Ministry Directory   

  Holy Disciples is a vibrant parish with many ministries to become involved in and  to serve your needs.  Below is a list of all of the ministries.  Click on them to learn more, or you can scroll through them all! If no contact information is given for a person, please contact the main office (253) 875-6630 to leave a message for the individual.

Adult Formation: One opportunity for Adult Faith Formation is the "Foundations of the Catholic Faith" program, sponsored by the Seattle Archdiocese Office of Catholic Faith Formation. The program consists of seven 4-hour classes held here at Holy Disciples throughout the year on Sunday afternoons beginning in October 2008.  You can sign up for one or all of the classes.  Catechist Certification can be attained through attendance at these classes. 
Contact: Sue Ford (253) 846-3932    E-mail: holydisciplespa@qwest.net

Altar Servers:  A wonderful opportunity to become involved in the Church community at an early age.  It allows children 10 years and older, who have received their First Communion, to assist the priest at Mass.  These children must have a desire to serve in a thorough manner and fully participate.
Contact: Dave Goreczny    E-mail: ddmg4@msn.com

Art & Environment: Creates an environment for prayerful worship and enhances our celebration of the Eucharist.  We accomplish this through design and sewing of banners and table coverings, set-up and take down of banners, floral arrangements and indoor plants, with a break in the summer months, with occasional meetings to plan for upcoming church seasons.
Contact: Elaine Klein

Catholic Engaged Encounter: Invites couples to gather and experience a nurturing community.  This ministry enables the community to reach out to engaged couples and provide the best possible marriage preparation. 
Contacts: Pat & Elaine Keavney (253) 841-2000   E-mail: keavneype@msn.com

Donut Ministry: The Donut Ministry is made up of a large group of parish families who donate 3 dozen donuts at each Mass approximately 4 times per year.  The families are asked to bring the donuts before Mass (either 8:30 or 10:30) and leave them in the kitchen.  Just after Communion, the families meet in the kitchen to prepare donuts, coffee, and juice.  Families are also responsible to complete a cleaning check-off list and deliver the donations to the usher for bank deposit.  This is a wonderful ministry that includes all family members. 
Contacts: 8:30 Mass-Becky Kjellsen (253) 468-8920; 10:30 Mass-Zabrina Broadsword

Eucharistic Adoration: Our mission as a prayer ministry is to encourage people, in groups of two or more, to spend one hour each week in silent and open prayer before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.  We already have groups on Friday and Saturday, and our goal is to have one hour set aside for a group each day of the week.  We recite the Eucharistic Rosary, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, and make petitions for peace in the world, for our country and its leaders, the Catholic Church and our Parish, as well as personal needs. 
Contact: Lucy Phillips

Eucharistic Ministers: Eucharistic Ministers have the unique honor and priviledge to distribute the Body and Blood of our Lord to our fellow parishioners at Mass.  Our goal is to serve with Father to distribute either the Body (in the form of bread) or the Blood (in the form of wine) at the Communion of the Mass.  Each minister serves at their chosen Mass and participates approximately once or twice a month.   We meet as a group a couple times a year, and training is provided for all parishioners interested in this special service. 
Contact: Margaret Furtado

Facilities Commission: This commission is made up of parishioners who provide consultation and advice to Parish Staff on the scheduling, use, maintenance and preservation of parish facilities.  Commission members serve three-year terms with the option of extending service for an additional three years. 
Contact: Mel Ochs (253) 845-4680    E-mail: mel_di@msn.com

Facilities Steering Committees:  The following subcommittees report to the Facilities Commission:

• Sound System Committee: Provides consultation and advice on the configuration, use, training and the maintenance of the Parish Center sound system. 
  Contact: Terry Woyak (360) 893-6854.  
• Kitchen Committee: Provides consultation and advice on the configuration, use, training and the maintenance of the Parish Center kitchen. 
  Contact: Nadine Morris (253) 846-8397
• Grounds Committee: Provides consultation and advice on the design, use and maintenance of the Parish Center grounds (excluding the Archbishop Murphy Circle). 
  Contact: Mel Ochs (253) 845-4680    E-mail: mel_di@msn.com
• Lawn Maintenance:  Responsible for mowing and edging as needed.  Involves the use of a riding mower, push mower, weed whacker and blower. 
  Contact: Mel Ochs (253) 845-4680    E-mail: mel_di@msn.com

Faith Formation for Children:  This is a school year process for children pre-kindergarten through 6th grade to help them grow in understanding and living the Catholic faith.  We accomplish this, September-May, with weekly classes for preschool through grade 2 at all weekend masses; classes for grades 3-6 on Wednesday afternoon and evening; special Masses with children and a children's collection each week for children we support in mission areas. 
Contact: Carmen Bryant (253) 846-1278    E-mail: youthffhd@qwest.net

Faith Formation Commission: This is a commission of the Pastoral Council.  Its purpose is to assist pastoral leaders to ensure that the parish offers faith formation to all in the parish, and that a parish plan is developed and implemented.  They meet monthly, and are interested in seeking new members. 
Contact: Sara Schmitz (253) 875-6364    E-mail: sara.schmitz@comcast.net

Finance Council: Assures responsible use of parish financial resources by developing measurable financial goals and plans taking parish liturgical and business needs into consideration; developing and monitoring budgets; tracking actual monthly income and expense; and reporting financial information to parish membership, leaders and staff. 
Contact: Susie Brown at the parish office (253) 875-6630   E-mail: bookkeeperhd@qwest.net

Food Bank: The Graham/South Hill FISH Food Bank is located right behind our church.  Every aspect of the food bank is subordinate to providing food and services to those in need in our community.  As a volunteer organization, we depend upon the contributions of volunteers to locate food donations and to gather, package, and share the food with those in need who come in person or call the food bank. 

The food bank is open for walk-in clients Monday and Friday from 10:00 am - 1:30 pm, and on Thursday from noon - 6:00 pm.  Clients need to bring ID for each household member showing birthdate.  The food bank serves all of Pierce County.

Contact: Julie Wiesen    Food Bank Phone: (253) 846-3805

For a directory of other area food banks, click here.

Funeral Ministry: This ministry provides and serves lunch after funerals for family and friends.  Volunteers provide a dish for the funeral reception as well as organize the lunch and help to clean up afterward.  The goal of this ministry is to have enough members so that each member will only be called upon once a year.
Contact: Nadine Morris (253) 846-8397.

Grief Ministry: The Purpose of the Grief Ministry Team is to provide a safe place to mourn in the parish community and to provide shared comfort and understanding.  As needed, the team facilitates small group support sessions for those wanting assistance in the grieving process.  The Grief Ministry Team of Holy Disciples Parish hosts, twice a year, special Masses on Memorial Day and All Souls Day with a candle lighting ceremony in memory of the death of a loved one(s).
Contact: Janet Arfman

Health Ministry: The purpose of the Parish Nurse and the Health Ministry team is to assist individuals and our faith community to integrate holistic health and to serve the parish as educators, resources, advocates, consultants, and facilitators.  Their goal is to promote health and wellness in areas of mind, body and spirit and to help its members maintain and/or regain the best health possible.  The Parish Nurse, as a member of the Health Ministry, combines nursing expertise with faith concepts to facilitate the healing mission of our faith community. 
Contact: Eileen Weeg (253) 840-1493.  E-mail: weege15@msn.com.

Homebound Ministry: This ministry helps support the mission of the parish by reaching out to those who are unable to attend Mass and receive Communion due to illness, age, or other circumstances  The ministry covers different functions as needed:

• Communion and visits to hospitals & the homebound
• Mass & Communion service at Silver Creek and Willows retirement centers
• Communion service at Alterra Clare Bridge nursing home

Hospitality Committee:  Our mission is to make all people feel welcomed into our community, aid those in need, support our parish, and promote fellowship and a sense of family in the parish.  These goals are accomplished through the coordinating and promoting of community, social and seasonal activities.  Activities include, but are not limited to, the Christmas Giving Tree, Mardi Gras dinner/dance, funeral luncheons, donut and coffee hours, the International Potluck Dinner, and the overseeing of the parish kitchen.  Membership in the Hospitality Committee does not require participation in all of these events.  Members may participate in as many or as few of these activities as they wish; therefore, membership varies.  If you are interested in this type of ministry, you can become involved by calling the contact person or by giving your name to any of the Hospitality Committee members.  Meetings are at 6:30 p.m. in the Parish Center on the first Tuesday of each month. 
Contacts: Becky Kjellsen (253) 468-8920 and Katy Marzano (253) 847-7417   

Knights of Columbus: We are a Catholic men's fraternal organization dedicated to the principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. Our services extend to family, Church and community.  Family activities include Boy Scout sponsorship, affordable insurance program, annual free throw competition, potluck dinners; Church activities include support of parish ministries and seminarian sponsorship; community activities include blood donations, "Feed the Hungry", and monetary donations.  Contact: Mar Corpuz (253) 840-9161.

Lectors: Lectors are asked to study the selections of the New and Old Testaments that have been assigned to them.  The intent of the study is for the lector to develop an understanding of what the Old Testament or New Testament selections are trying to convey to their audience and how they relate to the gospel message.  The lector then uses the gift of his or her voice in conjunction with the Holy Spirit to proclaim aloud The Word in such a way that the community may hear the message intended. 
Lector Schedule March to May 2010
Contact: Carolanne Randich (253)770-7596   E-mail: seareign94@earthlink.net

Liturgy Commission: The Liturgy Commission consists of the Pastor and representatives from all the ministries responsible for liturgy and liturgical catechesis in the parish.  The commission meets once a month for prayer, reflection and planning for upcoming liturgical seasons.  The representatives of the various ministries are responsible for communicating information to their ministers.  The mission of the Liturgy Commission is to create an environment that is warm, welcoming, and beautiful; and to prepare and assist the assembly to participate in liturgy. 
Contact: Filomena Pixler (253) 770-5587. 

Moms and Tots Group:  This group meets Mondays at 10:00 in the Holy Disciples nursery to talk, pray, do an informal Bible study and to support each other as Catholic moms.  There is also a monthly Mom's Night Out (moms who are unable  to attend the Monday meetings are welcome to come to the these fun and informal gatherings).  Moms with school-age kids are welcome to still attend the Moms group, with or without your kids.  New members always welcome!
Contact: Stephanie Pak (253) 841-4427   E-mail: stephaniedpak@hotmail.com

Multi-Cultural Ministry: A new ministry with the ultimate goal to recognize and honor all cultures, and expand ethnic participation within our parish.  We strive to help those in need of assistance with language interpretations, baptisms, weddings, funerals and other parish community activities.  We have brought a few cultural celebrations to our parish, such as Simbang Gabi and the Cinco de Mayo, and would like to see more ethnic groups represented and participating.  This is a great way to learn something about all of our brothers and sisters in Christ!
Contact: Ester Delen

Music Ministry: All our ministers experience a call to their church communities, using the particular gifts with which they are blessed.  Involvement in, and commitment to a ministry arise from a desire to live out the gospel's challenge to build up the kingdom of God in our community.  Musicians do this by facilitating the community's sung prayer during liturgy, turning our gathering into a celebration of God's presence in our midst.  Music brings alive the words of scripture.  Three choirs provide music for all three weekend Masses, as well as reconciliation services, funerals, weddings, and miscellaneous occasions. 
Contacts: Saturday Choir - Kathy Woyak (360) 893-6854
    Sunday 8:30 Choir - Monica Hemenway (360) 893-6966   E-mail: monimoni88@yahoo.com
    Sunday 10:30 Choir - Anna Peterson (253) 847-0457
    Check out the Choir Blog!

Nursery Ministry: This ministry allows the parish to provide childcare as a service to parents attending Mass.  This frees the parents from keeping children quiet and permits them to hear the Word,  pause and reflect, and pray during the Mass. 
Contact: Florci Paraiso  

Pastoral Council: Provides the means, through prayer, study, listening and dialogue to develop priorities and directions for full participation in parish life.  The council encourages and initiates dialogue among parish leaders and organizations. 
Contact: Jim Bruso (253) 840-9373   E-mail: bruso56@gmail.com

Prayer Line:  This ministry provides parishioners a place to turn when loved ones, friends, co-workers, or even themselves, are in need of prayers to help them through their crisis in time of need.  The prayer line gives them peace of mind knowing that we spend extra time each day praying for their requests. 
Contact: Anita Ary-Price (253) 840-2021   E-mail: anitalynn0126@aol.com

Prayer Shawl Ministry: This ministry lovingly and prayerfully hand-knits or hand-crochets prayer shawls, stoles, and lap robes for the sick of our parish.  Members meet monthly to pray.
Contact: Beverly Lorenz (253) 262-1882  

Quilting Ministry: This ministry quilts from November to April for the Youth Outreach Ministry.  The quilts are taken to families during Mission Trips by our high school and college age young adults. 
Contact: Barbara Cobb   

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation  for Adults and Children): Our mission is to welcome people of other faiths, and un-baptized persons who wish to join our faith community, worshiping God in the Catholic tradition.  Catholics who were baptized as infants, but have no other experience in the Catholic Church are also prepared for the sacraments through this process.  Children (age 7 and over) and teens, who are not baptized or are baptized but uncatechized, also participate in the RCIA adapted for children. 
The year-long initiation process includes: initial inquiry sessions, introduction to the assembly of parishioners; faith sharing and weekly sessions; sponsor support; acquaintance with Church ministries; celebration, prayer and discernment; initiation through Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.  We welcome parishioners to become sponsors for our candidates.  
Contact: Sue Ford (253) 846-3932    E-mail: holydisciplespa@qwest.net

Returning Catholics: We provide a process for inviting and welcoming all adult Catholics who have been away from the Church to return to active and full participation in the sacraments.  We accomplish this through: semi-annual sessions for updating in the faith, prayer and faith sharing; preparing for and celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation; assistance and ongoing support from a team of trained adults from our parish. 
Contact: Sue Ford (253) 846-3932    E-mail: holydisciplespa@qwest.net

Sacramental Preparation: Teams provide ongoing classes for individuals, parents, and families preparing for the sacraments of Infant Baptism, First Reconciliation, First Communion, Confirmation/Youth, and Adult Confirmation.  For more information on each of these sacraments, please see the Sacraments page.  Here are some of the roles volunteers can play:

• Infant Baptism: We need more volunteers to help lead the classes to help parents prepare for this joyous sacrament.
  Contact: Sue Ford (253) 846-3932    E-mail: holydisciplespa@qwest.net
• First Reconciliation: This is the ideal ministry for parents of 1st and 3rd graders (children who have just received or are a year away from receiving the sacrament of First Reconciliation).  Volunteers help lead 2 large group gatherings, help with the brief reception following and help the children learn to appreciate the opportunity for grace this sacrament brings.
  Contact: Carmen Bryant (253) 846-1278    E-mail: youthffhd@qwest.net
• First Communion: This is the ideal ministry for parents of 1st and 3rd graders (children who have just received or are a year away from receiving the sacrament of First Communion).  Volunteers help lead 2 large group gatherings, assist in the dress rehearsal and picture evening, and the reception following Masses on First Communion weekend.
  Contact: Carmen Bryant (253) 846-1278    E-mail: youthffhd@qwest.net
• Confirmation/Youth: This ministry is for volunteers who have already been confirmed, whether a year ago or many more.  Volunteers may be asked to help at the sessions through leadership or service, participate in the retreat in some capacity, assist at the rehearsal, be present at the celebration itself and support the young people as they make this crucial decision for themselves.
  Contact: Carmen Bryant (253) 846-1278    E-mail: youthffhd@qwest.net
• Adult Confirmation: We offer a six-week class for adult Catholics who have received their First Communion, but have not been confirmed.  These adults are confirmed by the Bishop or Archbishop along with the teens in the Spring of the year. Confirmation team volunteers are welcome!
  Contact: Sue Ford (253) 846-3932    E-mail: holydisciplespa@qwest.net

Sacristans: We serve the Lord and our parish community by setting the table for our weekly Eucharistic meal.  This is accomplished by performing these simple yet necessary services: setting up the host, wine, goblets, linens, and bowls before each Mass; washing dishes and linens between weekend services.  The goal of this ministry is to have each sacristan serve only only once a month.  Depending upon which part of the ministry you choose to participate (set-up or clean-up), the time commitment is 15 minutes to an hour monthly.  This is the perfect ministry for busy men, women, and teens. 
Contact:  Jan-Marie Glaze  

Scripture Study: Our mission is to deepen our understanding of The Word of God and to make it a reality in our daily lives.  We accomplish this through reading scripture, personal sharing, prayer and giving to others as needed in our community and the world. 
Contact: Sue Ford (253) 846-3932    E-mail: holydisciplespa@qwest.net

Silver Threads: This ministry provides parish seniors with opportunities to socialize, join together for outings and grow in their faith. 
Contact: Mary Jo Oboy

Small Communities of Faith:  Enables people to meet regularly with 10-12 parishioners, in a home setting, to reflect on the Sunday readings, sharing their connection to our daily lives.  Groups meet for 1 to 1.5 hours, followed by refreshments.  Our parish vision  is to be a community of small communities. 
Contact: Sue Ford (253) 846-3932    E-mail: holydisciplespa@qwest.net

Stewardship Commission:  We give thanks to God by unconditional sharing our time, talent and treasure, which  God has so graciously given us.  Christ called us to serve one another.  As a commission, we invite all to respond generously to the call of Stewardship  as a way of life through education, witness and prayer. 
Contact: Ramonda Huff (253) 531-1864

St. Vincent de Paul Outreach: Vincentians witness God's love by embracing all works of charity and justice.  The Society collaborates with other people of good will in relieving need and addressing its causes, making no distinction in those served.  We at Holy Disciples' St. Vincent de Paul Conference make contact and visit people from our community who are in need.  We assess their needs and offer material support and also a listening ear to their problems. 
Outreach Telephone: (253) 341-1240
Contact: Mary Beth Rasmussen

St. Vincent de Paul Store: The SVDP store is always in need of 3 things: Donations of clean usable items, Volunteers, Shoppers.  Certainly you can fit into one, two or all three of these categories. The closest store is at 120th and Meridian, and it has a large selection of usable items.  Come on in and see what we have and it is also a good time to get rid of some of that stuff you have stored away for a special occasion.  Here it is (that special occasion).  It is also a good place to spend some time helping others.  It gives you warm and fuzzy feelings. 
Store Phone: (253) 770-0264
•SVdP Online Auctions: St. Vincent de Paul would like to offer you an new way to shop for bargains!  Please check out our shop on line auctions at www.SVDPauctions.com and see if you find something that interests you.

Ushers: This ministry welcomes and assists the congregation in finding seating at Masses.  This ministry coordinates the offertory collection and bringing of the offerings to the altar.  They keep track of the number of people attending each Mass so that the parish can determine in which ways the parish is growing. 
Contacts: Saturday 5:00 Mass-- Martin Mulvey; Sunday 8:30 Mass-- John Edwards (253) 846-1177; Sunday 10:30 Mass-- Bernie Estibal (253) 845-4018

Vacation Bible School: This is a fun-filled week for children to learn about God's love!  This experience provides an environment of continued spiritual growth in the Catholic faith, and an opportunity to build community.  There will be lively songs, skits, crafts, games, Bible stories and snacks. 
Sign ups are underway for 2009! Call now!
Contact: Sue Ford (253) 846-3932    E-mail: holydisciplespa@qwest.net
or Lisa Moczynski (253) 875-1951    E-mail: lisamoczynski@msn.com

Youth Ministry: Our parish is home for nearly 200 teenagers.  One of the missions of our parish is to provide leadership, teaching, retreats, service opportunities, social events, and ongoing formation so that our teens can become gospel-centered, faith-filled members of our parish.  We welcome all teenagers into full participation in our community.  We will accomplish this through our guidance, encouragement, companionship, participation with and evangelization of youth, 7th grade through 12th grade. 
Contacts: Jr. High--Donna Thompson or Tammy Jergens (253) 846-2889   tntjergens@yahoo.com
     Sr. High--Becky Denton (253) 875-6623

Youth Outreach: This ministry unites parish small faith communities that include our senior high youth, young adults, and adults who live the gospel message of love and service, with our friends in Mexico and/or other areas in the U.S.  The groups work alongside families to build homes, communities, relationships and hope. 
Contact: Carmen Bryant (253) 846-1278    E-mail: youthffhd@qwest.net