The Bishop of the Diocese of Madison is “Pastor” to all the people of the Diocese. He extends this ministry by appointing a priest as local pastor in each parish. The Bishop may also appoint another priest as the Parochial Vicar to the Parish. The primary roles of the Pastor and Parochial Vicar are (1) to proclaim the Gospel, (2) to build up the Community in faith, hope and charity, and (3) to celebrate the Liturgy with and for the people of God in this Parish.
In the laws of the State of Wisconsin, a Parish is a legal corporation. The trustees assume the responsibility as an advisor, overseer, and counselor on behalf of the parish. Elected for a two-year term, the trustees are members of the civil corporate board serving as treasurer and secretary of the Parish Corporation. The trustees assist in development and maintenance of accurate accounts, disbursements, budget and financial reports to the parish and diocese. They also serve on the Parish Finance Council, record all correspondence, contracts, minutes and corporate documents. Trustees are ex-officio officers on the Parish Council and all other committees or commissions.
The Parish Finance Council is established by Canon Law #532: “Each parish is to have a finance council, which is regulated by church law as well as by norms issued by the diocesan bishop.” The finance council serves through representation and consultation, to assist the pastor in the administration of the parish’s temporal goods and financial resources so as to ensure the parish’s ability to provide for the pastoral needs and priorities of the parish. The Finance Council is appointed by the pastor because of their ability and their integrity in the administration and management of temporal goods and their expertise in matters of law, human resources, financial planning, insurance, building construction and maintenance.
The Parish (Pastoral) Council was initiated by Bishop O’Donnell in 1968 established per Canon Law #536: “through representation and consultation, to foster the pastoral activity in the parish in cooperation with the pastor – primarily through pastoral strategic planning. Elected by the parish membership after a parish-wide nomination process. The pastor may appoint member(s) to assure a balance. Members elect one member to chair meetings and a member to serve as secretary; and other officers as necessary. Each parish council has guidelines such as, a Constitution and by-laws as well as Diocesan Norms and Guidelines. The major responsibilities: visioning, assessment of parish needs, pastoral planning, developing and maintaining a parish mission statement.
ART AND ENVIRONMENT:
This is an informal group of individuals who work with the Liturgy Committee
in decorating the church throughout the course of the liturgical year.
CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD:
The Children's Liturgy of the Word is offered to parallel the Liturgy of the
Word at Mass. Our program is designed for 4 to 6 year olds and is offered during
the 9:30am and 11:00am Sunday Mass. While adults listen to the Word in church,
the children also listen to the Word and participate in an interactive
reflection in a reverent place removed from the congregation at a more
age-appropriate level. The children return to their families before the
Eucharistic Liturgy begins. There is no registration required to attend, just
follow the other children! Parents are welcome to come along. Parents are asked
to volunteer to lead the Children’s Liturgy of the Word. Support materials are
available.
EUCHARISTIC MINISTER:
Eucharistic Ministers assist in the distribution of the Eucharist with Bread
and/or Cup. This ministry is open to all confirmed parishioners in good
standing. Training and commissioning are offered each year. Members are welcome
to join at any time.
LITURGY COMMITTEE:
The goals of the Liturgy committee at St. John’s are (1) to provide ongoing
education to better understand liturgical worship; (2) to work to create
meaningful and varied liturgical celebrations that can reach parishioners of all
ages and backgrounds; and (3) to aid in the evaluation of the liturgical
celebrations of St. John’s in order to ensure that they continue to evolve in a
positive Christ-glorifying manner. Members are welcome to join at any time.
LEADER OF WORD AND COMMUNION:
On weekdays when there is no Eucharistic liturgy, this person leads the
people in celebration of liturgical “Morning Prayer”.
LECTOR/COMMENTATOR:
The Lector/Commentator proclaims God’s Word at weekend and/or weekday
liturgies. Training and commissioning are offered each year. Members are welcome
to join at any time.
MASS SERVER:
Boys and girls who have completed the first semester of fourth grade are
encouraged to become Mass Servers. Attendance at a training session is required.
Servers are welcome to join at anytime.
MINISTERS OF HOSPITALITY:
Greeters and Ushers work together to provide for the hospitality needs of
our parish including, but not limited to, welcoming, seating and bringing forth
the financial offering. Members are welcome to join a team at any time.
CANTOR/SONG LEADER:
Experienced vocalists who are willing to share their time and talents by
prayerfully leading the congregation in song are always needed. Cantor training
is available.
ACCOMPANISTS/INSTRUMENTALISTS:
We are always looking for talented organists, pianists, instrumentalist, and
guitarists who are willing to share their time and talents with us by
accompanying our choirs, cantors and the congregation. There are many
opportunities to share your gifts and to enhance our liturgies.
CHOIRS:
Members of our congregation who love to sing and are willing to commit to
regular weekly rehearsal times and singing for mass are always welcome. St.
John’s has an Adult Choir, High School Choir, Middle School Choir and two St.
John Grade School Choirs. No auditions required.
ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP:
A group facilitated by a skilled volunteer and cosponsored by St. John and
the local Alzheimer’s Association meets one evening a month. Family caregivers
share information, experiences, and support.
CARE TEAM MINISTRY:
This is a faith centered, church-sponsored program that helps individuals
and families cope with various non-medical needs in order for them to improve
their quality of life and remain independent as long as possible. This can
include light housekeeping, transportation to appointments, grocery shopping,
meal preparation and friendly visits. Team members commit 2 to 4 hours per month
to call, visit, write or provide other services within their comfort level.
FUNERAL DINNER:
This group prepares a delicious meal for families and friends of a deceased
member of St. John’s. The meal is served after the funeral mass in the school
cafeteria.
HOME EUCHARISTIC MINISTRY:
Lay Ministers of the Eucharist take Holy Communion to homebound parishioners
on Wednesdays and Fridays. They also distribute Communion to the elderly at the
Waunakee Manor Nursing Home. Members are welcome to join at anytime. Please call
the parish office to arrange for this service.
PRAYER NETWORK:
St. John’s Prayer Network has been established to assist those in need
through the power of prayer. Members of the prayer ministry are divided into
prayer teams and contact one another when a prayer request is received. Members
are always welcome. Call with your prayer requests. The use of names is
optional.
TRANSPORTATION MINISTRY:
Drivers are needed to take parish members to church services each weekend.
Parishioners in need reside in apartments, or homes in the Village, as well as
Creekwood Assisted Living and the Waunakee Manor. Volunteers will be scheduled
one to two weekends per month. If you are in need of this service, call the
Parish Office.
AUCTION COMMITTEE:
The Auction Committee is comprised of members of the parish who coordinate
the yearly auction held in November. The auction generates over $30,000 for the
parish. Parish members are asked to donate items or services for the auction.
BAPTISMAL BLANKET PROGRAM:
Babies from our parish receive a crocheted blanket just before their baptism
as a welcome to St. John Parish Family. Women interested in crocheting or
delivering blankets are always welcome.
BAPTISMAL GARMENT PROGRAM:
Women from the parish needlepoint Baptismal Garments that are given to
babies at their baptism. Women interested in this needlepoint work are always
welcome.
CARE FOR CHURCH LINENS:
This group keeps all the altar cloths, purificators and other items cleaned,
pressed and dry-cleaned as needed for Mass.
CATHOLIC YOUTH ORGANIZATION SPORTS:
St. John Parish supports CYO diocesan sports of baseball and basketball. The
league offers youth the opportunity to play on an organized team. Fun and
fellowship of playing on a team are the most important part of CYO sports. The
CYO baseball league is open to parish males between the ages of 14 and 21. The
CYO basketball league is open to parish males and females of high school age.
The teams are coached by adults and supported by parish staff members. CYO
sports are a great way for the “average” athlete to have fun, learn skills,
sportsmanship and team play. The team members, the parish and the community
share financial responsibility.
CEMETERY BOARD:
This group oversees the grounds and maintenance of St. John’s Cemetery
located on Third Street in Waunakee. They are also responsible for the
management of the Perpetual Care Funds.
ECUMENICAL BOARD:
This group is composed of members from several Waunakee churches. They work
together to coordinate church programs and events to serve our community’s
needs. Some of these programs include managing the Waunakee Food Pantry,
coordinating Red Cross Blood Drives, coordinating the delivery of food to needy
families at Thanksgiving and gifts to needy children at Christmas.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS #6371:
The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic fraternal service organization with
more than 1.6 million worldwide members. The local council sponsors activities
to promote our faith and to provide support to our church, schools and
community. These activities range from weekly rosary to family rollerskating
parties, to pancake breakfasts and many others.
Website
MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers):
MOPS is an international organization that provides encouraging and
welcoming atmosphere for today’s mothers of young children, age birth through
kindergarten. During the monthly meeting, women will experience support,
friendship and fun through guest speakers, small group discussions, and creative
activity time.
Website
PARISH COUNCIL:
The Parish Council is the voice of St. John’s members by assisting and
counseling the pastor in all aspects of his ministry. Nine members of our parish
family are elected to the parish Council (three each year, each serving for
three years) by the entire parish.
PARISH FINANCE COUNCIL:
Please see “Formal Parish Structure”
PARISH HEALTH COMMITTEE:
The purpose of the committee is to support and direct the health ministry of
the congregation and function as a regular standing committee in the parish. The
mission is to promote the gift of health as given by God by organizing programs
that promote healthy individuals and a healthy parish. The committee provides
direction and support to the parish nurse, assists in determining and presenting
appropriate health information and programs and monitoring the development and
progress of the various activities. The committee reports to the parish council
making recommendations regarding direction of the program. Parish members
interested in health issues or heath ministries are invited to share their ideas
or requests for programs by contacting the parish nurse.
PARISH LIFE:
This group is responsible for the social enhancement of our faith community
through planned activities. Hospitality is carried out by such activities as
Donut Sunday socials, family potluck suppers, and for the new members of our
parish through the new member breakfast. Members are welcome to join at anytime.
PARISH NURSE:
The Parish Nurse is a part-time position made possible through a partnership
between Oakwood Village in Madison and St. John’s. The mission of the Parish
Nurse is to follow Jesus as a messenger of hope and healing, to enhance quality
of life, to promote wholeness in the community, and to enable individuals to
fulfill their own ministries. The role of the Parish Nurse includes Integrator
of Faith and Health, Personal Health Counselor, Health Educator; Coordinator and
Educator of Volunteers; Facilitator of support groups, Referral Source and
Liaison to Community Resources; and Health Advocate. Please check the bulletin
for current Parish Nurse hours or call the parish office.
PARISH PICNIC:
The annual picnic is held the second weekend in June. The parish picnic
generates over $50,000 for the parish. This picnic does require sacrifice and a
contribution from every member of the parish over 18. Each member is given a
work assignment, is asked to purchase and sell raffle tickets, and provide a
donation toward the purchase of food for the dinner.
The Picnic Committee provides an opportunity for parish members to participate in the planning of the annual Parish Picnic, which is held on the second weekend in June. It is a great opportunity to meet and work with many parish members. Members are welcome to join at anytime.
PARISH TRUSTEES:
Please see “Formal Parish Structure”
PIECEMAKERS QUILT GROUP:
This group serves the parish by making quilts. They make one quilt a year
that is hand quilted by the Amish and raffled. They also make quilts for groups
such as Battered Women, Ronald McDonald House, Schumacher Historical Site and
the Waunakee Depot. Members are always welcome to join
SCRIP PROGRAM:
The SCRIP program is one of the largest fund-raisers for St. John’s Parish.
SCRIP is a business gift certificate purchased through St. John’s at no extra
cost to the purchaser. St. John’s receives a percentage on each certificate
purchased. This is a very important way members can help raise money for our
parish. Team Captains and participants are always needed and welcomed.
STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE:
As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good
stewards of God’s varied grace (1 Peter Chapter 4 Verse 10). The objective of
the stewardship committee is to promote stewardship as a way of life, a way of
thanking God for all His blessings by returning a portion of the time, talent,
and treasure allotted to us. Committee members do this by creating educational
materials that communicate to parish members an awareness that we all are to
receive God’s gifts gratefully, nurture those gifts responsibly, share those
gifts justly and charitably, and to return those gifts to God in abundance.
Committee members meet monthly, usually on the fourth Tuesday.
WEST DANE DEANERY:
West Dane Deanery consists of Catholic Women in the Madison Diocese from
Roxbury, Mazomanie, Belleville and Waunakee. A spring and fall Deanery Day is
held at one of the parishes in the area. In June, the Madison Diocesan Deanery
Convention is held at Bishop O’Connor Pastoral Center with people from around
the diocese. This group is for women who want to add to their Catholic
Spirituality.
Date last modified:
December 11, 2006
Date created: October 3, 2000
Content by: Saint John's Parish
Markup: Mary Diaz
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