Parish Ministers share how they're responding to parish needs and planning for the future:
Our CCD students all received packets with resources including crafts, coloring pages, links to videos, and Holy Week/ Easter activities and lessons. They either picked these up on March 15th at Mass or they were delivered on March 16th to their porch.
Our 7th and 8th graders have met with their Catechists on a zoom meeting to catch up and discuss prayer requests.
I am able to communicate with our CCD families via the Remind app. I utilize that at least three times a week to check in with them, offer additional resources, and let them know if they need anything to call the office.
We did offer a half-hour of drive through palm pick up on Palm Sunday and also passed out bulletins and collected any rice bowls or church offerings at that time.
Our main source of communication is our Facebook page so that is updated once a day or maybe every other, with links to Masses, live stream resources, Stations of the Cross video links, and any parish updates.
In Youth Ministry, I have encouraged them to log on to Project YM each Sunday night to watch the national broadcast. We typically have a Zoom meeting after that broadcast to discuss the topic presented. We also Zoom on Wednesday nights. Last week we did a scavenger hunt and the winner gets a pizza party delivered to her family next week. One Wednesday we did a Q and A with Father Scott Kopp, Deacon Ryan Furlong, and Deacon Matthew Humerickhouse via Zoom.
I text them via remind and individually to check in on them, especially our seniors. (This is a secret surprise….) I am going to visit the homes of our youth ministry seniors and decorate their front doors. I got permission from their parents. Since we probably won’t be able to meet for their graduation party in May. We still plan to celebrate them, even if it’s in July!
This Saturday I plan to make deliveries to each CCD family, home-school family, Catholic school family (we don’t have a school but some are enrolled at area Catholic schools) and drop them off a note with a half dozen cut out cookies and items they can use to decorate them ( I ordered these from a local shop). I will be delivering a box of Lerch’s (a popular local shop) donuts with a note to all of our active youth ministry students. All other children in the parish who we don’t have contact with, inactive parishioners, will get an Easter card in the mail. (All also a surprise)
Since we can’t have our annual Easter egg hunt, we have created a Social Distancing Easter Egg Hunt. We passed out kits with palms that had a large paper egg and items to decorate them, along with instructions to put this egg in a window that can be seen from the road and then text me their street name. Tomorrow I will put together a list and map of the streets participating and families can take their kids out in their cars Saturday or Sunday on a “hunt”.
I feel that we are keeping in contact with our parishioners the very best that we can via the avenues that are available to us! Looking forward to hearing about other ideas!
Cara Lipinski
Parish Coordinator of Religious Education/Parish Coordinator of Youth Ministry, St Joseph Parish, Massillon
Our 7th and 8th graders have met with their Catechists on a zoom meeting to catch up and discuss prayer requests.
I am able to communicate with our CCD families via the Remind app. I utilize that at least three times a week to check in with them, offer additional resources, and let them know if they need anything to call the office.
We did offer a half-hour of drive through palm pick up on Palm Sunday and also passed out bulletins and collected any rice bowls or church offerings at that time.
Our main source of communication is our Facebook page so that is updated once a day or maybe every other, with links to Masses, live stream resources, Stations of the Cross video links, and any parish updates.
In Youth Ministry, I have encouraged them to log on to Project YM each Sunday night to watch the national broadcast. We typically have a Zoom meeting after that broadcast to discuss the topic presented. We also Zoom on Wednesday nights. Last week we did a scavenger hunt and the winner gets a pizza party delivered to her family next week. One Wednesday we did a Q and A with Father Scott Kopp, Deacon Ryan Furlong, and Deacon Matthew Humerickhouse via Zoom.
I text them via remind and individually to check in on them, especially our seniors. (This is a secret surprise….) I am going to visit the homes of our youth ministry seniors and decorate their front doors. I got permission from their parents. Since we probably won’t be able to meet for their graduation party in May. We still plan to celebrate them, even if it’s in July!
This Saturday I plan to make deliveries to each CCD family, home-school family, Catholic school family (we don’t have a school but some are enrolled at area Catholic schools) and drop them off a note with a half dozen cut out cookies and items they can use to decorate them ( I ordered these from a local shop). I will be delivering a box of Lerch’s (a popular local shop) donuts with a note to all of our active youth ministry students. All other children in the parish who we don’t have contact with, inactive parishioners, will get an Easter card in the mail. (All also a surprise)
Since we can’t have our annual Easter egg hunt, we have created a Social Distancing Easter Egg Hunt. We passed out kits with palms that had a large paper egg and items to decorate them, along with instructions to put this egg in a window that can be seen from the road and then text me their street name. Tomorrow I will put together a list and map of the streets participating and families can take their kids out in their cars Saturday or Sunday on a “hunt”.
I feel that we are keeping in contact with our parishioners the very best that we can via the avenues that are available to us! Looking forward to hearing about other ideas!
Cara Lipinski
Parish Coordinator of Religious Education/Parish Coordinator of Youth Ministry, St Joseph Parish, Massillon
The movie JESUS OF NAZARETH (1977) is great (6hrs long though). Use key scenes, especially for Holy Week!
Richard A. Mattiussi, PhD (Th)
Theology Department, Cardinal Mooney High School, Youngstown
Society of St. John Chrysostom (Youngstown-Warren, Ohio) Chapter
Richard A. Mattiussi, PhD (Th)
Theology Department, Cardinal Mooney High School, Youngstown
Society of St. John Chrysostom (Youngstown-Warren, Ohio) Chapter
At Our Lady we're still reaching out to our parishioners as best we can. Everyone with email gets our email blasts with general information, recommended apps, resources and links to additional information; our bulletin company is emailing the bulletins each week; Sr. Lu is calling the homebound; Faith Formation families are encouraged to write cards to the homebound; we've set up Zoom meeting with our committees as well as doing adult Faith Formation with Zoom; and we can do conference calls; we used Signup Genius for people who are willing to go out and run errands for those who are strictly staying at home.
The faith formation families still get their weekly newsletter with resources and reminders of what assignments they have due. Our original program was only scheduled to last one more week after Easter.
Mass, Stations of the Cross, The Seven Last Words of Jesus, etc. are being live-streamed on our Facebook page. We put the video link on the parish website.
Everyday at noon we ask everyone to stop what they're doing wherever they are and pray in Solidarity the Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be, and end with Our Lady of Perpetual Help ... Pray for Us.
Holy Week Blessings,
Mac
Margaret Ann Clapp
Director of Faith Formation, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Aurora
--
"Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day." Henri Nouwen
CHOOSE JOY!
The faith formation families still get their weekly newsletter with resources and reminders of what assignments they have due. Our original program was only scheduled to last one more week after Easter.
Mass, Stations of the Cross, The Seven Last Words of Jesus, etc. are being live-streamed on our Facebook page. We put the video link on the parish website.
Everyday at noon we ask everyone to stop what they're doing wherever they are and pray in Solidarity the Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be, and end with Our Lady of Perpetual Help ... Pray for Us.
Holy Week Blessings,
Mac
Margaret Ann Clapp
Director of Faith Formation, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Aurora
--
"Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day." Henri Nouwen
CHOOSE JOY!
Sr. Darla and I taped several short prayer videos that we sent home for the children and parents to pray with. During Lent we gather each week as a school community to pray. Sr. Darla and I lead them and have encouraged parents to join us. We thought it would be a fun way to stay connected and keep the prayers going.
We sent home packets to TK and K and religion lessons were also included. The 3s and 4s also received actual religion lessons for the parents to help their children complete with the other curriculum.
Mrs. Conti, our Enrichment Teacher, sent home prayer rocks that the children made in class to remind them to pray for each other. They decorated the rocks and were to be used during Lent.
Mary Ann Critell, principal/director
Ursuline Preschool & Kindergarten, Canfield
[email protected]
We sent home packets to TK and K and religion lessons were also included. The 3s and 4s also received actual religion lessons for the parents to help their children complete with the other curriculum.
Mrs. Conti, our Enrichment Teacher, sent home prayer rocks that the children made in class to remind them to pray for each other. They decorated the rocks and were to be used during Lent.
Mary Ann Critell, principal/director
Ursuline Preschool & Kindergarten, Canfield
[email protected]
1. We've been doing videos of our Music Director playing the new piano. Parishioners are really appreciating them. Here's a sample: https://youtu.be/KOWUwexNVjs
2. Fr. Fedor is offering weekly scripture reflection videos. Here's one: https://youtu.be/6bnZoxQN8g0
3. We've also been offering live-stream morning prayer. Here's a sample: https://youtu.be/dIJRDApCryc
4. Our Caring Neighbors ministry is also working with the Knights to stay in touch with older parishioners through phone check-ins and offering to help in any way they need. Here's the Caring Neighbors page: https://stjosephaustintown.org/caring-neighbors/
Jim Merhaut, M.S.Ed., PCC
Pastoral Associate, St Joseph Parish, Austintown
2. Fr. Fedor is offering weekly scripture reflection videos. Here's one: https://youtu.be/6bnZoxQN8g0
3. We've also been offering live-stream morning prayer. Here's a sample: https://youtu.be/dIJRDApCryc
4. Our Caring Neighbors ministry is also working with the Knights to stay in touch with older parishioners through phone check-ins and offering to help in any way they need. Here's the Caring Neighbors page: https://stjosephaustintown.org/caring-neighbors/
Jim Merhaut, M.S.Ed., PCC
Pastoral Associate, St Joseph Parish, Austintown
1. We’ve overhauled our parish website at http://olmcsta.com to include readings, guidelines on making a spiritual communion, and video homilies, as well as further resources for prayer/devotion.
2. Daily Mass is being live streamed from the parish Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Basilica%20of%20Our%20Lady%20of%20Mount%20Carmel/157740721009648/
3. Deacon Anthony Falasca is publishing weekly Tuesday live feeds of the 13-week novena to Saint Anthony of Padua (via his personal facebook account; send a friend request to view)
Christopher Anthony
Our Lady of Mount Carmel& St Anthony Parish, Youngstown
2. Daily Mass is being live streamed from the parish Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Basilica%20of%20Our%20Lady%20of%20Mount%20Carmel/157740721009648/
3. Deacon Anthony Falasca is publishing weekly Tuesday live feeds of the 13-week novena to Saint Anthony of Padua (via his personal facebook account; send a friend request to view)
Christopher Anthony
Our Lady of Mount Carmel& St Anthony Parish, Youngstown
Health and blessings to all of you....
In prayer this morning, or shall I say during the middle of the night, I kept returning to the psalmist words "To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul" At this time, I think that is what we can offer each other and our parishioners. A boost of some sort. I am working with some others on plans to outreach to all our parishioners to see how they are fairing, especially in light of layoffs, illness and general feelings of being cooped up. We just want them to know that we are thinking of them and to stay connected. So as March ends and we look forward to the Easter season and what may be our Easter moment at the end of this, I will pray for all of you.
Peace,
Anne
Anne Weeks | Director of Religious Education & Youth Ministry, Holy Spirit Parish, Uniontown
In prayer this morning, or shall I say during the middle of the night, I kept returning to the psalmist words "To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul" At this time, I think that is what we can offer each other and our parishioners. A boost of some sort. I am working with some others on plans to outreach to all our parishioners to see how they are fairing, especially in light of layoffs, illness and general feelings of being cooped up. We just want them to know that we are thinking of them and to stay connected. So as March ends and we look forward to the Easter season and what may be our Easter moment at the end of this, I will pray for all of you.
Peace,
Anne
Anne Weeks | Director of Religious Education & Youth Ministry, Holy Spirit Parish, Uniontown
Starting March 14th I've been in "on-line" mode, scrambling to get digital Pflaum catechist guides and student handouts to parents. I only sent parents, (via email along with a robo-text heads up), 3 weeks worth of students materials so I would have reason to contact families again. Additionally I built a children's ministry online support page https://hsfaithformunoh.weebly.com/childrens-ministry-online-support.html on our faith formation Weebly site which I have been continuing to add content to. My next plan is to personally call all my psr parents to see how they are, how things are going, and let them know I will be sending the next 3 weeks out asap.
I have also encouraged catechists to reach out to their students and have provided catechists with links for formation opportunities on catechistcafe, McGrath Institute, and Loyola Press, as well as the first eBook link Carla sent us and virtual retreats from LTP, https://www.ltp.org/resources-during-crisis
As for First Communions, families have always been able to choose the Mass at which their child celebrates at on the weekend we set for First Communions. Those who have had scheduling conflicts would pick another date that worked if they were not able to celebrate on the pre-set date and their child would celebrate first Eucharist independently with their family at the Mass of their choice. I foresee we will continue to do this. It is too soon to decide exactly how preparation will go, I could see a number of options working... maybe a few mini sessions to prepare the children, a few family sessions... possible celebrating in the summer ... maybe August...? Too early to decide.
We have been putting a lot on Facebook, the parish web site, & the Weebly site. Fr. John is writing reflections on the Readings and those are being emailed to all parishioners, as well as posted on FB, Weebly, and parish website. We are not live streaming Mass but have listed links for virtual Mass. Will probably do similar for days throughout Holy Week.
Prayers for everyone's health and well being!
Cathy
Cathy Kasza, Coordinator of Religious Ed. & Jr. High Ministry, Holy Spirit Parish, Uniontown
I have also encouraged catechists to reach out to their students and have provided catechists with links for formation opportunities on catechistcafe, McGrath Institute, and Loyola Press, as well as the first eBook link Carla sent us and virtual retreats from LTP, https://www.ltp.org/resources-during-crisis
As for First Communions, families have always been able to choose the Mass at which their child celebrates at on the weekend we set for First Communions. Those who have had scheduling conflicts would pick another date that worked if they were not able to celebrate on the pre-set date and their child would celebrate first Eucharist independently with their family at the Mass of their choice. I foresee we will continue to do this. It is too soon to decide exactly how preparation will go, I could see a number of options working... maybe a few mini sessions to prepare the children, a few family sessions... possible celebrating in the summer ... maybe August...? Too early to decide.
We have been putting a lot on Facebook, the parish web site, & the Weebly site. Fr. John is writing reflections on the Readings and those are being emailed to all parishioners, as well as posted on FB, Weebly, and parish website. We are not live streaming Mass but have listed links for virtual Mass. Will probably do similar for days throughout Holy Week.
Prayers for everyone's health and well being!
Cathy
Cathy Kasza, Coordinator of Religious Ed. & Jr. High Ministry, Holy Spirit Parish, Uniontown
Feel free to check out our parish website: www.stmichaelcanton.org Thanks to Ashley it is up to date with links, resources, and St Michael Parish’s plans going forward—recording mass, Holy Week prayers and live streams, etc.
You can also look at my family faith website: www.stmichaelfamiliestogether.weebly.com. I have been trying to keep it up to date and post weekly lessons. I email families at least weekly. If you want to share the website or pirate resources feel free. I have links to Pflaum booklets, teacher editions, and parents page of website if you are using them. The youth ministry website is also linked on the parish homepage.
I am trying to facilitate continued connection with and between families. Hard to know what they want and need, but each thing I do seems to be helpful to someone. Also spending lots more time responding to emails and messages than usual as I try to make each communication caring and personal, not just informational—exhausting, but at least something I can do!
Peace and prayers to all…
Julie
Julie F. Sutton, Director of Religious Education, St Michael the Archangel Parish, Canton
You can also look at my family faith website: www.stmichaelfamiliestogether.weebly.com. I have been trying to keep it up to date and post weekly lessons. I email families at least weekly. If you want to share the website or pirate resources feel free. I have links to Pflaum booklets, teacher editions, and parents page of website if you are using them. The youth ministry website is also linked on the parish homepage.
I am trying to facilitate continued connection with and between families. Hard to know what they want and need, but each thing I do seems to be helpful to someone. Also spending lots more time responding to emails and messages than usual as I try to make each communication caring and personal, not just informational—exhausting, but at least something I can do!
Peace and prayers to all…
Julie
Julie F. Sutton, Director of Religious Education, St Michael the Archangel Parish, Canton
I have had contact with all my parents at both parishes and have given them many resources and websites to gain helpful free activities and information to stay up with their Faith Formation. Also the many opportunities to participate in Mass via the web.
I have also kept in touch with my Catechists and those helping with St. James Youth Ministry; Both sets of Catechists are also keeping in touch with their Parents.
I will continually pray for all of you as well as the Catechist and Families of Holy Family Parish and St. James.
Thanks for all of your sharing
In Christ's Name,
Mickie
Georgeann (Mickie) Richards, Director Of Religious Education, Holy Family Parish, Navarre; St. James Parish, Waynesburg
I have also kept in touch with my Catechists and those helping with St. James Youth Ministry; Both sets of Catechists are also keeping in touch with their Parents.
I will continually pray for all of you as well as the Catechist and Families of Holy Family Parish and St. James.
Thanks for all of your sharing
In Christ's Name,
Mickie
Georgeann (Mickie) Richards, Director Of Religious Education, Holy Family Parish, Navarre; St. James Parish, Waynesburg
First Communion, even though scheduled for the first weekend of May, has been put on hold. Confirmation (was scheduled for April 1st in collaboration with St. Joe's and St. James) is going to be rescheduled at each individual parish.
For all my CCD students I have reached out via email to let the parents know how to access their texts. I also resent the link to Catechist Cafe because Carla has so many great resources that they may be able to use during this time. For the preschool we use Pflaum, and I have mailed them each a set of weekly fliers for them to use.
We have asked all parishioners to check out google, facebook or any other platform to find weekly masses.
YM has been spearheaded by Cara. We asked all our kids to connect to ProjectYM on Sunday evenings, and we follow it up with a Zoom meeting. We also have Zoom meetings to discuss our Lenten Book.
I am trying to stay in contact with all my Catechist and hoping they are reaching out to their students too. I want everyone here to know that no one is in this alone, even if they are by themselves.
I will continue to pray for all of you.
Terry
Terry Sibert, Coordinator of Religious Education & Youth Ministry, St. Joan of Arc Parish, Canton
For all my CCD students I have reached out via email to let the parents know how to access their texts. I also resent the link to Catechist Cafe because Carla has so many great resources that they may be able to use during this time. For the preschool we use Pflaum, and I have mailed them each a set of weekly fliers for them to use.
We have asked all parishioners to check out google, facebook or any other platform to find weekly masses.
YM has been spearheaded by Cara. We asked all our kids to connect to ProjectYM on Sunday evenings, and we follow it up with a Zoom meeting. We also have Zoom meetings to discuss our Lenten Book.
I am trying to stay in contact with all my Catechist and hoping they are reaching out to their students too. I want everyone here to know that no one is in this alone, even if they are by themselves.
I will continue to pray for all of you.
Terry
Terry Sibert, Coordinator of Religious Education & Youth Ministry, St. Joan of Arc Parish, Canton
Hello and prayers for all of you,
Kicking around a thought with some leaders in parish of having a special Thanksgiving Mass on a Sunday afternoon when things stabilize and having a celebration of sacraments and a celebratory dinner if possible. Planning to welcome all people back to church, especially those who have been “re-awoken” in their faith.
Deacon Randy
Deacon Randy Smith, Parish Leader, St. Mary/St. Benedict Parish, Canton
Kicking around a thought with some leaders in parish of having a special Thanksgiving Mass on a Sunday afternoon when things stabilize and having a celebration of sacraments and a celebratory dinner if possible. Planning to welcome all people back to church, especially those who have been “re-awoken” in their faith.
Deacon Randy
Deacon Randy Smith, Parish Leader, St. Mary/St. Benedict Parish, Canton
Friends:
This is an extremely difficult time. Many are working harder than ever. But also: prayers to those who are laid off, and those afraid that it is coming.
Our ministry is needed now more than ever. But when that's not possible due to financial constraints, we all need to maintain our vocation, our dignity, as ministers.
To do that, we need to take time for ourselves to pray, whether we are busy or lonely, stressed ministerially and financially. We need to serve and be served.
Easier said than done. Let's keep connecting with one another. If anyone wants to connect with me, feel free to reach out.
Please note my adult faith formation blog ("Connection and Communion") on the stmichaelcanton.org blog. I am also sending that out by email. Besides my own reflection, there are resources there for praying with and AWAY from a screen.
Peace to all.
Justin
Justin Huyck, Pastoral Associate, St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, Canton
This is an extremely difficult time. Many are working harder than ever. But also: prayers to those who are laid off, and those afraid that it is coming.
Our ministry is needed now more than ever. But when that's not possible due to financial constraints, we all need to maintain our vocation, our dignity, as ministers.
To do that, we need to take time for ourselves to pray, whether we are busy or lonely, stressed ministerially and financially. We need to serve and be served.
Easier said than done. Let's keep connecting with one another. If anyone wants to connect with me, feel free to reach out.
Please note my adult faith formation blog ("Connection and Communion") on the stmichaelcanton.org blog. I am also sending that out by email. Besides my own reflection, there are resources there for praying with and AWAY from a screen.
Peace to all.
Justin
Justin Huyck, Pastoral Associate, St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, Canton