ST. MAXIMILIAN KOLBE

PARISH Activities

DIRECTORY

 

Buildings and Grounds

The Buildings and Grounds Committee is involved in the maintenance of all physical activities of the parish and assists in improvement and necessary repairs as well as the operation and functioning of the buildings and maintenance of the grounds.

Bob Willimann— 610-399-6936

 

Gardening and Landscaping

Assist in the general care and maintenance of the flower beds and shrubbery around the church.  Also under this category are our rose gardens, which need loving care.

Judy McCarty— 610-436-4724

 

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee is a group of parishioners whose expertise and experience assist in fund raising activities and the general management of the parish financial program.

Msgr. Campbell

 

Parish Pastoral Council

The purpose of the Council is to foster full participation of the entire parish in the life and mission of the parish and  the Universal Church.  Serving as an advisory to the Pastor, the group is composed of the Pastor, representative parish staff members and lay members of the parish. Members are appointed by the pastor and elected.  Meetings are convened six times in a year.

Msgr. Campbell - 610-399-6936

 

Aid For Friends

Provides seven free frozen home cooked dinners, a friendly weekly visit, supplemental services and advocacy to 1,250 of the isolated homebound residents in Greater Philadelphia and Chester County.  St. Maximilian Kolbe parishioners are directly involved through the preparation of dinner meals.  Trays and instructions are available in the Church.

Dutchie Brandon– 610-692-5643

Ann Curtis—610-430-8445

 

 Safe Harbor Shelter

Our parish ministry to the homeless in our area includes preparing and serving dinner at the shelter in West Chester. Very often women and children are among those served. They are in need of casseroles, soups and desserts for this program.

Pam Oulahan—610-436-0381

 

Hospitality

A welcoming ministry that regularly plans coffee and donut socials after Mass and other special occasions at the parish.

Kae Martin—610-399-6867

 

 Welcoming Committee

Just as our patron Maximilian Kolbe shared his faith and love, we too are called to minister to one another - especially newcomers to our parish family.  The primary role of this group is to help new people get acquainted and also express care and concern for the parish community. 

Mary Lou Butte—610-399-3130

 

Choir

The Adult Choir sings at the 10:30 AM Mass each Sunday and rehearses on Thursday evenings, 7:45-9:00 PM.  The Folk Choir sings at the Saturday evening Mass at 5:30 PM and rehearses from 4:00 to 5:00 PM on Saturday. No auditions are required for participation in the choirs.

Adult Choir—Melissa Hickey—610-399-1711

Folk Choir—610-399-6936

 

Youth Choir

We’re looking for teens and young adults to form a music group to play for Sunday liturgies geared towards younger Catholics. If you play guitar, flute, keyboard, or light percussion we’d like to hear from you. Vocalists are also welcome, of course!

Jeannine Shantz—610-399-1564

A Call for Participants & Instructors/Tutors

Rites of Christian Initiation (RCI) are a series of formation steps on a journey of faith that culminates in the reception of the sacraments of initiation (baptism, confirmation & Eucharist) at Easter time. Persons who are not baptized or who were baptized in another Christian faith seeking to explore this journey of faith are candidates for RCI.  Our RCI team members are able to offer preparatory instructions for persons wanting to explore becoming Catholic Christians in three age categories . . .RCIC, for children ages 7-12, RCIT, for teenagers ages 13-18, and RCIA, for adults. Interested young persons or their parents or guardians can contact Dottie Evangelista at 610-436-0427 for more information about RCIC & RCIT. There is also a need for instructors/tutors to work one-on-one with our young candidates.  Anyone interested in learning more about the instructor/tutor role can also contact Dottie. Adults seeking more information about the Catholic faith and RCIA may contact Deacon Al or Sue Mauriello at 610-296-8062.

 

Pre-Jordan

Couples interested in sharing their faith experience with other new parents in preparation for the sacrament of Baptism.

Sharon Higgins—610-399-1461

 

Religious Education

Since the beginning of Christianity, religious education has been one of the most important missions of the Church.  Christ himself commissioned all of His followers to "Go Teach All Nations...".  All pastors have the awesome responsibility to create a variety of structures within their parishes whereby the word of God is sought, accepted, and more profoundly investigated by all people entrusted to their spiritual care.  Here, at St. Maximilian Kolbe, we envision a well organized, comprehensive and ongoing process of religious studies whereby people of all age groups, from early childhood to adulthood, will be nourished spiritually as they journey back to their heavenly Father.  To teach or help in any way with Religious Education call the Director;

Barbara Hamburger—610-399-9642

 

CLE - Catholic  Leadership  Experience

This is a multi-parish program for Catholic high school students attending public school.  Kids from the parishes get together with each other about 4-5 times during the school year with interested adults to explore their faith and help discern the best ways to live it out.  It’s not a class!  No tests, no homework—just the chance to get together with other people interested in growing in faith.  For further information or to sign up, check the church bulletin

Peg Witmer—610-344-9065

 

Children’s Liturgy of the Word 

At the Sunday 9 and 10:30 AM Masses, children 5-10 years old are dismissed after the Opening Prayer to celebrate their own Liturgy of the Word.  This takes place in the Kolbe Room in the Church.  The children  hear the readings from the Children’s Lectionary and experience an age-appropriate homily.  They rejoin their families during the collection and celebrate the Liturgy of the Eucharist with the rest of the congregation.  Young adult and adults who work well and can communicate with children are welcome to assist in presiding and preaching at these celebrations.  Adults and teens are needed to help support the presiders and keep things flowing.  Teens and young teens are welcome to proclaim the Word from the Children’s Lectionary (this is good training if you want to be a Lector when you grow older!)  Ideally and with more support, we would like to expand this program to the 5:30 Vigil and 12 noon Mass as well.

Fr. Schiele—610-399-6936

 

Liturgy Committee

This Committee helps with the planning and celebration of liturgies and special occasions.  Anyone interested in learning the principles of Catholic liturgy and helping apply them to our community is welcome.

Fr. Schiele—610-399-6936

 

Liturgical Ministers

Our parish depends on the involvement of the laity to witness the priesthood of the baptized, especially at the celebration of Mass.  Well-prepared Lectors (high school students and older) proclaim the word of God and offer petitions of prayer at Mass and special occasions.  Communion Ministers (high school graduates and older) assist in the distribution of the Body and Blood of the Lord at Mass and to the sick and homebound as well as residents at Sunrise, the nursing facility for which our parish provides spiritual support.  Servers (sixth graders to high school) assist the priests and deacons in the celebration of the rituals.  Ushers (high school students and older/women too!) take up the collection, provide order and assist the congregation (sometimes with first aid if necessary).  Greeters provide a sense of welcoming and hospitality to our worship, especially to visitors (this is a great ministry for a whole family—even one with young children—to enjoy.)  Call the rectory to inquire about these ministries or talk to the contact person.

Lectors—Charlie Tomlinson—610-793-9979

Ushers—Sonny Campenella—610-696-6552

Greeters—Mary Ann Carr—610-344-2877

Servers—Fr. Schiele

Communion Ministers—Fr. Schiele—610-399-6936

 

Pre-Cana Team

Volunteer married couples who have been married for five or more years share their experiences with couples preparing for marriage.  The Pre-Cana Team helps plan presentations and spiritually support engaged couples.

Jennifer & Mike Mankowski—610-429-9344

 

Consolers of the Sacred Hearts

of Jesus and Mary

This world-wide ministry of prayer strives to console and make reparation and atonement to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary for the blasphemies, insults, injuries, sin and sacrileges committed against Them. Consolers also pray daily for the salvation of souls and the intentions of the United Hearts Prayer Line... a 24 hour phone and e-mail ministry available to all in spiritual and temporal needs. The group meets at 7:00 PM,  the Second Monday of the month in the Chapel. 

Felice McElwaine—610-344-7914

 

Charismatic Prayer Group

"CHARISMATIC" is a word derived from the Greek word "Charis" which means "gift". The Gift we speak of is "Jesus". When Jesus makes his presence known, when the Holy Spirit stirs us in love, when we feel close to the Throne Of Grace, we cannot help but react with delight, hands raised in welcome, hands open and ready to receive.Our happiness is a response to Him, to his sheer majesty and awesome beauty which overwhelm until we react in the only way we humanly know. The group meets every Thursday at 7:30 PM in the Chapel.

Carol Kosachuk—610-793-2782

 

Mix & Mingles Group

Are you looking for a friendly, social group of singles? Single adults aged 45 and older are welcome to join in the fun. We dine out monthly at nearby restaurants and  attend local events together.

Silvana Byrne—610-399-3389

Bible Study

A group of men or women who meet once a week to examine and reflect on passages in the Bible.

Saturday AM—Deacon Mauriello—610-296-8062

Wednesday AM—Pam Oulahan—610-436-0381

 

 Centering Prayer Group

A very quiet form of meditative prayer that involves simply sitting in the Lord’s Presence and allowing Him to fill you with His love. For those who would like to try Centering Prayer in the company of others, meet on Fridays from 8:45 AM to 10:00 AM in the Chapel. No prior experience with Centering is necessary. Information on Centering can be found on the pamphlet rack in the back of the Church.

Pat Krause—610-793-2968

 

Kolbe Care Ministry

This is an outreach ministry responding to needs such as visitation of the sick and elderly, respite care, transportation, shopping, emergency meal preparation, and minor home repairs.

Pam Oulahan—610-436-0381

 

Sunrise Volunteers  

Do you have a bit of time to share with a resident or two in need of a friendly visitor? Although many residents at Sunrise have caring families, they often respond positively to loving volunteers who provide a little extra companionship once a week or every other week. Some just like to talk or reminisce. Others enjoy sitting on the porch or going for a walk around the grounds. Still others are somewhat confused or hard of hearing and need a patient ear and a gentle smile. Do you feel you could be such a person? Pray about it!

Pat Krause—610-793-2968

         

CYO - Catholic Youth Organization

This is an archdiocesan sponsored parish youth group that provides spiritual, athletic, social, cultural and service opportunities for the grade school and high school age members of our parish.  Young adults and adults are always welcome to participate as coaches and moderators for the various teams and activities offered by this program.  Adults who wish to serve on the CYO Board, which moderates all the CYO activities for the parish, are also welcome to volunteer.

CYO Board—Fr. Schiele—610-399-6936

A.D.—Jim Walsh—610-918-6125

Junior CYO—Mary Brooks—610-399-1311

High School CYO—Brian Higgins—610-399-1461

 

 

Knights of Columbus

Men of the parish who are dedicated to charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism meet to socialize and plan various spiritual programs. 

The group supports the theme, "In Solidarity with our priests" and continues to uphold and promote Catholic teaching.

Rob Pingar—610-399-1334

                                      

 Women’s Club

All women of the parish are welcome!  We hope to fulfill some of the spiritual and social needs of the women of the parish and

to assist the pastor in various parish activities.  The group is responsible for organizing the annual Christmas Bazaar.

Dolores duBeau    610-793-0220

 

Kolbe Club

The social group for parishioners fifty-five years and older which sponsors activities, trips, and functions for the senior parishioner. 

Jack and Peggy Manning—610-793-1983

 

The Kolbe Club has started a Card Club which plays bridge every first and third Monday of the month.

Bridge Club—Bob Wiig—610-399-6913