IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH
GET INVOLVED WITHIN YOUR PARISH
Below you will find some of the ministries here at our parish and the faithful
volunteers who are listed as contacts. Please take a look and see if you are being
called to serve. God loves the volunteer! And so do we!
YOUTH GROUP
High School youth are given opportunities to participate in leadership roles or in
retreats, conferences, and meetings. There are year round service projects
available for all ages. We encourage parents to participate as we are building
Strong Catholic Families and it begins with the parents! For more information contact Renee Kelch at 419-236-4006 or check out the Youth Group page in the menu above!
K of C
The Knights of Columbus is a fraternal service organization of men founded
under the principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism. It provides men with a vehicle for building up the parish community through events like the Family Fun Night and the Annual Pancake Breakfast.
Contact Brian Eickholt for more information of if you are interested in joining at 419-204-3143.
ALTER ROSARY SOCIETY
This society is comprised of women whose mission is to serve the needs of the parish. These ladies care for and supply materials needed for the altar and sanctuary. They work to promote Christian principles in our homes, parish, and community. A daily rosary is prayed for the parish by the women of the society on a rotating basis. They hold meetings six times per year, the first Monday of March, April, May, October, November, and December.
Contact Diane Bendele at 815-451-0454.
CYO
The CYO program is provided to give opportunities for the high school youth to socialize, play basketball or volleyball, fostering Christian ethics and learn about Catholic faith spiritually through good sportsmanship. We always welcome parents to help coach as well! Contact Renee Kelch at 419-236-4006 for more information.
Bible Study
Adult and family bible studies are available in the Fall and Spring twice a week. Handouts are always provided and babysitting service is an option. A new program is presented at each session, and with this the number of weeks depends on the program. This is held in the family room or the K of C room depending on the number of attendees. If interested in leading a bible study or attending a session watch for information that will be announced in the bulletin or contact the office at 419-453-3513.
Prayer Line
The prayer line consists of volunteers that pray special intentions. If you have a request to be prayed or would like to be a part of this ministry call the office at 419-453-3513.
Vacation Bible School Volunteers
This is a new program of ours! We are always looking for volunteers! This is held every year during the last full week of July. Children between the ages of potty trained - 6th grade are welcome! Contact Religious Ed Coordinator at 419-453-3513 if you are interested in entering your child or if you are interested in volunteering!
Religious Education Teachers
The Religious Education Program provides for a stronger faith through increased knowledge and love of the Catholic faith. Volunteers are needed each school year to provide religious education to children in preschool through high school. Contact Religious Ed Coordinator at 419-453-3513 or icreligioused@icchurchottoville.org.
Sunday School Teachers
Sunday School is available for all kids ages 3-5! Additional teachers are always accepted! All lessons and crafts are prepared for each week's lesson. This is very rewarding to teach these young minds about Jesus and how much he loves all of us. Teachers can include anyone from high school graduate and up. Classes begin in November and last through Palm Sunday. Watch for information that will be announced in the bulletin to register or volunteer!
Parish Council
The role of the Parish Council is to represent the total parish and all its organizations and groups. Members act in an advisory capacity to the priest, evaluating and recommending courses of action for parish needs and activities. Members serve a three year term and meet monthly (except in December, June, July and August). For information on how to serve on the Parish Council, please call the Parish Office at 419-453-3513 or one of the Council Members listed on the weekly parish bulletin or on the staff page.
Money Counters
Weekly collections are counted on Monday mornings. New volunteers are always welcome! If you are interested in helping contact the office at 419-453-3513.
Christ Renews His Parish \(CHRP)
Together with the Fort Jennings Parish, a group of ladies offer this unique retreat for women of both parishes. This is usually held in Fort Jennings and during Lent. The dates and contact info will be announced in the bulletin or on the "What's Happening" page here on the website!
Decorating Committee
During special occasions and / or holidays volunteers are asked to help decorate the church. Watch the bulletin or the "What's Happening" page here on the website for more info or if you are interested in volunteering.
Saint
Catherine's Embrace Ministry
Did you or someone you know lose a baby through miscarriage or stillbirth? You are not alone! The local volunteers with St. Catherine’s Embrace know this pain, too and we want to help. Our mission is to reach out and embrace families in our area, regardless of faith, who have lost a child through the tragedy of miscarriage, miscarriage, stillbirth or infant death. We understand it is a unique loss. And we believe that, because life begins at conception, it is one that deserves to be recognized, mourned and honored. We offer helpful educational materials, beautiful memorial gifts, companioning and prayer support and compassionate resources to help you and your family cope with your loss. All you need to do is contact Renee Kelch at Ottoville Immaculate Conception parish office at 419-453-3513 and in total confidentiality, we will do the rest for you.
Immaculate Conception Parish Festival
The Church Festival is the only major fund raising event held by the parish. It is held in October every year. Parishioners are asked to volunteer at least one shift during the festival. There is a wide variety of opportunities to volunteer from setting up beforehand, working booths the day of the event, and cleaning up afterwards. Volunteering is a great way to meet other parishioners, socialize, and help the parish raise funds for the needs of the church and its programs. If you would like to help volunteer, please contact the Parish Office at 419-453-3513.
Hospitality Committee
These volunteers assist the parish in welcoming new parishioners, assist with providing meaningful gifts from the parish for those celebrating sacraments, and assist the parish office with hospitality needs. Contact Pat Elliott at 419-453-3497 or email pkelliott@bright.net.
Marriage Preparation Team
Volunteering for Engaged Encounter gives you a rare opportunity to both share your time and talent and renew your marriage at the same time. Engaged Encounter provides an atmosphere of communication, openness and growth to
help couples build a strong and healthy marriage. Contact Dave and Cindy Burgei at 419-453-3706.
Funeral Support Committee
This ministry consists of volunteers that help the bereaved family plan the liturgical funeral services and receptions. Upon receiving notification of a death, the support group reaches out to the family to coordinate the funeral mass details. There are also volunteers that prepare a meal for the receptions following the funeral mass. These services are at no cost to the parishioner’s family. For Funeral Liturgy contact Lenora Ball at 419-453-3861, for Funeral Reception contact DeeDee Schlagbaum at 419-453-3389.
Church House
keeping
Volunteer housekeepers help with general cleaning of the church, dusting, sweeping and cleaning of the altar area, main church, entrances, and window sills. Contact Anne Hemker at 419-453-3401.
Parish Office Volunteers
Volunteers are needed to help with miscellaneous office tasks and projects under the direction of the Business Manager/Secretary. You may contact 419-453-3513 or email icoffice@icchurchottoville.org.
MINISTRIES AT MASS
We are always interested in new volunteers! If interested in serving in any ministries at mass contact information is listed below! Schedules are prepared and distributed twice each year. Schedules can be found on the weekly bulletin on in the above menu bar under the ministry schedule option.
Altar Server
This ministry is an opportunity for young people to serve at the altar of Christ. Youth can begin serving as early as 5th grade through 12th grade. Contact the Religious Ed Coordinator at 419-453-3513 or icreligioused@icchurchottoville.org.
Lector
This is a very rewarding ministry through which volunteers proclaim the Word of God at daily and weekend Masses. Lectors devote time and preparation to understand the Word of God. All candidates must be confirmed and at least 16 years of age. Contact the Business Manager at the Parish Office at 419-453-3513.
Adult Server
This ministry is an opportunity for adults to serve at the altar of Christ. The adult servers serve during the weekday masses during the school year only. Contact the Parish Office at 419-453-3513.
Adult Choir
This choral group consists of men and women and sing at the 10:30 a.m. mass each Sunday. Contact Sharon Horstman at 419-453-3345.
Youth Choir
Youth from 4th grade through high school may participate in this choir. They sing once/per month at 4 p.m. mass. They do not practice or sing during the summer months. Contact Sherri Edelbrock at 419-453-2332.
Usher
The ushers help facilitate the needs and comfort of the congregation during the weekend services. Their primary roles are the greeting and seating of people if attendance is high. They are also responsible for taking up collection, and the distribution of the church bulletins at the end of mass. Contact the Business Manager at the Parish Office at 419-453-3513.
Offertory Bearer
Those who fulfill this service do so as representatives of all parishioners. They bring to the altar the offerings of the people signified by the bread and wine. Contact the Business Manager at the Parish Office at 419-453-3513.
Greeter
Greeters welcome parishioners before Mass and offer a warm first impression to visitors. Greeters open doors, answer questions, and also assist the disabled. Contact Tina Koester at 419-453-3631 or koester5@bright.net.
Eucharistic Minister
These ministers are an important part of our Eucharistic celebrations. They assist with the special responsibility of distributing the Body and Blood of Christ at all Masses. Contact the Parish Office at 419-453-3513.
Holy Communion to the Homebound
Volunteer ministers are entrusted with Holy Communion and are sent by our parish community to provide the real presence of Jesus. This ministry fosters a living link between the Body of Christ and homebound parishioners who are unable to attend Mass. Contact the Parish Office at 419-453-3513.