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PARISH COUNCIL INITIATIVE 2011-2012
Each month, a member of Parish Council and a member of the staff will contribute an explanation of their work and their committee's role to help us understand their efforts and mission within the parish.
From Father Kavanagh: "Dear Friends, some time ago, we stopped making announcements at Mass. The General Instructions of the Roman Missal teach us that announcements should be occasional and generally of a liturgical nature. Because of that change, the Parish Council and I have been working on new and creative ways of communicating. As a part of that effort, we have been making some changes to our weekly bulletin (and website). The Council suggested that we set aside a corner of the bulletin (and website) to explain to you some of the work and activities which go on at Our Lady of Peace. In the weeks and months to follow, you will be hearing from the staff members and organizations. I am looking forward to these "info corners" and I hope that you enjoy them too."
From 2011 PC President Tom Simmons introducing PARISH COUNCIL NOTES: "On a monthly basis, Parish Council will post notes on the web site and in the bulletin highlighting different groups within the Parish Council Ministry. Each month will highlight one of the groups and explain how their stewardship supports our parish community. Monthly, Parish Council brings all groups together to report on their activities and offer support to one another. Over the past year and a half, Parish Council has been working on ways to communicate to all parishioners and make information easier to receive. The OLP web site and Church Bulletin are examples of increased communication efforts. Parish Council feels all parishioners will benefit from the addition of Parish Council Notes and believes it will motivate everyone to support the parish community."
JANUARY 2012: MESSAGE FROM PASTORAL ASSISTANT SISTER MARTHA LANGSTAFF
Hello to all! I am Sister Martha Langstaff, Pastoral Minister at Our Lady of Peace for seven years.
The work I am responsible for gives me a great sense of satisfaction and enjoyment because I minister to many people in their senior years as well as those who are dying, some of whom I have been with at the moment. I am priviledged to bring our church to those who are homebound or nursing homebound and unable to enjoy the community aspect of their parish at this time of their lives. I bring the Eucharist to the homebound on a weekly basis and to those in the nursing home every 2-3 weeks. Both groups like to get the bulletin so they can keep up with the news. During our recent renovation, I took a picture of what was to be the final outcome and they were thrilled to be able to see what they had read about in the bulletin. I try to spend time with each one as they are not always blessed by daily visits with family and friends. The elderly do have their "cross" when their independence is diminished and they can no longer get in the car and go where they would like to go. I am grateful for my personal experience of simutaneously living with and caring for two of my family members in their time of need, as I can empathize with what they are going through.
I also visit with our parishioners who are now living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities and have their own special needs in that situation. I think I could give a good critique of nursing homes in a number of geograhic areas while serving in this position.
Our parish is also responsible for servicing the Catholic residents at Wesley Glen, since it is in our parish boundaries. Father Kavanagh and I go there once a month. I prepare the liturgy sheets for the occasion and bring the necessary items for the Mass. I also have seven parishioners who take a turn once a month to bring Communion on Sunday or Monday as their schedule permits. Now that we have our Deacon Jeff Fortkamp, who was once among the group who brought Communion, it has been a blessing as he conducts a Liturgy of the Word with Communion there the 4th Sunday of the month.
I am also responsible for the Leisure Club, our senior group which meets once a month for a Potluck Luncheon followed by card playing for those who are interested. I have dedicated helpers from the group who join me in setting up the Gathering Space and converting it into a festive restaurant.
Finally, I also visit our parishioners when they are in the hospital. Since illness has no age boundaries, this is the place I see those in any age group. Sometimes, I follow them through recovery at home, rehabilitation, or hospice.
A friend gave me some sticky notes that pictured a nun dressed in a long black habit, riding a motorcycle with the caption, "Nun on the Road." I truly live in my car and can tell you anything you need to know about the weather on a daily basis. Over the years I have asked for various transportation needs from two pastors, but have yet to see any materialize. I am still waiting for a sleigh, a snowmobile, a jet ski, and even a golf cart for those short jaunts in the hot summer .
Be sure to wave to me on the highway.
Sr. Martha
Home and School St. Vincent de Paul
School Board Association Festival Committee
Athletic Association Knights of Columbus
Financial Committee Deanery
Hospitality Funeral Ministry
The mission of the Society of St. Vincent DePaul is to carry out the works of Jesus Christ by providing food, clothing and emergency assistance for those in need. This is accomplished by the goodwill of women and men giving love and mercy to the least of God's children as He commanded us to do.
We meet the first Sunday of the month, after the 10:00 a.m. Mass, in the school cafeteria. All adults are welcome. We currently have 11 active members and many associate members. There is always room for more!
We collect food items year round, but especially during Advent and Lent. The food is taken to the St. Ladislas Food Pantry on Reeb Avenue. Let your shopping become a time of prayer, thanking God for the bounty of food available and being able to provide nourishment for your family. Buy one item for the poor and see if shopping feels better.
SEPTEMBER 2011 FOCUS IS THE OUR LADY OF PEACE SCHOOL BOARD
The Our Lady of Peace School Board was formalized in 1979 with the approval of the Parish Council. The purpose of the Board is to be advisory to the principal in providing the best possible learning environment for the good of the children attending Our Lady of Peace School. The Board accomplishes this purpose:
- by setting school policy as shared yearly in the Parent-Student Handbook.
- by acting on any proposals or matters brought to its attention by the Parish Council, principal or concerned parents.
- by making recommendations to the Parish Council regarding financial needs of the school while being responsive to the Parish budget and the possible need to make changes to the existing school budget when necessary.
- by interviewing all candidates for the position of principal and making a recommendation to the Pastor, and
- by assisting in the Diocesan evaluation of the principal.
The Board consists of the Pastor, the principal, and nine elected members. At least five of the elected members must have children in the school and one of the members must be an OLP Parishioner who does not have a child enrolled. The term of service is three years. The OLP School Board members currently are: Father Kevin Kavanagh, Carol Folian, Kathy Brennen, Fred Brophy, Tim Rabold, Joe Williams, Gref France, Lou Griffith, Rob Rosati, Andy Bott, Paul Casper and Margaret Schuler.
September Staff Corner: Carol Folian, Principal of Our Lady of Peace School
Dear OLP Parishioners,
To tell you about the principal's job means reflecting on it from the viewpoint of this year being my twentieth year as the principal of your school! Yes, it is amazing. The good news is that in these twenty years the most important elements of the principal's job have remained the same---being the school's spiritual leader, being an advocate for each child, and being the facilitator and coach of academic excellence in your school. These things are the core responsibilities of my job but there are a lot of other things that keep each day full, never dull, and always new in challenge and opportunities. There is a 1.2 million dollar budget to balance, new teachers to hire and then lead along with our experienced faculty, data to collect then analyze for decisionmaking, meetings to attend, diocesan and state requirements to fulfill, and most important, always keeping Christ at the center of everything that is done at OLP School---He is the reason for our being a school community.
I thank you for the privilege of being your principal. I tell others that I am a better person thanks to OLP and now I tell you. May God bless you back for me for the blessing this community is in my life.
Yours in His service,
Carol Folian
OLP Principal
PS: A prayer and a Bible verse that I turn to:
Lord, help me to remember that nothing is going to happen
to me today that You and I cannot handle.
Ps46:10 Be still and know that I am God.
August 2011 report is from Home and School
It is hard to believe but the 2011-2012 school year is just around the corner. Our parents and parish are a critical component to the partnership we have with our school faculty and staff. We are very fortunate to have this strong support in the education of our children in both academics and Catholic values.
In the next couple of months, parents of children who attend OLP will receive lots of information about the school including opportunities to get involved with programs both in and outside of OLP. If you are a new family to the school, this can sometimes be confusing and you may have questions. If your children have been at OLP for awhile, you may have ideas or input for the Home and School Committee. Below you will find the names of the Home and School Officers and committee chairs for the 2011-2012 school year. All of us are more than willing to talk with you about any questions, concerns or new ideas you have for the upcoming school year.
While volunteerism makes many of our programs at OLP possible, it is a rewarding opportunity that brings you closer to your children and their educators. I have found that as a bonus I have met some of my dearest friends through volunteering at OLP and would not trade those experiences for the world.
We look forward to another exciting year and hope to see you on the playground, in the cafeteria, at a teacher luncheon, chaperoning an 8th grade dance, coaching a game, etc.,etc!
2011-2012 Home School Committee
President-----Kathy Gulla
Vice-President -----Amy Coleman
Treasurer-----Teresa Frye
Secretary-----Tracy Barzdukas
Room Parents-----Carol Condon
Hosp./Rec.-----Karen Tillman/Shelly Ruff
Programs-----Tracy Hoag
Social-----Stephnie Kennedy
Scrip-----Dorie France, Cheryl Carter, Heather Hagman, Mary Lewis
Uniforms-----Karen Tillman
Prefects-----Kris Swint
Outreach-----Regina Watson
Membership-----Leslie Dickson
Pizza-----Chuck Kozak
Festival-----Ed and Trish Mikula
Fund Raising-----Mary Lynn Gilbert
Volunteer Forms
(SOS that goes out in August for all committees)-----Mary Foley
Wellness-----MaryBeth Arnsberg
Pastoral Assistant: Sister Barbara Kolesar
I have had the privilege of living in the Parish Convent for 16 years, but I have only worked in the parish for the past 10 happy years. Have you seen the "lady in the white suit" going down the aisle in church? Now you will know what she does with her time.
First of all, I have the best job of all because I am the Sacristan which means that I set up for each Mass, Weddings and Funerals included. I will give you a "birds eye view" which means that I put out the Chalice, hosts, cups with wine in them, make sure that the Sacramentary and Lectionary are open to the correct page, the key is in the Tabernacle, the crosses are out for the Extraordinary Ministers, and the correct color of vestment is ready to put on.
I plan the readings for the school Masses and work with the student Lectors who will be reading them. I also Cantor at some Masses and take my turn being a Lector or Extraordinary Minister. I'm an active member of the RCIA Team, and Coordinate the Advent and Lenten Scripture Sharing Groups. I invite you to come and spend some precious time on the First Thursday for Eucharistic Adoration. It is a very peaceful time to talk to the dear Lord about anything. I do check all day to make sure that there are at least two people present at all times. It is so important that you come when you sign up and get a sub when you can't.
It takes many groups to help the parish run smoothly and I do believe that ours does just that. I am only one of many members on the Art and Environment and Liturgy Committees, the Parish Council, and Funeral Ministry. I also help with wedding rehersals, training Extraordinary Ministers, Lectors, Altar Servers and teach Baptism Class for parents who are having a child Baptized, and then I help with the Baptisms.
I consider it a privilege to do all that I can for the wonderful parish of Our Lady of Peace. Thanks for all your help, too. You make my job a lot of fun. God bless you.
July 2011 Veronica Garrity and the North High Deanery
A deanery is a group of Catholic Churches located in one geographic area. This group represents the concerns of the people and the parishes in that area. Our deanery is the North High Deanery (NHD). It is a consortium of nine churches all located near North High Street. The nine churches are: St. Francis of Assisi, Sacred Heart, St. John the Baptist, St. Thomas More Newman Center at OSU, Holy Name, Parroquia Santa Cruz, Immaculate Conception, St. Michael and OLP.
The NHD has a Deanery Council. The mission of the Deanery Council is to serve as an instrument of communication with the Bishop and the offices of the Diocese as well as among the member parishes. Father Stanley Dailey from St. Michael is the priest in charge or Dean. Each of the parishes is represented by two lay parishioners. Miriam-Heininger and I (Veronica Garrity) represent OLP. I serve as the NHD representative to the OLP Parish Council. The NHD Council meets five times a year and makes recommendations based on the discussion and study of issues concerning them.
Some of the NHD Projects for 2011-2012 include:
- In 2010, we created a pictorial brochure, listing all nine NHD churches, their addresses, their phone numbers, along with Mass and Reconciliation times. These brochures were distributed to local hotels and motels. In 2011, we plan to revise the brochures to include information about the NHD Catholic schools and Adoration times.
- We are in the process of creating an Emergency/Disaster Plan for the NHD. Members from OLP Boy Scout Troop 169 have volunteered to help us create an Emergency/Disaster Plan for the Our Lady of Peace Parish. This plan will become the prototype for the North High Deanery.
- A Health Committee has been created at OLP to work in conjunction with the Mount Carmel Church Partnership program. It is our hope to have a NHD Health Fair in 2012 or 2013.
- NHD members will sponsor hospitality stations at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass here at OLP on December 11. The OLP Hospitality Committee and the OLP Knights of Columbus will join us in welcoming our guests for the Spanish language Mass.
Miriam and I are always interested in getting input from OLP parishioners about North High Deanery projects and plans. Should you wish to share your thoughts and/or serve on any of our subcommittees, please do not hesitate to contact me at vgarrity@columbus.rr.com.
Parish Secretary/Debbie Mahler
I have had the pleasure of working in the Parish Office for over fifteen years. Much has changed during this time as we have worked to update our procedures and programs.
Each of the staff wears many hats which keeps things interesting. My primary responsibilities begin at the office door or on the phone and end at the completion of a sacrament, event or program. Scheduling Masses, funeral arrangements, Baptism classes, Baptisms, ministry schedules and processing registrations are just a few of my jobs. Upon completion of sacraments, it is important to keep the official records for the church. Did you know that all of your sacramental information is sent to your church of Baptism and that is considered the place where your permanent records are kept? Other record keeping that takes place is recording contributions, endowments, and special collections. Thank you for your cooperation in using envelopes and the electronic withdrawal program. This is important in helping us to accurately track your contributions. It is also helpful when those who do not use envelopes and pay by check include their envelope number on the check for reference.
The real enjoyment in parish work comes from working with people and being able to help those we meet, if it is the person at the door for a bus pass, the parishioner with a question, or a stranger inquiring about registration. Parish work is definitely a ministry and how blessed we are that it is.
June 2011 Prayer Shawl Ministry
Since the creation of this parish ministry two years ago, members of our group have created and distributed over 100 beautifully knitted or crocheted shawls. Blessed by Father Kavanagh or Deacon Fortkamp, these shawls have been given to members of our parish and many others as well, offering to the recipient not only physical warmth and comfort, but also an embodiment of the parish community's constant prayer for them as they seek God's grace and healing in a time of physical, spiritual or emotional need.
If you know of any such need in your circle of friends or family, contact the Parish Office and a shawl will be provided. Please know that no need is too small and that the recipient need not be a member of our parish.
Many thanks to all who have contributed their time, service, and materials to this ministry. If you are interested in joining us, we meet the first Tuesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. in the Gathering Space. Bring your handiwork, ideas, questions and fellowship. All are welcome! Call Lisa Gallant (262-3277) or Elaine Guilfoyle (447-1863) with questions or to request a shawl.