OUR LADY OF LOURDES PARISH DIRECTORY

MEMBERSHIP IN OUR LADY OF LOURDES PARISH

To be an active member of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish means:

You have completed the official parish registration form;

You participate in the weekend liturgies at Lourdes on a regular basis;

You show an interest in the life and activities of our parish community, sharing time and talent when able to do so;

You support our parish family with prayer;

You support the parish financially through the use of contribution envelopes.

 

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL (PMT)

Working with the parish management staff to form the PMT, the Parish Pastoral Council is the voice of the people.  Council is comprised of fifteen members elected form the parish family that represent the parish commissions and organiziations.

It is their responsibility to:

Represent views and concerns of parishioners;

Evaluate the various parish programs;

Maintain communication with all parish groups;

Advise pastor and parish staff on matters of interest;

Monitor and maintain fiscal responsibility.

Plan for the future needs and direction of the parish.

The PMT, including both the parish management staff and Parish Pastoral Council meets the fourth Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in St. Robert Hall.  The meetings are open to any parishioner who wishes to attend.  Feel free to call any member with your suggestions and comments.  If you would like a matter to be considered for the agenda of a Council meeting, please submit your request to the Agenda Board at least 7 days prior to the meeting.

    WORSHIP ASSEMBLIES

Liturgical Commission

We welcome anyone interested in joining the Liturgical Commission who would like to take an active role in planning our liturgical celebrations.

The Commission considers all nominations and recommends members for appointment by the Pastor.  These members are joined by representatives form the ministries that support Liturgy.  The three year term of office begins in August.  Meetings are held on the second Monday of each month, except July, in the POC library.  Contact person is Amy Hopkins.

Servers

The servers assist at the liturgy. Currently we have grade school servers (grades 7-8) and Adult servers, men and woman who serve at the 7:00 a.m. Mass on Sunday and Masses during the week.  If interested, contact Deacon Tom Westerfield at 922-0715 ext. 3332.

Lectors

The Lector proclaims the Word of God during the Sunday and weekday liturgies and at prayer services. The Word of God opens all of us to the mystery of redemption and salvation and nourishes our spirit. Consider sharing your gifts in this ministry.

Eucharistic Ministers

These ministers help with giving Communion at the liturgy. If you are interested in serving, please contact the POC at 922-0715.

Ushers

The ushers help with the Sunday Liturgy by greeting worshipers, along with seating them, passing out weekly bulletins, taking up the collections, counting attendance, controlling lines during communion, and helping with worshipers needs. If you are interested in serving, please call the POC at 922-0715.

Art and Environment

The beautiful banners are designed and made to help us celebrate the liturgical year.

Our sacristan is in charge of sanctuary and floral arrangements.

Music Department

The Adult choir sings at 10:00 a.m. Mass on Sunday and various special masses.  We are open to new members.  Contact Mia Williams, 922-0715

The Instrumental Ensemble plays at 8:30 a.m. Mass on Sunday and various special masses.  Several types of instruments are included in this ensemble. Rehearsals are held on alternate Tuesdays from Sept.-May.  Contact Gene Breyer 922-0715.

The youth Choir: High school/Collage youth choir sings and plays various instruments at the 11:30 a.m. Mass on the fourth Sunday of the month.  Rehearsals are held at 10:00 a.m. the day of the liturgy. Contact Carol Clark, 922-0715 ext. 3326.

OLL students may participate in various choirs, instrumental groups and handbell choirs.  These students participate in weekday liturgies and other special occasions.  Contact Carol Clark, 922-0715 ext. 3326.

Communion At Home

Communion is brought to the homes of parishioners who are unable to participate in the Sunday liturgy.

If you know of anyone in the parish that would like to receive Communion at home, or if you would like to join this special group of people, please call Sr. Maria Hill, 922-0715 ext. 3334 or mhill@lourdes.org

CATECHETICAL & EVANGELIZATION ASSEMBLIES

Men’s Retreat

For over 55 years, Fred Hengehold led a group men  to the Jesuit Retreat House in Milford to spend some time with the Lord. It’s a time of prayer and reflection. The retreat usually takes place in February.  Contact Deacon Tom Westerfield, 922-0715 ext. 3332.

RCIA

The Rite of Christian of Adults is for adults seeking baptism in the Catholic Church or for those seeking full communion with the Church.  Sessions begin in September and end around mid-May.  Contact Sr. Maria Hill at 922-0715 ext.3334 or mhill@lourdes.org

Religious Education

Preschool Religious Education is offered during the 10:00 a.m. Sunday Mass for children ages four and five.  Classes begin in September and end in May.  Religious Education is provided for students in grades 1-12 who attend area public schools.  Classes meet on Monday evenings, 6:45-8:00 p.m.  The High School class meets once a month.  Classes begin in September and end in May.  For more information, contact Carol Greulich, 347-2646 or cgreulich@lourdes.org

Infant Baptism Program

In preparation for infant baptism, parents are required to attend a class held on the second Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. in the Parish Office Center.  No meetings are held in March, July and December.  We encourage you to attend the program before the baby is born.  Call the POC at 922-0715 to register.

Ministry To The Engaged

Couples preparing for the sacrament of marriage have the opportunity to spend some time with a couple from OLL’s Ministry to the Engaged. Pertinent topics are discussed along with an evaluation of the marriage readiness instrument.

Natural Family Planning

Classes in NFP are presented around the area several times a year. The classes, about the symptothermal method of fertility awareness, are intended for engaged and married couples.

Evangelization

This program is designed to welcome new parishioners into the Lourdes family and deepen the spirituality of all our parish members.  They also are dedicated to reach out to inactive Catholics and the unchurched.  We need the support of your prayers and sacrifices as well as your effort.  Call Deacon Tom Westerfield at the POC, 922-0715 ext. 3332.

SCHOOL ASSEMBLIES

Parish Elementary School

Our Lady of Lourdes School is committed to the Catholic education of children in partnership with parents who recognize that, for people of faith, the wisdom and culture transmitted by a Catholic School are enriched and put into perspective by the gospel message of Jesus.

The school is operated, supported and directed as part of the parish educational program, following the policies of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and our Parish Education Commission.

The values of the Catholic Faith are passed on by promoting the spiritual, moral, physical and intellectual development of each student in a Catholic Christian atmosphere of loving care. For more information, contact Ms. Karen Rusche, Principle, at 347-2660 or karenr@lourdes.org

Education Commission

The primary concern of this commission is the educational and religious development of the parish school. It also has the task of approving the budget.  There are nine elected members on this commission plus the ex-officio staff members. The Education Commission meets on the second Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m.

OLL Ways and Means

This group is organized to maintain the high quality of education at our parish school by fund raising and spirit raising programs. They also serve as a means of communication between parishioners, staff and teachers.

P.T.O.

The purpose of the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is to promote communication and close cooperation between parents and teachers.  The PTO offers many activities intended to enhance the education of our children.  Some of these activities are COSI, Catholic Schools Week, Mini Workshops and Trek for Tech.  General Meetings with guest speakers are scheduled throughout the year.  These meetings have been established as a form for parents and teachers to discuss topics related to school.  In addition to the General Meetings, PTO Board meetings are held on the third Thursday of August, October, January, and April.  Parents are encouraged to attend both of the General meetings and any or all PTO Board meetings.

Lourdes Lotto

The Lourdes Lotto is run by a Board of Directors. It's purpose is to raise funds that are primarily used to help support OLL school. Current needs receive 25% of the annual profit, while 75% goes to the Sandy Oberjohann Education Fund.  The contact person is Shari Kessler 922-0715 ext. 3320.

Sandy Oberjohann Education Fund

This education fund was named after Sandy Oberjohann, a much loved and truly inspirational teacher at OLL for many years. It was established in 1989. It's purpose is to form an endowment for the support of our parish school.

This program is funded by the Lourdes Lotto, Spirit Wear sales, and individual donations given as memorials throughout the year.  The contact person is Shari Kessler 922-0715 ext. 3320.

FINANCE ASSEMBLIES

Finance Commission

The purpose and function of the Finance Commission is to advise the Pastor, Parish Council and its constituent organizations regarding the financial status of the parish. The Commission prepares yearly and long-range budgets as well as coordinating the various fund-raising programs that may be undertaken throughout the parish. The Commission considers all nominations and recommends members for appointment by the Pastor. Meetings are held on the third Monday of each month, except during the summer. The three year term of office begins August 1 of each year.

Building and Grounds

The purpose of this group is to plan and implement capital improvements for the parish along with needed repairs. This group meets the first Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m.  The contact person is Ron Walters, 922-0715 ext. 3328.

FELLOWSHIP & INVOLVEMENT ASSEMBLIES

Athletic Association

The Athletic Club provides organized sports including baseball, softball, soccer, football, basketball, volleyball and track and field for the boys and girls of the parish. Most sports start with intramurals for youngsters and continue through eight grade.  Sports are available for high school students depending on availability and student interest.  Volunteers are always needed to help coach or work on fundraisers. The Athletic Club meets the fourth Thursday of each month in the school cafeteria at 8:30 p.m.  Your attendance at meetings is highly encouraged.

Oldtimers Softball

For this group you must be a minimum of 35 years of age and be out for fun, recreation and socializing with your fellow parishioners. The benefits are fresh air, exercise, and , frequently, a few good laughs. The season runs from the first week of May until September.

OLL Men’s Society

The Men’s Society is a group of men from the parish gathered to aid in the spiritual growth of the members as well as helping and supporting the parish community with many programs and activities. The general meeting is the third Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.  Contact person is Ron Walters 922-0715 ext. 3328.

St. Mary’s Ladies Sodality

The Ladies Sodality has several purposes. Their primary functions are spiritual and social, along with fund raising for the special needs of the parish and school. Any adult women of the parish may join this group. Meetings are held the first Thursday evening of the month of the school year, except January, in the cafeteria at 8:00 p.m.

Senior Citizens

The Senior Citizens invite anyone 55 and over to join them on the third Wednesday of the month at 1:30 p.m. in the school cafeteria. The group is primarily social and features cards and bingo.  Contact Sr. Maria Hill , 922-0715 ext. 3334 or mhill@lourdes.org

Scouting Programs

The Girl Scouts of America are open to girls of the parish from grades K through twelve. The student does not have to attend OLL school to be a Girl Scout.  You do not have to have a girl in Girl Scouting to be a volunteer.

Boy Scout Troop 471 has a long history of programs and activities for boys 11 to 18.

Cub Scout Pack 42 serves the scouting needs of boys eight, nine, and ten.

Festival Committee

The annual Summer Festival provides a social function for parishioners and guests. It offers an opportunity for parish families and friends to work together and raise money to help operate the parish.  Booth chairpersons and volunteers are always needed.  Contact Mike Sexton 922-0715 mike@rebold.com

Social Outreach Assemblies

Social Action Commission

This group meets three times a year.  The purpose of the Commission is to practice the works of mercy by serving Christ in the poor and needy.  They and many other parishioners serve those in need year round.  For more information, contact Sr. Maria Hill, 922-0715 ext. 3334 or mhill@lourdes.org

Jail Ministry

On the third Sunday of the month, a group from OLL visit on of the jails in Cincinnati to lead a worship service for the incarcerated.  Come join us!  To volunteer call Sr. Maria Hill, 922-0715 ext. 3334 or mhill@lourdes.org

St. Vincent De Paul Society

The purpose of OLL Conference of the Society is to provide temporary or emergency aid to anyone in the parish neighborhood who calls on us.

Food and other grocery items are collected the first Sunday of the month, while Vincentian members stand at the church doors for donations of cash to help with requests for financial assistance, such as rent and utilities.

Monthly meetings are held on the third Monday at 7:00 p.m. at the POC.

Pro-Life Group of Our Lady of Lourdes

The Pro Life Group's purpose is to promote the Catholic view of life from conception until natural death through prayer, education, and action.  The contact person are Mary Cappel or Barb Mellon.  All are welcome to join us as we work and pray for the pro life cause.

Mission Commission

This Commission enables Missionaries to help those in need both spiritually, as well as temporally, in the United States and in other countries.  Our Lady of Lourdes Family Mission Club envelopes can be found at all the church doorways.  Anyone interested in joining our Mission Commission, contact Carol Neumeister lcneumeister@fuse.net

ORGANIZATION DIRECTORY

    Parish Office:  922-0715

Rev. Fr. David Sunberg, Pastor
Rev. Mr. Tomas E. Westerfield, Deacon
Sr. Maria Hill, CSJ, Pastoral Associate
Mrs. Jim Frede, Parish Administrator
Mrs. Sue Broerman, Communication & Alumni Director
Mrs. Mary James, Bookkeeper
Mrs. Marlene Averbeck, Secretary
Mrs. Pattie Bauer, Secretary
Mrs. Sharon Duvall, Secretary
Mrs. Carol Clark, Music Director

     Our Lady of Lourdes  School:    347-2660

Ms. Karen Rushe, Principal
Sr. Greta Schmidlin, RSM, Administrative Assistant

    Parish School of Religion:  347-2646

Mrs. Carol Greulich, Director of Religious Education
Mrs. Jeanne Reiskamp, Secretary

    Parish Rectory: 347-2641


 

ORGANIZATION AND ACTIVITY DIRECTORY