Saint Paul's Catholic Church Ministries Directory
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Saint Paul’s Catholic Church
Ministries Directory
September 2014
Welcome to Saint Paul’s Catholic Church
Dear Parishioners, Newcomers, and Friends,
We welcome all who enter our doors seeking to worship and build community in serving
our brothers and sisters in Christ. Our parish ministries and organizations strive to build
community by responding to the desires, needs, and concerns of our parishioners.
Everyone that worships here, men, women, and children of the parish are invited to
participate in the social life, work and play of St. Paul’s Catholic Church.
This handbook attempts not only to describe the ministries, organizations, services,
history, and parish life here but also to share with you some of the character and “flavor”
of our parish family. To this end the handbook not only lists the parish staff, lay
leadership, and names of key people in various ministries and activities but we also give a
glimpse into our history, liturgical celebrations, and parish activities. We hope and pray
that you’ll like what you see and be encouraged to share your time and talents with the
other kindred spirits that make up St. Paul’s parish and the Diocese of Richmond.
I invite you to read this handbook, join us for liturgy and participate with us as we
celebrate our Catholic community as a parish family. If you feel at home with St. Paul’s
faith community, we hope you will join the parish by contacting the office (329-0473) to
fill out a registration form and actively join us in liturgy, community service, fellowship,
and play. Further information can be obtained by contacting the representatives of each
ministry or activity.
With your help, we can work together to build a stronger community that will realize a
vision embodied in the Our Father and work to make the Father’s kingdom a reality here
on earth.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Rev. George E. Zahn
Pastor
1
Table of Contents
Letter of Welcome 1
Table of Contents 2
Mission Statement 3
Administration 4
Sacramental and Liturgical Schedule 8
Christian Formation 9
Lay Ministry Opportunities 10
History 17
Ministries Registration Form 18
2
Saint Paul’s Mission Statement
Our parish is a rich mosaic of people — many ages, colors, cultures, and backgrounds —
who call each other to full and active membership. We gather regularly, and in this
gathering, continually welcome new members as we challenge ourselves to be ever more
aware of all the needs of those in our midst.
As worshipers, we gather to break open the Word of God and to share the Bread of Life
and the Cup of Salvation. We proclaim, preach, sing out, break and pour forth the
presence of the Lord in the midst of the Lord’s people. Our continuous hope is that the
care and ability of our ministers of word, sacrament, music and hospitality call forth and
encourage the participation of all members, welcome all visitors, and send us forth to
serve. Our Sunday celebrations incorporate special events essential to the Church
universal and to the parish. Sunday Eucharist also leads us to festival and weekday
celebrations.
As believers, we hunger for the growth that leads to a deeper understanding of our faith.
We are concerned that all parish members and those wishing to join the Church have
opportunities available to them to deepen their faith. Consequently, St. Paul’s offers
opportunities for parishioners to expand their education and form a deeper faith by
participating in a variety of lay ministries and social activities. We are committed as well
to regular evaluation and new models of formation and education.
As Christians, we are led by the life of Jesus to reach out to others. At the heart of this
outreach is our care for the sick, the homebound, the hungry, the homeless, the elderly,
and all in special circumstances. As a faith community we are committed to using the
resources of time, talent, and finances which our parishioners have entrusted to our
stewardship, for the needs of our community.
Our parish is dedicated to building up God’s kingdom. We constantly are thankful for all
of God’s gifts to our parish, our parishioners, our history, and our physical environment.
We are committed to being good stewards of the gifts entrusted to us and we recognize
people as our most precious gift.
3
St. Paul’s Parish Administration
Parish Office Hours
The office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. until noon and 1:00 p.m. until
4:30 p.m.
Telephone (804) 329-0473
Fax (804) 321-6454
e-mail: churchoffice@saintpaulscc.com
Staff at St. Paul’s — 2014
We believe it is important for everyone to know who we are at St. Paul’s. Toward that
end, here are some brief introductions of the folks who staff our parish. This information
will hopefully update you as to “who’s who” around St. Paul’s. Please feel free to
contact any of our staff.
Father George E. Zahn, Pastor — As Pastor of St. Paul’s,
Father George is responsible for the day-to-day pastoral care
of the parish and the parish community. Along with the
regular and special liturgical celebrations of the parish, he
also is available for counseling, spiritual direction, marriage
preparation, and other pastoral services. Father George
works closely with all the Councils and Ministries that are
invaluable for the life of our Church.
4
Permanent Deacons — St. Paul’s is pleased to have two permanent deacons assigned to
the parish: Deacon John Tucker and Deacon R. Wayne Snellings. Permanent deacons
can be single or married. They can baptize, witness marriages, perform funeral and
burial services outside of Mass, and preach at Eucharistic Liturgies.
In addition to these ministries, they also serve the parish in several other capacities.
Deacon John Tucker — coordinates the High
School Religious Education and Confirmation
Classes and is responsible for working with the
Youth Group in planning activities throughout
the year. In addition, John coordinates the
monthly activities for the Men’s Group which
meets the first Saturday of each month.
Deacon R. Wayne Snellings, Minister of
Music and Administrative Assistant —
Wayne is responsible for our music
program here at St. Paul’s. He works
closely with the Choir and the cantors. He
plans and plays the music for all of our
Liturgies, along with our weddings,
funerals, and any special events that occur
here at St. Paul’s. He invites anyone who
is interested in singing or plays an
instrument to join in the Music Ministry.
Wayne has also taken on the responsibility
of keeping track of several special
projects, directs the payment of invoices, and keeps the parish
informed of the financial status of those projects.
Susan Magdalenski, Secretary —Susan, with the added help
of volunteer receptionists, coordinates the Parish Office which
is open weekdays from 9:00 a.m. until noon and from 1:00
p.m. until 4:30 p.m. Besides staffing the office side of St.
Paul’s and taking care of publishing the bulletin,
correspondence, sacramental registers, updating and
maintaining the Parish Data System, answering phones and the
door, Susan is very happy to assist in any way she can.
5
Sister Betty Pfleiger, RSM, Minister of Adult Christian
Formation — Sister Betty, as the Minister of Adult
Christian Formation is the Director of the Rite of Christian
Initiation of Adults (RCIA). She, in collaboration with
parish leaders and parish groups, is responsible for planning
and implementing the Adult Faith Formation program
offerings. Additionally, as part of the Caring for the Sick
and Elderly Ministry, Sister Betty visits the sick and
homebound which includes coordinating the Prayer Shawl
Ministry.
Mary Catherine Berglund, Minister of Children’s
Christian Formation and Worship — “Mary Kate” is the
Minister of Children’s Christian Formation and Worship.
Along with dedicated and talented volunteers, she provides the
Sunday morning religious education of our children,
preparation for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist, and
Children’s Liturgy of the Word. Mary Kate is also responsible
for Baptism preparation.
William (Bill) Turner, Sexton — Bill coordinates all the
support and maintenance services that we rely on here at St.
Paul’s. He takes care of the repairs and maintenance for our
plumbing, power, air conditioning, heating, lighting systems,
lawn and grounds, and many other facets of keeping a large
complex facility operating smoothly. It takes all of Bill’s
considerable experience and patience to care for St. Paul’s
buildings and grounds.
6
Pastoral Council — The Pastoral Council is a body charged with providing guidance for
and administration of the mission and needs of the parish. Council sets policy and
direction, provides development of lay leadership and participation, reviews and
evaluates parish direction. This is accomplished through monthly meetings and
committee work. Formation and training is provided to new members. With the Finance
Council, this council comprises the major advisory system of the parish. Meetings are
held monthly except during the summer.
Finance Council — The Finance Council is a group that advises the pastor in the
administration of parish goods. This council recommends fiscal policy, including short
and long term financial needs, capital needs, staff, building and grounds, trends in
revenue and expenditures of the parish. Finance Council and Pastoral Council serve
together as the major advisory boards of the parish. Skills and talents suggested:
accounting, budgeting, long range financial forecasting, insurance, personnel, investment,
planning and marketing. Membership: appointment by the pastor. This group meets
monthly except during the summer.
7Schedule of Sacramental and Liturgical Celebrations
Mass Schedule
Saturday Vigil 5:15 p.m.
Sunday 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Wednesday and Friday 8:00 a.m.
Holy Days and Solemnities See Bulletin
Home Visits — If a person is not able to celebrate the Eucharist by coming to church,
please contact the Parish Office so that arrangements can be made for a home visit. Steve
Gefell coordinates this program.
Reconciliation
First Saturday of each month at 4:00 p.m. and by appointment.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
Sunday during 11:00 a.m. Mass.
Baptisms of Infants and Young Children
To schedule a baptism contact the Parish Office. Instruction is required for new parents
before the baptism of a child. Sponsors are welcome to participate. Mary Kate Berglund
is the staff member responsible for Baptism preparation involving infants and young
children.
Weddings
Couples planning to marry should contact the Pastor and/or Deacon six months in
advance. Classes are required in advance of a marriage. To obtain more information,
contact the Parish Office at 329-0473.
Sacrament of the Sick and Sick Calls
Hospital Visits — If someone you know has been admitted to the hospital, please contact
the Parish Office at 329-0473. A chaplain is assigned part-time to the local hospital; but if
parishioners inform the office, Father George, one of the Deacons or Sister Betty will
also visit. In the case of an emergency, please call (804) 329-0473 and follow
instructions.
8Confirmation
Youth confirmation. High school age parishioners are generally confirmed in the spring
of the year after two years of catechesis. Parents of high school aged individuals seeking
confirmation should contact John Tucker by calling 746-0466.
Adult confirmation. If you are eighteen or older, have been baptized Catholic and
received First Eucharist but have not yet been confirmed, please contact Sister Betty at
the parish office, 329-0473, Ext. 140 or e-mail bpflieger@saintpaulscc.com. Four week
sessions are offered beginning mid-January.
Christian Formation
Adult Faith Formation
In an effort to strengthen our commitment to helping the adults of our parish community
to be touched and transformed by the life-giving message of the Scriptures and to explore
what it means to be adult disciples today, Adult Faith Formation opportunities are
available throughout the year. These sessions are offered in conjunction with the Rite of
Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) sessions on Wednesday evenings. Guest speakers
as well as other relevant topics are designed to offer a balanced program in spirituality.
Right of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
The RCIA is a series of rites through which a person becomes a member of the Catholic
Church. Because the process is ongoing, people may begin at any time throughout the
year. The RCIA takes place within the parish community and culminates in the reception
of the Sacraments of Initiation.
The RCIA provides a forum for shared spiritual growth, and a means to explore the Rite
of Christian tradition through the scriptures, sacraments, church teaching and the faith
community.
The process is for anyone who is:
Unbaptized,
Baptized in another faith tradition, or
Baptized in the Catholic Faith and who seeks to complete their initiation through
the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.
For further information, please contact Sister Betty at 329-0473 Ext. 140.
9Sunday Morning Christian Formation of Children
Children from kindergarten through grade 8 are invited to participate in Religious
Education classes on Sunday mornings from 9:45 a.m.-10:45 a.m. September through
April. Adults serve as catechists; adults and youth serve as catechist aides. Compliance
with Diocesan Safe Environment Regulations is required.
Lay Ministry Opportunities
Altar and Sanctuary Society
This group maintains altar cloths, altar linens, etc., which includes washing and ironing,
for the worship services. Members also help clean and maintain the liturgical space of
the church.
Time Commitment: Every five weeks.
Contact: Debbie Bragg 359-2296.
Altar Servers
Acolytes function at Mass in a variety of ways. They carry the processional cross and
candles, they assist with incense, and, most importantly, they prepare the altar and gifts
for the Eucharistic offering. Servers are asked to function at least once each month and to
participate in training sessions and special preparation meetings for major celebrations.
Training will be provided to new Acolytes and to all servers as changes arise.
Time commitment: At least once a month at designated Mass; substitute if necessary.
Contact: Brian Mills brian23060@comcst.net.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
Children from about the age of four are invited to participate in Children’s Liturgy of the
Word every Sunday during the 11:00 a.m. liturgy. Leaders proclaim and explain the
Sunday readings in a way young children can understand and help them respond to God’s
word in age appropriate ways. Children return to their parents for the Liturgy of the
Eucharist. Children need not register; they are welcome whenever they come to the
11:00 a.m. Sunday liturgy. Adults who love God’s word and love God’s children serve
as leaders. Compliance with Diocesan Safe Environment Regulations is required.
Time Commitment: About two hours preparation for each assigned Sunday; flexible
schedule.
Contact: Mary Kate Berglund 329-0473
10Community Life Committee
This committee serves the life of the parish by planning gatherings, social events,
receptions, and other events that strengthen our parish and community life. The
committee promotes the atmosphere of Christian hospitality. Members perform such
activities as food and beverage preparation and table setting and arrangement.
Time commitment: As needed.
Contact: Doris Bates 329-6191.
Confirmation Team
Confirmed and practicing Catholics are needed to work with youth preparing for
Confirmation. Compliance with Diocesan Safe Environment Regulations is required.
Time commitment: Twelve class sessions, planning meetings, overnight retreats, and
attendance at a few liturgical ceremonies from October to June.
Contact: John Tucker 746-0466
Cursillo
Cursillo is a “short course” in Christianity sponsored by the Diocese of Richmond. The
Cursillo movement is both a movement and a method. The purpose of the movement is to
create small groups of Christians that will evangelize their environments with the gospel
spirit. The purpose of the method is to help persons live what is fundamental for being a
Christian by committing themselves to the spiritual aids the church offers in order to
grow in holiness, formation and evangelization.
Time Commitment: Two weekends a year (Thursday at 7:00 pm to Sunday at 6:00 pm),
approximately every six months
Contact: Joe & Becky Scalone 282-2133
Eucharistic Ministers
Ministers at St. Paul’s assist with the distribution of communion under both species at the
liturgy and also take the Eucharist to patients at the hospital or in their homes. Generally,
Eucharistic Ministers serve at the Mass time most convenient for them and are required to
register fifteen minutes early on the scheduled day to meet in the sacristy for a brief
prayer. Training will be provided to new Eucharistic Ministers and to all ministers as
changes arise. Eucharistic Ministers are commissioned by the Pastor for a term of service
and at St. Paul’s one may nominate oneself or another parishioner for this appointment.
Time commitment: At least once a month at designated Mass; substitute if necessary.
Contact: Brenda Wall 295-54515.
11Greeters and Ushers
At St. Paul’s greeters and ushers drawn from parishioners serve at the liturgies to foster a
sense of welcome and hospitality and to assure the good order of prayer by assisting with
the collection and presentation of the gifts.
Time commitment: At least once a month at designated Mass; substitute if necessary.
Contact: Herman Bates 329-6191.
Knights of Columbus
St. Paul’s hosts a local chapter of the Knights of Columbus. The Knights of Columbus
are Catholic men committed to the exemplification of charity, unity, fraternity,
patriotism, and defense of the priesthood. It is firmly committed to the protection of
human life, from conception to natural death, and to the preservation and defense of the
family.
Time commitment: One meeting per month; events as your schedule allows. Great
opportunity for service and leadership.
Contact: Sidney Bragg 359-2296.
Ladies Sodality
Ladies Sodality is a group of ladies from St. Paul’s and other parishes who meet
September through June for Mass, prayer, personal support, socializing, and to discuss
service projects. The Sodality has a special devotion to Mary the Mother of God.
Membership is open to adult women.
Time commitment: Meetings are first Tuesdays of each month, 11:00 a.m.
Contact: Doris Bates 329-6191; Ann Kerr 477-4074.
Lectors
As ministers of the Word, lectors proclaim the scriptures other than the Gospel, as well as
the prayer of the faithful at Mass, and thus play an important role in building up faith
among the people of God. Lectors choose the liturgy at which they would like to read.
Schedules for lectors are arranged on a quarterly basis.
Time commitment: Scheduled once every two months at designated Mass; substitute if
necessary.
Contact: Doris Bates 329-6191.
12Men’s Prayer Breakfast Group
This is a group of men from St. Paul’s and their guests who meet year-round on the first
Saturday of each month in the Church Commons for prayer, fellowship, and frequent
guest speakers. Membership is open to all men of the parish.
Time commitment: Meetings are first Saturday of each month, 8:30 a.m.
Contact: John Tucker 746-0466.
Music
Choir
This choir provides music at regular Liturgies for nine months of the year, including
all special Liturgies such as Holy Week, Easter, and Christmas. No audition is
necessary, just a desire to make “a joyful noise unto the Lord.”
Time commitment: Rehearsal and Liturgy are once a week, rehearsals being held on
Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m.
Contact: Wayne Snellings 329-0473 or wsnellings@saintpaulscc.com.
Cantors
Cantors lead the congregation in the singing of the Mass parts. A prerequisite is two
years experience in the choir before becoming a Cantor.
Time commitment: Weekly rehearsal and assigned Liturgies.
Contact: Wayne Snellings 329-0473 or wsnellings@saintpaulscc.com.
Instrumentalists
Other instruments are desired to add beauty and solemnity to the Liturgical
Celebrations. They are used either in solo work or with choral works.
Time commitment: As needed.
Contact: Wayne Snellings 329-0473 or wsnelligns@saintpaulscc.com.
Additional Assistance to Music Ministry
In addition to musical support, the Music Ministry at St. Paul’s welcomes donations
of time and talent to assist with the logistical aspect of the musical program.
Contact: Wayne Snellings 329-0473 or wsnellings@saintpaulscc.com.
13Social Justice Ministry Committee
The Social Justice Committee plans and coordinates the various outreach activities for the
parish in collaboration with other churches and agencies. The goal of the committee is to
promote Catholic social teachings and put into practice the command to love our
neighbor as ourself by serving the needs of the community. The activities of the
committee are broad and most members serve on one or more (but not all) of the
following subgroups, according to their interests.
Time commitment: Meetings of the Social Justice General Committee are scheduled
quarterly. The group is made up of a variety of subcommittees (listed below) which meet
on their own time table. Participation is encouraged in other community and parish-wide
events and activities planned by the committee. Youth stewards are welcome.
Contact: Laverne Williams 262-3157.
Adult Home Visitation
Stewards plan and coordinate activities for the parish’s adopted adult home, Avens.
In- residence activities include scripture sharing and social events for mentally
challenged adults.
Time commitment: One afternoon or evening a month.
Contact: Bob Sties 355-2160.
CARITAS (Congregations Around Richmond Involved to Assure Shelter)
Steering Committee
Stewards coordinate the parish project of hosting homeless families for the greater
Richmond metropolitan area annually for a period of one week. Guests are provided
with dinner, transportation to showers, breakfast, and bag lunches for the next day.
Time commitment: Planning meetings begin in the fall. During the designated host
week, two stewards from this committee need to be present at church each evening at
5:00 p.m. to greet guests and remain overnight. Others are needed for setting up,
cooking, serving meals, and hospitality.
Contact: Laverne Williams 262-3157; Bob Sties 355-2160.
Food Pantry
Stewards participate in food distribution from the parish food pantry. This ministry
involves assembling and distributing food.
Time commitment: Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. — One Tuesday a month
Contact: Mary T. Wallmeyer 746-5592.
14Home Again
This ministry meets on the fourth Friday of each month when a meal is prepared and
served to 20-30 men.
Time commitment: 4 hours a month.
Contact: Johne Bandino 908-4296.
Legislative Advocacy
The diocesan legislative network provides education and information on legislative
issues related to human concerns. Volunteers are periodically needed to participate in
telephone and letter-writing campaigns and may participation in the Catholic
Advocacy Day by visiting state representatives to express parish and diocesan
concerns on legislative issues facing the General Assembly. Experience is not
necessary.
Time commitment: Determined by the amount you are willing to give. Most activity
occurs from mid January to mid March when the General Assembly is in session.
Contact: Michael Sarahan 262-1773.
Prayer Shawl Ministry (PSM)
There are various ways in which ministers of care can extend their prayerful presence
with the sick and elderly. In addition to the Eucharistic Ministry to the sick, the PSM,
composed of committed people with a love of knitting and crocheting, comes together
on the second Saturday of the month to make shawls and/or lap coverlets. These
articles are then distributed to the chronically ill, seriously ill or grieving parishioners
of our parish community as well as nursing homes and cancer treatment centers.
Time commitment: Meetings once a month.
Contact: Sister Betty 329-0473 Ext 140/Jackie McAllister 273-1919
Prison Ministry
Involved with Bible Study at Richmond Justice Center and Henrico County Jail. Also
involved with Kairos Ministry, an ecumenical faith based ministry which addresses
the spiritual needs of incarcerated men throughout the state of Virginia.
Time commitment: Justice Center – one hour a week; County Jail – 3 hours on the
first, second and fourth Tuesday of each month; Kairos Ministry – 3 full days a year
at Buckingham Corrective Center.
Contact: Johne Bandino 908-4296.
Salvation Army
This ministry involves feeding the homeless in downtown Richmond.
Time commitment: Four nights a year, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Contact: Bob Sties 355-2160.
15Youth Ministry
St. Paul’s youth ministry consists of students in grades 6-12. The ministry focuses on
engaging our parish youth in activities which include social/recreational events, Christian
youth retreats, special Masses, fundraising, community outreach, and more. These
activities are planned with the youth taking interactive roles to ensure that they are
continuously exposed to the challenges and fulfillment of Christian life. Any and all
faith-filled adults with a love for God and a sincere interest in youth are welcome to
provide guidance and hands-on involvement in scheduled activities. Compliance with
Diocesan Safe Environment Regulations is required.
Time commitment: Attendance at 12 activities a year, plus planning meetings as needed.
Contact: John Tucker 746-0466.
16The History of Saint Paul’s Parish
Before July 3, 1920, a Catholic parish for Northside Richmond was a dream. That dream,
the longing for a neighborhood church and school, became a reality when St. Paul’s
Parish was established.
Prior to the formal establishment of St. Paul’s Church, Northside Catholics had
worshiped at other parishes in the city. In approximately 1915, the Barton Heights
Catholic Church acquired a small frame building on Fendall Avenue for services of their
own. The group was served by a visiting priest and by the Sisters of Charity. With the
establishment of a Northside parish, the little building on Fendall Avenue became St.
Paul’s first church site and the visiting priest, Father Edwin P. Shaughnessy, the parish’s
first pastor.
As St. Paul’s flourished, the desire for a parish school increased and the need for a larger
church building became apparent. On August 6, 1922, St. Paul’s Parish dedicated a new
church building on North Avenue and in the following September, St. Paul’s School
opened its doors in the rear of the church to ninety-five students and to five sisters from
the Order of St. Benedict.
For twenty-eight years, St. Paul’s Church remained on North Avenue. During that time,
St. Paul’s School expanded and in 1926, the school moved to a building on Fendall
Avenue. By the early 1940’s, St. Paul’s was outgrowing the North Avenue location.
Under the guidance of Monsignor Thomas E. O’Connell, a series of fundraising drives
began and in 1950, St. Paul’s present church building on Chamberlayne Avenue was
constructed and dedicated. In September of 1967, St. Paul’s School located to a new
building on Noble Avenue. This project was completed under the watchful eye of
Monsignor Justin D. McClunn.
On Sunday, March 26, 2000, Father George E. Zahn broke ground for a new Parish
Center. After a ten year study, this project became a reality. With the dedication of the
new Parish Center by The Most Reverend Walter F. Sullivan, D.D. on Sunday, October
14, 2001, the congregation now has an inviting space in the Commons to gather before
and after the Liturgies. The additional meeting and office space, kitchen and restrooms
provide for the spiritual and physical needs of parish life.
The diversity of Saint Paul’s parishioners has helped it grow and prosper through the
years. The parishioners’ devotion to God, their hard work and financial support have
made St. Paul’s the outstanding parish we all cherish so very much. As we look ahead to
the future, may we continue to rejoice in the gifts we have as a parish family.
17Ministries Registration Form
I wish to participate in the following ministries and organizations at St. Paul’s Parish:
The best time to reach me by telephone is _____________
Name _____________________________________________
Address ___________________________________________
Home Phone _______________________________________
Cell Phone _________________________________________
Work Phone ________________________________________
e-mail Address ______________________________________
Please return this form to: St. Paul’s Catholic Church
909 Rennie Avenue
Richmond, VA 23227
Thank you very much.
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