MINISTRY 7: O.P.U.S. 50+ FELLOWSHIP

Mission / purpose: To build a community of parishioners (age 50+) who wish to support one another and build relationships through participation in spiritual and social activities that enrich our lives

Length of existence in parish: 4 years

Gifts, talents or interests that parishioners in your ministry possess: A wealth of life experiences yet an ongoing interest in participating and learning

Current needs: Adults interested in participation and fellowship

Upcoming events:

• First Monday of every month: 1 – 2:30 p.m. writing group
• Every Monday: 3 – 4 p.m. exercise class
• Every Tuesday: 10:30 a.m. Summit Communion service, followed by lunch at La Madeleine
• Every Wednesday: 3 p.m. Heritage at Gaines Ranch Communion service
• First Thursday of every month: Noon Mass and healing service with Fr. Bud in the Worship Space, followed by lunch
• Second Thursday of every month: 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. board and card games
• Every Friday: 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. beginner / intermediate Bridge games

Most people don’t know our ministry (unknown fact): Fifty is the new 30! We have wonderful friendships to share.

If you know of someone in our parish who might be interested in any of these ministries we offer to the sick, please ask them to call the parish office at (512) 328-3220.

Frozen Food Pantry Ministry: Mary and Martha Guild

The Mary and Martha Guild’s Frozen Food Pantry Ministry helps with meals at a time when a family finds it difficult to carry out their daily routine at mealtime.

Communion for the Sick

This ministry assists with bringing Holy Communion to the parish’s homebound, ill or hospitalized parishioners on an as-needed basis.

Anointing of the Sick

The sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is for the healing and spiritual strengthening of those who are impaired by sickness or old age. A person who is to undergo surgery may also be anointed.

Transportation: Faith in Action Caregivers Southwest

This ministry provides support services that enhance the independence and quality of life for older adults. They provide support care to seniors living within a geographical area circumscribed by zip codes 78733, 35, 46 and a small portion of 78738.

Prayer List

Names of those who have requested prayers for themselves or their loved ones are listed in a special section of our weekly parish bulletin until requested by themselves to be removed.

Ministry for Those With AIDS or Cancer: The Care Communities

The Care Communities provides services such as cooking, errands, sharing a meal, shopping, light cleaning, pet care, yard work, outings, transportation (limited), child supportive services, phone calls, laundry and companionship to those with AIDS or cancer.

The Office of Canonical and Tribunal Services of the Diocese of Austin is seeking laymen and laywomen to volunteer to become advocates for persons seeking marriage annulments. Advocacy is an important service in the Catholic ministry of justice and healing regarding the sacrament of matrimony. These persons will be trained by our Tribunal staff as diocesan advocates to represent primarily their regional deanery. Please pray about contributing your time and talent to this service. To volunteer, contact Fr. Bud Roland in the church office at (512) 328-3220 or Very Rev. Christopher Ferrer, JCL, JV, judicial vicar of the Diocese of Austin, at (512) 949-2478.

Young adults in their 20s and 30s (both married and single) are invited to join a book study on “Blessed are the Bored in Spirit” by Mark Hart! We’ll meet in room 105 of the parish pastoral center on Thursdays at 7 p.m., beginning Jan. 13.

Too many young Catholics experience their faith as Hart did: They rarely miss Mass, even if they don’t understand it; they have a Bible, even if they never read it; they go to confession, even if they aren’t particularly repentant. The author’s humorous and hard-hitting reflections drive home the point that God isn’t calling the reader to be a good person — but a new person in Jesus Christ.

Child care is available for a small fee, so please Jen if you are interested in taking advantage of it.

Please RSVP for this event here so we know how many to expect.

Pre-order the book however you’d like — click on the book title above to be linked to the Amazon page for it. We’ll provide the study guide!

MINISTRY 6: SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL

Mission / purpose: To provide basic living necessities such as rent, utilities, food, clothing, prescription medications, furniture / household items and emergency dental care while incorporating the home visit as the ministry’s primary connection between the client and the Vincentian

Length of existence in parish: Since 1984, 26 years

Gifts, talents or interests that parishioners in your ministry possess: Our SJN conference of SVDP members are compassionate, faith-filled disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ. While many parts of the One Body, our members offer gifts and talents that are as varied as the flowers in spring. Offering many different projects that assist the poor, our members may choose to sort food and gifts for the Christmas project, hand out bags to collect school supplies for the Back to School Supply Drive, staff the diocesan SVDP Thrift Store Truck, volunteer to monitor the Giving Tree, make home visits, offer prayer support and participate in many other areas.

Current needs: Our ministry can always use more volunteers. We are so blessed with overall support from our SJN parishioners but having more volunteers who will actively participate is always a need as the needs of the poor are many.

Most people don’t know our ministry (unknown fact): A volunteer is not required to make home visits. A SVDP volunteer may choose how they wish to participate. And please note, the Society of SVDP is an international ministry that has the full support of the Holy Father and Catholic Church.

Saturday, Jan. 8, 7:00pm St. Timothy Room, 7:00-9:00 pm
Program: Our Special Gifts as a Couple
Presenters: Donia and James Crouch
Bring your favorite beverage (juice, soda, wine, beer) and a generous appetizer to share with other couples.
Reserve babysitting* More about our Couples of Faith program
(Don’t forget to sign up early for the February 12th World Marriage Day Event – click here)

During the pope’s homily on Dec. 12, he reaffirmed his wish for the faithful to find community life within and outside of the parish.

My favorite quote: “‘Precisely starting from this concrete situation of the parish, you must try to grow evermore in communion with everyone,’ the Holy Father urged.”

Advent is the perfect time to create peace and build bridges with those in your family, social circle and community. What will you do this season to connect with others?

Read the entire article here.

An information meeting on Couples of Faith and presentation on marriage will be held on Sunday, December 19th at 10:15am in the St. Timothy Rm.  More info…

Couples of Faith will bring married couples of the parish together to strengthen their sacramental relationship within our Catholic faith community and discover how their sacrament can be of unique service to the parish community and beyond. Evenings will include food and drink, fellowship, program, prayer and individual couple time. Babysitting will be provided with a fee. Starts Saturday, January 8, 2011, 7-9pm.

Don’t miss this celebration of your marriage sacrament + a Valentine’s romance dinner and show!
Date: Saturday, February 12, 2011, 2:00-8:30pm
Parish: St. John Neumann Catholic Church
Get information, pre-register now for the event and baysitting (before it sells out). Find out more…

MINISTRY 5: COFFEE AND DONUT MINISTRY

Mission / purpose: To give families an opportunity to provide a friendly atmosphere in the social hall for parishioners and visitors to socialize after the 9 a.m. Sunday Mass while enjoying donuts, coffee and orange juice

Gifts, talents or interests that parishioners in your ministry possess: Parishioners interested in serving together as a family in an easy, rewarding ministry. Any required gifts and talents would only include the time to serve and hospitality.

Most people don’t know our ministry (unknown fact): The donuts are paid for by the parish, not the families serving.