Ministries
St. Nicholas offers a variety of ministerial opportunites to its parishoners who realize that participation in such programs not only strengthens our community but also strengthens their faith.
Youth Group
The St. Nicholas Youth Group is a group of high school aged students who are socially active with each other while being committed to an increasing awareness of the Catholic faith, doing good for the benefit of others and acting as good role models for the younger children of the church and community. Any high school student grade 9-12 is welcome to join.
We have monthly gatherings that include a meal, devotion, fun activity and planning for upcoming events. We do a variety of activities throughout the year which involve service, faith formation, fundraising, socializing and fellowship. Some examples of activities include raking leaves for the elderly, ham and egg breakfasts, camping, movie nights, NET/Lifeline evenings, cabin beach parties, First Friday Adoration and holiday parties.
For More information Call the Church office at (952) 461-2403 or Tim and Molly Havlicek at 952-461-2933
topVacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School (VBS) provides children with an opportunity to grow in their faith and knowledge of God during the summer break through fun, interactive “hands-on” learning.
Children who are four years old by the beginning of VBS or who will be entering grades K-6 the following fall are invited to enjoy VBS.
Process of Enrolling
Enrollment occurs during April and will be announced in the bulletin and in posters around the church; children who have participated in VBS in the past will receive a postcard invitation in the mail. Everyone is welcome to register during the specified weekend or to mail in the registration form during April to the office, Attn: VBS, St. Nicholas Church, PO Box 9, 51 Church St., New Market, MN 55054. Registration is done on a first-come, first-served basis, so late registrations may not be possible.
Time and Date
VBS is held the middle of June during the morning hours
Structure
VBS typically begins with an all-group opening. Then children rotate through different centers such as bible story, craft, music, snack and other options that change on a yearly basis, such as skit/video, games, saints, etc. Each day ends with an all-group closing. Each year a different theme is selected by the director.
For more information, contact: Parish Office at 952-461-2403
topPrayer Line
The Prayer Line was set up to help pray for the specific concerns and special intentions of individuals from our parish family.
All parishioners who believe in the Power of Prayer are invited to join.
When a member of the prayer chain contacts you listen to whatever the intention is and pray for that specific intention.
For More Information Contact: Helene Friedges at 952-461-2437 or Mary Zweber at 952-461-2366
topParish Picnic
Our yearly parish picnic began in 2003 as a means to help build our parish community with a fun event for all ages. The picnic is at Wagner Park in New Market on the second Sunday after Labor Day following the 10:00am mass (approx. start time is 11:00am). Hot Dogs, beef, buns and beverages are provided. Each family is asked to provide a side dish or dessert to share with everyone. This is a fun time with a great playground and ball fields for the kids. Fun for everyone!
topPro-Life Committee
The Pro-Life Committee exists to promote the sanctity of life from conception to natural death, to build up and defend the Culture of Life, and to assist others who are helping those in crisis make to decisions that affirms God's gift of life. The Pro-Life Committee meets at least quarterly, usually between the Sunday morning Masses.
Among its activities, the Pro-Life Committee: distributes flowers on Mother's Day weekend, plans a mass and prayer vigil on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, sells concessions at Trader's Market on Labor Day weekend, supports other organizations that work with people in crisis, distributes literature to educate parishioners on life issues, and supports youth education.
To join Contact the Parish Office at 952-461-2403.
topParish Council
The St. Nicholas Parish Council is a representative body that serves as an advisory board to the Pastor on major parish projects and needs. The council works to see that parish goals, projects and activities are on track for completion.
Council elections are held in June of each year and ballots are distributed for voting to each adult member of the parish. Each concil member serves a two year term of office, which can be followed by second two year term if reelected. Every May of the council calls for interested parishioners to submit their name to the parish office or to a current member of the council to be on the election ballot.
Meetings are typically held the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m.
topLiturgical Ministries (Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Ushers)
Liturgical ministers participate more fully in the Mass by proclaiming the first and second readings and the intercessory prayers, by serving as extraordinary Eucharistic ministers at Mass and by serving as ushers. Explanatory materials and training will be provided prior to beginning any of these ministries.
Requirements for being a minister:- Lectors and Eucharistic ministers should be fully initiated (confirmed) Catholics.
- Lectors must possess some comfort in reading in front of a congregation, and must be able to read clearly and meaningfully.
- Eucharistic ministers must manifest a deep reverence for the Most Holy Eucharist.
- Ushers must be friendly and welcoming as they assist persons arriving for Mass.
- Ushers, Lectors and Eucharistic Ministers must be reliable in attending the liturgy for which they are scheduled.
To learn more, contact the parish office, 461-2403.
topKnights of Columbus
The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic men's fraternal organization that allows a Catholic man to reach his highest potential by living the Sacramental Life and by using his God given gifts and talents for the glory of God while providing security for his family. All practicing Catholic men 18 years and older are invited to become members of our organization.
Accomplishments
The St. Nicholas Knights of Columbus Council have constructed two pro-life houses to date. The first house raised over $100,000 for the pro-life cause. The second home was built to benefit the family of Al Wagner. Al is a relative of a few of our council members who became a quadriplegic after having a brain stem stroke while in his thirties. We sponsor many Eucharistic Adoration devotions, primarily first Fridays of the month as a regular 24-hour devotion with volunteers signed up for each specific hour. We are devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary and pray her Rosary regularly. Through a benefit pancake breakfast we raised over $5,000 for a local family in need and also offered a matching grant to that family. At another fundraiser for the pro-life cause, we raffled off two new F150 Ford Pickups. The council participates in the "Tootsie Roll" fundraiser for the mentally handicapped. We locally raised over $1,200 in the "Tootsie Roll" Program that raised over $350,000 in Minnesota for the cause this year. We have donated Bibles to the CCD program. We held a sporting clay tournament at the Horse and Hunt Club as a fund raiser for our Holy Cross School.
How to join/Contact: Call Pat Theisen (952) 461-2599 or Mike Moeller (952) 461-4552
topChristian Mothers & Ladies Guild (CMLG)
The purpose of the CMLG is to offer corporal works of mercy under our patron saint "Mother of Sorrows," to promote the Christian education of our children, to aid and maintain certain projects of benefit for our parish, and to help the pastor fulfill his duties as he is our spiritual director.
Members
All women of St. Nicholas parish become members of the Christian Mother's and Ladies Guild (CMLG) at age 18. The officers of the CMLG consist of a president, a secretary and a treasurer. Officers serve for 3 years, starting with treasurer, then moving up to secretary and, finally, president. We are affiliated with the St. Paul and Minneapolis Archdiocesan of Catholic Women (ACCW) and the National Council of Catholic Women (NCCW).
Costs
There are no dues involved. We simply appreciate your generosity and help with various projects.
Examples of projects
Donating and serving of food for all funerals of the parish, sponsoring fundraisers such as Country Store in June, Mission Event in October and occasional Donut Sundays. We provide weekly and semi-annual cleaning of the church. There are also fun events such as Valentine Bingo, Turkey Bingo and a Christ Child/Christmas Party.
Altar Servers
Alter servers assist the pastor (or visiting priests, bishops, deacons, etc.) at weekend Masses by serving at the altar, by helping in preparing the sanctuary/altar for the celebration of the Mass and by assisting at special masses (e.g., weddings, funerals, etc.) when needed.
The pastor will work with any boy interested in becoming an altar server to orientate him to his duties and to the sacristy.
The ministry of altar server is open to any boy, fourth grade through high school age. Altar servers must be reliable in attending the liturgies for which they are scheduled.
Contact the Parish Office if interested in serving.
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