Ministries

REQUIRED VOLUNTEER FORMS ENGLISH SPANISH

Our Parish life thrives through participation of our members. Here are the ministries in which we invite participation (please contact the leaders listed below for more information):

Worship Ministries

Altar Servers - Ray Kull, 645-6039
Children's Church - Amy Arias Cordova, 254-5193
Counters - Denise Dobrolski, 254-5193
Extraordinary Ministers of the Holy Communion - Carol Jordan & Rick Lober
Hospitality - Dave Hetrick, 667-3009
Ministers to the Homebound - Rev. Dr. Michael Zboyovski, Deacon, 254-5193
Music - Allyson MacCauley, 254-5193
Readers - Rick Lober, 850-408-9088

MEETING SPACE GUIDELINES

Please fill out the following form to request meeting space for your St. Eugene Ministry at least one week prior to meeting. You may send it to Mechelle Kobar either by fax (828-254-5797), email (churcheugene@steugene.org) or bring it by the office. Thank you! Meeting Request Form

PASTORAL AND FINANCE COUNCILS

Pastoral Council

The Pastoral Council is a consultative body, which assists the pastor in fulfilling his shepherding ministry with the parish. The Council consists of 12-14 members and every effort is made to insure that the Latino community is represented. Members are selected to serve three-year terms and are selected by drawn lot from parish members who have expressed an interest in serving and are active members of the parish.

The following Parish Commissions are accountable to the Pastoral Council:

Liturgy and Worship Commission
Parish Life Commission
Outreach (Ecumenism) Commission
Evangelization and Communication Commission
Education and Formation Commission
Buildings and Facilities

Council members and their contact information with photos are available in the narthex. The current Council chairperson's contact information is also available in the weekly bulletin and the council meeting minutes are available on the parish website and on the bulletin board in the narthex.

CHAIR: Buster Brown 828-231-0616 brownprop2@gmail.com

Finance Council

The Finance Council serves as an advisory council to the pastor of the parish on matters related to the financial affairs of the parish. The council consists of parish members with expertise in accounting and finance. Currently, four of the five members are Certified Public Accountants (CPA).

Meetings are on a quarterly basis or more often when needed and take place in the parish office. On a semiannual basis, the council posts the financial status of the parish in the weekly bulletin. Please contact the parish office for the next meeting date and time.

Contact: Chris Amys 828-301-6620 chris.amys@RaymondJames.com

LITURGY AND WORSHIP COMMISSION

Altar Servers

Altar servers assist the community and its presiding minister to celebrate liturgical rites, especially the Eucharist. They serve many basic logistical functions before, during and after Mass and are a witness to the assembly by their joyful participation and service to God. They can be any gender but must have received First Communion. There is no upward age limit. Training and vestments will be provided.

Contacts: Ray Kull (828) 645-6039, cubfanray@frontier.com

Alma Maldonado (828) 329-4403

Altar Server Vestment Care

The ministry is responsible for cleaning, washing, drying, ironing, and sewing repairs for altar server vestments. Altar servers should re-hang vestments in good shape after use. If soiled or need repair, please hang vestments in designated area.

Contact: Paula Kotz (828) 768-6008, pkotz@charter.net

Arts and Environment Ministry

This ministry makes our liturgical seasons more meaningful through a variety of visual creations inspired by and indicative of the liturgy of the season/feast. It is our vision to enhance our community’s gathering areas including the worship area, narthex/gathering space, outside spaces, and meeting rooms. All hands are welcome and useful. Ladder climbing is a popular skill, as is tree fluffing, plant arranging, and just about everything you can think of. Please consider volunteering for this occasional and seasonal ministry. Have fun and help to make the environment at St. Eugene reflect the liturgical season of the year.

Contact: OPEN

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMs)

These ministers have the privilege of bringing Christ to the community by assisting with the distribution of the consecrated bread and wine at all Eucharistic celebrations. EMs attend initial group training and occasional refresher sessions when needed. They are given a written schedule, procedural guidelines, and a list of names and phone numbers of other EMs, so they can find a substitute when absent. They usually serve every 2-3 weeks. An EM must have received the Sacrament of Confirmation and be a Roman Catholic in good standing to serve. If interested, you will find this ministry very rewarding.

Contacts: Rick Lober (850) 408-9088, ricklober0215@charter.net

Carol Jordan (828) 776-1560, rjordan106@aol.com

Extraordinary Ministers to the Sick and Homebound

Extraordinary Ministers to the Sick and Homebound meet quarterly. Service is a profound truth that “the call” is an expression of the search for God and not just of the desire to bring about individual or social change. Joy and gratitude are the qualities of the heart by which we recognize those who are committed to service as Eucharistic Ministers to the Homebound. On-going formation in the appreciation of the Eucharist in our daily lives is essential; hence, quarterly sessions are held to help us grow in gratitude for the gifts the ministry brings to us personally. Please check the weekly bulletin for dates and times of meetings.

Contact: Deacon Mike Zboyovski (828) 254-5193 ext. 1007, deaconmike@steugene.org or wazupdoc@gmail.com

Hospitality Ministry

Hospitality is the “face” of St. Eugene. We are the first people that parishioners and visitors see. The focus of this ministry is to reach out to everyone with Christian love and respect. Christian hospitality draws people together, opens them to participation, and sets the tone for the liturgy. The community’s impression of a parish is significantly shaped by the presence or absence of a welcoming atmosphere when they come to worship. A person who feels welcomed and valued is much more likely to enter wholeheartedly into the celebration of the Mass. Hospitality Ministers (HMs) serve as greeters, ushers, collection retrievers and vigilant observers of possible emergencies. All active members of the parish, including teenagers, are invited to serve as HMs. Hospitality works in teams of 6–8 ministers. Every member of the team is familiar with every one of the responsibilities above and is trained and practiced in them. This is necessary so that they can easily fill in for each other when necessary. Come join us to extend Jesus’ invitation to “come and see,” and see that all are welcome.

Contacts: David Hetrick (828) 231-6106, eagleman1149@gmail.com

Abel Melo-Hernandez (828) 989-4191

Liturgical Linen Care

During each Mass, the presiding priest, deacon, and Eucharistic Ministers use sacramental linens, which become soiled and are laundered each week following the weekend services. Currently we have a team of seven parishioners who rotate this task on a monthly basis. If interested in serving in this rewarding ministry, please

Contact: Delores Upp (540) 392-4442, dd_upp@yahoo.com

Music Ministry

This ministry enhances our community worship with a group of singers and instrumentalists who have the pleasure of initiating, educating, and leading the assembly in song and celebration. Our goal is to create a degree of solemnity and beauty in worship, thereby helping the faithful to pray in an atmosphere of joy. All are invited to participate in one of our prayer-filled groups.

Cantoring Ministry is a holy, prayer-filled experience! Prospective cantors need to audition and pass certain requirements to be considered.
Parish Choir - As the title of Bill Staines song: “All God’s Critters Got a Place in the Choir,” young or not so young, professionally trained or just beginning, all are welcome to join the choir. The choir is a place where friends gather to aid the community’s prayer in harmonious song and to support each other.

Contacts: Allyson MacCauley (828) 254-5193 ext. 1007, music@steugene.org

Samuel Robles (828) 209-7369

Reading Ministry/Lectors

This ministry conveys God’s message to us during every weekend Mass by presenting Scripture readings in a vibrant and informed manner.

Contacts: Rick Lober (850) 408-9088, ricklober0215@charter.net

Matt Yetter, (828) 505-3419, yetter.mathew@gmail.com

Raul Cervantes (828) 280-3215

Taizé

Taizé is a meditative one-hour prayer. It is a mixture of song, silence, and scripture. Gathered in the presence of Christ, we sing uncomplicated repetitive songs, uncluttered by too many words, allowing the mystery of God to become tangible through the beauty of simplicity. A few words sung repeatedly reinforce the meditative quality of prayer. They express a basic reality of faith that can be grasped quickly by the heart and intellect, gradually penetrating the whole being. The group meets on the first Friday of every month at 7pm at St. Eugene's Day Chapel.

Contacts: Megan Buser (828) 230-6763, meganreillybuser@gmail.com

Janet Hart (828) 251-5513, mamomma@gmail.com

PARISH LIFE COMMISSION

Bereavement Ministry

This ministry is an outreach ministry whose members are devoted to the caring, friendship, and comfort of any parishioner who has experienced the recent loss of a parent, spouse, child, or sibling. Ministry members’ responsibilities will include attending the funeral service to lend support for the bereaved. Any members who know the bereaved, or any available member(s), will be assigned to care, on behalf of our parish to the bereaved. Personal visits, calls, favors, and cards are used to let the bereaved know that they are not alone and the parish cares and wants to help. We share a close relationship with Hospice, and CarePartners Bereavement and have been trained to recognize grief and how to get assistance if needed. New members are always welcome and encouraged to join.

Contact: Virginia Raviotta, mraviotta@charter.net

Centering Prayer Group

We gather for a short, 20-minute contemplative prayer practice, have one or two readings and some discussion. We meet every Wednesday at 10 am in Room 1.

Contact: Kim Masnick, kimmasnick@charter.net

Faith Sharing Groups (formerly Small Church Groups)

“The homilies are helpful in understanding the Word, but I’d like to talk about my faith with other parishioners.” Ever felt this way? Faith Sharing Groups are a way to make the upcoming Sunday’s readings come alive for you by reflecting/sharing in small groups. For those who have experienced the RENEW program or RCIA sharing groups as meaningful faith-sharing times, this group offers an opportunity to participate in a similar way. This is not, however, a traditional Bible study.

Contact: MaryEllen Shephard (828) 254-5193 Ext. 1010, mshephard@steugene.org

Funeral Pall Stitchers

We periodically gather to stitch names of deceased parishioners onto a funeral pall, which is displayed at most funeral Masses and during the month of November.

Contact: Chris Cicotello (828) 658-9415, speranza2@frontier.com

Funeral Reception Ministry

This rewarding ministry accommodates the family of a St. Eugene member who recently passed away by serving lunch at the church. Ministry members get in touch with the family to honor their wishes and provide the meal served in the narthex/gathering space. If you would like to join the team, please

Contact: Nancy Acopine (828) 989-6950

Hispanic Base Community

This ministry reaches out to our Hispanic brothers and sisters is to provide support and fellowship. For our Hispanic parishioners, the ministry shares the Word of God while living in fraternity as the first community (The Acts of the Apostles).

Contacts: Abel Hernandez (828) 989-4191(South)

Adelina Perez (828) 279-8062 (North)

Aveli Romero (828) 702-6529 (West)

Hispanic Charismatic Renewal/Prayer Group

This group is to have a spiritual encounter with the Risen Christ through sharing and meditating on the Word of God as well as in worship and prayer. Anyone is welcome to attend including children. Prayers are recited in Spanish only; however, there are people who speak English in the group, so that if non-Spanish speaking attendees have questions, they are encouraged to ask. The group also encourages prayer in any form attendees feel comfortable, whether individually or as a group and silently or out loud. During the prayer hour, you will see a person and persons praying in each of these forms. The group usually meets for an hour every Saturday at 7 pm with the Rosary at 6:30 pm. Also available are light snacks such as Mexican bread and coffee. Please check weekly church bulletins, St. Eugene Facebook page, or the St. Eugene website (www.steugene.org) for updates.

Contact: Laura Perez (828) 505-9753

Hispanic Cursillo for Men and Women

The purpose of this ministry is to help all Christian Hispanic men and women on individual retreats to strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ through a short, informal spiritual retreat focusing on how to become effective Christian leaders. It is organized by the Hispanic community, deepens their spiritual life and brings about Christian involvement in daily activities therefore experiencing the presence and love of the Holy Trinity in our every-day lives. As Saint Pope John Paul II stated, “Cursillo is an instrument raised up by God for the proclamation of the Gospel in our time.”

Contacts: Raul and Alma Cervantes (828) 280-3215

Hispanic Evangelization Retreat

This ministry is a 3-day retreat for adults and strives to help parishioners understand their faith better, to have knowledge about their beliefs, and to know the Word of God. It is normally held in Arden, NC or Sylva, NC in February or March, right before Easter. Generally, it is attended by about 60 – 80 people and food is included. For more information such as fee amounts, please reach out to the contacts.

Contact for Men: Alejandro Hernandez (828) 450-0202

Contact for Women: Mariana Torres (828) 702-7503

Hispanic Marriage Enrichment Ministry

This ministry helps married Catholics develop a stronger relationship by enriching themselves in their faith, individually and as a couple. The weekly 2-hour meetings are held at St. Eugene’s and generally start in January and last for 3 ½ months. Snacks are provided and children are welcome.

Contacts: Javier and Zoraima Jimenez (828) 458-6758

Latino Advocacy Committee

Outreach information is sent to the Latino community via email on the following topics:

How to prepare your taxes
The Affordable Care Act
Medical information
Dental information
Department of Social Services
English as a Second Language (ESL) classes at AB Tech and in the community
Scholarships for Latino students
Assistance in locating work

Contact: Marta Alcala-Williams (828) 545-5673, martaligia@aol.com

On-line Book Study/Faith Sharing Group

Have you been looking for meaningful ways to grow in faith and extend your connection with the St. Eugene Parish community? Perhaps an on-line book study and faith sharing group would offer you this opportunity. If you are interested in meeting on-line with a small group of parishioners to discuss Richard Rohr’s Universal Christ on the 3^rd Wednesday of each month, 2:00 – 3:00 pm, please

Contact: Marion Danforth, marionmdanforth@gmail.com

Respect Life Ministry

Our focus is to pray for our parish members and for a respect for all life from conception to a natural death. Our goal is to educate our parish community by offering Respect Life materials on topics such as abortion, euthanasia, and capital punishment. The ministry arranges speakers for the parish that promote a pro-life philosophy. We come together on the first and third Mondays at 7:00 pm to pray the rosary in the Day Chapel. We pray for all life, which includes each parish member of our church, and any prayer requests directed our way. We welcome anyone who wants to join us in praying the Rosary and encouraging friends to join us. We invite parents and grandparents to join us and children are most welcome. We also make our presence felt in other places as well. We encourage prayer at the local abortion clinic being a peaceful, prayerful group that prays the Rosary on site for a change of heart in those entering. We also pray for anyone working there in any capacity to recognize the value of all life, and to seek reconciliation with our merciful, loving Father. Our highlighted month is October, which has been designated as Respect Life Month within the Catholic Church. We also work with the Knights of Columbus in Respect Life endeavors including working with the Diocese of Charlotte to promote the March for Life Charlotte during January.

Contact: Debbie Wadhams (828) 484-8459, gfkiggy@gmail.com

St. Eugene Sunday Conversation Group

We are a group of parishioners that meets twice a month at the Church to openly discuss a wide variety of issues and concerns related to the Catholic Church and our parish. The discussions are wide-ranging and spring from a desire for our church to continue the momentum of Vatican II.

Contact: James Greene, greenejame@gmail.com

Volunteer Ministry

Our mission is to help volunteers to love God, their church, and their faith by serving their fellow parishioners in some capacity that sparks their interests. When we love our church, we become disciples of Jesus and enter into a more intimate relationship with Christ. The Holy Scripture says that Jesus encouraged his disciples to take up their cross and follow him. When we serve others, we find happiness in our daily lives. Please consider being a volunteer!

Contact: MaryEllen Shephard (828) 254-5193, ext. 1010, mshephard@steugene.org

Walking with Moms in Need

This ministry is a nationwide initiative developed by the USCCB to help local pregnant moms and families find the resources and help they need. We seek to make parishioners aware of the available community resources and volunteer opportunities. We provide teams to work directly with mothers, support local pregnancy centers, and we provide volunteers at social service agencies, so St. Eugene can be an “Island of mercy in the midst of a sea of indifference” (Pope Francis). There are many ways members can volunteer their time and talent. There is a bin in the narthex/gathering space for ongoing parish donations of diapers, wipes, hygiene items and handmade baby blankets. Donations may also be made on the parish website. Meetings are held periodically and new members are most welcome. Additional prolife resources may also be found under the ministries tab on the website.

Contacts: Mary Head (828) 712-1404, maryfhead@att.net

Karen Bradley (828) 230-3237

www.walkingwithmomsStEugene@gmail.com

Wedding Coordination Ministry

Wedding coordinators help with the various needs of our parishioners when they are planning their big day. They assist the bride, the groom, and the family before, during and after the wedding. Please consider becoming a member of this special ministry!

Contacts: Marge Brady – MJB25@aol.com or

Barbara Gardner – Bbgardner1@gmail.com

Women’s Guild

We are a group of women who express our Catholic values through spirituality, service, and friendship. The main purpose of the Guild is to provide the funds to pay for items to enhance activities of the parish. We accomplish this by holding periodic bake sales or other fundraisers. All women of the parish are considered members of the Guild and are asked to participate in these fund raisers. The Guild meets the second Wednesday of the months: April, May, June, and August through December, at 10:30 am in the narthex/gathering space. (We do not meet January, February, March, or July.) These meetings also provide a chance to foster camaraderie and friendship among the women of St. Eugene. In December we provide holiday treats for sale, whose funds are used for a specified charity. We have a guest speaker or entertaining program each month followed by lunch and a short business meeting.

An extension of the Guild includes the

Ladies Out-to-Lunch Bunch

This ministry affords parish women an opportunity to gather socially for fellowship by having lunch at different area restaurants. It is an informal, fun way to get to know each other and to welcome new ladies into the parish community. The lunches are usually held every 4-6 weeks, so bring a hearty appetite and meet a wonderful fun bunch!

Contact: Ann Crowley (941) 586-5319, Anncrowley8@aol.com

OUTREACH (ECUMENISM) COMMISSION

Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte (CCDOC) Western Regional Office

The Western Regional Office was established in 1982 to make the services of Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte more readily available to the residents of Western North Carolina. Today, the office programs include individual, family, and couples’ counseling in English and Spanish, infancy and pregnancy support, international and domestic pregnancy and adoption services, adoption home study and post adoption services, refugee assistance program, direct assistance with food and clothing, limited financial assistance, and citizenship/immigration services.

Contact: Jesse Boeckermann, Regional Director (828) 255-0146, Fax: 828-253-7339

Office hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 am-5:00 pm

Address: 50 Orange Street, Asheville, NC 28801

Email: ccdocwro@charlottediocese.org

Website: www.ccdoc.org

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Rice Bowl

Each Lent Catholic families across the country unite to put their faith into action through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Through the CRS Rice Bowl, families learn about how our sisters and brothers across the globe overcome hardships like hunger and malnutrition, and how through Lenten alms, we have the power to make the world a better place for all. While most of the money collected benefits many across the globe, 25% of our collection is used right here in our diocese.

Contact: Sue Koesters (828) 774-3854, suenbern@yahoo.com

Community Tithing

The Parish of St. Eugene is committed to disburse ten percent of its annual income as a tithe to assist in various charitable outreach programs in the greater Asheville community. A review is conducted each year at which time tithe requests are considered for future disbursements and recommendations are made to the pastor. Parishioners are always welcome to suggest possible new recipients.

Contact: Mechelle Kobar (828) 254-5193 ext. 1001, churcheugene@steugene.org

Ecumenical Prayer Service Ministry

Every Wednesday during Advent and/or Lent, St. Eugene joins with St. Mary’s Episcopal, St. Mark’s Lutheran and St. Paul’s Methodist Churches for a light meal and prayer service. Each congregation is responsible for serving a light meal followed by each congregational pastor to conduct a prayer service. On Good Friday, there also is a communal Stations of the Cross at 12:00 noon at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church.

Contact: Pat Irmen (419) 464-8789, patirmen@gmail.com

Knights of Columbus – St. Eugene Council #11911

The Knights of Columbus was founded by the Venerable Father Michael J. McGivney in 1882 and was named in honor of the mariner Christopher Columbus. Originally serving as a mutual benefit society to low-income immigrant Catholics, it developed into a fraternal benefit society dedicated to providing charitable services, promoting Catholic education, and actively defending Catholicism in various nations. St. Eugene Knights of Columbus Council 11911 was chartered on January 30, 1997 and has over 110 members. The Knights focus their efforts to support the church, families, youth, and the community. Some examples of the Knights’ activities and events include hosting free pancake breakfasts asking for donations to raise funds for programs and groups such as Respect Life, St. Eugene Youth Group, Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte, Catholic Campus Ministry, and Operation LAMB, amongst others. Dinners are also held throughout the year to provide fellowship within the parish community. Each January the Knights of Columbus arrange for a trip to March for Life in Charlotte. Membership is open to any practicing Catholic man at least 18 years of age.

Contact: Pat Irmen (419) 464-8789, patirmen@gmail.com

Prison Ministry

This ministry includes a weekly Communion Service at the Craggy Correctional Center along with religious counseling, one-on-one volunteer opportunities, birthday parties, etc. Various other programs are also offered to the inmates of the Craggy Minimum Custody Unit such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Prison Fellowship. The latter is a Re-entry Life Plan to prepare prisoners nearing release for a successful re-entry into family and the community. In addition, an 18-week course is offered to cover basic biblical principles and life skills to deal with the practical aspects of life, once they are released.

Contact: Deacon Mike Zboyovski (828) 254-5193 ext. 1009, deaconmike@steugene.org or wazszupdoc@gmail.com

Refugee Ministry

Refugees from a variety of countries continue to arrive in Asheville. To help meet their resettlement needs, our Refugee Ministry is assisting the designated agencies by posting a current list of items needed and volunteer opportunities in the gathering space on the bulletin board to the right as you leave. There are also fliers on the table below the posting. Items, when needed, are so appreciated. There can be assistance in collecting your donated items. Further information is on the board, and on the parish website.

Contact: Monica Blankenship, monica.blankenship@gmail.com

Room in the Inn – Permanently Cancelled; However,

Please note, this ministry no longer exists; however, it has evolved into something new. Room In the Inn was a shelter for up to twelve women from the Asheville area that were recovering from addiction and/or abusive situations. Different faith communities provided this service so that every week during the year, a shelter was held somewhere in the city on a rotating basis. St. Eugene and Asbury United Methodist Church partnered for more than 20 years covering one week for 3-4 times a year. Since the pandemic, churches have not been hosting; however, Homeward Bound purchased a motel on Tunnel Road and is turning it into rooms or apartments for the homeless. Asbury United Methodist Church donated all the inventory of blankets, pillows, etc. to Homeward Bound. If anyone is interested in helping with the homeless, they are encouraged to contact Homeward Bound.

Contact: (828) 258-1695, https://homewardboundwnc.org

Sharing Sunday

This rewarding ministry assists agencies in feeding the less fortunate in our community. On the first weekend of each month, we collect and deliver numerous bags of food to Asheville Buncombe County Christian Ministry (ABCCM), Western Carolina Rescue Mission, North Buncombe Samaritan Ministry, Catholic Charities, and the Salvation Army. Please drop off food donations in the narthex (entrance) of St. Eugene’s Church. You will see other bags of donations there.

Contact: Mechelle Kobar (828) 254-5193, Ext. 1001, churcheugene@steugene.org

Singing with Sister Anita’s Friends!

This group meets every other Monday from 10:30 – 11:30 am at Bear Mountain Health and Rehab Center on Beaverdam Road. The ministry group visits and sings with residents in their activities room in a spirit of Christian fellowship. Singing or musical talent is not a requirement. Be a part of a rewarding ministry that brings joy to the lives of others.

Contacts: JoAnne Gance (828) 450-6627, jgance4me@yaoo.com

Bob Gance (610) 207-4400, ganceb@yahoo.com

Society of St. Vincent DePaul

Members of the Society of St. Vincent DePaul, representing St. Eugene, St. Lawrence, and St. Joan of Arc parishes, gather each week for prayer and reflection and to plan visits to needy families in Buncombe County. These members visit the families, keep records, make phone calls, and raise funds to provide for the material needs of our clients. In addition to helping with food, rent, and utility bills, our members bring hope and love to the poor, making this a very rewarding and uplifting ministry. We gather in the narthex/gathering space every Monday evening at 6:00 pm. If you would like to become a financial supporter, simply drop your donations in the weekly collection basket.

Contact: Bob Phillips (828) 658-9409, robertaphillips@yahoo.com

EVANGELIZATION & COMMUNICATION COMMISSION

Bulletin Boards

Check bulletin boards in the narthex/gathering space for general and last-minute announcements, as well as the Parish’s Pastoral Council minutes.

FACEBOOK

“Like us” on Facebook to receive information about upcoming events and stay “in the know” about parish happenings.

For both items Contact: Mechelle Kobar, (828) 254-5193, Ext. 1001, churcheugene@steugene.org

Hispanic Translation and Interpretation Ministry

Our mission is to translate and interpret any Catholic document or event to help both Hispanic and Anglo communities to better understand the doctrine, liturgical celebrations, and the different events that our church and diocese offers.

Contact: Walkyria Almonte (828) 707-8907

Ministry Fair

The fair is held once a year during the fall. Ministry banners are paraded and displayed during each Saturday and Sunday Masses on the weekend of the Ministry Fair. Tables are set up for each ministry and detailed information is available from a representative. Please consider joining one of these rewarding ministries.

Contact: MaryEllen Shephard (828) 254-5193 ext. 1010, mshephard@steugene.org

On-Line Giving

To make donations through our website, please go to https://www.steugene.org/onlinegiving You may choose to make a one-time donation, or schedule ongoing donations.

Contact: Mechelle Kobar, (828) 254-5193, Ext. 1001, churcheugene@steugene.org

Parish Website

Go to www.steugene.org for information regarding every aspect of the parish, including the weekly bulletins and links to Diocese of Charlotte information.

Welcoming New Parishioners

This ministry contacts new registered parishioners and welcomes and invites them to fully participate in community ministries or activities.

Contact: MaryEllen Shephard (828) 254-5193 ext. 1010, mshephard@steugene.org

EDUCATION AND FORMATION COMMISSION

Baptismal Preparation

St. Eugene Parish welcomes parents and godparents preparing the baptism of their child. As you will hear in the Baptismal Rite itself, the Christian community joyfully welcomes your child into the Body of Christ. Baptism is the Sacrament of Initiation into the Christian life. To prepare for the sacrament, parents and godparents are required to attend baptism preparation class, so that they will understand the meaning and significance of the Sacrament of Initiation into the Church. Spanish baptisms are

celebrated the first Saturday of each month at 12 noon and English baptisms are celebrated the first Sunday of every month during the 9 am Mass.

Contact: Church Office for English 828-254-5193 or email churcheugene@steugene.org or Martha Gonzalez for Spanish 828-450-7835

Children’s Church

This ministry celebrates the Word with 5- and 6-year-old children with an age-appropriate worship service at the Sunday 11:30 am Mass. This includes music, storytelling, puppetry, and activities that relate to the weekly Gospel. We read the Gospel, have a homily, and say the Prayer of the Faithful, the Creed and the Our Father. We also explain some of the Mass rituals such as why the colors change seasonally, etc. Volunteers are always welcome, so please consider joining this ministry as a homilist, activity coordinator, etc. Training is available and once trained, you will be placed on a rotating team with 4-5 members that rotate every 4 weeks.

Contact: Amy Arias Cordova 828-254-5193 faithformation@steugene.org

Asheville Catholic School

Asheville Catholic School is a fully accredited Catholic school with students in Pre-Kindergarten through eighth grade. Our student population is diverse serving students from many walks of life, experiences, and learning needs. Our staff includes teachers with advanced degrees and a wealth of experience in education. Our entire staff works together with the goal of making sure our students are prepared for the next level of education, and in fulfilling our mission statement:

“At Asheville Catholic School, we strive to become Christian leaders by embracing lifelong learning and living to our fullest potential in our ever-changing world. We rely on our academics and Catholic Faith to guide us along the way.”

Our world is in desperate need for our students to grow up and be leaders as Christ would have them lead; with prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance, as well as faith, hope and charity. We combine these seven virtues with Stephen Covey's Seven Habits of Highly Effective People to surround our faith as the core of our school's culture. By offering our students a wide variety of experiences through our athletic program, theater program, and our various other extracurricular activities such as our clubs (Robotics, Battle of the Books, Mock Trial, Science Olympiad, and Math Counts), we provide and teach them to use God's gifts to take on challenges. They may fail at some of those challenges, but we help them understand the importance of failure as a teacher, so that they can learn from their mistakes and take away skills that will benefit them for a lifetime. Asheville Catholic School wishes to thank the St. Eugene Parish, including the staff for their unwavering support of our school. As partners in God's work, we are building the future together!

Website: http://www.ashevillecatholic.org

Faith Formation: Pre-K (4-5 Year Olds) – 5^th Grade

Faith Formation is the sharing of our faith. Parents are the first and primary teachers of the Catholic faith to their children. Together with parents and help from the parish community, we can plant the seed of our faith. Faith is ever growing. It begins as a small seed in a child. Through our baptism it is our mission, yours, and mine as a church community, to nurture that seed with the waters from the Holy Spirit and God’s son Jesus Christ. By sharing God’s good news, which He has shared with us, and how

it works in our lives; it is our hope to nurture that seed so one day it will blossom. If the seed has been well cared for, a child entering adulthood will have something to harvest. It will in return start nurturing other small seeds by sharing its faith. FAITH IS EVER GROWING! These programs are “lectionary based” using Sunday readings as a starting point to develop faith sharing. They are held Sundays at 10:15 – 11:15 am at the Asheville Catholic School.

Contact: Amy Arias Cordova 828-254-5193 faithformation@steugene.org

Vacation Bible School

This program has a new theme every year and is an interactive hands-on Catholic faith sharing experience for children age 3 years through 5th grade. It meets for one week Monday-Friday in the evening during the summer. This is also a great place for adults and teens to volunteer. You will be sure to make lasting friendships and memories.

Contact: Amy Arias Cordova 828-254-5193 faithformation@steugene.org

Safety and Security Committee

This group, consisting of law enforcement professionals, retired military, and civilian parishioners, is responsible for making recommendations regarding safety practices in the church to provide a safe, welcoming environment. Such areas include proper exterior lighting at night, developing policies and procedures related to church safety, ensuring adequate medical equipment is up-to-date and readily available, and providing training opportunities for interested parishioners. The committee meets every two months or as needed.

Contact: Rick Lober (850) 408-9088, ricklober0215@charter.net

Sound and Technology

This ministry benefits everyone that attends St. Eugene’s services and events. We have a newly upgraded state-of-the-art sound system as well as the finest inductive loop system in Western NC, serving those with hearing loss. People can receive audio transmitted directly to their T-Coil-enabled hearing aids. Those without T-Coils may use wireless body packs, available from one of the Hospitality Ministers. Individuals with experience or interest in audio, video, recording, webcasting, or wireless networking are welcome to join our group.

Contact: Frank Dosier, frank@musiciansworkshop.com

Elementary Level Sacramental Preparation

This program begins in the fall and prepares children for the first Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist. All second-grade children, who have one prior year of Faith Formation will prepare together, whether they attend Asheville Catholic School or Faith Formation. In addition, all baptized children who have reached the age of discretion (7), can be admitted to the Eucharistic table when it is assumed they have been oriented by the following prerequisites:

They and their families are regular in the practice of the faith in their parish community
They are engaged now (and at least for one prior year) in formal Faith Formation
They have been catechized by the Sacrament of Penance
They are registered in the parish community

Parents are required to attend meetings to assist in preparing their children.

Contact: Amy Arias Cordova 828-254-5193 faithformation@steugene.org

Order of Christian Initiation of Children (OCIC)

This program is available to school-aged children who have not yet been baptized or received the Sacraments of Initiation, Eucharist, and Confirmation. They will prepare to be received into our parish faith community as full participating members at the Easter Vigil.

Contact: Amy Arias Cordova 828-254-5193 faithformation@steugene.org

EDGE (6th – 8th Grade)

EDGE comes forth from the greater movement of Life Teen, which was originally established for high school ministry. As Life Teen began to grow, many parishes began asking how we could serve middle school youth in the same way as high school teens. Thus, EDGE was created with the Life Teen program and has been rapidly growing ever since. The big picture behind the development of EDGE has important components. Middle school youth:

Go through tremendous amounts of change both internally and in their social lives
Begin to transition from parents’ influence to friends’ & peer influence and need help and guidance
Begin to question their identity and the purpose of their life
Make decisions that can affect the rest of their lives
Because there is so many changes, it is essential that they be introduced to the truth and love of Jesus Christ and the Church so that their lives can be transformed and led in a positive direction. EDGE youth ministry strives to introduce young people to the saving power and love of Christ in a few specific ways:
Through fun and relevant catechesis
By connecting the youth to a loving community of friends
By having faithful adults present who are committed to journeying with them
By reaching out in love and truth to lead youth closer to Christ

EDGE meets most Mondays from 6:30-7:45 pm at the church from September through the beginning of May including snacks unless a social event or service project is planned. Come and join us! We look forward to meeting you!

Contact: Amy Arias Cordova 828-254-5193 faithformation@steugene.org

Confirmation

Confirmation for youth in 8th grade or above is celebrated every year in the parish. Prior to the immediate preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation, candidates are required to have been part of at least two years of a formal catechetical process in the parish or a Catholic school. The immediate preparation, assisted by a team of adults, is a year-long process of three retreats that focus on spiritual and liturgical preparation including a personal interview with the pastor.

Contact: Amy Arias Cordova 828-254-5193 faithformation@steugene.org

St. Eugene High School Youth Ministry (SEY) (Grades 9^th-12^th)

As a Eucharist-centered movement within the Roman Catholic Church, this ministry leads teens in the parish community to develop a relationship with Christ and His Church. With the intercession and guidance of the Blessed Virgin Mary, this ministry seeks to unleash the fullness of the sacramental power present within the young Church. This ministry equips teens to live as young, engaged Catholics and seeks to help young people grow and develop in three distinct ways: it works to foster the total person and spiritual growth, it seeks to draw young people to responsible participation in the life, mission, and work of the faith community, and it empowers young people to become disciples of Jesus Christ, to become witnesses of the living faith by living and working for justice, peace, and human dignity. The ministry creates an atmosphere that supports prayer, community, service, leadership, and fun by enjoying faith sharing, social activities, service projects, fund raisers, mission trips, such as CHWC, and many diocesan and vicariate events. The goal is to lead youth into a life-long, personal relationship with a real person, Jesus Christ. SEY meets most Mondays from 6:30-7:45 pm from September through the beginning of May including snacks at the church, unless a social evening or service project is planned. Come and join us! We look forward to meeting you.

Contact: Amy Arias Cordova 828-254-5193 faithformation@steugene.org

Twitter/Instagram: @SEYAsheville

BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES COMMISSION

Safety and Security Committee

Contact: Rick Lober (850) 408-9088, ricklober0215@charter.net

Sound and Technology

Contact: Frank Dosier, frank@musiciansworkshop.com