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Good Shepherd Commissions
- General Information
- Faith Formation
- Family Life
- Finance
- Health Minstries
- Helping Hands
- School Board
- Shepherd's Society
- Spiritual Life and Worship
There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer some of your time
toward helping our parish community. Each of the commissions listed
above has a team that works on activities and ministries in their
area. There are also specific ministries listed under each link.
Feel free to look around to see what we have to offer.
If you would like to volunteer to help in any way, please contact
the person in charge, or our parish office for more information.
Thank you!
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The Faith Formation
Commission aims to promote opportunities for all parishioners
to grow spiritually. Commission membership is open and the
group meets one evening per month. The commission is currently
chaired by Sue Kroupa.
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| Adult Education |
Why Catholic? Journey through the Catechism is a unique
adult faith formation process solidly based on Sacred Scripture,
the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and updated to include
citations from the newly published United States Catholic
Catechism for Adults. The benefits of Why Catholic? are many:
It fosters the goals of Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us,
the landmark U.S. Bishops’ pastoral plan for adult
faith formation and it offers a concrete approach to help
adults deepen their Catholic faith and connect its teachings
to their everyday lives. The program offers a thorough exploration
of Catholic teaching, with direct Catechism quotes, scriptural
references, and reflection questions. It includes 48 sessions
on Catholic beliefs, sacraments, morality, and prayer which
occur in a prayerful small community setting. Contact: Sue
Kroupa |
| Children's Liturgy of the Word |
Children’s Liturgy is offered on Saturdays during the
5:30 p.m. Mass and on Sundays during the 10:30 a.m. Mass throughout
the year. Children entering K through 2nd grade are invited
to participate. After opening prayer, the priest/deacon will
dismiss the children to the chapel where leaders will reflect
on the day’s readings on a child’s level. Children
will return to Mass after the homily. No registration is required.
Contact: Sue Kroupa |
| Confirmation Preparation |
This program is designed to prepare tenth grade students
for the Sacrament of Confirmation. A series of meetings and
activities help students reflect upon their own personal faith
and relationship with God and deepen that faith through prayer,
service, and the building of relationships with other Catholics.
Confirmation preparation generally begins in May with the Sacrament
bestowed in November. Requirements and dates are available
on the parish website. Contact: Jonna O’Bryan Requirements and dates can be found here. |
| Nursery |
Toddlers through age four may be taken to the nursery during
10:30 a.m. Mass on Sundays. Adult and youth volunteers needed.
Contact: Amy Quick |
| R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) |
This formal process of joining the Catholic faith is designed
to receive adults into the fullness of the sacramental, communal,
and mission life of our faith community. Anyone interested
in learning more about joining the Catholic Church is encouraged
to become a candidate and participate in preparation which
generally occurs from October to Easter. Contact: Father Zach Etienne |
| REACH |
REACH is the high school religious education program. The
classes are held on three separate weekends throughout the
year, fall, winter and spring. The program is open to all high
school Catholic parishioners in the East Deanery. The REACH
weekends help teenagers reach a closer relationship with God
and the Catholic Church. For more information, contact Jonna
O’Bryan |
| Religious Education |
The Religious Education Ministry, in partnership with parents
(the first teachers of their children in the ways of faith),
will provide opportunities for all parish youth to grow in
knowledge, understanding and practice of the Catholic faith.
The ministry aims to serve children entering K-8th grades with
enrollment each August and Sunday classes continuing through
April. More information is available in the Good Shepherd Religious
Education Handbook. Contact: Sue Kroupa |
| Sunday Morning Preschool |
Children who are three years old by August 1 and toilet trained
are invited to learn about our basic Christian beliefs through
prayer, song and Bible stories by attending Sunday Pre-school.
Classes are held in the G.S.S. kindergarten rooms during 10:30
a.m. Mass on Sundays. Classes begin in September and remain
open to new members throughout the year. Parents are asked
to sign their child in and out using an attendance book in
the kindergarten area. Contact: Sue Kroupa |
| Vacation Bible School |
Each summer, Good Shepherd hosts a week-long Vacation Bible
School for toilet-trained children who are four by August first
through grade five. Lively Bible lessons, crafts, music, snacks,
and daily celebrations make for an exciting week at church.
Registration forms and more detailed information will appear
in the church bulletin and June newsletter (The Voice). Contact:
Sue Kroupa |
| Vocation Awareness |
This ministry addresses the Holy Father regarding the
meaning of vocations and how a person should respond to God’s
calling. This calling embraces God’s mission for each
of us and how we should strive to carry out God’s mission
through education, prayer and counseling. Membership is open
to youth and adults who want a better understanding of and
appreciation for those who have responded or considered God’s
call to serve the church. Contact: Father Zach Etienne
Diocese of Evansville Vocation Sites
http://www.stationforvocations.org/
http://www.prayherforward.org/
http://www.prayhimforward.org/ |
| Youth Ministry |
This ministry focuses on the spiritual development of
our young people (Grades 7-12) in a manner that is interesting,
fun and practical. A variety of activities are held on a
monthly basis. Be sure to watch the youth bulletin board
in the narthex or check out the latest edition of our newsletter.
Check the bulletin board frequently for any changes of meetings/events.
Contact: Jonna O’Bryan
Good
Shepherd Youth Ministry Site |
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The Family Life
Commission's focus is on quality family activities that enhance
spiritual growth for the whole family. While commission membership
is discerned, activities of the commission are open to everyone.
This commission is currently chaired by Michelle Fulton. |
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| The Giving Tree |
This parish Advent project responds to specific
needs and wants of anonymous needy individuals and families
within the community. The parishioners of Good Shepherd are
encouraged to participate by selecting a tag off the “Giving
Tree” and purchasing a gift for a family or individual.
These gifts are then distributed just before Christmas. Watch
the bulletin and newsletter for more details. Contact: Julie
Klipsch or Karen Will |
| The Hospitality Committee |
This committee plays a key role in the life of the parish.
It brings parishioners together through various activities
throughout the year. The committee is involved in many aspects
of welcoming, creating unity and fostering fellowship among
the parishioners. Contact: Peggy Hardesty. |
| Marraige Preparation and Enrichment |
Engaged couples are asked to consult with Father Zach Etienne
at 477-5405 for marriage preparation. The Family Life Commission
also plans special events for married couples, such as an annual
dinner, designed to enrich married life. Watch the parish newsletter
and bulletin for announcements. |
| Men's Club |
The Men’s Club is a community of Catholic men dedicated
to continuing the ministry of Jesus. The men strive to provide
service to all who are in need; they are dedicated to serve
God, our families, our parish, our church, and our community.
All male parishioners are invited to meet on the third Wednesday
of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the school cafeteria. A meal
is followed by a program and business meeting. The Men’s
Club offers several annual events including a retreat, a parish
breakfast, a bus trip, and various charity events. Contact:
Bob Naas |
| Over 50's Group |
Parishioners over fifty years of age meet on the first Wednesday
of each month. A Mass or prayer service at noon is followed
by a short meeting in the church and lunch/social time in the
cafeteria. Prior to Mass, blood pressure screenings are provided.
The group also plans occasional trips out of town and other
activities. Contact: Dave or Betty Graham |
| Parish Picnic |
Each fall, the Family Life Commission organizes a parish
picnic to celebrate parish life. Watch the church bulletin
and newsletter for the date and details. If you are interested
in helping with this event, please call a member of the Family
Life Commission. |
| Pictoral Directory |
A pictorial directory is offered about once every five years.
Watch newsletters for notices. |
| Quilters |
There are two quilting groups at Good Shepherd. One group
meets in the church conference room after the 7:40 a.m. Mass
and rosary on Tuesdays. Contact Erma Wargel regarding
the morning quilting circle. The other quilting circle meets
in the evening at the home of Joanne Donahue. Contact
her for evening quilting dates. |
| Ruth's Circle |
This ministry is open to all women regardless of age, those
from other parishes and of other faiths. The group meets at
9:00 a.m. the second and fourth Thursday of each month during
the school year. Meetings usually include a guest speaker.
Topics of discussion include parenting, marriage, spirituality
and health issues. The group comes together most importantly
for prayer, support and fellowship. Childcare is provided onsite
for a minimal fee. For information contact Jean Dollison |
| Scouting |
The Buffalo Trace Council offers scouting for boys in
the Native Trails District. Good Shepherd Catholic Church
charters
Pack and Troop 362. Boys in grades one through five should
contact the Kim Brown, Committee Chair or
Morris Thomas, Cubmaster. Interested boys
can also go to http://buffalotracepack362.org for
additional information.
Boys in grades six through high school, who are interested
in Boy Scouts should contact Ken Balczo
The Raintree Girl Scout Council offers scouting for girls
in kindergarten through twelfth grade. Contact Birdie Harrison
at the council office.
At Good Shepherd, kindergarten girls contact Lisa Koch;
Girls in first grade contact Dana Murrell; Second
graders contact Lori Tenbarge; Third graders contact
Melanie Walsh; Fourth graders contact Jean Dollison;
Fifth graders contact Chris Shafer. |
| Separated and Divorced |
Father Zach Etienne is available to guide those facing issues
related to separation or divorce. Also, see Social Support
Group. |
| Social Support Group |
This group is for women and men, who have suffered the loss
of a spouse through death or divorce. Meetings are held from
noon until 4:00 p.m. in the school cafeteria the third Sunday
of each month. You do not need to be a parishioner to attend.
The group requests that you call in a lunch reservation a few
days in advance. Contact Timmie Lingo |
| Welcoming New Families |
New parishioners meet with Father Zach to register
and go over general parish information. Also, the Men’s
Club hosts an annual lunch for new members each October; watch
the bulletin for date and details. Contact the parish office/477-5405
for more information. |
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This commission
consists of a number of parishioners with professional, financial
backgrounds and oversees the financial operation of the parish.
The Finance Commission is currently chaired by Ron Pohl. |
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| Bingo |
Bingo is a major fundraiser for Good Shepherd
Parish. Good Shepherd tithes 10% of Bingo profits to other
charities. Bingo is held on Tuesdays and Sundays in the parish
hall. Parents of students attending school and many other parishioners
volunteer to work on Bingo crews. Contact the parish office/477-5405
if you are interested in helping.
Bingo Website |
| Buildings and Grounds Committee |
This group oversees church and school property for maintenance,
renovation, and improvements of all parish facilities. Contacts:
Lloyd Lamberton or John O’Bryan |
| Catholic Parishes Campaign (CPC) |
This annual campaign is a means of providing financial
support for various service programs offered by the Catholic
Diocese
of Evansville. The financial assessment is set by the diocese
and any money collected above the assessed amount is returned
to the parish. The Good Shepherd campaign coordinator is
Tim McGuire
Evansville Diocese CPC site |
| Compliance Committee |
This committee’s responsibility is to monitor and ensure
accountability among all school families based on an established
compliance policy including: tithing, bingo work schedules,
and helping with the summer social. This committee has a rotation
of members with new members selected as needed, approximately
every two years. Contact: Paul Shafer |
| Summer Social |
This is a major parish fundraiser that supports our operating
budget. Our social is held the Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
that include the fourth Saturday of June. The summer social
consists of food, game, auction, raffle and sales booths, carnival
rides, dinners, and various other activities. A number of chairpersons
oversee various operations of this event. Contact: Sam and
Lori Tenbarge |
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The Health Ministries
Commission provides a comprehensive approach to health
and wellness through a variety of programs and educational
opportunities. Volunteers, including many health professionals,
coordinate services including exercize classes, blood pressure
screenings, and referral assistance in seeking support
from local social service and healthcare providers. For
more information, please click here. Contact: Kristi Wahl. |
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| Elizabeth Ministry |
This ministry, offered by mothers in the parish,
provides support through prayer, presence and experience-sharing
for pregnant women or new mothers who are experiencing difficulty.
Contact: Sherry Hurt |
| Meals |
Parishioners volunteer to prepare and deliver a meal for
other parishioners who are in need due to a surgery/illness/hardship.
If you know someone who might be in need of this service,
please contact Shelby Johnson
Bereavement Dinners are prepared following the burial of
a parishioner or spouse of a parishioner. The parish organizes
these dinners and contacts various parishioners to prepare
food for the dinner. Contact: Lisa McGuire, Lisa
Weber or Cathy Kapp |
| Medical Equipment |
Did you know that a variety of medical equipment (walkers,
canes, wheelchairs, etc.) donated to our parish is available
to you if you find yourself in need? Equipment is stored
at a home near the church. Contact: David and Betty Graham
to borrow or donate equipment. |
| Red Cross Blood Drives |
We host two blood drives each year at Good Shepherd (January
and July). Volunteers are needed to set up and take down
tables and chairs, work the registration desk and the canteen.
Contact: Karen Robertson |
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The Helping Hands
Commission is dedicated to helping our neighbors who are
in need through a number of outreach ministries. |
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| Habitat for Humanity |
Our parish provides financial support and volunteer
workers to this charity which builds homes for deserving families.
Contact: Matt Scheessele |
| Parish in Haiti |
Good Shepherd Parish is twinned with Robillard Parish in
Cap-Haitien, Haiti where Fr. Raynold Michel presides. To learn
more or to contribute financially, contact Angie Titus |
| St. Vincent de Paul |
Good Shepherd provides resources and support for those within
our parish community who need help with food, housing or utility
costs. Contact: David or Betty Graham |
| Transportation |
Volunteers are available to transport parishioners who have
no other means of transportation to necessary appointments,
the pharmacy, grocery store, etc. Contact: Fr. Zach Etienne |
| Van Drivers |
Through this ministry, volunteers pick up parishioners who
have no other means of transportation so they can attend the
10:30 a.m. Mass on Sundays. Adults with licenses who are willing
to volunteer, as well as those needing a ride, can contact
Kevin Schuetz |
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The School Board
consisting of nine discerned members is a policy-making body
for Good Shepherd School. The board is responsible for fiscal
reviews, monitering curriculum and instruction, selection
and assessment of the principal, school/community relations
and goal setting. Contact: Mark Davis |
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| Athletic Committee |
This committee oversees all Good Shepherd teams
by assisting in the selection of coaches, setting practice
times, and ordering uniforms, equipment and supplies. Contact:
Julie Blanke |
| Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) |
Good Shepherd’s P.T.O. exists to support various
programs of the school through the collaborative efforts
of parents and teachers. Several meetings are held each school
year, and parents of all school children are invited to participate.
Notices regarding meetings will appear in the school newsletter,
The Ram Gram. Officers are elected annually and work closely
with the principal and administrators of the school.
The 2009-2010 officers are:
Co-presidents: Tonya Puckett and Tonya Buck
Vice-President: Karen Neth
Secretary: Kathy Yamashita
Treasurer: Kendra Montgomery |
| SCRIP |
Scrip is basically gift certificates and gift cards for a
number of participating businesses. When you purchase Scrip
through the parish, our church and school benefit by receiving
a percentage from the vendors. SCRIP cards/certificates are
on sale in the narthex after each weekend Mass. These are also
available in the parish office Tuesday through Friday from
8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and again from 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Contact: Pam Sauls |
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The Shepherd's Society
was created to honor the act of giving to God and to assure the
future potential of Good Shepherd Parish to serve people in Christ's
name. The Shepherd's Society is a way to recognize past and current
planned gifts that have been given to support our parish and school.
A number of meetings presenting information about planned giving
and The Shepherd's Society are planned. Contact: Mike Schapker |
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The Spiritual Life
and Worship Commission's goal is to encourage and enrich
all aspects of prayer and worship within the community. Membership
is open to all adult parishioners interested in worship.
Contact: Mark Schmitz |
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| Adoration Day |
We are a Eucharistic Church
and the focus of this ministry is to encourage and develop
a love for the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the consecrated
host. Everyone is invited to participate in the worship and
reverence of our Lord on the second Wednesday of each month
between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. The closing is followed with
Benediction at 6:00 p.m. No time constraints are required,
but there is a sign-up sheet for those who wish to consider
a one-hour commitment on Adoration Days. Contact: Deacon Cy
Will |
| Communion to the Homebound |
Communion to homebound parishioners takes place after the
7:30 a.m. Mass each Sunday. This is a way for our parish to
show support and concern for our members who are ill, plus
their caregivers, who are not always able to take part in our
community’s Eucharistic celebration. All Extraordinary
Ministers are welcome to join in this ministry (and will not
be required to serve as a Eucharistic Minister at Mass). Contact:
Theresa Pate |
| Communion Service at Good Samaritan
Home |
A Mass or communion service is held every
Thursday at 10:30 a.m. at Good Samaritan, a nursing home located
on Boeke Road in Evansville. Those who serve in this ministry
(which hopes to expand as more volunteers come forth) assist
residents to the chapel, set up for the service/Mass, and take
communion to those who cannot leave their rooms. Any adult
who has a love for the elderly and disabled is asked to consider
this ministry. Contact: Margaret Schnur |
| Cursillo/Ultreya |
Cursillo, a Spanish word meaning “short course,” is
a weekend course designed to give participants a greater appreciation
of our Catholic faith. It presents a method to live that is
fundamental to Christianity, helps people discover and fulfill
their personal vocations, and promotes creation of friendship
groups. To attend, you must be sponsored by someone who has
already made a Cursillo weekend. There are two men’s
weekends and two women’s weekends held each year. Ideally,
participants are 21 years of age or older and must be able
to receive the Sacraments of the Catholic Church. The website www.evansvillecursillo.com provides more information. After
attending a Cursillo weekend, one is encouraged to “group” on
a regular basis. There are also larger group gatherings called
Ultreya which are listed in our church bulletin and in The
Message. Contact: Sam Tenbarge |
| Environment Committee |
This group looks after the needs of the
church interior by decorating and taking care of linens, vessels,
plants, flower arrangements, etc. Adult women and men are invited
to assist. Contact: Mark Schmitz |
| Evening Prayer (Vespers) |
In an effort to provide more opportunities for community
prayer at Good Shepherd, we offer an ongoing series of Evening
Prayer (Vespers) services taken from the Church’s official
Liturgy of the Hour. This is based on a four-week seasonal
cycle of psalms, readings and prayers, with special attention
to saints’ feast days and holy days. Come for an evening,
come for a month, or come and join us regularly. You are always
welcome. Contact: Mark Schmitz |
| Extraordinary Ministers of Communion |
Training is available for parish adults
interested in being Extraordinary Ministers of Communion. Ministers
are scheduled approximately once a month. Schedules are listed
in our monthly newsletter. Call the parish office/477-5405
for more information |
| Hospitality/Greeters |
Individuals or families can volunteer to greet parishioners
as they arrive for Mass, distribute books, and pass out bulletins
after Mass. Contact: Mark Schmitz |
| Music/Choir |
These ministries wish to make all religious
ceremonies enjoyable experiences through the gift of music.
Youth and adult parishioners are all welcome to participate.
Contact: Mark Schmitz, Director of Worship |
| Newsletter (The Voice) |
Commissions, committees, and parishioners submit articles
of interest. Information gets passed on to the proofreaders
for the month before Jim Donahue does the layout. A mailing
crew attaches labels, and the newsletter is sent out by the
first of each month. Information to be published should be
submitted by the first of the month prior to the desired publication
date. Contact: Pat Will |
| Rosary Parents |
All parishioners are welcome to join in praying the rosary
for our parish, our school, or any personal intentions. Intentions
of our school children are brought to this group. Rosary Parents
generally meet in the chapel each Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. Contact:
Lisa Gribbins |
| Prayer Chain |
Prayer requests can be written in the prayer request book
at the back of church, submitted through our parish website,
www.gsparish.org, or called in to Margie Dannheiser |
| Readers (Lectors) |
Volunteer lectors are scheduled at 7-9 week intervals to
read the first and second readings and the petitions at weekend
Masses and on special occasions. Youth and adult members of
the parish are invited to participate. Contact: Mark Schmitz |
| Religious Vocations |
Support for those considering a religious vocation may contact
the parish office/477-5405 or the Diocesan Vocations Office |
| Servers |
Young people in sixth through twelfth grades are welcome
to serve at weekend Masses. Training is offered in the fall
of each year or may also be arranged by appointment through
the parish office |
| Adult Servers for Funeral Masses |
Adults willing to serve at funeral Masses are asked to contact
Deacon Cy Will |
| Ushers |
These volunteers assist people in finding seats and take
up Sunday collections. We need seven ushers at every Mass.
If interested in being on a rotating schedule, please call
the parish office |
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2301
N Stockwell Rd.
Evansville, IN 47715
Parish: 812-477-5405
School: 812-476-4477
Fax: 812-469-2907 |
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