Ministries at Assumption

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Because We Care
We Give Back to the Lord

The following list some of the many ways of serving others through specific organizations. Please contact the person identified for more information.

PARISH LIFE - SPIRITUAL

Liturgy Commission
    - plans the various liturgies throughout the year in keeping with Norms and Guidelines set forth by the Bishops and upholding local traditions. The Commission meets monthly and plans season content for the various seasons of the year as well as specific liturgies for specific events.
Contact Person:    Dan Bergen, (440)639-9604

THE CELEBRATION OF MASS;
Music Ministry
    - Music Minister may be part of a choir, individual song leader, instrumentalist or cantor. At Assumption the 8AM and 10AM Masses feature more traditional "organ" music while the 5:30PM Vigil and 12 Noon Masses feature guitars and other instrumentation. At all the Masses it is important to have a Psalmist and a song leader/cantor and we are always looking for new talent to fill music roles.
Contact persons:    Dan Bergen, (440)639-9604
                               Sheryl Daly, 466-4139

Lectors / Readers
    - people open to God's grace and inspiration who become more intimately involved in the Liturgy of the Word by reading one or two Scripture passages and the prayer intentions at weekend Masses
Contact person:    Larry Daly, 466-4139

Eucharistic Ministers
    - The Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist carry the Body and Blood of Christ to Communicants during Mass and/or to the homebound.  Anyone who is at least 16 years of age and confirmed can be called to serve in this special ministry. 
Contact person:    Larry Daly, 466-4139

Acolytes / Servers
    - young people who, during the Mass, serve God and the celebrant by attending to the action on the altar in order that the congregation can focus better on the celebration.  Boys and girls.
Contact person:    Chris Koch, 466-9594

Ushers
    - available to assist people with their individual needs during weekend Masses.  Accepts the offerings in the baskets and counts the offerings after Mass.
Contact: the Rectory, 466-3427

Greeters
    - welcome people as they come into the church for  weekend Masses.
Contact: the Rectory, 466-3427

Sacristan
    - men and women who prepare the altar and sacristy for small and large group liturgies working with vestments, linens and sacred vessels.
Contact:    Fran Gruber, 466-5341

Art and Environment Committee
    - people who design, plan and decorate the church for seasonal and special events.
Contact: Fran Gruber, 466-5341

Family Mass
    - Children of all ages participate in every aspect of the Celebration of Mass. This takes place September through May the first Sunday of the month at the 12noon Mass.
Contact persons:    Dan Bergen, (440)639-9604

OTHER SPIRITUAL OPPORTUNITIES
 
Eucharistic Adoration
    - individual adoration before the Blessed Sacrament each week:   Friday  9a.m. - Saturday 9 a.m.;  Sunday 2pm - Monday 8am.
Contact persons:    Teresa Costello, 440-812-6198
                               Mary Carraher, 440-466-6332

Eucharistic Apostles of the Divine Mercy
    - Small faith group which meets weekly to pray, study and encourage the spiritual and corporal works of mercy.  They promote praying the Divine Mercy chaplet and Eucharistic Adoration.  Meetings are every other Tuesday at 6pm.
Contact Person:    Jaime Cordova, 415-3589  ajcordova@alltel.net

Prayer Chain
    -  a group of dedicated persons at Assumption believing in the power of  prayer and willing to pray individually whenever needed.  They may be contacted by phone at any time to pray for a special intention.
Contact person:    Rose Ann Hassett, 466-4056

Ministry to the Sick
    - Volunteers who regularly visit the homes or nursing homes of people unable to attend Mass.  As a representative of the parish family they also bring Eucharist.  Training and guidance are provided.   
Contact Person:    Valerie Ferrante, 466-7466


SERVICE / COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Altar and Rosary Society
    - a women's service organization whose primary purpose is to take care of the altar. They also host receptions for special events.  The ladies give support to families for funerals and in medical crisis. Fund raisers are held for their many projects.  Meetings are the second Monday of the month and all ladies of the parish are welcome.
        The Spring Tea
            - a lovely ladies event held every April in the Friendship Room with tickets available to all women and an occasional gentleman.
Contact person:    Gertrude Germack, 466-8798

Alcoholics Anonymous -
    - meets in the Assumption Hall every Sunday and Wednesday at 8pm.

Catholic Charities
    - diocesan agency dedicated to helping those in need and and partially funded through the Diocesan Appeal for Church and Charity. Services include: Emergency Assistance for clothing, medicine and utilities, Credit Counseling, Abstinence Education, Guardianship, Family and Individual Counseling, Adoption, Housing Services.
Contact Person:    Lynn Zalewski
        Christmas Sharing Tree (HALO)
        - a ministry of Catholic Charities where the parish "adopts" needy families before Christmas.  Parishioners have the opportunity to give gifts or financial offerings.
        Contact:    Barb Wittenmyer 275-5599

Clerical Help
    - volunteers who occasionally help with mailings, bulletin inserts or CCD.
Contact person:    Mary Ann Fenner, 466-3427

El Salvador Sister Parish
    - a ministry which builds relationships between the people of the Assumption Parish Family and the people of the San Fernando Parish Family in Chalatenango, El Salvador. 
        Share the Bounty Sale
            - rummage sale held every May at Assumption to raise funds for our sister parish.
        Pilgrimage to El Salvador
            - scheduled every February to see the face of God in the needy of El Salvador.
        El Salvador Picnic
            - held every summer to bring people together from all over northeast Ohio who are involved with projects with the Diocese of Chalatenango.
        The International Gift Fair
            - sells crafts made by needy artisans in over 30 developing countries.  Held on the two weekends before Thanksgiving each year at the Austinburg Town Hall.
Contact persons:    John and Rita Linehan, 466-3207

Food Pantry
    - a function of Geneva Human Services to help families in the area in need of food.  Donations of non-perishable foods, paper products and seasonal produce are accepted at the Food Pantry on West Main on any working day or leave in the side entrance of Assumption Church.
Contact person:    Lura Douglas, 466-3048

Hispanic Ministry
    - building relationship, community and Church with the Hispanic people in the area.  A team of varied cultures meets regularly to plan this newly developing ministry.
Contact persons:    Jose Marte, 466-0292
                                Rita Linehan, 466-3207
                          
Knights of Columbus
    - the Geneva/Madison Knights of Columbus (K of C) is a fraternal organization of Catholic men who are in solidarity with the priests and in support of the pope.  The K of C conduct many fund raising events to support the many services they perform.  They meet the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month at the K of C Hall on North Ridge West (Route 20).
Contact persons:    Francis Eckenrode, 466-3531
                                Paul Stumpff, 466-2095

Rosary Makers
    -people who come together periodically to make rosaries as requested by groups or people to give away.  Meet as needed.
Contact person:    Judy Shannon, 415-1304

Sewing Committee
    -makes and repairs the various altar linens, baptismal bibs and gowns and other fabric creations the parish needs for worship. 
Contact person:    Jan Carle, 466-2775

St. Vincent de Paul Society
    -a charitable Christian organization seeking out those in the Geneva Area School District and transients in need of basic food, medicine, gas, rent and utilities.  SVDP works with other charitable organizations in the area and asks for donations from Assumption parishioners monthly at the weekend Masses.  SVDP requests volunteers during office hours of Monday and Tuesday, 9:00-11:00 and Saturday, 10:00-12:00.  Meetings are held the second Monday of every month at 7pm. 
Contact Person:    Greta Cordova, 415-1216

Thanksgiving Dinner
    - volunteers from Assumption and the New Life Assembly Church prepare and serve a free Thanksgiving Dinner.
Contact person:    Mrs. Cheryl Woodward, 466-2104

PROPERTY
Building and Grounds Volunteers
    - looking for volunteers to help with various tasks around the Church and School; painting, plumbing, electric, etc.
Contact Person:    Mark Knapp 466-3427

Festival Grounds Volunteers
    - folks who mow and weed the festival grounds and maintain the buildings.  Occasionally several helpers are needed for special projects.
Contact Person:    Bill Peters, 466-7284

Cleaning Angels Ministry
    - people who help clean the church and maintain the furnishings.  The cleaning is done weekly with several "teams" scheduled for different weeks.
Contact person:    Fran Gruber, 466-5341

Garden Ministry
    - volunteers who plant and maintain the lawns and flower beds around the church.
Contact person:    Ray Gruber, 466-5341

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION AND FAITH FORMATION

Children's Liturgy of the Word
    - an activity during 10:00 Sunday Mass designed for children ages 4 to 8.   Children are dismissed during the Scripture readings and homily to hear the gospel reading interpreted in a way they can understand. 
Contact person: Sr. Joyce, 466-3664

CCD (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine)
    - Weekly religion classes on Wednesdays for grades K-6.  Volunteers serve as catechists (teachers), classroom aides and tutors.  Catechist formation and training is provided.
Contact person:    Sr. Joyce, 466-3664

Preparation for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist (First Communion)
    Youth - Children are typically prepared to receive these sacraments in Grade 2.  Special circumstances can be accommodated.
    Adults - The sacraments of initiation take place through the RCIA program
Contact person:    Sr. Joyce, 466-3664

Confirmation Preparation
    - Students in Grades 8 and 9 are prepared by a Confirmation Team.  The sacrament takes place every other year.
    - Catholics 18 and older who have not been confirmed may prepare for an adult celebration of Confirmation.  Instruction is given in the parish and the celebration is at the cathedral in Youngstown in November.
Contact person:    Sr. Joyce, 466-3664

Youth Ministry
    - Faith and fellowship for teens flowing from our catechetical program.  Energetic volunteers - both teens and adults - needed.
Contact person:    Sr. Joyce, 466-3664

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
    -  the program of the Catholic Church for initiating new members into our faith community or for those who have been baptized Catholic but not raised or instructed in the faith.
Contact person:    Sr. Joyce, 466-3664

Marriage Preparation
    - a program where married couples are sponsors for  engaged couples.  As representatives of the Church, they meet with an engaged couple to personally share what it means to be a couple, raise a family, and grow in the Catholic faith.  Sponsor couples are needed for this well designed program.
Contact couple:    Mark and Connie Debevec, 466-3809

Natural Family Planning
    -  reflects the dignity of the human person within the context of marriage and family life, promotes openness to life, and recognizes the value of the child. By respecting the love-giving and life-giving natures of marriage, NFP can enrich the bond between husband and wife.
Contact Couple for Ashtabula County:  Dan and Margaret Sartor  474-4178

Baptism Class for Parents
    - a class held periodically during the year to offer faith formation to parents wishing to have their small children baptized.
Contact person:    Fr. Mel, 466-3427

Adult Classes in the Faith
    - Offered periodically using programs through the Diocese of Youngstown that provide training for catechists and adult faith formation.
Contact person:    Sr. Joyce, 466-3664

Foundations of Ministry Program
    - offered by the diocese, this course is a year long formation in faith supporting lay ministry.  The first year gives a general background which is Spiritual, Educational, Inspirational and Formational.  The student can choose to continue in later years with courses that focus on specific topics.
Contact person:    Rita Linehan, 466-3207

Neo - Catechumenate
    - The Neo-catechumenate opens up a way of Christian initiation that develops a pastoral work of evangelization for adults. This evangelization helps to bring to a living adult faith many of our brothers and sisters who today live a Christianity of habit, and gives to may people submerged in a secularized world the possibility of meeting Our Lord Jesus Christ through Christian communities which live their faith at and adult level through Scripture sharing, community and worship. The group meets once a week.
Contact person:    Andy Balash, 466-4070

Right to Life
    - Pro-Life, Marriage and Family Ministry seeks to proclaim the Gospel of life through education resources, programs and outreach that promote with honesty and love the Gospel as it pertains to human life, sexuality, marriage and family life. We welcome all those of any age who can contribute through prayer; implementation of Diocesan projects; networking with other local Christina pro-life groups; or envisioning and carrying out new initiatives inspired by the Gospel
Contact person:    Kay Balash, 466-4070

Small Christian Communities / Faith Sharing
    - groups of people who periodically meet in homes to pray, read Scripture and share faith. Some groups are mixed: men and women of varied ages and faiths. Other are more homogeneous, focusing on specific interest such as Raising Children, Living with cancer, or Grieving
Contact person:    Rita Linehan, 466-3207
    CURRENT LISTINGS:
    Living with cancer
        - a faith sharing group for people with cancer and/or their caregivers.
        Contact person:    Rita Linehan, 466-3207
    Grieving with the help of your Catholic Faith
        - to provide a ministry to those who grieve over the loss of a loved one.
        Contact Person:    Mrs. Terry Sheldon, 466-2138

ASSUMPTION SCHOOL

Parents' Association
    - primary fund raising body of the school. ASPA, The Assumption School Parents Association, helps offset the cost of tuition and provide fun activities for the children.
Contact persons:    Kathy and Jim Kleps, 466-7263
        Scramble 'Fore' Education
        - annual golf outing which takes place in May at the Madison Country Club to help eliviate the cost of tuition.
        Contact:    Assumption School, 466-2104
       
Consultative Council
    - a group of parents and alumni chosen by the Principal who advise the principal on special projects to benefit the school.
Contact person:    Cheryl Woodward, 466-2104

Endowment Board
    - a development program to guarantee the financial future of Assumption School. The Endowment Fund helps provide aid for tuition to parents and grants to teachers for program enhancements. Sources of donations are individuals, from families in memory of deceased loved ones, and from the Comalya.
        The Comalya
            - a lovely dinner-dance held off-site in March of each year to support the Endowment Fund.
        Contact person:    Barb Wittenmyer, 275-5599

Assumption School Family and Friends (ASFF)
    - group of parishioners whose mission is to provide activities that help to form a bridge between the Assumption Church Community and the Assumption School Community.
Contact person:    Katy Carkhuff, 466-2759
        Assumption Picnic
        - a celebration for all Assumption celebrating our patronal feast, the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, around August 15.
        Contact person:    Katy Carkhuff, 466-2759

School Volunteers
    - people who donate their time and talent to help with activities such as recess or the school library. Some people have a special talent or interest they are willing to share with the school children. These can be regularly scheduled or a one-time event.
Contact person: Cheryl Woodward, 466-2104

PARISH LIFE - SOCIAL

Assumption Picnic
    - a celebration for all Assumption celebrating our patronal feast, the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, around August 15.
Contact person:    Katy Carkhuff, 466-2759

Bingo
    - the game is held every Tuesday evening in the church hall and is open to the public. It requires 10-12 people to run each week and there are 4 teams - each one working once a month. Bingo is the largest fun raiser of the parish. Help is always needed. Join us!
Contact person:    Betty Peters:  466-7284

Christmas Sharing Tree (HALO)
    - a ministry of Catholic Charities where the parish "adopts" needy families before Christmas.  Parishioners have the opportunity to give gifts or financial offerings.
Contact person:    Barb Wittenmyer 275-5599

Coffee and Donuts
    - social time after 8:00 and 10:00 Masses. Volunteers set up tables and pick up the low calorie donuts from Giant Eagle.
Contact person:    Devin Linehan, 466-3207

The Comalya
    - a lovely dinner-dance held off-site in March of each year to support the Endowment Fund.
Contact person:    Barb Wittenmyer, 275-5599

El Salvador Picnic
    - held every summer to bring people together from all over northeast Ohio who are involved with projects with the Diocese of Chalatenango.
Contact persons:    John & Rita Linehan, 466-3207

Grape Pie Baking
    - a fun, labor intensive week before the Grape Jamboree involving squeezing grapes, boiling the pulp, filling the pie shells and backing 1000 pies. Grapes and ingredients are donated as are many hours given by a hearty group of purple people. Come!
Contact persons:    Steve and Emy Mallick, 428-2290

Grape Jamboree Pie Sales
    - this local cultural event is one of the main fund-raisers for Assumption. One thousand (1000) pies are sold on the weekend of the Grape Jamboree (the last full weekend in September) in downtown Geneva. Many enthusiastic volunteers are needed to set up the booth, transport the pies, sell the pies and take down the booth
Contact persons:    Don and Joanne Holahan, 466-8012

Share the Bounty Sale
    - rummage sale held every May at Assumption to raise funds for our sister parish.
Contact Person:    Rita Linehan, 466-3207

Scramble 'Fore' Education
    - annual golf outing which takes place in May at the Madison Country Club to help elieviate the cost of tuition.
Contact:    Assumption School, 466-2104

The Spring Tea
    - a lovely ladies event held by the Altar & Rosary Society every April in the Friendship Room with tickets available to all women and an occasional gentleman.
Contact person:    Gertrude Germack, 466-8798

Thanksgiving Dinner
    - volunteers from Assumption and the New Life Assembly Church prepare and serve a free Thanksgiving Dinner.
Contact person:    Mrs. Cheryl Woodward, 466-2104

Welcoming Committee
    - hospitable people who welcome new parishioners.
Contact person:    Rita Linehan, 466-3207

PARISH LIFE - ADMINISTRATION

Parish Pastoral Council
    - an elected body representing the parishioners and advising the pastor in many aspects of the parish mission.  Meets monthly.

Finance Committee
    - parishioners appointed by the pastor as advisors in creating an annual budget and annual financial report to the diocese. Financial reports are available to parishioners upon request.
Contact person:    Fr. Mel, 466-3427

Stewardship Committee
    - a ministry to bring the parish to greater awareness of how blessed we are and how we can respond with gratitude through sharing our time, talent and treasure.  Meets approximately 6 times a year.
Contact person:    Rita Linehan, 466-3207

Hall and Friendship Room Rentals
    - the Friendship Room (church basement) is available for rental to parishioners. The hall rental is open to the public.
Contact person:    Mary Ann Fenner, 466-3427



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