Ministries
Our parish offers dozens of opportunities for you to get involved in some sort of ministry or club.
Click on any of the general categories below to learn more -- or just start scrolling through this page.
Categories:
- Parish Office
- Parish Staff
- St. Matthew School
- Spiritual Life
- Outreach
- Social Activities
- Youth Ministry
- Buildings & Grounds
Parish Office
The Parish Office is open weekdays and Sunday mornings.
Volunteers are needed for office help, Sunday morning receptionist duties, mailings, bulletin boards, displays and special projects. Call Marie Carson or Aaron Haag 257-4297
Parish Staff
- Father Paul Shikany | Pastor
- Aaron Haag| Pastoral Associate
- Marie Carson | Business Manager
- Loral Tansy | Operations Manager
- Deanna Lustig | Youth Minister
- Jackie Noll | Director of Religious Education
- Marlene Scharbrough | Music Minister
- Mr. David Smock| School Principal
- Kathy Gray | School Secretary
- Robin Sobolewski | School Secretary
For more phone numbers and e-mail addresses for these staff members, go to our "About Us" page
Parish Pastoral Council
Meets 4th Wednesday of each month.
The Pastoral Council is responsible for discerning policy and for long-range planning and decision-making and coordination of commission activities.
Members
-
Jerry Stempky - chairJan Baele - Vice-ChairKevin Janowicz - SecretaryDean Burger At-Large MemberPam Martin At-LargeKaren Ridenour At-Large
- Ex-Officio: Pat Witt & Father Paul
Commission representatives:
- Bob Kowal Christian Life
- John Andersen, Finance
- Dan Dimond, Administration
- Marilyn Hunter, Spiritual Life
- Amy Stimpson, Youth
- Judy Good, School
- Open, Stewardship
Grant Writing Committee
Researches and submits proposals for grants to create or enhance parish and school programs. Meets as needed. Tim Dusing 254-1254 & Colleen Renie 915-9115
Finance Council
The Finance Council is a consultative body appointed directly by the pastor to assist him in administration of the Parish’s finances, including monitoring expenses and raising funds for the operation of the Parish. Meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7:30 PM. John Andersen 845-9119
Sunday Collection Counters: serve the parish through the accurate and efficient counting of the Sunday collection. Meet on Sundays as needed. Jim Hamilton 251-1707
Sunday Collection Counters
Serve the parish through the accurate and efficient counting of the Sunday collection.
Meet on Sundays as needed. Jim Hamilton 251-1707
St. Matthew School
Commission for School Ministry
The School Commission is responsible for providing Catholic education for St. Matthew School students. It is charged with seeking ways to improve St. Matthew School spiritually, physically and academically. Meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM.
Caryl Houghton, Commission President, 257-3760
David Smock, School Principal, 251-3997 Ext. 3901
Parent Faculty Association (PFA): raises funds used to support school programs and also provides volunteers to assist with numerous programs. Meets the 1st Thursday of each month at 1:30 PM. President – Lara O’Dell 576-9590
School Extended Care Program: provides care for SMS students from 7:00 AM to 7:30 AM and from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM on days that school is in full session. Marie Carson 251-3997 Ext. 1003
St. Matthew School: charged with providing top quality Catholic education to all students. Grades offered are K-8. David Smock, Principal, 251-3997 Ext. 3901; Robin Sobolewski, Admissions; Kathy Gray, Secretary. 251-3997 Ext. 3913
Marketing Committee: provides a total parish effort to increase awareness and sustain long term growth in the size of the parish and school and to increase awareness of our parish in the local community.
St. Matthew School
Provides top-quality Catholic education to all students, kindergarten through eighth grade.
For information about our school, call David Smock, principal: 251-3997 Ext. 3901, or Robin Sobolewski or Kathy Gray, 251-3997, Ext. 3913.
Commission for Spiritual Life Ministry
Mission Statement
To promote and spiritually engage parishioners of all ages on their journey of faith through celebration of liturgy, sacraments, and faith formation.
Chairperson: Leslie Kerr (317)823-0112 or e-mail l_f_kerr@comcast.net
Vice-Chairperson: Dave Worland
Secretary: Sharon Kerr
Ex-Officio: Aaron Haag, Pastoral Associate
Jackie Noll, DRE
The Spiritual Life Commission plans and coordinates efforts to meet the liturgical, sacramental, and faith formation needs of the parish. Opportunities are available for both personal and communal spiritual growth.
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults): the process for welcoming new members into the Catholic Church and preparing them to celebrate the sacraments of initiation. Numerous opportunities to serve/volunteer include Catechetical team, sponsors, prayer partners and hospitality. Meet every Monday at 7:00 PM. Aaron Haag 257-4297 Ext. 1004
Christian Initiation of Children: the process for welcoming children ages 7 and above into the Catholic Church and preparing them for the sacraments of initiation .Aaron Haag 257-4297 Ext. 1004
Liturgy of the Word for Children: a lectionary based program geared toward and appropriate for children in grades K-5. Meets every Sunday during the 9:00 AM Mass. Musicians and presiders needed. Jackie Noll 257-4297 Ext. 1005
Sunday Faith Formation: a program which provides for faith formation of the entire family. It is open to all parish families as well as adults without children and/or “empty nesters”. It is the religious education program for those children that are not attending St. Matthew School or a Catholic high school. BUT, classes are open to all pre-schoolers to adults who are interested. Catechists and classroom aides are needed for all levels. Meets every Sunday 10:15 AM-11:20 AM. Jackie Noll 257-4297 Ext. 1005
Coins for Cameroon: This Lenten program that is just one way that the parish provides financial aid for Dr. Ellen Einterz’ Cameroon mission. It is sponsored by the Family Faith Formation group.
WINGS (Weaving in God’s Story): is an approach to parish and life-long faith formation in which all members of the parish community are engaged. The real goal of this program is to celebrate the Sunday Mass as fully as possible and to live that Mass all week long. There are 7 principles of WCC which include emphasizing lifelong learning, walking with Christ (or conversion), linking faith formation to the Sunday assembly for Mass, and developing and empowering households of faith. With this approach to faith formation at St. Matthew Parish we will begin to understand and experience the workings of God’s grace in our lives! Jackie Noll 257-4297 Ext. 1005 or Aaron Haag 257-4297 Ext. 1004
Remembrance/bereavement Committee is in formation process but actively working to help parishioners/people deal with loss in their lives. Mary Ann Kenney 588-1012 or Susie Sokol 570-4669
Beginning Church provides preschool religious education giving 3, 4 and 5 year olds an experience of Church. Meets every Sunday during the 9:00 AM Mass. Amy Stimpson 842-9558
Music Ministry: offers musical enhancement for weekend Masses and all other liturgical celebrations. Marlene Scharbrough 257-4297 Ext. 1014
Choir - leads the community in lifting their voices in prayer through music at 9:00 AM Mass every other Sunday, Labor Day through Pentecost. Meets for practice every Thursday 7:30 PM-9:00 PM in the church. Marlene Scharbrough 257-4297 Ext. 1014
Contemporary Music Ensemble - provides an alternative to traditional music using a variety of instruments on one Sunday at 11:30 AM liturgy and one Saturday 5:00 PM Mass each month. Pam Janowiak 251-3142
Resurrection Choir - provides music at funeral Masses as a sign of love and concern for the grieving family and friends. Meets 30 minutes before scheduled service.
Cantors - lead the assembly in the hymns and responses at Mass. Meet as needed; most often before beginning of new liturgical season. Warm-ups are 30 minutes prior to liturgy.
Youth Mass Ensemble - leads the assembly in the hymns and responses at the 5:00 PM Youth Mass the 3rd Saturday of each month. Volunteer opportunities for musicians and singers. Paul & Iva Benjamin 577-4575 or Deanna Lustig, Youth Minister, 257-4297 Ext. 1006
Musicians - provide instrumental accompaniment during Masses and other services. Meet as needed.
Liturgy Committee: plans the parish Sunday liturgies throughout the liturgical season and other worship services as needed. Meets as needed. Ann Tully 475-0284
Liturgical Ministers:
Servers - assist Celebrant at Mass, grades 5-8. Marie Emerson 254-0161 and Loral Tansy 257-4297
Ushers - seat people, collect the offering and coordinate the presentation of the Offertory gifts for Sunday Liturgy. Jack Godfrey 257-2218
Eucharistic Ministers - assist Celebrant in distribution of the Body and Blood of Christ at Eucharist celebration. Also, serve as greeters before Mass. Meet as needed. Pixie Hildebrand 542-7460
Eucharistic Ministers to Shut-ins - take Communion to people who are unable to attend Sunday Mass. Meet Friday mornings, following the 8:30 Mass. Martha Commons 845-3401 and Jackie French 849-4186
Proclaimers/Lectors - proclaim the Word of God (1st and 2nd readings), lead the Prayers of the Faithful and make announcements at Sunday Mass and parish liturgies. Meet once or twice a year. Kevin Janowicz 849-8976
Mass Coordinators - perform traditional sacristan duties and oversee other liturgical ministers before Mass. Wayne Jones 251-4849
Arts and Environment Committee: oversees beautification of the church for community celebrations and events. Meet as needed. Susan Sobieski 842-3058 & Kay Summers 726-1660
Altar Society: responsible for weekly cleaning of the main sanctuary, daily chapel, prayer chapel, and front & back sacristies. Meet every Friday or Saturday morning (as scheduled) for about one and a half hours to clean the church and altar linens. Laney Oei 251-6520
Marriage Preparation Sponsor Couples: assist couples preparing for marriage. Father Paul Shikany 257-4297 Ext. 2100 and Aaron Haag 257-4297 Ext. 1004
Retreat Committee: works to provide retreat experiences for parishioners and to share information about retreats offered throughout the Archdiocese. This group also helps to coordinate the annual men’s and women’s retreats as well as the Parish Mission. Aaron Haag 257-4297 Ext. 1004 and/or Jackie Noll 257-4297 Ext. 1005.
Bible Study - read and study Old and New Testament books. We meet Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. and Thursday mornings at 9:00 a.m. in the Parish Life Center. For more information contact Leslie Kerr – 823-0112
Infant Baptism Preparation: a one-on-one session for parents preparing for the Baptism of their first child. Volunteers are needed to help with this preparation. Aaron Haag 257-4297 Ext. 1004
Vacation Bible School: brings scripture to life for our children through age appropriate Bible study one week every summer. Jackie Noll 257-4297 Ext. 1005
Stewardship Commission
The Stewardship Commission works to encourage all parishioners in their roles as stewards of God’s abundant gifts. They are responsible for developing and implementing parish-wide stewardship awareness programs. The commission helps communicate service opportunities and connect volunteers with parish groups. They also conduct the annual renewal and Archdiocesan United Catholic Appeal which invites parishioners to make planned and proportional gifts to the parish and the archdiocese. This committee is currently in search of willing leadership. Call Parish Office 257-4297
Annual Stewardship Report: provide accountability and information through annual summaries of each commission’s activities.
Christian Life Commission
The Christian Life Commission enables St. Matthew Parish membership to respond to their call to full discipleship with Jesus Christ by reaching out to others. The commission initiates and coordinates social events designed to reach each and every parishioner. They create an atmosphere of welcome and belonging at St. Matthew and to assist in parish communication. Opportunities to serve exist both within the parish and in our community. Meets approximately every 2 months. Volunteers are needed to plan, coordinate, and participate in various events throughout the year. Bob Kowal, 849-5056
Jubilee Committee this year to oversee celebration of Parish’s 50th anniversary. Festivities began in the Fall of ’08 with Jubilee Mass and Parish Picnic and a Jubilee Dinner Dance. We will continue our celebration with a parish pictorial directory focusing on our 50 years. Volunteers are needed to help. Contact Aaron Haag 257-4297 Ext. 1004
Peace Meal Committee: provides meals after funeral services for bereaved family and friends. Volunteers called upon to bring a dish or to help serve on a rotating basis. Mary Kay Murray 849-6253
Pro-Life Committee: welcomes suggestions and volunteers to work on a range of pro-life projects including prayer, political efforts (i.e., telephone tree, life chain education and pastoral projects), and reaching out to pregnant women, elderly, handicapped, AIDS victims, etc. Volunteers needed in all areas. Margaret Stempky 585-8425
St. Vincent De Paul Society: provides material assistance to the poor through referrals and visits to clients. Also organizes collection of food and provides funds for inner city food pantries and helping at the warehouse every six weeks. St. Matthew Council works in tandem with St. Andrew Parish which serves nearly half of the needy families in Indianapolis. Meets the 3rd Sunday of each month following the 9:00 AM Mass.
Leslie Kerr (317) 823-0112 or l_f_kerr@comcast.net For more Information here is a link to St. Vincent DePaul http://www.svdpindy.org/
St. Matthew Support of the SVdP Warehouse. Volunteers meet every 6th Saturday as published in church bulletin. Ray Meckauskas, 594-0290 St. Matthew Support of the SVdP Client Choice Food Pantry - provides volunteers for a week each month. A variety of shifts are available. Karen Maynard, 254-8503. SVdP Home Visits – Open position, contact Leslie Kerr (317) 823-0112 or l_f_kerr@comcast.net, For more Information here is a link to St. Vincent DePaul http://www.svdpindy.org/
Harvest for the Hungry Garden: plant, pick and deliver fresh vegetables to various inner-city food pantries which feed the hungry and homeless. Meet as needed. Tim and Stacy Jerger 849-1585
Christmas Giving Tree: provides clothing, toys, and household items to needy families in our community via Catholic Social Services Christmas Store. Meet once a year. Christine Moore 280-1802
St Matthew Parish Dad’s Breakfast Club – Mission is to bring Dad’s, single Mom’s, or grandparent/significant parental people to a closer relationship with their children. We will do this by providing a one-hour monthly breakfast that will allow them to: Discuss a wide range of family topics – Respect, Cooperation, etc., Just spend time together – Laugh, Listen and Learn, be equipped with educational resources to strengthen their relationship, provide an opportunity for SMP parishioners to serve others with the people in attendance at the events, and show our Catholic faith with prayer and fellowship at each event. Dan White 255-5146.
Third World Outreach Committee: provide prayer and material support for Dr. Ellen Einterz, daughter of St. Matthew parishioners, currently serving as a medical doctor in a mission hospital in Cameroon, Africa. Frank and Cora Einterz 253-9802
Outreach Bulletin Board: provides information regarding outreach opportunities on the bulletin board located outside the parish office. Articles, flyers, pictures and help in maintaining the bulletin board are always welcome.
Sunday Morning Coffee: “Coffee and Donuts” are served after the 9:00 AM Mass every Sunday. This social time provides an opportunity to welcome newcomers and to visit with fellow parishioners that perhaps we only see at Sunday Mass. Cathy Evans, 466-0943
Parish FunFest: an annual parish festival for the whole family to enjoy food, fun and community. Katie Hughes 255-1052
Lenten Fish Fry: great food and fellowship Fridays during Lent (as scheduled) from 5:00 PM-8:00 PM. Volunteers needed for setup, serving, cooking and cleanup. Deanna Anvoots, 257-3582
Winter Gala: an adult evening which includes dinner, dancing and both silent and live auctions. The event is held every year around Valentine’s Day. Tom Dempsey – 255-0888 or Keith Marsh – 826-9732.
Men’s Club: a social and service club open to all men of the parish 21 years of age and older. Meets the 1st Thursday of each month for fun and fellowship. Also, participates in many special events, Rob Baker 823-1864.
Wisdom Seniors Gather: Quarterly throughout the year the elders of our parish gather to celebrate Mass together and enjoy a pot luck lunch. Check the bulletin for exact dates; Mass begins at 11:30 AM. Aaron Haag 257-4297 Ext. 1004
Ladies’ Morning Marathon Bridge Group: meets to play on the 1st Monday of each month at 10:00 AM in the Lawless Room. Becky McCurdy 845-5670 and Martha Commons 845-3401
Friday Night Bridge Marathon Group: men and women meet to play on the 2nd Friday of each month, from September through May, at 7:30 PM. Paul Kirkhoff 545-2724
56th Street Friends Group: provides a meeting place and social activities for senior citizens of any faith, race or social background. Meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month. Grace Holland 388-0548
Fourth of July Breakfast: brunch is served following the annual Tri-Parish Mass celebrated on July 4th at St. Matthew. Looking for some leadership
Tennis League: Trudy Gumbel 251-1160
Outreach Bulletin Board
Provides information regarding outreach opportunities on the bulletin board located outside the parish office. Articles, flyers, pictures and help in maintaining the bulletin board are always welcome.
Personal Visits and Counseling
The parish ministers to the sick, elderly and those in need of personal counseling. Please call the parish office (317-257-4297) for assistance.
Youth Activities
Youth Ministry Commission
The Youth Ministry Commission assists the Youth Minister in planning, implementing and evaluating programs for parish youth to meet social, spiritual, and service components of our ministry. The target age for Youth Ministry is middle school through young adults. Meets the 2nd Monday of each month at 7:00 PM. Deanna Lustig 257-4297 Ext. 1006.
There is also a Youth Ministry Youth Council open to middle school and high school age members of the parish. This group meets the 3rd Monday of each month.
Other groups that target specific areas for youth are Boy Scouts, Girls Scouts, and Athletic Committee.
Athletic Committee: responsible for developing a comprehensive athletic program that encourages youth participation in a variety of athletic events. Meets as needed. Jim Dossman 841-7031
Youth Ministry Youth Council
Open to all middle school and high school age members of the parish.
This group meets the 3rd Monday of each month.
Youth Ministry Experiences
offered through St. Matthew
ª Youth Mass ª Ski Trip
ª 5:00 PM Saturday evening Mass
with contemporary music,
3rd Saturday of the month.) + Stations of the Cross
ª Youth Council ª Prayer Services
ª Chat & Chew Scripture Study ª Retreats
ª Confirmation ª Youth Choir
ª Confirmation Team Members ª Lectors
ª Archdiocesan Events ª Eucharistic Ministers
ª National Catholic Youth ª Sunday Morning Helpers
Conference ª Easter Egg Hunt
ª North Deanery Events
ª Service Projects ª North Deanery Young Adult Activities
ª Mission Trips ª
ª Social Gatherings ª King’s Island
ª Holiday World ª Lock-ins
If you have any suggestions or questions
regarding Youth Ministry call
Deanna Lustig 257-4297 Ext. 1006
Scouting Leadership
Cub Scout Pack #443: provides boys with an effective educational program designed to train them in the responsibilities of citizenship. Encourages growth in moral and physical strength. Meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 6:30 PM. Cub Master – Dan White, 255-5146; Membership & Registration - Christine Moore 280-1802.
Boy Scout Troop #443: provides boys with an effective educational program designed to train them in the responsibilities of citizenship. Encourages growth in moral and physical strength. Ages 11-18. Meets selected Wednesdays at 7:00 PM. Brian Murphy, Scout Master, 841-8511 and Jeanne Lausten, Committee Chair 257-7970.
Venture Crew: provides outdoor, high adventure activities in a Christian environment for boys and girls ages 15-21. Prior scouting experience not required. Male and female adult leaders needed. Steve Miller, 255-7566
Daisies, Brownies, Junior & Cadette Girl Scouts: provides opportunities to build girls of courage, character, and confidence through activities including service, science, citizenship, creativity, and esteem building for girls Kindergarten through 8th grade. Mary McNulty 585-1680
Buildings and Grounds
Administration Commission
The Administration Commission plans for and maintains the physical facility and property of St. Matthew Parish and School. The group also oversees all renovation and new construction. Meets the 1st Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM. Dan Dimond 841-3447
Implementation Committee: oversees the timely implementation of capital improvements for buildings and grounds. Meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month, as needed, at 6:30 PM.
Building and Grounds Volunteers: keep our 15+ acres manicured by cutting grass, weeding and trimming shrubs and trees. Keep playground in clean and safe condition. Loral Tansy 257-4297, ext. 1015
Weekend Warriors: assist in completing larger maintenance projects identified by the Administration Commission. Volunteers meet on weekends as needed. Fall & Spring Flings take place yearly to help beautify the grounds. John Zubac 726-1157 & John Shank 259-7274
St. Matthew Catholic Parish | 4100 East 56th Street | Indianapolis, IN 46220 | 317-257-4297