Parish
Ministries at Holy Family
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.
Here you will find a list of 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.
Monsignor William J. Connell
Pastor
Ministry of Altar Server Deacon Ray Hatala 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 and 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 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 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.
Catholic Connection Barb Zorn 792-8305
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 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 Janet Crespi, DRE 757-3296 Ext. 17
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 - Msgr. William Connell 757-1545, Women’s—Sr. Charlotte Italiano 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.
Elizabeth Ministry Stephanie Markey 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 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 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 Counil Garry Mrozek 757-8601
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 Merici Hall.
Health Services Mary Ann Trevis, R.N. 549-2048
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.
Holy Family School Christine Kijowski, Principal 757-3713 Johnna Lewis, Preschool Director 757-3480
YGNHOLYFAMILY@doy.org
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 Cindy Wollet 707-1913
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 Commitee Bill Brennan 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 Mary Torella 757-0577
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 Jim Carlos 757-2293
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 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 Msgr. Connell and Fr. Richard 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 Sally Jarvis 757-1751
All from the parish are invited and encouraged to join this group the 1st Thursday of
every month at 7:00 p.m. in the Fr. Conley Chapel for a time of rosary and prayer dedicated to the respect of all life.
Market Day Linda Rucci 757-9010
This is an unique fundraiser, similar to a food co-op, where you can order food monthly a
nd 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 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.
Ministry to the Sick & Homebound
Homebound Ministry Marge Hunkele 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 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 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 Tom Rudnicki 757-8798
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 Merici Hall 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 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 the last Wednesday of each month from 9:00—11:00 am.
Religious Education
Janet Crespi, DRE 757-3296 Ext. 17
Jennifer Remick, CRE 757-1545
Karen McCreary, Office Asst. 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 757-8859
Parishioners who are committed to the education of the parish on pro-life issues.
Retrouvaille Ed and Mary Ann Cosentino 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. Richard 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 Janet Christoff 757-1206, Karen McCreary 757-2759
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.
Seniors Club Jennie Nethers 757-2021
A social group for men and women who are 55 years and older. The meeting are held on the third Monday
of the month at 11:30 a.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Route 224 in Poland.
Separated/Divorced Support Group
This group is inactive at this time, however, interested parishioners should contact the Rectory.
Single Again Social Group
This group is inactive at this time, however, interested parishioners should contact the Rectory.
Spiritual Moms' Group
This group is inactive at this time, however, interested parishioners should contact the Rectory.
St. Joseph's/St. Mary's Guilds Mike Puhalla 757-3029, Linda Paris 757-8038
The St. Joseph Guild (for men) usually meets every other Thursday during the month. The St. Mary’s Guild (women)
meets the alternate Thursdays from the St. Joseph Guild. Both groups meet at 7:00 p.m. at the Emmaus House.
Each guild works to discuss and enhance the spiritual lives of all who attend through the sharing of various faith dimensions.
All women and men of the parish are invited to attend.
St. Vincent DePaul Society Judy Carlos 757-2293
The St. Vincent DePaul Society is an international organization designed to help with
emergency basic food and living expense assistance. Membership is open to all men and women in our parish.
Monetary collections are taken outside the Church on the last Sunday of each month. In addition, this group
provides support with various situations that may occur. The meetings are held on the second Thursday of
each month at 7:00 pm in Merici Hall.
Third Source Committee Chris Graff 545-7703
This committees purpose is to raise funds for various Holy Family Parish events, projects
and to financially contribute to parish requests/petitions for assistance, under the direction of the Pastor.
We promote good fellowship among our parishioners and the community of Poland.
Ushers Joe Sofranec 757-2954
A group of men and women who minister during the celebration of Mass and liturgical celebrations by
extending a spirit of hospitality and welcome to parishioners and visitors alike.
Welcoming Committee Ruth Ebert 757-4992
A group of parishioners who welcome newly registered parish members and assist in their
active participation in the parish family. Welcome coffees are offered two to three times
per year following the 9:00 am and 11:00 am Masses.
Youth Ministry Jennifer Remick, CRE 757-1545
Faith formation does not end with Confirmation! Holy Family Parish youth in grades 9 –12
from public, parochial and private high schools will continue to grow in faith as they learn,
lead, and serve in our community. THIS IS NOT CCD! It is witness to Christian living.
Watch the bulletin for upcoming meetings and events.