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St. John the Baptist Parish
MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES
Adult Faith Formation
Minstries
Community Building Ministries
Compassion Ministries
Faith Formation For Children And Youth
Liturgical Ministries
Prayer Ministries
Social Responsibility Ministries
St. John The Baptist School
PRAYER AND WORSHIP MINISTRIES
Liturgical Ministries
MINISTRY OF THE ASSEMBLY
Duties: The celebration of the Eucharist is the action of the whole church.
It is the assembly who carries out the liturgy, under the leadership of the
presiding celebrant (priest). Each of us needs to be present to accomplish
our ministry; this is our right and duty as Catholic Christians. We minister
to one another by welcoming one another, acknowledging each other with a smile,
sitting together, and paying attention to each other. We move, sing, pray,
and listen—together, as one. In this way we build up each other’s
faith and challenge one another to conversion. When we are faithful to this
ministry, we live out the unity for which Jesus prayed in the Gospel of John
(17:20-23).
While every Catholic Christian serves in the ministry of the assembly, many are also called to special liturgical ministries in further service of the assembly:
LITURGY STEERING COMMITTEE
Duties: Join others in visioning and implementing our desired outcomes for our
parish liturgies. Each member is responsible for a particular aspect of our
liturgical life.
Time: Varies
Special Skills: Ability to work well on a team; special interest and/or expertise
in liturgy; willingness to attend training sessions.
Coordinator: Sr. Terry Falco, 301-622-1122, worship@sjbsilverspring.org.
ENVIRONMENT AND ART SUBCOMMITTEE
Duties: Assist in designing, creating, and installing appropriate liturgical
environments for seasons and feasts.
Time: Varies
Special Skills: Background in art and design; interest and/or expertise in liturgy
Coordinator: Sr. Terry Falco, 301-622-1122, worship@sjbsilverspring.org.
ALTAR SERVERS (child or teen)
Duties: Assist the presider during Mass by taking part in processions, holding
the Sacramentary, helping at presentation of the gifts and carrying the cross
when needed.
Time: Serve at one or two Masses monthly; initial training and ongoing formation.
Special Skills: An ability to be graceful, attentive and reverent at Mass; dependability;
open to those in the fourth grade or higher.
Coordinator: Fr. Scott Hahn, 301/622-1122
assocpastor@sjbsilverspring.org.
CANTORS (teen or adult)
Duties: Lead the assembly in prayerful song with an accompanist; animate the
community worship.
Time: Individual cantors are used at Holy Day liturgies and other special occasions,
as well as for back-up of regular musicians; periodic cantors’ meetings
and private preparation time at home or with accompanist are additional.
Special Skills: A skilled solo voice; a deep sense of prayerfulness and reverence
for the assembly’s sung prayer
Coordinator: Sr. Terry Falco, 301-622-1122, worship@sjbsilverspring.org.
CHILDREN’S CHOIR (grades 3-8)
Duties: Lead the assembly in prayerful song with a group of other children
Time: Weekly rehearsals Wednesdays after school; sing at 8 to 10 liturgies a
year
Special Skills: A love of singing; an ability to be reverent at liturgy
Coordinator: Sr. Terry Falco, 301-622-1122, worship@sjbsilverspring.org.
CHOIR (adult)
Duties: Lead the assembly in sung prayer by alternating or reinforcing the sacred
song of the congregation, or by enhancing it with the addition of a musical
elaboration. The choir also sings alone pieces that are more musically demanding.
Time: Weekly attendance at Mass and rehearsal times
Special Skills: A clear voice and a good ear
Coordinator: Sr. Terry Falco, 301-622-1122, worship@sjbsilverspring.org.
INSTRUMENTALISTS (teen or adult)
Duties: Play piano, organ, guitar, woodwind, brass, string, and percussion instruments
at our Sunday liturgies and at other times.
Time: As frequently as you wish, but at least monthly
Special Skills: In general, having several years of experience on your instrument
is best.
Coordinator: Sr. Terry Falco, 301-622-1122, worship@sjbsilverspring.org.
YOUTH ENSEMBLE (Grades 8-12)
Duties: Leads the assembly in prayerful song at one 6:00 liturgy a month, and
for a Christmas Midnight Mass and Good Friday Living Stations of the Cross.
Time: Rehearsals twice a month
Special Skills: Singers and people who play musical instruments are welcome
to join.
Coordinator: Denis Guma, 301/622-1122, youthmin@sjbsilverspring.org
YOUTH DRAMA PARTICIPANTS (Grades 9-12)
Duties: Assist with and participate in Christmas Midnight Mass and Good Friday
Living Stations of the Cross
Time: Practice times will vary
Special Skills: An interest in acting, costumes, props or tech support
Coordinator: Denis Guma, 301/622-1122, youthmin@sjbsilverspring.org
COMMUNION MINISTERS
Duties: Assist with distribution of Communion and cleaning vessels after the
liturgy.
Time: One Mass approximately every 2-3 weeks; initial training and occasional
ongoing formation sessions are required.
Special Skills: Love and reverence for the Eucharist; ease in public settings;
Catholic in good standing who has received the sacraments of initiation (Baptism,
Confirmation and Eucharist).
Coordinator: Sr. Terry Falco, 301-622-1122, worship@sjbsilverspring.org.
LECTORS/READERS (teen or adult)
Duties: Proclaim the scripture readings and lead the General Intercessions on
Sundays and other liturgies throughout the year, with reverence and understanding.
Time: One Mass approximately every 3 weeks; personal time spent in study and
reflection on the Word. Initial training and ongoing formation is required.
Special Skills: A love for God’s Word and desire to study it more deeply;
a clear speaking voice; an ease speaking in front of people
Coordinator: Sr. Terry Falco, 301-622-1122, worship@sjbsilverspring.org.
ALTAR LINEN CARETAKERS
Duties: Clean and press purificators and corporals, and wash towels in preparation
for the Sunday liturgies.
Time: Each person is scheduled for one week every 2-3 months.
Special Skills: A caring eye for detail; knowledge concerning laundering and
pressing
Coordinator: Audrey Fenton, 301/593-4107
VESTMENT AND ALTAR CLOTH CARETAKERS
Duties: Arrange for cleaning and pressing of vestments and altar cloths.
Time: Varies; is scheduled on an as-needed basis
Special Skills: An eye for detail and knowledge of laundering and pressing
Coordinator: Sr. Terry Falco, 301-622-1122, worship@sjbsilverspring.org.
USHERS
Duties: Help seat parishioners and see to their comfort and safety. Recruit
and instruct those who will take part in the Preparation of Gifts. Pass baskets
at collection time; ensure orderly flow at communion time, provide assistance
in emergencies.
Time: Serve as often as they are able, usually one liturgy every 2-3 weeks
(arrive 15 minutes early), plus initial training, ongoing formation, and occasional
meetings
Special Skills: Ability to make a regular commitment, a love of order; outgoing
personality
Coordinator: Guy Bellia, 301/384-1518
GREETERS
Duties: Welcome parishioners with warmth as they arrive to Sunday liturgy; hand
out worship aids when needed; assist ushers as needed.
Time: One Mass every 2-3 weeks
Special Skills: An outgoing and warm personality; a deep sense of the presence
of Christ in all people
Contact: Sr. Terry Falco, 301-622-1122, worship@sjbsilverspring.org.
Prayer Ministries
COMMUNION MINISTERS TO THE HOMEBOUND
Duties: Bring Eucharist to and pray with homebound parishioners regularly; will
also notify priests when sacraments are needed
Time: On an as needed basis; initial one?time training and ongoing formation.
Skills: Ability to comfort people with prayer; Catholic in good standing who
has received the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist)
Coordinator: Mary Kudlik and Fr. Percival D'Silva, 301/622-1122, pdsilva@adwparish.org
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NURSING HOME MINISTRY
Duties: Visit Springbrook Nursing Home at 10:00 on Tuesdays and Sunrise Nursing
Home at 10:00 on Wednesdays to conduct a Communion Service, pray the rosary,
and lead other prayerful activities; assist the priest once a month during Mass
at the nursing home
Time: Rotating schedule; training and ongoing formation.
Skills: Desire to be with the elderly, ability to lead prayer, Catholic in good
standing who has received the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation,
Eucharist)
Coordinator: Mary Kudlik and Fr. Percival D'Silva, 301/622-1122, pdsilva@adwparish.org
ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
Duties: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in the Visitation Chapel begins
after the 8:30 a.m. Mass on the first Friday of every month, and finishes
at 8:00 a.m. the next day. Parishioners may sign up for one-hour periods
in order to ensure continuous coverage.
Time: One hour each month; prayer sheets are provided with suggested prayers
and devotions; parishioners are asked to bring their own Bible, rosary, etc.
Special Skills: Reverence for the Blessed Sacrament
Coordinator: 9:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Angie Puhl, 301/622-1246; 4:00 p.m. to 12:00
a.m.: Andrew Michaels, 301/388-2305, 301/622-2823; 12:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.:
Richard Chauncey, 301/384-9352
THE LIVING ROSARY
Duties: During the months of October and May, say the rosary Monday through
Friday at 6:00 p.m. at the statue of Mary in front of the church
Time: Weekdays at 6:00 p.m. during the months of May and October but need not
attend every day
Special Skills: Devotion to saying the rosary
Coordinator: Angie Puhl, 301/622-1246
FIRST SATURDAY DEVOTIONS
Duties: Pray the Scriptural Rosary along with an Act of Consecration to the
Immaculate Heart of Mary and an Act of Reparation.
Time: Held after the 8:30 a.m. liturgy on the first Saturday of each month.
Special Skills: None needed
Coordinator:
Compassion Ministries
BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY
Duties: Provide spiritual support to parishioners after the death of their
loved one. Plan annual prayer service for those who have experienced the
loss of a loved one. Contact parishioners shortly after they experience a
loss and provide spiritual support and comfort.
Time: Varies
Special Skills: Empathetic personality and a desire to be of service to those
experiencing a loss
Contact: Maryanne Dulski, 301/384-1743
ARIMATHEANS
Duties: Prepare for Funeral Mass or Liturgy by setting out vessels, bread and
wine, lighting altar candles, serving as Communion Ministers, preparing the
incense, participating in the procession, etc.
Time: On an as-needed basis; arrive 30 minutes before the funeral to set up,
be present at the funeral and stay after for 20 minutes to re-set space; initial
training session and additional training provided when necessary. Funerals
usually take place on weekday or Saturday mornings.
Special Skills: A caring eye for detail; a desire to help “behind the
scenes”
Coordinator: Deacon Norman Keller, 301/434-5557
STEPHEN MINISTRY GROUP
Duties: Stephen Ministers provide ongoing individual support for people who
are dealing with a personal loss, such as death of a loved one, loss of a
job or relationship, or a serious illness.
Time: On an as-needed basis. 50 hours of training and ongoing formation.
Special Skills: Empathetic personality; good listener; faith in God’s
compassion.
Coordinators: John Cermak, 301/384-8853
ADULT FAITH FORMATION MINISTRIES
INFANT BAPTISM PREPARATION TEAM
Duties: Married couples with children lead parents and godparents in group discussions
about their faith journeys, the meaning of the sacrament of Baptism, and the
critical role parents and godparents play in their children’s faith development.
Time: 1 or 2 times a year; includes two 1½-hour sessions on two consecutive
Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., an additional rehearsal (½-1 hour)
after the second session, and assisting the priest at three baptism ceremonies
on the third Sunday. Requires some preparation time and initial and ongoing
formation twice annually.
Special Skills: Hospitality, welcoming presence, faith sharing, small group
facilitation, some knowledge of sacramental theology and liturgy.
Coordinator: L.J. Milone, 301-622-1122, dre@sjbsilverspring.org
RCIA TEAM/CATECHUMENATE
Duties: Facilitate the process of initiating new members into our Catholic community
of faith through Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Team duties include: catechesis,
sponsor formation, hospitality, curriculum planning, faith sharing, small group
facilitation, organizing and facilitating retreat days.
Time: General requirement for each team member: monthly team meeting; yearly
team retreat on a weekend. In addition team members can decide their level of
commitment choosing from among the following: inquiry meetings on the 2nd and
4th Tuesday nights; faith sharing and catechetical sessions on Sunday mornings;
3 whole day retreats per year; preparation meetings for sponsors 3 times a year.
Special Skills: Requires people of faith and prayer with a strong sense of community,
witnesses to the Gospel, good listeners, welcoming presence, some facilitation
skills, knowledge of Catholic teaching. Training is available and recommended.
Coordinator: L.J. Milone, 301-622-1122, dre@sjbsilverspring.org
RCIA TEAM/MINISTRY TO THE BAPTIZED
Duties: Provide opportunities for catechesis and formation for returning inactive
Catholics, adult Catholics who were not fully initiated, and those who have
been catechized in other Christian faith traditions and desire to be in full
communion with the Catholic Church. Team duties include: catechesis, sponsor
formation, hospitality, curriculum planning, faith sharing, small group facilitation,
organizing and facilitating retreat days.
Time: General requirement for each team member: monthly team meeting; yearly
team retreat on a weekend. In addition team members can decide their level of
commitment choosing from among the following: inquiry meetings on the 2nd and
4th Tuesday nights; faith sharing and catechetical sessions on Sunday mornings;
3 whole day retreats per year; preparation meetings for sponsors 3 times a year;
Adult Confirmation preparation classes during Easter season.
Special Skills: Requires people of faith and prayer with a strong sense of community,
witnesses to the Gospel, good listeners, welcoming presence, some facilitation
skills, knowledge of Catholic teaching. Training is available and recommended.
Coordinator: L.J. Milone, 301-622-1122, dre@sjbsilverspring.org
MARRIAGE PREPARATION TEAM
Duties: Married couples meet with engaged couples to help them prepare for marriage
and to reflect with them on the sacrament of marriage.
Time: 1 or 2 series a year; which include four 2-hour meetings with engaged
couples, preparation time, and regular team meetings (3-4 a year) for ongoing
training and program design.
Special Skills: Willingness to open up their homes for the engaged couples,
welcoming presence, ability to listen well and share experiences as a married
couple, small group facilitation, some knowledge of church teaching on family
and human sexuality. Team couples have to be married for at least 2 years and
they have to take the Enrich Inventory and reflect on their own marital relationship
before starting the ministry. Training is provided.
Coordinator: L.J. Milone, 301-622-1122, dre@sjbsilverspring.org
SMALL CHURCH COMMUNITY STEERING COMMITTEE
Duties: Support and provide resources for Small Church Communities within the
parish by organizing regular meetings for group members and facilitators; offering
resources, training and opportunities for spiritual enrichment; organizing a
yearly retreat day and a social evening; organizing seasonal small group experiences
during Advent and Lent
Time: Meets every other month except during summer; a few hours of additional
work between meetings.
Special Skills: Has to be an active member of a Small Church Community and have
experience in group facilitation; opportunity to work towards bringing community,
prayer and support to more members of the parish.
Coordinator: L.J. Milone, 301-622-1122, dre@sjbsilverspring.org
SMALL CHURCH COMMUNITY MEMBER/ PASTORAL FACILITATOR
Duties: Attend, participate in, and possibly facilitate Small Church Community
meetings. Tasks include leading opening and closing prayer, initiating and facilitating
faith sharing and discussions, maintaining the structure of the meetings. Some
groups have an appointed facilitator, others rotate facilitation duties among
the membership.
Time: Small Group Leadership meetings are held every other month except for
summer and are open to all group members. Most small communities meet every
other week for about 2 hours; each group agrees upon time and frequency of the
meetings; preparation for facilitation may take an additional hour.
Special Skills: Abilities to listen, pray, and share faith; to be an inviting
and welcoming presence. Training and support is offered at the by-monthly Pastoral
Facilitators’ Meeting.
Coordinator: L.J. Milone, 301-622-1122, dre@sjbsilverspring.org
RESOURCE LIBRARY HELPERS
Duties: Catalogue books and resources and maintain order in the parish library,
located in the parish school building. A coordinator as well as helpers are
needed for this new ministry.
Time: Flexible, depending on availability
Special Skills: Knowledge of library cataloging techniques useful for coordinator;
a desire to help create a usable resource center for the parish.
Coordinator: L.J. Milone, 301-622-1122, dre@sjbsilverspring.org
TEAMS OF OUR LADY
Duties: Married couples become part of a team in order to grow in their spiritual
life together and grow in intimacy through shared disciplines of prayer and
deeper communication. Each team consists of five to seven couples.
Time: Meetings held monthly
Special Skills: A desire to grow in intimacy with your spouse
Coordinator: Bill and Judy Dinges, 301/388-2472
SERRA CLUB
Duties: A Lay organization to foster, promote, and affirm vocations to the
priesthood, religious life, and diaconate. The group prays for vocations
and provides other prayerful support for priests and religious, and promotes
fellowship and the spiritual growth of its members.
Time: Varies
Coordinator: Mary Graham, 301/622-4538
CHARISMATIC PRAYER GROUP
Duties: Sing, praise, and worship God; pray for others inside and outside the
group and for healing for each other and for others.
Time: Weekly meetings in the Lyon Center
Coordinator: Aileen Goggin, 301/4246
FAITH FORMATION FOR CHILDREN AND
YOUTH
CHILDREN’S RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: CURRICULUM PLANNERS
Duties: Help children grow in faith through their participation in the parish
religious education program; curriculum planners work closely with the director
of religious education to provide a comprehensive and creative curriculum
Time: Wednesday nights during the school year for grades 1-6; Sunday mornings
for pre-school and Kindergarten; includes ongoing formation and training
Special Skills: Enjoy working with children and a willingness to share your
faith with them; experience helpful but not necessary
Coordinator: Mrs. Ginny Cohen, 301/622-1122, dre@sjbsilverspring.org
CHILDREN’S RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: CATECHISTS
Duties: Help children grow in faith through their participation in the parish
religious education program; catechists teach the principles of our faith with
the help of lesson plans and curriculum planners
Time: Wednesday nights during the school year; Sunday mornings for pre-school
and Kindergarten; includes ongoing formation and training
Special Skills: Enjoy working with children and a willingness to share your
faith with them; experience helpful but not necessary
Coordinator: Mrs. Ginny Cohen, 301/622-1122, dre@sjbsilverspring.org
CHILDREN’S FIRST COMMUNION AND RECONCILIATION PREPARATION
Duties: Help prepare children to receive First Communion and Reconciliation
Time: Monday nights; 3 classes per session; one winter and one spring Eucharist
session and one fall Reconciliation session; training and ongoing formation
is additional
Special Skills: Enjoy working with children and a willingness to share your
faith with them; some knowledge of Church teaching on these sacraments is helpful;
experience is helpful but not required
Coordinator: Mrs. Ginny Cohen, 301/622-1122, dre@sjbsilverspring.org
SHEPHERDING FOR FIRST COMMUNION
Duties: Help to walk with the child and his or her family before and during
the liturgy where they will receive the Sacrament for the first time; the purpose
is to make the child and the family feel comfortable and confident with everything
that is happening so that the liturgy goes smoothly. Training is provided.
Time: Rotating schedule based on the Mass you normally attend and the number
of First Communions taking place at that Mass throughout the year
Special Skills: Shepherding is a ministry of welcoming; it requires a desire
to welcome the child into the experience of receiving Jesus for the first time
Coordinator: Mrs. Ginny Cohen, 301/622-1122, dre@sjbsilverspring.org
YOUTH MINISTRY: SENIOR HIGH CATECHISTS/HELPERS/SERVICE/OUTREACH
Duties: Assist in shared leadership or facilitation of one area of Senior High
Youth Ministry Program (FOCUS); help with the faith and personal development
of young people through invitation, discussion, learning, friendship, and prayer;
assist with justice and service activities, including service days, work camps,
retreats, and training
Time: Focus meets twice a month during school year; other programs meet monthly
and/or seasonally; work days are one-time events; work camps are week-long and
require 3-4 training sessions beforehand; training provided, time commitment
is flexible based on need and your availability
Special Skills: A love of God and young people; specific talents welcome, but
not necessary
Coordinator: Denis Guma, 301/622-1122, youthmin@sjbsilverspring.org
YOUTH MINISTRY: JUNIOR HIGH RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AND CONFIRMATION PREPARATION
Duties: Help with the faith development of young people through discussion,
prayer, learning, and service by assisting in the planning and facilitation
of 7th and/or 8th grade religious education classes and/or Confirmation preparation
classes
Time: Meet weekly on Tuesdays for classes and/or curriculum planning meetings;
orientation and on-going formation is additional
Special Skills: A dedication to Catholic teachings and a love of youth
Coordinator: Denis Guma, 301/622-1122, youthmin@sjbsilverspring.org
CYO AND INTRAMURAL BASKETBALL /COACHING
Duties: Encourage and support parish CYO athletic programs for children and
youth by assisting with coaching children in basketball
Time: Variable and seasonal
Special Skills: Love for children, an active interest in the sport, patience
and flexibility; these positions are usually filled by parents of children
in the program
Coordinator: Bill Weithman, 301/384-0736
GIRL SCOUTS & BROWNIE LEADERS/HELPERS
Duties: Assist with activities to help girls grow, learn, and mature through
the Girl Scout and Brownie programs
Time: Attend weekly scout meetings; attend initial orientation, plus on?the?job
training and occasional special workshops
Special Skills: Creativity and organizational skills, plus a love for children
Coordinator: Lisa Crock, 301/588-2837 (for Girl Scouts);
Kathy DiFrancesco, 301/890-7872 (for Brownies)
BOY SCOUT LEADERS/HELPERS
Duties: Assist with activities to help young men grow, learn, and mature through
the Boy Scout program
Time: Attend weekly scout meetings, monthly committee meetings, and occasional
special activities; attend initial orientation, plus on?the?job training
Special Skills: Interest in mentoring young men and in scouting
Coordinator: John McCord, 301/879-3612
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY MINISTRIES
SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE
Duties: Lead the parish in increasing awareness of Catholic Social Teaching;
motivate parishioners to reach out in service, justice, advocacy, solidarity,
and peacemaking
Time: Meets 3 times a year but all committee members are active in at least
one ministry of the social justice committee, which requires more time, depending
on the ministry
Special Skills: Commitment to the Catholic vision of justice and peace; ability
to provide leadership and vision in at least one ministry of the social justice
committee; knowledge of Catholic Social Teaching or willingness to learn
Coordinator: Cynthia Norris, 301/622-1122, socialconcerns@sjbsilverspring.org
.
COMMUNITY FUND BOARD
Duties: Make decisions regarding allocation of funds collected in the Community
Fund collection, which is the second collection the first Sunday of every month.
Funds are used exclusively for direct assistance to the needy. Board members
are appointed by the pastor.
Time: Two hours per month
Special Skills: A desire to assist in stewardship over parish funds for the
needy
Coordinator: Cynthia Norris, 301/622-1122, socialconcerns@sjbsilverspring.org
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH
Duties: Help coordinate and deliver Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets to the
needy
Time: Several hours during the weeks before Thanksgiving and Christmas
Special Skills: A desire to serve the hungry; driving is necessary
Coordinator: Guy Bellia, 301/384-1518
EDUCATION & LITURGY MINISTRY OF THE SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE
Duties: Lead parish efforts to integrate Catholic Social Teaching into all faith
formation programs, including those for children, adults, and youth. Help plan
several prayer services with social justice themes each year; assist the liturgy
director in writing prayers of the faithful which focus on social justice themes;
help provide vision for integrating the Catholic social tradition into liturgy
Time: Varies; approximately 4 or 5 meetings per year, plus involvement in presentations
in parish education programs
Special Skills: Experience in religious education/faith formation and/or knowledge
of Catholic Social Teaching helpful
Coordinator: Maggie Conley, magconley@verizon.net, and Joan Rosenhauer, 301/680-9229
ARCHDIOCESAN LEGISLATIVE NETWORK
Duties: Send letters, faxes, e?mails and/or make telephone calls to legislators
on important issues; attend yearly Lobby Night in Annapolis if possible
Time: 12 hours per year and possible visits to Annapolis.
Special Skills: Anyone with a desire to advocate for the needy and most marginalized
in our political system is welcome.
Coordinator: Cynthia Norris, 301/622-1122, socialconcerns@sjbsilverspring.org
SISTER PARISH IN HAITI STEERING COMMITTEE
Duties: Provide vision for parish solidarity with our sister parish of St. Pierre
in Baraderes, Haiti. Includes assisting with the following annual events: school
supply collection, visit from the pastor of St. Pierre, parish delegation to
Baraderes, Lenten collection of supplies, fundraising, recruiting, educating,
and promoting the sister parish project.
Time: Approximately 6 meetings a year, assistance with special events as needed
Special Skills: A desire to be in solidarity with our sisters and brothers in
Haiti; knowledge of French and/or Creole is always a help but not necessary
Coordinator: Cynthia Norris, 301/622-1122, socialconcerns@sjbsilverspring.org
and Marie Charles, 301/622-1371
GABRIEL PROJECT/RESPECT LIFE MINISTRY OF THE SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE
Duties: Affiliated with statewide Gabriel Project and Pro-Life Maryland; a
Christian network of volunteers who offer practical, spiritual, and emotional
support to women experiencing crisis pregnancy. Volunteers may provide: transportation,
assistance in obtaining material support, housing, babysitting, friendship,
prayer. Expectant mothers in crisis are assigned to our group by the state
office based on geographical area.
Time: Varies; depends on the needs of the person we have been asked to help
Special Skills: Desire to assist pregnant women in need
Coordinator: Pat Young, 301/622-2745
GABRIEL HOUSE TRANSITION HOME/RESPECT LIFE MINISTRY OF THE SOCIAL JUSTICE
COMMITTEE
Duties: A new ministry developed in collaboration with Gabriel Project to create
a transitional group home for pregnant women needing shelter in Montgomery
County. We will undertake this ministry in partnership with several other congregations;
volunteer duties may include: house maintenance, fundraising, promotion of
the project within the parish, transportation, babysitting, meal preparation,
mentoring, education and vocation training, and classes in parenting skills.
Volunteers may also serve on the parish steering committee. House is expected
toopen during the Fall, 2003.
Time: Will vary depending on level of commitment
Special Skills: Desire to assist pregnant women in need
Coordinator: Jack Sherman, 301/384-8071
PRISON MINISTRY OF THE SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE
Duties: Promote opportunities for parish education, service, and advocacy in
support of bringing God’s peace to prisoners. May include letter writing,
helping with annual magazine collection, mentoring, helping with Christmas
packages, or legislative advocacy.
Time: Varied and flexible. Approximately 6 meetings per year, with involvement
in projects additional.
Special Skills: Inspired by Scripture and Church teachings to do what you can
to offer those who have committed crimes the possibility of redemption and
making a positive return to society
Coordinator: Richard McGinnis, 301/384-9530
ECO-MINISTRY OF THE SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE
Duties: Make connections between our Catholic faith tradition and environmental
issues. Activities include quarterly New Hampshire Avenue clean-up, annual
St. Francis Day pet blessing, educational activities.
Time: Meets monthly, other activities are additional
Special Skills: An interest in acting on environmental problems as part of
our faith community
Coordinator: Bill Dinges, 301/388-2472
MINISTRY WITH CASA OF MARYLAND
Duties: Join this new parish ministry to provide vision for parish assistance
to Latino immigrants in the Langley Park/Silver Spring area. Volunteers currently
practice English with Spanish-speaking immigrants who have already completed
some English study.
Time: Language sessions take place on Saturday mornings 11:00 to 12:30.
Special Skills: A desire to develop community with newly-arrived immigrants
in our area; Spanish language ability is helpful but not necessary
Coordinator: John Cordes, 301/622-4271, jfc@nrc.gov
COMMUNITY SERVICE MINISTRY OF THE SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE
Duties: Provides vision and coordination to parish community service efforts.
Activities include: Share the Cross for Lent, Blanket Sunday in Advent, Parish
Community Service Day, and oversight/coordination of individual volunteer
opportunities which follow this entry.
Time: Approximately 6 meetings a year, with extra time needed to organize and
plan activities in Lent and Advent
Special Skills: A desire to promote community service and outreach to the needy
Coordinator: JoAnn Goedert, 301/593-5193
SHEPHERD’S TABLE SOUP KITCHEN AND HOMELESS DROP-IN CENTER
Duties: Prepare and serve the evening meal; located in downtown Silver Spring
Time: Fourth Friday of each month; back-ups are especially needed for when
the regulars are unable to participate
Special Skills: Ability to prepare and/or serve a meal
Coordinator: Ann Eskin, 301/585-7117
COLESVILLE COUNCIL OF COMMUNITY CONGREGATIONS (C-4)
Duties: Participate in community service activities as part of our local interfaith
coalition. Volunteer opportunities include working in the clothes closet,
baby closet, toy distribution at Christmas, and school supply distribution
in late summer.
Time: Clothes closet needs volunteers on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at
9 a.m. to noon. Other times vary and some are seasonal.
Special Skills: A desire to serve the needy together with members of other
faith communities
Coordinator: Alyssa Sherman, 202/775-1908
CASSEROLE PROJECT
Duties: Prepare casseroles for the needy which are served at Elizabeth House
in Laurel and Zacchaeus Soup Kitchen in the District; recipes are provided
Time: Preparation time for 2-4 casseroles per month; casseroles are brought
frozen to Mass on the first Sunday of every month
Special Skills: Ability to follow a recipe
Coordinator: Garland DeMarco, 301/622-1559
SPANISH CATHOLIC CENTER
Duties: Bag and deliver food brought by parishioners to Mass every Sunday
Time: 2-4 hours each week; back-ups are needed for times when the regular volunteers
are unavailable
Special Skills: For food delivery, must be able to drive
Coordinator: Don Carbone, 301/384-5826
SILVER SPRING INTERFAITH HOUSING COALITION (SSIHC)
Duties: With a team of St. John’s parishioners, mentor a low-income family
to help them achieve self-sufficiency; or help to renovate homes and apartments
to be used for low income or homeless families. SSIHC is dedicated to providing
affordable housing for low income families.
Time: About 4 hours per month for mentoring; training and formation is additional.
For renovation, teams work monthly and the schedule rotates.
Special Skills: Commitment to providing affordable housing; for mentoring,
a commitment to the relationship with the family
Coordinator: JoAnn Goedert, 301/593-5193
PARISH COMMUNITY SERVICE DAY
Duties: Participate in parish-wide day of community service which takes place
on the third Saturday of Lent.
Time: Option of participating for a full day or half day
Special Skills: A desire to be of service to the community
Coordinator: JoAnn Goedert, 301/593-5193 and Cynthia Norris, 301/622-1122, socialconcerns@sjbsilverspring.org
SHARE THE CROSS FOR LENT
Duties: Pick up the small crosses displayed on the altar and follow the instructions
written on the cross. Crosses provide ways for parishioners to observe Lent
through prayer, fasting, service, and almsgiving.
Time: Varies, depending on the cross
Special Skills: A desire to become closer to Jesus by observing Lent
Coordinator: JoAnn Goedert, 301/593-5193 and Cynthia Norris, socialconcerns@sjbsilverspring.org
BLANKET SUNDAY
Duties: Bring new or used in very good condition blankets to Mass the third
Sunday in Advent for distribution to the homeless.
Time: Shopping time (for new blankets) or cleaning time (for used blankets)
Special Skills: A desire to alleviate suffering
Coordinator: JoAnn Goedert, 301/593-5193 and Cynthia Norris, 301/622-1122, socialconcerns@sjbsilverspring.org
FRIDAY SOUP SUPPER TALKS DURING LENT
Duties: Attend the Friday soup supper talks during Lent; volunteer to make soup
or bread and help with clean-up
Time: Talks are 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. on Fridays during Lent; food preparation time
is additional
Special Skills: A desire to join with other parishioners to learn more about
justice and peace concerns of our community; a desire to cook for the community
Coordinator: Maggie Conley, magconley@verizon.net, and Joan Rosenhauer, 301/680-9229,Cynthia
Norris, 301/622-1122, socialconcerns@sjbsilverspring.org
COMMUNITY BUILDING MINISTRIES
LEISURE CLUB
Duties: Social club for adults age 50 and older; participate in monthly meetings,
special events, and trips
Time: Meetings on the first Friday of every month at noon
Special Skills: Over 50; desires social interaction with other parishioners
Coordinator: Virginia West, 301/270-4405
COMMUNITY SUNDAY (teens and adults)
Duties: Assist in preparation and serving of coffee and doughnut reception
after Mass on Community Sunday
Time: First Sunday of every month, October through May, after Mass on a one-time
or regular basis
Special Skills: ability to be organized, a pleasant and cheerful manner
Coordinator: Henry Morrow, 301/388-0827 or Bill Kuzemka, 301/384-3817
MINISTRY OF WELCOMING
Duties: Attend and bring refreshments to monthly registration night for new
parishioners; answer questions about involvement in parish life; follow-up
with phone calls
Time: Meets every third Monday; rotating schedule
Special Skills: Must be a registered parishioner for at least one year
Coordinator: Jan Caponiti, 301/384-9525 and Andi Covell, 301/622-3944
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
Duties: Membership in an organization of Catholic men dedicated to promoting
charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism; membership includes involvement
in Knights-sponsored activities, including: Sunday breakfasts, annual family
picnic, annual free-throw contest; includes regular meetings and dinners
Time: Meets every 2nd & 4th Thursday; activities take place at other times
Special Skills: For men only
Coordinator: Henry Hartley, 301/681-5155
WHOLENESS FOR WOMEN
Duties: Women meet monthly to hear about and discuss topics of concern to women.
Programs are presented on some aspect of a woman’s life—spiritual,
intellectual, physical, emotional, and social. A drop-in group; anyone is
welcome.
Time: Meetings from October through May from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. on the first
Monday of the month
Special Skills: For women only
Coordinator: Pat Metz, 301/439-6813
GARDEN AND GROUNDS MINISTRY
Duties: Adopt area of grounds to be its steward
Time: Seasonal
Special Skills: Gardening and plant knowledge helpful
Coordinator: Charlene Dorrian, 301/622-1122
NURSERY COOP
Duties: Provide a safe and loving environment for children while their parents
attend 10:30 Mass
Time: During 10:30 Sunday Mass, rotating schedule
Special Skills: A love for children, patience and flexibility
Coordinator: Karen Kuzemka, 301/622-1122
ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST SCHOOL
JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT
Duties: Volunteers from the business community are needed to bring this 5-week
course to the students. Training is provided.
Time: Course is 5 weeks; scheduling is flexible; training is additional
Special Skills: Must understand business
Coordinator: Marianne Moore, 301/622-3076
GREAT BOOKS PROGRAM
Duties: Read and discuss with the children excerpts from good literature. Training
is provided.
Time: Course runs 8-12 weeks; scheduling is flexible; training is additional
Special Skills: Love of reading and literature and a desire to share this with
children
Coordinator: Marianne Moore, 301/622-3076
LIBRARY HELPERS
Duties: Our librarian needs help with all the tasks involved in running our
state of the art library. Training provided.
Time: Library is open Monday-Friday 8:30 to 3:30; hours are flexible
Special Skills: A desire to work with children
Coordinator: Marianne Moore, 301/622-3076
COMPUTER HELPERS
Duties: Help out our technology teacher by working with the children in the
computer lab. Training provided.
Time: Flexible hours during the school day
Special Skills: A desire to work with children
Coordinator: Marianne Moore, 301/622-3076
SCIENCE HELPERS
Duties: Lab assistants to work with the children during their science lab.
Time: Weekday mornings, 80 minute lab; schedule is flexible
Special Skills: A desire to work with children
Coordinator: Marianne Moore, 301/622-3076
RESOURCE PROGRAM HELPERS
Duties: Work with our resource teacher assisting children who need a little
extra help. Volunteers assist with reading, vocabulary and study skills.
Opportunities to work with children individually or in small groups. Training
provided.
Time: Flexible hours during the school day
Special Skills: A desire to work with children
Coordinator: Marianne Moore, 301/622-3076