Immaculate Conception church

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PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL
Alberto Arellano 303-466-0385
David Dimond   303-665-9545
Eva Distel    303-665-5109
Carol Jackson 303-665-2471
Richard Kohnert 303-673-0537
Vicki Peters 303-665-6752
  Jim and Rosabel Rice 303-664-0852
Bob and Maureen Russell 303-678-6481
William Sehnert   303-665-2262

PARISH FINANCE COUNCIL
John Anderson 303-828-5272
Boyd Bell  720-890-2686
 
Thomas W. Fredericks 303-673-9405
Carol Heiden   720-890-7285
Todd Hellmann   303-828-1084
Jim Leedy   303-217-3600
Edie Ortega 303-665-5891
George Thierjung   303-926-5605
Joseph Schurwonn   303-233-8274
  Chris Yetman (chair) 303-665-4060


STEWARDSHIP OF TIME AND TALENT    2008
Immaculate Conception Ministries and Programs

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PARISH FINANCE COUNCIL

What is the purpose of the PFC?

The PFC is a consultative organization and its purpose is to assist with the responsible stewardship of resources, and to be of assistance to the Pastor in the financial management of the parish.

Can I Serve?

To be eligible to serve on a Parish’s Finance Council (PFC), the parishioner should be properly registered with the parish and have no known conflict of interest with any entity doing business with the parish.  This is a volunteer position.

What are the qualifications?

Members should have some type of financial expertise. This includes, but is not limited to:

                                                      An appreciation for Church ministry.

                                                      You do not have to be an accountant.

                                                      Experience with banking or investing.

                                                      A general interest of church financial issues.

                                                      A general understanding of proper accounting practices and internal controls.

                                                      Experience preparing, auditing, analyzing, or evaluating financial statements.

                                                      An understanding of PFC duties (see Charter below)

How do I become a member?

Contact Father Bob Amundsen or a member of the finance council for an application.

What is the term and how often do we meet?

The PFC consists of members of the parish, serving for a 3-year period, which is renewable. One member will be designated as liaison with the Parish Pastoral Council. The PFC meets monthly and terms are staggered to ensure continuity.

What are the duties?  
They are listed in the charter below.



PARISH FINANCE COUNCIL CHARTER
NAME:
The name of this body is the Immaculate Conception Parish Finance Council.
PURPOSE:
The Parish Finance Council is established in conformity with the Code of Canon Law and the directives of the Archbishop of Denver to advise and assist the pastor of the parish in all matters pertaining to parish finances.
AUTHORITY:
The Parish Finance Council is a consultative body to the pastor of the parish.  It is mandated by the code of canon law (canon #537) that each parish is to have a finance council which is regulated by universal law as well as by norms issued by the Ordinary of the Archdiocese.   In this council the Christian faithful, selected according to the same norms, aid the pastor in the administration of parish goods with due regard for the prescription of canon #532.
Canon #532 and Canons #1281-1288 address the responsibilities of the pastor in administering the temporal goods of the parish.
MEMBERS:
According to the Pastoral Handbook for the Archdiocese of Denver, the Parish Finance Council will be composed of the Pastor and 3-9 members of the parish.  Members shall be parishioners with knowledge of accounting, finance, budgeting, and/or development.  The Finance Council will elect its own chairperson and vice chairperson who shall conduct the council meetings.
TERM OF OFFICE:
Members shall serve for a term of three years. Members will take office on (July 1), and may not serve more than two consecutive terms. Terms will be staggered to ensure continuity.
MEETINGS:
The Finance Council shall meet monthly.  A record of the Council's recommendations and decisions will be kept in the parish files for future reference. Agendas and materials shall be prepared and distributed prior to meetings.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Parish Finance Council will
1)    Advise the pastor on all financial matters;
2)    Assist in the development of the parish budget;
3)    Regularly review the internal and financial control procedures of the parish;
4)    Review and approve the annual operating and capital budgets;
5)    Monitor the budget on a regular basis;
6)    Regularly review financial reports at least quarterly including balance sheet, income statement, budget to actuals, and cash flow;
7)    Make recommendations to the pastor on any expenditure in excess of $10,000;
8)    Insures that the parish remains current with its obligations including payment of assessments, insurance premiums, retirement premiums and payroll taxes.
9)    Assist the Pastor in accounting for all endowments and restricted gifts at least quarterly;
10)    Review parish inspection reports quarterly:
11)    Review and approve a five year asset replacement and maintenance plan;
12)    Insure that there is active and informed participation of the parishioners in the Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal.
13)    Provide regular reports to the Parish Pastoral Council;
14)    Provide an annual report to parishioners with quarterly updates on the financial state of the parish;
15)    Ensure that all norms of the Archdiocese as given in the Archdiocesan Pastoral Handbook (APH) are followed in the parish financial record keeping;
16)    Perform the annual Parish Financial Review and submit the report to the Pastor and to the Archdiocesan Finance Office;
17)    Assist in the preparation and review of the 10 year financial parish development plan;
18)    Prepare and sign (chairperson) the Annual Financial Report submitted to the Archdiocesan Finance Office.
19)    Helps monitor and establish just, fair and non-discriminatory salaries and benefits for parish employees.

AMENDMENTS:
This charter may be amended by majority vote of the Parish Finance Council and the approval the Pastor.  A copy of this charter, as well as of any amendments, is to be kept on file in the parish office.


LITURGY

Lectors
    This ministry provides an opportunity for people to proclaim the word of God. Serving as a lector is an important role in the quality of our Liturgy which is central to our parish life.

Greeters/Ushers
    Our ushers welcome those coming to Mass, ask people to carry the gifts, cross, and prayer box, and assist them in locating seats as needed. They also take up the collection.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
    Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion assist with Communion at Mass (daily and weekly) and take Communion to people in hospitals, nursing homes, and those who are unable to leave their homes.

Altar Servers
    Children who have received the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist can be Altar Servers. The duties of an altar server are to carry the candles for the processions for Mass and assist the celebrant during Mass. Call the office to set up a training time.   

Art and Environment

    The Art and Environment team creates an environment in our church that is welcoming, prayerful, and reflective to enhance our private and pubic worship.



MUSIC MINISTRY

Our music ministry at Immaculate Conception is truly a treasure with the versatility and energy the various groups bring to the altar, with love.  Our purpose is to lead the congregation in song and prayer and to facilitate our Catholic faith in the joy of the Eucharist. 



ADULT  EDUCATIONAL  PROGRAMS

Adult Confirmation
    Adults and young adults who missed Confirmation as youth prepare to receive this sacrament. Meetings are weekly beginning in January for six - eight weeks.

Baptism Preparation

    We help parents to make a thoughtful commitment to their child’s Catholic faith through the Sacrament of Baptism.  We welcome participants to become fully involved as a family in parish life. 

Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

    RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) is the process of becoming Christian through the journey of conversion. Our RCIA experience offers an opportunity for the un-baptized to ask questions about the Catholic faith, to become part of a living     community of believers and to journey toward Christ through the sacraments. We meet September - June.

Marriage

    Our Marriage Preparation Program is based in the parish but uses programs offered through the Archdiocese of Denver.   Please call our office     for information and to set up an initial appointment for Marriage Preparation. Preparation begins 8-12 months before the wedding



PASTORAL CARE

Our Prayer Line
    Prayer does make a difference in our daily lives. We are brought together by a common need for comfort through prayer and concern for our Immaculate Conception family. The prayer line works as a pyramid. A few people will make the initial calls and from there approximately forty men women are praying for requests. If you have a prayer request please call the office.

The "Marthas"

    They provide a luncheon reception for funerals at Immaculate Conception. Members are asked to bring a covered dish or dessert to serve. They also set up, serve and clean up for the funeral receptions.

Homebound Ministry

    The main activity in this ministry is for the members to bring the Eucharist to the homebound, hospital patients, and nursing home residents. If you know of someone who could benefit from a visit, or if you would like to be a visitor to one of these special people, please call.

First Friday Devotions Honor Guard:

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament provides a special time with just you and God. The Honor Guard ensures that there is always someone present in the church during Exposition by committing 30 or 60 minutes of the First Friday of each month to quiet devotion and prayer in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament.


Respect Life Ministry

    Our Respect Life Ministry supports respect for the dignity of all life, especially the unborn. They welcome new members always.

Prison Outreach

    "When I was in prison, you visited me," is one of the great commissions of Jesus. This special group of people brings comfort and     hope to those in jail, and a new sense of beginning to those who are released. There is a need for both men and women


COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Social Justice
Living our faith is more than going to Mass on Sunday. This ministry explores Catholic Social Teaching and implements programs within the community.

Hospitality / New Parishioner Welcoming
"Welcome to Immaculate Conception Parish, we are glad you are here" is their motto! Parties, greeters, and special thank you celebrations are what this group arranges! This ministry is made of people who have lots of enthusiasm, energy, and the desire to make all people feel welcome.

Community News
Community News is the semi annual newspaper for Immaculate Conception. The newspaper is a source of information for upcoming     events for the parish. The paper also provides news from previous happenings in the parish as well as inspirational and thought provoking stories.     Businesses can advertise in Community News, and contributions are welcome from all parishioners. Community News is distributed to every registered parishioner.

Sister Carmen Community Center
Sister Carmen Community Center offers an emergency food bank, community support services such as rent assistance, school supplies for children in need, and referrals to other agencies for further other types of assistance. The thrift store is a source of household necessities, clothing, and unique treasures—all at modest prices. It is open to the public.
           


RELIGIOUS EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN
There are many opportunities to serve in the area of religious education.  We need volunteers as teachers, teacher aids, classroom assistants, working in the religious education office, planning and coordinating special events throughout the year, etc.

Pre-School (3-5years)
Bible stories, videos, prayers and activities are used to introduce children to God and the Catholic faith.             

Kindergarten  – 5th Grade
Grade-level faith development builds from year to year. Text/workbooks, music, prayers, activities, and discussion are     incorporated into each week’s gathering. Students take home a “sharing faith” assignment to work on with the family.

Middle School (6th – 8th grade)
This program is structured with group study, prayer, discussion, reflection, games and projects. Focus is given to issues of particular concern to these students as they draw on the richness of their faith in dealing with the pressures of their daily lives. Caring leadership and student participation is vital to the dynamics of this group.

Sacramental Preparation
First Reconciliation and First Eucharist for 2nd - 5th graders is a combination program where the children attend weekly Religious Education classes with their peers and also work on special sacramental materials with their parents at home. Two years of religious instruction are required to receive the sacraments.

First Reconciliation and First Eucharist for post elementary students is a program of weekly classes where students of different ages learn and prepare together to receive the sacraments. Parents are also involved in this curriculum using provided materials at home.

Confirmation is a one year program open to students in grades 9-12. Confirmation takes place in the spring.

                                                                

CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES
Kid’s Word
Kid’s Word is the Liturgy of the Word for children from 3 years old  to those not yet having made their First Communion that takes place during Mass.  It involves children in the liturgy of the Mass and encourages behavior that models the Gospel teaching of the day.

Vacation Bible School
Join us each summer as kids are gathered together to sing, pray, make crafts, learn Bible stories and meet new friends. VBS is a week long ‘camp’ in June that runs every morning, Monday through Friday.



YOUTH MINISTRY
We are in the process of building our youth ministry here in the parish.  The objectives of our youth ministry are to call young people to be disciples of Jesus Christ, draw the youth into the life, work, and mission of the faith community and foster their personal and spiritual growth.  We want to develop a core group of interested adults to help us in this youth ministry.
   


AFFILIATED GROUPS
Knights of Columbus
The Immaculate Conception Council 5237 of the Knights of Columbus has 45 members. Its goals are charity, unity with the Catholic Church, fraternity, and patriotism. Council meetings are the second and fourth Thursday of each month.

Serra Club of Boulder County
The mission of the Serra Club of Boulder County is to foster and affirm vocations to the ministerial priesthood and vowed religious life in the Church and through this ministry further our members’ common Catholic faith.



OTHER SKILLS AND TALENTS
There is always a place in parish life for people who have particular skills and talents.  If you are good at art, sewing, gardening, computer skills, writing, layout design, acting, carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, or any other assorted tasks, occupations or skills, please let us know.  We can always use your help.