Outreach Ministries A-L

Adult Bible Study - Starting July 10th!  

 Purpose or Mission: To help adults deepen their understanding of the Bible and strengthen their relationship with God through Scripture study and faith sharing.

Requirements: No prior experience necessary, all that is required is an open heart and willingness to learn what God is speaking to us in His Word.

Participants should be committed to completing reading assignments, attending classes and willing to listen and share in a respectful manner. Cost of study materials and workbooks will vary, ranging in price from “free” to $20.

Time Commitment: 2 and ½ hours of class per week + reading preparation.

Meeting Times:  The meetings will be on the 2nd Thursday of each month, starting July 10th. (July - December)

Contact: Christina Nisperly via the church office - 727-786-3648

The Bereavement Ministry is new to the parish. 

We invite both men and women to a 13 session program called Griefshare. It is a network of over 12,000 churches equipped to offer grief support groups. It  provides a time to gather in a safe and comfortable environment and focuses on the participant’s healing journey, and is facilitated by 4 trained leaders. You will learn helpful ways of coping with grief. A participant may come as a stranger but will leave with new found friends.

 There are also other opportunities in the Bereavement Ministry to volunteer for...

● Attend a funeral to present a prayer shawl (see prayer shawl ministry description)) to the family of the deceased.

● Send a Sympathy Card to the family 2 weeks after the funeral

● Help the Hospitality Ministry serve food provided by the family following a funeral.

● Attend a funeral mass to support the family and help attendees hear and see correct liturgical responses.

● Meet with families to help them prepare funerals for their loved ones (Discuss Catholic faith based options, select music and readings. (must be trained by the Pastor or selected representative)

Contact: Joy Burgess-727-810-9669

Purpose or Mission: Religious formation for students in K-8 th grade by offering classroom instruction and sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and Confirmation.

 If you love working with children, and if you are open to sharing your faith, you are qualified to teach!

For more information on how you can help, please contact the School of Faith office.

Requirements: Active and in full participation in the Catholic Faith with a willingness to teach Church doctrine in accordance with Diocesan approved curriculum. Safe Environment Training and Level2 fingerprinting are mandated.

Time Commitment: One hour session plus pre-class lesson preparation. Classes meet weekly in the Ministry Building throughout the school year from early September till the end of May.

Meeting Times: Classes are held on Sundays 11:15 am to 12:30 pm. Volunteer Catechists, subs, assistants, hall monitors and office helpers are always needed.

If you have any questions or need additonal information please contact the Coordinators for the School of Faith Volunteers:

Contact: Mrs. Kathy Abernethy or Mr. Adam Wiercioch at 727-786-3648 ext 104  

Purpose or Mission: CRHP (pronounced "chirp") is not for the birds, but rather it is a weekend retreat for women to gather together in fellowship to draw closer to the Lord and one another. Conducted by an experienced team of volunteers from the parish, the retreat focuses on Scripture, prayer, inspirational music and personal testimonies. You will have the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and attend Mass.

Requirements: Open to all women 18 years of age and older. It is not necessary to be a member of the parish, nor is it required to be Catholic.

Time Commitment: One weekend of your time. All materials, three meals per day, snacks and beverages are included.

Meeting Times:  The Renewal Weekend ( a two-day retreat) is usually held once a year here at St. Luke Parish.

Contact: Joy Burgess 727-810-9669

 Purpose or Mission: Have you been away from the regular practice of the faith? Do you desire to reconnect with the Church? Maybe you know someone who is struggling with his/her faith. Catholic Come Home is a ministry that welcomes all Catholics who are interested in returning to Mass and the Sacraments. Sessions are designed to catch you up on what’s happening, provide an opportunity to ask questions and have your voice heard or help you heal.

Requirements: Simply have an open heart and rediscover the truth, wonder and mystery of your Catholic faith. Please take the first step to respond to the gentle tugging of the Holy Spirit calling for your return to the Church.

Time Commitment: As little time as it takes to make a phone call or send an email to any of St. Luke’s priest or deacons. You can also examine all the reasons to return to the Church by previewing the ministry on line at www.catholicscomehome.org

Meeting Times:  Any member of our clergy is willing to speak with or meet with you at your earliest convenience. Our entire Church is here, waiting to welcome you home!

Contact: The Parish office 727-786-3648

The mission of the Disciples of Hope is to encourage and enlist all Parishioners of St. Luke The Evangelist Catholic Church to use their time, talents, or treasures to perform works of mercy; feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and visiting the sick, as well as, the Spiritual work of mercy of praying for the living and the dead.

Members of the Ministry are invited to:

● Help make sandwiches and pack 200 brown bag lunches for the homeless on the last Wednesday of each month

○ a second lunch or hard boiled eggs and mayo  may be provided during the month based upon budget and need at Pinellas Hope 

● Donate cookies or Instant Oatmeal to be included in our brown bag lunches for Pinellas Hope

● Participate in periodic collections of food or other items (see bulletin for details) for the poor or disadvantaged

● Join our Prayer Team answering prayer requests

● Join our Divine Mercy team to pray for the dying

● Provide financial support  to purchase lunch supplies

Primary Contact:  JoAnn DeFrancesco

Contact the Church office - 727-786-3648

Purpose or Mission: To drive registered parishioners to doctor appointments, physical therapy, grocery shopping, prescription pick-up and First Friday Healing Masses at the parish.

Requirements: Good driving record, adequate insurance coverage, ability to pay for own gas and car expense, as there is not reimbursement form the parish. Must also complete the Diocesan online training course “Ministering to Seniors and the Homebound.”

Time Commitment: Whatever amount of time you are willing to drive to help a fellow parishioner in need.

Meeting Times: Daily, weekly, monthly or as determined by request.

Contact: Ms Pat Finn 727-784-4715

Purpose or Mission: To bring Holy Communion to the homebound and sick of our parish who cannot attend Mass.

Requirements: To share the joy of the Blessed Sacrament with others in a loving and respectful manner. Procedural training, Diocese Level II background screening and Safe Environment Training required. New volunteers will be partnered with an experienced Extraordinary Minister.

Time Commitment: Approximately four hours per week.

Meeting Times: Ministers are needed daily but especially on Thursdays.

Contact: Sr. Vigy Joseph

727-342-2236

Purpose or Mission: Evangelization first begins when we accept God’s Word into our life. We believe the Gospel message can transform a person’s heart, our parish and society as a whole. Our ministry’s vision is to invite others to be ambassadors of our Catholic Faith.

Our aim is to assist our Pastor in implementing spiritual growth of the parish by building a network of small, faith sharing groups from within our parish community and encouraging the participation in daily Mass, Bible Study, Holy Hours, 40 Hour Devotions and Parish Missions.

Requirements: A desire to respond to the Holy Spirit and “Courageously Live the Gospel,” by enthusiastically sharing our faith and inviting others to a deeper understanding of Scriptures and the Sacraments. To work in conjunction with our Pastor on specific programs and participate and lead others in small group discussions designed to enhance our faith.

Time Commitment: Will vary based on assignment.

Meeting Times: To be determined based on assignments and events.

Contact: Gail Barney

727-784-8199

Purpose or Mission:  Forward in Faith (FIF) provides quarterly one day retreats for women on a variety of topics including scripture, prayer, and Catholic tradition. The retreats are held quarterly throughout the year and provide an opportunity to enhance relationships with God and community. 

Requirements: Open to all women 18 years of age and older. It is not necessary to be a member of the parish, nor is it a requirement to be Catholic. 

Meeting times:  The one-day retreats are held on a Saturday morning scheduled throughout the year. 8:00AM Mass is available in the church, 8:30AM Continental Breakfast, and 9:00AM to noon for the retreat activities. 

Contact: Denise Mercado - 910-987-3809 or the church office - 727-786-3648

Purpose or Mission: To serve the parish and our community by: 

1. Planning three events annually to bring parishioners together for food and fun.

2. Serve light refreshments when requested by a ministry for an event. 

3. Offering service to the parish by cleaning the rectories, helping in the office, and assisting with other requests made by the church staff.

4. Service food provided by the family after a funeral.

5. Crocheting and knitting shawls for the Prayer Shawl Ministry. 

Time Commitment - varies based on events planned and service(s) requested.  We do not have a specific monthly meeting time. Most arrangements are made via text messages and phone calls.  

For men and those who are able,  we are always in need of help with setting up and tearing down a facility after events and service projects for the parish. We ask that you please join us! 

Contact: Joy Burgess - 727- 810-9669