Saint Michael Parish — 2021 Stewardship Renewal Handbook

Discipleship Through Stewardship

2021 Stewardship Renewal

“Steady my feet in accord with your promise.”

— Psalm 119:133 2

INTRODUCTION

Discipleship Through Stewardship STEWARDSHIP In common language, “stewardship” simply means taking good care of one’s belongings. But at Saint Michael Parish, when we talk about stewardship, we mean something more than that. As Christians, we believe that we don’t really own anything, per se. God has created all things — everything we “own” is really “on loan” from God. From this perspective, stewardship means taking care of God’s gifts — and using them for His glory.

Stewardship is using our time, talent, and treasure to build God’s Kingdom.

DISCIPLESHIP Stewardship isn’t a “program” or a fundraising effort. It’s not a one-year experiment. It’s a commitment to a lifestyle of Christian discipleship. The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us that discipleship is, “the common vocation of all Christ’s disciples, a vocation to holiness and to the mission of evangelizing the world” (CCC, 1533). When we commit to lives of stewardship, we are saying that we are going to take the gifts that God has given us in our lives — our time, our talents and our treasure, and use them to grow in holiness and to share the love of God with everyone we meet. God asks us to be His hands and feet to those we encounter. Will you follow where He leads?

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TIME

Making Time For Prayer Many of us know that it is important to pray, but what is prayer and how do we do it? According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, prayer is “the raising of one’s mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God.” As Christians, each of us is encouraged to make time for prayer every day. It is through prayer that we receive the peace that can only be found in doing God’s will. There are many ways to practice prayer, and each one connects us to God in a unique way.

ACTION STEPS TO IMPROVE YOUR PRAYER LIFE

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Pope Francis encourages all to start spending 15 minutes every morning in quiet prayer by reading and reflecting on Sacred Scripture. A helpful place to start is the readings for each day, found at usccb.org/bible/readings or on Catholic phone and tablet apps, such as iBreviary, Magnificat or Divine Office.

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Thank God for the good things He has given you that you might take for granted throughout the day.

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Examine your conscience before going to sleep and say an act of contrition like we do at Mass.

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Pray with your children each night before bed, giving each family member an opportunity to pray for something and concluding with an Our Father, Hail Mary and the Glory Be.

TALENT

Being an Active Servant Every week, our parish is buzzing with activity. There are groups that pray together, groups that minister to other parishioners, and groups that reach out to the community. Christ Himself taught us that “whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). When we lay down our wants and desires to serve each other, God blesses our efforts! Will you consider where God is calling you to serve Him?

ACTION STEPS TO BECOME MORE ACTIVE IN SERVICE •

Pray about how the gifts God has given you can best be used to serve others.

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Use your Commitment Card to find a parish ministry that will help you grow personally in living out your faith.

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Commit to being faithful to God through those you serve in word and deed.

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TREASURE

Consistent and Generous Giving Our deepest reason for giving is not because our parish has needs, but because we have a spiritual need to give. We are called to give to God from our first fruits, and to recognize that everything comes from Him. Our gifts to God should be out of faith and gratitude for what God has done for us. Just like the apostles who laid down their nets the moment that Jesus called them, we too should lay down everything, even something as important to us as our finances, to follow Christ. God’s promise to us is a promise of life and security when we place all of our trust in Him. “The Lord will be with you and will never fail you or forsake you. So do not fear or be dismayed” (Deuteronomy 31:8).

TAKE A STEP TOWARD 10 PERCENT At Saint Michael Parish we honor the scriptural tithe. We invite parishioners to give 6% of their gross income to the parish in the Sunday offering and 4% to other charities. Determine what steps you can take toward giving 10% of your household income. Consider increasing your gift by 1% or 2% increments until you reach the scriptural tithe and be faithful to your commitment, whatever it may be.

ACTION STEPS TO BE FINANCIALLY GENEROUS

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Pray about the best use of your financial resources and ask God to show you where you need to give Him priority in them.

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Evaluate your regular offertory gift and increase it based on what you think God is calling you to give until you reach the full scriptural tithe.

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Make a commitment to give regularly to God through the parish offertory, and be faithful to your tithing commitment, even when you attend Mass elsewhere.

2021 Ministry Listings PRAYER MINISTRIES Eucharistic Adoration

Meet Jesus face-to-face in the Holy Eucharist.

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is an expression of our love and a profession of our faith in Christ’s presence now on earth.

This is our opportunity to come before Jesus and thank him for his ultimate sacrifice for our salvation, to share with him our trials and sufferings, and to ask for his help and grace in our lives. He waits patiently and lovingly for each of us to come to him. Give yourself the gift of spending time with our Lord; remember the question Jesus asked his apostles, “Could you not spend one hour with me (in prayer)?” Adoration takes place 24 hours a day, seven days a week in the Saint Joseph Chapel. Volunteers can commit to adoration at a specific time for one hour per week, or for one or more hours per month as a substitute.

Contact: Steward for Liturgy at nnussel@saintmichaelparish.org

Prayer Ministry

This ministry provides one-on-one prayer for parishioners in need after Sunday Masses in the Pier Giorgio Room. Commitment is about 15 minutes on the scheduled Sunday.

Contact: Leanne Bergford at lsbergford@gmail.com

OUTREACH MINISTRIES Christmas Giving Tree

Every Christmas season Saint Michael Parish partners with Catholic Community Services, Drexel House, and the School Districts to provide gift cards for families in need. The donated gifts are delivered to the partner organizations who will then distribute them.

Contact: Steward for Community Outreach at kpatton@saintmichaelparish.org

Detention Ministry

Bring the Word of God and the message of God’s love and forgiveness to incarcerated men and women. Work in teams, share your faith, lead, or assist with activities and bring Holy Communion to Catholics behind bars. Others may assist with parish activities in support of this ministry. Comply with institution-specific prerequisites.

Contact: Steward for Community Outreach at kpatton@saintmichaelparish.org

Eucharistic Visitor to the Homebound

We do our best to care for our homebound brothers and sisters and ensure anyone in need of anointing can receive it. Eucharistic Visitors are available to bring Communion to homebound parishioners as well as those who have transitioned to assisted living or hospice care in the Olympia area.

Contact: Steward for Pastoral Care at breece@saintmichaelparish.org

Helping Hands

Provide a “helping hand” to people 18 and older who need temporary assistance by providing meals on different occasions, short-term respite for caregivers, visiting or calling on the homebound, plus assisting with healthcare appointments, grocery shopping, or other errands and needs. Valid driver’s license/auto insurance required.

Contact: Steward for Pastoral Care at breece@saintmichaelparish.org

Interfaith Works Chefs

Interfaith Works is opening a larger overnight shelter facility this winter and will need additional support providing meals to their shelter guests.

Contact: Steward for Community Outreach at kpatton@saintmichaelparish.org

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Men’s Shelter

Open November to March on Monday through Thursday evenings. The downtown Gathering Space becomes a homeless shelter and hosts supervise the shelter overnight.

New and experienced hosts are teamed together. Additional opportunities include prepping meals and washing bedding.

Contact: Steward for Community Outreach at kpatton@saintmichaelparish.org

St. Paul Street Evangelization

Focus is on evangelization and outreach by sharing the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ in the streets of Thurston County. It follows the guidance of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops found in the elements of the New Evangelization.

Contact: office@saintmichaelparish.org

St. Vincent de Paul Clothing Bank

The Clothing Bank distributes free clothing to those in need. Volunteers are needed to receive and sort donations.

Contact: Mike Revoir at mikejrevoir@yahoo.com

St. Vincent de Paul — Mobile Clothing Bank Distribution

Once per month, the Mobile Clothing Bank goes out in a U-Haul and distributes clothing to people living at various encampments in the community. Volunteers are needed to drive the U-Haul, distribute items, load, and unload the truck.

Contact: Bob Hahn at rhh2rocks@hotmail.com

LITURGICAL MINISTRIES Altar Server

Altar Servers serve at the Lord’s table for Sundays, Holy Days, funerals, wedding liturgies, and Masses with Saint Michael Parish School. This is a great way to be involved and to learn more about the Mass.

The ministry is open to adults who are active parishioners and to youth in at least the fourth grade who have received First Communion. Training is provided and a dress code is followed.

Contact: Tom Targus at tomtargus@comcast.net

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Altar Society/Guilds

The Altar Society supports altar needs such as cleaning, new altar cloths, laundry, and the parish Nativity set. They also support seminarians and the Funeral Luncheon ministry.

Contact: Steward for Liturgy at nnussel@saintmichaelparish.org

Art & Environment Committee

This hard-working group supports the liturgy and welcomes anyone with “arts & crafts” skills to help us decorate and create the atmosphere for fulfilling worship. Members help plan and implement the enhancement of our liturgical and worship spaces. Time commitment varies by project.

Contact: Steward for Liturgy at nnussel@saintmichaelparish.org

Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion at Mass

Extraordinary Ministers assist, with reverence and dignity, in the distribution of the Eucharist at Mass. This ministry is available to active, confirmed parishioners. Training session required.

Contact: Steward for Liturgy at nnussel@saintmichaelparish.org

Greeter at Funerals

Join the Funeral Ministry as a Greeter and provide a warm and welcoming presence to attendees. Funeral Masses are typically at noon on weekdays, with Greeters arriving approximately 30 minutes before the start and remaining until guests have departed.

Contact: Steward for Community Outreach at kpatton@saintmichaelparish.org

Hospitality/Greeters at Weekend Mass

Be a part of what enhances the Sunday experience by welcoming everyone that walks through our doors. Respond to emergencies, open or close windows and doors, and hand out bulletins after Mass. Commitment is approximately 90 minutes per Sunday scheduled. A great opportunity for families and those trying ministry for the first time.

Training is provided.

Contact: Steward for Liturgy at nnussel@saintmichaelparish.org

Lector – Reader at Mass

Lectors proclaim God’s living word on Sundays and at special liturgies, approximately once a month or at daily Mass once a week. Lectors also lead the Prayers of the Faithful when a deacon is not present. This ministry is available to active and confirmed parishioners. Tryouts and training are required.

Contact: Steward for Liturgy at nnussel@saintmichaelparish.org

Sacristan

Sacristans ensure all preparations for Mass are complete and that albs, linens, candlesticks, etc. are clean and ready. A Sacristan has a love of the liturgy, an eye for detail, and good people skills. About two hours are needed for preparation before and cleanup after Mass.

Volunteers must have previously served as Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion.

There is also an interview process.

Contact: Steward for Liturgy at nnussel@saintmichaelparish.org

Usher at Weekend Mass

Ushers assist in helping parishioners find seats and in taking up the Sunday offering.

They also coordinate the direction and manage the Communion line.

Contact: Steward for Liturgy at nnussel@saintmichaelparish.org

Vietnamese Mass Support

Vietnamese Mass occurs every second Sunday of the month. Support for Mass includes Lectors, Sacristans, Altar Servers, Greeters, Ushers, Hospitality and Extraordinary Ministry of Holy Communion.

Contact: Parochial Vicar at office@saintmichaelparish.org

Wedding Liturgy Coordinator

Coordinators assist engaged couples to plan their liturgy, direct the rehearsal, and are present on the wedding day.

Contact: Steward for Faith Formation at jshirley@saintmichaelparish.org

MUSIC MINISTRIES Audio/Visual Technicians

At all Masses, the music ministry needs help to run the sound board as well as projecting

lyrics on the overhead screens, especially at Life Teen and Contemporary Band Masses. Training is required to operate the equipment.

Contact: Steward for Social Media and Parish Life at rex@saintmichaelparish.org

Bell Choir (Seasonal)

The handbell choir enhances our liturgies at Easter and Christmas and a few other special occasions throughout the year. Members must be able to read music. All music volunteers must attend a training session before joining.

Contact: Steward for Music at agoldstien@saintmichaelparish.org

Instrumentalist

While we cannot sing during the COVID crisis, there are still opportunities for instrumentalists to get involved in the music ministry. Members must be able to read music or a chord chart. All music volunteers must attend a training session before joining.

Contact: Steward for Music at agoldstein@saintmichaelparish.org

FORMATION MINISTRIES Baptism Facilitator

Assists in welcoming parents and expanding their understanding of the baptismal commitment. The primary activity is greeting families and guiding them in the Sacrament of Baptism during a Sunday Mass.

Contact: Steward for Children’s Ministries at hhach@saintmichaelparish.org

Book/Bible Study Facilitator

Scripture study includes daily personal Bible reading and study, small group faith-sharing, video and lecture presentations, and prayer.

Book studies focus on a particular book, which helps the participants grow in the practice and understanding of their faith. Facilitators guide the discussion, establish an open and accepting environment, lead group prayer, and support and encourage participants. Training is provided. Volunteers should be faithful to the time commitment, be willing to lead prayer and discussion, and have a welcoming spirit.

Contact: Steward for Evangelical Catholic, Small Groups and Bible Studies at mmoreau@saintmichaelparish.org

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Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Team

In CGS, children explore their relationship with God through prayer, scripture, liturgy, and the liturgical year in a prepared environment called the Atrium. The Atrium and all the beautiful hands-on materials are based on a Montessori approach to faith formation. Sessions are offered for Level 1 (age 3-6), Level 2 (age 7-9), and Level 3 (age 10-12). Volunteer openings are for catechists, assistants, and facilitators for parent small groups. Training is provided. Background check and Safe Environment training are required.

Contact: Steward for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and Sacramental Preparation at elyons@saintmichaelparish.org

CGS Support Team

Many hands make light work. If you have talents in sewing, woodworking, cutting, art, or cleaning, please consider serving our children in the Atrium. We are looking for a team to work on projects from home, as well as a monthly cleaning crew to dust in the Atrium.

Contact: Steward for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and Sacramental Preparation at elyons@saintmichaelparish.org

Children’s Liturgy of the Word (9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Life Teen)

Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) is a proclamation of the Word of God adapted for children. It is celebrated at the 9:30 a.m. and Lifeteen Mass downtown. Prayer Leaders and Assistants offer the opportunity for children to share how scripture speaks to them and how they experience Jesus each day. A background check and Safe Environment Training are required.

Contact: Steward for Children’s Ministry at hhach@saintmichaelparish.org

Men’s Group

This group provides an opportunity for men to grow in their faith as they strive to become the men God calls them to be.

Led by our Pastor, the group meets each Wednesday morning from 6:30-7:30 a.m. and uses a process of prayer, song, study, and discussion. Topics include Sacred Scripture, teachings of the Catholic Church, and the

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issues and challenges that confront men in today’s world as they strive to follow Christ’s example at home, work, and in their community. This is an ongoing gathering and one can join in at any time.

Contact: Brian Ziegler at brianandjuliez@comcast.net

Small Group Facilitators

Small Faith Sharing Communities meet in homes, at the parish, or other locations with eight to 12 parishioners in a more intimate environment to pray and share, making a large parish feel more like a family. Small Groups meet to deepen your understanding of Sunday Scripture; gain wisdom; share prayer petitions, insights, and “God sightings” in a confidential setting; meet other parishioners and share life and faith experiences; deepen your own faith/life connection in a supportive environment.

Contact: Steward for Evangelical Catholic, Small Groups and Bible Studies at mmoreau@saintmichaelparish.org

Sponsors for RCIA

Are you interested in helping others journey into the Catholic Faith? RCIA is seeking Sponsors, age 16 years or older, who are active members of the parish community.

Sponsors help both Catechumens and Candidates on their journey into the Catholic Church.

Contact: Steward for RCIA at mtefft@saintmichaelparish.org

TNTT Adult Leadership

Specific to the Vietnamese community, TNTT aims to teach youth ages 7-17 to be virtuous people and good Christians. The objectives are to promote prayers for the Holy Father, devotion to the Eucharist, honor Mary as a model for discipleship, and support the missionary efforts of the Church through prayer, sacraments, service, and sacrifice. Parents and other adults assist Youth Leaders as assistants and supporters to set up facilities, prepare snacks, sing songs, provide transportation for special events, and general chaperoning. Open to adults ages 25 and up. Youth leaders learn, share, teach, and guide other youth on living a “Eucharistic Day,” playing games, camping, skits, assisting in retreats, and

prayer. Commitment is 3-4 hours per week.

Training is provided for both adult and youth volunteers, and a background check and Safe Environment training are required.

Contact: Thuy Nguyen at TNTT_Lead@saintmichaelparish.org

Vacation Bible School

There are so many ways to serve in VBS. This ministry provides a weeklong bible-based experience for young children to grow closer to Jesus Christ. Serve as a group leader or on one of our teams (music, crafts, snacks, and more). Those in seventh grade to adults can serve in this ministry.

Contact: Steward for Children’s Ministry at hhach@saintmichaelparish.org

Women’s Ministry Core Team

This group provides an opportunity for women to grow in their faith while growing in friendship with their sisters in Christ. The group has several monthly events including Blessed is She brunches and Women at the Well nights, which include talks, prayer, and discussion. The women’s ministry also promotes Magnify 90 and a yearly retreat for the women of our parish.

Contact: Steward for Faith Formation at jshirley@saintmichaelparish.org

Young Adults

Young adults ages 18 to 35, whether you are single, or married are invited to attend Saint Michael Parish Young Adult Ministry events.

Join us for opportunities for fellowship, to hear great talks, dive into the Word of God, and participate in discussion with other young adults.

Contact: Steward for Faith Formation at jshirley@saintmichaelparish.org

SERVICE MINISTRIES Cancer Support Group

The cancer support group provides faith based support and reaches out to those who are diagnosed with cancer, their family, and friends. Groups meet on Zoom and are free.

Contact: Steward for Pastoral Care at breece@saintmichaelparish.org

Collection Counters

Volunteers count the Sunday collection in teams. Teams are scheduled on a rotating basis. Collection counting takes place on Monday morning, with the exception of Holidays.

Contact: Bookkeeper at loelschlager@saintmichaelparish.org

Grief Support Group

The grief support group provides faithbased support and reaches out to those in our community who carry a heavy heart, struggling with the loss of a loved one, illness in the family, and other life issues. One-to-one and group support are offered free.

Contact: Steward for Pastoral Care at breece@saintmichaelparish.org

Knights of Columbus

The Knights of Columbus is a service organization for Catholic men, age 18 and older. The Knights are active in charity and service throughout the parish and the greater community, and support vocations to religious life. Involvement in the Knights presents opportunities for personal growth, responsibility, and leadership. Pillars of the order are charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism.

Contact: Steward for Pastoral Care at breece@saintmichaelparish.org

Landscaping

This ministry helps maintain our beautiful grounds by organizing works parties to trim trees, pull weeds, lay bark and much more.

We usually schedule two to three work parties a year on a Saturday morning.

Contact: Nancy Goerig at ncjg726@hotmail.com

Parish Health Ministry

The Parish Health ministry provides educational opportunities for parishioners to better understand the connection between body, mind, and soul. Those with experience in the health field are encouraged to participate and share their experience with other parishioners, preventing disease, responding to crisis and emphasizing the importance of good health habits.

Contact: Steward for Pastoral Care at breece@saintmichaelparish.org

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PLEASE KEEP UNTIL FALL 2022

PO Box 766 | Olympia, WA 98507-0766 | (360) 754-4667 | saintmichaelparish.org