Sacraments 'R' US

 Church ministry is never dull, especially at St. Joan of Arc in April! Literally over 360 students and their families will have celebrated either First Communion or Confirmation here this month. If we were listed on the New York Stock Exchange, we could be called, Sacraments 'R' Us.

 Do you ever wonder how so many students and families are prepared for these special sacramental milestones?  One way to visualize this is to think of  all the families, dedicated volunteers, staff and clergy as threads of a skillful weaving which becomes a beautiful tapestry.


Today I'd like to focus on the PSR  staff members who behind the scenes are the strong threads that form this fabric for God's tapestry. Their contributions are special signs of  God's presence among us. 


Many of the colorful threads for the tapestry are the 350 + volunteers which are coordinated by director, Emily Winner along with top notch administrative staff; Mary Jo Newell, Judy Komenda, Cindy Guzak and dedicated coordinators; Jeanne Hayslip - preschool, Laura Sams - elementary, Susan Fox - middle school, and Michael Barone - high school youth group.   This team is composed  of 4 full time and 4 part time staff members. They weave prayer, education, community, and outreach together for the 1,800 + PSR (Parish School of Religion) children and their families to celebrate the sacraments and live their faith.


The visible thread that connects the weaving is obviously our ordained clergy; Pastor, Fr. Raymond Larussa, Associate Pastor, Fr. Jeffrey Tigyer, Weekend Celebrants; Emeritus Bishop James Griffin, Retired Founding Pastor George Schlegel, Deacons Tom Berg Sr., James Rouse, Michael Ross and Ben Muhlenkamp (deacon from the Josephinum who will be ordained in his home diocese soon). Their efforts are seamlessly supported by Eloise Carlet, sacristan coordinator and staff member,  whose efforts ensure that everyone and everything is in place for each sacramental celebration. This is quite an amazing feat given the numerous events at St. Joan of Arc.

The finishing touch for this tapestry is God's love which binds us together. It encourages each of us to contribute to this tapestry by becoming active members. One great way to participate in this large parish is to join Growing In Faith Together (GIFT), small faith sharing communities, it helps make this large parish more personal.   For more information please contact Pete Shears 614-888-1562 or Romy Riebe 614-885-9450.

Tom Booth Parish Lenten Mission Wrap up

Special thanks to Tom Booth and his sister Carrie Graham for the inspirational Lenten Parish Mission.
Thanks also to the 2,100 + people who attended the St. Joan of Arc Parish Lenten Mission with Tom Booth, February 25, 26, 27, & 28, 2012.  

We  especially want to acknowledge all those that made this parish mission possible.
Our clergy: Fr. Ray Larussa, Fr. Jeffrey Tigyer, and through their prayers of support; Msgr. George Schlegel, Bishop James Griffin, Deacons Tom Berg Sr., Jim Rouse, & Michael Ross.

PSR  & Youth Ministry: Emily Winner, Mary Jo Newell, Susan Fox, Laura Sams, Jeanne Hayslip, Judy Komenda, Cindy Guzak, Michael Barone, whose coordination of children and family attendance were invaluable.   

Music Ministry: Matthew Meloche, Paula Vasey, Val Galaktinov, and all music ministry volunteers for the beautiful Mass celebrations. 

Our Parish Office Staff: Elosie Carlet, Diana Zinkhon, Jean Keefe, Elizabeth Kunze, Greg Hosfeld, Gary Kimball,  David Hartline, Angie Siefring, whose behind the scene efforts kept things moving.

Planning Team & Volunteers: Greg Savoldi, Sound Engineer, Gordon Mawhinney, photographer & video productions, Tess Mawhinney CD sales, Carol, Tom, Nicole and entire Fisher Family, Phyllis Brant, Ann Bielek, Diana Burcu, Jackie Witty, Christine Jordan, Martha Daum, Mary Jones, Mary Rosato, Pete & Ellie Shears, Leon Ziolkowski, Minh Nguyen, whose unselfish donation of time and talent made our mission inviting and memorable.

Saturday morning, February 25 began with a Workshop  &

Morning of Reflection for liturgical ministers & cathechists.   

 Tom Booth and his sister Carrie Graham shared stories,
prayers and uplifting music and songs to guide parishioners into the desert of our hearts and hear God's message to each of us. 
One of the stories Tom shared involved his commission to write a song for Mother Teresa when she was alive. It was interesting to hear how Tom found the inspiration for his song Prayer of Abandonment for her. Even more interesting was Mother Teresa's response and the personal impact on Tom as result of the song years later.  


Tom Booth and parishioner, Nicole Fisher sang Sacred Silence during the Mission closing guided meditation.



The mission has come and gone, now it is up to each of us to find ways to live the message of prayer, trust and openness of heart to hear God's word.

Consider some of the many opportunities St. Joan of Arc offers. Especially helpful are the Small Faith Sharing mini series available during Lent. For more information contact Romy Riebe 614-885-9450.