Parish Ministries

Saint Philip Benizi Catholic Church

The Liturgy Committee meets on a monthly basis to plan our Eucharistic celebrations.  They coordinate Music, Special Ministers of the Eucharist, Lectors, Altar Servers, Ministers of Hospitality, and Sacristans.  New parishioners are invited to share their ideas or bring new ideas from other parishes to members of the Liturgy Committee.  For questions or for more information, please contact Kevin Faulkner, Liturgy Coordinator/ Music Director, through the Parish Office or by e-mail: kfaulkner@stphilipbenizi.org.

Music Ministry	The purpose of the Music Ministry is to lead the congregation in singing. The Cantors are individual song leaders who serve at the 5:00pm Saturday Mass and the 7:30am Sunday Mass. The St. Martin de Porres Jubilee Singers are a choir of men and women with a love of Gospel music.  They sing approximately once a month at various Masses and/or special occasions. The Children's Choir (for children in 2nd grade or above) sings for special holiday Masses, children's liturgies, and other special occasions. The 9:00 Choir is comprised of male and female adult singers.  A willingness to learn, a dedication to attend weekly rehearsals, and a desire to lead the congregation in praising God through music is required. The 10:45 Choir is comprised of male and female adult singers.  Auditions are not required.  All that is needed is a willingness to learn, a dedication to attend weekly rehearsals, and a desire to lead the congregation in praising God through music. The 2 Hispanic Choirs are made of Spanish-speaking members of our community.  Music is played using the guitar and percussion instruments that enhance the Spanish rhythm, giving a feeling of "home away from home".  They bring the Word of God into our hearts through song and sing at the 12:30pm and 7pm Masses on Sunday. The Life Teen Band sings weekly at the 5:00pm Sunday Mass.  The Group is composed of adults and teens who play contemporary Christian music, geared to the teenagers of our parish.
Special Ministers of the Eucharist	Special Ministers of the Eucharist are a group of lay men and women who assist the parish by serving the Body and Blood of Christ in Communion during Mass and/or by carrying the Body of Christ to those unable to attend Mass because of age and disability.  This ministry is composed of fully participating Catholic Christians who have a deep love for the Eucharist and who realize that each member of the worshipping community is to be Eucharist to each other and to the world.  Eucharistic Ministers receive training through the parish and are commissioned by the Archbishop for a three-year term.
Lectors	As Ministers of the Word, Lectors are entrusted with the privilege of proclaiming the Word of God to the members of our parish family at St. Philip Benizi Church.  This is a ministry filled with opportunity to both understand and share God's Word with those gathered for Eucharistic Celebrations, as well as other liturgies.  Devotion and enthusiasm for this ministry are paramount.  Training is provided and required.
Altar Servers	The goal of the Altar Server Ministry is to help create a holy atmosphere during the liturgical celebration by setting the pace for all who take part in the celebration, and to promote the spiritual well-being of God's people as they come together in prayer. This group of highly dedicated parishioners, children as well as adults, has answered the call of God to serve at the Eucharistic table and at various liturgical celebrations. This ministry is open to both male and female parishioners.  The only prerequisite is that the server be able to receive Holy Communion.  The adult servers serve at the weekday Masses, at the 7:30am Mass on Sundays and at Funeral Liturgies.  Servers are trained on an "as needed basis".  For more information, please contact Jackie Holcombe, Altar Server Coordinator, at (770) 477-6944 or e-mail: missjackie19@yahoo.com.
Ministers of Hospitality	The Ministers of Hospitality greet and provide assistance to parishioners and visitors who attend Mass.  These Ministers collect the offertory and invite families to present the gifts of bread and wine for the assembly to the Presider.  The Ministers direct parishioners for the reception of Holy Communion and distribute the weekly bulletins after Mass.  For more information, please contact Ed Perdichizzi through the Parish Office or e-mail: ritap1956@yahoo.com.
Sacristans	The Ministry of Sacristan is essential to the dignified liturgical celebrations of the faith community.  Sacristans render a three-fold service to the worship life of the community: 1.  The preparation of the Sacred Vessels, Sacred Books and Altar Linens for the Mass, 2.  The maintenance of the Sacristy as a clean, organized, peaceful, and dignified       place where the Priests, Deacons and Altar Servers prepare for worship, and 3.  The maintenance of the Sacred Vessels, Sacred Books and Altar Linens. Sacristans must be registered members of the parish and should be Eucharistic Ministers  (preferable, but not essential).  They are assigned to specific daily and/or weekend Masses and Holy Day Masses as needed.  Training is provided.  For more information, please contact Yone Daly in the Parish Office at (770) 478-0178, Ext. 182 or e-mail: sacristan@stphilipbenizi.org.
Children's Liturgy of the Word (CLOW)	Children's Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) is designed to make the Gospel message and the celebration of the Liturgy of the Word relevant to the lives and experiences of young children by including them in the liturgy and creating a sense of belonging. Presently, the 9AM and 10:45AM Sunday Masses (in English) and the 12:30PM Sunday Mass (in Spanish) include CLOW. All primary school children, 5 years to 8 years of age are welcome. For a child who is unsure about attending, we encourage parents, grandparents, or an older sibling to accompany the child until he/she feels comfortable coming alone. Children who participate in CLOW leave the Mass after the Opening Prayer and process to a classroom in the new Education Building. A child from the Mass leads the procession, carrying the Children’s Lectionary. In the classroom, the children participate in the Order of the Mass as in the main assembly; that is, the Penitential Rite, Scripture Readings, singing, a reflection on the readings, an activity relevant to the message of the day, and Prayers of the Faithful. All of the readings, reflections, and prayers are geared toward the younger members of the congregation so that they better understand and appreciate the value of God's Word. The children return to the Mass before the Offertory Procession, in order to participate in the Liturgy of the Eucharist and the remainder of the Mass. Duties of the Volunteers The Leader, who is in charge of the children participating in Children's Liturgy of the Word, reads the Gospel and offers a reflection, at the children’s level of understanding. The Leader places the Children’s Lectionary (whether English or Spanish) in front of the Ambo in the church sanctuary and informs the Deacon who is serving at the Mass whether or not there will be a dismissal of children that Sunday. After CLOW, the Children’s Lectionary is returned to a cabinet in the Gathering Space. The Lector proclaims the First and Second Readings and may act as Leader in the event the assigned Leader is absent. The Aides assist the children if they need to use the restroom and also help in other areas that the children or Leader may need.  There is always a need for volunteers! If any parents or young adults are interested in helping with Children's Liturgy of the Word, please contact Antoinette Odusanya @ (770) 389-4564. The children are the future of our Church. Please join us in helping them learn about their faith and the love that God has for each of them.

Legion of Mary

The Legion of Mary is an organization of Catholic men and women, founded to promote prayer and active participation in the apostolic mission and social services of the Church.  Legionnaires visit nursing homes and shut-ins, taking Communion to those who wish to receive.  Meetings are held weekly and include the Rosary, spiritual readings and reports of their weekly activities.

Eucharistic Adoration

On the First Friday of each month, St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church offers parishioners and others the wonderful opportunity of participating in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament for a 24-hour period.  Each First Friday of the month, the Holy Eucharist is exposed for private adoration and prayer in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel.  Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament takes place after the 8:30am Mass and continues until 7:45am the following morning, ending with a brief service of Benediction.  We invite and encourage all to participate in our 24-hour Adoration.  Please consider committing yourself to a Holy Hour each month.  You may sign up as a regular adorer by contacting Etienne or Vilma Rodriguez through the Parish Office:  (770) 478-0178.

Ministry of Care

As followers of Jesus, the faith community of St. Philip Benizi seeks to carry on His healing ministry.  We extend the loving care of Jesus on many levels, meeting the spiritual and bodily concerns of those in need.

The following are the various areas of our Ministry of Care:  1) Ministry to those dealing with Cancer; 2) Ministry to the Divorced and Separated; 3) Funeral Ministry; 4) Homily Cassette Tape Project; 5) Visitation of the Homebound; 6) Hospital Visitation; 7) Nursing Home Visitation; 8) Outreach to the Bereaved; 9) Pastoral Contact and Outreach.

If you are interested in participating in any of the areas above, or would like a member of the Ministry of Care to visit you or someone you know, you may contact each Chairperson listed above personally, or through the Parish Office.

AIDS Ministry

The AIDS Ministry provides general HIV information for the parish, as well as emotional, spiritual and grief support to those with HIV, their families and friends.  Visitations to those with AIDS who are either hospitalized or homebound are coordinated through the Ministry.  For further information, please contact Chairpersons John Patterson or Carol Gossett.

Catholic Men's Fellowship

The St. Philip Benizi Catholic Men's Fellowship is comprised of Catholic men committed to: 

• Honoring Jesus Christ through worship, prayer and obedience to God's Word revealed in and through Holy Scripture, Sacred Tradition and the Bride of Christ, His Church.
• Supporting the mission of and praying for the Church.
• Honoring and praying for Priests in support of their ministry.
• Pursuing vital relationships with other mutually supportive men.
• Meeting in small groups to foster spiritual growth and accountability among brothers.
• Encouraging men to become involved and active in the Catholic Men's Fellowship ministry.
• Providing and sharing resources as well as sponsoring and coordinating events that contribute to greater spirituality and holiness.
• Practicing spiritual, moral, ethical and sexual purity.
• Building strong marriages and families.
• Giving witness to their faith through the example of their lives in everything they say and do.

Transforming the world one man at a time.

For information on meeting days and times, please contact Deacon Joe Anzalone at
janzalone@bellsouth.net or Brian Robinson at bprobin@comcast.net.

Prayer Group

This group meets on Monday evenings.  It is led by a lay person who presides over the meeting and gives a teaching.  The purpose of the meeting is threefold: to give praise, honor and glory to God in prayer and song; to function in intercessory prayer for the parish, community and the world; and to share the fruits of the Spirit and witness the work of the Lord.  The manifestation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit are sometimes evidenced at Prayer Meetings as prophecy, teaching, words of wisdom, and praying in tongues.  The teachings of the Catholic Church are carefully practiced and taught.

Ultreya

Ultreya is a prayer group which is connected with the Cursillo renewal movement.  Meeting on the 4th Saturday of the month after the 5pm Mass, they support each other through shared prayer, study and action.

Cursillo

Cursillo is a three-day encounter with other Catholics learning about the ideals of Christian living.  The weekend explores the importance of prayer, the study of the Christian ideal, and apostolic action.  You may apply for a Cursillo weekend through a sponsor.  A sponsor is someone who has completed a Cursillo and continues to be active in the movement.

Marriage Encounter/WEDS Group

The Marriage Encounter Weekend is a time for a couple to rediscover each other and to focus on their relationship. The weekend teaches couples a technique of communication which frees them to focus on each other. After the weekend, many loving couples are there to support and share your desire for a better marriage. The goal of this group is to recruit couples for Marriage Encounter Weekends. Each couple in the group feels that they have gained so much from this experience that they want to encourage others to share in this gift. This group is also a support to each couple who participated in an Encounter Weekend. Meetings are held monthly in members' homes. Marriage Encounters and the WEDS Group meetings are conducted in English and Spanish.

Sponsor Couple

The Sponsor Couple Program is coordinated by trained married couples from this parish and is offered to engaged couples as a preparation for the Sacrament of Matrimony. It consists of five sessions and is held in the sponsor couple's home. Through the sponsor couple's sharing, they can help the engaged couple achieve a deeper level of communication before they get married. The goal is to help the engaged couple realize the responsibilities and commitment they are called to when they become a Sacrament and choose God to be a part of their marriage.

Spirit and Truth

St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church sponsors a Spirit and Truth program on the south side of Atlanta.  It's an opportunity for young adults (ages 18-35) to experience Christ and share their faith in a lively, interactive and prayer-filled environment.  Come and enjoy meditative talks, praise and worship music, fellowship, and adoration of Christ Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament!  Spirit and Truth meets every Thursday evening at 7:30pm in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel at St. Philip Benizi Church.  After adoration, the meeting continues in the St. Anthony Room in the basement of the San Damiano/Adult Faith Formation building.  All young adults are welcome to attend.  For any questions, please call Rudy Schlosser at (678) 794-3200.

Spirit and Truth, a young adult movement in the Roman Catholic Church, is founded on the vision for young people of all races and cultures to come together in unity to worship God, with the help and grace of the Holy Spirit in pursuit of the Truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Spirit and Truth seeks to live out the balance of the laws of the Church and the love of Christ by centering all functions around Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, while incorporating teachings, traditions and scripture - the three sources of all inspiration of Catholic faith.

In addition to the ritualistic functions, Spirit and Truth, by its very nature, creates an atmosphere of community among the young people that promotes relationships that are so closely tied because of the nature of the bond, Jesus Christ himself.  It is the fruit of Spirit and Truth groups that leaders arise and feel empowered and strengthened to serve God and the church, often encouraging vocations to religious life, enthusiastic lay ministries and mature Christian marriages.  Because the focus is Christ himself, an interior conversion naturally occurs in those who are committed to attending on a regular basis, thus inspiring those to go out and share the Gospel message with joy.  Spirit and Truth is power for the powerless, hope for the despairing, guidance for the lost, and love for the despised.  It is the perfect supplement to weekly Mass for young people, making the liturgy and knowledge of Christ come alive in hearts and minds.

Nigerian Ministry

Dedicated to unifying and mobilizing parishioners of Nigerian descent with the desire to share fellowship and magnify their contribution of Time, Talent and Treasure toward the positive development and growth of the parish.  We actively promote, support, and engage in charitable acts aimed at helping the parish and our members accomplish their spiritual, social and cultural objectives. We meet on the first Sunday of each month at 12:15PM in the Old Education Building, Room 302. Contact person: Henry Ohaya (770) 461-5904; E-mail: usaobee@yahoo.com.

Secular Franciscan Order (SFO)
Immaculate Conception Fraternity

Is God calling you to walk in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi?  Secular Franciscans are lay people who have been called to dedicate their entire life and being to living a Catholic Christian life, following Jesus Christ according to the teachings and example of St. Francis of Assisi.  Secular Franciscans strive to spread the Gospel by word and example in their home, at work and in their parishes.  Monthly fraternity gatherings and formation classes are held to spiritually nourish members and enable them to faithfully live the Gospel Life.  The Immaculate Conception Fraternity is a vibrant, faith-filled SFO community, meeting monthly on the first Sunday of each month in the San Damiano House; Inquirer/Candidate Formation is the second Saturday of the month.  For more information, contact Cricket Aull through the Parish Office:  (770) 478-0178.

KAIROS

KAIROS, which is Greek for "God's Special Time", is an interdenominational, international Prison Ministry.  It is based on the Cursillo Movement's renewal format.  St. Philip Benizi parishioners have been active in KAIROS for more than 18 years.  Several parishioners have served on the KAIROS Georgia Board of Directors.

KAIROS is involved in 25 adult and youth prisons in Georgia and conducts two KAIROS weekends (3 1/2 days) per prison, per year, and also conducts group reunions in every prison every month.

KAIROS Outside is a branch of KAIROS that serves the spouses and families of the incarcerated.  They also follow the Cursillo format.

"Torch" is also a part of KAIROS and is a ministry for the youthful offenders who range from 8 years to 18.

KAIROS serves approximately 2000 inmates per year in Georgia and is a very effective ministry.  The recidivism (return to prison) rate for KAIROS inmates is about 25%, versus the national average of 65%.  For more information and to volunteer, visit our web site at www.kairosofgeorgia.org.

Hispanic Apostolate

The Hispanic Apostolate is to provide the Spanish-speaking community at St. Philip Benizi with a forum where the spiritual welfare of the community is presented to the Pastoral Staff by means of the Spiritual Life Commission of the Parish Pastoral Council.  The goal of the Hispanic Apostolate is to foster a spirit of unity among themselves and within the life of the parish.

Saint Vincent de Paul Society

This service organization provides help for the poor in Clayton County.  Members make home visits, deliver food baskets and conduct fundraisers and food drives to stock the Parish Food Pantry.  Members of the SVDP Society solicit free-will offerings from the parishioners of St. Philip on the third Sunday of the month, after Mass, at the church doors.

Pro-Life Committee

The committee is actively involved with the Crisis Pregnancy Program of the Archdiocese.  They also work to educate Catholics about the Pro-Life movement. To view their web page, click here.

Santa Ana Sister-Parish Committee

We believe that our relationship with Santa Ana Parish in Campamento, Honduras offers a tremendous opportunity to live out our commitment to be good stewards by promoting peace with justice in a hands-on manner.  We believe that this relationship will strengthen us by adding a global dimension to the work of our parish.  We also believe that a sister/twin relationship will:

• Offer us an opportunity to learn about and respond to the economic and social realities of the world in the context of a faith-based relationship.

• Offer adults and the youth of our community an opportunity to reach beyond the boundaries of class, race, ethnicity, and nationality.

• Offer our parish an opportunity to give AND to receive.

• Transform us in challenging, faith-deepening, and life-giving ways that we cannot yet foresee.

Committee Goals:

• Conduct fundraisers so that St. Philip Benizi parish can provide financial assistance;

• Conduct relation-building Mission visits and Medical Mission visits to Santa Ana Parish;

• Foster processes and programs to put parishioners of both parishes in touch with each other on a personal level;

• Seek and/or develop processes and programs to help the Santa Ana Parish community with healthy baby programs, and ways to achieve better housing, clean water, better education and health care for their people;

• Seek and/or develop processes and programs to help the Santa Ana Parish community establish self-help programs;

• Continually seek sources that will donate, provide free or at a reduced cost, temporal needs identified by Santa Ana Parish;

• Continually seek worldwide sources of grants and aid for major needs of the parish and infrastructure needs of the parish community for which Santa Ana might apply.  Assist Santa Ana Parish, as necessary, in preparing application forms.

Membership in this ministry is informal and open to all ages.  Simply attending one of the meetings and/or participating in sister/twin parish activities constitutes membership.  The level of effort is up to you.  Many people will volunteer for Mission visits and/or Medical visits or other activities, but do not attend meetings on a regular basis throughout the year.  When volunteers are needed, announcements are made in the Parish Bulletin, the monthly Be-News-Zi, and by E-mail.

If you want to be kept informed about this ministry as a “Friend of Santa Ana”, please send an E-mail to: SantaAnaCommittee@gmail.com and we will place you on our E-mail distribution list.

Santa Ana Parish (Sister-Parish to St. Philip Benizi Parish) is located in the city of Campamento, Honduras which is in the Department of Olancho (we would call Olancho a “state”).  It is a two-hour drive northeast from the capital city of Tegucigalpa to Campamento.  The road from Tegucigalpa to Campamento is paved; there is about ¾ mile of paved road that goes through the main street of Campamento; all other streets/roads in the city and outlying countryside are dirt – some improved, most unimproved.

The town of Campamento is located in a mountainous region with large areas of pine forests.  Small farms cover the lower valleys in the area, predominantly growing beans and corn.  The higher elevations support large coffee farms.  A small, central park is located along the main street, surrounded by the Alcaldia (municipal/town hall) on the west side and Santa Ana Church on the east side.

Santa Ana Parish is in the Diocese of Olancho – the Bishop lives in Juticalpa, the capital of Olancho.  Santa Ana Parish is one of the youngest in Olancho.  The parish is served by three Franciscan Friars.

The boundaries of Santa Ana Parish are large by our standards.  It covers approximately 30 or more miles in each direction, accessible only via dirt roads, up, down and around mountains.  The population served is around 100,000.  The priests use small 4 X 4 pick-up trucks to get around. 

They also conduct Mass in the church only on Sunday and have various morning and evening weekday Masses. They serve approximately 120 outlying communities.  Only 60 of these communities have a building/structure to meet in.  Some of these structures were built and/or funded by St. Philip Benizi Parish.  Santa Ana priests conduct Mass in outlying communities during the week – generally only once every 3-8 weeks.  In the interim weeks, some communities hold services led by a local leader they call a “Delegate of the Word”.  These delegates receive religious training annually.

Most Hondurans in this area are very, very poor.  A majority of families in the outlying areas have neither running water nor electricity and use outhouses.  Almost no one has any form of transportation.  The primary way to get around is to walk, ride bicycles or hitch a ride on commercial delivery vehicles or with the few that have trucks.  There are limited commercial buses that will take people to major cities.

Medical care: There is very limited medical care in the area – no hospital but a few doctors.  The parish sometimes sponsors a medical team (they call it a “Medical Brigade”) that periodically visits outlying communities.

Adult & Children Religious Education

St. Philip Benizi Church offers comprehensive Religious Education programs for all members of the parish from age 3 years through adults. A variety of different sessions are available to accommodate everyone's needs.  Click here for a complete listing of our Religious Education programs.

1. Elementary & Pre-School: As partners with parents in the religious education of their children, classes are offered during the week for students in Preschool through 5th grade. Registration takes place mid-summer for the September-May school year. For more information, please contact Eileen Powell, Religious Education Coordinator, at (770-478-0178, Ext. 113), or by e-mail: Epowell@stphilipbenizi.org.
    

2. EDGE - Middle School Youth Ministry: EDGE is the Religious Education Program for students in grades six, seven and eight and was developed by LifeTeen.  EDGE meets Sunday afternoons at 2:45pm and ends with the 5:00pm LifeTeen Mass. For more information, please contact Eileen Powell, EDGE Coordinator, at (770-478-0178, Ext. 113), or by e-mail: Epowell@stphilipbenizi.org.
    

3. Life Teen: Life Teen is the Religious Education Program for students in 9th - 12th grades.  This program includes:  1) the Sunday Life Teen Mass at 5pm; 2) Life Night following the Mass that offers a variety of activities; 3) Wednesday evening Scripture Sharing Classes at 6:15pm; and many other service, social, spiritual and recreational activities throughout the year.  For more information, you may contact Stephanie Alvarez: Salvarez@stphilipbenizi.org or call the Religious Education Office at (770) 478-0178, Ext. 110.
    

4. Genesis: The Genesis program is specially designed for students in ninth grade or older who are beginning the LIFE TEEN program and who will begin preparation for Confirmation.  The purpose of this program is to help ninth graders review basic Catholic beliefs and to help them live their faith in everyday life.  Attendance at these classes, in addition to participation in LIFE nights on Sundays or Wednesdays, will fulfill the two-year requirement mandated by the Archdiocese for Religious Education, prior to Confirmation.  For more information, you may contact Mary Mauldin: Mmauldin@stphilipbenizi.org or call the Religious Education Office at (770) 478-0178, Ext. 114.
    

5. Sacramental Preparation Program: We have a comprehensive program of sacramental preparation starting in second grade for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist, and in tenth grade for Confirmation.  You may contact Eileen Powell, the Religious Education Coordinator for details regarding 1st Reconciliation and 1st Eucharist by calling (770-478-0178, Ext. 113) or by e-mail: Epowell@stphilipbenizi.org.  For information about Confirmation, please contact Mary Mauldin: Mmauldin@stphilipbenizi.org or call (770-478-0178, Ext. 114).
    

6. Adult Faith Formation: Recognizing the importance of on-going Christian formation is one of the more important responsibilities of adult Catholics. The Adult Faith Formation opportunities at St. Philip's provide a balance of prayer & spirituality, theology & tradition, Scripture & life skills. This integrative approach offers a number of ways in which Catholic Christians may grow in knowledge and wisdom of the Lord. Click here for a complete schedule of classes or call the Religious Education Office @ (770-478-0178, Ext. 149). You may also send an e-mail to: Mmauldin@stphilipbenizi.org.
    

7. OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults): As part of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, we offer weekly inquiry sessions on Sundays at 10:45AM for non-Catholics who wish to find out more about the Catholic Church or who would like to become Catholic. All interested people are invited to join us. Call the Religious Education Office for specific dates, or e-mail Mmauldin@stphilipbenizi.org.

   The Rite of Christian Initiation also includes sessions for children and youth, 7 years of age and older, who are seeking Baptism.  These children are prepared through our Family Catechumenate, which meets during the school year on Sundays at 10:45am or our Youth Catechumenate (for teens) on Sunday evenings.  Please call the Religious Education Office (770-478-0178, Ext. 114) for more information or e-mail: Mmauldin@stphilipbenizi.org.
    

8. Vacation Bible School: Vacation Bible School is held during the summer, usually for one week.  The children participate in Bible-centered lessons, activities, crafts, recreational games and field trips.  All children, ages 3 through 5th grade, are invited to participate.  For more information, please contact Eileen Powell, the Religious Education Coordinator, by calling (770-478-0178, Ext. 113), or by e-mail: Epowell@stphilipbenizi.org.

Hispanic Young Adults Ministry

As a response to a society of consumerism and consumption, it is necessary to create a space of Christian reflection and formation.  For our Hispanic community, the Catholic Church offers this worthy option, and our parish of St. Philip Benizi did not want to miss out on creating its own chapter.  For this reason, we proposed to create a Hispanic Youth Group that would initiate activities of Christian formation in our community.  Meetings are held each Friday from 7:30pm - 10:00pm.  For further information, please contact any of the following members through the Parish Office: Isidro Sandoval (Coordinator); Lidia Ibarra (Assistant); Sonia Sanchez (Formation); or Liliana Sanchez (Activities).

GENERAL OBJECTIVE:
1.  To create a place for Christian formation for those Young Adults who speak Spanish.
2.  To organize social events

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE:
1.  Establish a meeting schedule for the young Hispanic adults in order to:
     a) create dynamic avenues for the young adults in their Catholic faith,
     b) enable young adults to assist other young adults in their Christian formation,
     c) plan retreats, events and gatherings of prayer; support where the young adults would receive refuge
          in their spiritual lives in the light of their Catholic faith,
     d) motivate the young adults to participate actively in the celebrations and programs of the parish.

2.  Visit the elderly in Nursing Homes;
3.  Collaborate with the maintenance and landscaping of the plants around the parish;
4.  Organize collections to assist the emergency needs of our brothers in the parish;
5.  Organize and participate with other representative groups in parish activities -
     (Stations of the Cross, dances, theater productions, Ministers of Hospitality, Lectors, etc.);
6.  Create an ambiance of friendship and trust between the young adults that they so need;
7.  Make available to the young adults, moments of reflection in order to motivate them
     to make a permanent change in their lives;
8.  Minister to the needs of the young adults to transform them spiritually and encourage them
     to continue being active in the group.

Preschool & Mother's Morning Out

St. Philip Benizi Preschool provides children with a quality education in a safe, Christian, loving environment while enriching their lives through creative play, computer classes, exploration and hands-on learning activities.  This half-day program is available to children 15 months - 4 years old.  Registration is on-going until classes are full.  For more information, call (770) 478-0178, Ext. 115 or send an e-mail to:  Preschool@stphilipbenizi.org.

Kids are Terrific - KATs

KATs is a two-week program for children 3-11 years old, held during the summer.  Each week has a fun theme.  Children enjoy art activities, stories, music, games and more.  A fee is charged on a weekly basis.  You may contact the Pre-School Director for more information at the following e-mail address:  Preschool@stphilipbenizi.org.

Filipino Committee

This committee reaches out to the Filipino community by sponsoring cultural and social events.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Committee

This committee plans and coordinates the parish celebration and festivities in Spanish for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, who is the patron saint of the Americas. The celebration takes place at St. Philip Benizi Church on the first or second Sunday of December.

Our Lady of Divine Providence Committee

This committee organizes the Archdiocesan festivities in Spanish for the Feast of Our Lady of Divine Providence, who is the patron saint of the Puerto Rican people. The celebration takes place for the Archdiocese at St. Philip Benizi Church on the first or second Sunday of November.

Multi-Cultural Committee

The committee normally meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 5pm in the Parish Hall.  For additional information, you may contact parishioners Minnie and Julio Martinez by calling our Parish Office: (770) 478-0178.

St. Martin de Porres Society

Mission Statement: The St. Martin de Porres Society is predominately comprised of American Roman Catholic parishioners of African descent who are dedicated to fellowship and the expression of our unique culture.  As we aspire to spiritual growth, we extend our friendship, love and unity to all cultures within our church community.  The society will donate to the surrounding communities by way of charitable acts which include donating a portion of the funds of the society.  The society has a regular meeting on the second Thursday of each month at 7:00pm in the San Damiano House at St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church.  Visitors are encouraged and will be allowed to attend these meetings.

Mother Cabrini Circle

Mother Cabrini Circle is a spiritual, service and social organization for women of all ages in the parish. Meetings are held monthly.  Activities include: supplying food for the St. Vincent De Paul Society Pantry, helping the Parish Activities Director, adopting a needy family at Christmas, participating in the Atlanta Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women, and hosting "Smile" parties for patients at the State Mental Hospital.  Fellowship activities include secret pals, dinners "out", and family picnics.

Newcomers' Committee

Members of this committee extend a warm welcome to new parishioners.  They answer questions and provide insight into the many available activities and ministries at St. Philip's.  Committee members telephone each newly registered parishioner and personally welcome them to the parish.

The second Sunday of each month is Newcomer Recognition Sunday. During the 9:00am and 10:45am Masses, all newcomers are recognized and given a loaf of bread by the Presider.  Just as bread is created out of many different grains, so too is the community of St. Philip Benizi created by many different people.  All newcomers and their families are invited to the Parish Hall to meet one another and share in complimentary coffee and donuts.

Funeral Ministry

The Funeral Ministry at St. Philip's is an active and vital ministry for grieving families.  These dedicated people respond as soon as they are notified of a death in the parish and help meet some of the needs of the bereaved family.  Their responsibilities include: preparing a buffet lunch in the Hall after the Mass of Christian Burial, babysitting, taking food to the family's home if needed, providing transportation to and from the airport, and attending the wake and funeral.

Knights of Columbus, Tara Council 6352

The Knights of Columbus is a benevolent, fraternal society originally established to provide help for orphans and widows of deceased members. Charitable works for the church, community and fellow members are the hallmarks of their existence. Membership is open to men 18 and over who are practicing Catholics.  Visit their web site at www.taracouncil.org.

The Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus supports the Knights in their endeavors to make the world a better place. They meet monthly at the Council Hall. To be eligible for membership, you must have an immediate family member who is a current or deceased member of the Knights of Columbus.

Grief Support Group

For those who are grieving the loss of a loved one and need the comfort and support of others, please contact Wendy Harrigan through the Parish Office.

Seniors

PURPOSE:
The purpose of the St. Philip Benizi Seniors is to reach out to the seniors in our parish and the local community to meet spiritual, social and educational needs.

 DESCRIPTION OF WHAT IT DOES:
The ministry provides opportunities for anyone 50+ (single, married, divorced or widowed), whether a member of St. Philip Benizi Church or not, for fellowship, to participate in trips and activities, and to receive updates on various topics of interest.

DESCRIPTION OF HOW WE DO IT:
We normally conduct formal monthly meetings, serving coffee and donuts eight months of the year and scheduling a covered dish buffet in March, June, September and December.  At meetings we include updates on all planned activities and provide opportunities to sign up for any of those activities.  We provide updates on the known sick or homebound members and have Masses said for deceased members and immediate relatives.  We usually have speakers or entertainment at the First Friday meetings.  We also recognize those present who have birthdays during the month.  With regard to birthdays, we gather for breakfast at the Riverdale Senior Center on the 2^nd Wednesday of every month to celebrate the birthdays for that month.  Additionally, we publish a monthly newsletter, which is distributed at the monthly meetings, is available throughout the month in the Gathering Area of the church, and is available on the St. Philip Benizi web site.  The Seniors Group also provides occasional support to parish activities.

WHEN WE MEET:
The Seniors Group usually meets the First Friday of each month, immediately after the 8:30 AM Mass, unless the First Friday conflicts with a major holiday or a planned activity.  In those instances, the meeting is either rescheduled or cancelled.  The Executive Committee (elected officers and Reservations Coordinator) meet at least quarterly for planning and coordination.  Members of the Activities Committee communicate at least weekly, or more frequently as required.

WHAT LEVEL OF EFFORT IS REQUIRED:
ALL seniors, whether members of St. Philip Benizi Church or not, are encouraged to attend the monthly meetings, bring a covered dish for the quarterly buffet, and to participate in trips and activities.  There are no membership dues and no formal membership listings. 

THE NEED FOR VOLUNTEERS:
There are five elected positions:  President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Activities Coordinator.  Several other positions and/or committees make the Seniors Group function:  Reservations, Greeter, Spiritual Chairperson, Speaker/Entertainment Committee, Hospitality Committee, Sunshine Committee, Historical Committee, Be-News-Zi Articles, Decorating Committee (appointed for each major activity, e.g. a dance) and Nomination Committee.

MORE INFORMATION:
Please review our By-laws.  To view our current schedule of activities, you may  click here.
 

Craft Group

The Craft Group meets weekly on Tuesday mornings in the Religious Education Building, Rooms 203/205. No experience is necessary, and new ideas are always appreciated.  Materials are provided.  This group also participates in Craft Sales, usually held twice a year (in the Spring and Fall) where they sell items they have made throughout the year.  Baby items are also handmade for the local organization, Newborns in Need.

Scouts

Boy Scouts: Troop 909 meets weekly and offers a complete scouting program for boys ages 11-17.  For more information, visit their web site at www.forviewingonly.com/909.

Cub Scouts: Boys ages 7-10 are eligible to join Cub Scout Pack 909. Meetings are held at the Scout Hut or in leaders' homes.

Be-News-Zi

The St. Philip Be-News-Zi is a monthly newsletter that is mailed to all registered parishioners.  The publication includes information concerning upcoming events, reports on activities that have already occurred, and includes articles of a spiritual nature.  Articles may be submitted for the Be-News-Zi by the fifth of each month, for publication the following month.  Articles must be submitted in writing (preferably typed) and may be mailed, e-mailed, or brought to the Parish Office, to the attention of the Be-News-Zi Editor.  For questions or comments, you may contact the Be-News-Zi Editor by e-mail:  Benewszi@stphilipbenizi.org.