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 Pat Witt 257-4297
Parish Staff
- Father Paul Shikany | Pastor
- Patricia Witt | Pastoral Associate
- Father Robert Mazzola | Priest in Residence
- Marie Carson | Business Manager
- Vacant | Parish Secretary
- Deanna Lustig | Youth Minister
- Jackie Noll | Director of Religious Education
- Marlene Scharbrough | Music Minister
- Loral Tansy | Technology Administrator
- John Perkins | Maintenance Supervisor
- Martin Erlenbaugh | 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
- Kitty Fischer, Chair
- Karen Ridenour, Vice-Chair
- Pete Welch, Secretary
- Tim Dusing, At-Large-Member
- Craig Doyle, At-Large-Member
- Ed Freije, At-Large-Member
- Ex-Officio: Pat Witt & Father Paul
Commission representatives:
- Tim Jerger, Christian Life
- John Andersen, Finance
- Dan Dimond, Administration
- Marilyn Hunter, Spiritual Life
- Amy Stimpson, Youth
- Martha Marshall, 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 appointed directly by the pastor as a consulting body to assist him in administering parish finances—including monitoring expenses and raising funds for parish operations.
Meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. 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
St. Matthew School
Commission for School Ministry
The School Commission is responsible for providing Catholic education for St. Matthew School students. Its mission is to seek ways to improve St. Matthew School spiritually, physically and academically.
Meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m.
- Brian Murphy, Commission President, 841-8511
- Martin Erlenbaugh, school principal, 251-3997 Ext. 3901
St. Matthew School
Provides top-quality Catholic education to all students, kindergarten through eighth grade.
For information about our school, call Martin Erlenbaugh, principal: 251-3997 Ext. 3901, or Robin Sobolewski or Kathy Gray, 251-3997, Ext. 3913.
Spiritual Life
Commission for Spiritual Life Ministry
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.
Meets the 1st Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. Kevin McNulty, 585-1680
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
The Catholic Church welcomes new members and prepares them to celebrate sacraments of initiation. Numerous opportunities to volunteer on the Catechetical team, as sponsors or prayer partners, or providing hospitality.
Meet every Monday at 7 p.m. Pat Witt 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. Pat Witt 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
Family Faith Formation
A faith formation program for the entire family. It is open to all parish families as well as adults without children and/or “empty nesters”. It is also the religious education program for children who are not attending St. Matthew School or another Catholic elementary school or high school. 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 to 11:30 a.m. Jackie Noll 257-4297 Ext. 1005
Faith Formation 2009-2010 Calendar | Registration Form
Christian Family Development
Attends to the needs of families from the time of Baptism until children enter school. It provides preschool religious education giving 3, 4, and 5 year olds an experience of Church.
Meets every Sunday during 9 a.m. Mass. Amy Stimpson 842-9558
WINGS (Weaving in God’s Story)
An approach to parish and lifelong faith formation engaging all members of the parish community. The purpose is to celebrate the Sunday Mass as fully as possible and to live that Mass all week long.
Jackie Noll 257-4297 x1005 or Pat Witt 257-4297 x1004
Remembrance/Bereavement
This is a new group that is actively working to help parishioners and others deal with loss in their lives. Mary Ann Kenney 588-1012 or Susie Sokol 570-4669.
Music Ministry
Enhances weekend Masses and other liturgical celebrations with music.
Marlene Scharbrough 257-4297 Ext. 1014
- Choir - leads the community in lifting their voices in prayer through music at 9 a.m. Mass every other Sunday, Labor Day through Pentecost. Meets for practice every Thursday, 7:30 to 9 p.m. 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 p.m. 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 before the liturgy.
- Youth Mass Ensemble - leads the assembly in the hymns and responses at the 5 p.m. 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 Sunday liturgies throughout the liturgical season and other worship services as needed.
Meets as needed. Ann Tully 475-0284
Liturgical Ministers
- Servers - assist at Mass, grades 5-8. Parish office 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. Bob Shanahan 842-5293
- 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.
- 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 celebrations and events. Meet as needed. Susan Sobieski 842-3058 and Mary Marsh 826-9732
Altar Society
Responsible for weekly cleaning of the main sanctuary, chapels, and 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
Assist couples preparing for marriage. Father Paul Shikany 257-4297 Ext. 2100 and Pat Witt 257-4297 Ext. 1004
Retreat Committee
Provides retreat experiences for parishioners and shares 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. Pat Witt 257-4297 Ext. 1004
Bible Study
Women’s Bible Study - read and study Old and New Testament books. Meet every Tuesday at 9:30 AM September through May. Helen Lazarz 253-7207
Other groups meet at various times to study particular books of the Bible. Contact the parish office for information.
Small Faith Communities
Calling people together to be church for each other. Judy Hipskind 255-8654
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. Pat Witt 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. It also conducts 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 Pat Witt 257-4297 Ext. 1004.
Christian Life Commission
The Christian Life Commission enables St. Matthew Parish members to respond to their call to full discipleship with Jesus Christ by reaching out to others. The commission initiates and coordinates social events to reach each parishioner and create a welcoming atmosphere. Volunteers are needed to plan, coordinate, and participate in various events throughout the year. Tim Jerger 849-1585.
Parish Jubilee Committee
Festivities celebrating the parish’s 50th anniversary will begin in the Fall of ’08. Contact Dayna Murphy, 841-8511 or Pat Witt 257-4297, Ext. 1004.
Peace Meal Committee
Provides meals after funeral services for bereaved family and friends. Volunteers are called upon to bring a dish or to help serve on a rotating basis. Mary Kay Murray 849-6253
Outreach
Pro-Life Committee
Welcomes suggestions and volunteers to work on a variety of pro-life projects including prayer, political efforts (i.e., telephone tree and letter-writing), life chain education and pastoral projects, and reaching out to pregnant women, elderly, handicapped, people with AIDS, etc. Volunteers are needed in all areas. Jerry and Peggy Stawick 254-1729
St. Vincent De Paul Society
Provides material assistance to the poor through referrals and visits to clients. Organizes food collections and provides funds for inner-city food pantries; parishioners also help at the central warehouse every seven weeks. St. Matthew works in tandem with St. Andrew Parish, serving nearly half of the needy families in Indianapolis.
Meets the 3rd Sunday of each month following 9 a.m. Mass. John Fagan 253-1149
Harvest for the Hungry Garden’
Plant, pick and deliver fresh vegetables to various inner-city food pantries that 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 the Catholic Social Services Christmas Store.
Meets once a year. Christine Moore 280-1802
Third World Outreach Committee
Provide prayer and material support for Dr. Ellen Einterz, daughter of St. Matthew parishioners, who is a medical doctor in a mission hospital in Cameroon, Africa. Frank and Cora Einterz 253-9802
Coins for Cameroon
This Lenten program is just one of the ways the parish provides financial aid for Dr. Ellen Einterz’ medical work in the northern region of Cameroon. “Coins” is sponsored by the Family Faith Formation group.
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.
Social Activities
Sunday Morning Fellowship
“Coffee and Donuts” are served after the 9 a.m. Mass every Sunday. This social time provides an opportunity to welcome newcomers and to visit with fellow parishioners. Mary Kay Murray 849-6253
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 on Fridays during Lent (as scheduled) from 5 to 8 p.m. Volunteers are needed for setup, serving, cooking, and cleanup. John Zubak 726-1157 & Ben Perkins 849-4048.
Winter Gala
An adult evening that includes dinner, dancing, and both silent and live auctions. The event is held every year around St. Valentine’s Day. Karen Ridenour 845-0793 or Steve Sergi, 259-4135 or Katrina Dittmer 257-1949
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, and leads or participates in many special events. Brian P.
Murphy, President St. Matthew Men’s Club Cell 716-8124
Visit the St Matthew's Men's Club web site
http://stmattmen.googlepages.com/
Women’s Club
a social and service group open to all women of the parish who are 21 and older. They meet the second Tuesday of every month and their mission is: St. Matthew women gather to nurture fun feminine fellowship, service & spirituality.
Wisdom Seniors Gather
Quarterly throughout the year the elders of our parish gather to celebrate Mass together and enjoy a potluck lunch.
Check the bulletin for exact dates; Mass begins at 11:30 a.m. Pat Witt 257-4297 x 1004
Ladies’ Morning Marathon Bridge Group
Meets to play on the 1st Monday of each month at 10 a.m. 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 p.m. Paul Kirkhoff 545-2724
56th Street Friends Group
Provides a meeting place and social activities for senior citizens of any faith.
Meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month. Grace Holland 388-0548
Fourth of July Breakfast
Brunch is served after the annual Tri-Parish Mass celebrated on July 4th at St. Matthew. Seeking a chairman.
Tennis League
Trudy Gumble 251-1160
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 p.m. Deanna Lustig 257-4297 Ext. 1006.
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 Activities
- Youth Mass (5:00 PM Mass Saturday evening, every 3rd Saturday of the month.)
- Youth Council
- Chat & Chew Scripture Study
- Confirmation
- Confirmation Team Members
- Archdiocesan events
- National Catholic Youth Conference
- North Deanery events
- Service projects
- Social gatherings
- King’s Island trip
- Catholic Leadership Conference
- College visits
- Lock-in
- Ski trip
- Contemporary Musical Stations of the Cross
- Prayer services
- Retreats
- Youth Choir
- Lectors
- Eucharistic Ministers
- Sunday Morning Helpers
- Sponsor Kid Ministry events for K-5
- Young Adult Group –Tuesday for 20’s & 30’s
If you have any suggestions or questions regarding Youth Ministry call Deanna Lustig 257-4297 Ext. 1006
Athletic Committee
Develops and oversees a comprehensive athletic program that encourages youth participation in a variety of athletic events. Meets as needed. Jim Dossman, 841-7031
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 - Kevin Janowicz, 849-8976; Membership & registration – Christine Moore, 595-8711
Boy Scout Troop #443
Provides boys ages 11 to 18 with an effective educational program designed to train them in the responsibilities of citizenship. Encourages growth in moral and physical strength. Meets each Tuesday at 7 p.m. Jim Timmons, Scout Master, 577-1711 and Alicia Reuter, Committee Chair, 562-1638
Venture Crew
Provides outdoor, high adventure activities in a Christian environment for boys and girls ages 15 to 21. Prior scouting experience not required. Male and female adult leaders needed. Steve Miller, 255-7566
Daisies, Brownies, Junior & Cadet 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. Also oversees all renovation and new construction. Meets the 1st Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. 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 p.m. Phil Wilhelm 255-4773
Building and Grounds Volunteers
Keep our 15+ acres looking nice by cutting grass, weeding and trimming shrubs and trees. Keep playground in clean and safe condition. John Perkins 257-4297.
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 Zubak, 726-1157 & John Shank, 259-7274
St. Matthew Catholic Parish | 4100 East 56th Street | Indianapolis, IN 46220 | 317-257-4297