Author: Staff

Prayer Outreach
Every Parish Family will be prayed for at least one week during the year–we need Prayer Warriors
The Prayer Ministry is available to take intentions or requests for prayers from all parishioners. The prayers are for whatever is going on in your life. Plus, each week - families from our Parish Community will be selected by the name of their street, so that we will pray for them during that week. Our Prayer Warriors will pray for each Parish family at least one week during the year. I will send out an email the first of each week for who we will be praying for.
We also will need Prayer Warriors who are available to pray for parishioner’s requests.
To join our ministry, with request for prayers or to be a Prayer Warrior:
Contact: Ann Laubert; Parish Rectory (440) 243-3877 or
prayerwarriors@stmaryberea.org

St. Mary Church
250 Kraft Street + Berea, OH 44017 + 440-243-3877
www.stmaryberea.org

2019—2020
MINISTRY booklet
Caring
Celebrating
Evangelization
Parish Life
Participating
Teaching

St. Mary is a faith community which worships together, follows the teachings of Jesus Christ in our everyday lives, evangelizes others by our lives and actions, gives generously of our time and resources in service to others, shows compassion and love towards one another, provides religious education and works for social justice for all.

caring

Ministry to the Sick
St. Mary Parish Ministry to the Sick provides special care of the sick and homebound of the parish. Trained and experienced Eucharistic Ministers of Holy Communion make regular visits and by administration of the Eucharist and by genuine care and concern they extend the loving presence to the sick who are separated by illness or disability from the Parish community and the body of Christ.
St. Mary is dedicated to be sure our sick and elderly needs are met. We have a team of Eucharistic Ministers who give of their time and talent to pray and bring the Eucharist to those who may be homebound.
Our Ministry includes Southwest General Hospital and a number of Nursing Homes in our area and individual homes.
Extraordinary Ministers are NEEDED.
Families, PLEASE contact the Parish Office if someone is in a nursing home, hospital, having surgery or not able to attend Mass.
For information: dlipfird@gmail.com or 440-532-9491

caring

celebrating
celebrating

Liturgical Ministries
Greeters
A welcoming face to all who come to St. Mary
Do you like to help people? Would you like to make a difference at St. Mary Church? Because we need Friendly Faces who are available before and after all the Masses in the vestibules to Welcome both Visitors and Parishioners alike, to help answer some questions and to wish them well.
Choose your favorite Mass time. Arrive just a little early and stay a few minutes after: 4:00 PM Saturday; 7:30, 9:30, 11:30 AM Sunday.
Take you seat during the announcements. Return to the vestibule after the recessional hymn.
What a warm way to Welcome ALL to our Parish!
Contact: Parish Rectory (440) 243-3877

Ushers Both men and women Volunteers, prepare for mass,
assist with seating and take up the Collection
Ushers help during Mass with taking up the Offertory Collection, any 2nd Collection, helping Guests find seats (especially if the church is crowded) and providing general information. Eight ushers are needed per weekend Mass
Adults only, male and female, and this ministry is open to all parish members.
Choose your Mass preference and a Lead Usher coordinates each Mass.
Contact: Marty McGinty Parish Rectory (440) 243-3877.

celebrating

Altar Servers
Altar Servers assist the Priest and/or Deacon at each Mass.
Before Mass, the Server is responsible for lighting candles (extinguishing them after Mass), putting the Offertory Gifts at the Offertory table in the back of church and setting the cruet of water, the Priest chalice and the Communion Cups on Credence table in the sanctuary.
Student Servers
Students (male and female) from the 5th—12th Grade
Student Servers will be assigned to most Masses. Servers are scheduled t one or two Masses monthly based on Mass preferences and their availability.
Student Servers will serve 4:00 pm Mass Saturday, 7:30 am, 9:30 am, 11:30 am Masses on Sunday and evening Masses for Holy days as well as weddings, as needed.
Training will be provided before your 1st assignment
Adult Servers
NEEDED to serve weekday morning Masses, 4:00pm Mass Saturday, 7:30am, 9:30am 11;30AM Masses on Sunday, and all funeral Masses. Training will be provided.
Contacts: Parish Office; jabraham1@stmaryberea.org
Jeff Haas; jhaas1@stmaryberea.org

celebrating
celebrating

Lector Ministry
Lectors are assigned for each of the Weekend and Weekday Masses. Their ministry includes making the Announcements before Mass, proclaims the 1st & 2nd Readings during Mass, offers the Universal Prayer on behalf of the assembly and leads the Assembly in the praying of the Opening and Communion Antiphons (at the 7:30am Sunday Mass).
One Lector is assigned for both Weekday and Weekend Masses and Holy Days
A Lectors handbook is provided for each Lector to practice readings. Training will be provided. Strong speaking skills are required for this ministry.
Contact: Jeff Haas; jhaas1@stmaryberea.org

celebrating
celebrating

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EM’s)
EM's assist the Priest during Mass by distributing both the Body and Blood of Christ at Holy Communion.
Ministers must be commissioned Ministers (Diocesan Policy) and Learning Sessions are held seasonally throughout the year at different parishes within the Diocese. Please contact St. Mary Parish office for a future class schedule to attend.
Seven EM's are scheduled for each Mass, 3 for the Body of Christ and 4 for the Blood of Christ. Ministers can serve one to two Masses per month based on availability and Mass preference.
Some EM’s are commissioned to distribute Holy Communion at Southwest Hospital patients (must be certified through SWGH) after 7:30am Sunday Mass on the 4th Sunday of each month.
Contact: Jeff Haas; jhaas1@stmaryberea.org

celebrating
celebrating

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EM’s)
Hospital & Nursing Home
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion serve the faithful by taking Communion to residents at Generations Living (Friday), Aristocrat (Monday), Northwestern Health Care Center (Saturday) and the Alzheimer's Center (Saturday) once a week.
Scheduling of the Nursing Home Extraordinary Ministers is handled through the rectory.
Once the Minister is certified, parish training will take place at St Mary’s to help with the process of responsibilities before the 1st assignment.
Contact: Janel Abraham; jabraham1@stmaryberea.org

celebrating
celebrating

Music Ministry
is a very special addition to Mass St. Mary. Music is played before Mass, accompanies the Assembly at Mass, and inspires us to worship faithfully
Cantors
Sing the Responsorial Psalm, the Gospel Acclamation and lead Mass parts
Must audition for this position and Cantors are used throughout the year at all Weekend Masses, Hoy Days and Special Celebrations.
Adult Traditional Choir
In session from Labor Day through Pentecost Sunday.
Choir practice is held on Tuesdays from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
To join, you must be an adult or at least high school age. It would be helpful (but not required) if choir member can read music.
Our Adult Choir sings at 9:30 am Mass and for all holy days and special Masses

celebrating
celebrating

Youth Choir
Currently NOT in session,
but can be with enough interest!!
Open to all students from 5th grade through 8th grade in the Day School and PSR Program. The Youth choir sings at the 11:30 am Mass on Sundays and Holy Days (as scheduled) and Youth choir practice is held on Tuesdays from 5:30 pm to 6:30pm.
Youth Choir sings one weekend a month from Labor Day through Pentecost Sunday.
Funeral Choir Ministry
Welcomes and greets families at Funerals, ushers, serve and sing at all Funeral Masses held at St. Mary
Senior Adults are NEEDED for this Ministry.
Contact: Angela Kovic;
akovacs.stmarysberea@gmail.com

celebrating
celebrating

EVANGELIZATION

“Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope.”
1 Peter 3:15
In the days following the resurrection the risen Lord appeared to many people -- many of whom did not immediately recognize Him. Even those who had been His disciples for years were often caught unaware by an encounter with Christ that was both unexpected and life-changing.
So it is for us. That is why the Evangelization Programs at St. Mary have both an inward and outward focus.
Inwardly, we take the time to reflect on our own encounter with the risen Christ. Together, we can deepen our understanding and appreciation of God’s grace. Through programs of faith-sharing and education we can strengthen our own discipleship.
Outwardly, we engage our distracted world. Using words and deeds we bring the hope of the Gospel to the people who need it. And we pray, asking the Holy Spirit to fill every restless heart (even ours) with true faith, true peace and true joy!
"Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations."
Matthew 28:19
This is the command Jesus gave to His Church. Who is that Church today? We are. Our baptism bestowed hope upon each of us -- how can we not share it with others? All are asked to participate.
Contact: John Mastandrea (440) 243-3877 or
jmastandrea@stmaryberea.org

YETI MISSION
YETI is a comprehensive Youth Ministry program for all junior high and high school teens Grades 7—12. Designed by teens for teens, YETI allows young adults to stay connected to their faith, their parish and their friends. Activities include a variety of opportunities to live their faith through social, service and spiritual events.
Bi-monthly gatherings will include planning, action, and reflection. Together, we are called:
to provide spiritual and social growth opportunity through prayer, service, stewardship, and friendship
to work in collaboration with other ministries
to teach social justice and take action
to spark involvement in liturgical ministries
to strengthen spirituality through retreat opportunities
to keep young people meaningfully engaged in their Parish.
Exploring topics:
“Strengthening the Parish through action and leadership”
Social Outing #1 (e.g. hiking and outdoor sports, game night, camping overnight)
“Service as a meaningful part of your life”
Service Outing #1 (e.g. West Side Catholic Center Saturday meal, Youth Challenge / disability awareness event, direct assistance to Parish / Parishioners)
“Advocacy and Catholic social action”
Faith Centered Event #1 (e.g. Relay for Life, Youth Mass, speaker on relevant faith topic, retreat opportunity).
Contact: Chris Garr (440) 243-3877 or
cgarr@stmaryberea.org

Youth engagement teen initiative

Rite of Christian initiation

Have you ever thought about becoming Roman Catholic? Do you currently share faith in Jesus Christ and want to become better at it? How about joining the process to become a one, holy catholic and apostolic member!
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a faith formation process focused on sharing the faith with those who are INTERESTED in becoming one with us, that is, Roman Catholic. The RCIA is about conversion and through the learning sessions, catechumens, those who have NEVER been baptized, and candidates, those who are ALREADY baptized, begin formation in the ways of being Catholic.
The Parish community celebrates their journey at various times throughout the year, all of which LEADS TO their Baptism, Confirmation and First Communion at the Easter Vigil.
COORDINATOR: Linda Sullivan; lsullivan@stmaryberea.com
Christine DiSanto; cdisanto@stmaryberea.com

Parish life

Parish Ministries
"Where Faith, Fellowship, and Community Meet"
Do you enjoy all the amazing events our Parish has to offer? Are the dinner events more of your thing? Or what about starting up a new ministry to bring more fellowship, and community within our Parish?
Then Parish Life Ministries that focuses on the life of our Parish is the place for you! Here we will organize together to gather volunteers for big Parish events, promote our Parish through publicity, and help start new fellowship based ministries and events.
Young or old – our Parish is vibrant and at our CH RCH the only thing missing is U!
These ministries are for those social butterflies AND those behind the scene helpers who want to create a stronger sense of community for our Parish! Interested?
Contact: Amanda Mazi; amazi@stmaryberea.org

Publicity
St. Mary is ready for her close up…
The St. Mary Publicity Ministry is always on the look-out for individuals who enjoy snapping photos, savvy with social media, creative with flyer making and have the charismatic ability to share the good news of what is happening in our beloved Parish to other parish and in our town!
This is a grassroots ministry where we will work together in building a stronger sense of community within our parish by advertising!
All are welcomed to join, and offer ideas to get the word out about what is happening in our Parish! We will meet twice a month, and connect via email to keep the communication and the publicity flowing!
Contact: Amanda Mazi; amazi@stmaryberea.org

Parish life

Parish life

Hospitality
Help Get the Party Started and Finished!
Make the Fr. Garrity Center the Place to BE!
Your timely commitment will make a BIG Difference . For EVERY EVENT we NEED: set-up, take-down, decorating, table setting, cooking, cleaning, dishes, laundry. Interested?
Contact: Parish Rectory (440) 243 3877
Friendly Fellowship
A gathering of God’s people in faith
To harvest our beliefs together as one family of God
Dates and times throughout the year, such as Donut Sundays, Small Group Socials, Parish Dinners, Anniversary events, etc..
RECRUIT volunteers to shop, cook, or bake and provide refreshments. To set up and clean up for each of these scheduled gatherings.
Contact: Linda Sullivan; (440)823-5309, text or email lsully03kdp@yahoo.com

Bible Study Program
Monday 7:00-8:00pm
Wednesday after 9:00 Mass
This bi-weekly Bible Study is our chance to read and study Sacred Scripture and listen to what the Holy Spirit is leading us to. It is opening our hearts and minds to God’s word.
Deacon Tom Cully facilitates the study on Monday Evenings and Mrs. Linda Richter facilitates the study on Wednesday mornings. We began this new Study with a seven session program “Introducing and Discovering the Bible.”
Using the Little Rock Bible Study series , these are informal, interactive group meetings that you can attend as often as your schedule permits. The study guides are still available at the sessions or for pick up at the Parish Office.
Going forward, we will continue our Bible Study doing in-depth studies of different books of the Bible. NEXT SERIES BEGINS
in January, 2020. Stay tuned for dates and times!
Contact: Linda Richter; richterjimlin@sbcglobal.net

Parish life

Parish life

Children’s
Liturgy of the Word (CLOW)
Kindergarten age and younger children
During 9:30 mass. Children will be called and sent with the CLOW Leader to pray in a small group setting the Word heard at Sunday Mass and to engage in a Gospel activity.
Children are called up, dismissed and with the CLOW Leader will spend a few minutes in the Chapel hearing the Gospel Message in age appropriate terms and participate in a gospel related activity and return to their families in Church at the Offertory. The small group setting lasts about 20 minutes.
CLOW is intended for children Kindergarten and younger; however if an older sibling would help make the transition easier, they are welcome as well.
Kari Novak is the CLOW Leader: aBerea Resident, an Intervention Specialist at Grindstone elementary, a Parishioner and the 2nd Grade Sacramental Program Catechist. Assisting her will be Confirmation Candidates
CLOW uses the popular Pflaum Gospel Weekly Pamphlets; Seeds - preschool/Kindergarten age; similar to what is used in the School and PSR programs.
Contact: Smcadmin@stmaryberea.org

Social Justice & Social Concerns
SOCIAL CONCERNS
THE CORPORAL WORKS CREW (CWC)
“It is in Giving that We Receive”
Looking to be involved in the Parish and your heroes are St. Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa) and St. Francis of Assisi? You may want to join one of the ministries of the CWC. The corporal works are charitable actions by which we help our neighbors in their bodily needs. The CWC will have standing ministries (see the following pages) as well as one-day projects. If you are interested in one of the listed ministries, please contact those people directly.
Ideas and interests are always welcome.
Contact: Alane Mastandrea; Parish Rectory (440) 243-3877 or amastandrea@stmaryberea.org

Parish life

Pantry Partners
Feeding the Community
Facilitate collection and delivery of food for local pantries
(SCAN and Berea Community Outreach)
Serve community meals periodically throughout the year
Coordinate “Christmas in July” event
Contact: Linda Kerekes; 440-773-3175 or Lkerekes@fastenerind.com
Barb Cully; 440-454-2554 or
barbcully@gamil.com

Parish life

Parish life

Refugees & Immigration Ministry
collects needed items for newly settled families and helps to mentor them
“For I was a Stranger and You Welcomed Me”
Matthew 25:35
Would you like to help legally admitted refugees who have come through the federal Refugees Admissions Program resettle here? Our parish would like to start a group to do just that. Partnering with Cleveland Catholic Charities’ Migration and Refugee Services, our group would assist these refugees who have fled their home countries in fear of persecution because of their ethnicity, nationality, social group, religious affiliation or political beliefs to establish their life in the Cleveland area.
As a group, we would decide what type of assistance we would like to give. This can range from simply collecting furniture for a refugee family’s new home to mentoring family and helping them adjust to life in the U.S. Interested?
Contact : Alane Mastandrea; amastandrea@stmaryberea.org
Amanda Mazi; amazi@stmaryberea.org
Parish Rectory (440) 243-3877.

Baldwin-Wallace Student Meals
cooks and serve a monthly meal to BW students
after Mass at the BW Chapel
Campus Based Faith Sharing ~
St. Mary Berea AND Baldwin Wallace University Newman Center
First Course – Desire to volunteer to share the gifts of Mass, food and fellowship with local college students once a month.
Second Course – Join a team of St. Mary volunteers to prepare a simple entrée and dessert for 50 hungry college students at 3pm.
Third Course – Deliver and set up the tasty entrée and dessert buffet at the Newman Center at 5pm.
Fourth Course – Enjoy conversation, laugh ter and appreciation of the Catholic co munity of The Newman Center of Baldwin Wallace University.
Clean up at the conclusion of dinner too!
RSVP your interest: Lynne Madzy
Parish Rectory (440) 243-3877

Parish life

Parish life

Summer Meals
Lunch for Kids with “Berea Cares”
to prepare and serve weekly summer meals for
children in need
Hunger DOESN’T take a Summer Vacation!
In our community, some families and their children struggle to make ends meet. During the school year, the children receive a free or reduced cost lunch. But what happens in the summer? Berea Cares coordinates groups to prepare Summer Lunches for Kids.
For our assigned week, we prepare and serve lunch for these children in need. Won’t you join us? St. Mary’s Cares!
Coordinator: Debbie Malloy
Parish Rectory; (440) 243-3877

Veterans Assistance
connects with the City of Berea to serve various needs of our local Veterans
who have faithfully served our country
This ministry seeks to coordinate and collaborate with the City of Berea and the local department of Veteran’s Outreach so that parishioners may be informed of available programs and resources.
We also seek to facilitate “community” connecting younger veterans with older veterans who may need assistance with transportation to church, grocery stores or help with yard work, home repairs etc.
Help us identify local vets and help those who served our country with services that help them.
Contact: Cons Templemen, Veteran USMC;
consolinatempleman@att.net or
Parish Rectory; (440) 243-3877
Army Strong! Fly Navy! Aim High! Always Ready! Semper Fi!

Parish life

Participating

Coffee, Tea, and Thee
“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them”
Matthew 18:20
Mission Statement
Coffee, Tea and Thee strives to connect followers of Christ to come together in fellowship to discuss various topics of our Catholic faith. By connecting with fellow parishioners, we are planting a seed to grow in fellowship and faith through conversation over a cup of coffee or tea. It is a time to connect with Christ through the joyful interactions with others after Mass on a weekly basis.
Coffee, Tea, and Thee offers timely book study, video presentation, and in depth conversation about our Catholic faith. This is a faith sharing community, meeting on Sunday afternoons throughout the year following the 11:30am Mass. All are welcome!
Contact: Amanda Mazi; amazi@stmaryberea.org

Men’s Group
As the men of St Mary’s Church, we understand that we are called to seek God’s Kingdom in all ways, small and large. We come together each week to examine our faith and break open the many levels of wisdom contained in church teachings. Our format is simple: we are ordinary men of the parish who share conversation questions and experiences. All are invited.
Wherever you are in your faith journey please join us - your questions, comments and encouragement are what moves us forward. If there is a topic you’d like us to explore, please come and let us know.
Contact: John Mastandrea
jmastandrea@stmaryberea.org
Women’s Group
“Without the contribution of women, society is less alive, culture impoverished, and peace less stable.”
St. John Paul II, Angelus Address July 23, 1995
Our Feminine Genius* welcomes and invites all women of the parish to join us as we meet to share and grow in our faith through book studies, speakers, and videos. If interest exists, we hope to provide opportunities for the group to gather for social as well as spiritual activities.
Contact: Alane Mastandrea; (440)625-0359, or alane.mastandrea@gmail.com
Amanda Mazi; (216)727-6779, or a.mazi0319@gmail.com
*The term Feminine Genius is attributed to St. John Paul II
from his Apostolic Letter, Mulieris Dignitatem

Participating

Participating

Young Couples/Young Families
events targeted for young families & couples – Core Team Members NEEDED
Casual, Fun Events for young couples with their families
Monthly Events specifically designed to meet the needs of families with children.
Various Events scheduled throughout the year.
Location: Fr. John Garrity Center
VOLUNTEERS and TEAM MEMBERS NEEDED!
JOIN US! JOIN THE FUN!
Contact: Curt Lindsey
Parish Rectory (440) 243-3877

Prime Timers
St. Mary Seniors
Outreach ministries and social events
Check Church Bulletin for information.
Contact: Marlene at (440)243-7173

Participating

Teaching

PSR & Sacramental Programs
help our young people grow in their faith - all needed materials provided for you
Parish School of Religion
Sacramental Programs
Is God calling you? Are you trying to find someplace where you can help? How about sharing your faith with the youth of our Parish? We provide all the materials you need to share the Catholic Faith with our young people. All you need is the desire to share and a willingness to help our young people learn more about their faith.
If you are 17 years of age or older, a confirmed, practicing Catholic and, if applicable, in a marriage recognized by the Church, consider joining the REO team. You can help as a PSR Teacher (Catechist), PSR Classroom Aide, Support Staff, Sacramental Session Planner or Presenter. If you’re an 8th Grader or High School Student looking for service hours . . . we could use your help!!!
PSR Program meets on Monday evenings (Grades 1-8) from 6:45-8:00pm in the School.
Sacramental Programs meet monthly on Sunday at Mass & a family-based learning session that follows Mass.
Contact: Religious Education Office (REO); (440) 243-8221 reoinformation@stmaryberea.org
Parish School of Religion meets August through May.

Pastoral Staff
Fr. John Singler, Pastor
Fr. Michael Feldtz, Parochial Vicar
Deacon Tom Cully
Fr. Bob Cole, Retired In Residence
Mr. Matt Lawler, Deacon Candidate
Professional Staff
Mrs. Angela Kovic, Music Director
Mr. Andrew Carner, School Principal
Mrs. Johanna Garr, Parish Catechetical Leader
Mr. Chris Garr, Parish Catechetical Leader—Youth Program
Support Staff
Mrs. Janel Abraham, Parish Administration
Mrs. Lorri Masie, Parish Business Manager
Mrs. Nancy Kaesgen, School Development Director
Mrs. Sandi Ziegler, School Program Coordinator
Mrs. Mary Beth Hennessy, School Administration
Mrs. Diana Zjaba, School Administration
Maintenance and Custodial
Mr. John Scimemi, Parish Maintenance
Mr. Jim Winner, School Maintenance
Mr. Rob Butcher, Parish Custodial
Mr. Dolf Reeves, School Custodial
Mr. Sean Lupson, School Custodial
Parish; (440) 243-3877 stmaryberea.org
School; (440) 243-4555 stmaryschool.org

STAFF DIRECTORY