Holy Family Parish

             Welcome to Holy Family Parish in Poland, Ohio.  Whether you are new to our parish community or have been a parishioner for some time, I invite you to share your gifts of time, talent and treasure with your fellow parishioners and with the wider community.  As good stewards of God’s creation and of His many gifts to us, each of us is called to continue the mission of Jesus in our lives of prayer, worship and service.

            This page has been designed to help you understand the committees and ministries that are available here at Holy Family.  With the listing of each committee/ministry you will find the name and contact information for the person in charge.  As well, there is a brief description of the activities that are part of the life of each committee/ministry.  Please prayerfully consider giving of your time, talent and treasure as you choose which committee/ministry you may be interested in being a part of.  This booklet is a resource when you are in need of assistance for which the parish community may be of help.

             May God bless you and your families!

             Sincerely,

             Monsignor William J. Connell

             Pastor

 MINISTRY OF ALTAR SERVER

                                            Deacon Ray Hatala        330 757-1545

Holy Family Parish children are eligible to serve as Altar Server.  The ministry  is open to boys and girls 5th grade through high school.  All are required to attend training sessions  after which they are installed in the ministry.  They must be able to serve when scheduled.  Adult Servers are invited to minister at the 7:00 a.m. Weekday Mass and at the 7:30 a.m. Sunday Mass.

BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY

                                            Deacon Ray Hatala       330 757-1545

This ministry fulfills a very important need during a painful time in the life of a family.  People involved in this ministry provide assistance through visiting the funeral home during calling hours and presenting condolences as well as an expression of sympathy on behalf of the entire parish.  A follow-up of care and concern succeeds the funeral.  Members of this group are called upon on an as needed basis.

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP

                                            Evelyn Kovach     330 757-9572

This group is composed of people who have lost a loved one in the recent past, and are now working with others who have lost a loved one, to help and support each other through this difficult time.  Those who have recently lost a loved one are invited to join this group to discuss their loss and the affect it is having in his or her life.  The group meets every 2nd Monday of the month at 6:00 p.m. at the Emmaus House by appointment only.

CATHOLIC CONNECTION                

                                           Barb Zorn        330 503-3880

A number of area parishes collaborate on adult faith formation opportunities including the DINNER AND DOCTRINE  series and FIRST FRIDAY.  We meet to share a meal and hear a guest speaker on topics relating to our faith.  Check the bulletin for upcoming events.

 CELEBRATE                                      

                                          Jennifer Remick, CRE    330 757-1545

This awesome program is for high school juniors & seniors.  The youth are challenged to enhance their faith life through activities that promote spirituality, community, leadership, self-confidence and friendship.  A volunteer adult advisory team help to plan the CELEBRATE weekend with the high school seniors. 

CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD   9:00 & 11:00 am Masses

                                           Jason Gawaldo, DRE    330 757-1545

We welcome children in preschool through 4th grade to experience the readings on their level.  The preschool and kindergarten children meet in the brides room before Mass begins.  The 1st through 4th grade children are dismissed before the Liturgy of the Word to the Fr. Conley Chapel.  All of the children return to Mass before the Presentation of the Gifts.  Parent volunteers are the leaders and are assisted by volunteer student aides.  Children’s Liturgy of the Word takes place during the school year (September to May).

CHRIST RENEWS HIS PARISH (CHRP)

                                           Men’s - Fr. Martin Celuch                   330 757-1545

                                           Women’s—Sr. Charlotte Italiano        330 757-2964

The Christ Renews His Parish program contributes to the vitality of Holy Family Parish and the spiritual growth of its parishioners through personal spiritual renewal and fellowship here within the Parish.  The CRHP process begins with separate men’s and women’s weekend retreats, followed by the opportunity to participate in a period of spiritual formation and development.  The process provides participants the chance to consider their personal relationship with the Lord, while making lasting friendships with a new group of fellow parishioners. 

                                          Stephanie Markey  330 757-1534

The Elizabeth ministry is designed to help those who have recently had a child.  The group acts as a support to those who are trying to adjust with having a new child in their family.  Parishioners who are willing to visit and support those with a newborn are invited to join this group.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION         

                                          Mary Jo Finnerty  330 757-8831

Eucharistic Adoration is offered the 2nd Thursday of every month in the Fr. Conley Chapel.  The period of quiet time before our Blessed Lord begins after the 8:00 a.m. Mass and continues through the day until 7:00 p.m.

EUCHARISTIC  MINISTERS           

                                           Gerry Orlovsky   330 757-8209

Eucharistic ministers are men and women of the parish who have completed the sacrament of initiation and have been commissioned to distribute Holy Communion at Mass.  Eucharistic ministers are typically scheduled for the Mass of their choice.  They may also take Communion to the sick and homebound when requested.           

FINANCE COUNCIL                  

                                            Kim Romeo   330 757-3767

The Finance Council is a group of parishioners who have backgrounds in business and finance.  This group provides the pastor and Parish Council with financial advice and monitors the annual budget.  Meetings are usually held on the first Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. in Parish Center.

HEALTH SERVICES                  

                                             Ginny Buzas, R.M  330 757-1561

This ministry leader provides CPR and defibrillator training to parishioners who are willing to assist in case of a medical emergency during Mass.  Trained volunteers are scheduled by the ministry leader to cover weekend Masses.

                                              Kathy Drummond, Principal          330 757-3713

                                             Ann St George, Early Childhood Director  330-782-4060

Holy Family Roman Catholic School exists to assist and support each family to live the message of Jesus Christ.  Together, we enrich the faith dimension, strive for academic excellence and promote intellectual and social development of each child.  With the support of the Parish, Holy Family School provides students in preschool through 8th grade with an integrated program of Catholic Christian doctrine, values, academics and social action programs.  The school office is open daily from 7:30 am to 3:00 pm offering assistance to parents, registration information, tours and other information regarding school activities.

HOME  & SCHOOL ALLIANCE                     

                                              Michelle Dilullo  330 757-7291                                                                      

The Home & School Alliance seeks to assist & support the administration & faculty of Holy Family School in their effort to provide a quality Catholic education to the children entrusted to their care.  The Alliance serves to promote communication between HFS parents/guardians, administration , faculty, the Parish and the community at large.  The Alliance also engages in fundraising activities for the benefit of HFS and hosts various social events for the school & parish community. The group meets monthly during the school year (August thru May) and membership is open to parents/guardians of HFS children, parents of all other children of our Parish or any interested adult parishioner of Holy Family.

HUMAN  RELATIONS  COMMITTEE           

                                             Bill Brennan  330 707-9022

The committee consists of a group of parishioners involved in the education of the parish dealing with social justice issues. 

INFANT  JESUS OF  PRAGUE  SOCIETY

This group meets the 1st Wednesday of every month at 2:00 p.m. in Merici Hall.  This group meets to plan for and show prayerful devotion to the Infant Jesus of Prague.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS                          

                                             Steve Vernarsky  330 757-9617

Knights are Catholic men, 18 years of age and older, who are committed to making their community a better place, while supporting their Church.  Poland Council #4471 meetings are held at 8:00 pm on the first and third Monday of the month at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Route 224 in Poland.

LECTORS                                                   

                                             Eileen Stamateris 330 757-1545

Holy Family parishioners who are high school age or older and have been confirmed may serve as Lectors.  These men and women proclaim the Word of God at Mass and other liturgical celebrations.

LITURGY COMMITTEE       Deacon Ernest Formichelli     330 757-1545

This committee works to support and organize all aspects of the liturgical life of the parish community, including arts & environment, Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, ushers, altar servers and other related ministries.  The group meets once per month.

MARIAN PRAYER GROUP                                                                                                                                                                       

This group is inactive at this time, however, interested parishioners should contact the Parish Center..

MARKET DAY                                       

                                             Colleen Puhalla    330-757-3029

This is an unique fundraiser, similar to a food co-op, where you can order food monthly and Holy Family School earns a profit. Order forms are available at the school office or online at www.marketday.com.  Pick-ups are the third Monday of every month from 5:00—6:00 pm in the school gym.

MARRIAGE PREPARATION

                                              Charles and Margaret Christopher     330 757-8820

Married couples serve in this ministry as sponsor couples to those engaged couples who are preparing for marriage.  The sponsor couple through a series of meetings helps the engaged couple to understand and fully prepare for the sacrament of marriage using an approved program that engages the couples in relevant dialogue and reflection.

• ·         Homebound Ministry                  Marge Hunkele         330 757-1545   This group regularly visits the homes of those who are not able to attend Mass.  They offer Communion, prayer and friendship.
• ·         Hospital Visitation Committee    Gary Morucci            330 757-9381 This group rotates turns to make weekly visits to those who are sick in the hospital.  They offer prayer and friendship as well as bringing prayer resources to those hospitalized.
• ·         Nursing Home Visitation             Deacon Ernest Formichelli   330 757-1545                 This group makes weekly visits to three area nursing homes to bring communion, prayer and encouragement and assists with Mass on a monthly basis at two of these facilities.

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL        

                                             Mike Hripko     330 544-7946

Parish Council is a representative group, responsible for advising the pastor in decision making which affects the overall direction of the parish, its life and priorities.  The goal of Council is to open the lines of communication amongst the many groups of the parish as well as seeking cooperation in parish activities.  Meetings are conducted in the Parish Center usually on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm.  Members of the Council serve for three year terms.

POLAND PANTRY                           

                                              Mary Ellen Fleming      330 757-9029

Parishioners are encouraged to drop off staple food items in the Gathering area as often as possible.  Volunteers make sure that the food is collected on a weekly basis and turned over to the Poland Food Pantry to provide food to the needy.  The pantry is open on the last  Tuesday of each month from 6:00 p.m.—7:00 p.m. and on  the last  Wednesday  of each month from 9:00—11:00 am.  (ONLY).

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION            

                                              Jason Gawaldo, DRE                 330 757-1545

                                              Jennifer Remick, CRE                330 757-1545

                                               Karen McCreary, Office Asst.    330 757-1545

Our Parish, along with the Diocese of Youngstown, adhere to specific guidelines for religious education of children and adults.  We offer Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) for children in public schools from kindergarten to the 8th grade as well as parish Sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation.  Students in kindergarten through sixth grade meet on Tuesday or Wednesday from 4:30—6:00 pm in the school building.  Seventh & eighth grade students meet on Sunday from 10:15 am to 12:15 pm in the school building.  Our catechists (teachers) and office aides are parish volunteers.

RESPECT LIFE                                  

                                                 Lauren Riel      330 757-8859

Parishioners who are committed to the education of the parish on pro-life issues.

 RETROUVAILLE                    Ed and Mary Ann Cosentino         330 757-1545

                                                 www.retrouvaille.org                      800-470-2230

This ministries supports Christian marriage within our parish.  Retrouvaille is a three month program for couples who are struggling with communication, conflict issues or are anticipating separation and/or divorce.  The program begins with a private weekend away where couple learn new approaches to rebuild their relationship.

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (R.C.I.A.)

                                                 Msgr. Connell and Fr. Celuch     330 757-1545

This ongoing process invites men, women and children, not previously baptized or baptized in another faith, to study and reflect on their spiritual development and growth culminating with the reception of the Sacrament of Initiation which takes place at the Easter Vigil.  Individuals who are interested in  becoming Catholic through the R.C.I.A. process, should contact one of the parish priests.  Meetings for R.C.I.A. are held in Merici Hall every Monday at 7:00 from October to the Easter Vigil.

SCRIP                                        

                                                 Jeneane Beato  330 707–1655

                                                 Reagan Forsyth   330 757-2952

The community of Holy Family currently participates in the SCRIP program whereby Holy Family purchases negotiable gift certificates and gift cards to a large variety of retailers including grocery stores, department stores, gas stations, and restaurants that most of us shop at on a regular basis.  The SCRIP is purchased at a discount and sold to you at face value with Holy Family earning a percentage of all purchases made. SCRIP can be purchased in the school gym on Friday mornings from 8:00– 10:00 am and after all weekend Masses except the 12:30 pm Mass on Sunday.