Ministry Descriptions
Service is at the heart of who we are as a Christian community.
Through service, we strive to fully utilize the gifts God has given each of us, connecting us with our neighbor and helping us to flourish as the person God made us to be.
Look below to explore ways to become involved in serving at St. John Paul II Parish.
(those indicated with an asterisk (*) are currently suspended due to COVID-19)
Faith Formation
Becoming Catholic Support Team
The process of preparing to become Catholic, known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), is based on how Jesus formed His disciples. We walk alongside those adults who are seeking to receive the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion), reflecting together on the words of Christ, praying for one another, and serving our community. The Support Team is made up of individuals who are willing to journey with the candidates, either as a parish sponsor (who provides one-one-one support for a specific candidate), or a team member (who supports the whole group and helps out in various ways behind the scenes).
Catholic Youth Formation (CYF) Catechists
Catechists are essential to the all around growth of the youth in our parish to becoming more Christ-centered in every facet of life. Our program is a wonderful way for members of the parish to help lead our young members toward a path of holiness and love. Volunteers are needed to teach classes weekly throughout the school year (October-May). We will need a primary catechist who teaches the lessons weekly, and the co-catechist who assists the lead catechists in activities and class discussions weekly. All Catechists must be VIRTUS trained.
Childcare Support Team
Many wonderful parents have stepped up to be Catechists, which leaves their children in need of a watchful eye while they teach. Thus each week we will need volunteers to watch these kids. This is a perfect opportunity for youth in high school that need service hours. High school age student under 16 will not need to be VIRTUS trained, but will need another adult to be present. Thus we also welcome all adults to volunteer as well! We would need at least one adult and one high school volunteer each week. A final part of this team is someone to help the Associate Director of Formation to coordinate activities and volunteers for this opportunity. Volunteers 16 and older must be VIRTUS trained.
Volunteer and Service
St. Mary's Food Kitchen
St. John Paul II partners with St. Paul Parish to provide lunch every fourth Friday of the month at the St. Mary’s Food Kitchen in KCK. Our menu includes meatloaf & potatoes, green beans, fruit, and bread. Donations of food items, people to prepare the food and workers to serve the food are needed! Sign-up to volunteer or donate food here.
Monday Collection Counters
Collection Counters ensure our weekly collections are accurately counted & recorded for deposit. Counters use SignUpGenius to schedule themselves when it is convenient to count for them. We ask that you count at least once a month. Currently we are counting on Monday mornings from 8:00 A.M. until 9:00 A.M.
*Please note, if you also an Usher at Mass, you will not be able to count collection on a Monday after you have served as an Usher.*
Rectory Upkeep
Our parish office and parish rectory comes with a lot of upkeep. Help is needed with lawn care, snow removal, light rectory cleaning/housekeeping, and general indoor/outdoor home maintenance. If you have a specific skill you'd like to offer (e.g., plumbing, electricity, yard work, etc.), please let us know and we'll keep a note as specific needs come up.
Parish Prayer Team
Are you looking for a way to support the parish, but your busy schedule or health concerns are holding you back? One of the most valuable things that we can do for each other is to pray. Sign up for this ministry and commit to regularly pray for our parish. We will also contact you to pray if any special events or needs arise in which special prayers are requested.
Vocations Ministry
The JP2 Vocations Ministry prays for and encourages vocations within our parish and community. The Vocations Crucifix travels between parish families each week. Families are asked to keep the crucifix in their home for one week and specifically pray for vocations each day. The case with the crucifix contains suggested prayers and reading materials.
Respect Life Committee
The JP2 Respect Life Committee exists “to foster a culture of LIFE over a culture of death through prayer, education, and services for those who are most vulnerable – especially mothers of unborn children and those who are chronically ill." Activities, awareness events, and fundraising events are held to support these pillars. Meetings are held once a month at varying locations.
Special Event Bakers
JP2 Bakers are parishioners that want to share their baking talents. This group provides a variety of baked goods for sacramental celebrations and parish events. You will be contacted by email when opportunities arise.
Capital Campaign
Communications Committee
The Communication Committee is tasked with keeping the parish informed. We keep the parish in the know and work to archive our history.
Thank You Committee
The Thank You Committee is responsible for finding meaningful ways to offer thanks to each parishioner as they learn, discern, serve and give to the campaign. Activities include writing handwritten notes, preparing and delivering small tokens of appreciation and offering words of encouragement.
Prayer Committee
The Prayer Committee is committed to prayer. Every family at JP2 is being lifted up in prayer every week. Other prayer opportunities include praying the Memorare, Divine Mercy chaplet, and ongoing prayer events.
Hospitality Committee
The Hospitality Committee is committed to creating a welcoming atmosphere for each event of the campaign.
Ambassadors Committee
The Ambassador Committee is a team of people helping Fr. Andrew share the message of our future and the campaign. They communicate the campaign message to parishioners in a variety of settings.
Liturgical Ministries
Adult Choir
Our choir is made up of individuals who feel called to share the faith, serve the community, and express the love of God and neighbor through music. The choir particularly serves to lead the assembly in singing the parts of the Mass, and thus meets regularly to reflect on the liturgy and train in the art of vocal music.
Altar Servers
Altar Serving is a rewarding way for our youth to contribute at Mass. This ministry is open to those 5th grade through college, who have been baptized and received the sacrament of Holy Communion. Training is required prior to serving, at which point servers will be scheduled on a rotating basis.
Art and Environment
The Art & Environment Ministry takes special care to create a prayerful environment in which to celebrate Mass and the sacraments. A decorated environment engages the senses and reflects the seasons of our Catholic Liturgical Calendar. You are invited to help! Each liturgical season offers the people of St. John Paul II the opportunity to decorate our worship space. You will be contacted by email when opportunities arise.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion - Mass
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC) have the privilege of distributing the Body & Blood of Christ at Mass. This ministry is open to all ages 16 years & up, who have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Holy Communion & Confirmation, and if married, were married (or had their marriage convalidated) in the Catholic Church. Training is required prior to serving. Once trained, EMHCs are scheduled on a rotating basis.
Greeters
Greeters extend the welcome of Christ to all who join us at Mass. Individuals and families are invited to volunteer and are scheduled on a rotating basis.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion - Homes and Hospitals
The Homebound Ministry provides a social connection to individuals who would benefit from a visit from a fellow parishioner. Volunteers visit residences, hospitals, nursing facilities, and other home situations of parish members unable to attend Mass. Due to COVID-19, we are unable to send volunteers to bring the sacred body of Christ to homes and hospitals. When we are able, formal training will be given to all ministry volunteers to understand the guidelines and procedures for being an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist and volunteers will be scheduled.
Reader
Readers proclaim the Word of God to the assembly at Mass. This ministry is open to all ages 16 years and up, who have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Holy Communion, and Confirmation. Training is required prior to serving. Following training, Readers are scheduled on a rotating basis.
Usher
Ushers play a key role in helping our Mass to run smoothly and maintain a reverent atmosphere in Mass. Ushers will be trained prior to serving and then scheduled on a rotating basis.
Fellowship
Knights of Columbus Council #16595
The Knights of Columbus Council is dedicated to our core values of charity, unity, and fraternity. We strive to be the ‘strong right arm of the Church’ by assisting the pastor in building a strong Catholic community. All Catholic men, 18 years and older, are encouraged to join!
JP2MOMs
A group of women with children of all ages whose mission is to promote Catholic family values through a variety of social, service, and spiritual activities. Members are both biological and spiritual mothers who come together to share experiences, friendships, and meaningful activities.
For more info, join the JP2Moms Facebook page for current information and activities.
Marian Mantel Prayer Group
The Marian Mantle Group offers hope, help, and positive action for hearts that carry a quiet sadness because a loved one is no longer a practicing Catholic. The Marian Mantle Group does not contact anyone who has left the faith; it reaches out to parents, grandparents, and others to help build peace while they wait for a prodigal loved one to return. Once you join, we will email you regarding upcoming meetings and with additional information.
Woman's Bible Study
Join other women of the parish in reflecting more deeply on the Sacred Scripture. The sessions take place weekly on Wednesday nights, and are done virtually to accommodate busy schedules. Though hosted by JP2Moms, the study is for all women. You can join anytime, even if you have missed previous sessions, through the JP2Moms Facebook group page.