Ministries A to Z
Alphabetical List of All Ministries
Quick Link to Ministries Sign-Up Form
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​Adoration Chapel
(Liturgy and Worship)
Members of our parish and other surrounding communities take part in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament by maintaining a continuous prayer vigil in the Perpetual Adoration Chapel, located in the Parish Center entrance..  This is open to all people of faith for quiet prayerful reflection and adoration of the Eucharist.  People are needed to commit to specific one-hour periods throughout the week, from 6 p.m. on Sunday through midnight on Friday, to ensure the Blessed Sacrament is always accompanied. Substitutes are always needed.
Contact:
Paul Kaple, Coordinator, 419-545-6278
Marilyn Kocher, 419-668-8742 – for hours 6 a.m. to noon
Karen Ott, 419-668-1240 - for hours noon to 6 p.m.
Joy Tokarsky, 419-681-5600 – for hours 6 p.m. to midnight
Ann Schumm, 419-668-8994 – for hours midnight to 6 a.m.

After the 5 Youth Group
(Faith Formation)
This ministry group primarily conducts their ministry at the AfterMass sessions, which are held during the school year after the Sunday 5:00 pm Mass. These sessions are characterized by the use of small groups, which create a space for service, discussion, and reflection on faith topics in order to discover reverence in the lives of our youth. The AfterMass ministry provides team leadership opportunities for youth in the areas of faith, fun, food, and fellowship.
Contact: 
Kelly Ericsson, 419-668-6044, ext. 230
kellye@stpaulchurch.org
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Altar Servers – Adult and Youth
(Liturgy and Worship)
Youth and/or adult servers assist the priest during Mass, including the procession before and after Mass, and assisting with offertory gifts and other tasks that aid the celebrant and enhance the liturgy. Servers should arrive for Mass 15 minutes prior to start.  Adult servers are needed for funeral Masses and other celebrations when youth servers are unavailable.  Servers complete a training session with a parish priest. Two-month schedules are sent out from the parish office via email (can be sent  through regular mail, if necessary) and are also available on the parish website: www.stpaulchurch.org
Contact:
Fr. Andrew, 419-668-6044, ext. 225, for youth servers
Jerry Hettel, 419-668-6942, for adult servers
Juana Ornelas, 419-660-0860 (Mass in Spanish)

Baptism Ministry Team
(Faith Formation)
Baptism is our first Sacrament of initiation.  While parents are responsible for the development of their child’s faith experience, the church is here to support your efforts.  By having your child baptized, you are introducing your child to their faith family and establishing their relations with God.   Team members facilitate parent preparation meetings and assist with the baptism celebration.
Contact:
​Kelly Ericsson, 419-668-6044, ext. 230
kellye@stpaulchurch.org

Bereavement Ministry Team
(Outreach)
Those who participate in this ministry provide a pastoral presence to family members who have lost a loved one, assist the family in planning the funeral liturgy, print a funeral program, and greet people coming to the funeral Mass.  This group also plans and celebrates a special memorial liturgy each year in the beginning of November and follows up with cards for the family throughout the year.
Contact: 
Ruth Weisenberger, 419-668-0236

Bible Study
(Faith Formation)
Men’s Gospel Study – Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. in the Juan Diego Room.
Women's Gospel Study - Saturdays, 9:00 am in the Juan
Diego Room
Contact:
Parish Office: 419-668-6044

Bulk Mailing Team 
(Operations)
Volunteers help fold, seal and label parish newsletters and other bulk mailings.
Contact:
Karen Davis, 419-668-3226

Cemetery Board
(Operations)
This group is comprised of members of the parish who make recommendations regarding the St. Paul Cemetery and the Shrine of the Sorrowful Mother.  This team plans, coordinates improvements, and works with the business manager on the upkeep of the grounds to enhance the beautiful setting of the main cemetery and the day-to-day operations of both facilities.
Contact:
Tom Ruffing, 419-668-1214, 
tomruffing@sunriseco-op.com

Church Environment Team
(Liturgy and Worship)
The Church Environment Team plans the seasonal decorations of the church in such a way that the environment reinforces, communicates, and celebrates the liturgical tone of the season.  A planning committee of about 8 volunteers is needed. Planners meet prior to Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, and Ordinary Time.  Many more hands at the time of putting the plan into action are also needed, as are volunteers to water the indoor and outdoor plants three times weekly.
Contact:
Paula Hackathorn, 419-681-2444

Communications Team
(Operations)
Our Communications Team informs, teaches, promotes, and communicates parish happenings.  Team members assist with taking pictures, writing, editing, and publishing the weekly bulletin and parish newsletter.
Contact:
Lisa Hedrick, 419-668-6044, ext. 231
​lisah@stpaulchurch.org

Daughters of Isabella, Circle #284
(Faith Formation)
This women’s group meets monthly.  The guiding principles are “unity, friendship, and charity.”  New members welcome!
Contact:
Shirley Hazelwood, 419-668-3898

Eucharistic Ministers
(Liturgy and Worship)
Eucharistic Ministers assist in distributing the Body and Blood of Christ during celebration of the Mass.  These ministers should arrive 15 minutes before Mass.  After Mass, they purify and clean the sacred vessels and assist the Mass Coordinator to put them away.  Eucharistic Ministers are asked to serve a 2-year renewable commitment and, after initial training, participate in ongoing formation every two years throughout their ministry.  Three-month schedules are sent out from the parish office via email and are also available on this website.
Contact:
Marcia Roth, 419-668-2262
Patricia Carrillo, 419-668-5731 (Mass in Spanish)

Eucharistic Ministers to the Sick
(Outreach)
This ministry maintains a vital connection between the gathered community and those who no longer can be present for Mass. Eucharistic Ministers distribute the Eucharist to those in the hospital, Twilight and Gaymont Nursing Centers, the Carriage House, and to those at home who are unable to come to Mass even on a temporary basis. Ministers visit on a regular basis, spend time, pray, and provide the Eucharist.  Members of this ministry must train as Eucharistic Ministers every two years. They may choose to participate only as a Eucharistic Minister to the Sick.
Contact:
Marcia Roth, 419-668-2262
​
Finance Council
(Parish Councils)
This council helps our parish provide financial stewardship of all the activities and ministries we support. Members use their business experience, knowledge of the parish and its people, and the religious ideals of the Church to help the pastoral staff make sound financial and business decisions.  The team meets monthly to review financial statements, set budgets and financial priorities, and generally provides parish input and advice for the pastoral staff.
Contact:
Kevin Dow, 419-557-6058

Funeral Luncheon Team
(Outreach)
This group supports the bereaved families of St. Paul with a luncheon for family and friends after a funeral Mass or burial. Volunteers are called to prepare a dish, bake a dessert, or help with the preparation and serving of the lunch for the family.
Contact:
Betty Smith, 419-706-4599
Dorothy Dudics, 419-668-8884

Good News Prayer Group
(Faith Formation)
The style of prayer expression for this group is primarily charismatic, meaning that members try to pray with an openness and receptivity to the Holy Spirit’s presence and the power of the Spirit’s gifts. These various charismatic gifts are manifested through the community’s prayer and ministry. Meetings are Monday at 6:30 p.m. in the Upper Room (off the Gathering Space).
See also Jail Ministry below.
Contact:
Jim Reichert, 419-706-0575
Bev Reichert, 419-706-0464

Green Thumb
(Operations)
This ministry works to enhance the exterior beauty of our church and school campuses. Volunteers plant flowers, trim trees, rake leaves, and prepare beds for planting.
Contact:
Steve Slauterbeck, 419-681-5114

Health Ministry Team
(Outreach)
This team is made up of volunteer nurses, doctors, and caring people willing to help our St. Paul congregation by promoting good health practices. The Health Ministry Team focuses on wellness and disease prevention and takes a holistic approach to help the community of God’s people. The team meets quarterly to discuss the health needs of the St. Paul community.
Contact:
Peggy Lonz, 419-668-9367

Heavenly Dusters
(Operations)
This ministry team consists of five groups of volunteers who enhance the beauty and cleanliness of the church. Each group works 1 week each month on a rotating weekly schedule, cleaning the church twice that week for 2-3 hours. Substitute volunteers are also needed to help when necessary.
Contact:
Ruth Weisenberger, 419-706-2814

Hospitality
(Outreach)
This group is called to prepare and serve food for special parish and diocesan events.
Contact:
Lisa Hedrick, 419-668-6044, ext. 231
lisah@stpaulchurch.org

Hosts
(Liturgy and Worship)
Hosts help create an atmosphere of hospitality through their words and actions, welcoming parishioners and visitors as they gather for worship.  Hosts also assist in helping guests locate seats and other areas of our church.  They assist with the Offertory, the Communion procession, and distribute bulletins and other materials. This ministry is open to all and is a wonderful place to begin serving in our parish. Volunteers receive an initial orientation and annual formation.
Contact:
Mark Niese, 419-668-6044, ext. 258
​markn@stpaulchurch.org

Jail Ministry
(Outreach)
This outreach ministry of the Good News Prayer Group helps jail inmates develop and deepen their relationship with God through reading and reflecting on scripture.
Contact:
Karen Ott, 419-668-1240

Lectors
(Liturgy and Worship)
Our lectors have the privilege of proclaiming the Word of God at Mass in such a way that it comes to life in the hearts of the assembly. Those called to this ministry must have a loud, clear speaking voice and possess good communication skills. The time commitment involved is largely personal preparation and an annual training session.
Contact:
Chris Ceccoli, 419-668-7133
Maria Guadalupe Enriques, 419-660-9528 (Mass in Spanish)

Liturgy Committee
(Liturgy and Worship)
The ministerial role of the Liturgy Committee is three-fold: planning/preparation, evaluation and education. The committee provides initial and on-going training for all liturgical ministers and also provides liturgical catechesis to all parishioners. This group collaborates on seasonal planning for Sunday worship throughout the liturgical year and plans various sacramental celebrations and other prayer experiences. Committee members continue to educate themselves through reading and attending various seminars and workshops.
Liturgy Committee Charter
Job Description for Liturgy Committee Chairperson(s)
​June 15, 2017 - Meeting Minutes
August 17, 2017 - Meeting Minutes
September 21, 2017 - Meeting Minutes
Contact: 
Mark Niese, 419-668-6044, ext. 258
​markn@stpaulchurch.org

​Liturgy of the Word with Children (LWC)
(Liturgy and Worship)
LWC offers children, ages 4 through about 12, the opportunity to hear the Mass readings in language they can understand and ​to participate in an activity that helps them relate the stories to their lives.  LWC is offered the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month, during the 9:00 Mass on the 2nd Sunday and the 11:00 Mass on the 4th Sunday. Parents are encouraged to attend with their children, especially if they are timid at first.  Volunteers share the readings and lead the children in a related activity. Leaders are given a simple program to follow.
Contact:
Marian Bermudez, 419-663-5036
​mbermudez@neo.rr.com

Maintenance Committee
(Operations)
Members advise on decisions regarding major repairs, large maintenance improvement projects, and preventive maintenance within the church, the school, and all of the facilities in our parish.  The Jesus Patrol is a group of parishioners who are willing to do almost any job around the campus. They have painted, gutted offices, helped with landscaping, and moved just about everything!
Contact: 
Scott Lee, 419-541-1217
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Mass Coordinators
(Liturgy and Worship)
This ministry assists the priests by preparing the church and sacristy for daily and weekend Masses. Mass coordinators ensure that the gifts are ready, lights and microphones are on, and other necessary tasks are completed so the priest celebrating the Mass has more time to focus on his personal preparations.
Contact: 
Anna Weisenberger, 419-668-8974

​Media Matters at St. Paul Team
(Operations)
The purpose of this team is to assist the Parish Staff in matters relating to information technology and electronic media. This includes, but is not limited to: development and maintenance of the parish website as a means of communicating our message to the parish and the world, development of social media output, and video recording of homilies and liturgies. Members should have an appreciation for technology in all its forms and a willingness to learn. Specific skills related to computers, the internet, photography, and artistic design are welcome!
Contact:
Annette Scheid, 419-681-0513, arnnet100789@gmail.com

Meet & Eat
(Outreach)
Meet and Eat is a monthly luncheon that anyone may attend. After lunch, there is a brief presentation on various topics that may concern our parish, the universal church, or the larger community.  Social time with cards or other games and fellowship follows. Volunteers help prepare, serve and clean up a simple lunch on the first Thursday of the month during the school year.
Contact:
Robin Bleile, 419-668-1114

Music Ministry – Vocal & Instrumental
(Liturgy and Worship)
This ministry provides the assembly with vocal support in its full, active, conscious, participation in the Liturgy. Additional voices of all ranges are always welcome; male voices are particularly needed.
Contact for all musical groups unless otherwise noted:
Mark Niese, 419-668-6044, markn@stpaulchurch.org

Mixed Choir
Rehearsals are on Wednesday evenings from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. and the choir sings at the 9 a.m. Mass. There is a 40-minute vocal warm-up before the liturgy.

Cantors
Those called to this ministry must have vocal/musical skills including good breath support, rhythmic precision, a pleasing tone and an inviting personality. A vocal interview/audition is necessary to determine a person’s ability and gifts. This ministry is open to high school age students and older. Cantors are scheduled on a weekly basis according to their availability. Personal preparation at home is essential.
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Choristers
Choristers sing once a month at a weekend Mass or an all-school Mass and at periodic special events.  Practices are on Thursdays after school from 3:20-4:15 p.m. Open to 3rd thru 6th graders.

Folk Ensemble
The primary role of the Folk Choir is to provide musical leadership at the Saturday 4:30 p.m. Mass. The group includes vocalists and instrumentalists. The music sung is a mix of traditional and contemporary. This group rehearses one hour prior to the liturgy. Extra rehearsals are required for Christmas and Easter. The ministry is open to high school students and older.

Funeral Choir
This choir is extremely important in the celebration of the funeral Mass. Most funerals occur in the morning, usually at 10:30 a.m., Monday through Saturday. There are no regular scheduled practices, but there is a warm-up rehearsal immediately preceding the funeral Mass.

Hispanic Choir
This musical group leads the parishioners in vibrant song at the 1:30 Mass in Spanish.
Contact:
Francisco & Montserrat Carrillo, 419-406-5936

Praise and Worship Band
This group provides contemporary music for the Sunday 5:00 Mass.
Contact: 
Kathleen Sigsworth, 419-499-4442    ​

Norwalk Catholic School
​and St. Paul High School
(Faith Formation)
The mission of Norwalk Catholic School and St. Paul High School is to: Develop Disciples of Christ, Promote Academic Excellence, and Foster a Respectful Community. Norwalk Catholic School is a 2014 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, which has been recognized for its overall academic excellence and progress in closing achievement gaps. Parish members show support of the mission and vision of the NCS through time, talent and treasure, ensuring that Norwalk Catholic School continues to grow stronger as a community.
Contact: 
President's Office, Advancement & Admissions Office
     419-668-7223
NCS Jr. High and SP High School, Grades 7 through 12
     419-668-3005
NCS Elementary School, Grades 1 through 6
     419-668-6091
NCS Early Childhood Center, Grades Pre-3 through Kindergarten
     419-668-8480

Parish School of Religion [PSR] Team
(Faith Formation)
PSR “helps parents help their children” grow in their faith and become more aware of God’s presence in the everyday, ordinary moments of their lives.  We model to our children the importance of church community by attending Family Gatherings together, growing in our own faith as adults, and committing to our children’s attendance on a weekly basis.

Adults and youth volunteers are needed for our parish Discover Camp each June, where youth are challenged to grow in their faith in a retreat-like atmosphere at the St. Alphonsus campus.
​
Our PSR catechists are individuals who have the ability to teach, lead group discussions, conduct faith sharing, have a love and respect for children, a basic understanding of Catholic teaching, scripture, and tradition, a desire to grow and share faith, and a willingness to share their own faith experience.  Catechists also attend yearly orientation, quarterly meetings and on-going formation.  Protecting Youth Certification, BCI/FBI Fingerprints and a Diocesan Expectation Form are required.

2018-2019 Registration
2018-2019 PSR Calendar

Contact:
Kelly Ericsson, 419-668-6044, ext. 230
kellye@stpaulchurch.org

Pastoral Council
(Parish Councils)
​This council is of the utmost importance in the life of our parish. According to the Pastoral Policy Handbook of the Diocese of Toledo, “The Parish Pastoral Council is to be an effective body providing spiritual leadership in the parish community. The Pastoral Council is a recommending and evaluating body, functioning as a faith community with general operational guidelines determined during the life of the group.”  Members are themselves a faith-sharing body whose ministry is pastoral planning for the parish. Council members serve a two-year commitment as an advisory group to the Pastor, with the option to serve a second term.
Contact:
Gina Herner, 419-681-6490

Prayer Chain
(Outreach)
Our parish has a group of people who serve others by praying for those in need of prayer. Please contact Marge Mitro if you would like to join this ministry to pray for others. You may submit a prayer request by using the Prayer Request form on this website, or call:
Marge Mitro, 419-668-4320

Respect Life Ministry
(Outreach)
We have long been a parish that recognizes and is concerned with the issue of life, not only for the unborn but also for all, from conception to natural death. The goals of our Respect Life Ministry are: to engage in prayer for the Lord’s guidance in how we can make effective change with respect life issues; educate ourselves on political issues as our duty and responsibility to fight current cultural trends, and to promote conversion of hearts and help all parishioners grow in their call of discipleship to advance the Kingdom of God and Life.
Contact:
Bev Reichert, 419-706-0464

Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA)
Ministry Team
(Faith Formation)
Would you like to help others on their faith journey? 
RCIA is a liturgical/catechetical process designed to prepare adults for initiation into the faith community and for the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.  Sponsors, catechists, and hospitality volunteers are needed.
Contact:
Darlene Walker, 419-499-4008

Sacramental Preparation with Children: 
First Reconciliation, First Communion, Confirmation
(Faith Formation)
In the Toledo Diocese, children celebrate the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion when they reach the “age of reason,” typically in 2nd grade.  The sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated when children are in “the 8th grade through sixteen years of age.” These sacraments are an extension of our baptism as part of the Sacraments of Initiation and are celebrated with all parish children.  Faith formation for these Sacraments is a two-year program in our parish.  Formation is provided for children and their families.  Confirmation sponsors also participate in formation activities.
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2018-2019 Registration
2018-2019 First Reconciliation & First Eucharist Calendar
2018-2019 Confirmation Calendar

​See Also: Sacraments on this website.
Contact:
Kelly Ericsson, 419-668-6044, ext. 230​
kellye@stpaulchurch.org

Saint Vincent de Paul Society
(Outreach)
Our St. Vincent de Paul group has been part of this international charitable organization since 1954, providing assistance for the less fortunate in our local community. Members meet weekly throughout the year to review each application received, determine what financial help can be given and what referrals are available that also could be of help.  So many desperately need someone who cares, who will listen, and who is willing to share their burden.  It is during this time we can let them know God’s love exists and He can have a direct impact on their lives.
Contact:
St. Vincent de Paul, 419-668-0212

Serra Club
(Faith Formation)
This group promotes new vocations and supports existing vocations to priesthood and religious life and increases the spiritual growth of its members.  The club supports vocations through prayer, education, and collaboration with the bishop and the Diocesan Vocations Office.  The group meets monthly on the 3rd Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at St. Alphonsus for Mass and a meeting.  New members who would like to promote and support vocations are welcome.
Contact:
Dick Alge, 419-668-1830

Small Faith Communities
(Faith Formation)
Community of Pan De Vida
Reflection and Bible Study every Monday 7 p.m.
Contact: Rosa Papai 419-706-1948

Community of Esperanza y Fe
Reflection and Bible Study alternating Wednesday and Thursday every other week at 7 p.m.
Contact: Francisco Carrillo, 419-668-5731
​
Community of Luz de Cristo
Reflection and Bible Study every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m.
Contact: Francisco Carrillo, 419-668-5731

Stewardship Team
(Faith Formation)
As caretakers of the many gifts and talents that God provides, this ministry provides opportunities and encourages parishioners to receive God’s gifts gratefully, nurture them responsibly, share them justly and charitably, returning them with abundance to God. Through prayer, service and sharing, we develop a stewardship way of life and a closer relationship with God. Meetings are held the 4th Wednesday of each month.
Contact:
Sue Riley, 419-541-1912, sriley@ncsmail.org

Transportation
(Outreach)
Volunteer drivers transport those who are homebound and unable to drive or find a ride to church. This service is available for the 9 a.m. Mass on Sunday mornings and on Holy Days, upon request.
Contact:
Pat Furlong, 419-663-1500

Welcoming Ministry
(Outreach)
Following in Jesus’ footsteps, we are all called to welcome the strangers among us.  While, this ministry is the responsibility of all parishioners, this team coordinates and plans opportunities to welcome new parishioners, reaches out to inactive Catholics, and educates the parish on how all of us must play a part in being a welcoming community.  
Contact:
Rose Austin, 419-499-2395