Ministries



The following ministries are currently active in
St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Austin, Texas.


Please review the brief descriptions of these ministries and prayerfully consider where your talents can be shared. call the Parish Office, 255-1389, or the ministry representative to volunteer your services in the ministry you are interested in.


Click here for a list of Ministry Contact Persons


Every ministry and organization at St. Vincent de Paul Parish is to be established and operate in accordance with Ministry and Organization Guidelines. Click to see the Guidelines and required forms.


Parish Councils

Finance Council

The Finance Council is a consultative body whose mission is to assist the Pastor in financial and administrative matters, the preparation of the annual budget and the reporting of parish financial activities throughout the year. Members of the Finance Council are appointed by the Pastor.
David Ochoa 986-5572


Pastoral Council

The Pastoral Council is a consultative body for the Pastor, whose active presence in the community fosters understanding and prayerful reflection in the consensus-building process. Its role is to give counsel to understand, to reflect carefully and prayerfully, and to seek consensus. Members of the Pastoral Council are discerned.
Mark Fair


Stewardship Council

The Stewardship Council is a consultative body for the Pastor whose mission is to pray for the continual conversion of hearts of all parishioners. It invites, educates and inspires parishioners to live their faith journey as Christian stewards within and beyond our parish community. This Council coordinates and facilitates activities that provide the community with a means of giving their time, talent and treasure. Time commitment for members varies according to scheduled events.
Emily Hurlimman



Parish Building Committee


Building Committee

Members of the Parish Building Committee are appointed by the Pastor.
John Cooke, Chairperson,
Lynn Wagner,
Paul Tisch,
Mike Moyer,
Wade Champion,
Mike Moore,
Mari Silva,
Mark Fair,
Joe Roche

David Ochoa, Finance Council Liaison


Liturgical Ministries

Altar Servers

Altar Servers provide our female and male youth with an opportunity to participate in the Liturgy, serve the Lord, and develop leadership skills. The primary role of the Altar Server is to assist the priest in the celebration of the Liturgy during Mass by performing specific functions. Altar Servers also help the priest and the entire congregation praise God, through active participation in the liturgy.
Katie Artzt 246-0126


Art and Environment

The Art and Environment committee strives to create environments that encourage worship. We use fabric, images, flowers and other objects in the worship spaces to reflect the church seasons and events throughout the liturgical year.
Lynn Wagner 310-7701


Candle Care

"Keep the Candles Burning Brightly." This committee helps once a month to clean the wax on the altar candles. They also do a light dusting of the Chapel and Worship Space. It takes about an hour a month and the days are flexible! Training is provided.
Ann Hardwick 388-9915


Care to the Sick and Homebound

The ministers of Eucharist to the Sick and Homebound extend the Christian fellowship of St. Vincent de Paul and the Mass by bringing the Eucharist to those who are shut-in or suffering from illness.
Jennifer Fangman 218-7901
Kaye Crawford 388-2923



Children's Liturgy of the Word (CLOW)

The purpose of this ministry is to enrich children's (age 4-7) liturgical experience. Children go to the chapel for a review of the readings on a level appropriate for their understanding. CLOW Ministers must have E&I training. This Ministry would require approximately 2 hours every 6 weeks including the Mass. Our goal is to nurture a prayerful and joyful celebration.
Mary Dale 243-6156


Daily Mass Ministers

Serve as Lector and/or Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist at daily mass.
Mari Silva 218-9807


Exposition & Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

Eucharistic Adoration is adoring the Eucharistic Presence of Christ. During Eucharistic Adoration, volunteers "watch and wait" and remain "silent" in His Presence and opening themselves to His graces which flow from the Eucharist. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament is a communal prayer or devotion of the church which requires volunteers one hour from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on the first Friday of each month.
Mari Silva 218-9807


Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist

The Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist are lay men and women who are called on to assist our priest with reverent distribution of the Sacred Body and Precious Blood of Jesus to our parish community. ALL Ministers must have received the Sacraments of Initiation--Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.
Mari Silva 218-9807


Hospitality

It is our desire to be helpful to all who come to attend Mass at SVDP. We have built a wonderful reputation over the years of welcoming parishioners and visitors to our church service. If you would like to join in this ministry, we always need volunteers! We have one major training a year. Individuals serve about once a month and should be hospitable, able to see the needs of others, and welcoming.
Tom and Julie Graf 528-9628


Lectors

The Lectors proclaim and convey God's Holy Word at Mass so that the Word challenges and captures the hearts of His people so that all will understand. The Lector Ministry provides training and materials to encourage spiritual growth as well as continuous improvement through prayer, practice, and preparation.
Sam Spink


Linen Care

The purpose of Linen Care is to launder the altar linens on a weekly basis. This reverent caring of the Eucharistic linens provides an opportunity for prayerful meditation.
Shirly Lilly 331-9735


Liturgy Committee

The Liturgy Committee is charged with assisting the presiding priests and local assembly in planning and preparing liturgical celebrations. This includes establishing a theme, suggesting music, hints for environment and degree of solemnity.
Vicky Duran 244-1715


Music Ministry

Choir - Adults

Music has the power to make words memorable. The music ministry joins together to lead the assembly in full, active participation. Singers and instrumentalists share the gifts and talents God has bestowed upon them to aid the congregation in joining together as one in body, mind, and spirit during the Mass.
Tracy Lake 250-9595


Choir - Children

Children's Choir meets on Monday afternoons from 5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. during the school year. Children in Kindergarten through fifth grade are eligible to participate. The Children's Choir sings at the 9:00 a.m. Mass, generally the second weekend of the month. Musical training, catechesis, and fellowship are all integral parts of the children's choir.
Children's Choir Information Sheet
Tracy Lake 250-9595


SVDP Parish Youth Band

is a youth-inspired and youth-led group of high school, college, young adult and adult musicians who come together to share their talents in leading the assembly in prayer and praise with contemporary musical arrangements on Sunday and special occasions such as Confirmation. The YB consists of a wide range of parishioners of varying ages and musical talents, which blended together create a beautiful and engaging way for us to pray and worship together.
Jeff Clark 331-0728


Religious Education &
Sacrament Preparation


Baptism Preparation

This ministry informs parents and godparents of children that are to be baptized of the theological, paternal and community aspects of the Sacrament of Baptism. Ministers are encouraged to witness their faith and family traditions, and to share experiences in raising children and godchildren in the Catholic Faith. Meetings are held the 3rd Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m.
Deacon David Boren 335-6436


Confirmation Preparation

The Confirmation program is open to all baptized Catholics beginning in the 9th grade(between the ages of 14 and 16). The process of this program is to share the faith journey by providing instruction and experiences to guide as many high school student Catholics to the sacrament as possible. Confirmation preparation must be immediately preceded by a minimum of 2 years in a religious education program and concurrent active involvement in the high school youth ministry program. Our "Confirmation Crew" consists of spirited adults and confirmed teens working together with the candidates. Takes place on Wednesdays in the Spring.
Sharon Sheguit 771-3677


Engaged Couples

This program provides personal guidance to couples preparing for marriage. The purpose of this ministry is to help engaged couples to better understand each other and their backgrounds and to share and discuss their expectations of marriage. Sponsors should have a strong commitment to a good marriage, and be willing to share their marital experiences and faith with engaged couples.
 


Religious Education - Grades K-5

The ministry for Religious Education is dedicated to teaching our faith to the youth of our parish. Catechists volunteer to help children grow in their faith and help them develop the attitudes and behaviors of a Catholic Christian.
Lupita Bodony, Religious Education Grades K-5  255-1389


Religious Education - Middle School

Middle School RE is designed to empower our youth to live as disciples of Christ in today's world. Grades 6-8 use the Blest Are We series from Silver, Burdett and Ginn. Each lesson emphasizes teachings of the Church as they correlate to the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Scripture supports every lesson as students 'Break Open the Word 'of God by reflecting on the upcoming Sunday gospel. Classes meet on Wednesdays from 6:15-7:30 pm.
Judy Falgout, Religious Education Grades 6-8  255-1389


Middle School Youth Ministry (MSYM)

In order to meet the unique spiritual and social needs of our early adolescent teens, there will be a new component to the middle school experience this year - youth ministry! Opportunities for youth to participate in retreats, service projects and fellowship building activities will be provided at various times throughout the year.

MSYM is separate from the parish RE program. Participation in this group DOES NOT meet parish or diocesan requirements for grade level RE.
Judy Falgout  255-1389


High School Youth Ministry Program "The Way"

This youth ministry encourages teens (grades 9-12) to embark on a journey of faith and relationship with God through a combination of prayer, fellowship, catechesis, leadership, faith sharing, trips, service, and down-right unique experiences. A team of young (at least at heart!) adults is essential to this program. The Way takes place on Sunday evenings with extra events throughout the year.
Sharon Sheguit 255-1389


Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is an ongoing process for those who wish to join our Catholic Faith community. RCIA sponsors support and share in the growth process of a candidate (a catechumen) as they anticipate the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation. Members of the RCIA ministry prepare the paths upon which the catechumens and their sponsors travel during this journey of faith.
Lupita Bodony 441-7056


Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults Adapted for Children (RCIA-C)

RCIA-C is the process of catechesis for children, ages 7-17, explor­ing their faith in the Catholk tradition. Through lectionary based instruction and facilitated discussions, the children are introduced to the concepts of Catholk liturgy, traditions and beliefs at age appropriate levels. As they prepare to receive the sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist, the children are supported by their families, sponsors and members of the faith community.
Lupita Bodony 441-7056


Faith Development

Adult Education Group

This group meets every Thursday morning from 9:30-11:30 plus at various times throughout the year to study and reflect on the weekly Sunday readings and the customs and traditions of the Catholic Church. Open to men and women.
Rita Vaglica 219-5825


Bible Study

A faith sharing group that meets on a weekly basis in the evening to study the Word of God.
Joe and Beth Leary 918-8792


Catholic Men in Action Prayer Group

To strengthen ourselves inwardly through spiritual fitness workouts so that we become godly men who can make a difference in our homes, parishes, workplaces, and communities. The purpose is to bring men together to stretch out in prayer and worship--to allow the Word of God to penetrate into each of our hearts-- To educate ourselves and others through the Lord's teachings found in the Scriptures, the Catechism and other spiritual materials--To share how God works in each of our lives on a daily basis--To recruit other men to participate in these spiritual workouts. We meet every Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. in the Parish Dining Room.
Allen Hebert 845-0757


Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP)

is a spiritual renewal process that is designed with a focus on the Gospel emphasizing growth in Christian life through scripture study, prayer, the sacraments and fellowship. This process begins with a weekend at SVDP (one for men, one for women) given in the Fall and Spring each year. Afterward, participants are given the opportunity to join a formation team to deliver the next CHRP weekend. This ministry is for parishioners (19 and older) seeking a deepening of faith and a sense of purpose within the parish community.
John Baize 733-9777
Adrienne Fleury 255-1611


Covenant of Love Marriage Community

assists couples in becoming the "true" domestic church and live out God's plan for the sacrament of marriage and to create a vibrant community of married coupLes. These groups include couples of all ages who meet reguLarly to encourage each other in the growth & enrichment of their marriages. The Community meets on the 2nd Friday each month from 7-9 and includes 1 1/ 2 hours of catechesis & scripturaL discussion and a half hour for fellowship.
Greg and Julie Alexander greg@thealexanderhouse.org 996-9098


Landings

helps to provide a caring and supportive environment to welcome inactive Catholics back to the church community and their Catholic faith.
John Tyler 388-3066


Small Church Communities (SCC)

SCC's bring 8 to 12 ordinary adults together on a regular basis to help each other connect life and faith. Initially, groups use materials to become familiar with one another and small group sharing and then move to Sunday Scripture readings combined with faith sharing questions. New groups are formed one or two times a year.
Paula McLaughlin 255-9050


Vacation Bible School (Pre-K - 5)

The goal of Vacation Bible School is to provide the children of our parish with a faith-filled week of fun and fellowship during the summer vacation. By utilizing the talents of parishioners of all ages, VBS builds the community, and strengthens the faith of all involved.
Lupita Bodony   255-1389


Vocations Committee

Through prayer and education, the mission of the Vocation Committee is to raise awareness among our parishioners of the need for more priests, permanent deacons, religious brothers and sisters and lay ministers.
Rita Vaglica 219-5825


Fellowship & Clubs

Boy Scouts

Boy Scout Troop 97 provides an educational program for boys and young adults of St. Vincent de Paul parish designed to build character, to train in the responsibilities of participating citizenship and community and to develop personal health and fitness.
Mike Gregorio, Scoutmaster


Catholic Mother's Fellowship

We provide support and fellowship to Christian moms as they face the joys and challenges of raising children. The Fellowship is for moms of aLL ages. We meet monthly to discuss parenting issues and share experiences as we strive to raise Christian families and become the parents God intended.
Beth Leary 918-8792


Coffee & Donuts

This ministry serves the members of St. Vincent de Paul by sharing refreshments with our parish family after Mass, allowing us to build and increase our sense of community. Members volunteer to prepare and serve the coffee and donuts to parishioners after Sunday morning masses.
Teresa Hays 250-8607


KofC

    Knights of Columbus - Council Number 13927

is a fraternal brotherhood of Catholic men dedicated to service to the church, promotion of pro-life and family ideals and the support of members and their families. Founded by Fr. Mcgivney, it has grown to include all of North America and several countries around the world. Membership is granted by an initiation process into the various degrees of the order.


Ladies Club

Ladies Club fosters fellowship among the women of St. Vincent de Paul Parish through various social events, service projects and spiritual experiences.
Cal Lopez 331-4794


Men's Club

The Men's Club fosters the spiritual enrichment of men within St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church by selflessly exercising our leadership to promote community services and fellowship activities.
Jose Garza 528-8300


Round Robin Dinner Group

These dinner groups are an opportunity to meet your fellow parishioners and enjoy good food. It is centered on promoting comunity within the parish and getting to know one another. Participants get together in groups of eight and share dinners in each other's homes. The dinners are potluck and the members of the group rotate homes for four dinners (usually once a month). Participants are asked to make a commitment to attend all four dinners. This isn't a gourmet cooking club-but a great way to meet fellow parishioners.
Jim & Shirley Lilly 331-9735


Welcome Ministry

The Welcome Ministry welcomes and invites new parishioners into an active role in the St. Vincent de Paul community, promoting a sense of family and a greater awareness of belonging to the church.
Barb Einecker 310-0591


Women's Rosary Group

This group is a monthly community of sharing for parish women of all ages. We pray the rosary, then enjoy a social with brunch. We meet on the first Wednesday of each month at 9:30 a.m.
Virginia Lowry 258-2946
Polly Cronin 250-5215


Young Families Group

The Young Families Group is designed to enable families with preschool age children and younger to meet and socialize during a potluck meal, thereby fostering family enrichment within our parish community.
Karen Jobe 341-0602


Parish Services

Bereavement Ministry

The nature of this ministry's work calls upon your compassion and ability to reach out to grieving families and do whatever may be necessary to exhibit our love, care and hospitality during their time of grief. The committee arranges to gather family and friends of the deceased at the time of the funeral for fellowship and food. Volunteers assist in organizing meals after funerals, helping with setup, service, cleanup and other needs of the family.
Josie Kleypas 255-1389 or 331-5629


Co-op Nursery

This is a group of adult and youth volunteers who provide a a nursery service during the 11:00 a.m. Mass for children ages 1 year to pre-kindergarten. Adults must be E&I certified.
Jessica Watts
cell: 512-786-1122
work 512-996-4571


Church Grounds

Grounds & Maintenance

 


Plaza Landscape

This committee is responsible for the year round planting and maintenance of the main plaza garden areas. Gardening "work days" are scheduled quarterly for planting, pruning, cultivating and mulching of gardens. The committee accepts financial donations from parishioners to purchase plants and seasonal flowers. If you enjoy gardening or like being part of a ministry that only requires an occasional commitment of time, this might be the group for you.
Kari Cooke 388-2009


Rosary Garden Landscape

The Rosary Garden Committee creates and maintains a memorial garden around the Rosary walway next to the church. The garden provides a peaceful area on the church grounds for prayer and reflection. Joe Leary 918-8792


Holy Family Catholic School

Holy Family Catholic School provides a nurturing environment that fosters the growth of the whole child: intellectually, spiritually, socially and physically. We work with parents and St. Vincent de Paul Catholic community to promote Christ-centered education with the highest moral and academic standards.
Maribel Allan 246-7560


Parish Office Volunteers

This support ministry provides an opportunity for parish volunteers to help with a variety of tasks in the St.Vincent de Paul church office including answering phones, handling mail and assisting visitors. Volunteers commit to one day per week either mornings or afternoons.
Josie Kleypas 255-1389


Prayer Chain

This ministry provides an opportunity to reach out to others who are suffering or have any spiritual or worldly request or need for our prayers. Ministers intercede for these individuals by taking time to pray for them. Using email, we can share prayer requests or needs to our growing group on the prayer line. Those who do not have access to the internet can be placed on a phone list to be called when the requests are made. Volunteers set aside a few minutes daily to add his/her prayers for the special intention. All that is required is a caring heart, kind words and a computer or telephone.
Josie Kleypas 255-1389 or 331-5629


Parish Web Page

The SVDP Parish web page team updates and maintains the St. Vincent de Paul Parish web page (www.SVDPparish.org) and on-line calendar.
web-team@svdpparish.org


Community Resources


Alcohol and Drug Assistance

This ministry provides information on community resources like Alcoholics Anonymous, as well as confidential consultation and referrals to those experiencing substance abuse problems within their families.
Frank Bergen


Blood Drive

The purpose of this ministry is to help create a blood suppLy for members of the parish community who are in need of blood now or in the future. Donations from parishioners are tracked on a point system and credited to the SVDP account at the Blood & Tissue Center. Volunteers will help encourage eligibLe parishioners to participate, assist after masses in signing parishioners up for times available, as well as on the day of the blood drive.
Terry McKenna 255-3772


Hunger Ministry

The Hunger Ministry provides food and other assistance to those needing help to relieve hunger. Ministers educate parishioners about the effects and extent of hunger in our community and how they can help meet the challenge. This ministry collaborates with many community outreach programs including food pantries for Austin, Leander and Round Rock, CropWaLk, Caritas, Meals On Wheels and Mobile Loaves & Fishes. This is a great ministry for a family. We meet once a year, but stay in contact throughout the year for the various programs.
Michelle Guadagnoli 258-1542


Interfaith Care Team

Provides compassionate, practical and emotional support for people living with AIDS and other serious illnesses and their loved ones. Activities include: visiting the care partner, caring phone calls, providing transportation, assisting with light housekeeping, yard work, preparing meals, socializing, giving primary caregivers a break, providing childcare or pet care or responding to requests of a spiritual nature. The Team provides a sense of love by being there for someone who might other­wise feel isolated.
Pauline Lewis 388-3436


Pro-Life Activities

Works to instill respect for human life at all stages, from conception until death, and to bring about a conversion of heart and mind for all to be open to God's special gift of life. The ministry works to educate the parish in all ways to nurture and protect life.


Gabriel Project

The Gabriel Project is an arm of the Pro-life Activities Ministry. It is an ecumenical movement of churches who are standing together to offer assistance to women in crisis pregnancies. The goal is for our Church to be the Good Samaritan to any such woman, responding in a loving, unconditional and nonjudgmental manner with immediate practical help and special concern for her and her unborn child.
Joy Latten 659-3531


Natural Family Planning

at SVDP aids the marriage preparation ministries by teaching the sympto-thermal method of fertility awareness through the couple to couple league (CCL). It is 99% effective at postponing pregnancy and it is immediately reversible to achieve pregnancy.
Robert and Kelly Tavarez 512-258-9304
website: www.austin.ccli.org


St. Vincent de Paul Society

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is an international Catholic service organization whose purpose is to provide spiritual growth to its members through their charitable works to those in need (regardless of religious preference) within the local community. Frederic Ozanam and his companions founded the Society in 1833. The Conference in our parish was established in 1996.
Don Raulie 918-0293


Annual Events


AnniversaryAugustLadies Club
F e s t i v a l
October Cal Lopez   331-4794
Breakfast with SantaEarly December Cal Lopez 331-4794
Spring DanceFebruaryTerry McKenna 255-3772
Feast Day CelebrationSeptember 27Society of SVDP


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