Parish Groups and Ministries

Acolytes:
The mission of the acolyte is to assist the priest upon the altar with reverence and devotion according to the guidelines of the Church. Pope Paul VI once reminded a gathering of Italian acolytes that theirs is one of the few ministries actually listed in the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy as a genuine liturgical function (vero ministerio liturgico).

Boys and girls must be ten years old and have received their First Communion to become an acolyte. Adult men and women are also invited to serve the parish as acolytes. Those interested in becoming acolytes should contact John Feighan at (216) 721-3344

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd:
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an innovative approach to early childhood spiritual development based upon educational philosophy of Maria Montessori, M.D. The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is the Holy Rosary Parish PSR program and offers an Atrium program for 3 to 6 year olds, 6 to 9 year olds, and 9 to 12 year olds. At present, the Good Shepherd Center provides an atrium experience for 125 children every weekend (with the help of 14 catechists). For additional information, please contact Laura Batulli-Parran at (216) 283-5007.

The Community of Sant’Egidio:
The Community of Sant'Egidio is a movement of lay communities around the world that share a life of friendship, common prayer, and service to the poor. The Community began in Rome in 1968 and is officially recognized as a “public lay association” within the Catholic Church. Now present in more than 70 countries, the Community continues to serve the elderly, children, refugees and immigrants, the homeless, and persons with disabilities. At Holy Rosary, the community prays on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. in the Church. For further information see www.santegidio.org and www.santegidiousa.org or contact Ursula Rossman at umrossman@juno.com

Eucharistic Adoration:
Holy Rosary Church has Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament every First Friday of the month beginning after the 12:15 p.m. Mass and then ending with evening Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament (see bulletin for times). Perpetual adoration of the Blessed Sacraments lasts as long as there are faithful present to pray: in silence, or joining with others in reading or song. There must be at least one person present at all times before the Blessed Sacrament. If you would like to sign up for a one-hour commitment, please contact the rectory at (216) 421-2995.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion:
The Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion assist with distribution of communion at Mass and bring Eucharist to the sick and homebound of our Parish. If you feel you have a calling to this type of spirituality please contact Father Racco at the rectory at (216) 421-2995.

Greeters:
The Greeters serve as a welcoming presence at Holy Rosary Church by meeting and greeting individuals at the door at all masses. Additionally, they are available to assist the disabled. At funerals they distribute the liturgical aids and provide hospitality and other direction as needed. If you are interested in becoming a greeter, please contact the rectory at (216) 421-2995.

Holy Rosary Society:
The primary goal of the Holy Rosary Society is to enrich souls through the recitation of the Rosary. The May crowning to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary is held annually. Each May, the Society makes rosaries and distributes rosaries to the armed forces. Additionally, if a parishioner is sick, the society will send a card. The Holy Rosary Society also serves a hospitality role by assisting with parish celebrations and other events. For more information, please contact Rosemarie Dottore at (216) 421-2995.

Little Rock Scripture Study:
Let God speak to you as you study His Word with the Little Rock Scripture Study Program. Little Rock was developed by lay Catholics from Arkansas in the early 1980s to address the needs of parishioners who wanted to study the Bible. A diocesan-approved format was designed specifically for Catholics. The program offers all books of the Old and New Testaments. Individuals read, reflect, and then participate in a group discussion relating to one book of the Bible during each session. Home study groups are also available. For more information, please contact Sister Ann Isabella at (216) 421-2995.

Ministry of Martha’s Table:
Reflecting on the Eucharistic Meal and with St. Martha of Bethany as their model, the parishioners of Holy Rosary Parish will serve to promote evangelization through hospitality and fellowship in the Body of Christ.

As St. Martha saw the need to prepare a meal for the Lord Jesus, so will the members of Martha’s table respond to the needs of the Parish. By their participation in welcoming and nurturing activities, the members of St. Martha’s Table will continue and strengthen the bonds of unity experienced in the celebration of the Eucharist in Holy Rosary Parish. For more information, please contact Anne DeMarco at (216) 421-2995.

Men's Ministry:
Men's ministry at Holy Rosary welcomes men of all ages and backgrounds. This ministry meets once a month for prayer, discussion on church related topics and fellowship. Recent topics of discussion include the Theology of the Body, themes in scripture, early church fathers, and men's spirituality. We also support each other when someone is in need. Informal meetings are held on the third Saturday of each month from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m., and men of all ages are welcome to join us. For more information, please call Fred Karboski at (216) 321-4596.

Lector Ministry:
The Lector's Ministry at Holy Rosary is dedicated to the proclamation of the Holy Scriptures in the Liturgy of the Word. As lectors, we seek to ever deepen our understanding and devotion to scripture, both in our personal lives and in the ongoing life of the parish community. Through study of scripture and attention to mature and committed articulation of them, we seek to serve the People of God. If you are interested in serving as a lector, please contact the rectory at (216) 421-2995.

Music Ministry
We as a Christian Community with musical traditions express and respond to God’s love in our midst. Throughout the Church year, as Ministers of Music we commit our time and talents to enrich the celebration of the Liturgy. It is our prayer that through music we share, engage and inspire all people to a renewed and ever deepening awareness of our union with Christ and one another. For more information: Ulle Laido 216-4212995

Newman Catholic Student Association:
The mission of Newman Catholic Campus Ministry is to gather Catholic students attending non-Catholic colleges and universities in the Diocese of Cleveland in order to strengthen their faith and Catholic identity. The Newman Catholic Ministry, in conjunction with Holy Rosary Parish, offers opportunities to students for spiritual growth, education, and social activities. A weekly email newsletter will keep you informed of upcoming activities. Some activities offered include:

Retreats: Freshman retreat, Busy Student Retreat, Catch the Spirit Retreat
Service projects, guest speakers, and dinner
Small faith-sharing, faith-building LIFT groups (Living In Faith Together)
Social events to build friendships with others who share your faith including an All Saints' Day party, Advent party, and Mardi Gras
Nightly student-led Rosary.

For more information see http://www.case.edu/orgs/newman; or contact Tony Vento at tony.vento@case.edu.

Parish Pastoral Council:
Parish Pastoral Council cooperates with the Pastor and provides valuable insight, programs and spiritual development for the parish. It encourages the development of other parish groups and ministries. For any concerns you may have, please call the rectory at (216) 421-2995.

Pastoral Visitation:
In addition to visiting parishioners who are homebound, in hospitals or in nursing homes, this ministry also serves all members of the parish. Visits include instruction on praying the rosary or reading the Bible. For more information, please contact Sister Trina at the rectory, (216) 421-2995.

Pre-Baptism Class:
The Pre-Baptism class is a two-hour class for parents wishing to have their child baptized into the Roman Catholic Church. Attendance at this class is required only once before your first child is baptized. The Pre-Baptism class offers an opportunity to re-examine your commitment to your faith and to learn more about the Sacrament of Baptism. Classes are scheduled three times per year. For more information or to register for the class, please contact Sister Ann Isabella at (216) 421-2995.

RCIA–Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults:
RCIA is for those who have not been baptized and seek full communion with the Catholic Church, or those who have been baptized Catholic and have not received First Eucharist or Confirmation. A team of parishioners supports the candidates weekly from September to Pentecost on this journey of faith. For information contact Anne DeMarco at (216) 421-2995.

Saint Anthony Women's Society:
This organization is devoted to Saint Anthony, and annually celebrates the Feast of Saint Anthony with mass on June 13th . The Society serves a hospitality role within the parish and provides baked goods and refreshments for parish celebrations and events. Additionally, a parish novena is held during the nine weeks prior to the Feast of Saint Anthony. There are two meetings per year. For more information, please contact Minnie Thomas at (440) 646-9017.

Social Concerns:
The Social Concerns Commission is a hands-on, working group, committed to making God’s limitless love real in our faith community, our neighborhood, our city and our world. As a ministry, we take seriously the words of the Gospel by bringing awareness, caring and justice to the Children of God through the following ministries: ( Note: If there is no contact person provided for a specific ministry please call Joe Scibana , Social Concerns Chairperson, (216) 397-3947.

Right to Life – Programs providing education on life issues and advocating for all human life, from the moment of conception to natural death. Contact Rebecca Knab at (216) 381-9160
Prison Ministry –Visit the incarcerated through the Friend to Friend Program. Contact Sue Andrews at (216) 397-3947
Saint Vincent DePaul Society – Food & Clothing Distribution monthly at the Fr. Michael Wittman Ozanam Center at Christ the King Parish. Tutoring program for grades K thru 8 at the Apex Academy (Charter School located on the campus of Christ the King Parish)
City Meals – Meals provided throughout the year for those in need in the St. Coleman and Christ the King neighborhoods.
Neighborhood Outreach – Co-operative programs with the residents of Abington Arms, Safety Bulletins provided for neighborhood residents, and an annual neighborhood clean up to assist our elderly residents with the care of their property.
Elizabeth Ministry - Responds to the needs of women as they experience the joys and challenges of the childbearing years and beyond. Elizabeth Ministers are volunteer representatives from the parish who offer prayer support, mentoring and friendship. In sharing their time, presence, and faith, they hope to encourage another woman experiencing similar circumstances. For more information on becoming an Elizabeth Minister, or to request prayer or other support, contact Tammy Moore at (216) 932-0953.
Catholic Charities – Offers food, shelter, guidance and support to those less fortunate within the Diocese of Cleveland. For information on any of their 143 programs provided throughout the diocese call 1-800-869-6525 ext. 1910.

Ushers:
The ushers are men and women of the parish who assist at masses and other parish events. Ushers are a welcoming presence at all masses, and are responsible for taking up the collection and distributing the weekly bulletin. Additionally, they promote a sacred environment for the liturgy by directing people to their seats as appropriate, and refrain from causing distraction during times of reverence and worship. To become an usher, please contact the rectory at (216) 421-2995.

Women’s Ministry:
The goal of Women's Ministry is to nurture and grow the spiritual lives of women in the parish. We meet to talk, pray, learn about the Catholic faith and form friendships that support us in our walk as Catholic Christians. All women of all ages are welcome to come at our meetings. We share wisdom as mothers, grandmothers, daughters and friends. Our topics have included studies of women saints, papal encyclicals, parenting, book discussions, abortion healing, prison ministry and themes in scripture. We also offer mini-retreats, a Taize prayer service and parish speakers from other ministries.

Meetings: 2nd Sunday of each month, from 9:30-11:00 a.m. in the school's Adult Education Room. For more information, please contact the program leaders: Gay Eyerman (216) 932-0717.