Saint Philip Catholic Church

(FL)Family Life

(1) Family Life Ministry

The Family Life Ministry encourages and promotes family interaction by developing programs and events to strengthen family unity and foster Christian values.  Planned activities sponsored by the Family Life Ministry include; the "We Believe in Marriage" Mass and Dance, the Parish Annual Picnic (in cooperation with the Men's Club), and periodic additional events.

(2) Marriage encounter

This ministry offers a weekend retreat for married couples which enable them to focus on each other and renew their relationship.

(3) Nursery Committee - 8:30 Mass

With the Nursery Program in place, we as adults can focus on our understanding of Christian life and community in our own environment (Mass) - while our small children can focus on their understanding of Christian life and community in their own environment (the nursery), until the time that our children can move into the next phase of their Catholic education.

All nursery groups are offered at the 8:30 and 11:00 Masses.  The nurseries are staffed by participating parents on a rotating basis.  Leave completed registration forms on the bulletin board.  The Nursery Committee meets regularly.  Anyone interested in meeting other parents and helping to maintain a safe and enjoyable place for our children is welcome to attend.  Please contact the parish office for information.

(4) Nursery Committee - 11:00 Mass

With the Nursery Program in place, we as adults can focus on our understanding of Christian life and community in our own environment (Mass) - while our small children can focus on their understanding of Christian life and community in their own environment (the nursery), until the time that our children can move into the next phase of their Catholic education.

All nursery groups are offered at the 8:30 and 11:00 Masses.  The nurseries are staffed by participating parents on a rotating basis.  Leave completed registration forms on the bulletin board.  The Nursery Committee meets regularly.  Anyone interested in meeting other parents and helping to maintain a safe and enjoyable place for our children is welcome to attend. Please contact the parish office for information.

(5) Parent to Parent

This dynamic community based system informs and empowers parents to deal directly with their own children on the critical issues of adolescence, sex, drugs, and personal values.  Four session workshops are held in the Fall.

(PL)Parish Life

(1) Administration & Finance

This ministry provides aid to other parish ministries in preparing budgets and coordinating their submittal to the Finance Board in order that the needs of that ministry are met.  It also educates members of the parish on the need for the stewardship of their time, talent and treasure to support the parish's needs.

(2) Building & Grounds

The maintenance of all parish facilities, both internal and external, is coordinated through this group.  Volunteer help is sought when painting, carpentry, plumbing, electrical, grounds keeping, or design projects are underway.

(3) Hispanic Ministry

The mission of the Hispanic Ministry is to serve the spiritual, worship and religious education needs of the community in its own language.  Mass is held on Sunday at 1:00 pm.  The Hispanic Ministry provides catechism, including First Communion preparation, faith reaffirmation, Confirmation preparation and adult education classes at St. Philip (September through May).  Baptism preparation class is offered once a month and baptisms are performed once a month.

(4) Junior CYO

In a wholesome Christian environment, young people, with their adult advisors, learn to enjoy each other in common activities and begin to recognize the needs of others both within and outside their community.  This group of 7th and 8th grade students meets monthly during the school year as announced for both recreational and service activities.  Activities include; canoe trip on the Harpeth, hobo hayride, donut sales, Coats for Kids program, Thanksgiving Banquet Mass, ice skating bowling, Fall Creek Falls day camping trip, mother/son-father/daughter dance, and beach ball.

(5) Men's Club

This ministry is for the men of St. Philip to come together to serve and support our active parish.  All St. Philip men are considered members of the Men's Club and are invited to take an active part in its functions.  The group is organized to serve the church as a whole, physically and spiritually, while offering fellowship among its membership.  The club coordinates the Parish Pancake Breakfast and the Parish Christmas Basket Programs.  It sponsors the Valentine Breakfast, St. Patrick's Dinner Dance, Children's Day, the Sounds Baseball Night, and the Men's Retreat.  It gives financial and physical support to other St. Philip ministries, as well as the charitable organizations in Williamson and Davidson Counties.

(6) Mission Trip

Each summer upcoming freshmen through graduated seniors in high school travel to other cities for a weeklong service project.  Teens from parishes across the country are brought together in projects ranging from household repairs to painting and nursery assistance.  The mission trip is not only about service.  Leaders encourage youth to grow in their faith and fellowship with members of their own parish as well as other parishes.  Youth are expected to participate in fund-raising events throughout the year, including the pasta dinner, coffee house and others.

(7) Parish Council

Please see the Parish Council section of the web site.

(8) Saint Philip Night

Every adult member of the parish is invited to participate in this fun-filled evening in October packed with delicious food, good friends, and great auction items.  The money raised from this event goes to support St. Philip Outreach Programs.  Volunteers help organize and host the event.

(9) Senior (High School) CYO

Senior CYO is a group for 9th through 12th grade students to come together in a wholesome Christian environment, with their adult advisors, to learn and enjoy each other in common activities and begin to recognize the needs of others both within and outside their community.  Senior CYO activities include; Youth Banquet Mass, Stations of the Cross, Leadership Workshop at Camp Marymount, retreats, ice skating, pancake supper, Ocoee rive rafting super bowl party, haunted house trip, laser tag, paintball outings, and basketball leagues.

(10) Stewardship

Please see the Stewardship section of the web site.

(11) Vacation Church School

VCS is held during one week in June.  Religious concepts and scripture passages are taught through various activities including drama, art, crafts, and music.  Children attending the CCD program up to the 5th grade are invited to attend.  VCS needs volunteer teachers.  In addition, 6th grade students and older are invited to participate as teacher assistants.

(12) Welcoming Committee

Our parish community is made up of people from many different parts of the country and the world who have a wide variety of backgrounds and interests.  The Welcoming Committee introduces new members to St. Philip and helps newcomers learn about and get involved in the church ministries and activities.  The committee creates informational packets about St. Philip and distributes them to new members on Welcoming Weekend, which is held on the first weekend of every month.  This committee also plans and hosts welcoming parties for newcomers three times a year.

(13) Women of St Philip

Please see the Women of St Philip section of the web site.

(RE) Religious Education

(1) Adult Faith Formation

The Adult Faith Formation Ministry is open to all adults of the parish and all are welcome anytime as a regular or occasional participant.  Growth in faith does not stop when we leave the classroom.  Both contemporary issues and traditional topics are discussed by community members and outside speakers.  Discussion groups are used to share thoughts and ideas.  The result is a fuller living of our Catholic lives.  The group meets from 9:30 to 10:45 am (between Masses) on Sunday mornings from September through May.

(2) CCD Education

CCD classes are held September through May.  The child's age as of September 30th (the same as the local school system) is the basis for placement in a particular class.  

Class	Meeting Time
Pre-school (3 yrs old)	8:30 and 11am Sunday Masses
Pre-Kindergarten (4 yrs old)	8:30 and 11am Sunday Masses
Kindergarten (5 yrs old)	8:30 and 11am Sunday Masses
Grades 1 - 8	9:45 - 10:45am Sunday between Masses
Grades 9 - 12	12 - 2pm Sunday afternoon (lunch provided)

Parishioners serve as catechists (teachers).  There are three training workshops throughout the year for the teachers.

(3) CCD Support Committee

Student aides assist teachers throughout the year (must be at least in the 6th grade).  General helpers provide assistance on Sunday mornings or during the week in the CCD office.  The support committee provides food preparation during various functions throughout the year, including teacher appreciation, as well as preparing the meal and clean up for the High Schoolers for Him program.  Child care volunteers help out during several of the workshops and meetings.

(4) High Schoolers for Him

St. Philip's High Schoolers for Him is an opportunity for 9th through 12th graders to grow in their Catholic faith.  This is the religious education program for all 9th through 12th graders.

(5) RCIA

This ministry is open to the members of St. Philip Church who are willing to become part of the facilitating team or would like to be a sponsor for individuals not of the Catholic faith, but who are interested in learning more about our faith, as well as adult Catholics who have not been Confirmed.  Meetings for those going through the process and the sponsors are held on Monday evenings in September and October.  Then they proceed on Sundays from 9:30 to 10:45 am (between Masses) from October to May.  Team members provide support as catechists (teachers), sponsor contacts, hospitality ministers and other roles as needed.

(SA) Social Action

(1) Bereavement Ministry

The bereavement ministry members assist families in coping with the death of a loved one.  Services may include planning of the funeral liturgy, and practical help such as baby-sitting, providing transportation, etc.  Also, several ministry members are available to keep in contact with the bereaved for a period of one year.

(2) Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity is a ministry organized to help do away with poverty housing.  Volunteer labor and donated materials are utilized to build homes for those who could not otherwise afford them.

(3) Helping Hands

The Helping Hands ministry is a chance for even the busiest people to get involved.  Helping Hands is in need of people who can cook or purchase and deliver a meal for parish families who are going through a difficult time in their lives (terminal illness of a family member, accident victim, etc.).  This ministry also provides transportation for the elderly to doctor appointments, grocery shopping, etc.

(4) Loaves and Fishes

Loaves and Fishes provide St. Philip parishioners a monthly opportunity to prepare and serve meals to the poor and homeless at Holy Name Church in Nashville.  We also provide meals at St. Patrick Shelter in Nashville every other month.

(5) Meals on Wheels

The Meals on Wheels ministry is coordinated with other churches in the community to serve meals to homebound individuals.  Drivers and cooks are needed.  Time commitment can vary from once a month to once a week for a couple of hours.

(6) Ministers of Care

This ministry visit shut-ins and hospitals bringing the Eucharist and offering companionship.  The Ministers of Care coordinate a prayer chain to notify other parishioners for specific needs of prayer.

(7) Nursing Home Ministry

The Nursing Home Ministry works with residents in local nursing and convalescent homes in Franklin.  If you and your children has a special love for the elderly and would like to ease some of their loneliness, this ministry is for you.

(8) Respect Life

This ministry is dedicated to a respect for all human life; the unborn, the elderly, the disabled, victims of crime, drug abuse and pornography.  Through education and a public information effort, the ministry works to identify and address pro-life issues and needs of the parish and community.  Various activities have included the spiritual adoption of unborn unknown babies, a letter writing campaign in support of pro-life legislation, the organization of programs addressing respect for life issues, and support of the Crisis Pregnancy Center.

(9) Safe Haven

On a monthly basis, two families from the parish provide and serve the five families who are residents of the family shelter, Safe Haven in Nashville.  This is the only family shelter in the area and provides life skills classes including budgeting, child care skills, etc.  The residents are taught independence, and are required to be employed or seeking employment and the children attend school.  This is a great opportunity to involve the whole family and introduce stewardship to your children.

(SL) Spiritual Life

(1) Arts and Environment

On Wednesday mornings, the group meets to design and make all liturgical decorations for the Church.  Sewing skills and creativity are utilized as well as camaraderie.

(2) Banquet Mass

Host couples, Father Arnold, Father Kirk and guests (old and new members of the Parish) come together to get to know one another through food and fellowship.

(3) Baptismal Preparation Class

This two-hour class is offered twice a year and is required before a baptism can be held at St. Philip.  The team prepares for the presentations, answers questions, and provides a small reception after the class.

(4) Bible Study

This group is open to all adults of the parish.  Meeting on a weekly basis from September through May on Wednesday evenings, the group discusses certain topics of the Bible agreed on by the group and facilitated by the leader.

(5) Children's Liturgy

During both Sunday Masses, year round, the children from 1st to 4th grade are provided with meaningful Liturgy of the Word on a level they can understand.  There is no registration required.  Leaders are needed and welcome.

(6) Cursillo

An international movement of dynamic spiritual growth within the Church.  The group meets regularly.  A weekend retreat is also available enabling one to deepen their own Catholic faith experience and give each person the opportunity to develop a close and lifelong relationship with Jesus Christ.

(7) Emmaus Program

Small faith communities provide the opportunity for support in your faith life, sharing of thoughts and spiritual insights, prayer, scripture reflection in the Catholic tradition, and outreach to the larger parish and community.

(8) Faith Sharing Group

The Faith Sharing Group meets weekly on Thursday mornings from September through May.  The women of this group meet to share their faith with others of the same values and beliefs.  They discuss spiritual books while applying the topics to each other's lives and giving support.

(9) Inactive Catholics Ministry

This ministry reaches out to Catholics who have strayed away from the Church and are seeking to return.  Team members support the Inactive Catholics and welcome them back with open arms during the six week sessions with information, prayer, encouragement and just listening.

(10) Liturgy Team - Altar Servers

Please see the Liturgy Team section of the web site.

(11) Liturgy Team - Eucharistic Ministers

Please see the Liturgy Team section of the web site.

(12) Liturgy Team - Lectors

Please see the Liturgy Team section of the web site.

(13) Liturgy Team - Ushers

Please see the Liturgy Team section of the web site.

(14) Music Ministry - Saturday 5:30 Mass

Leads the congregation in music to enhance the liturgy at the Saturday 5:30 Mass.  Rehearsals are held prior to Mass.

(15) Music Ministry - Adult Choir - Sunday 8:30 Mass

Singers and instrumentalists lead the congregation in song to enhance the liturgy at the 8:30 Mass.  Rehearsals are held Wednesday evenings from 7:00 to 8:30 in the Music Room.

(16) Music Ministry - Bereavement Choir

Singers and instrumentalists lead the congregation during funeral Masses on an as needed basis.

(17) Music Ministry - Youth Choir - Sunday 11:00 Mass

Singers and instrumentalists lead the congregation in song to enhance the liturgy at the 11:00 Mass.  Rehearsals are held prior to Mass.

(18) Rosary Prayer Group

This ministry provides the opportunity for parishioners to come together and pray the rosary after the daily Mass.

(19) Scripture Study

Scripture Study is held on Sunday, Monday and Wednesday evenings, and on Thursday mornings from September through May and is open to all parishioners.  CSSI, Catholic Scripture Study International, is a program not only to learn about the Scriptures, but to come to a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith in a setting that builds Christian fellowship.

(20) SEARCH

SEARCH is a concentrated living weekend experience available to high school juniors and seniors.  It is a search for Jesus' love in our lives andhow we can spread His love to others.  Participants form a bond with one another as they experience Christ's love.  Applications and further information are available in the parish office through the Sr. CYO chair and online at www.cyonashville.com.

(21) Vocations / Serra Club

The purpose of this ministry is to encourage men and women to inspire to the priesthood and religious life.  Catholic laypersons try to fulfill their own vocations to service through several functions throughout the year.  Membership is open to all adults who wish to affirm and support seminarians and those in the ordained and vowed ministries.