Called to Serve
“He said to them, ‘Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.’ At once they left their nets and followed him.” ~Matthew 4:19-20
Though God reaches out to us as individuals in vastly different ways, we have all been given unique gifts and are called to serve God’s people. We cannot be idle spectators; God’s call necessitates a response. Our ministries and those served by them depend on people willing to intentionally give of their time and energy. Please take some time to reflect on the gifts you possess and where they would be best utilized within the parish. If you have any questions about a specific ministry, the Committee Chairs and their contact information is listed below.
Activity Committee
The Activity Committee provides opportunities for parishioners to gather for fun and fellowship, outside regular liturgy times. The Committee generally meets monthly to plan social events. Events held in the past include Parish Picnic, Fall Fellowship Pot Luck, St. Nick celebration, Easter Egg Hunt, and Spring Brunch.
The Committee is always looking for new members and/or new event ideas. If you would like to be part of the fun, contact the Committee Chair, John Kramer, at 414-282-4417.
Bereavement Ministry
Watch for upcoming Grief Support Events with Colleen Fredelake. For more information call 414-303-4009 or email cfredelake@gmail.com
Building and Grounds
The Building and Grounds Commission responsible for the care and maintenance of the physical church and Parish House buildings and the campus of the parish. This Commission is also responsible for overseeing the parish cemetery. For information regarding this Commission, please contact the Commission Chairperson, Sue Edson at 242-899-5827.
Christian Formation
Working with the Director of Southeast Catholic Religious Formation, making decisions affecting the Religious Education and Sacramental programs for students in elementary, middle, and high school. Participation includes instruction in religious education classes, Children’s Liturgy of the Word instruction, and/or Baptismal Preparation class instruction.
Provides opportunities for adults to enrich their prayer and spiritual lives beyond the Sunday liturgies. Examples of programs initiated by this committee include: small faith sharing groups, parish retreats, talks on spiritual topics, book discussion groups, and a lending library. Please feel free to contact the Christian Formation Liason for Adult Spirituality, Helen Bugni, 414-483-9946 with your needs and ideas.
Finance Council
The Finance Council advises the Pastor or Parish Director regarding the financial matters of the parish. The Commission works to meet parish financial goals and interacts with the Pastoral Council to insure that the parish vision and mission are achieved. If you would like more information regarding this Council, please contact the Finance Council Chairperson, Lauren Schmidt at 414-322-4290.
Human Concerns
The Human Concerns Commission generally meets quarterly. It is comprised of representatives from various sub-committees who minister to the needs of our parishioners as well as our community neighbors locally and globally. Requests for financial assistance are reviewed and funds approved for distribution to various outreach programs.
Sub-committees and outreach programs: Elizabeth Ministry, St. Vincent de Paul, Southside Meal Program, Homebound Eucharistic Ministers Pastoral Care, Cudahy/St. Francis Interfaith, Project Concern, Southeast Covenant Communities, and Blanket Ministry.
If peace and justice issues are your passion, this Commission is for you! For more information, please contact Lillian Wesley, at 414-483-8754.
Music Ministry
If you are interested in becoming at cantor at SHJ, please contact Paul Weisenberger at 414-744-0808.
The joint parish choir rehearses on Wednesdays from 7-9pm at Immaculate Conception(September-May). Our ultimate goal is to have a choir with singers from all three parishes singing at all sites on a rotating basis, and at our joint Christmas and Holy Week liturgies. Contact Paul Weisenberger at the parish office for more information.
Prayer and Worship
The Liturgy is the center of our lives as Catholics. The Prayer and Worship Commission plans weekend liturgies, special prayers and music, writes prayers of petition for weekend Masses, plans special liturgies throughout the year and helps in planning the liturgical celebrations of the Sacraments.
Sub-committees and ministries: Environment Committee, Sacristans, Lectors, Communion Ministers, Ushers, and Servers.
If you would like more information regarding the Prayer and Worship Commission, please contact the Committee Chairperson, Laurel Pritzlaff, at 414-483-0757.
