Stewardship: Parish Ministries

At St. John the Baptist, there are many ministries and people who can help you find a good place to use your God-given gifts. If you are interested in learning more about a certain ministry, please contact Kathy Wickward: kathyw@sjtbcc.org, or via the office 253-630-0701 x101. You can also fill out our ministry interest form here. A leader in that ministry area will contact you directly.
You can also contact the Ministry Coordinator directly. If you are interested in ministries that work with those in need, for social justice and Catholic advocacy, or for creation care, please visit our Outreach Ministries page here. Thank you for sharing your talents with others!

Parish Leadership

Administrative Help

Community Life

Bite of St. John

A summer celebration of community, culture, food, entertainment and fun. Join this committee and/or volunteer at the actual event. We need coordinators for food booths, assistance in setting up/taking down and selling tickets/hospitality.

Chair:

Coffee & Donuts

We invite people to the McMulllen Center after the 9am and 11:30am Mass four times during the year to socialize with other members of our faith community. We provide coffee, donuts and juice making for a pleasant setting in which to gather and share.

Coordinators: John & Melissa Fieser

Craft & Hobby Group

We meet 6-8 times per year on a Saturday, (10am-5pm) to work on our crafts or hobbies and chat with like-minded friends. There is nothing to buy– you bring your own supplies. We provide lots of workspace; you provide a small snack to share with the group and a brown bag lunch. In January, we offer a 2-day retreat with meals provided.

Chair: Nancy Moore (253) 630-0701 nancym@sjtbcc.org

Creative Kindness Sewing Group

The Creative Kindness Sewing Group is a collection of sewers that do community-sewing projects. They gather monthly and share a potluck or brown bag lunch. Fabric patterns, cutting equipment and sewing supplies are provided. If the sewer has a sewing machine, they are encouraged to bring it. (Some machines are provided.)

Chair: Barbara O’Neill

Filipino-American Association

Our mission is to engage every person in the parish, become a model of fervent Catholic faith, family togetherness and religious celebrations, making each parishioner a better steward of traditions amidst our parish community. Our celebrations include Simbang Gabi, Flores de Mayo and an annual Luau.

Chair: Angie Santiago

Knights of Columbus

OUR MISSION: Together, we are empowering Catholic men to live their faith at home, in their parish, at work and in their communities.

Grand Knight: Mark Rosenberger

Socially Active Singles

Socially Active Singles group provides fun social events for the single members of the parish. We include never-married, divorced and widowed members. We range in age from mid-30 to senior citizens. Our commonality is that we are single Catholics (non-Catholics are also invited). We meet regularly for an event the 3rd Friday of the month.

Chair: Bobbi Adams

Strong Bones Yoga

The Strong Bones Yoga ministry is a St. John the Baptist community group that meets weekly on Thursday mornings to promote health and wholeness of body, mind and spirit. The class is friendly and non-competitive, honoring each body and exploring an awareness of our movements, deep breathing and conscious relaxation, modeling stewards of God's creation.

Chair: Vicky Warnock

Supper Club

Share a meal with fellow parishioners in small groups at each other’s homes. A pair of people or a single can host within a group. Each host will host once and provide the main course and beverages while the others in your group provide appetizers, salad, and dessert. Groups consist of 3 hosts that will each host a meal until each one has hosted (3 meals). Singles, couples, families, young, old, or in between, all are welcome to join.

Co-Chairs: Bren Triplett and Jennifer Burianek

Yard Sale

We hold an ALL-PARISH YARD SALE every June. We need many hands to collect and sort the donations before the yard sale. We also need volunteers during the yard sale to help with sales and cleaning.

Chair: Tracy HajekYarning for Community
This is a group for knitters and crocheters who want to use their gift of talent to warm the community. We make hats, scarves and gloves for the homeless, baby items for Pregnancy Aid and Valley Medical Center, and prayer shawls for those who are experiencing illness or loss. Meetings are monthly. Day and evening sessions available.

Chair: Teresa Waldo

Facilities and Grounds Maintenance

Liturgy and Music

Altar Servers & Cross Bearers

Altar servers and cross bearers assist the presider during the celebration of the Mass by setting the altar, holding the Roman Missal, ringing the bells, washing the hands of the priest, dispensing incense and giving the proper responses to prayers. Altar servers must be in the fourth grade and up. Adults are welcome, too. Contact Laurie Moloney to volunteer.

Coordinator: Jeff Babbitt

Charismatic Prayer & Worship

Join us on Sunday evening after the Life Teen Mass for prayer and sharing in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.

Coordinator: Lynda Smith

Eucharistic Ministers

Eucharistic Ministers help with Mass by serving the consecrated bread and wine.

Coordinator: Pat Defiesta

Flower Ministry

Those in the Flower Ministry enhance the celebration of the Mass by providing and preparing flowers for church. They also water and care for the green plants weekly.

Coordinator needed

Greeters

Greeters welcome people to church, manage the collection and distribute bulletins.

Chairs: Chuck & Angie Santillan

Guadalupanos

The Guadalupanos plan and host the annual Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration, including the Mass, Mañanitas, breakfast, dinner and entertainment. They also lead a weekly Rosary in Spanish, and volunteer in many other ministries, including liturgical ministry.

Coordinators: Mary Ellen Pardo & Isabelle Mendoza

Hispanic Charismatic Prayer Ministry

People gather in the sanctuary on Fridays at 7:00 PM for spirit-filled prayer in Spanish.

Coordinator: Jose Saul Paguada

Lay Leaders of Prayer

Lay Leaders of Prayer provide opportunities to gather in prayer when a priest is not available. This includes presiding at prayer and Communion services both at church and at community sites such as senior residence centers, Alzheimer's facilities and nursing homes.

Coordinators: Bill McJannett & Laura Rothschilds

Lectors Ministry

Proclaims the Word of God at Mass and special liturgies

Coordinators: Norm & Tia Bailey

Liturgical Planning & Environment Committee

Specifically works on enhancing all physical aspects of our worship, education and ground space. They coordinate and plan all liturgies with Father and the Music ministry.

Coordinator: Laurie Moloney lauriem@sjtbcc.org

Music Ministry

The Music Ministry provides musicians and singers an opportunity to minister to the Church body through the gift of music. The leaders meet quarterly and coordinate upcoming music functions according to the liturgical seasons. They also hold music practice, choose music and lead at Mass. The general participants practice weekly and sing in a choir at their particular Mass time. All are welcome and encouraged to join at any time.

Coordinator: Luis Diaz de Leon luisd@sjtbcc.org

Point Person

A Point Person is responsible for checking the church before and after each Mass, taking care of collections and ensuring liturgical ministers are on hand for all positions.

Coordinator: Scott Gilyeat

Sacristan Ministry

The Sacristan Ministry cares for the Sanctuary and Mass items such as the vessels for Communion, altar cloths, etc. They set up the vessels for Mass.

Coordinators: Paul Dehmer (weekend) Laura Rothschilds (daily)

Sound Ministry

A live sound minister is responsible for the sound system equipment in the church, such as the mixing board, during mass or for other special services and events. A sound minister learns to make volume and “quality of sound” adjustments of the live music and the spoken word from the ambo and the alter. Training is provided for those with excellent hearing and a good ear for detail. A sound minister might also like working with electronic equipment and computers.

Coordinator: Luis Diaz de Leon luisd@sjtbcc.org

Video Ministry

Video ministers are responsible for any videos shown at Mass as well as for livestreaming the Mass and special events. Video ministers use the video equipment in the church, including the livestreaming box, content computer, streaming computer, cameras and TV monitors. Training is provided.

Coordinator: Laurie Moloney lauriem@sjtbcc.org

Pastoral Care Ministries

Annulments

If you have questions about an annulment, this is a ministry you can contact. Volunteers in this ministry have extensive training in the tribunal process and are held to high standards of discretion and confidentiality.

Contact: Fr. Bill McKee BillM@sjtbcc.org

Funeral Reception Committee

The mission of the Funeral Reception Committee is to provide a familiar, comfortable gathering place to share memories and food with family and friends after a funeral. Volunteers provide salads or desserts and/or assist on the day of the reception.

Coordinator: Kathy Pryor

Grief Support Ministry

The Grief Support Ministry provides confidential and compassionate support to those who need help healing from the loss of a loved one. Tools are provided to the bereaved to help them work through their grief journey. The ministry holds ongoing educational and inspirational cyclic programs throughout the liturgical/calendar year that are within a set schedule, typically from 7-9 PM for a specific period of time (typically 9 or 13 weeks, depending upon the program used, with a short hiatus in between programs). This ministry welcomes additional leaders at any time as we continue to support our grieving community throughout the year.

Coordinator: Frank Hammock

Ministry to Sick & Homebound

We are the hands and feet of Christ on earth. We visit and bring Eucharist to parishioners who are sick and/or homebound.

Coordinator: Laurie Moloney lauriem@sjtbcc.org

Pastoral Care

The ministry of presence. To bring the presence of the community of St. John's to those who cannot be present themselves, who are: ill, homebound, dying or in need of emotional and spiritual support during a time of personal strife.

Coordinator: Laurie Moloney lauriem@sjtbcc.org

Prayer Song Ministry

We are formed for the sole purpose of lifting up those in need due to illness, loneliness, broken heartedness or the simple need of fellowship with people who share God’s Word through music. Please contact us if you would like to experience our music.

Coordinators: Cheryl Nowacki & Nancy Schmitt

Preschool & Elementary Faith Formation

Curriculum Coordinator (3 positions)

These coordinators will assist Catechists in creative teaching methods, lesson planning, time/classroom management. They will provide helpful hints and encouragement for the Catechists. Each Coordinator will be responsible for two grade levels (PreSchool-K, 1^st-2^nd, 3^rd-4^th). This position is best suited for individuals with a background in Education or that have had extensive experience in Elementary Faith Formation programs. Commitment: The expectation is that these coordinators will be present every Sunday to assist Catechists. Time spent helping to prepare lesson plans, training Catechists and building rapport is dependent on the need.

Administrative Coordinator (1-2 positions: PreS-K, 1-4)

Proficiency in Excel is a must. These candidates will receive student registration information on a master list broken down by grade. Working with Program and Curriculum Coordinators, they will create class lists for teachers and parents, along with the weekly sign-in sheets distributed at the front desk. Time commitment: Surge of activity occurs in late August through late September. The time spent maintaining lists is dependent on enrollment fluctuations as they may occur throughout the school year. Flexibility and the ability to work on your own schedule are “pros” for this position.

Program Coordinator (2 positions: PreSchool-K and 1-4)

These individuals will work with all Coordinators, Catechists, and parents in the program. They will communicate class schedule changes and other Faith Formation news to all Coordinators, Catechists, and parents (usually via email and phone calls). They will help to create class lists, recruit teachers, handle parent questions/concerns, and assist with Catechist training and Parent Orientation meeting in September. Commitment: Program Coordinators will be present every Sunday to oversee the sign-in process at the front desk and double-check parent helpers for each class. There is also a surge of activity in August & September as class lists and training are developed. This position is best-suited for candidates with at least two years of experience as a Catechist or Coordinator.

Catechist (26+ positions)

Substitute Catechist (5 positions)

Also known as the Sunday School Teacher, individuals will be assigned to a specific class of students to instruct 23-25 Sundays a year from late September through early May. Individuals will inspire and enliven our youngest parishioners while educating them about their Catholic faith. Lesson Planning support, curriculum and training will be provided. They will also be expected to engage parent/families in their classes (communicating with a class email) to inform them of lesson themes and topics so formation can continue in the home. They will also work directly with the Curriculum Coordinator to create the best possible classroom atmosphere for our students.

Outreach Coordinator/Team (1-2 positions)

This person/people will be in charge of managing bi-annual service projects for grades PS-4 (i.e. Operation Christmas Child, food drives, etc.). They will work with the Program Coordinator to choose outreach projects that the students and families will participate in. The Coordinator/Team will be responsible for communicating what the project entails to the Catechists and Faith Formation families, distributing and collecting materials for these projects as necessary. Commitment: Outreach projects typically happen in November and then again in Spring/Lent. Team members should be present on Sundays during the outreach projects. Time spent will vary depending on the season and extent of project.

Preschool Supply Coordinator (1 position)

This position is best suited for an individual who enjoys working independently and loves crafts. This person will review the teacher manuals for Pre-School and Kindergarten grade levels, determining what supplies will be needed for each week throughout the quarter. He/she will procure those supplies either through those available in the supply closets or by purchasing them (reimbursement is provided). They will then assemble weekly lesson bags for the catechists that include the weekly worksheets and supplies. This person will be sure that classroom bins and cupboards have necessary supplies (crayons, scissors, glue, etc.) Commitment: Surges of activity occur at the beginning of each quarter: August, early December, early February.

Advent Fun Day & Lent Event Coordinator (1 position)

Advent Fun Day & Lent Event Team Member (8 positions)

This team will work directly with Therese McHenry to create the parish-wide events that “kick-off” the Lent and Advent seasons. Seasonal crafts, activities, music and a general creation of atmosphere will be provided by this team. Commitment: Surges about 2-4 weeks before the beginning of Advent and Lent. Time spent depends on size of this team and extent of planned activities.

Facilities Team (12 positions)

The responsibility of these individuals is to organize as teams who will make sure the building is in great shape upon our leaving on Sunday mornings. They would monitor the Parent Helpers cleaning up in the classrooms, vacuum the hallways, take garbage out, and make sure the restrooms are in good shape. This team would do the final inspection of the building each Sunday after classes.

Stewardship and Evangelization

Youth Ministry and Life Teen

Women's Commission

St. John the Baptist Women’s Commission

Mission & Purpose

The purpose of the St. John the Baptist Women’s Commission is to support, empower and form Catholic women in spirituality, leadership and service.

Through mentoring, formation, discussion and sharing, we accompany one another on this journey of faith.
We promote a vision of women as partners in the Gospel, co-heirs of the Kingdom of God, and co-bearers of the image of Christ
- We look for greater opportunities to recognize and to involve women in leadership and ministry to the Word, Altar and Service
- We strive for a balance of men and women serving in all the lay ministries of the church
We serve as liaisons with other regional, national and universal groups of Catholic women so that our parish can advocate for the voice of women in the church and that our parish will be enriched by the experiences and perspectives of women. These groups could include:
- - The National Council of Catholic Women, established in 1920 by the U.S. Catholic Bishops
  - Catholic Women’s Council
  - Discerning Deacons

Membership

The commission will have up to nine members (women and men) with one staff liaison. Members serve a three-year term, renewable once. Parishioners can serve only on one commission or council at a time.

Activities

Members will meet at least monthly to engage in parish pastoral planning as a commission and to prepare reflections, share resources, share opportunities, serve together, and solicit support and feedback. Committees may include:

A St. Phoebe’s Circle of women writers and speakers who support and offer feedback to one another on formal presentations.
A book group reading and discussing work pertinent to women’s participation in the church.
Faith Sharing Groups.
An advocacy group following the work of the synod and other regional and national women’s groups related to women in the church and advocate for the elevation of the baptismal call of women in Catholic leadership bodies.