Saint Jerome Catholic Church
Our Ministries

Sincerely yours in the Lord,
Reverend Joseph B. Majewski

The Ministries of Saint Jerome Parish

At St. Jerome Parish we are working to spread God's Word through our various ministries in this community. Those ministries are outlined below. Read through the entire list and become familiar with the ministries available. After you review them, each family is asked to complete a Stewardship Survey. Please indicate on the survey form which family member will be participating in the various ministries of Saint Jerome Parish.

You may obtain a copy of the Survey Form in MS Word 97 or as a Text File.

Return the Survey at the New Parishioner Orientation, or bring, mail or FAX it to the Parish Office.

Where do you fit in ?

WORSHIP

Servers assist at all weekend masses, holy day masses, weddings, funerals, and special liturgies. Training is provided. Youth in grades 4 through 12 who have received the Sacrament of Eucharist are invited to serve. Check our Altar Servers Page

Describes the theme of the liturgy, proclaims the scriptural readings and prayers of the faithful during the Liturgy of the Word. Training mandatory.

Distributes the Eucharist during Masses and brings the Eucharist to shut-ins. Scheduled on a monthly basis. Must have received Sacrament of Confirmation.

Assist in seating people before Masses, carry the collection basket, escort during Communion, straighten up the Church after Masses. Training available.

Cleans and maintains the Sanctuary. Takes care of flowers in worship area. Volunteer teams of 5-6 people are scheduled on a rotating basis. Teams meet Saturday at 8:00 a.m.  (see current schedule)

Flowers in memory of a loved one or special event in your life may be placed on the altar for a donation of $35. Call the office to request a special date.

Plans, implements and evaluates Parish Liturgies. Meets as needed.

Counts collections.

Music Minister and individual Cantors are available for Weddings and other functions.

Hispanic Ministry

For the time and place of a local Spanish Mass celebrated in the local area, see our Spanish Page

COMMUNITY BUILDING

Fellowship Committee

Plans and implements recreational events for the parish. Activities include Pig Roasts, Dances, Picnics, Breakfasts, Dinners, Easter Egg Hunt, Hay Rides, etc.

Coffees

Hosts coffees, helps set up, or provides homemade and purchased baked goods for parishioners on the first Sunday of each month after all Masses.

Senior Citizen's Group

Social Club for the Senior Members of the Parish. They meet on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at 1:00 p.m. for fellowship, fun and mutual support.

Public Relations

Assist in preparing press releases, brochures, articles, for the Parish and community.

Sets policy for child care during Liturgies. Coordinates volunteers to staff nursery.

JUSTICE AND PEACE & CARING MINISTRIES

Hospital and home visits, Eucharistic Ministry to the sick and physically challenged.

Keeps the parish informed of issues concerning ministering to people living with HIV/AIDS, and provides support and referrals to people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. The AIDS Ministry works locally through the Peninsula AIDS Foundation.

Members are trained to respond to the emotional and spiritual needs of individuals by bringing a caring presence and a living reminder of God's love. Includes Bereavement support.

Sending cards to parishioners who are ill.

Help in preparing resumes, job search, and interviewing skills.

Provide emergency financial assistance on an as needed basis, food deliveries and transportation.

Keeps parishioners aware of social justice issues through correspondence received from the Diocese.

Peninsula Sowers of Justice is an umbrella group in which parish Justice and Peace representatives and interested individuals in Region IV of the Diocese work with the Diocesan Office of Justice and Peace to educate themselves and their fellow Catholics about Church social teaching and to motivate one another to act on this teaching.  The long-term goal of Sowers is to sensitize human hearts and institutions in order to make way for the Kingdom of God.  A special emphasis is put upon influencing State lawmakers to craft just and compassionate legislation which improves the lives of the poor and marginalized residents of Virginia.

Receptions are provided following funerals. Volunteers prepare food and serve as hosts for the reception.

Visits inmates in Newport News City Farm, advises parish of issues impacting prisoners.  Actively advocates repeal of the Death Penalty.

Monthly Mass every first Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. (Changes in schedule will be announced at Sunday Mass and noted in the Parish Bulletin.) Volunteers bring residents to and from chapel, and assist in the liturgy.

Monthly Bingo conducted for residents every first Monday at 2:00 p.m. (Changes in schedule will be noted in the Parish Bulletin) Volunteers help the residents who need assistance at playing the game.

The mission of the Parish Nurse Ministry is to promote whole person health and disease prevention with an emphasis on spiritual well being.  This will be accomplished through the development of programs and services that support the Parish Nurse Scope of Practice and the needs of the parishioners of St. Jerome Catholic Church.

Meet with families to help plan liturgy for funerals. Coordinate with Music Minister, and provide support to families before and during the service.

SPIRITUAL LIFE MINISTRY

Coordinates parish involvement in ecumenical activities. Keeps parishioners aware of ecumenical issues and opportunities.

A small Church community (house church) is a small group of Christians (approximately. 8 - 12), who come together to share their faith, to support one another, to deepen their understanding of Catholic traditions, and to reach out in service to the larger community.

Weekend retreats and “Journey to Wholeness” groups are offered periodically, providing opportunities for spiritual growth. The "Journey to Wholeness" book will help you to realize your full potential and contribute to a transformation of your life. Following the method outlined in the book, you will change negative thoughts into positive actions, be able to reach out in trust and unselfishness to others, take control of your life, and become the person God created you to be. You can obtain a copy of "Journey to Wholeness" through the parish office. The book and process were developed by Father Joseph Majewski. Click Here to review the Table of Contents of “Journey to Wholeness.”

YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY

A program for people between the ages of 20s - 30s, single or married, which offers opportunities to share social, service, spiritual and educational experiences with others in your age group.

YOUTH MINISTRY

Youth Ministry is dedicated to the spiritual and social development of our youth. Through a variety of activities, events and social gatherings, we work towards addressing the needs of our middle and high school teens. To accomplish these goals, adult volunteers are needed to serve in a variety of positions including chaperoning, transportation, refreshments, group leaders and other support activities. It is through valuable parish involvement that St. Jerome is able to travel down a spiritual path leading to an effective Youth Ministry. If you are interested, please call: Margie Curtis at 757-877-3771.  Check out our Youth Page

Youth Mass
Sunday, 9:30 a.m.
Youth Choir and Band

Ushers, Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Chooses curriculum, schedules, classes, prepares budget, recruits teachers and support staff, monitors classes & supervises yearly programs.  Members are appointed by the Pastor.

The beginning of the journey to Catholic/Christian fulfillment.  Parents & Godparents are called to review the spiritual responsibilities of raising a child within the tenets of the Catholic faith.  Classes times announced in the parish bulletin. Parents & godparents must attend.  Call the parish office for additional information and to register.

Call the Parish Office for information.

Marriage preparation sessions are held periodically.  Call the Parish Office for schedule.

RCIA is the process of preparing new members for full membership in the Church. A sponsor is appointed or selected by the person who is preparing to join the Church. Sponsors & Catechists make a time commitment of weekly sessions, presence at ritual celebrations on weekends (5), attendance at sponsor workshop and investment of oneself as a friend on a faith journey (September-June) See RCIA Page

PASTORAL COUNCIL

The Pastoral Council consists of 12 members selected from and by registered parishioners. The Council discerns and implements the vision of St. Jerome Parish. It is the structure through which parishioners can participate in decisions which affect the parish. The Council is consultative to the Pastor.  Click here for the Pastoral Council Page

FINANCE COUNCIL

The council is by pastoral appointment. Responsible for parish budget and recommendations for appropriate use of parish monies. 3 year term, quarterly meetings.

STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE

Calls the members of our parish to renew and deepen their faith commitment through the sacrificial giving of their time, talent and money for the mission of the church.

VOLUNTEER ASSISTANCE

BUILDING AND GROUNDS

Responsible for maintenance and repair of parish facilities and property.  Parishioners can help in many of the various jobs that keep our facilities attractive and functioning.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

The ministries of the parish are supported by the generous time and talents of many parishioners.  Besides our talents, all of us have an obligation to share in the mission of the church by contributing financially to the operation of the parish and it's many and varied ministries.

We do not ask that you offer any set amount, but that you make a serious commitment to do you fair share, mindful of the many gifts that we receive from God; and to gratefully return a portion of these gifts to serve God's kingdom.

Where do you fit in ?

See instructions at top of this page.