit Signup Form with appropriate signatures and voided check. (Should you be away and not attend Mass in our parish on Commitment Sunday, please return your pledge cards at a later date).

Index of Ministries and Organizations

Liturgical Ministries

Religious Education & Faith Development Ministries

Trade Skills And Building & Grounds Maintenance

Technical And Professional Skills

Outreach Ministries

Support Ministries

Administrative Support

Special Events

Organizations

Liturgical Ministries
101    Eucharistic Minister
Assists with the distribution of Holy Communion at weekend and holy day Masses. Training provided.
102    Eucharistic Minister to Shut-Ins
Takes Holy Communion to homebound and nursing homes every other weekend. Training provided.
103    Greeter/Petition Taker
Creates an atmosphere of welcome by greeting guests as they come to weekend Mass and solicits specific prayer requests of those attending. Training provided.
104    Lector
Proclaims the Word of God during weekend and holy day Masses. Training provided.
105    Usher
Assists in seating parishioners during weekend and holy day Masses and assists in collecting monetary offerings by passing the collection basket. Aids anyone who needs assistance. Training provided.
106    Altar Server
Assists at Mass on weekdays, weekends, holy days and special occasions. Boys and girls, 4th grade and older; 4th graders serve 7:00 AM Mass on weekdays only; 5th grade and up serve weekends, holy days and special occasions. Adults are welcome to join this ministry. Training provided.
107    Adult Choir
Full choir sings 2nd and 4th Sundays at the 8:45 AM Mass year round. Practice every Tuesday from 7-8:30 PM in church.
108    Youth Choir
Teens develop choir skills and sing twice monthly at 5:30 PM Sunday Mass. Practice is Tuesday prior to the Sunday scheduled.
109    Children's Choir
Elementary school children develop choir skills and sing twice monthly at 5:30 PM Sunday Mass. Practice is Tuesday prior to the Sunday scheduled.
110    Cantor
Leads singing at weekend and holy day Masses and special occasions. Ongoing training provided.
111    Pianist
 
112    Organist
 
113    Instrumentalist
Provides musical accompaniment during weekend and holy day Masses and special occasions. Various levels of skill acceptable. Woodwind, brass, strings, and percussion — all are welcome.
Religious Education and Faith Development Ministries
201    Teacher Preschool, Sunday 8:45 AM
Teaches weekly classes September through April. Responsible for class preparation (approximately 1½ hours weekly). Children assigned to classes by age. Classes meet in school building. Training provided.
202    Teacher Preschool, Sunday 11:00 AM
See previous.
203    Teacher Elementary, Wednesday 4:00-5:15 PM
Teaches weekly classes September through April. Responsible for class preparation (approximately 1½ hours weekly). Children assigned to classes by grade 1-6. Classes meet in school building. Training provided.
204    Teacher Elementary, Wednesday 6:30-7:45 PM
See previous.
205    Teacher Confirmation, Thursday 6:45-8:15 PM
Teaches weekly classes September through April. Includes a Sunday Retreat in spring. Purpose is to prepare candidates to receive sacrament of Confirmation. Training provided.
206    Junior High Facilitator, Sunday 10:15 AM-12:00 PM
Same as 203 except limited to 7th & 8th grade students. Meets in school classrooms. Training provided.
207    High School Facilitator, Sunday 7:00-8:30 PM
Facilitates discussions with high school students on various topics related to living their faith in today's world. Meets Sunday evenings, at home sites of parishioners. Training provided.
208    High School Facilitator, Wednesday 7:00-8:30 PM
Same as 207 except day and time. Meets in home sites of parishioners. Training provided.
209    Teacher's Aide
Adults, teens and youth are needed to assist teachers in various classes. Will be assigned appropriate to age and need. Preferences may be requested.
210    Vacation Bible School
This program runs in June. Individuals work with children from ages 4-10. Adults, teens and youth work all week from 8:15 AM-12:00 PM. Others are called to assist with skit direction, music, preparation of craft materials, decorations and set-up.
211    Leader for Children's Liturgy of the Word, Sunday 8:45 AM Mass
Two different age groups (1st to 3rd grade and 4th to 6th grade). Responsible for class preparation (approximately 1 hour). Leaders are scheduled; frequency dependent upon number of leaders. Training provided. Excellent ministry for married couples and parents.
212    Leader for Children's Liturgy of the Word, Sunday 11:00 AM Mass
See previous
213    Substitute Teacher
Individual will be called upon to fill in for teachers in positions 201-208. Lesson plans are provided.
220    RCIA Catechist
Catechists are needed for adults who are being initiated into the Church. Sessions are usually held on Sunday mornings from 8:45 AM-11:30 AM. Ongoing training provided.
221    RCIA Sponsors
Parish sponsors are needed for adults who are being initiated into the Church. Sponsors must be at least 18 years of age, attend Sunday worship, be baptized, confirmed and received First Communion. Training provided.
222    RCIA Hospitality
Provide light refreshments for the RCIA faith sessions on Sunday mornings as requested.
223    Landing Companion/Friend
An 8-10 week program for Catholics who have wandered away from the church and its sacraments. In a small group setting, individuals explore their faith and future within the Church.
224    Renew 2000 Bible Study Facilitator
A program to draw the faithful closer to God. Five seasons (6 sessions each season) planned for fall and Lent during the next 2½ years. Small groups meet to pray and study Scripture, plan liturgies. Individuals needed to lead small group Bible study sessions.
225    Renew 2000 Bible Study
Participate in small group Bible study sessions.
226    Sponsor Couple for Engaged
Married couple serves as sponsor couple for an engaged couple preparing for marriage. A standard program of five sessions is followed with guidebook provided. Meeting times are arranged by the couples. Sponsor couples must be married for at least five years. Training provided.
227    Adult Faith Formation
Individuals needed to assist in planning and developing new opportunities for adult parishioners to grow in faith.
228    Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
Individuals invited to participate in one hour of private prayer and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Monday-Friday, 12:00-5:00 PM.
229    Religious Vocations Team
This group plans the promotion of religious vocations and supports individuals from our parish who are engaged in studies for the priesthood or religious life.
240    Childcare during Mass, Sunday 8:45 AM
 
241    Childcare during Mass, Sunday 11:00 AM
 
242    Youth Athletic Coaches
Adult and high school students interested in coaching/assisting various sports as assigned by school athletic director.
243    Youth Chaperones
Adult supervision needed at various junior high and high school youth group activities, both on campus and for field trips.
244    St. John Elementary School
St. John School offers an opportunity for learning in a Christ-centered environment. The school provides education for children from kindergarten through the eighth grade. School day 7:30 AM – 2:15 PM. Volunteers needed in various areas. More information
245    St. John Kinder Kountry Pre-School
A developmental learning center for children ages 3, 4, and 5. Volunteers needed in various areas. More information
Outreach Ministries
300    Welcome Sunday Hosts
Individuals and families needed to host new parishioners on Welcome Sunday and assist with hospitality set-up and clean up. Usually 8:45 AM Mass, monthly.
301    Welcome Angels (Welcome of New Parishoners)
Individuals and families are needed to welcome newcomers to the parish. "Angels" are asked to visit and give a gift of baked goods (or similar) as a symbol of welcome.
302    Visit Homebound Elderly, Ill, Disabled
Individuals, couples and families are needed to extend friendship to parishioners confined to home, both long and short-term, by personal visit. Frequency determined by you and resident, but monthly visits suggested.
303    Telephone Visitation
Individuals needed to extend friendship to parishioners in need, especially the home-bound, by phoning and sharing conversation. Frequency determined by you. Excellent opportunity for those who are homebound themselves, those who have difficulty getting out, or those who simply enjoy chatting on the phone.
304    Prayer Network
Individuals commit to offer personal prayers for parishioners who make their needs known to us. Intentions are communicated through the network, so that petitions are brought together to the Lord.
305    Food for Fathers
Individuals or small groups needed to prepare a hot meal for our priests; delivery to priests' residence on Mondays and Wednesdays, 5:30 PM. Frequency varies, but usually 2-3 times a year.
306    Parish Nursing & Health Ministry
Nurses and other health providers share consultation, referral and education services for fellow parishioners. Other adults provide additional services ranging from running errands, providing transportation, visiting and beautician services. Nurses providing health screenings, CPR instruction and health classes.
307    Elizabeth Ministry
Women who companion other women by their presence, prayer, and sharing their experiences of pregnancy, childbirth, adoption, infertility, miscarriage, stillbirth, and loss of a child. Also delivers a gift bag to the home of those they companion.
308    Hospital/Nursing Home Visits
Individuals and families are needed to extend care and friendship to parishioners hospitalized for short-term care and those in nursing homes for extended stays. Visits on as-needed basis.
309    Adult Sitters
Adults needed to provide supervision and loving care to elderly parishioners, both short-term and long-term.
310    Respite Care
Individuals or couples needed to provide a break for established caregivers. May involve daytime hours, an over-night or weekend. Needs vary and often are flexible.
311    Transportation (Drivers)
Drivers needed to provide transportation for other parishioners on as-needed basis to Mass or to other local destinations.
312    Appalachian Project
Under the auspices of the Youth Group, groups of adults and teens spend a week helping an adopted Appalachian family. Work involves painting, basic carpentry and other needed tasks. Most important is our presence as active ministers of Christ's love. Work trips usually scheduled during spring break and summer.
313    Haiti Project
Grand Bassin is our adopted Haiti parish. Welcome individuals interested in learning more about Haiti's needs in order to help develop ideas for involving other parishioners. Sponsors for children's schooling ($200/yr) are needed. Periodic collections of goods and donations. More information
314    Handyman Repairs
Individuals with various skills to perform as-needed minor repairs for those lacking resources.
315    Newburgh Area Food Pantry
Adults needed to help in the Food Pantry located on St. John campus; M-W-F, 9:00-11:30 AM and 4:30-7:00 PM the 4th Thursday of the month. More information
316    Serve Meals at a Shelter
Individuals, teens and families needed to serve meals at various community shelters. Location and time will vary. Excellent family ministry.
317    Tutoring
Adults, teens, and youth needed to tutor children needing extra help in various subjects.
318    Mother Teresa Treasures
A thrift store operated by St. John Parish. Volunteers needed to price clothes and operate the cash register from 10:00 AM–4:00 PM, Tuesday through Saturday. Scheduled for 3-hour shifts.
Support Ministries
320    Bereavement Dinners
Individuals needed to donate covered dish and/or serve meal following funeral liturgy, as needed. Meals are served in lower level of church.
321    Bereavement Support
Personal contact with those who are grieving the loss of a loved one through death. Training provided. More information
322    Children's Grief Support Facilitator
Trained individuals needed to work with children who are grieving the death of a loved one.
323    Children of Divorce Support Facilitator
Trained individuals needed to work with children trying to cope with divorce within their family.
326    Diet, Discipline & Discipleship
Individuals participate in holistic activities incorporating body, mind and sprit to attain a healthy weight and maintain it.
Administrative Support
401    Parish Office Help, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Volunteers needed to answer phone, welcome visitors and perform basic clerical tasks. Hours and days are flexible.
402    Parish Office Help, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
See previous.
403    Parish Office Volunteer - Bulk Mailings
Assist in bulk mailings by folding letters and stuffing envelopes as needed.
404    Parish Office Volunteer - Collating
Assist in assembling and collating printed material for special projects.
40    At-Home Volunteer - Word Processing
Assist with special projects. Usually involves deadlines. On as-needed basis.
Trade Skills And Building & Grounds Maintenance
420   
421   
422   
423   
424   
425   
426   
Carpentry
Electrical
Painting
Plumbing
Masonry
Snow Removal
Handyman/Mechanic

Provide assistance for and within parish as needed.
427    Garden Angels (Adopt-A-Spot)
Individuals and families adopt a specific area of the parish campus to maintain by planting flowers, watering and weeding.
428    Lawn and Shrubbery Maintenance
 
Technical & Professional Skills
440    Architect/Engineer
 
441    Artist/Artisan
Creative individuals, skilled or semi-skilled in painting, making banners, creating liturgical settings, calligraphy, etc. Please indicate your particular specialty.
442    Baker
Individuals willing to donate baked goods for various parish activities. Also business concerns willing to donate food products.
443    Decorate Church
Skilled and unskilled help needed to create seasonal settings appropriate to liturgical celebrations as needed.
444    Audio/Visual Specialist
Skilled and unskilled help needed to create seasonal settings appropriate to liturgical celebrations as needed.
445    Computer - Word Processing Skills
 
446    Computer - Networking Skills
 
447    Computer - Web Page Skills
Individual(s) needed with HTML skills and web site maintenance skills. Graphic design, a plus.
448    Computer - Troubleshooting Skills
Individuals who can diagnose hardware and software problems.
449    Computer - Class Instructors
Individuals needed to teach Windows, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet.
450    Sign Language Skills
 
451    Hispanic Ministry
Seeks individuals who know Spanish and those who are interested in learning the language to assist and welcome Hispanics within the community.
452    Fundraising
 
453    Kitchen Help
 
454    Sewing
 
455    Church Angels (Cleaners)
No experience necessary! Individuals, couples, families will be assigned to groups who alternate weekly cleaning of our church facility.
456    Alumni Steering Committee
New committee needing individuals to plan and promote alumni awareness.
457    Endowment/Estate Planning
Professional individuals with knowledge of endowment/estate planning.
461    Writing
Individuals with writing skills are needed to develop articles for FrameWorks (quarterly newsletter), and other special projects.
462    Editing
Individuals with editing skills to assist with FrameWorks newsletter.
463    Posters for Parish Events
Individuals with some creative ability willing to design and create posters to advertise various parish events on an as-needed basis. May include artistic skills, computer skills or other mediums.
464    Public Media
Individuals familiar with radio, TV and printed media who are willing to assist in promoting various activities.
465    Advertising/Publicity
Individuals familiar with marketing who are willing to assist in promoting various activities.
466    Graphic Artist
 
467    Layout/Printing
Individuals and businesses associated with copy and design layout to assist with production of needed materials.
468    Human Resources Skills
 
Special Event Ministries
501    Right to Life Reception
Right to Life Reception proceeds to benefit Birthright and Right to Life. Individuals needed to help plan and coordinate the event.
503    Couples Night Out
Individuals needed to help plan and serve meal for anniversary celebration held in February for all married couples. Includes renewal of marriage vows and candlelight dinner.
504    Parish Overnight Attendee
Mini retreat held at Sarto Retreat Center. Open to adult parishioners; presented by fellow parishioners.
505    Parish Overnight Team
Adult parishioners interested in planning and hosting a comfortable and meaningful overnight retreat experience for fellow parishioners.
506    Summer Social
Annual event held last weekend of June to foster fellowship with other parishioners. A major fundraiser of the parish. Specific sign-ups held prior to event but include this in your commitment calendar so you can plan ahead.
507    Summer Social Co-Chairs
Training provided.
508    Senior High Mass & Brunch
Adults, teens and families are needed to prepare and serve brunch to the year's graduating high school seniors. Held in late May after 11:00 AM Mass.
509    Blood Donor Drive
Adults and nurses to help during parish blood drive.
510    Mardi Gras Appreciation Celebration
Individuals, families or groups willing to help plan, prepare or serve the meal as we honor our many volunteers.
511    Harvest Party
A costume party sponsored by St. John High School Youth Ministry for the children of the parish who are in 6th grade and under.
512    Parish Library
Individuals are needed immediately to help review books for suitability and to assist with bar coding for computerized checking system. More information
513    Pageants
Individuals needed to assist with music, signing, liturgical dance and drama practices for Christmas and/or Easter pageants.
600    Venturing
A program of the Boy Scouts of America for both boys and girls who have reached the age of 14 (and who have completed the 8th grade) through 20 years of age. The program uses outdoor activities and high adventure Super Activities centered on leadership, service, social interaction, fitness and citizenship to assist young women and men to develop maturity in their faith life and to assist them in integration into the parish community. Meets 1st & 3rd Tuesday of every month except summer months.
601    Boy Scouts
Open to boys 11 to 18. Develop personal skills through outdoor activities, service projects and religious programs. Weekly meetings held Mondays, 6:30-8:30 PM. Adult male leadership needed and welcomed.
602    Cub Scouts
Open to boys in grades 1-5. A program of Boy Scouts of America, scouting promotes family values, character development, social skills and personal achievement. Boys attend weekly den meetings plus a monthly parent-son gathering in the parish center. Adults needed as Den Leaders and Pack Leaders.
604    Girl Scouts
Open to all girls of the parish: Brownie Girl Scouts (grades 1-3) and Junior Girl Scouts (grades 4-6). Girl Scouts of America is a values-oriented program fostering personal development and attitudes of good citizenship. Girls attend weekly or bi-monthly meetings. Times vary by troop.
605    Athletic Club
Parents of students who participate in sports at St. John School are automatic members of the club. They volunteer their time for various activities that promote financial assistance for the sports program.
606    Cemetery Board
Oversees the layout, maintenance, sale of lots, proper interment of deceased, preservation, protection and embellishment of St. John Cemetery.
607    Knights of Columbus, Councel 8746
Involvement as a Knight provides opportunities in charity and fraternity to serve at St. John, as well as on diocesan and worldwide levels. A Knight serves the community and the less fortunate. Meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month.
608    Mature Adults
Geared to those age 55 and over. Provides fellowship through Scripture study and social activities. Meets Mondays 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM in the Joseph Room.
609    Mother To Mother
Primarily for mothers of preschool age children; meets 1st and 3rd Thursdays, 9:00 AM-1:00 PM in Lower Level of church for social and spiritual growth activities. Child care provided. More information
610    Men's Club
Fosters spiritual fellowship and social life of members; provides activities for general welfare of the parish; channels excess revenues toward parish building fund or extensive maintenance costs. Meets third Tuesday of each month. Open to adult (21+) male members of parish.
611    Parish Pastoral Council
Consultative and administrative body consisting of elected parish members plus pastor and pastoral staff. Endeavors to serve the parish family in practical and spiritual ways. All members of parish, high school age and older are eligible for membership on council.
612    PTSA
Parent-Teacher School Association is a cooperative group of parents and teachers working toward a better education for St. John School children. Activities include fundraisers and special programs. Individuals are needed year to year in leadership capacity, and all families are encouraged to participate in the activities.
613    Quilters
Beginners and experienced quilters are invited to share their quilting talents. The group donates quilts for the Summer Social and takes orders from individuals. Groups meet Monday evenings 6:30 PM and Tuesday mornings 9:00 AM in the convent.
614    School Board
Regulating body of St. John School programs and facilities. Consists of Pastor and eight elected members for three-year terms. Monthly meetings as announced in bulletin.
615    Spiritual Life Committee
Studies the individual elements and organized activities that influence the spiritual well being of the parish community. New members and new ideas welcome.
616    St. Vincent de Paul Society
Open to all men and women of the parish. An international Catholic organization dedicated to serve the needy. Meets first Monday of each month at 6:00 PM in the Elizabeth Room.
617    Right to Life Committee
Individuals needed to help plan and coordinate activities dedicated to respect for life. Many resources available through established programs.
618    Junior High Youth Ministry
Activities planned by and for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. Youth leaders and chaperones needed.
619    High School Youth Ministry
Activities planned by and for high school students. Adult leadership needed on a consultative basis and as chaperones.
620    Young Adult Ministry
Prayer, study and social activities are planned by young adults for their 18-35 age group as they take their place in the community of parish life.