Adult Faith Formation Opportunities

SJN offers adults a diversity of ongoing faith formation and enrichment: e.g., workshops, book study groups, seminars, faith-sharing groups, online resources (“playlists”), etc.  Volunteers are needed to serve as facilitators, instructors, presenters and experts in various fields.  

Contact:  Maria Parre, 803.788.3252, ext. 326, mparre@sjnchurch.com

Baptism Preparation Team 

A team of catechists offers a monthly preparation session for parents of children to be baptized and sponsors who are able to attend. Parents, please call the parish office at (803) 788-0811 for information on the next session.

Contact:  Maria Parre, 803.788.3252, ext. 326, mparre@sjnchurch.com 

Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) - Team and Sponsors

The OCIA (RCIA) prepares people of catechetical age to receive the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist).  Those baptized in other churches who wish to become Catholic are also prepared to make a Profession of Faith, undergo Confirmation and receive the Eucharist. 

The OCIA needs catechists for the teams who foster this process. The teams are trained and led by the Director of the Catechumenate. Sponsors are also needed to help those preparing to become Catholics. Sponsors attend meetings and participate in discussions and prayer. Being a sponsor is a great way to give support to someone as well as to enrich one’s own faith. RCIA meetings are on Tuesday evenings at 7 pm in the Teen Room.  

Contact:  Maria Parre, 803.788.3252, ext. 326, mparre@sjnchurch.com 

Witness to Love Marriage Preparation

Married couples are sought as mentors for “Witness to Love” Marriage Preparation to walk with engaged couples after their initial meeting with the priest or deacon.

Coordinator: Maria Parre, 803.788.3252, ext. 326, mparre@sjnchurch.com 

“Living Faith” Class

The “Living Faith” Class meets at 10 am on Mondays in Gillin Hall. Participants have input into topics to explore. Discussion and sharing are integrated into the presentations and readings. To participate, simply come to the meetings.

Contact:  Cherie Smith, cheriepsmith@gmail.com

Vocation Chalice

The purpose of the Chalice Program is to encourage families to pray and promote vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life. The consecrated Chalice is a tangible reminder of this special intention for the Church. When we pray for vocations, we lift up to our Father those men and women whom He calls to follow Him in a very special way. We hope that those who bring the cup home will continue to pray daily for vocations. 

Contact:

Eric Cannon

pgkcannon6847@gmail.com

803.479.5905

Cursillo at St. John Neumann

Cursillo is a statewide network of switched-on Catholics who have experienced a four-day retreat, “a little course in Christianity,” which originated in Spain.  Following the retreat experience, “Cursillistas” from St. John Neumann meet weekly in small groups to continue their faith journey together.  

Contact: 

Ultreya: Debra Layer, 803.603.6748, sonsmom@aol.com; 

Men: Tony Zammarrelli, 803.466.3111, tonyzamm@twc.com; 

Women: Betsy Schneider, 803.269.1499, easchneider87@yahoo.com

Small Christian Communities

Small Christian Communities (SCCs) are groups of 8-12 people who meet regularly to share their faith in discussion and mutual support. Groups meet once a week at a time and location convenient to all in the group. At SJN, there are two six-week periods (in the fall/Advent and during Lent) for SCCs. However, they are not limited to these time periods. Groups are flexible regarding frequency and time of year. A variety of discussion materials can be provided by the Office of Faith Formation. Volunteers may sign up as participants or group facilitators. Volunteer facilitators will be trained.

Contact:  Maria Parre, 803.788.3252, ext. 326, mparre@sjnchurch.com 

Baptism Preparation Team 

A team of catechists offers a monthly preparation session for parents of children to be baptized and sponsors who are able to attend. Parents, please call the parish office at (803) 788-0811 for information on the next session.

Contact:  Catherine Combier-Donovan, 803.788.3252, ext. 326, ccombierdo@sjnchurch.com

Order of Christian Initiation of Adults adapted for Children Team and Sponsors (OCIA for Children) - Catechist and Sponsors 

The OCIA prepares people of catechetical age to receive the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist).  Those people who were baptized in other churches and who wish to become Catholic are prepared to make a Profession of Faith, undergo Confirmation and receive the Eucharist. The OCIA for children needs catechists who foster this process for children. The teams are trained and led by the Director of the Catechumenate. Sponsors are also needed for those preparing to become Catholic. Sponsors attend meetings and participate in discussion and prayer. The OCIC for children meets on Wednesdays, 6:30 pm, in the school.

Contact:  

Verónica Carneiro

803.788.3252, ext. 320

vcarneiro@sjnchurch.com 

Confirmation Preparation Team

This team helps students from sixth grade and up prepare for Confirmation.  Volunteers needed also for assisting the service component of the preparation process.  Contact Veronica Carneiro (preparation team) or Rhina Medina (service program).

Contact:  

Verónica Carneiro, 803.788.3252, ext. 320, vcarneiro@sjnchurch.com

Rhina Medina, 803.788.3252, ext. 353, rmedina@sjnchurch.com 

Catechists - Elementary Christian Formation 

Assistant catechists who help the lead catechist in the family-based faith formation classes that meet on Sundays from 3:30—4:45 p.m.

Contact:  

Verónica Carneiro, 803.788.3252, ext. 320, vcarneiro@sjnchurch.com 

Catechists - Junior High Christian Formation

Assistant catechists who help the lead catechist in the family-based faith formation classes that meet on Sundays from 3:30—4:45 p.m.

Contact: 

Verónica Carneiro, 803.788.3252, ext. 320, vcarneiro@sjnchurch.com 

Catechists - High School Core Team

High School formation is made up of many different parts aimed at bringing teens closer to Christ. Youth Group meets on Sundays from 3:30—4:45 pm. The Youth Ministry is comprised of the Youth Ministry director and a team of adults, who welcome, support, challenge and inspire the teens of the parish. 

Contact: 

Rhina Medina, 803.788.3252, ext. 353, rmedina@sjnchurch.com  

Children’s Liturgy of the Word Team 

On most Sundays throughout the year, children up to the 2nd grade are invited to the 10 am Sunday Mass to participate in the Children’s Liturgy of the Word.  Adult Lead Catechists and  Adult or High School Assistants are needed for the team to plan and provide lessons.  The team assigns a lead teacher for each week. If enough catechists are recruited, the Children’s Liturgy of the Word can be expanded to additional weekend Masses.  

Contact: 

Leo Fanning, 

leofanning@hotmail.com

Vacation Bible School Team

The third week of June is the usual time to gather children K-4 - 5th grade for five days of Bible stories, prayers, songs, games, snacks, crafts, science experiments, mission projects and Mass. All children are welcome to join. Vacation Bible School (VBS) needs many volunteers. Adults, to serve as catechists and teens, to serve as assistants, are invited to be part of this week of fun and formation.

Contact:  

Verónica Carneiro

803.788.3252, ext. 320 vcarneiro@sjnchurch.com 

The Basketball Ministry teaches youth between grades 2nd - 12th how to show Christ's love to one another through the sport of Basketball. 

When: 

Sept - Oct: Sign up open

Nov - Feb:  Regular Season 

Contact: 

Rae-Ann Grimes

508.954.5479

grimes.raeann42@gmail.com

St. John Neumann Parish sponsors Scouting America. 

Pack 287 meets on scheduled Sunday afternoons for 1st-5th grades. 

Troop 287 meets on Tuesdays for 5th grade or higher. 

Those interested in becoming Scout

leaders must apply through the BSA: Indian Waters Council at http://www.indianwaters.org

Contacts: 

Laurie Sambenedetto lsambenedetto@gmail.com

Troop: 

Chris Hydorn

chydorn@gmail.com or

T287_scoutmaster@outlook.com

Pack: 

David Hitchcock 

803.477.7983 

dhtrack@yahoo.com

Girl Scouts of America 

St. John Neumann Parish sponsors Daisies (K-5 and 1st grade), Brownies (2nd and 3rd grades), Juniors (4th and 5th grades) and Cadettes (6th - 8th grades). Meetings are on Sundays.  

Contact: 

Jennifer Bonovich, 

drjendvm@gmail.com

St. John Neumann Catholic School welcomes members of the parish to become involved in the school. It is

not necessary to have a child attending SJN Catholic School to volunteer. The School Advisory Board has

several committees for which parishioners may volunteer. 

These include: 

Facilities, 

Crisis Management,

Finance, 

Marketing the School in the Community, 

Technology, 

Grants and 

Catholic Identity. 

The ParentSchool Association (PSA) also has many subcommittees:

Auction: Decorations, Acquisitions, Set up, Packaging

Uniform Exchange: sorting uniforms

Fall Festival: setting up booths, working the booths

Christmas Corner: setting up and selling items to the children

Yearbook: working with a studio via computer

General Opportunities to volunteer at the school: having children read to you in the Discovery Center,

library help, carpool in the mornings (7:30-8 am), distributing lunch (11 am-12:30 pm), Health Room help

Contact: 

School Office 

803.788.1367

sjnadmin@sjncatholic.com

Knights of Columbus

The Knights of Columbus Msgr. Martin C. Murphy Council 6847 meet for a business meeting on the second Thursday of the month at 7 pm and a social meeting on the fourth Thursday. Catholic men are invited to become members. To learn more, visit www.kofc.com.

The Patriotic Order of the Knights of Columbus, Assembly 2902 meet on the first Thursday of the month in Gillin Hall at 7 pm. 

Contact: 

Alex Martell 

803.210.5023 alex.garciamartell@gmail.com

The Columbiettes  is a unified group of Catholic women who work side by side with the Knights of Columbus to promote faith, family, charity and patriotism. Any Catholic woman at least 17 years old is eligible to become a Columbiette. Although affiliated with the Knights of Columbus, each auxiliary has its own by-laws and procedures. Each auxiliary also has its own charities and fundraising projects, while still supporting the local Knights. Meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month at 7 pm in Gillin Hall.

Contact: 

Margaret Wasieczko

margaret.wasieczko@hotmail.com

Legion of Mary 

The primary apostolate for the Legion of Mary at St. John Neumann is to visit residents of care institutions. The group meets every Monday at 5:30 pm in the Teen Room. It is a spirituality-and-service movement that goes back to 19th century Ireland. Auxiliaries commit themselves to daily prayer for the apostolate.  

Contact:  

Anh-Nga Huynh-Duc

803.414.4332

Sisterhood of Catholic Spiritual Studies 

Looking for fellowship among women in the same season of life? Come join the newly-formed Sisterhood of Catholic Spiritual Studies which provides an avenue for gathering, witnessing, sharing and growing in our Catholic faith. We are currently doing a book study and discussing the application of the lives of the saints in our lives as wives, mothers, professionals, volunteers, parishioners and more. We meet once per month on a Sunday evening. 

Contact: 

Helga Morris

helga@vamenta-morris.com 

Young Adults/Jóvenes Adultos

If you are between 18 and 35, join this social gathering. This bilingual Group meets on Sunday afternoons from 3:30  - 5 pm in the School Cafeteria at 721 Polo Road on dates listed in the bulletin. For more information, email YAM@SJNChurch.com

Contact: 

Mariana Medellin

803.915.3027

Assistant: 

Zitlaly

803.626.2771

Korean Community 

The Korean Community at St. John Neumann is very active, and has well over 100 members. Mass is celebrated on the second and third Sunday of the month at 7 pm.  

Contact: 

Don-Kyu (Rubicino) Lee, 

617.955.6709, 

dklee97@gmail.com 

German Club

German speakers meet on the third Friday of the month at 7 pm for an evening of fellowship, conversation and other activities.

Contact: 

Erika Langston 

803.788.5785

carolinawsb@yahoo.com 

Newcomer Welcoming Committee

The Newcomer Welcoming Committee helps extend hospitality and assists new members in getting integrated into the SJN community. Interested in becoming a mentor to a newcomer to our parish?  Sign up here: https://forms.office.com/r/dwRdi80xrE 

Contact: 

Stephen Szabo

sszabo@sjnchurch.com

Hospitality Group

Donut Sunday is held every first and third Sunday of the month after the 10 am Mass in Gillin Hall. This groups offers donuts, coffee, and other refreshments for fellowship and cleans up Gillin Hall and kitchen afterwards.

Contact: 

Trudy Dischinger 

803.788.0811

info@sjnchurch.com

SJN Playgroup

Come play with us!

Gather with your children and foster fellowship amoung other Catholic families!

We gather together every Thursday at 10am in the Teen Room

Contact: 

Erin Porris

ekhinojosa@gmail.com 

Senior Luncheon Team

The Senior Luncheon is a ministry offered by the parish. Anyone who is retired and 55 years old or older is invited to attend a luncheon in Gillin Hall on the first Thursday of the month. We begin with celebrating Daily Mass together. Attendees are asked to RSVP each month at the parish office so enough food can be prepared. Shoppers, cooks, and servers are needed or perhaps you are interested in leading this ministry?

Contact: 

Trudy Dischinger

803.788.0811

info@sjnchurch.com

Special Events Team

The Special Events Team host receptions in Gillin Hall to celebrate special occasions and to encourage fellowship. A team is created for each function.  

Contact: 

Anna Sciandra, 803.788.3252, ext. 311, asciandra@sjnchurch.com

Finance Council

The Finance Council serves to ensure financial transparency and good stewardship of the parish resources. Members are appointed by the pastor for three-year terms that may be renewed.

Contact:  

Tom Harmalik

803.223.4721

tharmalik@gmail.com

Comfort and Caring Ministry

The Comfort & Caring Ministry reaches out to parishioners who have suffered the loss of a loved one, with sympathy cards from our SJN Parish Family. It also offers a grief support group in the fall, as well as other bereavement programs and activities dealing with end of life issues. 

Contact: 

Wendy Bobadilla

803.788.3252, ext. 330

wbobadilla@sjnchurch.com

Crisis Outreach Ministry 

Crisis Outreach Ministry provides direct assistance to persons in need.  The ministry also helps funnel resources to local charitable organizations, organize the “Giving Tree” in November, and “Bagging for the Needy” in July, as well as, many other programs to help support those in need.

Contact: 

Linnie Catarino

803.736.6120

linpoo52@aol.com 

Coordinador: 

Héctor Morales

803.787.3010

Please leave call back number on voicemail.

Funeral Luncheon Committee

The Funeral Luncheon Committee is available to prepare a luncheon or reception following funeral services for the family and gathered community.  They prepare trays of food, shop for food as needed, and provide desserts, assisting with set up, serving, cleanup, etc.

Contact: 

Glenda George

803.786.1172

glenda_george@msn.com

Health Cabinet

The Health Cabinet works with the Parish Nurse to plan and implement initiatives that promote health in the parish and the community. 

Contact: 

Wendy Bobadilla

803.788.3252, ext. 330

wbobadilla@sjnchurch.com

Ready 2 Read (R2R)

Ready 2 Read is designed to increase summer reading for our youngest students and to promote and encourage parents to read to their children. The district’s goal is to collect enough books (roughly 35,000) to provide each pre-k through second-grade student with 10 new or gently used books geared to their grade level. Book bins are available in Gillin Hall.

Contact: 

Karen Zimmerman rzimmerman@sc.rr.com

Respect Life Ministry

Respect Life Ministry (RLM) is dedicated to the preservation of the sacredness and dignity of all human life from conception to natural death.

Contact: 

Betsy Schneider

803.269.1499

easchneider87@yahoo.com

Sandwiches for the Homeless Ministry 

On the second Sunday of each month, volunteers from SJN provide sandwiches for the residents of the Oliver Gospel Mission, and other shelters.  Volunteers prepare the sandwiches and leave them in the refrigerator/freezer in the kitchen in Gillin Hall.  Everyone is welcome to help by donating sandwiches.  

Contacts:  

Tom & Dorothy Loiodice

803.736.6453 lovetennis5364@bellsouth.net

Seniors Activities Group

Join the fun and fellowship playing games, usually twice a month on Mondays from 12:30 - 2:30 pm in Gillin Hall. Games available: Dominos, Chinese Checkers, Card Games, Traditional Checkers, MLB-Opoly Junior, The Game of LIFE, Chess (on a set purchased in Jerusalem along the path Jesus carried his cross), Scrabble, Literary Charades, Putt Golf + more to follow…. 

Contact: 

Ray Arment

armentr@gmail.com

MORE Justice Ministry

St. John Neumann belongs to MORE Justice (Midlands Organized Response for Equity & Justice), a growing network of faith-based congregations which are culturally, economically, geographically, racially, and religiously diverse – coming together to fulfill our scriptural mandate to “do justice” and make the Central Midlands area a more just place to live for all people. We work together to empower marginalized people and act powerfully to address serious community wide problems through direct action. We accomplish this by identifying a problem, doing research, educating the public, and publicly addressing the root causes of, and solutions to, poverty and injustice in our communities. MORE Justice is unique in its approach in that it transforms the systems that cause suffering by holding local officials accountable for resolving these inequities and injustices.   

Contact: 

Mary Ann Fey,

mafey10.maf@gmail.com

803.447.8285

Altar Guild

This ministry focuses on the preparation, care and cleaning of the liturgical vessels and linen for weekend and weekday liturgies.  

Contact:

Vessels: Anh-Nga Huynh-Duc 803.414.4332

Linen: Alin Bautista

AlinBautista52@gmail.com

Altar Servers  

Altar servers (acolytes) assist the priest and other liturgical ministers during the celebration of the Mass. Boys and girls, who have completed 2nd grade and have received first communion, are eligible to become altar servers.  

Contact: 

SJN Church Office

Sign up Here!

info@sjnchurch.com

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion 

These ministers are lay people authorized by the Church to assist priests and deacons in administering the Eucharist. They may also go and share the Sacrament with members of the community unable to attend Mass due to infirmity or illness.

Contacts:  

Judy Shaurette

803.288.2995

judyshoo@icloud.com 

for service at Masses; 

or 

Trudy Dischinger

bookworm51752@gmail.com

 for the sick and homebound. 

Greeters

Greeters welcome parishioners and visitors at the door. They are the first faces encountered by those who come to the church for the Masses on weekends, holy days and funerals. Their role is to make all welcome, especially those visiting for the first time. This ministry is open to families, adults and teens. The Greeter Program is one of the easiest ways to give back to the parish. It is also a great way for entire families to serve together.  Minors must be accompanied by their parent.  

Contact: 

Trudy Dischinger, 

803.788.0811, 

info@sjnchurch.com

Lectors 

A lector is a reader who proclaims the scripture readings at Mass, lending a human voice to God’s word. The lector ministry requires prayer, training, skill, and transparency to the word of God.

Contacts: 

Carolyn Bullinger

803.865.7979

carolynbullinger@aol.com

Sacristans

Sacristans work behind the scenes to prepare the worship space before and after a liturgy. They serve the assembly and minister to the priest. Sacristans are needed for weekend liturgies as well as daily Masses.

Contact:  

Bob Auman

803.728.5256

whynotnc@gmail.com

Ushers 

Ushers ensure the smooth flow of the liturgy by offering assistance, directing the collections and processions, answering questions, assisting with special needs and distributing the bulletin. 

Contact: 

Rose Smerdell

rosettasmerdell@gmail.com

Eucharistic Adoration 

Exposition and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament takes place on Thursdays in the church from 12:30 pm to 6:45 pm. With Benediction at 6:30 pm.  Everyone is invited to spend time in prayer and adoration during these hours. Regular volunteers and substitutes are needed to ensure the presence of at least two people each hour.

Contact:  

Nisy Sashi

803.414.9659

nisyantony@hotmail.com

Art and Environment Committee  

This ministry team works to enhance the church, creating an inviting and beautiful worship environment that is reflective of the liturgical season. Creative people with skills in the arts - fabric, floral and fine arts, design, woodworking and all other media are welcome.  

Contact:  

Erika Langston, 803.788.5785

Garden Club

The Garden Club assists in the beautification of the grounds around our church. Members are assigned a small area to plant and maintain, either working in pairs or independently. There are two scheduled committee meetings, in the fall and spring. The group also meets for lunch several times a year.  

Contact:  

Ruth Yoch

803.788.1524

yoch@bellsouth.net

10 am Mass Choir sings for 10 am Sunday Mass from mid-August through mid-June and rehearses on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8 pm in the church.  

Contact:  

Linda Mooney, Music Ministry

lbmooney01@gmail.com 

Neumann Kids Choir rehearses on Tuesdays from 4:30 -5:15 pm in the school music room. The choir sings for a weekend Mass once a month. We begin in September and end in May. 

Contact:  

Linda Mooney, Music Ministry

lbmooney01@gmail.com 

SJN Christmas Choirs and Holy Week/Easter Choirs For those who want a limited gig for singing in choir, you can sing for special seasons of the church year.  Rehearsals will be set to prepare for each season.   

Contact:  

Linda Mooney, Music Ministry

lbmooney01@gmail.com 

Cantors are auditioned singers who are responsible for proclaiming the Psalm and Gospel Acclamation during Mass.  Cantors may be called upon to help lead songs during Mass and/or prepare special music. 

Contact:  

Linda Mooney, Music Ministry

lbmooney01@gmail.com 

Instrumentalists are invited to audition to be a part of the tapestry of music in liturgy.  

Contact:  

Linda Mooney, Music Ministry, lbmooney01@gmail.com