ADULT FAITH FORMATION

WHAT IS ADULT FAITH FORMATION?

Adult Faith Formation is a vehicle by which people consciously grow in the life of Christ through experience, reflection, prayer and study which culminates in participating in the sacramental life of the Church.

WHAT ARE THE GOALS OF ADULT FAITH FORMATION?
1. Invite and Enable Ongoing Conversion to Jesus in Holiness and Life. It means putting on the mind of Christ, trusting in the Father's love, obeying God's will, seeking holiness in life, and growing in love for others.

2. Promote and Support Active Membership in the Christian Community. As adult believers we learn and live our faith as active members of the Church community which itself is a sign of transformation and a visible sacrament of salvation.

3. Call and Prepare Adults to Act as Disciples in Mission to the World. Adult faith formation seeks to help each adult believer become more willing and able to be a Christian disciple in the world.

Our committee develops on-going cathetical programs to help Catholic adults grow in both faith and knowledge about the Church. For more information, please contact: 255-1175.

PERPETUAL ADORATION AT ST. AUGUSTIN

On Easter Monday, 1994, St. Augustin became to first church in the Des Moines Diocese to institute Perpetual Adoration of the Eucharistic Lord. Over 350 parishioners and friends of St. Augustin parish signed up to assure 24 hour a day attendance, so that others would be able to drop in for periods of personal adoration.

Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration is the permanent exposition of the Blessed Sacrament where the Church or Chapel is always open in a constant vigil of prayer, seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day offering prayers for the needs of the parish.

For more information, please contact Al Reynolds, 277-5445; pop171@juno.com

ALTAR AND ROSARY SOCIETY

We invite you to join the St. Augustin Altar and Rosary Society in prayer, service, and friendship. As our name implies, the main thrust is devotion to the Blessed Mother by daily praying the assigned decade of the Rosary and caring for Altar needs.

For more information please contact Juliet Bliss at 515-277-4993 or email julietb60msn.com

ALTAR SERVERS

Open to youth beginning in the fifth grade. For more information, please contact:
Greg Annexstad, 277-9724, wgadsm@aol.com; or Mike Woody, 279-5452, mwoody@onmediaadsales.com

ART AND ENVIRONMENT

This committee coordinates the liturgical decorating of the sanctuary. For more information, please contact Mindi Dickinson, 279-5142, mindidickinson@mchsi.com

BAPTISMAL PREPARATION

An adult faith formation program for parents who are preparing for their child's baptism. For more information, please contact Deacon Kevin Heim, 274-4321, kdheim@prodigy.net

BOARD OF EDUCATION 2008-2009

Elected by parishioners, this group meets the first Tuesday of every month and oversees the operations and budget of the school.

President: Mindi Dickinson
V. Pres.: Karen Engel
Treasurer: Mark Rice
Secretary: Clark Smith
Members:
Matt Dryer
Brent Strittmatter
Kathy Halliwell
John Beh

Rev. Jim Polich
Dr. Nancy Dowdle

BOY SCOUTS

Tom Dowd, 277-9575; dowdtom06@msn.com

BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS

This committee oversees the physical needs of the church facility. For more information, please contact Bob Beh, 244-6684, rbeh@att.net; or Mindi Dickinson, 279-5142, mindidickinson@mchsi.com

BUS TRANSPORTATION

If you need transportation, the St. Augustin Parish bus can help bring you to and from the Sunday 10 a.m. Mass. For more information, please contact Andy Ball, 255-1175, ext. 215.

CANTORS

Cantors lead the assembly in sung prayer at Mass. For more information, please contact Patti Neal, 255-1175, ext. 209; pattin@staugustin.org

CATHOLIC SCRIPTURE STUDY

Catholic Scripture Study (CSS) is a Catholic-based Scripture program that meets weekly during the school year. For more information, please contact Cindy Kodis, 251-3930; ckodis@ishsi.com or Emily Duong, 255-3402

CHILDREN'S LITURGY OF THE WORD

The 5 p.m. Saturday Mass has a special dismissal rite for young children during the Liturgy of the Word. Leaders/teachers are needed to work with the children during this Mass. For more information and to volunteer for this Ministry, please contact 255-1175, ext. 207.

CHOIR

The choir sings from autumn through the end of the Easter season. For more information, please contact Patti Neal, 255-1175, ext. 209; pattin@staugustin.org

COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE

Designs and edits the parish newsletter, The Messenger, and coordinates parish communications. For more information, please contact Mike Broderick, 255-2161; broderick@lcsnet.com

DINING FOR NINE

Monthly potluck dinner groups, couples and singles, who meet in each others' homes. For more information, please contact Nancy Faber, 255-0449; nvfaber345@msn.com; or Mary Jean Annexstad, 277-9724; sismary@aol.com

DOWLING BOARD OF EDUCATION PARENT REPRESENTATIVE

Sits on the Board of Education at Dowling Catholic High School.

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS (Eucharistic Ministers)

Assist at Mass by being an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist. For more information, please contact Deacon Kevin Heim, 274-4321; kdheim@prodigy.net

FINANCE COUNCIL

A group that oversees the Parish's budget and coordinates parish fundraising initiatives. Meets the 2nd Tuesday of September, December, March and June and is subject to change. For more information, please contact Jim Wallace, head, 277-0363

FOOD PANTRY

A ministry that coordinates the Parish's monthly collection of food for the needy. For more information, please contact Sally Mattern, 224-5922; sejamattern@earthlink.net or Virginia Sourbeer, vascia98@aol.com

FOUNDATION BOARD

A group that oversees the investments of the St. Augustin Foundation. For more information, please contact Mr. Andy Ball, Business-Finance Officer, at the Parish Office 515-255-1175.

GARDENING ANGELS

Maintains the Parish gardens. For more information, please contact Joni Gilchrist, 633-0240; jonigilchrist@earthlink.net or Georgiana Hoerster, 277-9155; georgieongrand@peoplepc.com

HOME AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

A booster association of parents for the support of St. Augustin Catholic School. For more information, please contact Emily Piper, 279-9937; emily80@mchsi.com

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

The Knights of Columbus is a Fraternal Organization sponsored by the parish. The Knights are actively involved in parish projects and support charitable works throughout the parish and local community.

For more information please contact Grand Knight Tony Klapp at 279-9258.

LECTORS

Lectors assist at Mass by being a reader of the Word. For more information, please contact Deacon Kevin Heim, 274-4321; email: kdheim@prodigy.net

LIBRARY COMMITTEE

A group that maintains the library and holds an annual used book sale to generate money for new materials. For more information, please contact Barbara Mosley at 279-1199; or Kathy Foley at 277-9570.

LITURGY COMMITTEE

A ministry focused on the parish's celebration of the Mass. For more information, please call the parish office at 255-1175.

MARRIAGE SPONSOR COUPLES

Part of the Parish's marriage preparation program, married couples are needed to meet with engaged couples and share their experience and faith. For more information, please contact Patricia Neal at 515-255-1175, ext. 209; or Rev. James Polich, Pastor, 515-255-1175.

MOM'S GROUP

A gathering of mothers with young children who meet for socialization for both moms and children. For more information, please contact Kate Mitchell, 279-4490; or Sue Honkamp, 664-9482.

NEWCOMERS

Please contact the Parish Office at 255-1175 to register.

NURSERY

A ministry to help care for children in the playroom during the Sunday, 10 a.m. Mass. For more information, please contact Anne Schumacker, 277-2020; anneschumaker@msn.com

PARISH COUNCIL

The Parish Council meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month, with the exception of July. The Council serves as an advisory board to the pastor.
Members are Joe Kobes, Chair, Sherill Whisenand, Vice Chair, Todd Erzen, Secretary, Milt Ananie, Rob DenHartog, Sandra Mosley,Joe Dullard, Joe Knight, and Bobbie Hutchinson. For more information, please call Joe Kobes, Chair, at 515-279-5302 or contact him at kobesj@mchsi.com.

PASTORAL CARE

Ministers to homebound parishioners. For more information, please contact Rev. James Polich, Pastor, 515-255-1175.

PRAYER CHAIN

The prayer chain relays prayer requests by email to parishioners who have offered to pray for the needs of parishioners. For more information please contact Greg Annexstad at 277-9724; STAUGPRAYER@aol.com

PRO LIFE COMMITTEE

The Pro-Life Committee provides educational formation on Pro-Life issues and the Catholic faith from conception to death.Please contact Mary Beth Beacom at mbbeacom@msnc.om

RCIA

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is an adult faith formation process for those interested in becoming Catholic. For more information, please call Deacon Kevin Heim or Rhonda Heim, 515-274-4321; email: kdheim@prodigy.net

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (RE)

The Religious Education Program exists to ensure that all children/youth of St. Augustin Parish who do not attend the Catholic School are provided:

A. Excellent educational instruction in the Faith.
B. Spiritual development through religious experience.
C. Group opportunities to experience the life of a Christian faith community.
D. Positive adult role models through instructors, Parish Staff, and lay resource people.

By providing this growth in spiritual life, we are committed to preparing our children and youth for Catholic adult life.

CLASS TIMES
Class time for Grades 1-8 is Wednesday evening from 6:45 - 8:00 p.m. in the St. Augustin School. Classes begin in mid-September and end the first Wednesday of May.


Please contact Cassie Sheik, 255-1175, ext. 207; cassies@staugustin.org for more information.

SOCIAL JUSTICE

The mission of the Social Justice Committee is to foster dialogue and to encourage action of its members and the parish community regarding such issues as:

-Human rights and social injustices
-Poverty
-Fair trade
-Stewardship of the earth

The Social Justice Committee meets the second Monday of every month at 7 p.m. in the Parish Hall. For more information, please contact George Mosley at 279-9616 or gmosley2@juno.com.

SOCIAL SUPPER CLUB

This is a social organization that meets on the third Tuesday of each month and provides a potluck dinner with members bringing dishes to compliment the Club provided entree. A social hour begins at 5:30 p.m. prior to dinner and various types of entertainment follow. This club meets September through May in the Parish Hall.

For more information please contact Bob and Mary Ellen Murphy at 279-3253 or the Parish Office at 255-1175

ST. AUGUSTIN CATHOLIC SCHOOL

Dr. Nancy Dowdle, Principal
Phone: (515) 279-5947
Email: ndowdle@dowling.pvt.k12.ia.us

ST. JOSEPH FAMILY SHELTER MEAL

The Parish prepares evening meals every fourth Sunday. For more information, please contact Patty Rios Iseminger, 515-279-7138.

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY

Members extend Christ's love and concern to individuals and families within the parish boundaries who require emergency assistance, food, clothing, fuel, rent, and utility subsidies.

For more information please contact Tom Ludwig at 282-1235

STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE

This committee develops the time, talent, and treasure of our parish. For more information, please contact Theresa Lewis, 288-0765; theresalewis@catholichealth.net

USHERS

Ushers greet, help people to find a seat in the church, and assist with the collection. For more information, please call Frank Acri, 256-1812; or Joanne Beckett, 255-2853.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

A week-long summer program for young children in the Parish. For more information, please contact Margarita Savala at 515-277-5486.

VOCATIONS CHALICE

A special prayer program that encourages parishioners to pray for vocations. For more information, please contact George Mosley, 279-9616.

VOCATIONS COMMITTEE

A ministry that supports the call to the priesthood, the diaconate, and religious life, and also encourages the laity to answer the call to service in the Church. For more information, please contact the Parish Office at 255-1175.

YOUTH MINISTRY

Contact the Parish Office for information, 255-1175.