Parish Council
MINISTRY DESCRIPTION: Primary advisory body to the pastor in matters that concern the well being of the parish. It establishes long range goals and guides the parish in the direction of those goals. Members are elected or appointed for a specific term.
TIME FRAME: Parish Council meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in the church meeting room.
SKILLS TO BE DEVELOPED: In addition to being able to work as a group and process decisions, people of vision are needed who can help guide the parish to become what God is calling us to be.
TRAINING REQUIRED: None

Finance Council
MINISTRY DESCRIPTION: Primary advisory board to the pastor in parish financial matters. It plans the annual budget and monitors it throughout the year. Members are appointed by the pastor.
TIME FRAME: Meets monthly for one to three hours. During budget planning, may meet more often.
SKILLS TO BE USED/DEVELOPED: Must understand finances and the budgeting process. Expert skills in sound business practices, money management, and accounting.
TRAINING REQUIRED: Expertise in money matters is necessary.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: The Finance Council has full knowledge of details of parish finances and access to all accounting books and computer files. Members also have a sense of parish mission and stewardship, taking direction from the pastor.

Liturgy Committee
MINISTRY DESCRIPTION: Strives to bring to the community sound liturgical celebrations. Guided by liturgical resources, members work to enhance the participation of the congregation. Planning and evaluating liturgical celebration, preparing the church environment. This involves the changing of altar cloths for the different liturgical seasons (Advent; Christmas; Epiphany; Lent; Holy Week; the Sacred Triduum; Easter and the Easter season; Pentecost; Ordinary time; other feasts of the year).
TIME FRAME: Time can vary depending on the liturgical season.
SKILLS TO BE USED/DEVELOPED: Members should educate themselves in all areas of liturgy and communicate that knowledge to the parishioners. Parish provides Sourcebook and educational opportunities.
TRAINING REQUIRED: On the job.

Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist
MINISTRY DESCRIPTION: Helps in the distribution of holy communion, either at Mass, or at another time when the Eucharist is carried to the homebound. May also be asked to distribute sacramentals such as ashes, and bless throats.
TIME FRAME: A schedule is provided for Extraordinary ministers. The number of times one serves depends upon the number of ministers available.
SKILLS TO BE USED/DEVELOPED: A sense of liturgy and a sense of the Sacred Presence during the Mass. Those who take Communion to the sick will learn the ritual of the Church.
TRAINING REQUIRED: The Diocese holds training sessions in the spring and fall. One must be fully initiated in the Church, be a practicing member and invited by the Pastor.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: An Extraordinary Minister is part of the liturgy team for any given Mass. He/she must be faithful to the Church and have a great love and respect for the Eucharist. An Extraordinary Minister must dress appropriately when distributing Communion at Mass and to the sick. After distributing holy communion, the extraordinary minister purifies the sacred vessels.
"In the absence of a priest or deacon, another extraordinary minister of communion may publicly expose and later repose the holy Eucharist for the adoration of the faithful. Such ministers may open the tabernacle and also, as required, place the ciborium on the altar or place the host in the monstrance. At the end of the period of adoration they replace the blessed sacrament in the tabernacle."

Lector/Commentator
MINISTRY DESCRIPTION:
Proclaims the Word of God at parish liturgies and at gatherings where the Word is read.
SKILLS TO BE USED/DEVELOPED: The ability to read aloud well and in public, to be heard and understood. Parish provides Lector's Workbook and rectors are expected to have familiarized themselves with the Scriptures before arriving at Mass.
TIME FRAME: A schedule is provided to the rectors who are scheduled as often as needed.
TRAINING REQUIRED: There are several training sessions for candidates offered by the Diocese in the fall and spring.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: A rector must love the Church and God's Word. He/she must be conscientious in preparing to read well. He/she must be willing to be faithful to a schedule, dress appropriately for the liturgies.

Music Ministry
MINISTRY DESCRIPTION: Provide quality leadership through choral music, cantoring, and instrumental music that will encourage complete participation of the congregation in sung prayer at all the weekend and holyday Masses.
TIME FRAME: Choir: Practice weekly and sing at the 10:30 Sunday Mass and for special liturgies such as the Easter Triduum, Christmas and special Feast Days.
Cantors: Needed throughout the year at all weekend Masses.
SKILLS TO BE USED/DEVELOPED: Be able to sing and enjoy singing with a group; develop skills on unison singing, singing in 3-4 part harmony and sight reading. Have a good time.
TRAINING REQUIRED: Director will train you.

Altar Servers
MINISTRY DESCRIPTION: Serves at the altar and assists the priest during Mass and at other liturgical occasions.
TIME FRAME: A schedule will be provided for all altar servers. Altar servers are expected to arrive approximately fifteen minutes before Mass to help with preparations and remain after Mass until everything is put away.
SKILLS TO BE USED/DEVELOPED Dependability. Willingness to serve God, priest and the parish. Must be in third grade or above, have received First Communion, and have a deep respect for the Mass.
TRAINING REQUIRED: Will be trained by the coordinator.

Ushers
MINISTRY DESCRIPTION: Assist at the weekend Masses. Welcome and seat people, direct families with infants to the Quiet Room, take up the offering, invite members of the congregation to take part in the offertory procession, guide parishioners to Communion, hand out the bulletin after Mass and ready the church for the next Mass. Also, take a head count and record it on the sheet provided. Making sure that seats are reserved when necessary. Make sure collection is returned to sacristy and poor boxes and candle collections are returned.
TIME FRAME: Scheduled to usher at the Mass they and their family usually attend, according to need. Arrive fifteen minutes before Mass.
SKILLS TO BE USED/DEVELOPED: Commitment, friendliness, helpfulness.
TRAINING REQUIRED: On the job.

Ecumenical Committee
MINISTRY DESCRIPTION: Maintains a liaison with other congregations in the community, civic groups and other appropriate committees. There is also a close working relationship with the Liturgical Committee to establish ecumenical worship services for the parish community.
TIME FRAME: Included, but not limited to: Thanksgiving service, National Day of Prayer, and baccalaureate service for Clayton High School.
SKILLS TO BE USED/DEVELOPED: To support interdenominational understanding and cooperation.
TRAINING REQUIRED: On the job.

Mission/Evangelization Committee
MINISTRY DESCRIPTION: To assist in enlivening the faith, spirituality and ministry of the parish. To reach out in friendship and love to inactive Catholics, to invite them to "come home" and work toward healing and understanding of those who feel alienated.
TIME FRAME: Can vary.
SKILLS TO BE USED/DEVELOPED: Developed through Christian living.
TRAINING REQUIRED: On the job.

Grounds Committee
MINISTRY DESCRIPTION: To beautify and maintain the gardens and lawns of St. Catherine's parish grounds in an atmosphere of Christian community.
TIME FRAME: A few hours each week, usually Thursday evenings or at your convenience.
SKILLS TO BE USED/DEVELOPED: Whether or not you have a "green thumb" you are welcome to help.
TRAINING NEEDED: On the job. All ages welcome. Refreshments available.

Maintenance Committee
MINISTRY DESCRIPTION: Maintain the church buildings and property. May include routine repairs, preventive maintenance, building upkeep, painting, etc.
TIME FRAME: Depends on job and work needed.
SKILLS TO BE USED/DEVELOPED: On the job. Sometimes just brawn and willing attitude.
TRAINING: On the job.

Hospitality Committee
MINISTRY DESCRIPTION: Generates a spirit of welcome and community for newcomers and parishioners. Sends cards on behalf of the parish to shut-ins and home bound parishioners, those experiencing a loss, illness, hospitalization and certain other special cards. Committee members receive names from the parish secretary.
TIME FRAME: Attend one meeting a month to share ideas, organize. Some work can be done at home on one's own time.
SKILLS TO BE USED/DEVELOPED: Happy, open. Ability to make others feel welcome and cared about.
TRAINING: On the job.

Receptions
MINISTRY DESCRIPTION:
Help organize, select food for, decorate, serve and/or clean up at various parish functions. These include covered dish receptions and dinners.
TIME FRAME: Committee members spend 5-6 hours on each event. Members are not expected to participate in every event.
SKILLS TO BE USED/DEVELOPED: Event and menu planning. Decorating skills; hosting abilities to make those attending events feel welcome and part of the parish.
TRAINING: On the job.

Social Justice
MINISTRY DESCRIPTION:
Involved in searching for ways that we, as a parish and as individuals, can reach out to the problems in our world and the local community, while working for justice. Includes distribution of food baskets at Thanksgiving and for children at Christmas.
TIME FRAME: Can vary.
SKILLS TO BE USED/DEVELOPED: A desire to assist our fellow human beings and serve God.
TRAINING REQUIRED: On the job.

Social Resource
MINISTRY DESCRIPTION: Responding to particular parish needs while working with other committees is the primary function of the committee. This group develops activities that will financially and socially benefit the parish. This includes the annual New Year's Eve social and other themed dances and events.
TIME FRAME: Members spend 5-6 hours per event. Members are not expected to participate in every event.
SKILLS TO BE USED/DEVELOPED: Help organize, select food and prepare it, decorate, set up, serve and/or clean up at various fund raising functions.
TRAINING REQUIRED: On the job.

Cancer Prayer Group
MINISTRY DESCRIPTION: This ministry is presently being formed to offer prayers, spiritual support to cancer patients, caregivers, friends and family members through informal meetings. Priests attend to offer the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick and blessings. Guest speakers will be invited periodically. We will offer comfort, encouragement, and an uplifting attitude toward life!
TIME FRAME: Meets after the evening Mass, every other Monday at 7:30 in the church meeting room.

Library
MINISTRY DESCRIPTION: To serve the parish as a resource center for all its spiritual needs by providing suitable books, audio and video cassettes, periodicals and reference materials to inform, comfort and inspire.
SKILLS TO BE USED/DEVELOPED: Interest in reading and in various clerical tasks. Ability to scan periodicals for noteworthy articles; to assist in locating materials.
TIME FRAME: A few hours per month.
TRAINING REQUIRED: On the job.

Knights of Columbus
MINISTRY DESCRIPTION: A fraternal service organization of Catholic gentlemen whose precepts involve charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism. Activities are in the area of youth, community, church, council and fraternity.
TIME FRAME: Meetings are held on the first and third Wednesday of the month in the church meeting room.
QUALIFICATIONS: Open to practicing Catholic men over eighteen.

Legion of Mary
MINISTRY DESCRIPTION: Attend weekly meeting to gather and pray the Rosary, devotional prayers to our Lady, and assist in doing good works such as visiting shut-ins and sick of the parish at home and in nursing homes.
TIME FRAME: One to two hours per week.
TRAINING REQUIRED: Love of God and His Blessed Mother.
TRAINING REQUIRED: None.

Holy Hour
MINISTRY DESCRIPTION: An hour of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. Consists of prayers of the Church, hymns, recitation of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, Divine praises, Litany of the Sacred Heart and the Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
TIME FRAME: Every Tuesday from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Rectory Chapel.

Baptism Preparation
MINISTRY DESCRIPTION: A one-hour session to prepare parents or parents-to-be and their baptismal sponsors for the baptisms of their children.
TIME FRAME: Once a month, usually on the first Tuesday of the month.

Marriage Preparation:
MINISTRY DESCRIPTION: The Common Policy of the Diocese of Camden requires that couples preparing for marriage receive instructions in all aspects of married life. Engaged couples should contact the parish at least one year before their marriage date.
TIME FRAME: Couples meet with the priest for three Instructional sessions and are expected to take part in either Pre-Cana or Engaged Encounter preparation sessions.

Publicity
MINISTRY DESCRIPTION: All requests for publicity of events are channeled through this committee. Publicity releases are then forwarded to appropriate newspapers, radio and television media, neighboring parishes and also our own parish bulletin. Events and activities are photographically recorded. Displays of photographs taken at parish activities and events are prepared for bulletin board in the church meeting room.
TIME FRAME: Varies with activity or event.
SKILLS TO BE USED/DEVELOPED: Ability to write clear, concise announcements. Good writing skills, accuracy in recording, interpersonal skills. Ability to use camera and take good, clear photos. Creativity in making displays.
TRAINING REQUIRED: Skills acquired through experience on the job.

Calendar Coordinator
MINISTRY DESCRIPTION: Receives all requests for dates on the parish/school calendar from individuals and organizations that wish to schedule an event. This committee clears all requests against a master schedule to avoid conflicts. A monthly calendar of events is included in the parish bulletin.

Education and Youth
This committee encompasses several areas of religious education in the parish. It includes Religious Ed/CCD, RCIA, Bible Study and Adult Education.

RE/CCD
MINISTRY DESCRIPTION: Provides religious instruction for young people who attend public or other non-Catholic schools, grades one through eight. Classes are held Sunday mornings from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. in the school. RE is an ongoing system. While two years of preparation are required for each of the Sacraments of First Communion and Confirmation, it is understood that religious education is a total process. Registration is in September, and classes follow the school year schedule.
Teachers are wanted who have an active faith life and desire to share their faith along with basic Catholic teachings in accordance with the new Catechism.
TIME FRAME: One hour each Sunday morning of classroom and time for preparation of lessons.
SKILLS TO BE USED/DEVELOPED: Teaching skills can be very helpful, although not necessary. There are diocesan certification programs offered.
TRAINING REQUIRED: The Camden Diocese offers certification through courses in the spring and fall.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
MINISTRY DESCRIPTION: An ongoing four- step process designed to welcome new members into the Church and lead every Catholic parishioner to a deeper belief and renewal of his/her faith.
TIME FRAME: Meets weekly from September to May, with the ultimate goal being a year-round catechumenate.
SKILLS TO BE USED/DEVELOPED: Love for the Catholic faith and desire to share that faith. Willingness to study the Church's teachings to better enable you to prepare inquirers.
TRAINING NEEDED: The Church prepares structured training. You provide your personality to make it meaningful.

Sponsors
MINISTRY DESCRIPTION: The role of the sponsor is one of spiritual friend, giving support and care.
TIME FRAME: Meeting and sharing faith at RCIA meetings from September through May. Sponsors are also needed to be at several liturgical rites with their candidates, culminating at the Easter Vigil.
SKILLS TO BE USED/DEVELOPED: Knowledge and love of the Catholic religion along with enthusiasm for the Catholic faith and the willingness to share it.
TRAINING NEEDED: None.

Saint Catherine of Siena School
DESCRIPTION: St. Catherine's has a parochial school, Kindergarten through eighth grade. Teachers and students strive for academic excellence. Test scores reflect these efforts. The faculty challenges and motivates each student to achieve his/her maximum individual potential while integrating Catholic Christian values into each area of the curriculum. A spirit of unity, cooperation and fellowship is fostered among faculty, parents and students of the Saint Catherine Community.

The School offers the following:

Latch-Key
St. Catherine's Latch Key is designed to provide children of working parents with supervised after school care. Available Monday - Friday except on days when school is closed.










Day Care
Opening in June 1997. Will provide day care for children from ages 2 1/2 to kindergarten.










Saint Catherine of Siena Parish offers the following services:
Affinity Long Distance Phone Service: Affinity is a telephone carrier that offers "Long Distance Savings with a Purpose." It gives you a guaranteed 10% savings over and above your present long distance carrier rates. St. Catherine's receives 5% of what you pay on your long distance calls.

AmeriVox Calling Card:
A pre-paid phonecard saves money on every call. Save up to 50% or more over AT&T, MCI or Sprint Calling cards. No expensive surcharge. Additional discounts as your volume accumulates. Receive unlimited free calling time Use from any touchtone phone. 24-hour Customer Service. Updates and replaces all other calling cards.