Parish Council
Mission: It is the primary responsibility of the Parish Council to establish the goals, objectives, and priorities of the parish. It does this through evaluation of present programs, determination of parish needs and responsibilities, and the development of recommendations to the Pastor and Administrative Staff.
Meeting Times: 7:30 – 9:00 PM the first Thursday of every month except July and December in the Linden House
Time Commitment: 2-4 hours per month
Training or orientation requirements: Must be a registered parishioner.
Contact Person: Any current member of Parish Council

Building and Grounds Committee
Mission: To bring our time and talent to benefit the facilities and the grounds that we are fortunate to have at St. James. We serve as an advisory committee to the pastor and parish council in the prioritization of the needs of the land and structures that make up the church and school property as well as the parish office and Linden House.
Meeting Times: 4th Wednesday of every other month @ 7:00 PM
Time Commitment: Varies with project.
Training or orientation requirements: Helpful but not necessary would be skills in masonry, landscaping, painting, general construction and maintenance. Knowledge of HVAC would also be helpful.
Group Contact Person: Scott Dover, Business Manager 948-1218
Location of Meeting: Linden House

Athletic Association
The St. James Athletic Association sponsors sports teams which compete in various Catholic Youth Organization leagues.
The Association also provides coaching opportunities for adults.
Time commitment: 2-5 hrs. per week during the season of participation
Meetings are held as needed.
Contact Person Fred Erny 821-8723

Senior Citizens
Mission: To sponsor spiritual and social programs and activities for the senior members of the parish.
Meeting Times: Every Thursday at 11:00 AM in the Linden House, bring your own brown bag lunch.
Contact Person: Marge Grein 761-3049

Worship Commission
Mission: To strive to make the liturgical life of the parish the central action of the people of God and to promote prayer, especially liturgical prayer, in an effort to bring this congregation together as a worshipping Christian community. The members are involved in the planning and evaluation of our liturgical celebrations and the education of the parish in liturgical matters.
Meeting Times: First Wednesday of September, November, January, March, and May 7:30-9:00 PM in the Linden House
Time Commitment: 1-2 hrs. per month
Training or orientation requirements: Must be willing to read articles and attend occasional workshops regarding liturgy.
Contact Person: Eric Chesson 821-6397

Lectors
Mission: To proclaim the Word of God with understanding and expression in a good volume with good enunciation so the assembly will hear and listen to the Word of God.
Time Commitment: 2 hrs. a month
Training: You must be a confirmed Catholic, physically able, have a good understanding of liturgy and scripture, and meet with lector coordinator for training session.
Contact Person: Susan Kaszubski 761-7065

Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist
Mission: To assist the ordinary ministers of the Eucharist with the privilege of serving the Sacred Body and Blood of Christ to the assembly.
Time Commitment: 2 hrs. per month or less.
To be eligible you must be a confirmed Catholic, physically able, have a good understanding of the meaning of the Eucharist and attend a short training class with the group coordinator.
Contact Person: Shirley Bosch 761-7097

Liturgical Art and Environment
Mission: To ensure that the environment of the liturgical space is conducive to worship, is aesthetic, pertinent, and safe, and is within guidelines set fourth by the Church.
Time commitment: Varies with the season
Training: On the job training Contact : Terri Westerman 761-5758

Eucharistic Adoration Attendant
Volunteers are needed to be present in church during Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and to return the Sacred Body to the tabernacle at the conclusion.
Times: Tuesday 7:00-8:00 PM and Friday 12:00-1:00 PM
Training: One training session.
Contact Person: Cathy Basu 315-1301

Communion to the Sick
Volunteers are needed to take Communion at various times to the sick and shut ins.
Time commitment can be as little as 1 hr. per week
Contact: Ann Link 761-4557

Bereavement Committee
Mission:  To extend sympathy and comfort to grieving families on behalf of the parish community. At the time of death a committee member meets with the family of the deceased to help plan the funeral liturgy.
Meeting Times: Varies
Approximate Time Commitment: 2-4 hrs. per funeral, everyone is not involved in every funeral.
Training or Orientation Requirements; Must be willing to go through an on the job training program.
Contact Person: Grace Sears 825-4673

Men’s Group
Mission: To support each other through scripture, faith sharing, prayer, and discussion.
Meeting Times: Second and fourth Saturdays of the month at 6:45 AM in the parish office.
No training or orientation needed.
Contact Person: Bruce Russo 522-7838

St James Prayer Chain
Mission----To pray daily for those who need special help with health or other problems.
Meeting time---- There are no formal meetings or special training. When we have a request for prayers the members are notified by phone or E-mail.
Time Commitment ---- A time of prayer each day for those who have requested our help in praying. Contact Person: Burk Ahrens 821-2585

Sunday Choir
Mission: To enhance the participation of the assembly at the liturgy.
Meeting Times: Thursday Evening at 7:30 -9:00 PM and Sunday from 8:30 -10:00 AM
Contact Person: George Becker  761-7247 ask for George Jr.
Meeting Times: Saturday 3:30-5:30 PM

Funeral Choir
Mission: To lend support to grieving families and enhance the participation of the assembly at a funeral Mass of Resurrection.
Time Commitment: Varies due to number of funerals. There are no scheduled rehearsals and no demands to be at every funeral.

Seasonal Choir
Mission: To enhance special liturgies through music.
Time Commitment: Practice will be Thursdays from 8:15 – 9:00 PM starting October 14 through the Easter Season.

Music Ensemble
Mission: To enhance the participation of the assembly at parish liturgies.
Meeting time: 10:00AM Sunday morning in church.
Requirements: Must have some musical training and an ability to learn music quickly.
Contact Person: Greg Cerimele or Sharon Russo 948-1218

Servers
To assist the presider at any given liturgy
Must be fifth grade or older and must complete a training session
Contact: Conrad Kolis

Social Action Commission
Mission: The Social Action Commission is an initiating and guiding force which encourages the St. James Parish community to bring divine revelation to bear upon social issues, structures, and needs, both locally and globally. SAC conducts presentations on social issues, helps parishioners organize around social ministries, and brings social ministry efforts of the Archdiocese and larger Church to the attention of the parish.
Meeting Times: Once a month on a mutually acceptable date, in the Linden House.
Training requirements: There is no training or orientation requirements but there are publications from the Arch diocese that are helpful for new members.
Contact Person: Ren Austing 761-6469

Sister Community Project
Mission Statement: We are a diverse “trinity” of Catholic communities striving for mutual solidarity.  Our relationship enriches and challenges us spiritually, culturally, and materially to more completely realize the Kingdom of God.
Meeting times: Monthly, 2nd or 3rd Tuesday, 7 to 9 PM.
Time Commitment: Beyond meetings – not more than a days effort thru out the year.
Orientation requirements:  Two or three documents on the purpose and history of the project.
Contact:  Ren Austing 761-6469, or Ron Fettig 522-0012.
Meetings held at the Linden House, St. James of the Valley Church

Health and Wellness Committee
Mission: To plan and implement activities for the parish that foster changes or support behavior that improves the health of our bodies, minds, and spirits. Activities center around health education, personal health counseling, screenings, advocacy, crisis intervention and integrating the spiritual dimension of health in all that we do.
Meeting Times: Second Thursday of each month 7:00 -8:30 PM in the Linden House.
Training requirements: No experience necessary, just an interest in holistic approach to health.
Contact Person: Dianne Robinson 563-4825 or Jeanne Palcic 489-2151

Prayer Shawl Ministry
Mission: To prayerfully remember the sick and infirmed while knitting or crocheting prayer shawls or lap covers, to be presented to the sick and infirmed who need the Lord’s healing touch.
Meeting Times: Last Thursday of each month 7:00 – 9:00 PM in the Linden House
Approximate Time Commitment: At least 2hrs. per month
Training or requirements: None, we have knitting and crocheting instructors available for beginners.
Contact Person: Dianne Robinson 563-4825

Friendly Visitors
The goal of Friendly Visitors is to enhance the quality of life of homebound persons and those with special needs. This is done through the concern and support of a personal visit by a Friendly Visitor.
Time Commitment: From 0 – 1 hr. a week depending on the number of people who need a visitor.
Contact Person: Gladys Stolz 771-2183

St. Vincent de Paul Society
Mission: To bear witness to Christ and His church by working for the good of others. They provide material assistance to those in need, and bring the parish’s concern for their well-being to them.  Help is needed to visit clients and evaluate their needs and help with loading truck on Bundle Sundays.
Meeting Times: Second and fourth Wednesdays of the month in the Linden House
Time commitment: Varies with project
Training: On the Job
Contact Person: Steve Zimmerman 948-1218

Valley Interfaith Food and Clothing Center
Provides material help to area residents who are experiencing financial hardships.
Need help interviewing clients, receptionists, people with computer skills, clothing and food sorters.
Must possess good people skills.
Varied requirements for different jobs. Some have on the job training.
Contacts: Peter Schmid821-5416 or Mary Ann Montgomery 948-8552

Habitat for Humanity
Needs: Skilled and unskilled volunteers in: construction, from rough carpentry to drywall painting, cabinet installation, roofing, and grounds cleanup and landscaping. Outreach to partner families. Preparation of meals for workers.
Time commitment varies.
Contact Mark Elsaesser 821-7983

Drop-in Center
Mission: to prepare and serve meals to the homeless of our community
Volunteer opportunities: Communications, to organize a group to prepare a dinner, to prepare a dish, to go to the Drop-in Center to serve a meal.
Time commitment: usually 2-3 hrs. once a month
Contact Person: Suzanne Edwards 821-0246 or Carol Leish 948-1299

Giving Tree
Parish outreach at Christmas includes donations of money and gifts to St. James families in need and to charities that provide help for those in need.
Volunteers are needed to organize this project, to make ornaments for the tree, to help transport donations, and decide on recipients.
Time Commitment: 1- 4 hrs. per week for 4 weeks
Contact Person: Suzanne Edwards 821-0246 or Carol Leish 948-1299

Communication Commission
Mission – Support/coordinate parish communications and social activities, including: welcoming new parishioners and maintaining parish website.
Meeting Times – No regular meetings scheduled
Approximate Time Commitment – As much or as little as you wish
Training or Orientation requirements – None
Group Contact Person – Deacon Conrad Kolis
Location of Meeting – No meetings scheduled.

Hospitality Ministry
Mission; to provide a hospitable environment by preparing and serving refreshments and pleasant greetings at receptions at various times throughout the year.
Time commitment: Varies, as little as ½ hr. per week. Not every week.
Contact Person: Mike Glassmeyer 385-0386

Education Commission
Promotes the educational programs of the parish. These include St. James School, Parish School of religion Program, Cornerstone, and Adult Religious Education Program.
Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month except December and July.
Requirements; Must be a registered parishioner and be elected.
Contact Person: Chuck Kohl 948-0081

RCIA
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
Mission – Assist adults who are interested in learning more about the Catholic Church, particularly those who wish to join the Church.  Roles includes: Catechist, Sponsor, Hospitality, Scripture Leader, Prayer Partner.
Meeting Times – Weekly (Sept-Easter) for some roles; as needed for other roles
Approximate Time Commitment – weekly roles = 90 minutes/week; less for others
Training or Orientation requirements – Meet once with deacon to discuss specifics
Group Contact Person – Deacon Conrad Kolis
Location of Meeting – Linden House

Baptism Prep
Mission – Prepare parents and godparents who wish to have their young children baptized.  Would like to expand to having a presence at baptism, and following up over the first few years.
Meeting Times – No set meetings.  Meet with parents at mutual convenience.
Approximate Time Commitment – A few hours each month, as needed.
Training or Orientation requirements – Manual provided; meet once to review.
Group Contact Person – Deacon Conrad Kolis
Location of Meeting – Meet with parents wherever you mutually agree

Marriage Prep
Mission – Assist & guide couples who are preparing for marriage (and convalidation) within the Church.  Would like to expand to rehearsal and wedding day assistance, and subsequent follow-up.
Meeting Times – As requested
Approximate Time Commitment – Six to ten hours per couple.
Training or Orientation requirements – FOCCUS training to facilitate some discussion; no particular training for other roles.
Group Contact Person – Deacon Conrad Kolis
Location of Meeting – Meet with couples wherever you mutually agree

Scripture Study
Mission: We come together to follow Jesus more closely by praying, reading and breaking open the Word of God as it relates to the Catholic religion. Inspired by sacred scripture we strive to make it active in our lives and the lives of others.
Meeting Times: Tuesday mornings Labor day through first week in June. 9:00-10:00 AM in the Linden House
Contact Person: Sr. Caritas Martinez, RSM  caritasrsm@hotmail.com

St. James of the Valley School
St. James School is a Catholic school established for the purpose of assisting in preparing children spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, and socially for their future as active members of church, community, and country. An atmosphere of mutual respect, cooperation, recognition of the dignity of life and a concern for justice is fostered. Prime time is given to the teaching of religious doctrines and values in the daily curriculum. Opportunities for prayer and active Christian service are also provided.
Contact Person: Jim Haag, Principal 821-9054

Volunteers are needed to help in the cafeteria from 11:15 AM til 1:15 PM Monday – Friday. Can be as little as once a year. Call Martha Meisman 821-9054

Parish School of Religion
The PSR is a religious education program for public school students. Its purpose is to assist parents with their responsibility to educate their children in the faith. It is designed for students in grade 1-8.
Preschool Education Program
The PEP is a religious education program geared toward preschool children.
Volunteers are needed as substitute teachers.
Contact Person: Mike or Angela Glassmeyer 385-0386

Cornerstone
Cornerstone is a catechetical program for high school students. Its purpose is to help teenagers continue on their faith journey by learning more of the church’s doctrines and how they are applied to their personal lives. It is comprised of three components: active learning, presentation, and discussion.
Volunteers are needed to help with special projects and for supplying snacks for meetings.
Meetings: Third Thursday of the month September through May, 7:00 – 9:00 PM in the Linden House.
Requirements: Registration is necessary.
Contact Person: Sharon Russo 948-1218 or 522-6183

School Parent Teacher Association
The purpose of the St. James PTA is threefold:
Advance the interest in education and bring about close cooperation and communication between parent, teachers, and children
To raise funds for the purpose of providing educational services, materials, and equipment
 To be devoted to the cooperation of parents and teachers in understanding the problems confronting both the school and our children
Meetings: Third Tuesday of the month at 7:00 PM in the Linden House except July.
Volunteer opportunities exist during the year from working at events to selling Entertainment Books
Time commitment varies with project.
Contact Person: Kerry Freudenberg 761-7919

PSR Parent Teacher Association
To provide opportunities for families to work together for the good of St. James Parish
Meetings: First Sunday of the month that there are PSR classes, at 9:45 AM in the school conference room.
Volunteer opportunities including working at the Fish Fries, planning and working at the Advent Event, chaperoning for Christmas Caroling at Drake, and various PSR classroom needs
Time Commitment: varies with project
Contact Person: Karen Mitchell 821-2248

Anyone who wishes to volunteer with the children of St. James on a regular basis must be fingerprinted by the Archdiocese and must attend a Child Protection class in the parish.