PASTOR: FR. KURT NAGEL
PAROCHIAL VICAR: FR. JOSEPH AKOR
4301 88TH AVE SE, MERCER ISLAND, WA 98040
New Ministry Opportunities!
Funeral Reception Volunteers
Those who are baptized into Christ and nourished at the same table of the Lord are responsible for one another. When a member of St. Monica parish dies, our funeral reception volunteers will be called to a ministry of consolation for those who have suffered the loss of a loved one. They help provide this consolation through helping with a reception following the funeral Mass held at St. Monica for the bereaved family. Funeral reception volunteers will help with set up, serving, and cleaning up after the reception.
If you are interested in serving in this ministry, contact: Gretchen Rillos (PA for Liturgy & Music) gretchen@stmonicami.org.
Sunday Collection Counters
After each weekend, the money from our Saturday and Sunday collections is counted and recorded. We are looking to resume the practice of having parishioner volunteers assist with this process. If interested, please contact:
Gloria Hardy (Parish Office Manager) gloria@stmonicami.org
Parish Facilities Committee
Fr. Nagel is establishing a new committee of parishioners (about 4-5 individuals) to support the parish in assessing and making recommendations on the upkeep of our facilities. If you are interested in serving in this role, please contact:
Greg Mahoney (PA for Administration) greg@stmonicami.org
The Legion of Mary
The Legion of Mary is a world-wide movement of lay people, who propose making Faith the goal of their life in an effort to achieve personal sanctity. Legion work is under the direction of our Pastor, Fr. Nagel. He has asked the Legion to take Holy Communion to the homebound, providing the Real Presence of Jesus to them. The virtue of Holiness in the life of the members of the Legion is promoted under the influence of Mary and the Holy Spirit. This becomes the source of inspiration for Legion work.
For more information, please contact:
Julee Neyer
(Parishioner) 425-747-7487;
jmneyer@gmail.com
Helga Osborn (Parishioner) 206-232-2328
St. Vincent de Paul Society
St. Vincent de Paul is a ministry here at St. Monica inspired by Gospel values. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, a Catholic lay organization, leads women and men to join together to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to those who are needy and suffering in the tradition of its founder, Blessed Frederic Ozanam, and patron, St. Vincent de Paul. SVdP is one of the major outreach programs not only at St. Monica but also in the City of Mercer Island. We work very closely with the City's Mercer Island Youth & Family Services that also helps MI residents with housing, utilities, food, and any other urgent needs. The St. Monica, St. Vincent de Paul Society would like extend our sincerest thanks to all who have donated to our ministry. Your generosity has allowed us to help those in need. St. Vincent DePaul society is a nonprofit group. Contributions qualify as donations to a 501(c)(3).
If you would like to donate to the St. Vincent de Paul Society via a credit card go to Donate Today on the Seattle St. Vincent de Paul website. In the purpose line of the paypal form please be sure to allocate your donation to the "St. Monica Conference".
For more information, please contact:
Leo Zipp (Parishioner) leozipp57@gmail.com
Knights of Columbus
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 Buffet Breakfasts, and the Italian, and Irish Dinners; for charitable works such as seminarian and novitiate aid; for youth contests, educational and faith support; and for fellowship of Catholic men. Welcome all Catholic men to join us.
For more information, please contact:
Reed Nagel (Grand Knight) jacknreed@hotmail.com
Knights of Columbus — Coats For Kids
Coats for Kids is a Knights of Columbus sponsored program where Councils across the country purchase winter coats for children in need. The Supreme Council matches the quantity of coats ordered by each Council. Using funds from the tip bowls at the Italian Dinner, in addition to other Council funds, our St. Monica Knights ordered 6 cases of coats. This winter they were able to distribute more than 144 coats to children who needed them. The Knights look forward to hosting more events and supporting more charitable causes in the coming year!
Friends of the Needy - To feed those in need!
For over thirty-five years, St. Monica Friends of the Needy (FON) has been feeding the homeless. FON began in the early 1980s by delivering a hot meal every Tuesday to St. Martin de Porres Shelter in Seattle. As the number of homeless has risen in the Seattle area, FON has worked to keep pace.
Click here to read the May 2022 Friends of the Needy ministry highlights.
FON is open to all (non-denominational). Maybe this is your time. Do you have a calling from God to join us?
Dishwasher Needed!
Friends of the Needy’s longtime dishwasher is moving out of the country and they need your help. Are you able to commit to washing dishes on Tuesdays from 12:00PM to 2:00PM? Grab a friend, and have them join you, or split the job and each take just two Tuesdays a month!
Van Drivers & Helpers
Throughout Mercer Island, south Seattle and south Bellevue, St. Monica’s Friends of the Needy van and our drivers are known and respected as a devoted outreach ministry doing Jesus’ work in the larger community. Want to volunteer? Take the FON van on its route one morning a month. Pick up donations at three grocery stores, distribute food to shelters and food banks. Commitment – about once a month, weekday or weekend, about 2.5 hours.
Tuesday Night Van Drivers
On Tuesday nights, van drivers deliver a prepared hot meal to 6 shelters (3 men's and 3 women's). If you would like to take a ride in the van, we welcome your visit. You will be amazed at the wonderful people you meet who supervise these shelters. Want to volunteer? Use the FON van to transport the Tuesday Cooks meal to its six destinations, beginning at approximately 3:30PM. Commitment – rotating schedule, approximately once a month for 2-3 hours.
Cooks, Helpers, & Dishwashers
In the last three years, Tuesday Cooks has expanded from feeding occupants of 2 shelters weekly, to serving 6 shelters in Seattle and Bellevue. The cooks produce a hot casserole for 450+ people, as well as a mountain of green salad, hot buttered bread, and often fruit salad, dessert and other extras. Want to volunteer? Meet at St. Monica’s kitchen on Tuesdays at 10:30AM to cook a four-course hot dinner for later delivery. Commitment - come for an hour or the afternoon, every Tuesday or as often as you like. Come experience the joyful camaraderie in the kitchen as we cook.
“I enjoy working at St. Monica kitchen Friends of the Needy so much. It’s a fun place and I’ve met many new people who are fun to be around. I usually chop vegetables or fruit for the wonderful salads we make that are, later that evening, delivered to various shelters on the Eastside and in Seattle. Come join us, it’s a great place to volunteer!” - Jurene Kenworthy, FON Volunteer
Food Donors
Faithful donors, both individual parishioners and commercial organizations such as Metropolitan Market, have made the work of FON possible. Want to donate? Be on our monthly request list to meet a regular need OR ask to be an on-request donor. Meat, vegetables, salad supplies, dessert (baked goods can be store-bought or homemade).
Financial Donors
Friends of the Needy would like to thank everyone who has financially contributed to this ministry. In particular, they would like to thank QFC for their commitment to Zero Hunger | Zero Waste, and specifically for their donation of $1,500 towards the Friends of the Needy's work to feed those in need! Want to donate? Donations in support of feeding the hungry are always gladly accepted. To give a financial gift online, please visit our Online Giving website.
For more information, please contact:
Bob Kessler
(FON Coordinator) 206-276-0515;
rar811@icloud.com
Karen Zimmer (Head Cook) 253-273-6704; karenzimmer@comcast.net
Frank Mills (FON Driver Scheduler) frank607080@gmail.com
Youth Group Leadership
Youth Group allows for Middle and High School teens to learn and develop a deeper relationship with God in our community. Small group leaders play a huge role in this by developing personal relationships with these teens and guiding them along this journey. Youth Group hosts a number of events for the youth in our community through out the year. Potential Youth Group Leaders are those who are committed to developing a deeper relationship and understanding of God with fellow leaders and teens, through Prayer, talks, the Sacraments, and events. They are willing to commit to 2 hours a week of active engagement in Youth Group and 1 Youth Group Leader meeting a month to help plan the lessons and events for that month.
For more information, please contact:
Heather Miller-Martin, PA for Sacraments
heather@stmonicami.org or 206-232-2900 x.130.
Volunteer Catechists
St. Monica Parish is thankful for the dedicated volunteers who share the Faith by teaching and assisting in Sunday Faith Formation classes. Evangelization is the Church's deepest identity, bringing the life-giving Gospel to all. As baptized Catholics, we are all stewards of the Faith. Stewardship is an expression of discipleship rooted in a personal relationship with Christ. Good stewards generously share their gifts and blessings with others for the sake of the Kingdom, transforming the world as witnesses in faith, hope and love.
St. Monica Volunteer Catechist Spotlight
In this section, we recognize the ministry of parishioner volunteers who have stepped forward to serve in Catechist roles. Below, we highlight Pam Rockcastle.
Q. What prompted you to be a volunteer Catechist for St. Monica?
A. The Holy Spirit. I knew that I needed to do something for the church, and truly believe the Holy Spirit said, take this step.
Q. What have you learned about the Catholic Faith while volunteering?
A. Although I knew, I've been reminded of what a gift our Faith is.
Q. Do you have a favorite devotion?
A. The St. Gertrude Prayer. Our Lord told St. Gertrude that each time she piously recited it, it would release 1,000 suffering souls from purgatory into Heaven. It's my go-to prayer, to think of others, rather than myself.
Q. What is your favorite Bible verse, and why?
A. Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Him, who strengthens me." It's a reminder that nothing is too great a burden, as He is always with us. Put it in His hands.
Q. What would you say to those who are considering volunteering as a Catechist?
A. Do it! It's such a small time commitment to make such an impact on others, especially children in their formative faith years.
Pam, thank you for the time you give to this important ministry!
Do you feel called to serve in a Catechist role? For more information, please contact:
Melissa Stewart, PA for Faith Formation
faithforward@stmonicami.org or 206-232-2900 x.112.
Liturgical Ministries
Liturgical ministry is an excellent opportunity to fulfill your baptismal call of service to one another. Our liturgies should utilize the talents and gifts that God has given this community, to the fullest extent. Whether participation is through “behind the scenes” preparation and planning, or through a public role of service within the Mass, parishioner contributions help our liturgies to be truly life-giving celebrations.
For more information, please contact:
Gretchen Rillos (PA for Liturgy & Music) 206-232-2900 ext.101; gretchen@stmonicami.org
Liturgical Music Ministries
Lay Cantors
Lay Cantors are ministers who lead the Assembly in the hymns and liturgical music of the Mass. If you enjoy singing and have some musical experience, please consider coming forward to be trained as a cantor for our Parish.
The Choir
The Choir provides music for the 9:00AM. Mass on Sunday mornings as well as other special liturgies. Rehearsals are held in the school music room, September through June, at 8:15AM, Sunday morning. You might consider joining the choir for one season, either Advent/Christmas or Lent/Easter.
For more information, please contact:
Gretchen Rillos (PA for Liturgy & Music) 206-232-2900 ext.101; gretchen@stmonicami.org
Liturgical Cleaning Ministries
Cleaning ministers help prepare the church and liturgical items for the celebration of the Mass. They contribute directly towards upholding the sacredness of our church environment, allowing us to better participate in the Sacraments.
Church Cleaning Ministry
We are looking to recruit parishioners to join the Church Cleaning ministry. On Saturday morning, from 8:45AM to 10:45AM, volunteers help clean the church space to prepare for the weekend Masses. They contribute directly towards upholding the sacredness of our church environment, allowing us to participate better in the Sacraments. It is a wonderful time to pray with our Lord and help our parish. Volunteering in this ministry will also count toward your school service hours. Thank you for considering!
For more information, please contact:
Patricia Ngako Kameni (Church Cleaning Ministry Lead) patricia@stmonicami.org
Altar Linen Cleaning Ministry
Altar Linen cleaners purify and wash the sacred linens used by the priest during Mass.
For more information, please contact:
Gretchen Rillos (PA for Liturgy & Music) 206-232-2900 ext.101; gretchen@stmonicami.org
Coffee & Donuts Ministry
Coffee and Donuts are cancelled during the gym and family center renovations.
Following the 9AM and 11AM Sunday Masses and the 1PM Chinese Sunday Mass, parishioners are invited to gather for food and fellowship. This time is an opportunity to connect with other members of our community as we journey together towards Christ. Parishioner volunteers set-up, facilitate, and clean-up at each Coffee & Donuts hour. Involvement in this ministry cultivates an environment where our faith can grow in relationship with each other.
If you feel called to help in this ministry, please contact:
Gloria Hardy, Parish Office Manager
206-232-2900 or gloria@stmonicami.org
Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel
Here at St. Monica, we are blessed to be able to offer access to a Perpetual Adoration Chapel every hour of the week (Note: When Mass is in progress, the doors of the Adoration Chapel Tabernacle must remain closed). For security reasons the Adoration Chapel door has a locking keypad. For the chapel code, please contact the parish office.
For more information, please contact:
Gloria Hardy (Parish Office Manager) 206-232-2900; gloria@stmonicami.org
Rosary Makers
Rosary Makers is a wonderful group of people who get together every week on Wednesdays in the St. Augustine Room to make Rosaries for the Catholic missions. All are welcome to come and make rosaries or gather the materials to work at home.
For more information, please contact:
Joyce Kaifer (Parishioner) 425-644-2518
Grounds Keeping Ministry
St. Monica's beautiful grounds are the product of many hours by faithful volunteers. There are weekly work parties to maintain the garden spaces and trees around the church building.
A separate team of volunteers mows the St. Monica's playfields. Time involved is a few hours once a month. A great way to pray and adore in solitude while out on God’s Lawn! Enjoy the fun of operating a riding mower without owning or storing one! April thru September.
Additional grounds keeping projects including grotto maintenance are scheduled as needed.
For more information, please contact:
Greg Mahoney (PA for Parish Administration) (206)232-2900 ext. 122; greg@stmonicami.org
Monica's Table
Monica's Table ministry is a group of volunteers that offer meal preparation and delivery for families in need due to illness, the birth/adoption of a baby, or a family member's loss. If you know of a family in need, please contact one of our co-chairs or the school office. Our network of cooks is ready to prepare and deliver a meal to those in need. This Ministry, initially started by a group of parishioners, is now administered through Parent Club at the School.
For more information, please contact:
St Monica School Office 206-232-5432
PASTOR: FR. KURT NAGEL
PAROCHIAL VICAR: FR. JOSEPH AKOR
4301 88TH AVE SE, MERCER ISLAND, WA 98040
