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To Contact us:
(812)937-2200 or (812)937-2380

(812)937-2385 Lower Level

Fax (812)937-4197

PO Box 351

Santa Claus IN 47579

Email: stnick@psci.net


 

 

Councils & Commissions

Parish Pastoral Council

The Parish Pastoral Executive Council is a consultative body assisting the Pastor in ministering to the parishioners of St. Nicholas Parish. In seeking to do God’s will, the Council will make recommendations to the Pastor concerning parish priorities, directions, and policies, which are arrived at by spiritual discernment and consensus.  The Parish Pastoral Executive Council also encourages, coordinates, and directs the parish commissions and organizations to implement parish goals.  Meetings are held the 4th Thursday of the month at 7pm.

St. Nicholas Parish Executive Council Members

Pastor                                                        Fr. John Brosmer             937-2385
Chairperson                                             Terry Wagner                     544-3257
Christian Vocation Commission             Lois Martin                        544-2879
Faith Formation Commission                 Roger Hayes                     544-2960
Finance Commission                               Henry Webb                      544-3201
Hospitality Commission                           Karen Reiner-Hayes        544-2960
Parish Outreach Commission                Jim Martin                          544-2879
Worship Commission                             Stella Bennett                     544-2239

At Large Members
                                                                   Nancy Ringeman            544-3117
                                                                   Carol White                     544-3447
                                                                   Firmina Young                 357-7352
                                                                   Scott Elliott                      544-2616
                                                                   Jim Martin                        544-2879
                                                                   Terry Wagner                   544-3257

 

St. Nicholas Parish has 229 households or 655 individuals

 

Christian Vocations Commission                                Lois Martin 544-2879
The Mission of the Christian Vocation Commission is to provide opportunities for all members of St. Nicholas Parish to develop and strengthen each person’s own vocation in life, which is our way to God. 

Engaged Encounter                                               Contact the Parish Office 937-2385
The Catholic Church supports engaged couples that are planning to share their life together in the sacrament of marriage.  Married Couples are trained to share their experiences with the engaged couples and assist them as they begin their new life together

Elizabeth Ministry                                                                              Lisa Day   937-0026
The Elizabeth Ministry responds to the joys and sorrows of a woman’s life during the childbearing years.  This outreach service for mothers and fathers includes pregnancy and pregnancy complications, birth, infant or child crisis, special needs, infertility concerns, miscarriage and infant or child death and grand parenting issues.  

Health Ministry                                                                Mary Sue Johnson 544-2554
The Parish Nursing Ministry raises our awareness of healthy living in a holistic way, that is, physically and emotionally.  Parish Nurses provide educational experiences and materials regarding major health issues facing Americans today, as well as preventive measures to avoid them. 

Marriage Anniversary & Dinner and Presentation
                                                                                   Jeff & Carol Champion 544-2066
Each year near Valentine’s Day, a group of parishioners volunteer to coordinate a dinner for all married couples who have been married in five year increments or more than fifty years in St. Nicholas Parish.  In addition to the dinner, a short presentation is held by a formal speaker on aspect of marriage to offer inspiration and encouragement to the couples.

Marriage Enrichment                                        Jeff & Carol Champion 544-2066
The purpose of this Ministry is to provide opportunities for married couples to enrich their marriage and thus family life. To achieve this, various activities are to be offered through speakers, small group discussions, and celebration of anniversaries.

Natural Family Planning                                            Lisa Nord Koch
Couples worldwide are choosing Natural Family Planning for its healthful and marriage qualities as well as its usefulness to plan or postpone pregnancy. It is a family planning method in harmony  with the teachings of the Church.

Weekly Vocation for Prayers                                                      Lois Martin 544-2879
The purpose is to foster Christian vocations whether it is priesthood,  religious life, marriage or the single life. A different family each  week agrees to pray the vocation as a family.

Prayer Chain                                                                                                Sissy Koch 544-2118
The prayer chain offers support and prayers for special intentions submitted to our Parish.

Faith Formation & Education                      Roger Hayes   544-2960
The Faith Formation Commission helps parishioners of all ages to become committed to Christ and the Church by better understanding and living their faith.  This commission strives to form us into life-long faithful disciples of the Lord.

Religious Education for Youth                                    Kelly Greulich CRE   937-2385
This committee assists the Coordinator of Religious Education (CRE) in determining the best methods to present the required catechetical material to our children. 

Vacation Bible School                                          Kelly Greulich CRE   937-2385
                                                                                   Nora Weber DRE   937-2200
The VBS is usually scheduled during the third week in July in the evening each year. Open to children from ages pre-school to children entering 5th grade. All older children are encouraged to volunteer as ‘helpers’ to help make the program successful.

Parish Mission &/or Prayer Days                               Kelly Greulich CRE   937-2385
This committee determines the appropriateness and need of retreats for individual groups (e.g., senior citizens, college age youth, singles, etc).

Stewardship Committee                                                           Roger Hayes 544-2960
This committee, in cooperation with the Finance and Faith Formation Commissions, is responsible for implementing an annual Stewardship Campaign of Time, Talent, and Treasure in our parish, as well as overseeing the annual Ministry Fair.

Alienated & Returning Catholics                                               John Bennett 544-2239
When formed, this committee will concern itself with parishioners who do not participate in any aspect of our parish life.  This committee will develop ways of reintegrating them into parish life. 

Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP)                                        Lois Martin 544-2879
                                                                                                    John Bennett 544-2239
Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP) brings parishioners together for a weekend retreat experience. CRHP is a spiritual renewal process in which parishioners experience personal conversion and Christian community.

Kids: That Love Church (TLC)                                         Jamie Tapley 937-2654 
The Kids TLC meet on  Thursday’s at St. Nicholas Church. It is a time when mothers and fathers can come together to sing, pray and play together.

All Sacramental Celebrations                              Kelly Greulich CRE.  937-2385
This committee, in conjunction with the worship commission is a valuable resource to assist the CRE in preparing parents & children celebrating First Communion, Confirmation and Reconciliation. 

RCIA                                                                        Kelly Greulich 937-2385
                                                                                  Nora Weber 937-2200                                                                                                                                             Pat Koch   544-2395
The RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is the liturgical and catechetical process by means of which new members are initiated into the Catholic Church.  Although designed initially for the non-baptized, the RCIA has been adapted to bring members baptized into other Christian traditions into full communion with the Catholic Church. 

Marriage Coordinator                                          Kelly Greulich CRE.  937-2385                                                                                                                                      Nora Weber DRE. 937-2200
Engaged couples are to contact the pastor no later than six months prior to their wedding.  However, it is preferred that they contact the pastor sooner so that the church may be reserved and the necessary preparations may be provided to the couple.

Why Catholic?                                                                      Terry Wagner 544-3257
Why Catholic? is a unique Adult Faith Formation program that is solidly based on scripture and the catechism of the Catholic Church. It offers a concrete approach to help adults deepen their catholic faith and connect its teachings to their everyday lives.

Hospitality Commission                                         Karen Reiner-Hayes   544-2960
Through the bond of baptism, we are called to live together in harmony in Christ.  As a church community, we enjoy life together, food, fun and communion.  This commission deals with strengthening the relationships among our parishioners and those of our cluster parish of St. Joseph by planning and hosting many parish activities, events, and parties.

Dinner-for-8                                                                 Brenda Arnold 544-2222                                                                                                                                      Linda Braun 544-2103
Groups of 8 parishioners gather three times per year for a pitch-in dinner.
The groups of 8 parishioners are mixed up each time to provide an opportunity to get to know other parishioners. 

The Martha’s                                                                Gerry Hauser 544-3120
The Martha’s organize the dinners following a parishioner’s funeral.  Each year, on or near the Saturday or Sunday nearest to the Feast of All Saints (Nov 1), they prepare a dinner for the surviving relatives of parishioners who have died since the previous November 1st. 

Parish Reception Group                                                    Kara Hinshaw  686-3268
This is a group of volunteer parishioners who assist in organizing and preparing food for the various parish receptions and parties that take place in a given year.

The Welcoming Committee                                             Karen Hayes 544-2960
The Welcoming Committee concerns itself with helping new parishioners feel more welcomed and a greater part of St. Nicholas Parish.  It offers immediate support & information to new parishioners in an effort to assist in easing them into parish life & stewardship. The Welcoming Committee also oversees the Fellowship Families. They foster Parish Community by arranging to serve refreshments on Fellowship Sunday, which is held the 2nd Sunday of each month in the Parish Reception room. The Welcoming Committee also sees that infants and children who are baptized in our church receive a religious baby frame after the ceremony.

Parish Outreach Commission                     Jim Martin 544-2879
In living the Gospel of Jesus Christ and implementing the corporal works of mercy, the Parish Outreach Commission strives to educate and involve parishioners in social justice issues both within the parish community and the larger civic community.  Particular attention will be paid to assisting those in need, both within and beyond our parish boundaries.

Christmas Angel Tree                               Lois Martin         544-2879
The North Spencer County Community Action Center in Dale invites area parishes and organizations to join them in providing Christmas gifts for needy children. Each Advent a Christmas tree bears an angel with particular items needed for a child or teen-ager.

Habitat for Humanity                                                      Roger Hayes         544-2960
Habitat for Humanity is an international ecumenical organization that builds homes for people in need.  The Spencer County Habitat for Humanity has built several homes within our county area. 

The North Spencer County Community Action Center         Jim Martin   544-2879
On the first full weekend of each month, perishable and/or non-perishable items, as well as cash donations are collected.  They are then taken to the Community Action Center of Spencer County in Dale to provide for the financially needy.

Rice Bowl                                                                  Kelly Greulich CRE.       937-2385
Rice Bowl is a Lenten home program to assist people suffering from hunger locally and throughout the U.S.  Small boxes are offered during the Lenten season to the school children for participation in this program.

Social Justice teaching of the Catholic Church                               Jim Martin 544-3131
This committee, in cooperation with the Faith Formation and Education Commission, presents educational opportunities for our parishioners dealing with the social justice teaching of the Catholic Church. 

Semi-Annual Blood Drives                                        Mary Sue Johnson        544-2554
In early December and again during Lent, St. Nicholas Parish provides the setting for a blood drive to assist in providing blood to the larger community. 

Senior Lunch Program                                                               Dan Keefe      544-2810
Hot lunches are provided by Southwestern Indiana Regional Council on Aging (SWIRCA) and served in the St. Nicholas social hall at 11:30 am  Monday thru Friday. 

Parish Newsletter                                                                         Jamie Tapley 937-2654
The ‘St. Nick News’ is the Parish newsletter, which is printed on a monthly basis and distributed to all parishioners. Commissions and Committees update parishioners on events and schedules for the following month submit articles to be published.

Worship Commission                          Stella Bennett 544-2239
The Worship Commission gives special attention to how the parish community worships and celebrates the Liturgy.  Annually, the Worship Commission shall work with liturgical ministers, through their representative on the commission, in developing the skills they need to perform their ministry. In collaboration with the pastor, the Worship Commission shall plan the seasons and feasts of the Church’s Liturgical Year, sacramental celebrations, and other liturgical events.  Since this commission is concerned with liturgy that is lived out in daily life, under the light of faith and the Gospel precepts, close collaboration with the other parish commissions is necessary.

Liturgical Ministry Planning                                                  Stella Bennett 544-2239
On-going training for all liturgical ministers will help them minister with confidence, comfortableness, and excellence.  The service of our liturgical ministers has the power to enhance our worship and strengthens the faith of the assembly. 

Art and Environment                                              Lori Tischendorf     937-7010
In consultation with the Worship Commission, the Art and Environment Committee plans and executes the art and environment for major seasons and feasts of the Church year.  It also strives to produce a pleasing and prayerful environment throughout the worship space during other times of the year as well. 

Sunday Morning Liturgy of the Word for Children         Ashley Vinson   544-3340
                                                                                                    Lynn Peter        544-3309
The Sunday morning Liturgy of the Word for Children currently is celebrated during the 10 a.m. Mass from September through the end of April.  This is the official rite offered by the Church so that children may better understand the Scriptures and apply them to their young lives.    

Leaders of Sunday Worship                                               Stella Bennett 544-2239
The Worship Commission shall also be responsible for the appropriate training of several laypersons whom would be delegated to lead the Sunday Assembly in celebrating the Word of God in the absence of a priest.

Formation of Choirs and Instrumentalists                       Molly Wilson 937-2200
St. Nicholas Parish choir assists the assembly in its Sunday worship.

Funeral Vigils and Masses                                                           Fr. John Brosmer 937-2200
We have put a booklet together outlining funeral vigils and funerals, and are hoping that our parishioners will take time to plan their own celebrations and give a copy to the parish secretary and funeral director so that their individual wishes may be respected. 

Parental Program for Infant Baptism                            Fr. John Brosmer 937-2200

Parents who bring their children to be baptized are expected to participate in a faith-sharing session with other parents.  It is suggested that this be done even before the birth of the baby.  Please contact the parish office to see when the parent sessions are offered.

Sacristans                                                                                 Stella Bennett  544-2239
Sacristans are responsible for setting up the Church for all weekend Masses and all Holy Days of Obligation. They also take care of the sacred vessels, dishes and linens used for the Masses.

Greeters                                                                                     Stella Bennett 544-2239
Greeters welcome parishioners and guests as they enter our Church, and collect and distribute missalettes.

Ushers                                                                                   Brian Gehlhausen 544-3118
These individuals greet and seat fellow parishioners, collect the weekend Stewardship collection and distribute the weekly bulletin..

Gift Bearers                                                                                Stella Bennett 544-2239
Families and/or individuals are asked to present gifts of bread and wine during the Preparation of Gifts at our Parish liturgies.

Eucharist Ministers                                                                        Stella Bennett 544-2239
Eucharistic Ministers help with the distribution of Holy Communion during Mass

Finance Commission                            Henry Webb   544-3201
The Finance Commission sustains the mission and ongoing development of the parish community by providing the necessary administrative and financial skills.  This commission concerns itself with all parish resources, preparation of the annual parish budget for review and approval by the Parish Pastoral Council, parish financial support, and the effective use and maintenance of parish facilities (Canon 537).  The Finance Commission also gives regular accounting to the parish as a means of communication and accountability. 

Fund Raising Committee                                                                 Dan Pitt    544-2466
Fundraisers serve the purpose of bringing parishioners together not only by working side by side, but also enjoying time together on the various projects.  To assist the annual budget, fundraisers are organized throughout the year. 

St. Nicholas Cemetery Board                                              Janet Lifke 544-2351
The Cemetery Board is responsible for the upkeep of our parish cemetery.  They oversee the selling of burial plots, maintenance, and the establishing of guidelines regarding decorations of graves.

Catholic Parishes Campaign (CPC)                        Fr. John Brosmer   937-2200
The Catholic Parishes Campaign (CPC) is an annual diocesan financial campaign. As a Catholic Parish, we belong to the Diocese of Evansville and thus have an obligation to support the work of the entire diocese.

Building and GroundsCommittee                                   Bob Grundhoefer    544-2694
The Building and Grounds Committee serve in a stewardship capacity in overseeing the maintenance of parish property.  This committee does the necessary repairs and provides the Finance Commission with estimates on major items.

Stewardship Committee                                                             Henry Webb 544-3201
This committee, in cooperation with the Finance and Faith Formation Commissions, is responsible for implementing an annual Stewardship Campaign of Time, Talent, and Treasure in our parish, as well as overseeing the annual Ministry Fair.

Collection Counters                                                                           Jack Hauser   544-3120
Collection Counters are responsible for counting; sorting and depositing contributions received at weekend Masses and Holy Days.

Funds and Endowments                                                Fr. John Brosmer 937-2380
An endowment is a gift of money or other donated property (stocks, bonds, real estate, invested to produce ongoing income for a particular purpose. These gifts always remain untouched and are invested; thus, your endowment investment will continue to grow.

Strategic Planning Committee                                             Terry Wagner 544-3257   
The Strategic Planning Committee’s defining purpose is projecting current and long term needs of the Parish and developing a future priority plan for these needs.

Knights of Columbus (K of C)                                        Bob Grundhoefer 544-2694
The Knights of Columbus Holy Trinity Council includes the parishes of St. Nicholas, St. Joseph and Mary Help of Christians.  The Knights of Columbus purpose for existence is to support the Church, pastor, families, and community by fundraising for Catholic Education. Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at St. Nicholas in the lower level.