Dear Members of Blessed Sacrament Parish,
I am so thrilled to be here as your new pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish. I have had a wonderful first few months here, and have fallen in love with our parish. I imagine that many of you have the same warm feelings about this your parish family, whether brand new like me or possibly here for a longer time. We truly feel the presence of the Holy Spirit here in our midst. It is my opportunity to invite you to participate in our parish's Annual Stewardship Appeal.
Our parish stewardship is built on the 4 pillars of Prayer, Hospitality, Faith Formation, and Service. With the coronavirus pandemic with which we have been dealing over the past 6+ months, our stewardship of time and talent to our parish looks much different. In an effort to keep others safe, many of our ministries have temporarily been put on hold.
Yet the good news is that we continue to celebrate public Mass, and we continue to livestream these liturgies online for those not quite ready to come back. So at this time I invite all of our parish families once again to renew your parish stewardship commitment. Please review the programs below, and ask the Lord where he might be inviting you to serve.
We ask that every parish household to please fill out and submit your form, even if you are simply renewing your commitment to your current ministries. Some of the ministries that are on "Co-Vid hold" we are hoping will come back to life when the pandemic passes. Please know of my great gratitude for your membership in and service to Blessed Sacrament Parish. All of you have done an amazing job of making this parish a wonderful place for myself and others to happily call HOME."
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr Tom
Parish Ministries
Adult Choir
Our choir sings at the 10:00 a.m. Mass from October through May. Practices are held on Thursday evenings from 7:30-9:00 p.m. New members are welcome.
Jim McDowell, 224-6778
Steve Buckman, 440-5225
Adult Servers
Adults are most welcome to serve, as well as parents with their children. Training sessions are held when necessary.
Deacon Terry Ellerman, 222-2759
Arts and Chuch Environment
A group designated for volunteers interested in helping decorate the Church for special events and holidays.
Linda Holthaus, 316-0672
Cantors and Musicians
We need people to lead the singing at our 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. Masses. There is a rotation among those who offer their services.
Jim McDowell, 224-6778
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
Children from Kindergarten through 5th grade are invited to be dismissed with a catechist after the Opening Prayer to experience their own Liturgy of the Word with readings and the Gospel from the Children’s Lectionary. There is a rotation among the volunteer adults who lead the experience each week.
Jamie McDowell, 653-3948
Children’s Liturgy of the Word Helper
6th through 8th grade students help the catechist explain the readings and Gospel from the Children’s Lectionary. There is a rotation among the junior high students each week.
Jamie McDowell, 653-3948
Communion Ministers
These ministers are needed to serve at all Masses, as well as taking communion to the Homebound, Parish Masses and Sunset Home on Sunday mornings.
Mike Grant, 617-0879 (Mass)
Brad Morrison, 224-3746 (Homebound)
Laura Goodwin, 228-0386 (Sunset Home)
Funeral Choir
This choir sings at all our funerals and welcomes new members.
Jim McDowell, 224-6778
Funeral Mass Ministries
Adult volunteers fill the ministries of Mass server, Lector, Communion minister, etc., at parish funerals.
Parish Office, 222-2759
Gift Bearers
At each Mass the gifts of Bread and Wine are brought to the altar. Those volunteering are placed on a schedule at a Mass that is convenient for them.
Parish Office, 222-2759
Greeters
Individuals and families welcome people at each entrance of the church at weekend Masses. Those volunteering are placed on a schedule at a Mass that is convenient for them.
Deacon Terry Ellerman, 222-2759
Lectors
Parishioners proclaim the Word of God at all Masses. Training is provided as needed. Those volunteering are placed on a schedule at a Mass that is convenient for them.
Jill Kelly, 257-6389
Lighting the Vocation Candle
This is an opportunity for parishioners / individuals / families to come forward at one of the three Masses on a weekend to receive a blessing for their vocation as a marriage/family/single life.
Parish Office, 222-2759
Ministry of Praise
The homebound or other parishioners offer prayers for the parish. Participants are commissioned, given a cross, a book of prayers and a list of monthly intentions.
Parish Office, 222-2759
Parishioners Pray the Rosary
“Parishioners pray the Rosary for the parish family several times a week online on Facebook.” Contact: Parish Office
Parish Office, 222-2759
Prayer Chain
Members of our parish pray for the special needs of other parishioners. One telephone call begins the involvement of all those in the prayer chain.
Carol Price, 223-8881
Sacred Heart League
Members choose a day each month to attend Mass in honor of the Sacred Heart. They gather for a Valentine’s Party in February and on the Feast of the Sacred Heart during June for Mass, breakfast, and a morning of prayer. New members are always welcome.
Joyce Peters, 223-8051
Ushers
Men, women, and families are involved in this ministry at each Mass on the weekend. Those volunteering are placed on a schedule at a Mass that is convenient for them.
Ron Kelly, 242-5637
Wiggly Worshipers
Children from 3-5 years of age are invited to be dismissed with a catechist after the Opening Prayer to experience their own Liturgy of the Word for their age group. They learn about God in different ways: music, coloring, discussing. The Gospel message is designed age appropriate for them.
Mike & Mandy Young, 740-6632
Baptism Preparation
Baptismal sessions are offered quarterly for expectant or new parents to help them understand their role as Christian parents and prepare them for their child’s baptism. Teams of parishioners have a rotating schedule for facilitating sessions.
Parish Office, 222-2759
Bible Study—Daytime/Evening
Seasonal, thematic, or other types of Bible Study are offered in 6-8 week or longer programs. Facilitators are needed to lead sessions.
Ann Gage, 222-2759
Marriage Preparation
Couples assist in preparing engaged couples for the sacrament of marriage through preparation sessions that take place within the year of marriage.
Mike & Mandy Young, 617-6632
Marriage Tribunal Advocate
Trained advocates guide persons who have experienced divorce through the process of requesting an annulment by helping them complete the required paperwork.
Ann Gage, 257-4392
Deacon Terry Ellerman, 222-2759
PSR Aide
Aides are needed to assist the catechists in the classroom with projects and activities during Monday evening PSR classes.
Ginny Steinkamp, 222-2759
PSR Catechist
Catechists play an important role in imparting our Catholic faith to our children. Catechists are needed for religious education classes on Monday nights from 6:45-8:00 p.m. from September through April.
Ginny Steinkamp, 222-2759
RCIA adapted for Children
Adult volunteers facilitate a process for children and teens who have not been baptized or whose parents are in the RCIA to prepare them for initiation sacraments.
Doris Ann Dolan, 257-9981
RCIA Sponsor
People wishing to become Catholic are assigned sponsors who accompany them on their faith journey. Those who volunteer to be sponsors attend sessions and help incorporate those in the process into parish life.
Ginny Steinkamp, 222-2759
Ann Gage, 257-4392
RCIA Team
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a process for people interested in joining the Catholic Church or completing their initiation through Confirmation and/or Eucharist. Sessions are held weekly and continue until the appropriate initiation rites are celebrated and the newly baptized and newly received are integrated into the life of the parish. Team members facilitate sessions and guide participants through the process
Ginny Steinkamp, 222-2759
Ann Gage, 257-4392
Quincy Spirit (Special People in Religious Instruction Today)
This group for the mentally challenged of the Quincy and surrounding area parishes meets every other Tuesday evening from September through May. Volunteers are needed to serve as teachers and helpers to provide one-on-one help to participants with lessons and activities.
Jim & Donna Vogel, 779-3290 or 592-6325
Scouting
Boy Scout groups are available to foster physical, emotional, and spiritual development, as well as citizenship, teamwork, responsibility and leadership in our young people. Adult leaders and helpers are needed to support the programs and activities offered.
Cub Scouts: Marsha Collins, 430-2828
Boy Scouts: Joe Henning, 222-6247
Bruce Venvertloh, 242-9451
Small Faith Sharing Groups
These groups offer a concrete approach to help adults deepen their Catholic faith and connect its teachings to their every day lives. The groups meet at different times in the week, so you can get a time that fits your schedule.
Ginny Steinkamp, 222-2759
Spanish Ministry
Mass is spoken in Spanish on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month.
Fr Tom or Ginny Steinkamp 222-2759
Student Mentor Program
Adult volunteers are needed during the school day to spend time with students creating positive relationships by helping with schoolwork and social interaction.
Christie Bliven, 228-1477
Vacation Bible School
For one week in June, Vacation Bible School teaches our children about their faith in a fun, activity filled atmosphere. We need adult and student volunteers to lead small groups, prepare food, help with crafts, games, and music.
Amber Hendrian, 316-1591
Child Care for Meetings
So that more adults can participate in meetings, programs and preparation sessions for sacraments, child care is made available. Adult and teenage volunteers are needed.
Parish Office, 222-2759
Circle of Caring
This ministry provides a variety of types of assistance to those in times of crisis or following a hospitalization, birth of a child, etc. Services may include providing meals for several days, running errands, taking care of household chores, transportation, etc. Parishioners may serve on the Planning Committee or volunteer for a particular type of a service.
Linda Hinkamper, 223-4159
Council of Catholic Women
All women of the parish are encouraged to become involved in the CCW. Gatherings are held four times a year. Help is needed with activities and fundraising for parish needs.
Sally Kroner, 222-2759
Fellowship and Refreshments
Fellowship and Refreshments: Volunteers are needed to make coffee, serve and clean up after 10 a.m. Mass. On the first Sunday of the month donuts will need to be ordered and picked up. The second, third and fourth Sunday of the month, refreshments will be provided.
Sally Kroner 222-2759
Food and Snacks
There are a number of parish and youth activities when snacks, cookies, and cupcakes are needed. We need volunteers to provide these items throughout the year.
Parish Office, 222-2759
Funeral Luncheon
Following a funeral, the family and those attending the funeral are welcome to a luncheon provided by the parish. Volunteers are needed to prepare food and to coordinate and serve the meal.
Sharolyn Rice, 653-3834
Jill Kelly, 257-6389
Lazarus Team
Volunteer teams meet with families when a death occurs to help plan the funeral liturgy. Teams rotate on a monthly schedule.
Sally Kroner, 222-2759
Men’s Group
A Men’s group for all adult aged men of Blessed Sacrament Parish. This group is being formed as a way for all men of the Parish to be able to come together as men in fellowship, to share life in a common fashion, to grow in spirituality and to help support the parish of Blessed Sacrament in all facets.
Ed Holthaus, 430-9536
Moms’ Group
This group for Moms with any age children meets quarterly for a mom’s night out to dinner at varying restaurants. This is a great chance to connect with other Moms, from the school and parish. Follow Blessed Sacrament moms’ group on Facebook for more info.
Kailee Niemann Flesch, 617-6536
Parish Garden
For anyone who would like to participate in having a garden plot on the church grounds. You will have a plot 4 ft. by 15 ft. to plant and keep what produce you want and share the extra with parish members, neighbors and other local food pantries.
Ken Grawe 740-3851
Building and Grounds Committee
Carpenters, Electricians, Plumbers, and Volunteers assess needs, develop plans, and facilitate projects to maintain, repair, and enhance the parish buildings and equipment.
Mike Grant, 617-0879
Church Cleaning
Teams of volunteers are needed to assist in this ministry of cleaning our beautiful church. Teams rotate, taking one weekend a month. Voulunteers are also needed to sanitize after each Mass and special event.
Dan Meade, 223-5117
Collection Counters
Teams are formed for counting the collection on Sunday morning. This is from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. Teams serve each month on a certain Sunday.
Jeanette Schinderling, 779-4901
Holiday Bazaar
This annual event is held the first weekend in December. Volunteers are needed to make craft items throughout the year, and to help set up, work at, and tear down after the bazaar.
Anna Marie Bentele, 222-1525
Mark Lawrence, 242-6995
Education Council
This group advises and collaborates with the Pastor on the needs of the parish grade school in areas of excellence in spiritual, academic and financial concerns. They meet on the second Wednesday of the month from 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Christie Bliven, 228-1477
Finance Council
This council advises and collaborates with the Pastor on the physical needs of the parish, the parish budget and any major expenses. They are appointed by the pastor and meet on the last Friday of the month at 12:30 p.m.
Michelle Miller, 440-6690
Landscaping Committee
The Landscaping Committee will develop and maintain the Parish landscaping and grounds, ensuring that they are aesthetically designed, well cared for, and safe.
Mary Kay Brown, 222-8263
Liturgy Committee
The Liturgy Committee plans, evaluates, and coordinates the integral components of our parish liturgies. Membership consists of chairs
Jill Kelly, 257-6389
Minute Men
Volunteers come each Monday morning to help with ongoing maintenance and also assist with special projects from time to time.
Bob Bergman, 257-9982
Pancake Breakfast
In early spring the Annual Pancake & Sausage Breakfast is held on a Sunday morning. Volunteers are needed to help prepare the night before and cook and serve on Sunday.
Russ Hinkamper, 440-4132
Aaron Kerkoff, 316-9203
Parish Mission in Haiti
Our parish helps support St. Antoine’s Parish in Haiti. A team of volunteers plan projects, fundraisers and trips to Haiti.
Parish Office, 222-2759
Pastoral Council
This council collaborates with the Pastor on the spiritual growth of the parish. They plan retreats, adult formation, adapting changes in the liturgy and providing workshops for special needs. Members are from the parish family. This council meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m.
Joe Bordewick, 617-8937
Pastor’s Cabinet
“The Pastor’s Cabinet" is an advisory committee to the Pastor who assist in the overall mission of the Parish and School. Membership consists of parish staff members and chairs of the main advisory committees of the parish and school.
Fr. Tom, 222-2759
St. Vincent de Paul
Parishioners meet monthly on the first Wednesday in the lower level of the Parish Office. They provide assistance to people in need and provide for parishioners who are having a difficult time.
Dennis Klues, 223-2023
Septemberfest
This parish picnic is held during the month of September and includes food, games for children and adults, raffles, and music. Many volunteers are needed to plan and work at the event.
Greg Wittland, 430-8001
Stewardship Council
This group works to implement a stewardship way of life in the parish. The group organizes and executes an annual stewardship renewal in October. They meet the last Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m.
Amber Hendrian, 316-1591
Volunteers for Parish Office
Periodically we need people to answer the phone and door, or assist with mailings, typing, copying and other projects.
Sally Kroner, 222-2759