This is putting our faith into action. Saint James reminds us in 2:14-26 "faith without works is lifeless". Apostolic works are our opportunity to live the faith we profess. An important part of our life as a “community of believers” takes place in the works, and ministries carried out by various committees and special interest groups. All committee meetings are open to all parishioners at any time and are announced in the bulletin whenever possible. The parish is dedicated to making it as easy as possible for new members to become involved.
Unlike many parishes, Saints John & Paul does not rely upon a powerful central committee or a large staff which directs all efforts. Our Pastoral Council is viewed as a strategic planning group responsible to direct and initiate the development of new initiatives, while the resulting committees are self-managed by volunteer parishioners who select their own leader/facilitators. Most committees have a staff person who serves as a liaison to enhance communication with the entire parish.
We hope you will participate in one or more of these vital activities. For details on any group, call the Parish Office. And be sure to watch the weekly bulletin for information on new developments and volunteer opportunities! The success of Saints John & Paul is a direct result of volunteer committee members who have taken their commitments seriously – following through by attending meetings and completing assignments in a timely fashion. It’s fun! Won’t you join us.
Babysitting Co-Op If you answer YES to any of the following questions, the Babysitting Co-Op is for You and your Family. Are you ever in need of quality babysitting services? Or, would you feel more comfortable with an adult looking after the kids? Feel like you are spending your life-savings on babysitters? Would you like more frequent "date Nights" with your spouse? Would you prefer not to take the children to meetings/doctor appointments? Consider this new Parish Life Ministry.
The Babysitting Co-op offers Experience & quality care: Mothers and/or Fathers of the Parish who care for your children in your home or in theirs. Security: Background checks completed on all members. Cost Effective: No money for sits. $5 annual fee. How it works: If you need a babysitter, call the designated secretary (members rotate being the secretary) who will then find another member to sit your child(ren). Services are completed by a point system. You earn points by babysitting for other members' children. This is easier than it sounds... day sists become play dates and night sits give you some time to relax without having to do house chores. It is a win/win situation! Questions or interested? Please call or email Annie McKenna 412.366.5342 or mckennas97@yahoo.com.
Babysitting Ministry Free Babysitting is now offered during the Saturday, 5:00 PM Mass in the Nursery (first door on your right as you enter through the upper level doors). Babysitting is also still available during the Sunday, 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM Masses. Space is limited, so arrive early. If you have questions, or would like to assist as an SSJP Babysitter, call Jeannette at 724-513-6262.
Bereavement Ministry The purpose of this ministry is to provide support to members of SS John & Paul Parish who are experiencing grief through the death of a loved one. The Church calls each member of Christ's Body to participate in the ministry of consolation: to care for the dying, to pray for the dead, and to comfort all who mourn. Our Lord is the example of comfort and support to the grieving.
Education Committee The Education Committee deals with decisions in regard to educational programming, textbooks, and personnel. This group meets on an "as needed" basis.
Eucharistic Holy Hour A "quiet prayer" Holy Hour is held Tuesday afternoon from 2:00 - 3:00 PM. These are not held on holidays. First Fridays begins with Mass at 8:00 PM followed by all-night adoration. Benediction and morning prayer on Saturday is at 8:45 AM.
Hospitality Ministry Meal Makers Our Hospitality Ministry consists of bakers, servers, and planners who prepare refreshments for parish events and funerals. This ministry helps to make our parish a warm and welcoming place for everyone. For details call Cindy Pisani at 724-382-1515. The ministry also includes our Meal Makers group which provides meals for families dealing with serious illness. For details call Judy Ostronic at 412-749-1720.
Legion of Mary ROSARY - The Legion of Mary recites the Rosary every Wednesday morning after the 9:00 AM Mass.
WEEKLY MEETING - This is a prayer service group dedicated to Mary. They meet Monday mornings from 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Let Us Be a Light Our mission is to promote compassion and respect for people affected by sexual misconduct by Church representatives. To carry out this mission, we accompany the hurt on a journey towards healing and wholeness. We are a caring Catholic fellowship of laypersons, clergy and religious extending our hands in welcome to all those seeking peace and belonging.
At Saints John and Paul we carry out this mission by gathering in prayer to seek God’s guidance and healing for our entire church and those who seek healing through letusbealight.org. We welcome all people to join us in a safe and loving community for prayer, the sacraments, and worship so that we may all be reunited as one family of faith.
For more information and to view a schedule of our prayer meetings, go to letusbealight.org. For other questions contact our staff liaison, Phyllis, ext 26, or call Carolyn at 412-585-1606.
Men’s Club Our Men’s Club meets on the third Monday of the month. The Men’s Club has sponsored pancake breakfasts and Christmas tree sales. All men of the parish are invited to join. Meetings are usually held the third Monday of the month.
Outreach Committees The social outreach programs of Sts. John and Paul are growing! We hold a monthly food drive for area food banks with a specific "theme food" announced in the bulletin each month. Our Senior Connection outreach program helps elderly people repair and care for their homes. A list of chairpersons and their phone numbers for the various Outreach ministries are frequently published in the bulletin.
Parish Health Ministry The Parish Health Ministry has been formed to assist families dealing with serious health issues including hospitalizations, difficult illnesses, decisions regarding elder care, etc. This ministry may also be extended to activities such as blood pressure and cholesterol screenings, support groups for parent of special needs children, educational presentations and more. Contact Joy Allen at 412-741-1106.
Prayer Ministry This ministry accepts prayer requests from parishioners and conveys these requests to a parish volunteer prayer team via mail, fax, or phone. Prayer ministers pray privately in the manner most suitable for each individual.
Respect Life Ministry
This committee sponsors evenings of prayer, a March for Life trip and other peaceful events and service projects in support of human life at all stages.
Meditations for Pro-Life Stations of the Cross - click here
Divorced and Separated Support Group
If you are enduring the acute pain and profound sense of loss associated with divorce or separation, you need not go through this alone! You will find support, comfort and healing by joining the Sts. John and Paul / St. Richard Support Group.
Our group meets at St. Richard Church in Gibsonia on Monday evenings from 7:00-8:45 PM beginning on September 8, 2008. We are a DivorceCare group and, during our 13 week program cycle, we will explore all aspects of divorce and will help you to begin the process of healing. The DivorceCare program is based on solid Christian teachings and Biblical principles and incorporates the knowledge and experience of experts in this area. And, most importantly, participants are brought together through the love of Christ to support one another through these difficult times.
Meetings will be held in rooms 5A&B in the Social Hall (lower level of church). Pre-registration is not required. If you have questions, please call or email the group facilitator, Ralph Joy (rjoy@connecttime.net; 724-933-6226).
(St. Richard’s Church is located at 3841 Dickey Rd. in Gibsonia, PA. Dickey Rd. is approximately 1.25 miles west of Rt. 8 or 5.0 miles east of Rt. 19 or 7.5 miles east of I-79.)
Spiritual Life Renewal This group sponsors efforts and events which support the spiritual life of parishioners and encourage participation in the sacraments. Retreats, educational materials, speakers and performances are some examples of what this group might provide.
Vocation Council Priest Shortage- Want to Help? - SS John and Paul Parish is in the process of forming a Vocation Council this year, designed to help our parish nurture Diocesan vocations to the religious life. Volunteers are needed to assist in the development of our strategic plan and calendar of events for 2008.
If you want to take an active role in the formation and planning of this Council, please contact Dom Gliozzi at 724-935-5857 or e-mail him at gliozzi@connecttime.net for more information.
Wedding Committee This committee assists families with wedding plans, rehearsals, and details on the wedding day.
Welcoming Committee This is a group of volunteers whose sole purpose is to welcome all of our new members and make them feel at home with us at Saints John and Paul. They provide various opportunities throughout the year and work with other groups in the parish to make all of our newcomers feel welcome and included. Please call Karen Lindauer at 724-934-1341 if you would like to help.
Women’s Guild The Women’s Guild of Sts. John and Paul Parish is open to all women of the Parish. It sponsors social, spiritual, educational, and service activities for women. Meeting are the third Thursday of the month, September through May.
Worship Committee The Worship Committee deals with questions that arise in regard to music, decorations, Advent and Lenten activities, and other liturgical considerations. The group meets on an irregular basis and meetings are announced in the bulletin.
