The Pastoral Council assists the pastor to “foster the pastoral activity of the parish”. Pastoral Council members are elected by the parish and provide advice, guidance, consultation and assistance in close collaboration with the pastor to care for the needs of the parish as a whole and of all the members of the parish individually. The Pastoral Council helps the pastor to plan for the present as well as the future needs of the parish, as good planning is critical to the growth and vitality of the community. The members of the Pastoral Council are called to be engaged in the community and in their own life of faith in order that they can provide good assistance to the pastor and help the pastor be aware of the ideas, opinions and needs of the other members of the parish community.
The Finance Council serves as an advisory body to the Pastor and the Pastoral Council regarding the administration and stewardship of human resources, parish facilities including the maintenance of the parish properties, and the parish finances including the annual budget and long range financial development. The Finance Council is responsible for planning, providing for, and supervising the financial affairs of the physical properties of the parish.
Buildings & Grounds – Maintaining our physical properties is a big job. We are always in need of people who are able and willing to help fix, repair, update and improve our buildings and grounds.
Money Counters – Are you willing to give an hour and a half of your time once a month? Money counters are assigned one Sunday per month to count the collection from all masses. Volunteers meet after 8:30 mass to begin counting and finish around 11:00 collection. Training is provided and it is as simple as using an adding machine and enjoying some conversation with a fellow parishioner while you count.
Liturgical ministry is an essential part of the Church’s worship and the life of our parish. It serves the flow of liturgical prayer. It adds beauty and sacredness to the way people pray. This committee, through song and worship, endeavors to enliven God’s Word among us and immerse believers into the mystery of God.
Our committee meets once a month on the second Thursday working with our pastor to plan and prepare for our various liturgical celebrations.The Liturgy Committee will provide the necessary training and support to get you started. We will continue to help you with ongoing support. Your gifts and talents are needed!
The Liturgy Committee invites you to use your gifts to participate in one of the following liturgical ministries:
Lectors: proclaiming the readings at Mass
Altar Servers: assisting the priest in celebrating the Mass
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: distributing the eucharist at Mass
Ushers: assisting people to find seats and taking up the collection at Mass
Greeters: joyfully welcoming everyone to our celebration of the Mass
Environment: beautifully decorating the church
The Faith Formation Commission works with Darby Callahan, the Director of Evangelization, and the parish community in a manner inspired by and in response to the gospel message of Jesus Christ. The Commission is responsible for developing, implementing and evaluating a comprehensive catechetical plan that supports the six tasks of catechists: knowledge of the faith; liturgical and moral formation; prayer; education for community life; and missionary service.
“Where two or more are gathered” is what Parish Life is all about. Sometimes we come together for one hour a week and then we go about our busy lives forgetting that we have to nurture the parish community that we belong to in order to see it grow.
Volunteers are needed to welcome new members, offer hospitality, visit the elderly or simply help plan and participate in parish activities to help build and strengthen our community. “Jesus does not say that he will be found in solitude. Rather Jesus will be found in the midst of believers who gather together to build communities of faith.”
Our faith calls us to care for all people, but like Jesus we have a special love for those who are poor or in need. Our committee strives to find ways to minister to the needy in many areas. We sponsor a “Food on the First” collection which is distributed to local charities. We sponsor the “Jail and Prison Ministry” to assist those trying to reform their lives. And we provide many other services as well. If you feel called to share what you have with those who don’t have please join us in serving others!
A good steward recognizes the gifts that he/she has been given and uses those gifts in the best way possible. All of us as disciples of Jesus are called to be good stewards of the gifts God has given us in order to give greater glory to God and serve those around us. Our committee is dedicated to helping our parish recognize the talents and gifts we have been given and making use of them in God’s service. If you are someone who is grateful to God for what you have and would like to help the other members of our parish respond generously to God’s invitation to service we invite you to join us!
Members develop ideas & create crafts to be sold at Parish fundraisers — Fall Festival, Christmas & Spring craft fairs. No artistic talent is required — there are jobs for anyone interested. It is not necessary to attend all meetings. Come & go as you please & enjoy some fun time with fellow parishioners.
The goal of the Garden Club is “to improve the appearance of the church and school grounds, create outdoor rooms and make the grounds welcoming”. We host an annual plant sale, as well, to provide funds to purchase additional plantings.
Holy Name is the parish men’s group. If you are a man and a member of the parish you belong! We organize a couple of events during the year to provide fellowship within the parish as well as raise funds to help support the parish.
The Rosary Society is the parish women’s organization. We help sponsor various social activities in the parish throughout the year. If you are someone who likes to work with other people and help organize events we invite you to join us!
Knights of Columbus was founded so that men could work together to serve their parishes and communities. Men have the opportunity to grow in their faith through service to God and community, and by living the example of what it means to practice good works. The Knights of La Motte-St. Joseph Key West, Council #4236 seek to grow in faith and fraternity. We organize fundraisers throughout the year to help support the parish as well as local charities and community members in need right here in Dubuque and Jackson County.