Holy Family Ministries & Organizations





Pastoral Council The Pastoral Council is comprised of men and women from the parish whose purpose is to encourage, facilitate, support and provide liaison with all Holy Family Parish organizations and activities, mindful of the parish mission statement. The Council is a representative body which advises the Pastor on policy decisions affecting the Parish, assisting the Pastor in development, execution and evaluation of Parish plans and programs. Contact: Carlos Palacios, Chairperson Phone: 787-0290 Email: Meetings: 2nd Thursday of each month, 6:30 pm, St. Joseph Hall
Liturgy Council The Liturgy Council is an advisory council which works closely with the Pastor, Priests, Deacons and Liturgy Director in the planning and evaluation of all parish liturgical activities. The main objectives of the Liturgy Council are to strive to make all parish liturgies prayerful and welcoming, to encourage full, conscious and active participation of the faithful assembly, and to work toward unifying our parish liturgies with liturgical norms and church liturgical documents. Contact: John Wihl, Liturgy Coordinator Phone: 722-7956 Email: jpwihl@bigphred.com Meetings: Last Thursday of each month, 7:00 pm, CFF Room Liturgy Council Subcommittees Liturgical Environment Committee This subcommittee is charged with the decoration of the sanctuary, church interior and exterior according to liturgical norms, liturgical seasons and Liturgy Council recommendations. Contact: Susan Cruz Phone: 723-2494 Email: Flowers of Faith This subcommittee administers a program which solicits, accepts and utilizes parishioner donations of flowers and plants to adorn the sanctuary and the Blessed Sacrament chapel in coordination with the Liturgical Environment Committee. Contact: Lee Lambert Phone: 723-8963 Email: merlin164@earthlink.net Christian Unity Commission This subcommittee organizes programs and liturgies that comprise Holy Family Parish participation in the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in January, including efforts to collaborate with neighboring non-Catholic Christian churches. Contact: Deacon Mark Holt Phone: 723-2494
Finance Council The Finance Council is a consultative body of lay persons comprised of members appointed by the Pastor established to advise, support and collaborate with the Pastor in matters pertaining to the financial affairs of the parish. It is the policy of Bishop Weigand and the Diocese of Sacramento that a finance council be established in each parish. The principle responsibilities of the council include advising the Pastor and making recommendations on fiscal matters, assisting in the preparation of the annual budget and analyzing and evaluating parish stewardship. Contact: Jim Martin Phone: 723-2494 Email: Meetings: Finance Council Subcommittees Plant Maintenance Committee This committee evaluates and prioritizes issues regarding church buildings and grounds that need attention and maintenance in an advisory capacity to the Pastor. Contact: Phone: Email:
Stewardship Council The Stewardship Council promotes Stewardship as a way of life within all aspects of the parish community. The Council develops programs and activities for parishioners to take part in parish ministries through their gifts of time, talents and resources and to understand the principals of stewardship. The Council assists the Pastor in education and development programs to foster consistent ongoing stewardship within the parish, as well as promoting planned giving, major gifts, special campaigns and other financial development efforts. Contact: Deacon Mark Holt Phone: 723-2494 Email: Meetings:

Children’s Catholic Faith Formation Program Grades 1-6 Holy Family recognizes parents as the primary catechists of their children. Our parish strives to partner with parents in the process of the forming the faith of their children. To that end, weekly classes are held for our parish children in grades 1-6 as well as classes in preparation for specific Sacraments. We also offer summer programs. Contact: Bonnie Johnson, Religious Education Coordinator Phone: 726-7217 Email: Sunday Grade School Faith Formation Each year, students learn about God the Creator, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the Church, morality, the Bible, prayer and teachings of the Catholic Church. Each grade's curriculum has a special emphasis appropriate to the age of the child. Classes are held from September through May on Sunday mornings from 10:10-11:30 in the classrooms of the parish school. First Communion (Reconciliation) Holy Family celebrates this sacrament with our children in the second grade. Emphasis in the curriculum is placed on the meaning and importance of the Eucharist, personal friendship with Jesus, forgiveness, and belonging in community. In anticipation of reception of Holy Communion, students are also prepared for the sacrament of Reconciliation during this year of instruction. RCIC – Catechumenate (Right of Christian Initiation of Children) Children in fourth through sixth grades needing Baptism and/or First Holy Communion are invited to attend. Classes begin in September. Vacation Bible School Children ages Kindergarten through 6^th grade are invited to share, sing, look and listen while enjoying stories, skits and crafts. This program is offered for one week each year during the month of June.
Catholic Youth Ministry (CYM) Youth are vital to the life of our parish, and Holy Family strives to provide comprehensive ministry to those in grades 7-12. At Holy Family, our mission for Youth Ministry is three-fold; we seek to empower young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in the world today, to draw youth to responsible participation in the life, mission and work of the Catholic Church, and to foster the total personal and spiritual growth of the young people in our faith community. No two youth are exactly alike so we do not assume that a “one size fits all” approach will work. Our goal is to provide outreach to our youth as well as numerous opportunities for involvement including, but not limited to: youth liturgy, parish youth group, Christian service, socials, trips, open gym, study nights, bible study and faith sharing, prayer, retreat. A calendar of events and more information for all youth ministry programs/activities is available on the youth ministry website. Contact: Victor Alvarez, Coordinator Phone: 721-8329 Email: holyfamilycym@yahoo.com Confirmation Preparation Celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation marks the completion of the sacraments of initiation as full members in the body of Christ. Confirmation does not mark however, the completion of faith formation and learning in faith. At Holy Family, Confirmation is celebrated with young people in the 7th grade, as well as with other young people or adults who are need of reception of the sacrament. Through a weekly Sunday morning gathering from October through May, confirmation candidates will be given opportunities to explore, deepen and strengthen their faith. The program includes religious instruction, individual reflection, service opportunities, prayer, liturgy, life in community events, and retreat. The Confirmation Class meets on Sunday mornings from 10:10-11:30am. The parish celebration of Confirmation is held in the spring. EDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH MINISTRY All youth in grades 7 and 8 from the parish and school are invited to participate in EDGE. Holy Family seeks to provide a safe, and faith-filled environment for jr. high youth to gather, form relationships with peers, share experiences of faith, serve those in need, pray together, and have a lot of fun in the process! EDGE is meant to prepare jr, high youth for fuller participation in high school ministry and parish life. HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH MINISTRY High school youth are invited “fix their eyes” on Christ while loving God with their whole heart, mind, and soul. (Deuteronomy 6:5) Youth group gatherings may be dedicated to community building, discussion of topics/issues relevant to adolescents, strengthening one’s prayer and faith life, and serving those in need. YM gathers in the community center on each Sunday evening following the 6pm Mass, from 7-8:30pm.
Adult Catholic Faith Formation Program Adult classed are designed to enhance and stimulate our on-going journey of faith. Contact: Deacon Mark Holt Phone: 723-2494 Email: markholt@surewest.net Adult Bible Study During the months of September through May, a Bible study class is focused on individual books of the Bible. This is an opportunity to learn of the lives of our ancestors and how they relate to the joys and struggles of our own lives today as we live out our Christian values. RCIA (Right of Christian Initiation of Adults) This class is designed for adults seeking knowledge and information on the Catholic Faith. Whether baptized in another denomination or not, adult Catholics needing Confirmation or adult Catholics who have been away from the Church and are seeking renewal in their Catholic beginnings, are welcome to inquire. Classes are September through May. Parent Baptism Preparation Baptisms are held on the first and third Sunday of every month. Both parents must attend preparation classes before their child can be baptized. Contact: Michelle Rose Phone: 726-7217 Email: Catholics Returning Home Catholics Returning Home is designed to reach out and invite non-participating and inactive Catholics to return “Home to the Catholic Church” and resume active practice of their faith. People leave the Church for a variety of reasons and often only return for major events or in time of crisis - or they never return at all. This program is a method for the parish to help these fallen away Catholics realize that they are always welcome and that the Church will always be a place to find the stability and peace that only God can provide.

Altar Servers This ministry offers the youth of our parish from grades four through twelve the opportunity to assist the priest and serve in a special way during the celebration of the Liturgy. Contact: Anne Denson Phone: 723-2494 Email: Eucharistic Ministers Eucharistic Ministers are men and women who assist in distributing the Holy Eucharist at each Liturgy and also to those who are unable to attend Liturgy due to illness or disability. Contact: Deacon Mark Holt Phone: 723-2494 Email: Greeters – Welcoming Ministry The Welcoming Ministry is a group of individuals that greet parishioners as they come to Liturgy as well as welcoming newcomers to our parish. Their job is to be the first sign that all are welcome in God’s house. Contact: Anita Marsolais Phone: 723-1775 Email: Hospitality Light refreshments and fellowship are provided after the 7:30 and 9:00 am Masses each Sunday throughout the year. Weather permitting, we gather in the Guadalupe Garden; otherwise we gather in the Community Center. Hospitality is hosted on a rotating basis by various parish and school organizations. Contact: Leanne Etcheverry Phone: 723-1775 Email: Meetings: Lectors This ministry is an important part of the celebration of the Liturgy. The lector is entrusted with the task of making the word of God come alive by proclaiming it for the Christian community. Contact: Rick Mateoli Phone: Email: Music Ministry Make melody to the Lord with all your heart. Singers, musicians, composers and those with experience as cantors or song leaders are encouraged to become involved in this high form of prayer. Children and adult choirs are available. Contact: John Wihl, Music Director Phone: 722-7956 Email: jpwihl@bigphred.com Sacristans The Sacristan prepares the sanctuary and worship space for Eucharistic celebrations and is responsible for the church, from opening doors to utilities and more. Contact: Pat Regan Phone: 729-1330 Email: fpregan@cwnet.com Ushers The Ushers at Holy Family Parish assist at the Liturgy by ushering the people to vacant seats and collecting the offerings of the congregation. Contact: Phone: Email:

Catholic Ladies Relief Society The Ladies Relief Society is a Diocesan organization dedicated to prayer, charity and assistance to our Bishop and priests. Throughout the year the ladies are involved in several charitable fundraisers and are active in service to our parish. Contact: Mariann Clark Phone: 987-7899 Email: Meetings: Knights of Columbus The Knights of Columbus is the largest men’s fraternal organization in the world. This service organization is dedicated to “Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism,” along with good works directed toward the parish and the community. All Catholic men 18 years or older are welcome to inquire. Contact: , Grand Knight Phone: Email: Meetings: Loaves and Fishes Throughout the week, food products are collected from local merchants and delivered to Loaves and Fishes to help feed the needy. Every month a team of workers from Holy Family Parish goes to help as volunteers. Contact: Karen Vidor Phone: 296-1362 Email: Scouting Affiliations Cub Scouts Cub Scout Troop 212 provides opportunities for boys ages 11 to 18 to learn about the outdoors and leadership. The troop meets at Holy Family Parish on a weekly basis. Contact: Anne Denson Phone: Email: Meetings: Girl Scouts & Brownies Girl Scouts & Brownies comprise an informal education program open to all girls ages 5 to 17. Their goals are to help the girls develop their self potential, to contribute to society and to understand and appreciate cultural and religious differences. Contact: Phone: Email: Meetings: Senior Gleaners This is an organization run entirely by retired seniors 50 years or older. Food is collected from throughout Sacramento including excess produce from local farmers’ harvests. These products are carefully sorted and organized at the Senior Gleaners’ distribution center in North Highlands and then redistributed to the needy in our community. Contact: Phone: Email: Meetings: Society of St. Vincent de Paul Description to follow… Contact: Mark Hronicek Phone: 722-0264 Email: Meetings: Women’s Council This parish organization’s primary goal is to foster fellowship, spirituality and camaraderie among the women of our parish. All ladies of the parish are welcome. The council hosts several parish events and participates in various community services. Contact: Leane Etcheverry Phone: 723-1557 Email: Meetings:

Angelic Dusters This ministry is a faithful and diligent group who do light cleaning, dusting and straightening of books to keep our church clean. This service is open to anyone interested in helping. Contact: Mary Bustabade Phone: 723-2724 Email: Meetings: Thursday Mornings, after 8:30 am Mass in the Church Disciples on a Journey Description to follow… Contact: Phone: Email: Meetings: Eucharistic Adoration All parishioners are invited to take the opportunity to share quiet, prayerful time in the presence of our Lord. Please sign up in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. Adoration is held daily. Contact: Lee Lambert Phone: 723-8963 Email: merlin164@earthlink.net Meetings: Eucharistic Ministers to the Sick All parishioners are invited to take the opportunity to share quiet, prayerful time in the presence of our Lord. Please sign up in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. Adoration is held daily. Contact: Young Stewart Phone: 332-8732 Email: yestewart@prodigy.net Meetings: 2nd Tuesday of each month, 7:00 pm, Math Classroom Evenings For The Engaged This ministry is designed for couples who want to marry. A married couple will share their own experience of marriage to encourage a lifetime of togetherness. Couples are counseled on all aspects of married life, including the roll of religion and the Church. Contact: Bill and Joyce Gray Phone: 723-8372 Email: Meetings: Feed The Needy Once a week throughout the years, a group of volunteers from our parish serve dinner and dignity to the less fortunate in our community. All are welcome to come help in this rewarding ministry. Contact: Nora Martinez Phone: 721-1176 Email: Meetings: Wednesday Evenings, HFS Fine Arts Center Health Ministry This ministry promotes health and wellness of body, mind and spirit for the members of Holy Family Parish. Among the services available are; educational programs, information about and referrals to community resources and individual consultations. Contact: Ministry Office Phone: 721-0388 Email: Meetings: Hispanic Apostolate Description to follow… Contact: Pilar Sheahon Phone: 206-0842 Email: supacin007@aol.com Mother’s Ministry The purpose of the Mother's Ministry at Holy Family is to bring mothers together to grow in their sense of community, friendship and in their spiritual lives and to provide a place for them to encourage and affirm each other in their spirituality and in their vocation as mothers. Contact: Julie Desrochers Phone: 784-7622 Email: desrochers@surewest.net Meetings: Opening Doors – Ministry to the Disabled Description to follow… Contact: Amor Taylor Phone: 721-6071 Email: quickie99@comcast.net Meetings: Parish Vocations Committee The Parish Vocations Committee promotes a climate throughout the parish that is favorable to church vocations by education and awareness programs. The committee assists individual parishioners to discern if they have a church vocation and how to respond to that call. Contact: Young Stewart Phone: 332-8732 Email: yestewart@prodigy.net Meetings: 2nd Tuesday of each month, 7:00 pm, Math Classroom Rosary Makers This group gathers weekly to make rosaries and provide them to missions abroad, hospitals, prisons and our first communion classes here at Holy Family. We welcome experienced and inexperienced Rosary Makers to share their skills with one another. Rooted in Catholic faith and traditions, the Rosary Makers encourage family prayer especially with the rosary. Contact: Juanita Lozano Phone: 721-5343 Email: Meetings:

Holy Family School was established in 1959. Holy Family School is proud of its efforts to work together within the atmosphere of a Faith Community. The staff of Holy Family School believes in the holistic approach to education in which the overall needs of the whole person is addressed. Our mission is to nurture Christ-like behavior in one another and encourage students to reach their full academic potential. Faith Formation We provide many opportunities for students to experience their faith through participation in activities such as: Daily religious instruction Sacramental preparation Frequent contact with clergy Weekly mass and special liturgies Community service projects Donations to the Sacramento Food Bank Core Education Holy Family School recognizes that each child is truly unique in his or her background and learning capacity, rate and style. In order to accommodate all students at our school, the following are used: Instructional Aids Parent Involvement Effective Use of Media Tutors Parent/Teacher conferences Counselor Utilization of Chapter 1 & 2 Funds Special Programs/Activities Other aspects of school life that prepare students for responsible adult leadership includes: Comprehensive computer programs (Mac & IBM labs) Field trips related to grade level curriculum Sport teams Music programs Science Lab Cheerleading Student Council Ecological Activities Preschool & Childcare Center Holy Family Preschool & Childcare provides a positive influence on children during their formative years of ages 2 through 5. In a sage and stimulating environment, the program fosters creativity, social interaction and developmentally appropriate activities. The Center is open year round with the exception of certain holidays. A childcare summer camp is also provided for ages 6 through 12. Contact: Lucy Eberhardt, Director Phone: 722-4620 Email: Meetings: