PARISH ADMINISTRATION AND SERVICE

FINANCE COUNCIL meets quarterly to assist the pastor in the administration of Parish finances. It reports, as needed, the financial situation of the parish, especially in providing an "end of the year" report.  Members are appointed by the pastor.

PARISH COUNCIL - This body not only assists the Pastor with administrative and policy-making procedures, but also assesses parish needs and helps implement programs to better meet those needs. It serves as a channel of communication between laity, clergy, and the total parish community. There are 9 elected members; 3 elected each year tor a 3-year term, plus representatives from the various parish organizations. Date and time of meetings are announced in the Sunday Bulletin.

STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE seeks to promote the philosophy that, as Christian stewards, we receive God's gifts gratefully, cultivate them responsibly, share them in love and justice with others, and return them with increase to the Lord. It strives to educate the members of our community about the importance of Stewardship, as well as to invite them to participate in the mission of the parish through the sharing of gifts of time, talent, and treasure. The committee oversees Stewardship Renewal, which usually happens in the Fall. The committee is open to new members at any time.

WORSHIP COMMITTEE meets regularly to plan and implement all liturgical activities and programs. This committee is open to new members at any time.

PARISH ORGANIZATIONS

BENNY BACKBREAKERS provides voluntary labor tor various maintenance and repair projects concerning the parish and school properties. Notices ot projects are made in the bulletin. New volunteers are always welcome.

CHURCH DUSTERS - Several teams of workers meet on a rotating basis to assist in light dusting of windowsills, baseboards and furniture. New volunteers are always welcome. Please contact the Rectory to lend your assistance.

GARDEN COMMITTEE is responsible tor the maintenance of tlowers and shrubs around the Church and Rectory. The work involves planting,weeding, trimming, and mulching. New volunteers are always welcome.

HOLY NAME SOCIETY is a men's organizationof the parish. In addition to its dedication to the spiritual goals ot the Society, it is very active in support of parish activities. The members support the parish financially through a monthly raffle. Proceeds are used for maintenance and improvement of parish facilities. In addition, the Society is very supportive ot the annual summer festival. The Society al so provides scholarships to children of St. Benedict's parishioners who excel academically and attend Catholic high schools. The Society meets on the first Monday of every month, in the Kozy Korner at 8:00 p.m. The meeting is followed by socializing, and refreshments are served.

ST. VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY began in the parish in 1927. The members provide assistance to to the poor and needy of our area. Each year at ­the Thanksgiving Day Mass, they collect food to re-stock their food pantry. Members of the society make home visits to find out how they can be of assistance to those in need. Monetary offerings are collected by means of the boxes at the doors of the church and through a monthly envelope in your packet of envelopes.

TELEPHONE VOLUNTEERS make reminder or information calls for various parish activities.

PARISH OUTREACH

BEREAVEMENT COMMITTEE assists parishion­ers in preparing for the funeral liturgy of a loved one, and post-funeral reception if desired. If you are interested in assisting with this work, please contact the Rectory.

COMMUNION TO THE SICK and HOMEBOUND is provided by volunteers who bring Holy Communion to those unable to attend Sunday Mass. Volunteers are always welcome. Training is provided. Please contact the Rectory.

DESSERTS FOR THE PARISH KITCHEN ­Bakers prepare desserts for Covington's Parish Kitchen on the first weekend of the month. Bring your desserts to Mass with you and leave them in the vestibule. They will be delivered to the Parish Kitchen after Mass. Keep an eye on the bulletin tor reminders.

TRANSPORTA TION TO MASS is required tor some of our parishioners. Volunteers are needed who will commit themselves to picking up and taking home a parishioner who is unable to get to Mass by themselves. Volunteers are always welcome. It you need a ride, please contact the Rectory.

EDUCATION & FORMATION OPPORTUNITIES

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA) is the customary way to bring new members into the Catholic Faith. Those persons expressing interest in becoming Catholic meet in a group setting, beginning in the Fall. For information please contact the Rectory.