Ministry Fair Spotlights Ministries and Volunteer Opportunities at
St. James, Mason

By Bonnie Gurzenda
Writer, Sharing the Wealth

In a busy parish there are many opportunities for volunteering, as well as a variety of committees and councils to address nearly any need. What better way is there than a fair for parishioners to learn about all the ministries in a parish? St. James in Mason held such a fair the weekend of February 2 - 3, 2008. Displays showcased attributes of the many ministries and volunteer possibilities.

After each of the three masses, parishioners were invited into Marguerite Cave Hall to spend some time meandering from table to table. At least one representative from each ministry was available to answer questions, hand out pamphlets, offer simple snacks, or just chat. Parishioners walked around, coffee or punch in hand, sampling candy and cookies while browsing the booths.

Members of the youth group R.O.C.K.—Rowdy Outrageous Catholic Kids—stood at the ready to sell cans of soda pop, hand out suckers and talk about projects involving the very active youth ministry program at St. James. A large poster board held photos of young people participating in various past projects and events.

 

A variety of reading material such as books used in the classes, Bibles, pamphlets on becoming a Catholic and booklets about the Catholic Church were on display at the RCIA booth. A colorful poster presented the steps on the journey a catechumen or candidate takes before receiving sacraments at the Easter Vigil.

 

Walt Gurzenda, RCIA catechist, offers, "Any time we can gather together to 'show our wares' and give others the opportunity to join in with the fun of being an active parish, it helps in doing the work of Christ to spread the Good News."

The St. James library table was filled with current DVD's appropriate for families, as well as books ranging from religious fiction by Francine Waters, books by Pope Benedict and Pope John Paul II, to resource books such as the Encyclopedia of Catholicism, Catholicism for Dummies, commentaries and a parallel Bible, and Women in the Bible—just a small representation of items available in the library. Parishioners were encouraged to take a free bookmark or two, plus candy bracelets and wrapped candies were given out.

Parishioners interested in more information, found sign-up sheets available at the displays for the St. James prayer chain, Knights of Columbus, Women's Club and Rosary Makers. A colorful array of handmade rosaries was displayed for people to choose from. The St. James Pastoral Council offered a chance for parishioners to present in writing opinions, comments, suggestions, etc. and a box to deposit them into. They also offered sign-up sheets for a parish evangelization committee as well as a time and talent request.

St. James historian, Betty Evans, was available with facts and photos about the long and interesting history of the parish which began in 1942 when early parishioners met in the funeral home basement in Mason. Parishioners could also see photos of the progression of the new facility built in 1989.

The Uganda Sister Parish Committee had tables full of artifacts from Africa which were brought back by the several parishioners who have made the trip to Buseesa, Uganda accompanied by St. James pastor, Fr. Alan Wakefield. Colorful and artistic items included baskets, bowls, candle holders and a sizable drum made from goat skin. Also, offered for sale were free trade coffees and teas from Africa. St. James is involved in helping the people in Buseesa build a corn mill to help the community generate income. The parish also donates for the education of several seminarians. Another way the Uganda committee raises money to help the sister parish is by making and selling pies near Thanksgiving.

"Even if we only got one new person, it was worth the time to be here. It is helpful to the parish to give as much light as possible on what services are available in the parish," says Jan LaMere, Uganda committee member.

For families or individuals searching for help with alcohol or drug dependency, coordinator Mike Clark manned the table for the Bishop's Council on Alcoholism & Other Drugs. Educational information, pamphlets and appropriate phone numbers were available.

Other ministries showcased were the Liturgy Committee, Altar Servers, Bookies book group and Girl Scouts. The Scouts' large display included many photos of past projects, information about Scouts, etc. One Scout project highlighted was landscaping at the new Angel House facility in Mason.

Books and materials used in Religious Formation classes were on display. Posters advertised information on several other opportunities for children and their parents such as Story Hour, Mom's Faith Sharing, Blessing of the Pets, Egg-stravaganza, Living Rosary, Liturgy of the Word and prayer jewelry workshops. "Although religious formation is a given,” says Director of Faith Formation Rose Robertson, "people were able to see examples of all that is offered in this area."

Thank-you notes and letters were displayed on a poster on the St. James Christian Service Committee table. This committee is charged with distributing to community organizations a portion of a tithed amount, which is based on parishioner contributions, to Capital Area Community Services (CACS), EVE, Inc., St. Vincent Catholic Charities, Mason Ministerial Association and the Ingham County Jail Bible ministry to name just a few.

 

Children were thought of too. A child-sized round table and chairs was set up with craft items--plus adult supervision.

 

 

 

Each year or two, when planning for the ministry fair, representatives of all the ministries in the parish are contacted by phone, notices in the bulletin, etc. A theme may be selected for the ministry fair. Tables are provided and each ministry is encouraged to decorate with posters, table covers, etc. and to provide information in the form of pamphlets and/or handouts. Each ministry usually has a sign-up sheet available for those who want more information or who would like to become involved in the ministry. Coffee, punch, cookies, donuts, or simple snacks are made available and usually each table or booth also offers candy or cookies or some sort of free item. In previous years, one booth served chips and salsa, while another had cold shrimp with sauce, still another, cheese and crackers. An evaluation sheet can be offered for contact persons for each ministry to fill out after the fair so that they can offer comments or suggestions for when the next ministry fair is planned.
A parishioner commented that he had no idea there were so many different things going on in the parish. He said he enjoyed talking to several of the coordinators and that he had picked up some information for a couple of the ministries where he thought he might like to become involved.

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For more information contact:
Fr. Alan Wakefield
St. James Catholic Church
1010 S. Lansing St.
Mason, MI 48854
517-676-9111
stjamesajw@aol.com