This past year as I have prayed and reflected upon a theme for our Annual Stewardship Renewal, I thought to myself, do we say Amen enough to all God the Father is doing for us and in us? Maybe this is a question we all could ask ourselves as we begin this year’s renewal. Do I say Amen often? In what ways do I need to say Amen more?

In order to answer these very important questions, I think we first need to look at what Amen means. Amen, simply means to acknowledge or agree with. When we receive the Eucharist we respond Amen - I believe it to truly be Jesus Body and Blood. Interestingly, Amen is the the same in every language known to humanity. In my own opinion and seeking the truth of Amen in prayer, I have come to believe that Amen is something written on the heart of every per-son, every human life created in the image and likeness of God. Thus it is a natural response to God, a simple way of acknowledging God and all He is to us, all He has done for us.

In this way, Amen is the most simple and yet the most profound response of every human heart. It is also the best way to prayerfully respond to God as stewards of His many gifts. As Christian stewards, we are called to respond to God in our Amen. By asking ourselves and reflecting on the questions I mentioned above, we are drawn inwardly to notice God working in our lives, our families and our parish community. We are also drawn to reflect on how we can better respond, how we can better say Amen by giving back to God of the abundance of what He has given to us. As you read through the 2018 St. Patrick’s Stewardship Catalogue, I ask you to pray Amen and to say Amen to anything God may be asking you to do. Be open to new ministries that might catch the glimpse of your heart or that may even challenge you in using your gifts and talents. I truly believe, that if we pray Amen and say Amen together as we renew our stewardship, we will be abundantly blessed and grow closer to God, responding from the desires and longings within us, which may seem different and even distinct, but become one in our Amen.

I pray God bless all of you and your families as you prayerfully renew your commitment of time talent and treasure to God at St. Patrick’s Church. I also pray Amen for how you have all blessed my life and ministry. You are the Amen of my daily prayers and petitions!

“Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these,because I am going to the Father” (John 14:12)

In Jesus – Through Mary… AMEN! Fr. Josh Brown

CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICA’SThe Catholic Daughters strive to be an organization of sisterhood and service. Through the year we work together as a group to plan service events and fellowship opportunities.

FINANCE COMMITTEEThe Parish Finance Council assists the pastor, who is account-able to the Diocesan Bishop and the parish for the administra-tion and stewardship of the temporal goods/ finances of the parish. An active, well-formed Parish Finance Council is a key element in promoting the financial health of a parish, assuring accountability and assisting the pastor with his responsibilities.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUSIn the Knights of Columbus tradition, the local Council #1211 of St. Patrick’s lends support to the Church at both the diocesan and local levels. It proides volunteers and offers funds for parish projects and the Catholic schools.

LITURGY COMMITTEEThis committee works with Fr. Josh Brown to plan parish liturgies and other events in accordance with the Church’s liturgical seasons. We welcome people interested in the study of Catholic worship and people interested in liturgical environment (decorating).

PARISH COUNCILThe St. Patrick’s Parish Council assists the Pastor in his leader-ship role of planning, organizing, initiating, coordinating and reviewing the mission and activities within the parish. The coun-cil consists of between ten and twenty members which may be elected by the Parish or appointed by the Pastor. Fr. Josh relies heavily on their input and responses in all major parish decisions.

RESPECT LIFE COMMITTEEThe pro-life effort at our parish includes participation in any community-wide pro-life activities, such as the ‘Walk for Life” and exhibits at the Lincoln County Fair. Each October they acknowledge the gift of life by recognizing new mothers in the parish.

SERRA CLUBNamed after St. Junipero Serra, this ministry is formed to foster and promote vocations to the priesthood and religious life, and to support priests in their ministry. We meet the first Tuesday of every month.

STEWARDSHIP COUNCILThis council helps the pastor guide the development of stewardship within the parish. The council seeks ways to promote a stewardship mentality within the parish through year-round communication and special initiatives, and by supporting our annual Renewal of Stewardship.

ST. PATRICK’S COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMENThis is a service and social group for all members of the parish. Activities that establish a bond among parishioners include serving receptions, a monthly brunch, funeral dinners and the Christmas boutique.

W.A.S. – WITHOUT A SPOUSEA group for single, divorced, or widowed Catholics from all North Platte parishes. We offer support to each other in prayerful, positive, helpful and enjoyable ways through monthly social events and activities.

A member of the ministries in which you have expressed interest willcontact you soon. If not please call our parish office at 308-532-0942

or email formation@st-pats-online.org so we may follow up. Thank you for honoring our Lord with your prayer, participation and generosity.

PARISH BARBECUEThis annual activity is held every August. The parish works and plays together, with all proceeds going directly to the church. There are many ways to be involved.

BARGAIN BINThis ministry provides clothing and household items to those in need. The Bargain Bin is staffed by parish volunteers and relies on donations from the community. Profits go to the church and Catholic schools. Volunteer opportunities for Bargain Bin can vary from a few hours a day, all day once or twice a month, an entire week or anytime that works for you. Hours of operation are Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS REPAIR WORKWe are looking for persons handy with a hammer, paint brush or broom! Folks in this ministry will help us to keep our facility looking good and functioning properly. Help when it works for you.

CHILD CAREAt various times throughout the year we have need of child care so that parents can participate in events like Parish Retreats, Parish Missions or Bible Studies. We are looking for adults and teens that would be willing to help with this ministry as the need arises.

FOOD PANTRYThe Food Pantry provides food to those who have emergency needs. Parish volunteers are needed to work in the pantry and to help deliver food to people’s homes. Volunteer opportunities can accommodate any schedule.

PARISH HEALTH MINISTRYThe Health Ministry practices holistic health education for individuals and the community while centered in the spiritual dimension of caring. Licensed medical professionals are welcome to join this team. Non-medical people are welcome to assist with non-medical aspects of this ministry.

ST. MARTHA MINISTRYSt. Martha Ministry: provides occasional meals for our priests on nights when they are particularly busy. They appreciate a home-cooked meal to enjoy between appointments! You will be called and given the opportunity to choose from possible dates.

ST. PATRICK CHURCH JAIL MINISTRYOn Saturday afternoon from 1-3, two to four people go together to visit the Lincoln County Jail. We offer Bible Studies and the Alpha Course. With enough volunteers, you would need to be present only once a month. Training is provided for men and women who serve in this ministry of encouragement and hope.

PARISH OFFICE AIDThis ministry helps with various needs in the parish office, to include but not limited to, preparing parish mailings and stuffing bulletins. At times a volunteer is needed to answer the phones when the secretary cannot be in the office.

MINISTRY TO THE HOSPITALIZEDAn important outreach ministry from our parish is to bring the Eucharist to Catholics who are in the hospital. This ministry is for people who are comfortable praying with others and can contact our priests if the patient asks for the sacraments of Anointing or Reconciliation.

NEW PARISHIONER WELCOME MINISTRYThis ministry personally contacts newly - registered members of the parish. We offer new members a free ticket to the monthly brunch, meet with them personally and offer them a welcome packet with information about the parish. Are you good at hospitality and helping newcomers connect? We can use your gifts in this ministry.

PRAYER BLANKET MINISTRYCompassion and the love of sewing have been combined into a prayerful ministry and spiritual practice which reaches out to those in need of comfort and solace. Many blessings are prayed into every stitch. The blanket ministry begins with prayers and blessings for each recipient. Upon completion, a final blessing at one of our Masses is offered for each blanket before the “Prayer Blanket” is sent on its way.

PRAYER CHAINMembers of this ministry volunteer to pray at home for those who are ill or in need of some extra prayers.

TRANSPORTATION TO MASSThis ministry provides transportation to Mass and other parish events for those who cannot drive or who are without a vehicle. We will connect you with those in your area.

SOCIAL MEDIA MINISTRYWe could use your help in growing our audience with our social media pages and our parish website as well as expand into other social media channels. We would love to add to our team anyone with an interest in social media, photography, filming, graphic/web design, or writing!

PARISH PHOTOGRAPHERWe would appreciate help photographing parish events, day to day activities and ministries of the parish. Your photo’s will be uploaded for use in our newsletters and for archival purposes. When you come to church…bring your camera!

ALTAR SERVERSAnyone in at least the fourth grade who would like to assist the priest during the liturgies is invited to join in this ministry. Training will be provided.

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNIONLay Eucharistic Ministers assist with the distribution of the Body and Blood of Christ at the Mass of their choice. This ministry is open to adults and youth who have been confirmed.

MINISTRY OF HOSPITALITY FOR WEEKEND MASSThis is the ministry of greeting people as they come into Mass. You assist with the collection and offertory during Mass and provide a clean worship area for the next Mass. This ministry is open to individuals, couples and families.

LECTORSThis ministry includes adults and youth who are gifted with proclaiming the Word of God during Mass. Lectors read clearly and loudly so God’s Word may resonate in the lives of all.

MUSIC MINISTRYMusic Ministry is a key part of our Sunday worship. If you have a gift of singing or playing an instrument, we can use your gifts! Instrumentalists who play piano, organ, guitar, flute, drums, trumpet, etc. are needed to work with our cantors or small groups.

SACRISTANSacristans arrive 20 minutes before Mass and help set up the necessary books and vessels. Sacristans help to make sure ev-erything is in order for the celebration of the liturgy. Training is provided.

ST. PATRICK’S CHURCH ENVIRONMENT & DECORATINGThroughout the year, we need people to help decorate the church, especially for Christmas and Easter, as well as for re-treats and other special events.

SUNDAY COMMUNION TO THE HOMEBOUNDThis ministry takes the Eucharist to elderly and ill members of the parish who are not able to attend Mass on Sunday. Ministers go to the elderly and ill on a rotating basis.

BIBLE STUDYThroughout the year the parish offers opportunities for bible study, faith sharing and other ways to grow in faith and knowledge. All are welcome and encouraged to participate.

CATHOLICS ENCOUNTER CHRIST (CEC)These retreats, formerly known as “Cursillo,” are offered by the diocese for men and women twice a year. They will be noted in our bulletin when they are offered.

MARRIAGE ENCOUNTERA weekend retreat to help married couples develop a closer relationship with God, each other and the church. Weekends are scheduled periodically during the year. You may also visit the World Wide Marriage Encounter website.

RCIA PARTICIPANTAre you interested in joining the Catholic Church? Were you baptized Catholic but never completed your Confirmation or First Eucharist? Are you interested in coming back to the Catholic Church? The RCIA process begins in the fall and continues until Easter. This series of sessions involves opportunity for you to learn about the Catholic Faith and share faith with other adults.

THAT MAN IS YOUThat Man is You is an interactive men’s program combining the best research from science with the teachings of the Catholic faith and the wisdom of the saints to develop the vision of a man fully alive. By honestly addressing the pressures and temptations that men face in our modern culture, That Man is You seeks to form men who will be capable of transforming homes and society.

RELIGIOUS FORMATION OF YOUTHReligious education provides support to families through organized classs focusing on knowledge of our Catholic Faith. Classes are offered for Pre-Kindergarten through Confirmation.

HELPING HANDS MINISTRY

Anointing Mass MealsOur healing Mass is celebrated the first Wednesdayof each month (September through May) at noon.

A lunch is served in the parish hall immediatelyafter the Anointing Mass.

Christmas BoutiqueAn annual all-parish activity every November thatincludes a festive noon luncheon, bake sale and

community craft booths and silent auction.

Funeral Dinner MinistryAs part of our service and compassion to the

bereaved, a simple luncheon is served to familyand friends following a funeral with minimal cost

to the family.

Monthly BrunchBrunch is held the third Sunday of each monthfrom 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall.

WELCOME HOME MINISTRYWelcome Home ministry provides an opportunity for those who have been away from the Catholic Church to come back. It is a welcoming and understanding ministry that answers questions and helps to foster an understanding of the church.

Let us know what you enjoy doing and when wehave a need we will contact you!

Altar care/launder linesBakingBuilding and grounds repair workProvide Childcare for parish activitiesCarpentryCleaning Computer skillsCook/serve food CounselingDonate Salads for funeral dinnerDonate treats for parish activitiesDecoratingElectricianGardening – plant careGraphic designHelp decorate the churchHelping with mailingsMarketing skillsOccasional help with parish eventsPaintingPhone callingPhotographyPlumberPrayer support from homeSewing Social mediaTake items to recycling centerTeachingVideo editingWebsite design and maintenanceWriter - editorOther ______

SCRIPGift cards for local and national retailers are sold after weekend Masses and at the Endowment office. Use SCRIP for your everyday purchases and help generate tuition as-sistance for Catholic School students.

G.R.E.E.N .Annual dinner/auction event featuring live and silent auctions, lottery drawing and entertainment. Held every October to generate funds for North Platte Catholic Schools.

IRISH FESTFamily fun day with a mini-carnival, raffle, bake sale, dinner and silent auction. Held every February at St. Pat’s High School.

NORTH PLATTE CATHOLIC SCHOOLS (NPCS)The mission of NPCS is: To assist parents and the Catholic Church in the Catholic/Christian formation of their children, while providing a high quality academic education which challenges all students to reach their full potential.

For information about theabove opportunities,

contact Wendy Dodson,Endowment, 534-5939.

w.dodson@npcschools.org

OFFICE OF YOUTH & YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY-DIOCESE OF GRAND ISLANDHelping young people connect, live, belong & grow!

Higher GroundHigher Ground IIHigher Ground College RetreatTeens Encounter Christ (TEC)Totus Tuus

Not sure what will fit you best? Let us help. Tell us what talents God has blessed you with and what personally interests you. We can help you consider the opportunities our parish has to offer.

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