Pastoral Care - Outreach We care for our: seniors, sick, homebound, nursing home patients, homeless families, those in need of counseling and we promote the respect of life. Al-Anon (800-356-9996) Family Promise Respite Care Bereavement Support Group Lazarus Ministry Rosarians Counseling Life Ministries (Respect Life) Senior Fitness Eucharistic Ministers for Ministry of Praise & Petition Telephone Reassurance Hospital, Homebound & Ministry of Presence Van Ministry Nursing Homes Nursing Home Visitation Faith Community Nursing Nursing Home Crafts
Staff Contact: Bonnie Ussery Phone: 813-413-8351 Address: 201 South Oakwood (across the street from the Church campus on the East side) Office Hours: Monday – Thursday, 8:00am – 2:00pm and Friday, 8:00am – 1:00pm Office hours are subject to change. During the summer months please check the weekly bulletin or church website for specific office hours. Email: bonnie@nativitycatholicchurch.org
Faith Formation Baptism First Reconciliation First Communion Confirmation Children’s Liturgy of the Word
Nursery Religious Ed. – Children Adult Faith Formation & Education RCIA Catholics Come Home
Vacation Bible School Parish Library Small Christian Communities Adult Bible Study English/Spanish Liturgy Committee
Staff Contacts: Pam Emery and Vicki Hawkins Phone: 813-689-9101 Address: 705 E. Brandon Blvd (use the same entrance as the school) Office Hours: Monday – Thursday, 8:30am – 4:00pm and Friday, 8:30am – 12:00pm Office hours are subject to change. During the summer months please check the weekly bulletin or church website for specific office hours. Emails: pam@nativitycatholicchurch.org or vicki@nativitycatholicchurch.org
Youth Groups Dynamic and comprehensive youth ministry concentrated on leading teens closer to Christ through strong Eucharistic spirituality and dedication to our Blessed Mother. Life F.O.R.C.E. – Middle School Girl Talk – Girls Middle School Life Teen – High School Real Life – young adults 18 – 35 Vida Joven – Hispanic High School teens Staff Contact: Eryn Lentner Staff Contact - Vida Joven – Jesse Martinez Phone Number: 813-689-4147 Phone Number: 813-240-5273 Address: Youth Center email: martinez.handsome@gmail.com Office Hours: Monday, 9:00am – 2:00pm, Tuesday, 4:00pm – 8:00pm, Wednesday 9:00am – 8:00pm and Friday, 9:00am – 2:00pm Email: eryn@nativitycatholicchurch.org
Music Ministries “God has bestowed upon his people the gift of song. God dwells within each human person, in the place where music takes its source. Indeed, God, the giver of song, is present whenever his people sing his praises.” (opening statement of USCCB document: Sing To The Lord: Music in Divine Worship) At Nativity Catholic Church, it is our hope and goal that regardless of whether you specifically join the music ministry, you and your family are able to fully participate in the liturgy and share your voice with all the saints and angels as we praise God through prayer and song. Nativity Chorale: Choirs members are always needed from high-school age and older and primarily sing at the 10:30am Sunday liturgy in the Church. The chorale rehearses every Wednesday at 7:30pm in the church. Family Mass Ensemble: The ensemble plays at the 10:30am Sunday liturgy in the Chapel. The ensemble plays primarily contemporary Christian music and its vast variety of repertoire. Due to the nature of this ensemble, an audition must be arranged in order to be trained and be able to participate. The ensemble rehearses at 8:30am on Sunday in the Chapel. Coro Hispano: The Hispanic Choir plays primarily at the 12:30pm Sunday liturgy and in many of our bilingual liturgies throughout the liturgical year. All voices and instrumentalists are welcome. An audition is required for instrumentalists. Please consider joining this ministry. The Hispanic Choir plays primarily liturgical music with a Caribbean flavor. The choir rehearses on Thursdays at 7:30pm in the Church. Lifeteen Mass Ensemble: The ensemble plays at the 6:00pm Sunday liturgy in the Church. Like the Family Mass Ensemble, this group plays primarily contemporary Christian music and its vast variety of repertoire. Due to the nature of this ensemble, an audition must be arranged in order to be trained and be able to participate. The ensemble rehearses at 7:00pm on Tuesdays.
Cantors: Are you comfortable singing solos or helping to lead a mass? Please contact the director for an audition and we will get you involved in a training to help leading this great community in song. I LOVE MUSIC BUT I CANʼT PLAY OR SING!!! Audio Visual Ministry: Are you more of a behind the scenes kind of person? We are always looking for great technical people to help assist with the sound during liturgies and other church events. Even if you do not have any prior sound experience, you can be trained! Organize Hymnals: Help us in keeping our beautiful church and chapel looking great, organizing the hymnals after the daily and weekend liturgies as needed. Unfortunately, many forget their bottles of waters under the pews as well. Your kindness and consideration is part of being good stewards. Thanks in advance for your consideration and help. For more information, please contact our Music Director - Dr. Carlos M. Vázquez-Ramos at 813-681-4608 ext. 2264. Email: musicdirector@nativitycatholicchurch.org
Ministries of Mercy St. Vincent de Paul Our mission is serving the poor and the needy within our church boundaries. We assist families with: rent, utilities, gasoline, food and medical emergencies. Contact: Linda Schwartz Phone Number: 813-376-8901 Address: 201 South Oakwood (across the street from the Church campus on the East side) Email: lindasch@verizon.net Partners with La Victoria, Inc. – Dominican Republic Mission To build and nurture relationships as partners in Christ by empowering people through education, faith, economic development and the advancement of social justice. Contact: Lori Fitzpatrick Phone: 813-654-5348 Email: lafing4life@gmail.com Outreach – Food Bank Warehouse Contact: Carl & Tess Falkenbach Phone: 813-694-0541 Email: tessief@msn.com
Outreach – Food Bank Volunteers Contact: Sue Hrabusa Phone: 813-681-4204 Email: nativityoutreach@hotmail.com
Meals on Wheels To provide hot meals to shut-ins every Wednesday at lunchtime in the Brandon area. Contact: Roberta Mogilewicz Email: robmogz@tampabay.rr.com Contact: Brandy Orfanides Phone: 813-270-0238
Peanut Butter and Jelly Ministry We make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the homeless. The ministry usually meets every other Friday in the Social Hall. Please check the bulletin calendar for next meeting date. Donations are also accepted. Contact: Luann Leahy Phone: 813-659-0181 Mleahy3@tampabayy.rr.com
Ministry of Justice H.O.P.E Hillsborough Organization for Progress and Equality, Inc. is a vehicle for congregations committed to improving the quality of life in Hillsborough County work together to achieve a greater degree of justice. Staff Contact: Bonnie Ussery Phone: 813-413-8351 Email: bonnie@nativitycatholicchurch.org
Liturgical Ministries Altar Servers Altar Society Art & Environment Planning Come Clean Church Cleaners Traveling Chalice
Eucharistic Ministers Greeters Hearing Impaired Ministry Lectors Ushers
Contact: Church Office Phone: 813-681-4608
Ministerios Español Comisión Pastoral Hispana Coro Hispano Lectores – Spanish Mass Ujieres – Spanish Mass Legion de Maria Hispana Staff Contact: Fr. Nelson or Carlos Vazquez-Ramos Phone: 813-681-4608
Cristo Renueva su Parroquia Familias en Busca de Jesus Estudio Bíblico Pequeñas Comunidades Cristianas Cursillo Cristiandad Grupo Carismático de Oración
Prayer Ministries Brothers in Christ A men’s group that has spiritual growth activities such as reading and meditating on the following Sunday’s readings. The group is also involved with service and prayer to support the larger faith community. Contact: Jim Nabach Phone: 813-643-8483 Charismatic Prayer Group We come together as a body of believers to praise and worship God through Holy Scripture. To share spiritual experiences, encourage lives of holiness, engage in evangelization through teachings, Life in the Spirit Seminars, and Healing Masses. Contact: Joe LaPerna Phone: 813-655-9414 or 813-716-1058 jlaperna@aol.com Emmaus – Men’s A weekend retreat that offers a unique opportunity for personal spiritual growth. Based on the Gospel of Luke 24:13-33. Contact: Roger Alvarez Phone: 941-650-7580 rogeremmaus@gmail.com Emmaus – Women’s A weekend retreat that offers a unique opportunity for personal spiritual growth. Based on the Gospel of Luke, 24:13-33. Contact: Irene M Alvarez Phone: 813-267-9723 Ialvare2@tampabay.rr.com Legion of Mary Aid the Pastor in spiritual works and spreading the devotion of the Rosary to the parish. Contact: Lucy Grasso Phone: 813-685-4871 lugras@aol.com Mother of Divine Mercy This Apostolate makes, distributes and teaches rosary making. Contact: Jacqueline Winter jwinter4@yahoo.com
Parish Councils Finance Council To assist, council and advise the Pastor in the overall fiscal operations of the parish. Members of the council are appointed by the Pastor and Director of Finance. Contact: Rob Martin Phone: 813-681-4608 rob@nativitycatholicchurch.org Pastoral Council Assist the Pastor in establishing objectives, goals and strategies to build the parish as a living Christian community. Contact: Bernie Sarratea Phone: 813-652-2138 bksarratea@msn.com Stewardship Council Develops and fosters an atmosphere in the greater parish community where the spiritual and social needs of parishioners are realized through the stewardship of time, talent and treasure. Responsible for hosting the annual Ministry Fair, monthly Stewardship Table in the Social Hall and other Stewardship events. Contact: Brendan and Carol Ludden Phone: 813-643-6416 rogue64@verizon.net
Parish Life Ministries Novemberfest Is an annual Family Fun Carnival that supports the education of the students attending Nativity Catholic School and Religious Education Programs. This family friendly community event is staffed by parent, church and school volunteers. Contact: RJ Brauneker (Chairperson) haleybr@aol.com or Church Office Phone: 813-681-4608 Blue Knights To provide young Catholic boys an opportunity to learn about their faith so they can grow in their love for the Lord and better learn to follow him. Contact: Thomas Sanjurjo Phone: 813-526-3309 sanjurjo7@gmail.com Little Flowers To provide young Catholic girls an opportunity to learn about the lives and values of the female saints so they can grow in their faith and love of our Lord and better learn to follow Him. Contact: Alicia Sanjurjo Phone: 813-383-9633 sunshine_librarian@yahoo.com
Worldwide Marriage Encounter Provide marriage encounter weekend experiences at retreat centers/hotels. Contact: Dave & Lucy Snyder Phone: 813-684-6579 davelucysnyder@gmail.com Women’s Guild To unite all women of the parish in religious, educational and social activities, developing relationships through fellowship, formation and friendship. Meetings vary depending on your choice that meets your schedule. (Organized into smaller circles called St. Gerard, St., Francis, St. Rita, St. Jude, and St. Monica) Contact: Cathy White Phone: 813-685-7088 cwhite3248@gmail.com Men’s Club Men from the parish that support the pastor and service needs of the parish. They sponsor the Boy Scout troop and are responsible for the Lenten Fish Fry. Contact: Mark Robinson Phone: 813-657-6059 mkrobinson84@gmail.com Knights of Columbus The Knights of Columbus (K of C) is a Catholic men’s fraternal benefit society that was formed to render financial aid to members and their families. Mutual aid and assistance offered to sick, disabled and needy members and their families. Social and intellectual fellowship is promoted among members and their families through educational, charitable, religious, social welfare, war relief and public relief works. Our council members are drawn from the parish of Nativity. (Council 6724) Contact: Herbert Swoope Phone: 813-628-0699 hswoope@msn.com Couples for Christ A Catholic movement intended for the renewal and strengthening of Christian family life. Contact: Arthur and Joy Barlaan Phone: 813-653-9667 joyarthur@aol.com Freedom in Christ Monthly meeting with a brief program and healing prayer. Contact: Deacon Mark Taylor Phone: 813-220-5759 dcndrmt@gmail.com
Bethany Springs Group support and healing for individuals effected by abortion. This is a 9 week program that runs twice a year with the goal of healing from the wounds of abortion. Contact: Cynthia Taylor Phone: 813-505-9022 cynthia@myengagementmatters.com Monday Morning Quilters We make small quilts for children in area hospitals. Basic sewing skills are useful but not essential. Contact: Jan Tseronis Phone: 813-685-5791 jant52@verizon.net Natural Family Planning Contact: Jen Scannell Phone: 321-432-0456 Jen.crms@gmail.com Greeters Welcomes parishioners and visitors to our Masses and other liturgical and social events. Contact: Tim Bergevin Phone: 813-748-4146 tbergevin4@verizon.net
Safe Environment Training All volunteers, contractors, vendors, consultants, Memo of Understanding (MOU) personnel, and persons who are entrusted with the care, responsibility, or supervision of children, youth, and, or vulnerable adults or who may have unsupervised access to these vulnerable populations are also required to comply with diocesan fingerprint policy for background screening policy and to attend the appropriate safe environment training program. The Safe Environment Program consists of two major components: 1. Background screening: Anyone who wishes unsupervised access to children, youth, or vulnerable adults or who may have the care, responsibility, or supervision of these vulnerable populations must have his/her backgrounds screened for criminal history. Currently, the diocese uses the FBI/FDLE Volunteer Employee Criminal History System (AFRNP) Level 2 background screening program. 2. SEP Training: There are two types of Safe Environment Program training workshops. a. The first program type is for adults who wish to have unsupervised access to children or youth or who may have the care, responsibility, or supervision of children or youth. These adults are taught to recognize signs of predatory behavior in an adult, to recognize signs of abuse in a child, and to report actual or suspected child abuse to the police or to the Florida Abuse Hotline (1-800-9622873). b. The second type of training teaches adults who wish to have unsupervised access to vulnerable adults or who may have the care, responsibility, or supervision of vulnerable adults to recognize signs of abuse in a vulnerable adult, to recognize signs of predatory behavior in an adult, and to report actual or suspected vulnerable adult abuse to law enforcement or to the Florida Abuse Hotline (1-800-962-2873). For General information, please visit the Diocese of St. Petersburg website for the Safe Environment Program: http://dosp.org/safe-environment/ Classes are offered through Pastoral Care, Faith Formation, Youth Office and the School. Staff Contact: Kathy Damico Phone Number: 813-681-4608