Ministries
My dear parishioners,
God has been so good to us! He has graciously poured His love into each of our hearts; he has blessed us with gifts and talents that shine forth in all that we do. In response to this graciousness, we are prompted to ask: "How can I repay the Lord for all the great good done for me." (Ps 116:12) We repay the Lord by giving back; we repay Him by using our gifts and talents to build up His kingdom here on earth.
In our case, the Kingdom of God is made present right here at St. Catherine of Siena, where hundreds of people give of themselves in many ways to create a dynamic community rooted in the love of Jesus Christ. I am humbled and thankful for everyone who ministers along with me in this community of faith; for those of you looking for your place in ministry at St. Catherine, I pray that this website will help you find a way to love and serve the Lord.
Yes, God has been so good to us. He walked among us in the flesh and issued an invitation: "Come, follow me." St. Catherine's many ministries offer you the opportunity to do just that.
Rev. Eugene F. Jacques, Pastor
Liturgical Ministries
School
Our Parish School is one of our most important ministries. CLICK FOR MOR
Liturgy Committee
Patricia Fitzpatrick: pfitzpatrickrd@abcglobal.net 504-888-1474
The Liturgy Committee plans and coordinates all parish liturgies. Using the liturgical documents of the Church, the approved guidelines of the Archdiocese and with the guidance of the Pastor, the Liturgy Committee promotes liturgical awareness and formation in the parish so that all members of the congregation are led to a full, conscious and active participation in the liturgy. The Committee meets monthly on Mondays in the Parish Center.
Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist
Fr. Gene Jacques: frgene@archdiocese-no.org 504-666-1744
Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist are those individuals who are called to assist with the distribution of the Body and Blood of Christ at daily and weekend Masses. Individuals must be Confirmed and trained for this ministry.
Rosary Altar Society
Lovey Smith mjnl37@yahoo.com 504-833-6231
The Rosary Altar Society enhances the liturgies by maintaining the Sacristy and Sanctuary as well as vestments, sacred vessels, floral arrangements and other liturgical decorations.
Altar Servers
Michelle Legrand michelelewl@cox.net 504-837-3653
Altar Servers is a ministry for boys and girls who have completed the 4th grade. The Altar Servers are assembled into teams of four and are trained to assist at parish liturgies.
Music Ministry
Stephanie Dureau Sdureau@bellsouth.net 504-858-3322
The St. Catherine of Siena Music Ministry provides music for liturgies and special events in the parish. The Music Ministry consists of two adult choirs, solo cantors and a number of instrumentalists. Participation is open to all parishioners who wish to share their singing or instrument-playing talents. Prior musical experience is helpful but not necessary. The choir for the 4 pm Vigil Mass rehearses on Tuesday nights at 7 pm, and the choir for the Sunday 11 am Mass rehearses prior to Mass at 10:15 am. Come help "Make a Joyful Noise unto the Lord."
Ushers
Georges Legrand glegrand@mblb.com 504-832-0003
Ushers are ministers of hospitality who assist with welcoming people, taking up collections during the weekend masses and directing the flow of traffic during the liturgical services.
Readers
Fr. Gene Jacques frgene@archdiocese-no.org 504-666-1744
Readers are individuals who are trained to proclaim the Word of the Lord at daily and Sunday Mass.
Greeters
Elfriede Vahrenhorst-Fleming Deutscheselfie4@yaoo.com 504-837-1031
Greeters are parishioners who are willing to come early to weekend Masses to greet parishioners and visitors at the doors of the Church.
Sacramental Preparation
It is the policy of the Archdiocese that all children receiving the sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation attend two full years of religious education classes in CCD or Catholic School before the immediate preparation for the sacrament. Preparation is handled in the church parish not by the Catholic School. Please note that all children in 1st through 12th grade should attend Religious Education classes either in the church parish or in a Catholic school. The Archdiocese recognizes no other programs or schools for preparing your child's Religious Faith formation.
The Sacrament of Baptism - Welcome to our family. Baptism is celebrated on the 2Nd Sunday (during 9:00 am mass) and 4th Sunday (during the 11:00am mass) of the month. Parents should contact the priest after mass for baptismal forms and information. Parents are asked to attend a baptismal seminar for their first child to help them prepare for their child's baptism.
Holy Eucharist - The celebration of the Eucharist is the heart of the Christian communion. When we eat the broken Bread, we unite ourselves with the love of Jesus, who gave his body for us on the wood of the Cross. Reconciliation and Eucharist are usually prepared for in the second grade at St. Catherine of Siena School or through the parish CCD classes. All are invited to attend the celebration of the Holy Eucharist at daily and weekend masses.
The Sacrament of Confirmation - Sealed with the Holy Spirit. Confirmation is celebrated once a year by a visiting bishop. Teens in their junior year in high school are eligible to prepare for this Sacrament. Confirmation classes are held on Sunday evenings. Adult confirmation is offered yearly at the Cathedral. Contact Fr Gene for more information on adult confirmation.
The Sacrament of Matrimony - United in Christ. An appointment should be made with one of our priests at least six months prior to the date of the wedding to begin the preparation process and to confirm the availability of the Church.
The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick - Receiving God's Healing. This Sacrament is celebrated yearly as a parish community. Contact the parish priests should this Sacrament be needed by an individual.
Sacrament of Holy Orders - Serving the Kingdom. Parishioners are asked to pray that our parish be blessed with continued vocations to the priesthood and religious life. The priests of St Catherine would be honored to speak to anyone who believes that they may have a call to the vocations of religious life.
Christian Burial - Our final Blessing. When a loved one passes away in Christ, please contact one of our priests as soon as possible. It is the desire of the Church that the Final Mass of Resurrection be celebrated in the Church like all other Sacraments.
RCIA - The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
Kurt Garcia: kurtgarcia@gmail.com 504-957-7100
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is designed for adults who wish to become full members of the Catholic Church. RCIA is a process of spiritual enrichment and growth preparing un-baptized adults for Baptism and for other sacraments. It is also for candidates who have been baptized (Catholic and non Catholic) but have not received other sacraments or wish to learn more about their Catholic faith. The process begins in September and continues through Holy Week.
St. Catherine of Siena Catholic School
St. Catherine of Siena School provides educational classes beginning with a three year program through seventh grade. St. Catherine of Siena School provides a learning community of faith that shapes the souls and hearts of students to know God, to see their own goodness, and to have respect for all God's creation. The school website is scsgators.org. The school office number is 831-1166.
School Co-operative Club (Co-Op)
Lisa Carbo carbojr2@yahoo.com 504-828-5881
Mary Beth Arruebarrena maryarr@cox.net 504-834-8857
The Cooperative Club a volunteer organization of women, who are mothers of students of St. Catherine of Siena School, whose purpose is to support the school administration, faculty and parish by uniting ourselves, combining our efforts and pooling our resources in the interest and cause of the education of our children. Co-Op meeting occur every other month in the Barrett complex.
St. Catherine of Siena Men's Club
Richard Haffner rjhaffner@yahoo.com 504-583-4349
The St. Catherine of Siena Men's Club provides social and service opportunities for all men of the parish. Members do work projects in the school and church, volunteer to coach sports teams, coordinate the summer sports program, and assist with the Parish fair. The club contributes financial support for the church and school. The motto of the St. Catherine of Siena Men's Club is "We work hard. We pray hard. We play hard."
Adult Spiritual Formation
FAMILIA
Sheryl Nusloch cocoloch@cox.net
Familia is a program for young mothers who want to grow deeper in their vocation as wives and mothers. Familia will give moms the opportunity to grow in faith and to enrich the faith of their families. Moms will also gain insights on how to instill solid values and virtues in their children. Each session includes a reflection on the upcoming Sunday Gospel, teachings from the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the writings of Pope John Paul II as they relate to marriage and family. Familia begins in the Fall and sessions continue throughout the school year.
Holy Name Society
The Holy Name Society encourages men and women in reception of the Eucharist and reverence for the Holy Name of Jesus. The Holy Name Society co-sponsors the Radio rosary recitation on WVOG-AM and meets monthly. Please contact the parish office for more information.
Adoration Chapel (Chapel of the Holy Innocents)
Mary Jeandron maryms777@aol.com 504-887-3063
Eucharistic adoration is an expression of our love for Jesus, who loves us so much that He never wants to leave us and so stays with us day and night in the Blessed Sacrament. The Chapel of the Holy Innocents is located in the bell tower of the St. Catherine of Siena Church. The Adoration Chapel is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Committed adorers need only to commit to one hour a week in the presence of our Lord.
Prayer Line
Yvonne & Carl Hellmers yhellmers@yahoo.com 504-833-1197
The St. Catherine of Siena Prayer Line is a group of committed parishioners who network to pray for needs which are called in to the prayer line.
Youthful Elders
Roy & Shelley Richardson roy2215@cox.net 504-872-9524
The Youthful Elders is a group of parishioners, over the age of fifty-five, who meet regularly and participate in social and spiritual activities. The group meets on the third Thursday of each month, at one o'clock, in the Melancon Center for a brief business meeting followed by a social with refreshments and bingo. The Club plans and organizes other monthly activities around town. Membership dues are $10 annually for singles and $15 for married couples. Parishioners from other churches are welcome to join.
Family Life Committee
Carol Rooney carolbrooney@aol.com 504-835-1909
Robert Rooney robmrooney@aol.com 504-835-1909
The Family Life Committee currently organizes the following events: The Parish Picnic, Supper and Substance, Anniversary Celebration and the Parish Pool Party. The goal of the Family Life Committee is to support the Domestic Church through strengthening the Sacrament of Marriage and encouraging fellowship among parishioners.
Legion of Mary
Dunbar Argote d.argote@adgst.com 504-338-5500
The Legion of Mary is a worldwide organization in which Catholic men and women sanctify themselves through prayer and spiritual work in union with Our Lady under the guidance of the clergy. Members visit the sick and homebound, attend funerals to pray the rosary with family members and initiate meetings with new members of the parish. The Legion meets every Tuesday at 5:30 pm to pray the rosary and discuss the week''s activities.
Rosary Prayer Groups
There are many opportunities to join in praying of the rosary as a group. All parishioners are invited to join. The Holy Name Society participates in the rosary for WVOG-AM. The Altar Society meets at 8:30 am prior to weekday mass in the Church. The rosary is also recited at noon on Wednesdays in the Adoration Chapel and with the Legion of Mary on Tuesdays at 5:30pm.
Adult Scripture Study (Bible Study)
Evening scripture study
Mary Jeandron maryms777@aol.com 504-887-3063
Morning scripture study
Carol Rooney carolbrooney@aol.com 504-835-1909
The St. Catherine of Siena Adult Scripture Study program combines personal Bible reading, Catholic study books and programs. The scripture study is designed to help parishioners deepen their faith and make a real connection between faith and everyday life. Currently, classes run weekly from September through April. Summer short classes are also available.
Lord Teach Me to Pray
Karen Babbitt karenrbabbitt@gmail.com
Lord, Teach Me to Pray is a three-part Ignatian prayer series developed to meet the desire for on-going spiritual growth; for an appropriate response to the call to holiness; and for a deeper commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord. In facilitated faith-sharing prayer communities, the Lord, himself, teaches us to pray. This program is facilitated in a group setting, meets for 2 hours once a week, and requires daily prayer on assigned scriptures. There are 3 Parts: Part I - Christian Virtues (12 weeks), Part 2 - My 19th Annotation (30 weeks), and Part 3 - Discernment & Gifts of the Spirit (14 weeks).
Novenas and other Liturgical Activities
Divine Mercy Novena
Given to us by Jesus to St Faustina, the Divine Mercy Novena begins on April 6, 2012 and ends on April 14, 2012.
Devotion to the Two Hearts
Devotion to the Two Hearts consists in two forms of offering: consecration and reparation. Consecration means to belong to the Heart of Mary and to take it as a sure path to belong, live, love and serve the Heart of Jesus. Reparation is the act of atoning for sins and outrages committed. The Communion of Reparation consists in the praying and meditating of the mysteries of the Rosary; sacramental confession, which brings God's forgiveness for our sins; Holy Communion which unites us with Christ; and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament which prolongs this union with Christ. Devotion to the Two Hearts is June 15, 2012 and June 16, 2012.
Novena to the Holy Spirit
The Novena in honor of the Holy Spirit is addressed to the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity, it is a powerful plea for the light and strength and love so sorely needed by every Christian. This Novena begins on the Friday, May 19, 2012 and ends on the on the vigil of Pentecost, May 27, 2012.
Christian Service
Respect Life Committee
Stephanie Hellmers Hellm3@aol.com 504-495-6964
Every individual is created by a loving God in His own image. From the beginning, each life is a part of God's perfect plan. The goal of the Respect Life Committee is to proclaim a consistent ethic of the sanctity of human life, from the moment of conception to natural death. This is done through prayer, education, and service.
St. Vincent de Paul Society
Ken Krey Kkrey345@yahoo.com 504-289-2465
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is an international Catholic organization of lay persons who provide assistance to persons in need. This ministry encompasses every form of aid that alleviates suffering and serves everyone regardless of church affiliation. The Society meets the first Tuesday of every month.
Meals on Wheels
Missie Warwick Mwarwick1@aol.com 504-909-0691
Meals on Wheels are a service organization whose members deliver meals to the elderly. Meals on Wheels operate under the St. Catherine of Siena St Vincent de Paul Society. Meals are picked up at the Metairie Senior Citizens Center and delivered to those members who are registered with the Jefferson Parish Council on Aging.
Knights of Columbus
Ken Krey Kkrey345@yahoo.com 504-289-2465
St. Catherine of Siena Council #12686 is a local chapter of the international organization of Catholic men who wish to exhibit and live their faith through service to the parish and larger community. The Knights of Columbus was founded on the principals of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. The Chapter meets monthly.
Home Bound Visitation
Genny Marks emarks6@cox.net 504-835-5347
The Home bound visitation ministry is to offer the Eucharist, on a weekly basis, to any parishioner who, for an extended period of time, is unable to regularly attend Mass. As part of this ministry you must also be an Extraordinary Eucharistic Minister.
Ministry Fair Committee
Carol Pfister pfister.carol@yahoo.com 504-858-2236
The members of the Ministry Fair committee are a group of community minded individual who wish to promote the various ministries of the parish. The group meets periodically to prepare an annual ministry booklet for members of the parish and hold an annual ministry fair to encourage parishioners to become more knowledgeable and involved in all the ministries.
Youth Formation
Religious Education (CCD)
Fr Albert Villosillo fralbert@stcatherineparish.com 702-556-5104
Religious education is provided for young people from Kindergarten through high school. Families must be registered parishioners of St. Catherine of Siena. Classes are eld on Sunday mornings from 10:00 to 11:00 am in the school.
Cub Scouts
John Quaglino jquaglino@cox.net 504-621-3002
Cub Scouting at St. Catherine of Siena is for boys in the 1st through 5th grades. Fun filed pack activities evolve around learning, personal growth, achievement and camaraderie. Involvement of the whole family is emphasized with activities such as overnight camping trips, Pinewood Derby Races, Family Picnic and Achievement and Award Celebrations. The pack is divided into individual Dens, typically with 6 - 12 in the same group. Den activities include rank advancement and achievements, crafts, games, field trips and fun. Pack meetings are held monthly in the Barrett Complex. Den meetings are determined by the individual dens.
Boy Scouts
Bryan Roser Bryan.roser@capitalonebank.com
Boy Scouts provides a program for young men ages 11-18 that builds character, trains them in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and develops personal fitness. Scouts learn camping, cooking, nature, First Aid, citizenship and leadership skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. Boy Scouts participate in activities such as: camping, hiking, backpacking, canoeing, white-water rafting, horseback riding, and civic projects. The troop meets every Sunday night in the Cafeteria.
Girl Scouts
Sandy Castellanos castellanos@executonesystems.com 504-909-2197
Mary L Marix mmarix@earthlink.net 504-488-4286
Girls Scouting begins with Daisy Troops (Kindergarten and 1st grade) followed by Brownies (2nd & 3rd grade) Junior Girl Scouts (4th and 5th grade) Cadets (6th through 8th grade) Senior Girl Scouts (9th and 10th grade) and Ambassadors (11th and 12th grade). Each level of scouting provides fun, age appropriate activities and promotes good character, community service and leadership.
K4J (Kids for Jesus)
Ann Stevens annstevens07@gmail.com 504-835-2005
Gretchen Bel gsbel@msn.com 504-554-1629
Lisa Cates lisabcates@att.net 504-234-4945
K4J (Kids for Jesus), is a Catholic Virtue Program offered in our parish for families of young children. Among the many K4J activities, are monthly K4J club meetings, an Advent "Bless the Baby Jesus Celebration" and a summer K4J Vacation Bible School, held in June. The goal of K4J is to help parents join together with like-minded families, who want to grow in their Catholic faith, while strengthening character and virtue formation with their children. Children from the ages of PreK- 4th grade form clubs and meet once a month with parents who are club leaders. New clubs are forming now for the fall.
Junior CYO
Jennifer Sclafani jsclafani@scsgators.org The Junior CYO provides physical, emotional, and spiritual growth through service projects and social activities. The junior CYO is open to all children in the 6th and 7th grade but must be a registered member of the St. Catherine of Siena Junior CYO to attend activities. Registration is held in the Fall.
Senior CYO
Gail Adams st.catherinecyo@yahoo.com 985-264-3419 The Sr. CYO is open to all 8th thru 12th grade students. Meetings will be at least once a month for faith, fun, and friendship to support each other and the parish community as Catholic teens. The Senior CYO is a group of teens, young adults and volunteer advisors that provide opportunities for all to participate in their faith, serve the local community, develop leadership skills, make new friends and reinforce friendships through social interaction.
Finance and Operations
Finance Council
Don Wheat dwheat@rebow.com 504-621-6731
The Finance Council is a group of parishioners who advise the Pastor in the financial administration of the parish. The Finance Council prepares and oversees the annual parish budget and assists in the effort to be good and responsible stewards of God's many gifts. Members of the Finance Council are appointed by the pastor and meet monthly.
Pastoral Advisory Council
Thomas Barbier les@stcatherineparish.com
The Archdiocese of New Orleans requires every parish to have a committee of parishioners who advise the Pastor. The Pastoral Council is comprised of elected and appointed parishioners who work with the Pastor to help set direction, goals, and policy of the parish while keeping the overall pastoral needs of the parishioners in mind.
Parish Fair
Amy Smith amysmith418@me.com 504-913-3174
Missy Martin missy@prieurprop.com 504-834-9983
The Parish Fair is a parish wide festival held annually on the 3rd weekend of October in the School yard. It is an opportunity for all organizations to join together in the spirit of community. The proceeds of the parish fair benefit both the church and school.