If you have questions or are interested in one of these important ministries please contact the parish office at 810-639-7600 for more information.

Catechist:
A catechist is one who has volunteered to teach faith-based lessons to a group of children in our parish. Catechists are provided with the materials and training necessary to teach a class.  A Catechist would need to allow approximately 1 hour a week for preparing lessons,   90 minutes of class time and commit to teach from October thru May.
According to the guidelines from the Diocese of Lansing, each volunteer must have a background check and livescan fingerprinting.  They must also take what is called Virtus, which is a program geared toward protecting God’s children.

Although there are several wonderful classes that a catechist can take to deepen their faith-knowledge and strengthen him/her as a teacher, only five of them are necessary at the beginning.  Most often, the DRE can schedule a weekend session that covers all of the five classes in one day.  There is always the option of taking them one at a time if one doesn’t have a full day to commit.  The DRE will share class dates with the catechists as they are sent from Lansing.  These classes are not a prerequisite to begin teaching—just training we would like to see happen during the first year.

The Role of the Aide
An aide is the person who, once a week, comes and helps a specific catechist.  They can assist with behavior management, materials, and special projects or crafts.  An aide may substitute for their catechist when he/she is unable to come to class.

An aide must have a background check and take the Virtus training, as described above.

Knights of Columbus:
Time is one of the most valuable commodities we have in life.  The amount of leisure and free time for the average person has decreased in recent years.  Many outside influences are vying for the precious time that we have.

If you believe in the importance of investing your time in friendship, the church and helping others, then the Knights of Columbus is for you.

We would welcome your interest in joining the Knights of Columbus.  For more information please contact: Patrick Bisson Jr. -Grand Knight at 810-639-7600 or Ed Smeader -Membership Director at 810-639-2609.

Finance/Administration

Pastoral Council:
The Pastoral Council of Good Shepherd Church shares with the Pastor, Fr. Brian Lenz, the responsibilities of furthering the Kingdom of God and accepts the challenge of interpreting and carrying out the vision of the parish community. The leadership style is one of collaboration, acknowledging the Spirit’s presence in each of its members.

Once a year, the Pastoral Council sets aside time to re-examine the parish goals and determine which new goals will have priority in the year that follows. Time is devoted to prayer and reflection to enlist God’s blessing on all of these parish undertakings.

Membership in the Pastoral Council consists of the Pastor – Fr. Brian Lenz, a representative from each of the commissions and organizations, and three persons from the community at large.

Pastoral Council Member at Large:
This is a 3 year commitment.  The main responsibility of the member-at-large is to help set the direction for the future life of the parish and to bring to the council concerns and suggestions of parishioners.

We encourage you to prayerfully consider if God is calling you to this ministry of leadership.

Christian Service

-Ministry of Compassion  – (prayer blanket/prayer shawl ministry)
The Ministry of Compassion is a part of Christian Service, and was created to help bring God’s love and compassion to those who are suffering serious illness or infirmity in our parish and community by providing prayer blankets and prayer shawls.

What It’s About:
The ministry involves the making of prayer shawls or lap blankets, which are then given to those suffering serious illness or infirmity.  Each volunteer commits to pray for the recipient while constructing their shawl or blanket; so it will be interwoven with their prayers to help bring comfort and healing.

Shawl Size:  30” wide x 60” long  (approximate)
Lap Blanket Size:  45” wide x 60” long (approximate)

Item can be crochet, knit, made out of fleece, sewed or quilted.   (Try to use machine washable materials for easy care.)

We would gladly welcome any new members to join us in serving God in this important ministry. For further information e-mail the Ministry of Compassion.

Bread and Grace Ministry
“He was recognized by them in the breaking of the bread.” Luke 24: 35

This ministry of volunteers shares their hospitality by providing dinner for  those who are recovering from surgery or serious illness.  Dinner is prepared by dedicated caring individuals and delivered to your home.   If you are in need of our services contact Gloria Davis at 810-241-8905, Sherry Stroup at 810-348-5831 or the parish office at 810-639-7600.

*Please specify any food allergies you or your family may have.