Spirituality and Worship
developing liturgical and devotional celebrations
The mission of the Spirituality and Worship Commission is to develop liturgical and devotional celebrations that call the entire community to active participation in the heart of the liturgy: the Paschal Mystery of Jesus Christ.
Altar Servers
Deacon Ron Pyle
219-322-4505 ext.8286
Young people, from fifth grade through seniors in high school, are encouraged to help the priest, deacon and parishioners pray together. As ministers, altar servers participate in the liturgy, pray and socialize together and give glory to God through service.
Art and Environment
Tina Kempf
219-718-3553
This ministry prepares and maintains the church decorations for Feast Days according to the Liturgical Season. Meets informally two to three times a year to prepare the church for Christmas and Easter.
Centering Prayer Ministry
Peggy Kolarik
322-1886
Email Peggy
Members of this ministry participate in 20 minutes of contemplative praying using Fr. Thomas Keating instructional method. The group takes turns with readings and follow-up discussions in a one-hour time frame, currently meeting by way of Zoom on Mondays from 6pm-7pm. (Prior to COVID-19, in-person meetings were located in the SW room of St. Patrick’s Hall.)
Cross Bearers
Steve Sieracki
864-9846
Email Steve
Members of this ministry lead the procession in and out of church at Mass on Saturday evenings, Sundays, Holy Days of Obligation, and other primary days of worship by carrying the large processional cross.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Gary Wolfe
678-1332
Email Gary
Helps in the distribution of the Holy Eucharist to the congregation. Members must be parishioners at least 16 years old, and if applicable, be in valid sacramental marriage. A one-time training session is two hours long. An online system is available to cover for vacations and time conflicts.
Pastoral Ministers of Care
Janice Gatons
322-4505, ext. 8241
Email Janice
Members of this ministry visit the homebound, Schererville Residences, nursing homes, and/or hospitalized, share in prayer, and take Holy Communion to them if so desired. Ministers of Care must be fully initiated practicing parishioners of St. Michael. This ministry meets quarterly.
Lectors
Carol Schiessle
322-4505, ext. 8262
Email Carol
Our purpose is to glorify God by proclaiming God’s Word at Liturgies. Sunday lectors are typically scheduled once every four weeks; weekday lectors are on a rotating schedule. Lectors meet four times annually on the third Sunday of February, May, August, and November (times vary) for continuing spiritual, liturgical and technical formation.
Liturgy Committee
Debbie Mangione
322-4505, ext. 8227
Email Debbie
The Liturgy Committee’s primary function is to promote and strengthen the liturgical and sacramental life of the parish family. The committee coordinates the planning and scheduling of liturgical celebrations and oversees the various liturgical ministries.
Music Ministry
Debbie Mangione
322-4505, ext. 8227
Email Debbie
Provides liturgical music for all Masses and during special events and services such as weddings and funerals. The ministry consists of several choirs (adult, children, youth, and bell) under a group leader. Practices vary according to the type of choir. All are welcome! Please contact Debbie if you are interested in singing or playing an instrument.
Prayer Ministry
Jackie Logue
742-2505
Email Jackie
Meets the needs of parishioners in a devotional way through prayers when personal events or circumstances occur, such as illness, marital difficulties, or tragic events. Members are called for prayers once a request is received.
Sacristans
Loretta DePrez
322-4505, ext. 8228
Sacristans clean the sanctuary and prepare the vessels and other items for daily and special liturgies. They work on Mondays and as needed for special feast days. A special group helps to launder and mend the church linens as needed.
RCIA
Kimberley Hoogeveen
322-3077
Email Kimberley
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults provides the process of faith development and catechetical instruction for those seeking full communion within the Roman Catholic Church. Here at St. Michael’s we also have a children’s adaptation of this Rite. This process culminates in the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist for those not previously baptized and Confirmation and Eucharist for those previously baptized. The process calls on the entire community for involvement and prayerful support for those wishing to join the Catholic faith.