Stewardship Ministry Spotlights
The following information may be out-dated - for the most recent Ministry Catalog and Handbook please view the pdf.
Art and Drama
Children benefit from the arts in innumerable ways. Whether drawing, painting, sculpting, singing, playing a musical instrument or performing on the stage, the arts help develop a childs self esteem and resilience. Through the arts, children can experiment with ideas and make important self' discoveries. Katrina Stoneman was blessed with the gift of artistic talent, as well as the gift of how to bring out the artistic talent in children. To learn more about Katrina Stoneman and her ministry download the pdf file (83KB).
Art and Environment
Every flower, altar cloth and candle has been thoughtfully positioned. Nothing happens by chance. The work of St. Sebastian's Art and Environment Committee greatly enhances the liturgical experience for all. Ann Zsmebik took one beginning floral design class at Pat Catan's but has mostly learned "on the job" how to beautify St. Sebastian. Both Ann and Nancy Demeter have been open to learning, listening and giving of their time and talents serving for many years on St. Sebastian's Art and Environment Committee. To learn more about Nancy Demeter and Ann Zsmebik and thier ministry download the pdf file (85KB).
Baptism
The goal of St. Stebastian's Baptism Preparation Committee is to make the sacrament of baptism as meaningful as possible for the families planning it. The volunteers who make up the committee can serve in one of two ways: they can lead the baptism preparation classes or help with the set-up and coordination for baptisms. "The class includes a video presentation, and a summary of the history and symbolism of the sacrament," said Bobbie DeKemper, who leads the committee. To learn more about Bobbie DeKemper and her ministry download the pdf file (82KB).
Bridge Flights
Bridge has been a part of many parishioners' lives for years. It is a game requiring skill, focus and a wish for challenge. Genevieve Beckwith says "It is also a good opportunity to meet with friends." This is a social group indeed — with over one hundred meetings a year. People play as a pair or team for the entire year. Four people, two teams, play a round of bridge. Teams are organized as "flights" of eight people and meet once each month from September through May. Meetings typically take place in members' homes. To learn more about Genevieve Beckwith and her ministry download the pdf file (585KB).
Children's Liturgy of the Word
Children don't always understand the big words and big concepts in the Bible so that's why St. Sebastian's Children’s Liturgy of the Word is such a treasured ministry. Ken and Peggy Contrera have been involved with the Children's Liturgy of the Word ministry for about 15 years. To learn more about the Contrera's and their ministry download the pdf file (82KB).
Crisis Intervention
Three years ago, Father William Karg saw a need for a new ministry at St. Sebastian Church. The idea was to link parishioners in need to those with training and experience in counseling and social work. Betty Regan now leads this ministry. She has a background as a counselor, working in an inner city Cleveland-area Catholic High School and as a Guardian ad Litem in the Summit County Juvenile Court system. To learn more about Betty Regan and her ministry download the pdf (75KB).
Grounds Crew
The next time you walk into church, look around and take notice of the beautiful flowers, the well-manicured shrubs and the stately trees around St. Sebastian's. Thank God for these blessings, but also thank the Grounds Crew volunteers who give of their time to plant, weed, water and trim. Dan and Mary Jane McCorkle were involved with Habitat for Humanity when they were invited to begin a volunteer ministry to help keep up St. Sebastian's gardens and grounds. That was about 12 years ago. To learn more about the McCorkle's and their ministry download the pdf file (77KB).
HASA
A new school year presents a fresh start for every child, a chance to excel in the classroom, in sports and extra-curricular activities, and to grow in his or her faith. One way to show your support for the students and teachers of St. Sebastian School is to get involved in the St. Sebastian Home and School Association (HASA). "Through our many activities, HASA is a way to reinforce and complement the school's efforts and, basically, enhance the whole Catholic education experience," said Norma Horwitz, HASA president. To learn more about Norma Horwitz and her ministry download the pdf file (77KB).
Legion of Mary
Six women of the parish are committed to carrying on a tradition of prayer, service and devotion to the Blessed Mother that dates to 1921, Ireland. It was there that Frank Duff (1889-1980), a member of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, founded the Legion of Mary. Maralyn Yanko has been a St. Sebastian parishioner for 59 years and a member of the Legion of Mary for 30 years. To learn more about Maralyn Yanko and her ministry download the pdf file (83KB).
Music
For many parishioners, a highlight of each Mass is the beautiful music — the cantors, the choir and the instrumentalists who so enrich the liturgical experience. If you have thought about joining Music Ministry but worried about the level of talent required or the time commitment, Lynn Frey-Steward, director of music and organist, suggests you make a three-month commitment. "We never put anyone on the spot," she said. "We ask for volunteer soloists." To learn more about Lynn Frey and her ministry download the pdf file (79KB).
Parish School of Religion
Teachers, substitute teachers, classroom aides, office helpers and those willing to help with special events are a few of the volunteer opportunities available through St. Sebastian's Parish School of Religion (PSR). For the past four years, Linda Kilian has taught fifth grade PSR students about the sacraments. "I love seeing the children grow in their relationship with the Lord," said Linda. "My philosophy is that children should not just know about Him; they should know Him." To learn more about Linda Kilian and her ministry download the pdf (70KB).
Rankin Tutoring
It doesn't take much more than a love of children to get involved in tutoring at Rankin Technology School, which is located near the parish at 415 Storer Ave. For about 10 years, a dedicated group of St. Sebastian parishioners have been tutoring kindergarten through 5th graders at Rankin during the school year. "You can volunteer as much time as you wish," said Mary Loraditch, the program coordinator. "I volunteer two days a week for two hours." To learn more about Mary Loraditch and her ministry download the pdf (97KB).
RCIA
Each September, St. Sebastian Parish welcomes a new class of candidates and catechumens, who are beginning a lifelong journey in faith formation. The parish's Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) team needs volunteers to help them get off to a great start. RCIA is the formal program of education and self-discovery for individuals wishing to become Catholic. "We need volunteers to assist with hospitality and serve as facilitators of our discussions of the Word," said Elaine Fechko, pastoral minister. To learn more about Elaine Fechko and her ministry download the pdf (81KB).
Rectory Cooks
Amidst busy family life, it can seem, on some days, difficult to get dinner on the table for yourself and your family. But, a group of dedicated parishioners also make time once a month to cook a healthy meal for Father Karg and, oftentimes, other visiting priests. The 12-plus members of the rectory cooks team deliver ready-to-eat dinners to the rectory each Wednesday through Saturday by 4:30 p.m., said Kathy Holaday, who heads up the team. To learn more about Kathy Holaday and her ministry download the pdf (97KB).
Senior High Youth Ministry
Today's teens are busier than ever — with demanding school curriculums, sports, extracurricular activities and jobs. But, hopefully, they will make the commitment to stay connected to their church and grow in their faith. This is the role of St. Sebastian's Senior High Youth Ministry (SHYM), which has just kicked off a new season. "We try to have a balance of fun, social activities, service projects and our monthly meetings and meals," said Cathy Sivec, who leads the group with her husband, Harry, John and Cindy Kendrick and Pat and Ginny Morabito. To learn more about Cathy Sivec and her ministry download the pdf (84KB).
Servers
Each year about 25 fifth grade students answer the call to become servers. The students undergo training to "serve" Father Karg and visiting priests during Mass. Larry Furman joined St. Sebastian Parish in 1978 and has pretty much had the job of training servers since 1979. To learn more about Larry Furman and his ministry download the pdf (98KB).
Saint Vincent DePaul Society
Each Thursday night, the men and women who volunteer their time for the St. Vincent de Paul Society (SVDP) meet in Byrider Hall to discuss the requests for help they have received from individuals and families living in the parish boundaries. Many live in poverty and the society's gift of an Acme gift card may make the difference between having food on the table or not. So, the SVDP members understand the gravity of their decisions. "We begin and end each meeting with a prayer," said Jim Kranz, SVDP president. "We pray not only for the clients we serve but also for ourselves so that we may make good decisions and do our work as Jesus would." To learn more about Jim Kranz and his ministry download the pdf (73KB).
Web Team
For many Americans, the Internet has become an invaluable tool to get information, catch up on the news of the day, shop, pay bills, and communicate. Churches, too, know the value in having professional-looking websites, where prospective parishioners can learn more about the parish and current members can keep up with upcoming events. "Members of the team basically serve two functions — the technical side that includes setting up and maintaining the pages — and information gathering. We need people who can write and provide photographs of the various groups and events taking place in the parish," said Carol Seaman, the web team coordinator. To learn more about Carol Seaman and her ministry download the pdf (93KB).
Welcoming Committee
Do you remember the first Mass you attended at St. Sebastian? Did you feel welcome? Did a stranger say "Hello" and introduce himself or herself? How about last Sunday? Did you take the time to extend a hand, especially to an unfamiliar face? To large extent, all members of the parish serve on the "Welcoming Committee." But a small group of men and women on this committee take welcoming the next step. They want to be sure new parishioners feel connected and part of church community from their first visit forward. "I wanted to get involved with this ministry because I live outside of the church's geographic area – in Kenmore – and I knew I wouldn't be running into parishioners at Acme," says Virginia Scott who heads up the Welcoming Committee. To learn more about Virginia Scott and her ministry download the pdf (82KB).