Parish Organizations
Parish
Council
Administrative
Services
Other Administrative
Needs
Parish Life
Buildings and Grounds
Christian Formation
Adult Ministry
Southeast Catholic
Religious Formation
Human Concerns
Prayer and Worship
Liturgical Ministries
St Thomas Aquinas
Academy
Boy Scout Troop 208
One of the best ways to become an integral part of St. Veronica's is to get involved and become active in your parish by joining a committee or organization in the parish. Here are a few of the opportunities that exist in our parish.
Parish Council
The Parish Council is a
consultative body. As such, it exists as a wisdom group commissioned
to discern, proclaim, and make visible the presence and action of
the Spirit within the community. By its very nature it is to provide
counsel. The Parish Council develops and maintains a mission
statement, engages in a continuous process of pastoral planning, and
after prayerful study and dialogue, develops policies concerning
parish and pastoral matters.
All Parish Council members are to be practicing Catholics who have received the sacrament of Confirmation.
The council has ex-officio members: the Pastor, two lay trustees, the parish’s representative to the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council and a representative to the St. Thomas Aquinas Academy Board.
The Parish Council also has ten at-large members who are elected for a three-year term. Each year, the parish elects three or four new members, such that only one-third of the at-large members are changed on an annual basis. At-large members are limited to two consecutive terms at a time.
A youth member, between the ages of 14 and 18, may be discerned annually by the youth and serve as a special elective member of the Parish Council for a one-year term.
The Parish Council has four
officers: chairperson, vice-chairperson, secretary and
vice-secretary.
Regular Parish Council meetings are held on the second Tuesday of every month at 7:05 pm. All parishioners are welcome to attend.
The standing committees at St. Veronica are:
Parish Life
Buildings and Grounds
Finance
Christian Formation
Human Concerns
Prayer and Worship
Stewardship
Administrative Services
Administrative Services Committee
Administrative Services provides a wide variety of resources to our parish including financial review, human resource consultation, information technology management, purchasing oversight, facilities/communications management, and risk management. Administrative Services Committees include the following:
Finance Committee
The Finance
Committee is responsible for making recommendations to the Parish
Council regarding parish finances, major spending, budget,
stewardship of resources, and capital improvements to the
infrastructure.
Personnel Committee
The Personnel Committee is responsible for participating in personnel planning, assessing ministry needs in the parish, developing and updating parish personnel policies, and assisting the Pastor and pastoral staff in the hiring of personnel. Members are appointed by the Pastor and report to him.
Stewardship Committee
The Stewardship Committee promotes the stewardship of time, talent and treasure for the parish with its annual stewardship appeal. Creative ideas and committee members are welcome.
Communication Committee
The Communication Committee promotes the communication and relationships with active parishioners, non-active parishioners, the surrounding neighborhood and the community at-large. It encourages parish activities to make St. Veronica a welcoming community, reaching out to all parishioners and effectively promoting the activities, news and events of the parish.
Summer Festival
Since
1959, the annual Summer Festival has been held the third weekend in
July. We are proud to be recognized as one of the finest family
festival events held in the Milwaukee area. There are many
activities for all ages: games, rides, great food, a silent auction,
special dinners, dancing, raffles, special attractions, and much
more. It takes over 800 volunteers to make this three-day event
possible each year.
Family Fall Festival
Our indoor family fall festival is held annually in October. There are children inflatables, games, raffles, gift shops, food, bake sale and much more. Parishioners are welcome to be part of the planning committee or to volunteer at the event.Other Administrative Needs
St. Veronica Congregation relies on parishioners to help us with a variety of projects that keep our parish running. We have needs for volunteers in the following areas:
Administrative and Professional Services
Accounting/auditing
Bookkeeping
Computer technology support
Legal counsel
Parish Office
Clerical support/copying
Data entry (membership)
Publications (collating, stapling, stuffing)
Receptionist
Secretarial support
Sunday morning receptionist (once a month)Parish Life
Parish Life Committee
The Parish Life Committee
supports and nurtures the social life of our parish. Through a
variety of social and spiritual activities, the committee seeks to
promote an atmosphere of fun and service, in which parishioners can
come together to know each other or deepen existing relationships
with other parishioners. Some of the events and activities sponsored
by the Parish Life Committee include hosting dinners, welcoming and
farewell receptions, and pancake breakfasts. New ideas for events
are always welcome, and parishioners are needed to plan and help
with activities, including publicity, meal preparation and serving,
setup and cleanup, hospitality and decorating.
Parish Membership
The committee ensures that our new members feel welcome and are given a tour of our facility. The committee shares with the new members the various ministries the parish offers and, if they are interested in getting involved, assists them with contacting the appropriate committee members. If you are interested in being a part of this committee, please contact the parish office.
Garden Club
The Garden Club landscapes, plants flowers and bushes, prunes trees and beautifies our parish grounds. All ages are welcome!
Parish Socials
Parish socials scheduled throughout the year help make St. Veronica a parish that knows how to have a good time! We are always in need of volunteers to make these fun times possible. Appeals are often made through the bulletin for volunteers.
St. Veronica holds a Family Fellowship dinner on the first Friday of every month September through May in Johnson Hall. Every month a different entrée is offered. Hours are 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Sports
Our parish offers a variety of sports: basketball, bowling, dartball and volleyball, just to name a few. Please contact the parish office for more details, and watch the bulletin for information.
Parish Archives
St. Veronica’s maintains parish archives to preserve the history of the parish. Volunteers are always needed.
Buildings and Grounds
The Buildings and Grounds
Committee is responsible for the buildings, grounds and equipment at
St. Veronica. The Committee advises the Parish Council, maintenance
staff and Facilities Coordinator on all issues relating to these
areas. The Facilities Coordinator oversees the maintenance of all
parish property and grounds and works with the Buildings and Grounds
Committee.
A major responsibility of the Committee is to identify and prioritize the maintenance needs of the parish. Their goal is to anticipate maintenance problems and find the most cost-effective solutions. The committee promotes stewardship by calling upon parish volunteers whenever possible to do maintenance work.
Environment/Safety
The committee oversees efforts to ensure that our parish environment — both indoors and out — supports personal safety, is welcoming and accessible, and is generally conducive to our mission.
Skilled Help Needs
St. Veronica relies on parishioners with skills in specific areas to assist with maintenance work, and assist in the hiring of contractors and repair companies. They have needs for people with expertise in the following areas:
Audio visual repair
Electrical
HVAC support
Landscape/grounds keeping
Masonry
Mechanical
Painting
Plumbing
Roofing
Welding
Christian Formation
Christian Formation Committee
The purpose of the Christian Formation Committee is to promote and coordinate the educational and formational aspects of the church’s mission within the parish. This lifelong process is developed collaboratively within the Committee and focuses on Adult Ministry, Elementary Religious Education and Youth Ministry. Parish members are welcome and needed to serve on the Christian Formation Committee and assist with its various projects.Adult Ministry
Marriage Preparation Sponsor Couples (FOCCUS) Facilitating Open Couple Communication, Understanding & Study
Sponsors are married couples who assist engaged couples in preparing for the sacrament of marriage. This ministry involves welcoming engaged couples, assisting them in a written premarital inventory, and subsequent meetings with them. Sponsor couples are carefully trained, and work with our Pastor. Married couples who are interested in this ministry work under the supervision of the Pastor.
Parish Library
God’s Cozy
Corner is the parish library and resource center, a lending
library available to all parishioners. Resources include audio
and video tape, DVDs, magazines and books for both adults and
children. Topics include Scripture, lives of the saints, Church
teaching, spirituality, family support and religious education
references. Children’s video series include the popular
Veggietales and 3-2-1 Penguin.
Seasonal Formation Activities
The parish offers varied formation activities throughout the year. The Evening for Couples in February includes a dinner and guest speaker geared to deepening the relationship between couples. A collaborative five parish Lenten program is offered during the season of Lent. Check the online parish calendar for current and upcoming offerings.
Special Religious Education
Special Religious Education classes for adults are offered for those with exceptional needs. Classes are held on Thursday evenings from September through April. The program is run by Jennie Dziennik and dedicated parish volunteers.Southeast Catholic Religious Formation
Elementary Religious Education
Religious education for parish children in kindergarten through 6th grade who are attending public schools. Classes are held in the STAA school building on the St. Veronica campus. The program runs on Sunday mornings from September through April. Family days are held collaboratively with St. Paul parish. Registration occurs in May. Classes are taught by volunteer catechists and aides.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLW)
CLW is an opportunity for children ages 4 to 10 to hear the Sunday readings and a short reflection using age-appropriate language. It occurs on the first and third Sundays of each month from October through June during the 10:30 am liturgy. There is no signup or fee for Liturgy of the Word. New leaders are always welcome.
Youth Ministry
Youth Ministry provides faith formation opportunities for youth from 7th grade through high school. Formal catechesis for youth not being educated in Catholic schools is offered through our Religious Education program. Retreat, service and social opportunities are offered for the youth of the parishes.Human Concerns
Human Concerns is responsible for ministry to the sick, the homebound, senior citizens, funerals and bereavement ministry. They work with parishioners in need, and coordinate all areas of human concerns and parish outreach.
Human Concerns Committee
The Human Concerns Committee serves to identify and minister to the needs of our parish and community by addressing the issues of justice and peace through teaching, outreach, stewardship, study, reflection, service and action. Some programs and opportunities in which the Committee invites parishioners to participate include: St. Veronica’s Food Pantry, the Giving Tree, clothing drives, inner-city meal programs and assisting people with emergency financial needs. Activities are year-round, and all parishioners are welcome to join any activity for as much time as they can spare.
Community Elders
The St. Veronica Community
Elders is a gathering of senior citizens for faith, friendship
and fun. Any adult age 55 or older is invited to come to our
gatherings. The Community Elders usually meet on the second and
fourth Thursdays of every month at 1:00 pm in Johnson Hall.
Ministry to the Sick and Homebound
If you are sick, hospitalized or unable to attend our weekend liturgies, please call the parish office. Our Human Concerns members of the parish will gladly visit you and/or bring you Eucharist. Contact the parish office to make arrangements to receive the Rite of Reconciliation or the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. We do have a group of parishioners who visit those in the hospital.
Thrift Shop
The St. Veronica Thrift Shop offers gently used clothing and household items at great prices. The Thrift Shop is located just outside of Johnson Hall, in the lower level of the church building. The Thrift Shop is open during all festivals, fish fry, Community Elders meetings, Market Day, Food Pantry days, and at other times posted in the bulletin. Come shop or volunteer to work in the Thrift Shop.
Feed the Poor
The fourth weekend of every month is designated as “Feed the Hungry Weekend.” We ask parishioners to bring canned and non-perishable food items, and to leave them in the marked baskets by the church doors. Donations are also always needed. These donations are used to fund our meal program ministry, stock our food pantry, and feed the hungry of our parish and our neighborhood.
Food Pantry
St. Veronica’s Food Pantry is open on the first and third Saturdays of the month from 9:00 am to 11:00 am to provide food for people in need. Parish volunteers staff and run the food pantry.
Meal Ministries
Parishioners cook, coordinate and serve two local meal programs:
St. Vincent de Paul Meal Program, 951 W. Madison, Milwaukee, WI 53204, on the fifth Thursday of the month at 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
South Shore Sharing Meal Program at Immaculate Conception Parish on the last Saturday of the month at noon.
St. Vincent de Paul Society
SVDP members make home visits and help parishioners and neighborhood residents with emergency needs caused by economic hardship. They also visit a local nursing home and conduct a weekly communion service.
Respect Life
The Respect Life committee actively works to promote respect-life issues for all human beings. Through political advocacy, letter writing campaigns, prayer, fundraising and encouragement to families, the committee seeks to educate our parish about pro-life issues.
Charity Fund Committee
Annually, our parish tithes 1% of our offertory income to local organizations in need. The Charity Fund Committee meets to determine which agencies our parish community will assist, and disburses the available funds.
AA (Alcoholics Anonymous/Drug and Alcohol Recovery)
Two AA groups meet at our parish, one during the day and the other during the evening. Please watch the bulletin for the dates, times and meeting room of the AA groups.
Pick ’n Save “We Care” Program
Our parish outreach programs also rely on the Pick ’N Save “We Care” program for funding. These funds are used to pay for our meal programs and parish outreach needs, and to aid the poor and hungry. Please apply for a Pick ’N Save Advantage Card, and give them our number: #815800 (St. Veronica Aid to Families).
Prayer Network
St. Veronica’s prayer ministry consists of parishioners who pray daily for specific requests called into the network to the team captains, as well as for all of the intentions written in our Parish Book of Intercessions, located in Church. Parishioners are welcome to join this prayer ministry at any time.Prayer and Worship
Prayer and Worship Committee
The Prayer
and Worship Committee nourishes and gives direction to the
liturgical aspect of parish life. It ensures the parishioners
are provided with opportunities to deepen their faith through a
variety of prayer experiences and liturgical celebrations. The
Prayer and Worship Committee meets monthly and welcomes new
members. If you are interested in joining the Prayer and Worship
Committee, any of its subcommittees or activities, please
contact the Music Director.
Music Ministries
Music ministries consist of adult choir, cantors, resurrection choir and instrumentalists. To serve in music ministry requires an offering of both time and talent. This involves arranging an already busy schedule, committing time for rehearsals, and arriving early for Mass on weekends. The only prerequisite for membership in most of the ensembles is the ability to carry a tune, and a love of music and song. To be an instrumentalist — brass, woodwind, string, etc. — proficiency on your instrument is needed. If you are interested in joining any of the music ministries, please contact the Music Director.
Adult Choir
This
ensemble rehearses on Thursday evenings from September through
May and is open to all singers ages high school through adult.
The Adult Choir sings a wide variety of musical styles and helps
to lead the musical prayer of the parish on weekends and feast
days. A music background is not necessary, but a willingness to
learn vocal skills is. Singers in all vocal ranges — soprano,
alto, tenor, and bass — are welcome.
Cantor
Cantors lead our worshiping community in song. These ministers serve on an audition basis only. Voice quality, fine musicianship and a prayerful presence are all necessary for this committed group of musicians. Training is provided. If you are interested in singing as a cantor, please contact the Music Director for more information.
Resurrection Choir
A choir open to all people, this group sings at all funerals in the parish, assisting the grieving families with their prayer with musical leadership. Rehearsal times are Thursday mornings twice a month at 9:00 am.
Instrumentalists
People who
are proficient on orchestral instruments — brass, strings,
woodwinds, etc. – are welcome to share their talent with the
parish community. Special feasts and celebrations are
highlighted with the addition of instruments such as trumpet,
violin, flute, etc. If you play an instrument, please contact
the Music Director to discuss the possibilities.
Art and Environment Subcommittee
This subcommittee prepares the physical environment of the church in keeping with the liturgical seasons in an effort to enhance the common worship of the parish. We welcome parishioners of all ages to assist in setup and take-down of the church environment at numerous times during the year, particularly during the seasons of Christmas and Easter.Liturgical Ministries
Lectors are the people who proclaim the Word of God at our liturgical celebrations. They have a willingness to study and prepare the Scriptures that they proclaim, and to work at the details of diction and public presentation.
Servers are girls and boys, 5th grade and older, who assist the Pastor at the altar for Masses on weekday and weekend liturgies and feast days. They help with preparations and cleanup at the Masses. They attend and need to be prayerfully attentive to the details of the liturgies. Training is provided.
Eucharistic
ministers assist in the distribution of the Holy Eucharist at
Mass, particularly at weekend liturgies and feast days. Training
is provided.
Ushers are a vital part of our parish liturgical celebrations. At feast days and weekend liturgies, the ushers take up the monetary collection for the church, help with seating, and assist with organization for various liturgical rites.
Boy Scouts - Troop 208
The Cub Scouts of Pack 208 and Boy Scouts of Troop 208 are open to all boys. For more information click here.