Ministry/Service Opportunities
Below is a listing of 2009-2010 ministry and service opportunities available. Please review the descriptions and contact the St. Olaf parish office with a list of your interests. Call 612-332-7471 or email office@SaintOlaf.org. (We will need the following information: your name, full address, daytime phone, evening phone, and email address.) To have a printed brochure mailed to you, contact the parish office at 612-332-7471.
FAITH FORMATION
RCIA
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a seven month process for adults who want to join the Catholic Church and for Catholics who would like to receive the sacrament of confirmation. The classes meet on Sunday mornings from September through Easter, following the 10:00 am Mass, and cover a variety of topics, such as the sacraments, the Bible, liturgical year, social justice and prayer. In addition to those who are formally entered in the program, the classes are open to the public and provide a tremendous opportunity for catechesis for the entire parish. Staff Contact: Fr. Mark Pavlik
FAITH-BASED SMALL GROUPS
Fosters and supports your spiritual formation and community building during the season of Lent. Staff Contact: Mary Brady
– Prayer Shawl Group: Pray while you knit a prayer shawl for community members in times of illness, injury, or loss of a loved one.
– Scripture Reflection — Lectio Divina: Pray and reflect on the Sunday readings.
– Spiritual Reading/Reflection: Read a spiritual book in common with faith sharing and discussion.
SERVANT LEADERSHIP IN SACRAMENTAL FORMATION
Assist Coordinator/Catechist in the home-based First Communion and Reconciliation program. Meet Sundays 9:30 – 11:30 am (September-April). Catechist: Marjie Blevins; Staff Contact: Mary Brady
CENTERING PRAYER
Silence is the language of the spirit. Centering prayer is a way of coming to our own center and finding the deep stillness that is there, within us. The Spirit dwells within our hearts and silence enables us to listen to the gentle movement and inspiration of the Spirit. In Centering Prayer – faithfully practiced — we can more easily put on the mind and heart of Christ. Open, ongoing groups offering support to persons committed to Centering Prayer or some form of meditation; introduction and continuing spiritual formation. Staff Contact: Sr. Joan Tuberty. Monday-Thursday mornings, 7:30 – 7:50 am, Cowley Hall; Saturday, 9:00 – 11:00 am, Cowley Hall
HOSPITALITY (food, beverage, usher, setup/cleanup)
FELLOWSHIP MINISTER
Prepare and serve food/beverages, clean-up at the time of fellowship following weekend Masses. Staff Contact: Fr. Mark Pavlik
FUNERAL
Prepare and serve food/beverages, clean-up at the time of a funeral. Staff Contact: Gene Smith
OTHER CELEBRATIONS
Prepare and serve food/beverages, clean-up following special liturgies including St. Patrick’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and others. Staff Contact: Fr. Mark Pavlik
SOCIAL OUTREACH PROGRAM
Offer hospitality and serve a home-cooked meal at monthly Sunday dinners at the Exodus Residence next to St. Olaf Church, October – May, 3:30 – 6:30 pm. Staff Contact: Joan Miltenberger
FAITH & WORK BREAKFASTS
The Faith and Work Breakfast Series addresses the challenges of and opportunities for living authentic lives of faith at work. Local and national speakers inform and inspire through breakfast programs, 7:00 – 8:30 am, approximately 4-6 times per year. Volunteers receive free registration to each event. Staff Contact: Carol Bishop
– Set-up space the day before the event, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
– Prepare and serve food/beverages at the event, clean-up, 6:15 – 9:30 am
USHER-GREETER AT THE LITURGY
Practioner of the art of welcoming, hospitality, ushering skills, responding to the needs of the assembly. Staff Contact: Fr. Mark Pavlik
PASTORAL CARE
Pastoral Care is a ministry that educates, forms, and supports women and men leaders in caring for the elderly, sick and isolated. The ministry is reinforced with models of mutuality, attentive listening, respectful communication and confidentiality. It is a ministry that fosters gentle healing and transformation during times of aging, illness, loss, and other life’s transitions.
PASTORAL CARE MINISTER
Make pastoral visits and distribute the Eucharist to the hospitalized, homebound and health care residents. These ministers attend an in-service training and are approved, and commissioned in the St. Olaf parish community. Staff Contact: Mary Brady
EUCHARISTIC MINISTER TO THE HOMEBOUND
Must be a trained and appointed Eucharistic Minister for the St. Olaf parish. Staff Contact: Mary Brady
GRIEF GROUP COALITION
To assist you with your loss, support is available through the Downtown Coalition for Grief Support. In collaboration with other downtown faith communities we provide education and support for those grieving the death of a loved one. The Coalition is committed to providing a respectful and caring atmosphere, inclusive of all faith traditions. Grief support seeks to provide an opportunity for people to help one another understand and express their grief experience. Staff Contact: Mary Brady
GRIEF SUPPORT HOSPITALITY COORDINATOR
Provide a welcome environment for attendees along with refreshments when hosting Grief Support group at our parish.
WORSHIP AND MUSIC
USHER-GREETER
Practioner of the art of welcoming, hospitality, ushering skills, responding to the needs of the assembly. Staff Contact: Fr. Mark Pavlik
EUCHARISTIC MINISTER
Distribute the Body and Blood of Christ at Mass. Staff Contact: Fr. Mark Pavlik
EUCHARISTIC MINISTER — daily Mass
EUCHARISTIC MINISTER — weekend Mass
LECTOR
Proclaim the Word of God in the liturgical assembly. Staff Contact: Fr. Mark Pavlik
LECTOR — daily Mass
LECTOR — weekend Mass
SANCTUARY MINISTER (weekend Masses, solemnities, feasts)
Serve as acolyte, crossbearer, incense bearer, bell bearer in the liturgy. Staff Contact: Fr. Mark Pavlik
SACRISTAN
Prepare sacramentals for Mass: bread, wine, care of sacred vessels, lighting of candles. Staff Contact: Gene Smith
SACRISTAN — daily Mass
SACRISTAN — weekend Mass
LITURGICAL ART AND DESIGN GROUP
A team of volunteer ministers and designers who prepare the worship spaces and church complex throughout the liturgical year. Staff Contact: Dr. Lynn Trapp
LITURGICAL ART AND DESIGN — Creative design and execution
LITURGICAL ART AND DESIGN — Floral arranging and assistance
LITURGICAL ART AND DESIGN — Green plant care, once monthly
LITURGICAL ART AND DESIGN — Assist with preparations for Advent/Christmas, Lent/Easter seasons
LITURGICAL ART AND DESIGN — Sewing
ST. OLAF PARISH CHOIR
Sing 10:00 am Mass and special liturgies/concerts, September-June; radio/TV ministry. Rehearsal Wednesdays 7:00 – 9:00 pm, Sundays 9:15 am. Joins combined choirs for Easter Vigil, special liturgies/events. Staff Contact: Dr. Lynn Trapp
CONTEMPORARY MUSIC ENSEMBLE/CHOIR
Sing, play an instrument for the 4:00 pm Sunday Mass; TV ministry. Rehearsal Sundays at 2:20 pm. Larger seasonal choir for Christmas season, Good Friday, Easter. Rehearsals on four Tuesdays prior to the liturgy, 7:00 – 9:30 pm, as announced. Staff Contact: Dr. Lynn Trapp
AFRICAN INTERNATIONAL CHOIR
Internationally mixed choir leads music for monthly African Masses, third Sunday of each month, 12:00 noon. Rehearse Saturdays 2:00-4:00 pm according to schedule. Staff Contacts: Othello Collins, Dr. Lynn Trapp
VENITE CHOIR
For the person who would like to explore their voice — even if they have never been in a choir before — to learn basic technique, simple unison singing of songs, hymns, and psalms for the liturgy. Meeting times as announced. Staff Contact: Dr. Lynn Trapp
WORSHIP AND SACRED MUSIC SERIES
This annual series of finest reputation features concerts and worship events in varied mediums by local, national and internationally known artists and groups. Serve as usher and/or food/beverage service at receptions. Most events take place on weekend evenings. Staff Contact: Anne Susag
WORSHIP AND SACRED MUSIC / Usher-greeter
WORSHIP AND SACRED MUSIC / Reception hospitality
WORSHIP AND SACRED MUSIC / Event set-up and take-down
ST. OLAF SOCIAL OUTREACH PROGRAMS (SOSOP)
The Social Outreach Programs include various parish ministries that promote human dignity and social justice, particularly for our brothers and sisters in need, through service, community outreach, advocacy and faith formation. The programs also strive to educate and engage parishioners in a more complete understanding of Catholic teachings and tradition of justice and charity. All Social Outreach volunteer ministries that provide face-to-face services require an interview, participation in orientation, and training. Staff Contact: Joan Miltenberger
SOCIAL OUTREACH / Clothing Closet and Food Pantry: Greet and assist guests with clothing, sort and organize clothing; sort and organize food donations and assist guests with food needs; make referrals for local food shelves.
SOCIAL OUTREACH / Advocate: Offer listening support, problem solve and make referrals to other social services, educational or employment services for Social Outreach guests.
SOCIAL OUTREACH / Office Assistant: Answer phone, record keeping and data entry, clerical and administrative support for Social Outreach ministry.
SOCIAL OUTREACH / Special Projects, including August School Supply Drive, Thanksgiving Meals on Wheels, Christmas Gift Collection, driving donations to outreach sites.
ST. OLAF SEWING CLUB
St. Olaf Sewing Club meets every Wednesday, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm at St. Olaf to sew, knit or crotchet children’s clothes, blankets, sweaters, hats and mittens. Children’s clothing and blankets are then distributed to St. Olaf Social Outreach, St. Anne’s Shelter and Incarnation House (a recovery residence for women with children). Join the Sewing Club for 1-2 hours or the entire time.
SOCIAL JUSTICE AND OUTREACH COMMISSION seeks to develop understanding and commitment to Catholic social justice teaching through education, advocacy, direct action and service. The commission provides many opportunities for parishioner involvement including:
– Serving as a Commission member or subcommittee volunteer. Contact Ann Christiansen at 763-520-9318 or christiansen1495@comcast.net.
– Promoting efforts to end homelessness. Contact Ann Pannier at 612-824-6572 or apannier@iaxs.net.
– Encouraging racial justice through Discussions that Encounter, book and movie discussions, focused retreats, and other activities that promote respect and understanding across cultures. Contact Bill Keatts and Jean McFarland at www.wkeatts@austin.rr.com.
– Providing information tables, Action Alerts and advocacy on salient social justice issues especially during the legislative session. Contact Ann Pannier 612-824-6572 or apannier@iaxs.net.
– Participating in community activities such as “A Brush with Kindness” a painting-volunteer service offered by Habitat for Humanity. Contact Mike Nemanich at mnemanich@aol.com.
– Planning informational/educational programs and retreats for the parish on various topics such as our call as Christians to live and act with justice and in service to one another. Contact Joan Miltenberger at 612-767-6211.
– Promoting economic justice by providing Fair Trade products to our parishioners through the sale of Fair Trade coffee and chocolates throughout the year. Contact Ann Christiansen, 763-520-9318 or christiansen1495@comcast.net.
DOWNTOWN CONGREGATIONS TO END HOMELESSNESS works with downtown faith communities and local non-profits to end homelessness by 2016 through advocacy, education and coordination of direct services.
– Member of interfaith team representing St. Olaf to plan and implement educational and advocacy activities. Contact Ann Pannier at 612-824-6572 or apannier@iaxs.net. Also see www.dceh.org.
JUSTFAITH and ENGAGING SPIRITUALITY are faith formation programs that explore spirituality, Catholic social teaching, scriptures, one’s baptismal call and needs of our world. Enables Catholics to be knowledgeable, active and spiritually grounded in their faith. Programs begin in the fall or winter.
– Participant
– Facilitator
PARTNERSHIP WITH EXODUS RESIDENCE
The Exodus Residence is a transitional housing program located next to St. Olaf on 2nd Avenue and managed by Catholic Charities. The residence serves 94 single men and women in need of low cost and supportive housing due to prior homelessness, inadequate or overcrowded housing, and in transitions from treatment programs. St. Olaf Catholic Church owns the building and adjacent Assisi Park, and strives to offer support and hospitality to the residents. Staff Contact: Joan Miltenberger
EXODUS MINISTRY LEADERSHIP TEAM: Plan, coordinate and support volunteer activities with Exodus Residence.
MONTHLY DINNER AND HOSPITALITY VOLUNTEER: Offer hospitality and serve a home-cooked meal at monthly Sunday dinners, October – May 3:30 – 6:30 pm.
CHRISTMAS PLANNING VOLUNTEER: Plan and coordinate Christmas gift-giving and party for the guests, October – December.
COMPUTER TUTORS / TECHNICIANS: Teach program skills; maintain and update software and hardware.
PARTNERSHIP WITH RISEN CHRIST CATHOLIC SCHOOL
St. Olaf has supported and promoted the importance of Catholic education in the city of Minneapolis through Risen Christ Catholic School since 1998. St. Olaf offers its volunteer support, assistance and support of fundraising activities, and education about the mission of Catholic education in the city. School volunteers are interviewed, complete a criminal background, and participate in orientation and training at the school. Staff Contact: Joan Miltenberger
SCHOOL VOLUNTEER (ON SITE): Serve as tutor, library/classroom assistant, Spanish translator, recess supervisor, resource teacher for grades K-8.
RISEN CHRIST SPONSORSHIP COMMITTEE: Provide leadership in fund-raising and volunteer recruitment to support Catholic education.
INTERNATIONAL OUTREACH
AFRICAN PARTNERSHIP: Members serve together in communication with our parish partners in Kenya to plan activities of cultural learning, awareness of shared needs and gifts, and participation in our Annual African Partnership Appeal Weekend. Staff Contact: Mary Brady
SPECIAL SERVICES
OFFICE RECEPTIONIST: Answer phone/door on weekdays, Sunday morning, special occasions (holidays and holy days). Staff Contact: Peter Barrett
CLEANING GROUP: Clean nursery, kitchens, Gathering Room, other spaces in the church complex. Staff Contact: Peter Barrett
SANCTUARY AND SACRISTY CLEANING GROUP: Staff Contact: Gene Smith
ALTAR MINISTRY AND CARE OF LINENS: Wash and iron small linens used for the liturgy. One week each month. Staff Contact: Gene Smith