The Education Commission acts as a coordinating body working through its five educational subcommittees. Through them, the Commission ensures that the faith formation and educational needs of all groups in the parish are met: The subcommittees are: School Committee, Children’s Religious Education Program, Youth Ministry, Adult Faith Formation, Athletic Boosters.

Duties and Functions of the Education Commission

• Receives goals and objectives established by parish administrators.
• Establishes goals and objectives for itself.
• Assists in the assessment of the parish’s needs and values regarding educational and on-going faith formation endeavors.
• Formulates and recommends educational policies, when necessary.
• Engages in an ongoing evaluation of educational policies and makes revisions as necessary.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of parish educational programs.

Information
Meetings are open to all members of the parish. Parishioners are encouraged to contact the appropriate subcommittee in order to ensure item placement on the agenda.

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St. Veronica School
Purpose
St. Veronica School exists as part of the mission of the parish to help parents pass on to their children the Catholic way of life. We strongly believe in the total development of the child - spiritually, academically, physically, and socially. St. Veronica School is committed to providing children with a caring, loving, environment where they will grow in faith and in knowledge. We acknowledge with grateful appreciation the contributions of our parishioners for without their total support and constant prayers, our school would not be possible.

Information
St Veronica School has experienced great growth over the past several years and today we are "home" to close to 450 students. Our school can boast of superb academic programs, outstanding professional teachers, and a Christian disciplined atmosphere where all children have the opportunity to excel. The school family centers on our love for Christ and therefore our love for each other. We are dedicated to excellence and to sharing our gift of faith with all in our school family.

Our experienced staff includes twenty one lay teachers and 2 Franciscan Sisters. We have the benefit of additional personnel including a full-time music teacher, PE teacher, Art teacher, Computer teacher, remedial reading teacher, remedial math teacher, speech pathologist, school psychologist, school nurse, textbook clerk, and classroom assistants.

St. Veronica School has placed strong emphasis on providing quality, educational opportunities for all students. We have a fully operational science lab for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students. The media center affords 30 Compaq computer stations to the students and staff which have access to the Internet and internal e-mail. There are additional computers in each classroom. The entire school and parish are wired for Internet connectivity since we see technology as a useful tool for all.  Please visit our school website at www.stveronica.org/school

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Youth Religious Formation

Purpose
The purpose of REP is to support and enhance the religious formation that is taking place in families.  Two options are available: (1) the young children ages three through five, are instructed during the 9:30 Mass on Sunday mornings and /or (2) children in the public school, are provided the religious formation for grades one through eight, including sacramental preparation and application on Tuesday evenings.

• Preschool REP – (Sunday mornings) – On Sunday mornings, the younger children are introduced to God who loves each of them personally, who has given them many gifts, who has made the world around them, and wants them to love Him in return, for Himself, through themselves, their families, their friends, and companions.  They are taught a sense of community, of gratitude and of reaching out to others.

• Tuesday Evening – On Tuesday evenings, the children have more formal instructions, which includes doctrinal, sacramental, moral, and prayer formation, according to grade level and development.   In this “all around formation” is included the duties and privileges of what it means to be a Catholic Christian in today’s world, to foster a relationship with God as Trinity, to have a sense of being “missionary”, and to enhance self-esteem in one’s daily living.

Our REP programs rest upon generous volunteer persons who willingly dedicate their time, and interest to grow in their own faith, by sharing it with the children and youth of our parish.

Information

Preschool/Kindergarten  Sept. – late April  Sundays during 9:30 Mass Grades 1-8 & Sacramental Prep  Sept. – late April  Tues.  7:00 - 8:15 p.m.
Registration    April/May/Summer, as needed for upcoming REP year

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St. Veronica PTO

Purpose
St. Veronica PTO is a parish organization for parents and teachers committed to the welfare of our parish youth. PTO assists and supports the school in its goal of total development of each child - spiritually, physically, academically and socially.

Information
Officers of the PTO are elected annually by ballot. These positions consist of President, Vice President, Recording Secretary, Public Relations Secretary and Treasurer. PTO welcomes and encourages all parents and teachers to join. Anyone interested in the PTO and willing to uphold its policies and bylaws may become a member upon payment of nominal dues. Monthly meetings are held to discuss goals and activities.

Fund raisers are conducted throughout the school year. The funds generated provide many "extras" for the children including new library materials, the COSI science program and scholarships for 8th grade students. Funds have also contributed to the development of the "hands-on" Science Lab and media center.

PTO sponsors the Everybody Counts program which teaches students in grades K-8 what it is like to live with a physical or mental disability. This program emphasizes the Christian belief that everyone is unique and special including individuals with a physical or mental disability.

PTO hosts receptions for many school sponsored events as well as for the families of those receiving the sacraments of Reconciliation and Confirmation. At the end of each school year, PTO sponsors a Spirit Day of fun and games with all students and teachers participating.

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St. Veronica Athletic Boosters

Purpose
The mission of St. Veronica Athletic Boosters Club is to support St. Veronica Parish in its broader mission of pastoral care for the family. As part of the Education Commission, the St. Veronica Athletic Boosters Club seeks to contribute to the St. Veronica Parish Community through the support of youth athletic activities.

Information
St. Veronica recognizes that the physical education of our parishioners plays an important part in their overall education, development and quality of life. Through athletics, parishioners are afforded the opportunity to develop physically, emotionally, morally, and socially. Effective management and support of athletic activities is the goal of the Boosters; in a manner that will assist our parishioners with their development of strong Christian values in athletic activities. The Boosters Club extends the pastoral care of the parish to all parishioners and collaborates with neighboring parishes in athletic education.

The Boosters promote Christian values and athletic activities for all parishioners through the following:

• Organizes leagues and teams for sports and athletic activities for all parishioners and provides experienced adult guidance that assists in the development of ones God given abilities and talents.
• Purchases, holds, and maintains athletic equipment on behalf and for the benefit of St. Veronica Parish.
• Plans and promotes social activities to raise money for the support of athletic programs.
• Continually reassesses the needs of St. Veronica Parish as they relate to Boosters’ purpose.

Regular meetings are held on the third Monday of the month (except June) or as directed by the board of trustees. Adult volunteers are always welcome for booster events and participation as a board member, coach, assistant or numerous other roles.

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Purpose
The Finance Commission, as its primary function, advises both the Pastor and the Parish Council regarding the financial implications of their respective policy decisions. Secondly, it prepares budgets in accord with the policy and priority decisions of the Pastor and the parish. Thirdly, it examines, annually, the parish financial records and reports the financial status of the parish (which includes the school), to the parishioners. Additionally, the commission offers financial guidance for capital projects, from small scale repairs/improvements to major building or expansions.

Information
The Finance Commission is made up of professional men and women of the parish, including accountants, engineers, and other business professionals, who have experience and knowledge of accounting, finance and capital improvements.

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Bingo

Purpose
To provide an additional source of funds for St. Veronica Parish and to provide a night of entertainment for our Bingo players.

Information
Since 1993, we have been able to raise $1,690,000 for the Parish. We have also been able to establish a reputation for having one of the best bingo games in this area. We have a core group of volunteers and weekly crew chiefs. New volunteers are always welcome.

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Festival

Purpose
To provide an additional source of funds for St. Veronica parish and to provide a weekend of entertainment for the community of Mt. Carmel.

Information
St. Veronica Annual Summer Festival is held the last weekend in June. Recently we have placed a renewed emphasis on family oriented games and rides for children. We have purchased our own booths and tops. The St. Veronica Festival has raised over $775,000 between 1993-2004.

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St. Vincent de Paul Society

Purpose
St. Vincent de Paul Society is a lay organization of volunteers who answer the calls for assistance that are received by our Parish Office.

Information
Clients are given assistance with food, rent, utility bills, clothing, and other basic needs. The clients are interviewed by our members to determine their needs. The work of St. Vincent de Paul Society is sustained by the generosity of our parish through our food drives and our fifth Sunday collection.

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Worship Committee

Purpose
To provide St. Veronica Parish Community with the best possible environment for worship.

Information
The Worship Committee members include the Pastor, Music Director, and representatives for the following Liturgical Ministries: Bereavement, Church Environment, Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, Music Ministry, Servers, Ushers, Greeters and anyone interested in attending.

The Worship Committee meets six times a year: prior to Advent, Christmas, Lent, & Easter.

The goal of the Worship Committee is to organize & prepare special liturgies.

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Art & Environment

Purpose
To provide St. Veronica Parish with art and environmental decorations implementing flowers, plants, and backdrops for the church that radiates warmth and beauty during the different seasons throughout the year.

Information
With careful planning and detailed placements, the appropriate decorations intend to heighten the awareness of the community with sights that create meaningful and lasting impressions. These rich and abundant graces become unique to each of the seasons, and are provided by volunteers from the members of the parish.

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Bereavement Ministry

Purpose
The Bereavement Ministry responds on behalf of our community to help the family when a death occurs.

Information
Following notification of a death in the Parish from the Pastor, our liturgy planners contact the family to express the sympathy of the Parish community and offer our services in planning the funeral liturgy. We assist the family in the selection of appropriate readings, music and in the participation of the family and friends in the Mass of Christian Burial. Then Mass not only becomes a real celebration of the deceased person’s life, but becomes a "Community Celebration." These choices give the family an opportunity to do something positive at a time when they may be feeling very helpless.

Another outreach is food preparation provided by many caring volunteers of our community. A meat tray is provided and the volunteers prepare homemade dishes that are set up at the home for the family after cemetery services.

A follow-up call is another important area of our ministry. The amount of time or involvement depends entirely upon each family’s needs.

A special Mass is celebrated on All Souls Day, for all those who have died. A candle is lit for each person who has died in the parish over the past year. This candle is given to a family member to take home after Mass.

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Eucharistic Ministers

Purpose
Eucharistic Ministers assist with the distribution of Holy Communion during Mass, to the sick or during a Communion Service.

Information
Eucharistic Ministers witness in a special way to the Lord’s presence in our midst. The minister’s attentiveness, personal presence, eye contact, way of speaking the words "The Body of Christ" or "The Blood of Christ", and reverence to the elements all serve as vehicles of the presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

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Lectors

Purpose
The ministry of Lectors is a call to persons who love the Scriptures and have the competency to effectively proclaim God’s work.

Information
The ministry of Lector is one of great service. Lectors assume the responsibility of clearly proclaiming the word of God in the Scripture readings assigned to them

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Music Ministry

Purpose
Throughout the history of Roman Catholic worship, music has been of great importance. As stated in Music in Catholic Worship, "Music should assist the assembled believers to express and share the gift of faith that is within them and to nourish and strengthen their interior commitment of faith."

Information
There are four groups of music ministers currently active at St. Veronica. These groups are made up of volunteers who give of their time and talents to enhance the faith life of the parish. Anyone who enjoys singing is welcome.

The Sunday Adult Choir provides music for the 9:30 a.m. Sunday liturgy and major feasts of the year. Rehearsals are in church on Thursday evenings at 7:30 p.m. The choir is in session throughout the regular school year. The styles of music used by the choir are both traditional and contemporary.

The parish "Contemporary Ensemble" is made up of singers and instrumentalists who assist at the 4:00 p.m. Saturday liturgy and other major feasts. The style of music is predominately contemporary with guitar and piano.

The parish "Youth Ensemble" brings together singers and instrumentalists of the parish, teen through adult, who provide liturgical music for the 11:30 a.m. Sunday liturgy throughout the year. The style of music used is predominately contemporary. Rehearsals take place on Sunday mornings (conveniently before Mass) at 9:45 a.m. in the school music room.

The School Music Group provides music at school liturgies.   The group is made up of primarily faculty and staff members.

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Ministry of Servers

Purpose
Servers assist the priest before, during and after the Mass and other religious ceremonies.

Information
Servers, adult and youth, prepare the sanctuary for Mass, assist in the preparation of gifts during Mass, and ensure the sanctuary is in order at the end of Mass. Young people, beginning with fifth graders, as well as adults are invited and encouraged to participate in this rewarding ministry.

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Ministry of Ushers

Purpose
Ushers render some important services before, during and after Masses including special masses, 1st Communion, Confirmation, Easter & Christmas.

Information
As people gather for the celebration of Mass, ushers are there to welcome them. When the church becomes crowded, the ushers help people to find a seat. The ushers take care of distributing the collection baskets. If someone becomes ill and needs help, the ushers give the necessary assistance. Another service rendered by the ushers is directing people to and from receiving Holy Communion. As members of the congregation leave at the close of Mass, ushers distribute the weekly bulletin.

The Ushers group is frequently in need of more help. Please consider helping with this important ministry.

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Baptism Ministry

Purpose
To work with the Pastor/Deacon in assisting parents preparing to present their infants for Baptism.

Information
Inform parents about the actual sacramental celebration. Re-enforce the parental role of spiritual director of their children. Workshops are held six times a year.

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Bible Study

Purpose
These groups meet to study, discuss, and explore the riches and depth of God’s Word in the Bible. Application is made to one’s own life experience.

Information
Bible Study consists of two seven-week study modules. One session is offered in the fall and one in the winter/early spring. Multiple small group sections, each discussing the same book, are available on several different days and times. Generally, one Old Testament (Hebrew Scripture) book and one New Testament (Christian Scripture) book are offered during each academic calendar year.

In person Sign-up for these sessions is available in early September and again in January in the Church narthex.

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Catholic Mens Fellowship

Purpose
We are committed men, principally Catholic, who recognize our need for God’s help. We gather in Christ’s presence in an atmosphere of trust, equality and anonymity to share personal feelings and experiences. We unconditionally accept one another and prayerfully support one another.

Information
Our meeting purpose is to help men establish and nurture a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. To share personal feelings and experiences with other men in an atmosphere of trust and confidence. To create an atmosphere in which men will freely acknowledge their dependence on God in life’s successes and failures. To facilitate the discovery and development of the spiritual life. To encourage men to construct a more intimate relationship with family and friends.

Meetings are held on the 2nd & 4th Saturdays of the month at 8 a.m..

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Eucharistic Adoration

Purpose
The Catholic Church has always professed the real presence of Jesus in the consecrated Host - body and blood, soul and divinity. Eucharistic Adoration is held in the parish chapel on the first Wednesday of every month starting at 1:00 p.m. and ending with Benediction at 7 p.m.

Information
All parishioners are invited to participate in Eucharistic adoration during the day and times listed above. One may come at any time during Adoration hours and stay as long or briefly as your schedule permits. Regular participants are encouraged to sign-up - name and phone number - so you can receive a reminder call each month, although there is never an obligation to attend. Come and pray in the presence of our Lord.

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Marriage Ministry

Purpose
To work with the Pastor/Deacon in the marriage preparation of couples seeking to enter into marriage.

Information
Couples are trained through the Family Life Office of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati to assist engaged couples in discussing their values and communication skills.

Wedding coordinator couples direct the rehearsal and assist the bride and groom at the wedding.

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Ministry of Prayer

Purpose
The Ministry of Prayer is a telephone chain for confidential prayer request.

Information
Calls are made to the ministry of prayer. Notification of request is then forwarded to other members on the prayer chain.

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Ministry to the Sick

Purpose
The purpose of the New Rites for the Pastoral Care of the Sick is to help the suffering and infirm to be united with Christ in their time of trial and so bear witness to Him, even in their illness. We also see more clearly the way in which the sick are very much a part of our Christian communities and therefore, the need to help them see this too, and to realize their value in the eyes of their brothers and sisters in Christ.

Information
"As Veronica ministered to Christ on his way to Calvary, so Christians have accepted the care of those in pain and sorrow as privileged opportunities to minister to Christ himself. I commend and bless all those who work for the sick in hospitals, residential homes and centers of care for the dying. Remember, it is Christ to whom you minister in the sufferings of your brothers and sisters." Pope John Paul II

Called to ministry through Baptism, Ministers to the Sick take Sunday Communion to members of our parish who are homebound or confined to a care facility. Please call the parish rectory if you or someone you know would like to receive Communion.

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Respect Life Committee

Purpose
To live, defend, and spread God’s teaching about the goodness of creation and the sacredness of life. To promote pro-life values in society. To give a voice to the unborn. To communicate God’s compassion and forgiveness to post-abortive women. To foster dignity and regard for the life of the elderly, sick and physically and mentally handicapped.

Information
The Respect Life Committee meets on the third Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m It serves as a coordinating committee through which some respect life issues and activities of the parish are integrated and addressed.

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RCIA

Purpose
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process by which men and women enter the way of faith and are welcomed and initiated into membership in the Catholic Church. By joining with the parish at Sunday liturgy and through catechetical sessions, adult men and women are invited to discern the call of Christ in their lives and to know and be welcomed into the sacramental life of the church.

Information The RCIA team members serve as catechists, facilitators and coordinators.  The entire parish community lends its support through prayer, hospitality and witness.  Parishioners also volunteer to serve as sponsors for candidates in the RCIA process.

The following is a brief summary of the RCIA process.    This process is always an individual one, designed to reflect the person’s own faith journey. 

Steps involved in RCIA

• Initial inquiry. (Pre-catechumentate period):  Informal sessions which provide an opportunity for those interested to ask questions about the church and to begin considering the Catholic faith.   Inquires are received at various times of the year.
• Catechumentate Period This stage begins the formal presentation of the Catholic faith. This step is marked by the presentation of the candidates/catechumens to the parish, and the promise of prayerful parish support for them on their spiritual journey.
• Enlightenment  During the Lenten Season a more profound emphasis on prayer, spiritual life and the Sacraments is shared in final preparation for baptism and full membership in the Church.
• Easter Vigil Mass The celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation by the catechumens - Baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist - and admission of the candidates into full-communion with the Catholic Church.
• Period of Mystagogia  The period of continued support and catechesis of the newly initiated members from the parish community.

Parishioners are invited to become involved in this important ministry of evangelization as active witnesses in the assembly on Sundays and, directly, through active involvement as sponsors for candidates, baby-sitting during meetings, providing hospitality and, especially through prayer.

Those interested in receiving information about Inquiry Sessions and/or becoming a catechumen/candidate should also call the number below.

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Youth Ministry

Purpose
St. Veronica Youth Ministry is working to include the youth of the parish into full participation in the faith community. Through a variety of formats and activities, the parish seeks to empower young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ and to foster the total personal and spiritual growth of each person. Youth Ministry is the parishes effort to minister to, with, by and for youth. In the spirit of the gospel, the parish welcomes all Jr. and Sr. High youth.

Information
Ministry with Jr. High youth is for current 7th and 8th graders. Programs include, but are not limited to:  social activities, service projects, assistance with and participation in the Confirmation Retreat, as well as other special events.

Ministry with Sr. High youth is for current 9th - 12th graders. Programs include, but are not limited to: weekly meetings, service projects, retreats, leadership development, social activities and special events. Weekly meetings are Monday evenings, and involve a variety of activities including discussion, games, catechesis, music, food and prayer. Sacramental preparation is available as needed.

Adult leaders, mentors and chaperones assist with the planning and implementation of all Youth Ministry programs and activities. Adults play a crucial role in the total personal and spiritual growth of the young people. Adults who are interested in helping should contact the Office of Youth Ministry.

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Social Enrichment