Church
Committees, Ministries
If you are interested in serving on any of the committees or if you need the assistance provided by one of the ministries, please contact the Parish Office at 434-6081 (unless otherwise noted).
PLEASE NOTE: The Archdiocese of Cincinnati mandates that all those who regularly volunteer with children be required to take a one-hour Child Protection Class (CPC) and to be fingerprinted. Click here to get more information about the Child Protection Classes and Fingerprinting.
Select the first letter of the committee you wish to view.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Click here to view a Staff Duties Flow Chart
ADORATION COMMITTEE – Don Homan. This is a ministry to promote and encourage parishioners to take part in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament; a project of praise of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. We have 1-1/2 hours of adoration after the 8:30 am Mass on the First Friday of every month. Also, three hours of afternoon adoration on the Sundays of Advent and Lent. All are welcome!
ADULT FAITH FORMATION COMMITTEE – Tim Clarke, Office of Faith Formation 434-9272. The basic purpose of this committee is to provide an opportunity for adults to continue to grow in their faith. Planning missions, Advent and Lenten programs, lectures, adult education programs and trips all would fall under this ministry.
ART & ENVIRONMENT – Judy Ksiezopolski & Kay Dineen. This committee changes the appearance of the sanctuary for each liturgical season, special events, etc. Works with the seasonal planning teams throughout the year.
ATHLETIC COMMISSION – Mark Schwieterman, President. Directs and supports athletics for parish youth.
BAPTISM PREPARATION – Anne Trick, Office of Faith Formation 434-9272. Parents desiring Baptism of an infant or young child need to attend a Baptism preparation class prior to the Baptism. These classes are repeated monthly. (See Sacrament information).
BASKETBALL – MEN’S OPEN GYM – Jamie Gehring. Monday evenings, 8:30-10 pm during the school year in the PAC Center. Open to men of the parish age 25 and older.
BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY – Pat Olson. We make contact with families who have experienced a death. The Committee helps to plan the funeral liturgy, house sit during viewing hours and funeral, and provide any other support and help needed during those difficult days.
BIBLE CAMP – Bible Camp is a one-week experience each summer. It is for parishioners of all ages. Hours for camp will be 9:00 am-12N. Registration takes place in March. Dates for Bible Camp 2009 will be June 15-19.
BLOOD BANK provided by Parish Health Ministry. The blood bank is an opportunity for members of St. Charles Parish to provide to the community in time of need. Currently held four times a year.
BUILDING AND MAINTENANCE – Gene Torchia. Keep up repairs and maintenance of all the buildings belonging to St. Charles Parish. This is done in an orderly manner as yearly inspections warrant.
CAFETERIA/KITCHEN – The cafeteria is available for use as a meeting space by St. Charles groups. Prior scheduling must be made through the Parish Office. If the kitchen is used for food preparation, specific arrangements must be made in advance.
ST. CHARLES CATERING – Sharon Jakubs. We do everything from elegant weddings to informal get-togethers. We offer party trays, assorted hors d’oeuvres, gourmet brownies and cookies. All proceeds go back into the St. Charles school lunch program.
CATHOLIC MEN’S FELLOWSHIP (CMF) – Ken Kramer and Bob O’Connor. Small groups of men meet regularly to share life experiences and offer one another support. St. Charles’ CMF arrange for a bus annually to attend the CMF Annual March Conference in Cincinnati. All the men in the parish are encouraged to attend. The every other weekly CMF meetings include reflections on the Scripture, individual sharing and prayer for the needs of all families, the parish, and the needs of our community. Currently, two groups are meeting. One group meets the 2nd and the 4th Tuesdays of the month at 7:15-9:00 pm in the Hospitality Room. The other group meets every other Tuesday morning at 6:45-8:00 am in the Parish Library. New members are welcome at any time. See the SPUR for times and locations of CMF meetings.
CCD (Continuing Christian Development) – Tim Clarke, Coordinator, Office of Faith Formation 434-9272. Classes are held on Tuesday afternoon 4:00-5:15 pm in Walsh Hall for children in grades 1-5 attending public schools. Classes begin September 9, 2008 in Walsh Hall. After grades 1-5, Junior High (grades 6-8) meets on Sunday evenings 6:30-8:00 pm.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE LUNCHEON COMMITTEE – JoAnne Shook or Betty Batsche. We offer the use of the Borromeo Room to parish members wishing to provide a luncheon for family and friends following the funeral of a loved one. The room will accommodate comfortably approximately 50 people. The family will furnish the food. Volunteers will set up the buffet, serve, clean up and assist the family in any way we can.
CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD (at 10:45 Mass) – Tim Clarke, Office of Faith Formation 434-9272. Each Sunday during the 10:45 Mass the children of the parish are invited to listen to the Scriptures of the day with a special Liturgy of the Word directed toward them as children. There is a group of trained lay-leaders who conduct this service. The children return to the Mass at the preparation of the gifts to celebrate the Liturgy of the Eucharist with the assembly.
CHILDREN’S PRAISE PROGRAM – Coordinators: Lisa Hornick and Karen Knebel. The Children’s Praise Program is a worship program for 3, 4, 5 and 6 year olds held on Sunday mornings during the 10:45 Mass so parents can attend Mass without their preschoolers. The purpose of the program is to nurture the faith of the young child and to provide a Church community that affirms the child’s self worth as a valuable person and a child of God.
CHUCK WAGON – Judy Davidson or Sr. Joanne. A group of interested parishioners who like to take short day trips to places of interest in our area. They also enjoy occasional pot luck lunches, trips to nearby restaurants and other cultural and social activities, often with our partner parish, St. Francis of Assisi. No officers, no dues – just a great chance to make friends and build community. It is open to men and women of all ages. Monthly events are publicized in all parish publications. Your help and ideas are welcome.
DIAKONIA – Roger Ferry. Diakonia means “Service.” This is one of two service outreach organizations of the parish. Every member of the parish belongs to this group. It is the community’s way of helping others. The parishioners in Diakonia have continued to conduct various clothing drives, food and toy collections, the Christmas basket program, and direct emergency services requested by individuals. With the continued support of the parish, this past year it was possible to continue our participation with the Adopt-A-Family Program, and support a number of food pantries located around the city.
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS – Marlene Showalter. This ministry is open to those men, women, and youth who wish to serve our community through the reverent distribution of communion at Mass. Ministers are scheduled in teams for specific Masses once a month.
FAITH & LIGHT – Tim Clarke, Office of Faith Formation 434-9272. This is a monthly support group for people with developmental disabilities and their families and friends. Call for more information.
FAITH FORMATION COMMISSION – Tim Clarke, Office of Faith Formation 434-9272. Members represent all aspects of faith formation in the school, CCD, Sacraments, and adult faith formation. This group sets policy, evaluates curriculum, and develops programs and projects based on the Parish Mission Statement and the expressed needs of parishioners.
FINANCE COMMISSION – Joe Jones. Canon Law requires a parish to have a Finance commission. This commission works with the Pastor and Business Manager to plan budgets, reviews, financial reports and report the parish financial records to parishioners.
GREETERS – Kathy Taylor. Greeters are part of the very important ministry of hospitality. Our greeters have a friendly, warm smile to welcome our parish family and visitors to Mass and direct those unfamiliar with our building. Families, as well as singles and couples, are encouraged to be a part of this ministry. Scheduling is for one Mass per month.
HEALTH MINISTRY – Ruth Hoffman, RN, Parish Nurse. Concerned with the physical, spiritual, and emotional needs of our parishioners. The health team serves as a liaison for community services; provider of health screenings and of educational opportunities on health issues; coordinator of volunteers involved in total health needs including Nursing Home Ministry; exercise program, prayer shawl ministry, blood pressure program, home visitation, etc.; works to coordinate total health aspects with other parish ministries.
HOMEBOUND EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS – Don Chrystal or John Davalos. These men, women and high school students take communion to those who are unable to come to Mass due to age, illness, or disability.
KOFFEE KLATSCH – Ted & Rose Link. Koffee Klatsch provides coffee, bagels and donuts on the first Sundays after the 7:30, 9:00 and 10:45 am Masses from September through April in the Borromeo Room. Watch the SPUR for details. Please join us or take some donuts ‘to go’!
LECTORS – David Bodary. Open to parishioners from Junior High School to adult interested in proclaiming the Word of God at Sunday and Holy Day Masses. Participants proclaim the Word at Mass and other liturgies on a rotation basis.
MARKET DAY – Donna Lavoie. This is a frozen food co-op sponsored by PTO that raises funds for a variety of school improvements. Food is ordered and picked up once a month. Order sheets are available for any parishioner in the church hallway by the drinking fountain and bulletin board.
MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER – Mark and Carolyn Nichwitz. Open to married couples who are interested in growth.
MARTHA’S – Brenda Tibbits, Pastoral Associate. This ministry launders and cares for the altar linens. Participants are scheduled four to five times a year to pick up purificators, towels, and altar cloths to wash, iron and fold.
MUSIC MINISTRY of St. Charles is dedicated to bringing the song of the assembled community to life, and to assist the people in making song their prayer.
Ted Singer – Director of Music and Pianist for Celebration Choir
Lisa Singer – Organist/Pianist/Cantor and Director of Funeral Choir, Celebration Choir, Canticle Choir and Parish Children’s Choir
Barbara Sink, Organist/Pianist for 12:15 Mass
There are four choirs to assist in this ministry: Click here for more information about the four choirs.
The music ministry also includes many volunteer cantors and instrumentalists, who lead the assembly in song, and who also serve as proclaimers of responsorial psalm verses and gospel acclamations.
NURSERY – Margie Morrison. The nursery is a co-op and available to all parishioners. It is staffed by volunteer parents and students who supervise the children of parishioners who attend Mass at 5:00 pm on Saturday, or 9:00 am and 10:45 am Masses on Sundays.
NURSING HOME MINISTRY - Anita Mackey. The Nursing Home Ministry offers communion to the residents of Oak Creek Terrace Nursing Center three times weekly. The Liturgy of the Word with Holy Communion is offered each Sunday by a team of parishioners. Mass is offered once a month by our priests. They are also on-call to administer the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.
PARISH COUNCIL – Parish Council is an advisory board to the Pastor and Parish Staff. It is made up of at-large members from the parish community and appointed members who represent the active commissions: Meetings are in conjunction with the Strategic Planning Committee monthly meetings.
Parish Council Members 2010
Jim Wolff, President
Fr. Gerald Haemmerle, Pastor
Fr. Ron Haft, Pastoral Vicar
Patty Kraft, Member-At-Large
C.J. Schoeff, Member-At-Large
Bob Montavon, Member-At-Large
Cyndi Platt, Member-At-Large
Marty VanOss, Member-At-Large
PARISH LIBRARY – Don Paul. The Library is located adjacent to the Parish Offices in the Church. The Library consists of a collection of books, periodicals, and audio-visual materials provided to enhance spiritual education and growth. These may be borrowed for a 4-week period. Selected books and magazines are for sale. The Library is available for use whenever the Church is open.
PRAYER GROUP – Nancy Paul. This group meets on Tuesday at 8:00 pm in the Day Chapel. This group seeks to be alive and open to the Holy Spirit, allowing him to work through us in our everyday lives. Our focus is on the Scriptures supplemented by other spiritual sources and interspersed with song and prayer. Participation and sharing are encouraged. We are a small group and welcome new members.
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY – Ruth Hoffman. Knitters and crocheters are welcome to join us. We meet the second Monday each month at 9:15 am in the Borromeo Room and at 7:00 pm in the Hospitality Room. Our purpose is to create shawls, lap robes, baby afghans and other items to comfort the ill and grieving, bring hope to new life, and enjoy love and friendship.
PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING SERVICES – Catholic Social Services (223-7217) appointment only.
PTO-SCHOOL – Kathy Gerding. This group meets several times a year in the Walsh Hall Conference Room. Read the SPUR & LIGHT for more information.
RCIA – Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and School Age Children. Mrs. Brenda Tibbits, Pastoral Associate.
RECOVERY, INC. – A community mental health organization that offers a Self-Help Method of will training to overcome nervous symptoms and fears. Two groups meet at St. Charles. One meets every Tuesday in the Walsh Hall Conference Room at 7:30 pm; another meets every Friday in the Parish Library at 9:30 am. Area Leader: Judy White.
RESPECT LIFE COMMITTEE – Kelly Heine. This is an active group of parishioners who are involved in many activities that support respect life issues.
SCHOOL COMMISSION – Susan Mueller. This is an elected commission that acts as an advisory board to the principal and pastor in matters that relate to school policy and operations. They meet on the first Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm.
SCOUTING – Scoutmaster: Joe Volk; Assistant Scoutmasters: Joe Untener, Stan Wilson; Cubmaster: James Hall; Assistant Cubmasters: John Davalos, Donald Klosterman
SCRIP – SCRIP is a major fundraiser for St. Charles School. SCRIP is the only fundraiser available where you don’t spend money you wouldn’t already be spending. Simply put, gift cards are purchased through SCRIP at a discount and sold to the consumer at regular retail value. Some of the cards that are kept in inventory are Dorothy Lane Market, Cub Food, Kroger, Speedway, Kohl’s, Applebee’s, Chipotle, Panera Bread, Bob Evans, and Starbucks. Also available are Pick-A-Scrip, where a denomination is selected and a gift certificate is given to the lucky recipient. The person receiving the gift certificate can then choose the gift card(s) of their preference! Kroger is our largest contributor and is the most convenient. A reloadable card is purchased at $5. Each time a card is reloaded the school earns 4%. If every St. Charles family reloaded their card for only $100 per month Scrip would accumulate a profit of nearly $17,000 to give to St. Charles School. Please contact Cynthia Resch to purchase Scrip gift cards. (Or watch for our monthly sales after Masses!)
SERVER MINISTRY – Father Ron Haft. This ministry is open to both students and adults, male and female. Training is offered at the beginning of each school year for St. Charles School, CCD and home-schooled students in 5th-through 8th grade. Training for high school students and adults will be offered on an individual basis by calling the Parish Office at 434-6081.
SOCIAL ACTION PROJECTS – Habitat for Humanity, Christmas Giving Tree and Food Barrels.
SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE – Gordon Fuchs. This group meets the first Thursday of every month except for the months of July and August. The mission of the Social Justice Committee is to integrate into every aspect of the parish the principles of Catholic social teaching. This mission includes providing opportunities for parishioners to serve in the areas of charity and outreach; advocacy; community organizing; and solidarity.
THE SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL is a Catholic lay organization that helps the poor and those in temporary need. It’s a person-to-person Catholic ministry whose members see “the face of Christ” in the faces of those who are suffering. The mission of The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is to strengthen our members’ religious spirituality through prayer and action. Please call Karen Ipsaro at 643-2923 to volunteer.
ST. VINCENT HOTEL AND SALVATION ARMY’S BOOTH HOUSE MEAL PROGRAM – Mikal & Julie Grossman or Larry & Mary Lou Smith. All parishioners are invited to participate in this important monthly project. Sign-up is on a monthly basis, for that month only. Meals are prepared in your own home and returned to Church the following Sunday. Watch the SPUR and LIGHT for more updates on this project. These meals are delivered to St. Vincent Hotel for the Homeless and the Booth House on the second Sunday of each month.
STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE is an ad hoc committee that is taking a good look at the parish and planning for the future. It is headed by Susan Bodary, Michael Taylor and Jim Wolff.
USHERS – Steve Kauflin. This service provided by women, men, junior high, and high school students is part of the ministry of hospitality. They welcome parishioners as they arrive, help them find seats, take up the collection, and hand out the bulletins following Mass. New ushers are always welcome.
VOCATIONS COMMITTEE – Fr. Ron Haft. The Vocations Committee serves the parish by encouraging prayers to Our Father in Heaven to send out more laborers for the harvest. We provide educational resources regarding Priestly and Religious Vocations.
WELCOME COMMITTEE – The Welcoming Committee strives to make St. Charles Parish a welcoming community for all members, particularly those new to the parish.
Welcome Packet Delivery Subcommittee: Provides personal delivery of Welcome Packets to new parishioners.
WORSHIP COMMISSION – Brenda Tibbits, Pastoral Associate. This group functions to stimulate a deeper sense of spirituality in our worship community. We strive to provide opportunities for growth in understanding what liturgy and worship is for our parish. Our endeavor is to provide quality worship in accordance with the liturgical laws and regulations of the Archdiocesan Worship Commission and the Universal Church, and to regularly evaluate the parish worship experience.
YOUTH COMMISSION AND PLANNING TEAM – Please click here for information about our Parish Youth Ministry.