One of the best ways to feel "at home" in a parish is to become involved in one or more parish organizations or programs. St. John Neumann Parish has a wide variety of organizations and activities to meet your specific needs. It is hoped this list of parish groups and contacts will be of help to you and your family.

All parish organizations are represented on Council by one of the parish commissions. Parish organizations are listed by commission.  The Parish Commissions are:

Scroll down the page, or click on a commission, to view the various organizations of the parish.  UNDERLINED organizations have their own web pages that can be viewed.

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Adult Servers

Men of the parish serve for funerals once or twice a month.

Altar Servers

Assist priest at weekend liturgy. Open to young men and women in grades 5 and up.

Art and Environment Committee

Work with the Liturgy Committee to help decorate the church for Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter.

Children's Choir

Open to CHILDREN in with a reading level of 2nd grade. Sing every other Saturday at the 5:00p.m. liturgy and for special occasions.

Contact: Mary Pachuta 440/238-1770

Eucharistic Adoration

The Blessed Sacrament is exposed for private adoration during the hours of 10 AM to midnight, Monday through Friday. During this time parishioners pray for the needs of the parish as well as their own. While you are welcome to come from 10 AM to 9 PM a special pass is required after 9 PM.

Contact: Rita Salak: 440/238-1770

Eucharistic Ministers

Lay people who distribute Communion at Masses and take the Eucharist to residents at Altenheim Nursing Home, Pearl Crossing and Southwest Commons. See Fr. Tony if interested in this ministry.

Funeral Choir

Lead singing and lend support to grieving families at funerals.

Contact: Office - 440/238-1770

High School Choir

Open to High School youth of the parish. Sing every other Saturday evening the 5:00p.m. liturgy and for special liturgies.

Contact Mary Pachuta - 440/238-1770

Lector

Proclaim the scriptures at weekend Masses. Open to teenagers and adults.

Liturgy Committee

Identifies seasonal themes (which are implemented by the Art and Environment Committee), prepares informational material for the bulletin, and gives voice to parish liturgical needs and concerns

Liturgy of the Word for Children

Celebrated during Advent and Lent in the Gathering Room during the 5 P.M. Liturgy. Children in grades 1 through 4 are invited to hear the Word of the Lord presented on their level. The children return to the Church at the offertory.

Music Ministry/Choir

Praise God in song! Practice Wednesday at 7:30p.m. and sing at Sunday Mass at 10:30a.m. weekly. Musicians and song leaders also needed.

Contact: Mary Pachuta - 440/238-1770

Usher

Help welcome and serve as our parish gathers. Assist at one Mass once a month. Open to women, men and couples.

Contact: Office - 440/238-1770

Sacristans

Assist in the preparation of the sanctuary before Mass and the care of the sacred vessels after Mass.

Alienated Catholics

Speaks to Catholics who have left the Church in an effort to heal wounds and reconcile them.

Evangelization Committee

The Evangelization Committee offers and oversees programs designed to invite both new people into the church as well as offer spiritual programs to those presently in the Church.

Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (R.C.I.A.)

For those who wish to become Catholic or for Catholics who wish to learn more about their faith.

Women's Club

To unite the women of the parish in religious, service and social activities. They currently meet the fourth Tuesday of the month.

Al-Anon

Meets Monday mornings at 10 AM in the Little Angels' Room.

Bereavement

Assistance for those coping with the loss of a loved one.  Members help in coordination of baked goods delivered to parishioners, babysitting, house-sitting, picking up relatives at the airport, and coordinating use of the LAC for family reception.  An All Souls Memorial Mass is celebrated in November to remember all who have died.  This Mass is open to all parishioners to support and celebrate the New Life in Christ.  Free Grief Recover Support Programs, of six weekly meetings, are held at St. Joseph Church throughout the year.  Consult the bulletin for current programs.

Ministry to the Homebound

Trained Eucharistic Ministers may volunteer to take Holy Communion to the Homebound.  To bring the Eucharist to the homebound is a tradition in the Church, as well as a privilege.  Call the office to set up an appointment with the staff member in charge of this ministry.  

Respect Life Mission

Exists to heighten awareness of life in all its facets - praying - learning - sharing and serving.

Social Concerns Committee

Addresses issues of concern to us as Christians such as social issues that impact the family and all of us as individuals; Respect for Life the Homeless, the poor and the hungry, health care and hospice. The Social Concerns Committee provides, prepares and serves a meal at St. Patrick's on the 5th Wednesday of the Month.  In addition they are involved in the giving tree, and mitten tree.

 Jerry Coleman: 440/238-1770

St. Vincent dePaul

    Organized to help the needy within our parish. Men and women members are needed.

Contact: Betty Rizzardi - 440/238-1770

Finance Committee

Meets periodically to discuss financial matters regarding the entire church community of St. John Neumann. If you have an interest in this committee or any questions regarding church finances contact Father Bob Kraig.

Landscape Committee

Beautifies the Church grounds on a seasonal basis.

Long Range Planning Committee

Plans for future needs of our parish in the area of facilities and property maintenance.

Adult Education

Various program for continuing religious education for adults are planned and offered.  Such as our Question & Answer Evenings Contact St. Pat Sylvester if you have suggestions of programs and/or topics. Watch for announcements in the bulletin.

Baptism Program

Special instruction and preparation for the parents of children receiving the Sacrament of Baptism. Parents who are expecting a baby or planning to have a child baptized should contact the Rectory to find out when the next Baptism class will be. If you are interested in serving on the team which helps parents prepare for their child's Baptism please -

Contact: Deacon Tom Grasson or Pat Geary - 440/238-1770

Men’s Bible Study

Men's Bible Study meets at 7 AM, Thursday mornings in the Marian Room.  We study by raising questions, research and sharing.

Tuesday Morning Bible Sharing

Join with a group interested in reading the up and coming Sunday scriptures each week and applying them to our daily lives.  This groups meets all year on Tuesday mornings following the 9:00 a.m. Mass in the Marian Room.  For more information call Sr. Pat, 238-1770.

Family Planning (Natural)

NFP can be used to achieve or postpone a pregnancy. This method of family planning is scientifically based, highly effective and acknowledges God's plan for married love.

Contact: Cindy Flanhofer - 440/238-1770

Middle School Ministry

Enrichment in social and faith life for youth in grades 7 and 8. Participants may choose to participate in any or all of the programs offered. For further information please -

Jr. Hi Summer Camp

A one week camp for youth in grades 7 and 8. Social and spiritual activities. The week is planned by parents - youth leaders serve as counselors. Registration is limited.

Learning Circle Nursery School

Learning Circle Nursery School - A.M. and P.M. sessions for 3 and 4 year olds. Classes held weekdays in the Gathering Room.

Contact: Connie Smilak - 440/238-1770

LIFE TEEN Ministry

A total Youth Ministry Program designed to meet the spiritual, educational, emotional, and social needs of the youth of the parish in grades 9 through 12. A core group of young adults and young married couples works with the youth.

Non-Catholic Spouses

To develop a basic understanding of the Catholic faith, its teachings and beliefs for those who support and encourage the faith of their Catholic spouse.

P.S.R. - Parish School of Religion

Religion classes are held for children from pre-school through grade eight. There is a need for people to train as P.S.R. teachers or to serve as substitutes. Kindergarten classes are held in the Gathering Room on Sunday mornings during the 10:30 A.M. mass. Grades 1 through 7 meet Mondays from 7:00 - 8:30p.m. at Ss. Joseph and John School. Grade 8 meets in teachers' homes on alternate Monda evenings.

Kindergarten contact: Debbie Kazimir - 440/238-1770
Grades 1-8 contact: Darlene Sturba - 440/238-1770

Ss. Joseph & John Interparochial School

Ss. Joseph and John Interparochial School - Excellent quality elementary education for grades Kindergarten through 8. Ss. Joseph and John is located on the property of St. Joseph Church at 12580 Pearl Road. There are many opportunities for involvement in the school including Bingo volunteers on Thursday nights, Ss. Joseph and John School Committee, and P.T.U.

Contact: Mrs. Darlene Thomas, Principal - 440/238-4877
Mrs. Marsha Gleine, Assistant Principal

Sponsor Couple Program

An engaged couple meets with a sponsor couple, in their home, a number of times for marriage preparation. If interested in helping engaged couples prepare for marriage.

Contact: Ken & Clare Pietrzycki - 440/238-1770

Vacation Bible School

One week summer program for children entering grades K - 6. Help needed: teaching, crafts, music, refreshments, recreation. Watch for notices in bulletin.

Avilas

An organization of women who have joined together under the patronage of St. Teresa to make prayer for religious vocations their apostolate. A holy hour is held the first Monday of every month after the 9:00a.m. Mass.

Contact: Nancy Burkardt 440/238-1770

Bloodmobile

American Red Cross holds a Bloodmobile in our Activity Center two to four times per year..

Craft Boutique

Meets on twice monthly in the Marian Room at 7 P.M. to work together on craft projects for annual boutique. New parishioners are invited and welcome to this group. Need not have craft ability

Contact: Betty Rizzardi - 440/238-1770

Knights of Columbus

A fraternal organization of men that does charitable work for the parish and for the Church in general.

Contact: Joe Hovan - 440/238-1770

Isabellas

The women's auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus.

Contact: Office - 440/238-1770

Legion of Mary

Worldwide organization of men and women who perform spiritual works by placing themselves under the banner of Mary. Meetings held once a week to pray the rosary and conduct general business. Weekly spiritual works include visits to hospital, nursing homes etc.

Contact: Art Prchlik - 440/238-1770

Neumann Senior Adults

Spiritual and social activities for senior citizens of the parish. Regular meeting time is the third Wednesday of the month at 2:15p.m.

Contact: Chet - 440/238-1770

Neumann Small Faith-Communities

These days you’d think the last thing you might be looking for is “another meeting to attend.”  However, in spite of your busy schedule we urge you to consider joining a Neumann Small Faith Community

Contact:  Marty Zachlin - 440/238-1770

Moms & Tots Playgroup

Meets on Wednesdays mornings at 10 A.M. in the Marian Room to share -For further information please

Contact: Beth Fischer - 440/238-1770

Summer Recreation

Softball, volleyball, bocce ball available during the summer for teens and adults. Watch bulletin for details.

Youth Sports - C.Y.O.

Softball, football, soccer, track, basketball, wrestling, cheerleading. Open to students in grades 5 - 8 who attend either St. Joseph and John School or P.S.R. Watch for details in the church bulletin.

 

Couples' Spirituality

Meets periodically throughout the year to deepen spirituality as a couple and spend meditative time together with our Lord.

Intercessory Prayer Group

Meets the last Wednesday of the month from 8 to 9 P. M. in the Chapel to pray before the Blessed Sacrament for the needs of the parish as expressed in the Petition book, the prayer petition slips, and the web. All are invited to join.

Contact: Marcia Pascuzzi or Rita Salak - 440/238-1770

Men’s Spirituality

Meets quarterly to pray together as a community - To gain a deeper, more personal relationship with Christ and one another.

Contact: Fr. Robert Kraig  - 440/238-1770

Neumann Small Faith Communities (NSC)

These are groups of between 4 to 8 people who meet on a regular basis to share their faith.  It is an opportunity to get to know fellow parishioners on a deeper level and to learn from one another the influence of God's message in our lives. Meetings will last for about two hours, and groups will meet weekly for 11 or 12 sessions.  After that most groups will meet about twice a month.  Watch the bulletin for more information and pray to discern whether you are being called to join a Neumann Small Community 

Contact Marty Zachlin - 440/238-1770

Parish Holy Hour

A monthly Holy Hour on the third Thursday of the month, in the Church at 8:00p.m. There will be time for private adoration, silent prayer, scripture readings  and songs of praise. The Holy Hour is offered for the needs of our parishioners.

Parish Mission

Held during the season of Lent. An opportunity for the whole parish to come together to listen, reflect and be renewed spiritually.

Women’s Spirituality

Opportunities for spiritual growth for women to come together for a day or an evening occur different times throughout the year. Watch the bulletin for dates and times.