Ministries
HOSPITALITY
These ministries ensure our parish offers a hospitable environment where everyone can feel welcome and invited to participate in the life of the parish.
GREETER
Greeters extend warm hospitality on behalf of the parish by welcoming parishioners and guests to Mass with a friendly smile and kind words. They also assist with distributing bulletins before Mass.
Contact: Fr. Paul Ferguson, pferguson@evdio.org
OUTREACH COMMITTEE
This committee helps with planning and implementing the various fellowship and outreach opportunities that the parish offers. Its scope includes outreach within the parish and the larger community. We work to educate the parishioners to be aware of each person’s responsibility to recognize and serve those in need, to give witness to Christian love, and to challenge injustice.
Contact: Beth Browning, browningb65@att.net
SUMMER SOCIAL
The Our Lady of Hope Summer Social could use your help. There are food booths and fun activities for all ages. The committee would like you to volunteer to set up and/or take down or possibly work a booth on the day of the event.
Contact: Fr. Paul Ferguson, pferguson@evdio.org
USHERS
These volunteers assist with seating when needed and help with offertory collections.
Contact: Fr. Paul Ferguson, pferguson@evdio.org
PRAYER
These ministries focus on helping us with our spiritual growth by offering opportunities to grow closer to Christ through prayer. Special attention is placed on how we worship and celebrate the Liturgy at Our Lady of Hope.
ADORATION CHAPEL
Spend time in silent prayer with the True Presence of our Lord in our Immaculate Heart of Mary Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel. Can you commit to spending one hour a week with our Lord?
Contact: Joyce Schwenk, joycesschwenk@gmail.com
ADULT CHOIR
The Adult Choir provides an opportunity for the women and men of the parish to share their musical talents and actively participate in the celebration of the Mass.
Contact: Sharon Carie, slcarie@hotmail.com
ALTAR SERVER
Altar servers minister through serving Mass by assisting the priest and other ministers at the altar. They provide an example of service, devotion, and humility. Servers need to be in at least third grade.
Contact: Fr. Paul Ferguson, pferguson@evdio.org
COMMUNION TO HOSPITAL OR HOMEBOUND
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are commissioned to take the Eucharist to the hospitalized, those who are homebound, and parishioners residing at nursing homes. People call when we are needed to visit. Time commitment varies based on needs.
Contact: Yvonne Evans, 812-486-5192
DIVINE WILL PRAYER GROUP
This prayer group meets after the 8:00 a.m. Mass on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month.
Contact: Kitty Lawson, kslawson1942@gmail.com
EUCHARISTIC MINISTER
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are appointed by the pastor to help with the distribution of the Holy Eucharist at Mass. Training is provided annually.
Contact: Fr. Paul Ferguson, pferguson@evdio.org
LECTOR
Parish lectors proclaim the Word of God at weekend and Holy Day liturgies. Lectors are committed to the study of Scripture and to prayer and preparation. They are trained before they begin their ministry.
Contact: Fr. Paul Ferguson, pferguson@evdio.org
MEN’S CHOIR
The Men’s Choir generally sings at the 4 p.m. Mass on the second Saturday of each month and for special occasions. They usually practice at 3 p.m. on the Saturdays when they are singing. This choir is open to all men in high school or above.
Contact: Tim Fox, 765-490-9147
PRAYERS FOR THE UNBORN
This prayer group meets at 9 a.m. on Thursdays. Everyone is welcome to come and pray.
Contact: Kitty Lawson, kslawson1942@gmail.com
PRESENTER OF GIFTS
Individuals or families can actively participate in the celebration of the Mass by bringing the offertory gifts to the altar during Mass. Training is provided annually.
Contact: Fr. Juan Ramirez, jramirez@evdio.org
QUINCEAÑERAS
Quinceañeras preparation is an opportunity for parents and godparents to spiritually nurture the child who will be presented at the Quinceañeras celebration.
Contact: Kande Batz, kbatz@evdio.org
ROSARY AND DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET
The Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet are prayed at 5 p.m. on Tuesdays, before the 5:30 p.m. Mass.
Contact: Kitty Lawson, kslawson1942@gmail.com
TELEPHONE PRAYER CHAIN
The Prayer Chain is ready and willing to pray for the needs of our fellow parishioners. If you or someone you love has a prayer request, please contact us. We would also love to have you join us in prayer.
Contact: Kitty Lawson, kslawson1942@gmail.com; Charlene Johnson, 812-486-6885
WEEKEND MASS ROSARY
The Rosary is prayed before Mass on Saturdays at 3:20 p.m., Sunday at 6:30 a.m. and Sunday at 8:25 a.m. All are welcome! If you are interested in leading the Rosary, please contact:
Kitty Lawson at kslawson1942@gmail.com; Connie Gray, conniegray.usana@gmail.com
FORMATION
These ministries address the educational mission of the entire parish community — adults, young persons and children. Passing on our faith tradition is of great importance!
BAPTISMAL PREPARATION
Baptismal preparation classes are required by the diocese. Parents call to meet and learn about their duties to raise their children Catholic. We strongly encourage Mass attendance.
Contact: Yvonne Evans, 812-486-5192; Kande Batz, kbatz@evdio.org
CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD
Share the Word of God on a child-friendly level during the 9 a.m. Mass. Volunteer teachers must be 18 years old; teens are welcome to volunteer.
Contact: Lindsey Sell, 812-698-0493
CHRIST RENEWS HIS PARISH
Christ Renews His Parish, sometimes called CRHP, is a parish-based retreat and renewal experience that offers men and women the opportunity to become acquainted with other parishioners, while deepening and strengthening their own relationship with Christ. CRHP provides an opportunity for reflection and spiritual renewal through prayer, Scripture and connecting with others. CRHP has proven to be a faith-deepening and life-changing weekend for many.
Contact:(English) Maureen Strange, mstrange2477@hotmail.com
Contact:(Spanish) Kande Batz, kbatz@evdio.org
CURSILLO/ULTREYA
Cursillo focuses on showing Christian laypeople how to become effective Christian leaders over the course of a three-day weekend. The major emphasis of the weekend is to ask participants to take what they have learned back into the world, on what is known as the “fourth day.” This method stresses personal spiritual development, as accelerated by weekly group reunions after the initial weekend. Contact: Janet McGee, 812-698-0494
FAITH FORMATION
Faith formation focuses on deepening the faith of our parishioners. This is done through obtaining speakers to come to our parish or distributing literature to aid in strengthening our faith.
Contact: Julie Bassler, juliericbassler@gmail.com; Kitty Lawson, kslawson1942@gmail.
MARRIAGE PREPARATION
The couple needs to contact the priest at least six months in advance of the preferred wedding date.
Contact: Fr. Paul Ferguson, pferguson@evdio.org, Fr. Juan Ramirez, jramirez@evdio.org
Fr. Johnson Vil, jvil@evdio.org
OCIA TEAM
The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) Team prepares and helps administer the program that educates adults about the Catholic faith and prepares them to fully enter the Catholic Church.
Contact: Fr. Paul Ferguson, pferguson@evdio.org; Yvonne Evans, 812-486-5192;
Kande Batz, kbatz@evdio.org
SUNDAY MORNING RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Religious education classes for the youth of the parish are taught on Sunday mornings throughout the school year. The children learn about Jesus and develop a relationship with Jesus and with our community, as well as prepare to receive the sacraments.
Contact: Kande Batz, kbatz@evdio.org
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL VOLUNTEER
Vacation Bible School is usually held in June and is open for students going into Pre-Kindergarten through fifth grade. Each year a different theme is planned to enrich young people’s faith.
Contact: Kande Batz, kbatz@evdio.org
WASHINGTON CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
In Washington, we offer a 3-4 Preschool through 12th-grade Catholic school system. We strive to create a caring, stimulating and safe learning environment so that students can achieve their fullest spiritual, moral and academic potential.
Contact: (Grades 5-12) Karie Craney, kcraney@evdio.org;
Contact: (Grades PreK-4) Kelsi Edwards, kedwards@evdio.org
SERVICE
These ministries invite us to grow closer to Christ through service in our parish as well as the surrounding community.
BEREAVEMENT MEALS
Parishioners prepare or serve meals for fellow parishioners after funerals.
Contact: Yvonne Evans, 812-486-5192; Dot Doyle, 812-259-1346
BUILDING AND GROUNDS MAINTENANCE VOLUNTEERS
The committee, made up of volunteers, evaluates the facilities and brings issues to the attention of the pastor for any repairs, then seeks the three bids required by the diocese.
Contact: Mike Mischler, ermamike6416@gmail.com
CARING AND SHARING
The Caring and Sharing group began over 30 years ago and has grown into a large group. They still meet every month. People are faithful in reaching out to others who have lost a family member or friend. Two times a year, there is a retreat. They are a super faithful and caring group.
Contact: Yvonne Evans, 812-486-5192
CEMETERY BOARD
Volunteers help with various tasks needed to maintain the cemetery.
Contact: Fr. Paul Ferguson, pferguson@evdio.org
CHURCH - GENERAL CLEANING
Volunteers are needed to take care of cleaning the bathrooms, dusting, cleaning the windows and doors and the narthex floor.
Contact: Parish Office 812-254-2883
CHURCH - MARTHA’S SOCIETY CLEANING
Volunteers are needed to straighten things up in the middle of the week and prior to special events such as funerals, weddings, speakers, etc. They may come in more than once a week, depending on the events taking place in our church. They water the flowers, take care of the candles and the Holy Water and straighten up the Missalettes.
Contact: Carol Killion 812-617-4250
CHURCH - SWEEPING
There is an individual or a group of people that are assigned a month and they come in weekly to vacuum the church. You can vacuum at a time that is convenient for you.
Contact: Parish Office 812-254-2883
CHURCH - DECORATING AT CHRISTMAS AND EASTER
Volunteers are needed for the planning and implementation of decorating our church for these two special liturgical seasons of the church year.
Contact: Bonnie Graham 812-617-0233; Shelley Deem 812-881-8182
CHURCH - DECORATING AT OTHER LITURGICAL SEASONS
Volunteers are needed for the hands-on work of decorating our church during Advent, Lent and Ordinary Time. Contact: Yvonne Evans 812-486-5192
DAUGHTERS OF ISABELLA
The Daughters of Isabella is a spiritual, social and charitable organization that helps support our Church, pastor and charitable causes. Our biggest fundraiser is the annual nut sale. We meet on the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus.
Contact: Melea Lunsford, melea.lunsford@grainprocessing.com
FEED MY SHEEP FOOD BANK
Parishioners donate food and the donated products are taken to the local Feed My Sheep for distribution to those in need.
Contact: Lois Schnarr, 812-486-7898
FUNDRAISER VOLUNTEER
Volunteers help with various events throughout the year including Bingo, special events, fundraisers, etc.
Contact: Teresa Joyce, tjoyce@evdio.org
GALA
Many volunteers are needed to make the annual Gala a success. Please consider joining us.
Contact: Sharon Carie, 812-698-0431
HISPANIC AND HAITIAN LIAISON
This ministry helps with translations to bridge the communication gap between the various communities.
Contact: Kande Batz, kbatz@evdio.org for Hispanic; Fr. Johnson Vil, jvil@evdio.org for Haitian
JUBILEE CHRISTMAS
Volunteers are needed to purchase gifts and help with organizing, shopping, etc. as we join with area churches to ensure that those in need are able to provide gifts for their families for Christmas.
Contact: Teresa Joyce, tjoyce@evdio.org
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
The Knights of Columbus is a fraternal service organization of men, founded under the principles of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism. This organization provides men with a vehicle for building up the parish community and family life with an emphasis on family, youth, church, council, and community activities.
Contact: Tim Jackman, 812-259-7637
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS LADIES’ AUXILIARY
This group offers to assist the Knights of Columbus in the promotion of their various social and religious functions and in their financial endeavors. They also further unity and friendship among the ladies of this council. This group is open to all Catholic women ages eighteen and older. They must have a K of C sponsor and a K or C Auxiliary sponsor.
Contact: Melanie Stone, melaniestone@att.net
RIGHT TO LIFE
This ministry helps to foster a pro-life awareness in the parish. Members seek to educate parishioners about right-to-life issues, as well as promoting events that celebrate the right to life. They are dedicated to defending the dignity of human life from conception to natural death, as well as providing educational information to our parish and the local community.
Contact:
ST. GIANNA'S MOMS’ GROUP
St. Gianna's Moms’ Group is a place for moms of all ages and stages. We meet once a quarter to socialize, encourage each other in our role as a Catholic mother, as well as to seek and share wisdom with each other. Meeting dates & locations are posted in the bulletin as well as social media.
Contact: Emily Swartzentruber, emily.swartzentruber@gmail.com
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL
Volunteers help organize donations for the thrift store, as well as assist with regular maintenance for the building. Regular or substitute volunteers are needed.
Contact: Barb Fyffe Risch, barbfyffe@gmail.com
SPONSOR COUPLES FOR MARRIAGE PREPARATION
Sponsor Couples will act as facilitators guiding their engaged couple through a preparation program leading to a deeper understanding of one another and their call to a Christian marriage. The Sponsor Couples serve as role models through the sharing of their own marriage experiences and relationship. Marriage sponsor couples are trained to “journey with” engaged couples as they prepare for the lifelong commitment of Christian marriage. Sponsor couples provide a working example of what it takes to achieve a lifelong marriage. The engaged couple meets for several sessions in the home of the sponsor couple using the guide from the program “For Better For Ever.” Married couples of Our Lady of Hope, are invited to join. Being involved is a rewarding and spiritual experience, leading to several lifelong friendships.
Contact: Maria and Bill Killion, mkillion55@gmail.com and billkillion2015@gmail.com
FAMILY GROUPS
MEN’S CLUB
This is a new ministry. It is for any male member of our church. They have regular meetings on Saturday morning at 7:00 am in the Upper Room at Cherry Ghost Coffee House on Main Street and they also meet on Tuesday evenings at 6:15 pm at the Knights of Columbus on Main Street. They have raised approximately $4,000 thus far with a focus on raising money for youth group events. The men’s group is focused on that primarily, but seek to be men for others; men of prayer and of service.
Service Contact: Jason Voges, jasonvoges@hotmail.com or Nathan Gabhart, nathang@truescripts.com
Events and Fundraising Contact: Grant Swartzentruber, geswartzentruber@gmail.com or Dylan Query, querydylan@gmail.com
YOUNG AT HEART
A group of senior single and married parishioners interested in sharing their faith lives and building fellowship as we plan monthly outings; such as taking day trips to area shrines, holy places and other area attractions, eating out and other fun activities.
Contact: Elaine Wellman, ewellman5@gmail.com
YOUNG ADULT
Adults between the ages of eighteen to about 35 meet monthly to grow in community and faith. All are welcome to join no matter their walk in life.
Contact: Kyle and Hannah Freyberger, kylenn21@gmail.com and hanem2795@gmail.com
YOUNG FAMILIES
This ministry is designed to help parents with young children to get together for food, faith and fellowship. Childcare is usually provided. Young married couples began years ago with one group — now several groups have been created. Children in childcare grow together, as do the parents. How special it is to see the children run to hug each other in “their church group!"
Contact: Emily Swartzentruber, emily.swartzentruber@gmail.com
YOUTH MINISTRIES
OUR LADY OF HOPE YOUTH CHOIR
Open to all students in grades 3-12 who are interested in sharing their talents to praise the Lord and grow in faith and musical knowledge.
Contact: Laura Litwiler, llitwiler@evdio.org
YOUTH GROUP MINISTRIES
Our youth group focuses on faith, fellowship, and fun. Students in grades 6-12 meet twice a month to discuss scripture, church teaching and enjoy games. All students are welcome to join to grow in community and strive to encounter the heart of Christ.
Contact: Kyle and Hannah Freyberger, kylenn21@gmail.com and hanem2795@gmail.com
YOUTH PRAISE MASS
On the 4th Sunday of every month, youth are encouraged to participate in the youth Mass, which starts at 9:00 a.m. Youth can participate as greeters, servers, lectors, gift bearers and Eucharistic Ministers.
Contact: Kyle and Hannah Freyberger, kylenn21@gmail.com and
hanem2795@gmail.com
COMMISSIONS
EDUCATION COMMISSION
The Education Commission helps in determining the objectives for the Early Childhood Education, elementary, middle and secondary school education in accord with diocesan and parish goals, to formulate policy that will guide the principals in fulfilling Commission objectives; to review the rules and decisions of the principal and to address any and all matters that affect the school. Members are selected by the parish and the pastor.
Contact: Michelle Ringwald, 812-709-0163
FINANCE COMMISSION
The Finance Commission monitors the financial health of the parish and provides short and long-term guidance to the pastor to ensure sound financial practices. Members are appointed by the pastor.
Contact: Karen Sipes, 812-698-9084
PARISH COMMISSION
The Parish Commission assists the pastor in matters pertaining to the spiritual, financial and educational affairs of the parish.
Contact: Maureen Strange, mstrange2477@hotmail.com
STEWARDSHIP COMMISSION
This commission helps to make sure we are growing in hospitality, prayer, formation and service as we strive to gratefully return a portion of our time, talent and treasure to God. Members are selected by the pastor.
Contact: Fr. Paul Ferguson,
pferguson@evdio.org; Debbie Wichman, debbiewichman56@gmail.com