Each individual of St. Patrick Parish is important to the faith life and vitality of the Church. Those who volunteer their time and talent are the life-blood of our parish. It takes the collaboration and the sharing of gifts on the part of many people to keep our parish active and instrumental in building the Kingdom of God in our place and time. Through the generosity of many people, we have numerous parish ministries which invite active participation.
Listed below are the various ministries, organizations, committees and services provided by St. Patrick Parish. By acquainting yourself with the work and purpose of these activities, it is hoped that you will find one or more ministries of interest that may be suited to your gifts and talents. Through the sharing of our time and talent, we become good stewards of the many blessings God has bestowed on us. As we look back on the 150 years since the founding of our parish, you are strongly encouraged to use your individual gifts to help build up and continue the mission of our St. Patrick Parish community.
To learn more about any of the parish organizations, call the secretary at the rectory office who will provide you with the specific person(s) to contact.
Thank you for being an important member of the parish family of St. Patrick. May God bless you and your family always.
"Do this in memory of me." Luke 22: 19
Lector Ministry - Readers of sacred scripture from the ambo at Mass
Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist - Assist in the distribution of the bread and wine that is Jesus at Mass.
Music Ministry
CANTORS
St. Patrick Parish has three Masses every weekend led by a solo cantor. This is a vital part of the Church's liturgy and is carried out by volunteer singers. If you think you would like to serve the Parish in this important role as part of our team of cantors, please contact the Director of Music at jmdefrange@yahoo.com. We are looking for people who have good voices and are called to be involved with the liturgical life of St Patrick Parish. A basic knowledge of how to read music and some singing experience are helpful but not required.
CHOIR
The St. Patrick Parish Choir sings at one Mass each weekend and on various special occasions throughout the church year. Such occasions include but are not limited to Christmas Eve; Holy Week; Easter Sunday; First Eucharist, First Reconciliation; and Confirmation. The choir takes a hiatus during the summer. Rehearsals are held every Thursday at 7pm in the choir loft. Members of the choir are not required to read music; however, a basic knowledge of music and some choir experience are helpful. Anyone interested in joining the choir should contact the Director of Music at jmdefrange@yahoo.com.
Sacristan - Prepares the materials needed for Mass
Altar Servers - Assist the priest at Mass
Hospitality - Greeters at the doors at the start of weekend Masses and ushers who help the assembly during Mass
Church Seasonal Environment - Decorates the church for various church feasts/seasons
Seasonal Devotions - Stations of the Cross, Communal Penance Services, Marian Devotions, Divine Mercy Chaplet, Mass of Remembrance on All Souls Day, Blessing of the Animals.
"Just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me." Matthew 25-40
Welcoming New Parishioners - Those who visit and welcome incoming members of the parish.
Evangelization - Bringers of the gospel to those who don’t know Christ and to those who have stopped attending Mass.
Ministry to the Sick and Homebound - Those who bring a Catholic presence to the Catholics who are shut-ins or confined to nursing homes.
Bereavement Ministry - Leaders of the Grief Support Group, those who send cards to the grieving, those who prepare and serve the funeral luncheons.
Prayer Shawl Ministry - Those who produce and distribute the free prayer shawls to those desiring one.
Respect Life Committee - Those whose ministry is to create awareness for all issues regarding the sanctity of human life.
Social Justice and Peace - Supporters of the gospel’s call to care for the poor and disenfranchised.
Prison Ministry - Members of the teams that carry the gospel and the Eucharist to penal institutions in Portage County.
Shelter Committee - Assist those who have no place to stay.
"All the believers were of one mind and heart. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had." Acts 4:32
Finance Council - Those who assist the pastor in meeting the fiscal needs of the parish.
"Teach them to carry out everything I have commanded you." Matthew 28-20
PSR - Those who teach the faith to our Pre-K through Grade Eight children
Youth Ministry - Those who lead the youth in grades 9-12 in weekly activities and service projects for their enrichment and the betterment of the parish
Catechist Formation - Trainers of those who teach the faith to others
Bible Study - Those who join group studies of the Bible
OCIA -Leaders and team members who conduct the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults
Parish Retreats, Days of Reflection and Parish Missions - Programs for increasing our awareness of our call to holiness
Dinner and Doctrine - Evening talks by Catholic guest speakers on aspects of the Catholic Faith and specific ministries.
Sacramental Preparation - Those who prepare the faithful for Baptism, First Reconciliation, First Communion, Confirmation and Marriage.
Parish Library - Those who supply and maintain the books, videos, CD’s, and other print materials in the parish library inside the northeast church entrance.
"I wish their hearts to be strengthened and themselves to be closely united in love." Colossians 2:2
Spring Social Event - Those who plan, decorate and serve at the parish’s annual spring social.
Parish Picnic - Those who prepare and organize the annual August parish-wide picnic.
Breakfast with Santa - Those who prepare and organize the annual December Christmas party for the young children of the parish.
Receptions and Hospitality - Those who supply, set-up, serve and clean up after the many post-event receptions.
"I will gather them, each and every one, and I will group them like a flock in the fold." Micah 2:12
Saint Patrick Parish Women’s Group - Women who meet the 3rd Sunday of the Month at 9:30am in the Captain's Cabin.
Like the Saint Patrick Parish Women's Group on Facebook
Catholic Men’s Fellowship - Men who meet on the 3rd Monday of each month from 7 PM - 8 PM in the church hall to focus on their call to mission and personal holiness.
Knights of Columbus Council 1411 - Catholic men who form the Kent Council of the National Organization of the Knights of Columbus, principally serving St. Patrick Church as well as the greater community.
Like the Knights of Columbus Council 1411 on Facebook
Alcoholics Anonymous - Ministers to those who are striving to overcome their addiction to alcohol.
Lovelight - Those who serve and provide a summer lunch program to those in need.
Maintenance and Grounds - Those who assist in the care of the church buildings and grounds.