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[EMAIL LINK]Scouts
Lisa Ryan 657-4497
Mission Nativity sponsors Daisy, Brownie, Junior, Cadet’s and Senior Scout troops of the Sun Coast Council. In accordance with their Constitution, Girl Scouts dedicate themselves to the purpose of aspiring to the highest ideals of character, conduct, patriotism and service so they may become happy and resourceful citizens.
Greeters
Tim Bergevin tpbergevin@verizon.net
Mission The greeter Ministry welcomes parishioners and visitors to our masses and other liturgical & social events. It is through this process we try to make the people feel we are glad they came and that their presence is important to what is about to take place. A greeter is an ambassador for Jesus Christ who is the first point of contact for parishioners & visitor as they approach the Church.
Activities: Greeters are present outside the entrances of the church before all weekend Masses and at special events to greet and welcome everyone to our celebration of the liturgy.
Volunteer Duties: Requires one hour of enrichment & training time and approximately two hours a month served, ½ hour previous to start of assigned mass. Greeters should be in “Sunday” attire and have a warm smile with an “attitude of gratitude”.
Grupo carismático de oración-hispano
"ven salvador"
Coordinador: Rafael Rivera 451-6590 erasmo.rivera@saintleo.edu
Sub-coordinadora: iris castro (863) -370-0742
Secretaria: rosa julia quintana
Grupo hispano de Juventud
Zaida Ríos 653-0787
Misión
Ven a aprender cómo vivir su vida con Jesús
Actividades: Para la juventud hispana en los grados 9 hasta el12. Nos reunimos todos los viernes a las 7:00 p.m. de la tarde. Ven a aprender a cómo vivir su vida con Jesús
Hearing Impaired Ministry
Leesa Holz 681-9874 1holz1@tampabay.rr.com
Mission
Our mission is to share God’s Word with others by providing an interpreted mass for the deaf and hearing-impaired parishioners at Nativity Catholic Church.
Activities: Mass is interpreted weekly at the Saturday 4:00 p.m. vigil Mass. Most Holy Days as well as special occasions are interpreted. Baptisms, Confirmations, weddings and funerals are interpreted upon request. One-on-one sacramental preparation maybe arranged.
Requirements: New members always welcome. Interpreters very welcome! We have a rotating schedule for interpreters approximately twice a month.
Hospice Prayer Ministry
Vincent Ferraro 685-6678 vince@FHHCPA.com
Mission
To provide a prayer partner and spiritual discussion during the final steps of life and to lead fallen away Catholics to request for a priest.
Activities: Open discussion with terminally ill patients, prayer and to provide spiritual support.
Requirements: If we have enough volunteers, we hope that the time spent would not exceed 3 hours per month per volunteer.
Job Hotline
Lucy Grasso 685-4871 Lugras@aol.com
Mission
Provide support assistance and job leads to unemployed parishioners and will help find a caregiver for those in need.
Activities: Referring the unemployed to agency.
Requirements: 10 – 20 hours weekly making phone calls and setting up potential job opportunities.
Knights of Columbus
Dave Carter
Richard Spinelli
Mission
Mother Seton Knights of Columbus Council 6724 and Bishop McLaughlin Assembly 1850
The Knights of Columbus (K of C) is a Catholic men's fraternal benefit society that was formed to render financial aid to members and their families. Mutual aid and assistance offered to sick, disabled and needy members and their families. Social and intellectual fellowship is promoted among members and their families through educational, charitable, religious, social welfare, war relief and public relief works. Our council members are drawn from the parishes of Nativity, St. Stephen's and St. Francis of Assisi Catholic churches.
Activities: The local Council 6724 meets on first Monday evening of each month at 7:30 p.m. in Nativity Social Hall C and the 4th Degree Assembly 1850 meet on the second Friday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in Nativity Social Hall D. A monthly Family Social is held in Nativity Social A & B on the third Monday of each month and provides a meal and fellowship.
Requirements: Promote church, vocations, community, pro-life, brotherhood, family, youth, insurance for our members, various other acts of charity, family socials, fund raisers, marriage, patriotism, food pantry, etc.
La Victoria Mission
Greg Sausaman 210-1364
Mission
Our mission is outreach to our sister community, St. Anthony of Padua in the Dominican Republic. Our primary focus is to give nutritional, spiritual, medical and educational support to the caretakers of the children and families of the La Victoria Mission community. Our goal is to share stewardship, faith, love and charity with our sister parish. We share God’s word and work through our mission trips, through our monthly financial support and daily prayers for the leaders and families of the community through the generous donations from our Nativity parishioners.
Activities: Meet monthly to organize trip to the mission, special projects and organize donations designated for the mission.
Requirements: Special projects as needed and organizing donations are 2 hours a month.
Lectors
Bob Woodke
Mission
To proclaim the word of God at Mass and other liturgical functions. High School students are lectors for the 6:00 pm Life Teen Mass.
Legión De Maria Hispana
Haydee Rivera 684-6976 haydee47@msn.com
Misión
Ayudar al Pastor y al Vicario Hispano en asuntos espirituales, cuando sea necesario. Promover la devoción del rosario en la parroquia y actividades en honor a la Santísima virgen María.
Actividades:Rezar el rosario; ayudar en la despensa de comida de la Iglesia; visitar a los ancianitos y hospitales; evangelizar; y hacer llamadas a los enfermos, entre otras.
Requisitos: Nos reunimos todos los lunes de 7:30-9:00 PM en el “Oakwood Room”, cruzando el estacionamiento de la Iglesia.
Todas las personas interesadas están invitadas a visitarnos y compartir un rato con nosotros.
Legion of Mary
Lucy Grasso (English Legion) 685-4871 Lugras@aol.com
Haydee Rivera (Spanish Legion) 684-6976 haydee47@msn.com
Mission
Aid Pastor in spiritual works wherever needed and spreading the devotion of the Rosary to the parish. We encourage members to reach out to other organizations of the parish and to the sick, homebound, nursing home and hospital ministries.
Activities: Pray the Rosary, door to door evangelization, parishioner newcomer visitation, meals on wheels, food pantry, nursing homes and more.
Requirements: Active Legion of Mary members meet weekly. English speaking meet Mondays at 9:15 a.m. and Spanish speaking meet Monday at 7:00 p.m. Meetings are held in the Oakwood room across from the parish parking lot. Anyone who would like to know what we are all about are welcome to join our meetings.
Library
Theresa Graham 689-0917
Betty Cory 689-8759
Vicki@Nativitycatholicchurch.org
Mission
To provide parishioners with a selection of religious books, magazines, and pamphlets. Videotapes and DVD’s are available through the faith formation office. Library is located on the west side of the narthex and open before and after most weekend masses.
Activities: To assist library patrons in locating materials and serve as another welcoming presence to newcomers and visitors who often have questions.
Requirements: Approximately 2 hours per shift, once or twice a month. Love of books helpful.
Life F.O.R.C.E.
Ed Buckley 689-4147 youthassdir@nativitycatholicchurch.org
Mission
The mission of Nativity Youth Ministry is to lead middle school aged children closer to Christ by encouraging them to build their relationship with Christ through relational ministry.
Activities: Life F.O.R.C.E. currently meets on a monthly basis, providing middle school aged children a place to gather in fellowship with other Christian children. During their gathering the children will be lead in a study of a relational topic and the Christian response to these issues. They have a light meal in the Social Hall and are then invited to attend the Life TEEN Mass. Life F.O.R.C.E. has a day long, on campus, retreat annually as well as other middle school activities in and around the Diocese.
Requirements: A volunteer in the Life F.O.R.C.E. program will be used in many capacities. We have high school aged teens that volunteer to be a part of the Jr. Core Team. The Jr. Core Team works directly with the children in middle school in the planning aspect of the program. Jr. Core Team volunteers put in about 10 hours per month and are here on Wednesdays, Sundays as well as retreats and other off campus activities. Other volunteers will participate as Chaperones, food preparation, and food set-up and clean up. These positions require a commitment for training as well as attendance at events. Food helpers are placed on a rotation and are asked to help intermittently.
Life TEEN
Justin Lantz 689-4147 youthdir@nativitycatholicchurch.org
Mission
The mission of Nativity Youth Ministry is to lead teens closer to Christ by encouraging them to build their relationship with Christ through relational ministry.
Activities: Life TEEN provides for the teens a place where they can come be in fellowship with other Christian teens through weekly “Open Shack” nights. Open Shack is held on Wednesday evenings. The teens also gather on Sundays for the Life TEEN Mass and a meal, followed by Life Night. Life nights focus on relational teen topics and the Christian response to such issues. In addition, the teens have the opportunity to participate in two retreats per year as well as other activities in and around the Diocese.
Requirements: A volunteer in the Life TEEN program will be used in many capacities. We have individuals that volunteer to be a part of the Core Team. The Core Team works directly with the teens in the Ministry aspect of the program. Core Team volunteers put in about 10 hours per week and are here on Wednesdays, Sundays as well as retreats and other off campus activities. Other volunteers will participate as Eucharistic Ministers, Readers, Ushers, Chaperones, food preparation; food set-up and clean-up. These positions require a commitment for training as well as attendance at events. Food helpers are placed on a rotation and are asked to help intermittently.
Little Rock Scripture Study
Vicki Hawkins 689-9101 vicki@nativitycatholicchurch.org
Group meets Thursday evenings at 7 pm in the Adult Education Building. Studies are based on th-e “little rock” commentaries weeks long.
Liturgy Committee
Rev. Philip Clement 6814608
Dr. Carlos M. Vázquez-Ramos 654-3570
Mission
The Liturgical Commission strives to celebrate in ritual the Paschal Mystery of Christ in our midst. Using the Liturgical Calendar as its guide the Commission plans celebrations throughout the Church year, which highlight the life of Christ and our life as a church. The Liturgy Commission oversees a number of ministries including the following: Music, Lectors, Altar Servers, Eucharistic Ministers, Ushers, and Art and Environment.
Activities: The Liturgy Commission coordinates some of the Holy Feasts of the church, as well as, special celebrations and services throughout the liturgical year. In addition, through the art and environment committee, the commission provides the appropriate ambiance in the church for all of the liturgical seasons, especially Christmas and Lent.
Charlie & Gayle Gaither 681-4732 D2nacouple@msn.com
Mission
World Wide Marriage Encounter’s mission of renewal in the church and change in the world is to assist couples and priest to live fully intimate and responsible relationships by providing them with a Catholic “experience” and ongoing community support for such a lifestyle.
Activities: We provide weekends for married couples to rekindle their love and learn a communication technique to strengthen their marriage.
Volunteer Duties: There are volunteer positions available in all areas for those who have already attended a Marriage Encounter weekend.
Meals on Wheels
Roberta Mogilewicz 651-1518 robmogz@tampabay.rr.com
Mission
To provide a hot meal to approximately 35 shut-ins every Wednesday at lunchtime. We are one of 16 churches in the Brandon area Meals On Wheels.
Activities: Approximately 35 meals are prepared and delivered every Wednesday at lunchtime.
Requirements: Each cook prepares part of the meal – main dish, salads, veggie, etc. 1-3 hours depending on the selection. Drivers deliver a hot lunch to 5-9 people, approximately last 1 hour depending on the route.
Men’s Club
Mike Visca 681-8832 Mvisca@am.cc.com
Mission
The mission of the Nativity Men’s Club is to serve our parish. Our focus is to support our school, support the people and programs of the parish and promote social activities.
Activities: Lent Fish Fry. Support Nativity Catholic School through time, talent or treasure. Support and sponsor Boy Scouts. Support the people and parish programs through time, talent or treasure. Promote social activity: Shrimp Dance, Taste of Brandon.
Requirements: The Men’s Club meets the third Sunday of every month at 7:30 p.m. in social hall D. Depending on the task at hand, our time requirements vary. Typically, only a few hours per member, per month can accomplish great things.
Music Ministry
Dr. Carlos M. Vázquez-Ramos 681-4608 musicdirector@nativitycatholicchurch.org
Mission
To provide the community of Nativity parish with the gifts of song and music, to be available to the parish for functions in which we can help celebrate and build community through songs of praise and thanksgiving to God.
Children’s Choir- (4th and 5th graders in both Nativity and public school). Rehearsals are held on Tuesdays at 5:00 p.m. in the Church for the 8:45 a.m. Sunday Mass.
Coro Hispano – Spanish choir for the 12:15 p.m. Sunday Spanish Mass. Rehearsals are held on Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. in the Church
Family Mass Ensemble – for the 10:30 a.m. Mass in the Chapel. For information contact Susanne Hathway at the end of the Mass.
Instrumentalists- We are always looking for experienced instrumentalists. Especially, violin, viola, cello, flute and brass players wanting to offer their time and talent as musicians in order to enhance our music program. Please contact Dr. Carlos M. Vazquez-Ramos at the music office as soon as possible: 681-4608.
Life Teen Band– for the 6:00 p.m. Sunday Life Teen Mass. Rehearsals are held on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. in the Church
Nativity Chorale (10:30 a.m. Sunday Mass and Special Feasts of the Church)
Membership and Responsibilities:
Membership in the Nativity Chorale is open to anyone who wants to share in our music ministry. As members we recognize that "we are one body in Christ". New members are always welcome. No audition or a strong musical background is required. However, an interview with the director is required in order to decide in which section your voice will fit better. Membership requires commitment. Because of this we have the following guidelines for active membership:
- All membersare responsible for honoring their commitment with the choir.
- All membersare expected to attend weekly practices. (Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. in the church). Rehearsals are not to last more than two hours.
Nativity Catholic School
Dr. Bernadette Kunnen 689-3395 enrollment@nativitycatholicschool.org
Mission
Nativity Catholic School recognizes each student as a unique child of God and provides a learning environment that develops each student’s spiritual,
intellectual, social, physical, and emotional gifts.
Nativity Catholic School Booster Club
Greg & Ginny Harrell 684-0258 vgharrell@verizon.net
Mission
To support the Nativity Catholic School’s physical education and sports programs and encourage school spirit through social and fundraising activities.
Nativity Outreach Food Pantry & Food Bank
Tess & Carl Falkenbach 707-1523
Sue Hrabusa
Mission
The mission of Nativity Outreach is to combat hunger in the Brandon area through the weekly distribution of food at Nativity Catholic Church and in Hillsborough County through other non-profit organizations, churches and ministries.
Activities: Meet weekly to organize and distribute food to needy families on Thursday in the parish hall between 3 and 4 pm.
Requirements: Food Pantry help is needed every Thursday 7-8:30 am and 1:30 – 4:30 pm. Food Bank help is needed several days of the week picking up and sorting food. Flexible schedules for men and women available.
Natural Family Planning
Diocese of St. Petersburg 727-344-1611
Nursery
Faith Formation 689-9101
Mission
To provide a fun place for parents to bring their small children during the 8:30 am and 10:30 am masses.
Activities: Babysit children from infant to 3 years so that parents can attend mass.
Volunteer Duties: Volunteers commit to one Mass per month, generally 1.5 hours.
Parish Finance Council
Robert Martin, Esq. 681-4608
Mission
To assist, counsel and advise the Pastor in the overall fiscal operations of the Parish.
Activities: The Parish Finance Council is the only parish committee formally required by Canon Law. The Finance Council consists of qualified parishioners who are appointed by the Pastor. The Finance Council meets monthly or more often as required by the Pastor to perform the duties of its mission. Approximate time requirement is 2-3 hours monthly.
Parish Pastoral Council
janet caraballo 681-4608 pastoralcouncil@nativitycatholicchurch.org
Mission
The Nativity Parish Pastoral Council assists the Pastor in establishing objectives, goals, and strategies to build the Parish as a living Christian community. It shares with the Pastor and other Parish organizations the responsibility for the spiritual and pastoral welfare of the Parish.
PB & J Ministry
Luann Leahy 659-0181 mleahy3@tampabay.rr.com
Mission
To provide the homeless with food to survive on the streets.
Activities: We make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with donations from the food pantry. The sandwiches provide the homeless with food until they can get a hot meal.
Requirements: The sandwich making takes approximately 45 minutes depending on the number of volunteers.
Pequeñas Comunidades Cristianas
Maria Martinez 380-9278
Misión
Las Pequeñas Comunidades cristianas hispanas son sirvientes de Cristo, las cuales unidas con nuestra iglesia crecemos en el conocimiento de Dios y compartimos con otros en nuestras acciones. Somos un recurso para la Iglesia Católica para una nueva evangelización.
Actividades:La reunión mensual con facilitadores es en el Salón Social Vestíbulo D. La reunión dura aproximadamente 1.5 horas. Las reuniones semanales para la participación de todos los miembros son aproximadamente 2 horas.
Deberes de Voluntarios: Las Pequeñas Comunidades cristianas hispanas reúnen alimentos para la despensa de alimento cada tercera semana del mes. Oran por las intenciones de los enfermos/intenciones especiales, ayudan aquellos apenados por la pérdida de un ser amado, y coordinan la colocación de muebles del donante a familias con necesidades.
Prayer Power Line
Mission
To form a prayer chain via telephone calls to pray for the intentions of those who request prayer. The group prays for all requests given to them. They include Scriptures, Rosary and Novenas. We also offer the Masses we attend for the intentions of the Prayer Line.
Activities: The group prays for all the requests given to them every day. The Prayer Power Line is in need of faithful members. They receive calls from all over Florida as well as other states and Canada
Quilters
Jan Tseronis 685-5791 Jant52@verizon.net
Mission
To share love for quilting through service projects, quilting projects and fellowship.
Activities: Support school fundraisers; participate in At –Risk Baby Crib Quilt Project (ABC Quilts) and special interest quilt projects.
Requirements: We meet on Mondays from 9 a.m. - noon at Pastoral Care Center. Members attend weekly sessions and participate in the activity planned for that day.
Re-Membering Church
Sr. Jackie Hebert, CSC 689-6244
Mission
This series of meetings is to allow people who left Church for whatever reasons to come back to their God and Church to see how good it is to come home to a loving God.
Respect Life
Lupe Gladu 689-3426 lupegladu@juno.com
Mission
Provides Respect Life services-including pregnancy support, cradle roll and telephone tree.
Requirements: Quarterly meetings on a Sunday afternoon. Assisting in the social hall after mass 2-3 times a year.
Respite Care
Lillian Dean 685-1764 deanrn@verizon.net
Mission
The mission of the Respite Care ministry is to provide relief to the primary caregiver of the ill, homebound, elderly and disabled who are parishioners.
Activities: We provide companionship services for care receivers so that their primary care givers might be able to have some time for their own needs. Companionship services refer to activities such as listening, reading, conversing, watching television, art/craft therapy and the like.
Requirements: We provide scheduled visits to the home for 2-4 hours per week.
RICA hispano (Rito de iniciación cristiana para adultos)
Faith Formation 689-9101
Misión
El Rito de la Iniciación cristiana de Adultos es el proceso de la formación y la educación por la cuál individuos se preparan para entrar a la Iglesia Católica. Está abierto a los que no son bautizados, los que son miembros de otra denominación cristiana, y de católicos adultos que no han recibido los sacramentos de la Eucaristía y la Confirmación
Rosary Makers
“Mother of Divine Mercy Guild”
Jacqueline Winter 677-6581 swfin@aol.com
Mission
This Apostolate makes, distributes and teaches rosary making. We provide rosaries to our missionary brothers and sisters. Our group meets the first Saturday of each month from 8:30-10:30 am in the Oakwood room.
Activities: Members make mission rosaries to be distributed both here and abroad.
Requirements: Members teach rosary making (cord method) to new members and groups upon request. Time requirements vary, once skilled it takes about 25 minutes to make a cord rosary. Rosary makers skilled in the art of making chain rosaries offer to repair parishioner’s rosaries upon request. Rosary makers will assess whether a rosary can be repaired or if parts should be recycled.
Rosary Ministry
Jo-ann & Ed Gorgacz 654-8739
Mission
The mission of the Rosarians is to increase the spirituality of nursing home and assisted living residents by encouraging devotion to Our Lady of Fatima.
Activities: Rosarians lead the residents in recitation of the rosary with the aid of tapes and rosaries. Additional prayers are also encouraged - “Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary”, “Prayer for the Souls in Purgatory”, and the “Divine Mercy Chaplet”.
Requirements: Time requirement is 1 to 4 hours each month. Duties include set-up of Our Lady of Fatima Shrine and rosary tape, distribution of rosaries and to recite the rosary ending the session with friendly visitation