Saint Max Church

Evangelization & Catechesis Ministries

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1% CHALLENGE TEAM
Contact: Holly Moran, 513-777-4221, takethechallenge@saint-max.org

The goal of the 1% Challenge is to foster and grow a culture of daily prayer with Scripture.  The 1% Challenge Team consists of parishioners who provide the Scripture verses and content that will go out to the parish through a daily email and social media.  Some of our team members select scripture verses that are used for the emails and Monday videos.  Other team members develop the scripts and produce the Monday videos that are posted each week. We are always looking for new members for our team.  Email or call with any questions or interest in being on the team.  A love of scripture and passion to share with others is the only thing you need!


ADVENT OPEN HOUSE
Contact: Sarah Lewis, 513-777-4322 Ext 128, slewis@saint-max.org

Advent Open House is a family event designed to help the entire family prepare for the Season of Advent. Families will have the opportunity to create Advent decorations and crafts, get their Advent wreath blessed, go to confession, drop off donation items, collect Advent reflection book and other materials for the season, as well as other fun surprises to help kick off this beautiful liturgical season. The event takes place the Saturday before the first Sunday of Advent, during the afternoon. Volunteers are needed and appreciated!  


ALPHA
Contact: Rich Tereba, alpha@saint-max.org

Alpha is a series of 11 sessions exploring the Christian faith.  Each session includes food, a short video that is designed to spark a thought-provoking conversation and group discussion. There is no pressure, no follow-up, and no charge.   Since 1990, Alpha has been experienced by 29 million people of many Christian denominations from 169 countries in 112 languages. It is fully endorsed by the Catholic Church as a great starting place for many people interested in the faith.

No matter who you are, nonbeliever, cradle Catholic, or anywhere in-between, you’ve got questions, and that’s what Alpha is all about. Alpha is for anyone who is curious. The talks are designed to encourage conversation and explore the basics of the Christian faith in a friendly, open, and informal environment. No question is out of bounds, and you are free to discuss as little or as much as you wish.

Alphas is offered in English and Spanish. New core team members are always welcome. Please consider serving as a table facilitator or become a prayer team member. 


BIBLE & BOOK STUDIES
Contact: Cathy Casto, scripturestudy@saint-max.org

Beginners to seasoned scripture scholars are welcome to join our St. Max Bible Studies. These groups meet weekly to read, study, and discuss the Bible via study guides and DVD programs. Each group is autonomous and studies different aspects of the Bible. Most studies begin in the fall and continue through the spring but you are welcome to join at any time. There are various times available. 

Small Groups - Interested in leading a small group study?

Book Study facilitators do not have to have been scholars to lead a study!  If you are interested in facilitating a study or small group, we can walk you through the training and process. For more information, please contact ScriptureStudy@saint-max.org.


DEAD THEOLOGIANS SOCIETY
Contact: Debby Kellner, DTS@saint-max.org

Dead Theologians Society is for youth in grades 8 through 12.  Meetings begin with social time including games and snacks and then move into the main part of our meeting where we'll enter into the candle-lit, catacomb-like environment to pray and be inspired by the heroes of the Church.  The saints were normal people, but were able to die to the world and live lives of extraordinary virtue and holiness.  Come and be inspired by these men and women and learn how you too can be a hero! Meetings are the second Friday of the month from 7:00 - 9:00 PM in the youth room. SafeParish approved adults volunteers are also welcome to come and help out!


EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL
Contact: Holly Moran, hmoran@saint-max.org

Our revival team coordinates a parish schedule for a 3-Year vision to live out the call to renew our worship and devotion to Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. This vision is set by the National Eucharistic Revival which promotes three years for the following cycle: Year of Diocesan Revival; Year of Parish Revival; Year of Mission. As our St. Max team arranges Eucharistic themed activities for our parish, we provide many opportunities for our parishioners to grow in a deeper devotion to the body, blood, soul and divinity of our Lord. We also provide many volunteer opportunities to get involved in these events. Interested? Contact Holly Moran, hmoran@saint-max.org .

We also encourage parishioners to watch for communications on the various ways to go deeper in the Faith. The National Eucharistic Congress will be held in Indianapolis on July 17 – 21, 2024.  Whether you attend as a group, family, or individual, there are various pass options which range from a day pass to a week pass. Learn more details about the revival, pilgrimage, and congress on our parish website, social media, and bulletins. Questions? Contact Mike Hinger, mhinger@saint-max.org .


EXODUS 90
Contact: Rick Brandell, Exodus90@saint-max.org

Exodus 90 is a difficult 90 day exercise for men. Designed to shift your spiritual life into 5th gear, the exercise embraces three fundamental components of the Christian life for men: prayer, asceticism, and fraternity. Beginning in early January (90 days prior to Easter) and culminating with the conclusion of the Easter Vigil, you will do the following:

PRAYER: pray one hour each day.

ASCETICISMS: no eating between meals, fast with the Church on Wednesdays & Fridays, no sweets or sweet drinks, black coffee or tea only, no alcohol, no phone or internet use unless required for home/work, no gaming, no TV, movies or youtubes, no unnecessary material purchases, take cold showers, attend at least one daily Mass weekly, listen to only spiritually uplifting music, engage in intense exercise at least three times weekly.

FRATERNITY: meet weekly for encouragement & accountability, check in daily with your anchor (another man in your fraternity.)


FAITH LESSONS FOR WOMEN
Contact: Mary Graf, 513-894-8096, affwomen@saint-max.org

A gathering for women in all stages of life, this group meets to pray the rosary, study, have discussion, and enjoy faith sharing together. The group meets Wednesday mornings during the school year from 9:30-11:30AM in the conference room. 


HEARTS AFIRE
Contact: Jane Rowland, 513-755-0625, heartsafire@saint-max.org

The Hearts Afire Parish-based Programs are a bold and fresh approach to small group, adult faith formation at Catholic parishes. Structured around the bestselling books and videos by popular author and retreat master Fr. Michael Gaitley, MIC, these simple programs are setting hearts on fire in thousands of parishes across the globe. Gaitley offers a Do-It-Yourself Retreat, 33 Days to Morning Glory, a journey toward total consecration to Jesus through the Blessed Mother (aka, Marian Consecration). Every week for four weeks one reads about a well-known saint of Marian consecration, including St. Maximilian Kolbe! Stop by the parish office for your free hard copy of his book. Then, for the fullest experience, access Fr. Gaitley's weekly videos (6 total) and workbook on FORMED. Whether you want to do this as a self-guided spiritual journey or host a small group, it is easy for you to follow for 33 days and plan for your consecration on a Marian feast day. Interested? Please contact Jane Rowland at heartsafire@saint-max.org with any questions about materials, FORMED, or Marian Consecration.


HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH MINISTRY - ABLAZE
Contact: John Baumann, 513-777-4322 Ext. 118, jbaumann@saint-max.org

High School Youth Ministry seeks to spread the good news of great joy to teens! Our vision is to form disciples of Jesus Christ, foster personal and spiritual growth, and learn how to serve and evangelize. A committed team of adults and teen peer ministers work toward that vision by gathering as large groups and small groups for fun and formation, doing works of service, going on retreats, meeting for social events, and traveling to youth conferences and service trips. All high school teens are invited! SafeParish approved adults interested in helping with this ministry discern with the coordinator where their gifts and the ministry’s needs overlap.


JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH MINISTRY - IGNITE
Contact: John Baumann, 513-777-4322 Ext. 118, jbaumann@saint-max.org

JrHigh Ignite is a ministry that is open to all 6th, 7th and 8th grade youth.  We gather during the summer for Summer Service Camp and Terrific Tuesdays, monthly during the school year. We utilize videos, games, discussions and speakers when we gather in order to learn, grow, serve and have fun together.


JUNIOR HIGH AND HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH MINISTRY - GROUP FACILITATORS
Contact: John Baumann, 513-777-4322 Ext. 118, jbaumann@saint-max.org 

Adults and high school youth are needed to chaperone, help with activities and provide support (food, etc.) for our junior high youth group. Young adult and adult volunteers are invited to assist with our high school youth group. All adults must remain current with their SafeParish training.


JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH MINISTRY - PRAYED FOR BY NAME INTERCESSORS
Contact: Robin Burbrink, 513-777-4322 Ext. 124, rburbrink@saint-max.org

Adults, high school students and families intercede daily for all our junior high youth by praying for each of them by name. Those who serve in this ministry will be sent a prayer at the beginning of the school year with the first names of about 10 youths. Each intercessor is asked to do their best to pray the Prayed for by Name prayer daily for a year beginning in September through the following May using their unique list of names. You may join at any time.


KAMP KOLBE
Contact: Sarah Lewis, 513-777-4322 Ext. 128, slewis@saint-max.org

Kamp Kolbe is a Vacation Bible School experience for preschoolers through upcoming kindergarteners. Kamp Kolbe participants will follow a preschool-appropriate format similar to Totus Tuus in which they will learn about the mysteries of the Rosary and how to pray the Rosary. Children will pray, play games, make crafts,and sing songs while they grow in their faith. A snack is provided each day. Kamp Kolbe is available for children ages 3 to incoming kindergartener. Parents drop off their child with volunteers, and children must be potty-trained. Kamp Kolbe takes place during the week of Totus Tuus, but the program is shorter and only 3 days during the week. SafeParish volunteers are needed.


LIBRARY
Contact: Marlene Doughman, 513-703-1061, library@saint-max.org 

Join the team! We are always training new volunteers and looking for new members of the library committee. Please send us an e-mail or come to the parish office and let us know you are interested in joining this ministry! We care for the current collection of print books, audio books, and videos/DVDs, and process new purchases and donations. The library is open any time the building is accessible. It is a multi-purpose room, if the door is closed, please stop by at another time.


LIVING WATERS
Contact: Steve Conner, 513-737-2605, livingwaters@saint-max.org

The Living Waters ministry is focused on getting to know and respond to the call to fully live our Catholic faith through the power of the Holy Spirit. We support one another as brothers, sisters, and families as we journey together toward attaining personal holiness through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Living Waters hosts and supports adoration nights, healing and intercessory prayer opportunities, rosary services, and other events with the goal of helping others to encounter Christ, and recognize and respond to the Holy Spirit acting in our lives daily. The events take place throughout the year and are advertised in the parish bulletin. Service opportunities are also a welcomed part of our ministry. Please consider volunteering to assist with some of our events. Interested? Reach out to Steve or Elizabeth Conner. 

The RAIN Music Ministry is an arm of this ministry which also provides praise and worship music at adoration nights, prayer services, seminars, regional events, and other church functions.

Contact: Elizaveth Conner, 513-288-5531, rain@saint-max.org


MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT
Contact: Ted and Marlene Doughman, 513-703-1061, marriageenrichment@saint-max.org

This ministry strives to lift up married couples throughout the various stages of life through fellowship and formation. Our mission statement embraces our desire to present opportunities and events for married couples to grow in the faith and in their relationship with each other. The Marriage Enrichment team meets monthly to plan these events. This year, we will be using the Banquet of Love by Jim and Mareen Otremba on the following dates: September 15th, October 20th, November 17th, January 12th, February 16th, March 15th, and April 19th. Your ministry team members are: Ted and Marlene Doughman, Dan and Debby Kellner, Esua and Jeanne Borja, and Brian and Maribeth Gieseke. Contact us with your questions and comments. We’d love to hear from you!


MEN IN TENTS
Contact: Dave Brunsman, 513-777-4322 Ext. 137, MenInTents@saint-max.org

The Men In Tents event is an annual 3-Day (Friday evening through Sunday early afternoon) event that occurs in October, normally at Camp River Ridge in Oldenburg, Indiana.  A small team of men plan the event each year and a theme is prayerfully chosen.  Theme's are based on a man's response to Christ's call in his life.  Planning begins in July. Volunteers are welcome. Members should be 21 years or older and members of the parish. Save the Date for 2024: October 4, 5, 6 at Camp River Ridge! 


MIGHTY MAX
Contact: Sarah Lewis, 513-777-4322 Ext. 128, slewis@saint-max.org

Mighty Max is a small group faith formation experience for preschool-aged children. Parents or guardians attend with their child while we build preschool skills, play, sing, create, and learn about our faith. Each class is centered around a theme and features prayer, a lesson, stories, songs, sensory play, a craft, and a snack which parents take turns providing. Each class is an hour long and there are 6 classes per session. Each session is $50 and is limited to 12 students. Classes take place in the Youth Room at St. Max.


NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING
Contact: Dave and Jen Brunsman, 513-777-4322 Ext. 137, NFP@saint-max.org

 NFP is required for all couples going through marriage preparation at St. Max. 

Natural Family Planning (NFP) is the all-natural way of deciding how many children you will have and how far apart they will be spaced that is in keeping with the teaching of the Catholic Church. When done correctly, NFP can be as effective as artificial contraception. For many years, doctors and researchers have been studying a woman’s body to see how her hormones, temperature, and fluids respond to different stages of her monthly cycle. By knowing how a woman’s body works optimally, a couple use that information to determine their own fertility.

We usually have two sessions, one in the Fall and one in the Spring. All classes will be held from 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM in the youth room.  The cost is $150 plus shipping, however is offered FREE for registered parishioners; contact the parish office for the promo code. If you're interested in the Main Series, Perimenopause, or Postpartum NFP classes, or if you have any questions, please reach out to Dave and Jen.


PARISH FESTIVAL - EVANGELIZATION BOOTH
Contact: Zack Hinger, 513-404-9286 or 
FestivalEvangelization@saint-max.org

The parish festival includes an evangelization booth each summer. We offer religious resources, share the Catholic faith, and pray with anyone who requests prayers. If you are interested in being a part of our team, all are welcome. This is a great service opportunity!


PARISH MISSION
Contact: Mission Core Team, 
ParishMission@saint-max.org

A Mission is a time for refreshing, strengthening, and equipping the body of Christ to deepen one’s call to discipleship. It is a time to come together as a community to celebrate the sacraments, listen to inspiring presentations, share our faith with one another, and become closer to our Lord, Jesus Christ. Our parish mission is a time to create renewal and stir the disciple call to mission. It is a time to slow down and reflect on the joy and heart of our Faith. If you are interested in being a part of our parish mission core team or interested in our mission volunteer opportunities to serve our parish in this way, please contact our team. 


RELIGIOUS FORMATION OF YOUTH FAITH ON FIRE MINISTRY
Contact: Mary Lou Baker, 513-777-4322 Ext. 120, mbaker@saint-max.org

The Religious Formation of Youth (Faith on Fire) Program serves youth in early childhood-grade 8 and offers options for liturgical and traditional approaches to catechesis. Our program focuses on the message of the Sunday Gospels and thorough instruction on Catholic doctrine, sacraments/liturgy, morality, and prayer. 


RELIGIOUS FORMATION OF YOUTH - CATECHISTS (FAITH ON FIRE)
Contact: 
Mary Lou Baker, 513-777-4322 Ext. 120, mbaker@saint-max.org

Adults and teens interested in sharing their time and faith are needed as catechists, assistant catechists, and special needs aides in our formal formation program (Faith on Fire).  Visit:  https://saint-max.org/Catechists to learn more.


RELIGIOUS FORMATION OF YOUTH - FAMILY GATHERINGS (FAITH ON FIRE)
Contact: 
Mary Lou Baker, 513-777-4322 Ext. 120, mbaker@saint-max.org

Family Gatherings for 2023-2024 are held on Sundays (4:30-6:00 pm) OR Mondays (6:00-7:30 pm):  Family Gathering dates:  Sept. 17/18, Oct. 8/9, Oct. 22/23, Nov. 5/6, Nov. 19/20, Dec. 3/4, Dec. 17/18, Jan. 14/15, Feb. 4/5, Feb. 18/19, Mar. 3/4, Mar. 17/18.   

More details about our Faith on Fire Family Gathering kick-off will be communicated later this summer. 


RELIGIOUS FORMATION OF YOUTH - LOST SHEEP (FAITH ON FIRE)
Contact: 
Mary Lou Baker, 513-777-4322 Ext. 120, mbaker@saint-max.org

The Parable of the Lost Sheep may call to mind your experience of formation here at St. Max.   Do you feel hesitant about beginning the formation journey with your family?  Are you currently participating in one of our formation programs and have fallen behind on assignments? Have your children missed years of catechesis, but you would like to resume?  Parents often feel uncomfortable to reach out to us in these circumstances because they feel embarrassed or guilty.  Please don’t let these emotions stir.  Take a deep breath and reach out to us if you feel lost in any way!

There is never going to be a formation program that will perfectly fit the needs of our ‘100’ and, even if it did, there are seasons in life when some families will fall behind on formation studies due to many different factors.  Life may even present circumstances or hardships that necessitate an extended break.  That’s ok!  Please know that you can return to the sheepfold if you enrolled and have fallen behind on current assignments or if you haven’t been with us in some years.  We are here to support you, to help you to explore formation choices or a catch-up plan that work best for you!


RELIGIOUS FORMATION OF YOUTH - MIGHTY MAX (FAITH ON FIRE)
Contact: Sarah Lewis, 513-777-4322 Ext. 128, slewis@saint-max.org

Mighty Max is a small group faith formation experience for preschool-aged children. Parents or guardians attend with their child while we build preschool skills, play, sing, create, and learn about our faith. Each class is centered around a theme and features prayer, a lesson, stories, songs, sensory play, a craft, and a snack which parents take turns providing. Each class is an hour long and there are 6 classes per session. Each session is $50 and is limited to 12 students. Classes take place in the Youth Room at St. Max. 


RELIGIOUS FORMATION OF YOUTH - SPARK (FAITH ON FIRE)
Contact: 
Mary Lou Baker, 513-777-4322 Ext. 120, mbaker@saint-max.org

Spark is blended learning for families who have missed formal religious formation since the first grade.  In Spark, you will follow a weekly guide to complete your home study lessons.  The Spark page also features short, pre-recorded videos for each lesson from our faith consultant.  Spark families also attend our Faith on Fire Family Gatherings.  Both child and parent are required to attend. Note:  Following registration we will contact you regarding one Spark orientation session to be held this summer... Date TBD.


ROSARY RALLY
Contact: Steve Feldmann and Kim Collins, 
RosaryRally@saint-max.org

The purpose of this ministry is to invoke the protection and intercession of our Blessed Mother and it serves all who participate, the parish, the community, the country, and the Catholic Church. We hold an annual Rosary rally at the Clock Tower at Union Centre for the parish and community to pray the Rosary for America and give a public witness to our faith. It is intended to be close to the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary (October 7) or the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima (October 13). There may be additional feast days to offer the Rosary as a time of prayer, public witness, and evangelization efforts. We have included Eucharistic Processions as part of the Rosary Rally.

Please consider this as a volunteer opportunity. If you would like to help out, please contact one of our coordinators.


SACRED HEART OF JESUS (SHoJ) HOMESCHOOL
Contact: Jackie Heath, HomeSchool@saint-max.org

The Sacred Heart of Jesus (SHoJ) home school group provides community and support to our Catholic home schooling community.  Through various educational and social events our children and parents have the opportunity to grow in community, friendship, faith, and education.  Contact Jackie Heath for information about our next activity.


SMALL GROUPS
Contact: Holly Moran, 513-777-4322, Ext. 107, hmoran@saint-max.org

Connect and build your faith through small communities! Sign up for a small group or maybe you want to host a group...we got that covered, too. There are a variety of video series and book studies to choose from if you are interested. Being a book scholar is not necessary - we can train you to facilitate your own group! 


ST. GABRIEL CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL
Contact: Amy Gutman, 513-771-5220 Ext. 1, a.gutman@stgabeschool.org

St. Gabriel Consolidated School, a Catholic elementary school, is dedicated to nurturing the faith, academic, and service lives of students with an emphasis on enriching the whole child. The school serves the parishes of St. Maximilian Kolbe (Liberty Township), St. John (West Chester) and St. Gabriel (Glendale). It is operated, supported and directed by a School Advisory Commission that reports to the Board of Pastors and the Principal. Registration is directly through the school.


ST. MONICA SOCIETY
Contact: Cathy Nichols, 513-675-1570, StMonicaSociety@saint-max.org

The St Monica Society is a fellowship and prayer group that provides support to anyone whose loved ones have left the Catholic faith. The group meets every Monday at 2:30pm in the St Patrick's Conference Room for fellowship, and then moves into the church at 3:00pm to pray for both their loved ones and everyone who has left the faith. All are welcome to join in this prayer and ministry.


VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL TOTUS TUUS MINISTRY
Contact: Holly Moran, 513-777-4322 Ext. 107, hmoran@saint-max.org

Totus Tuus is a five day Vacation Bible School experience for Catholic youth in grades 1-12 which blends fun and formation. Grades 1-6 gather the first day at 9:00 am in the gym. The rest of the week begins with Mass and our youth meet 8:30 am – 2:00 pm, Tuesday through Friday.  Grades 7-12 meet in the evenings, Sunday – Thursday, 7:00-9:00 pm.  The youth learn more about the Eucharist, prayer, the rosary, Marian devotions, vocation discernment, and catechesis. There are plenty of games, songs, skits, witnesses, and snacks. Volunteers are always needed!

Totus Tuus means “Totally Yours” in Latin. This phrase became known after St. Louis de Monfort devoted his love to the Blessed Mother and this ministry encourages our youth to give ourselves to our Lord Jesus through Mary. The mission of Totus Tuus is to stir the hearts of young people to a deeper encounter of Jesus Christ through the Christian witness of a longing for holiness like the saints, to inspire the openness to one’s vocation, and to encourage the desire for conversion as we learn more about our Mother Mary. As parishioners of St. Maximilian Kolbe, we are reminded of the words of St. Max: “Never be afraid of loving the Blessed Virgin too much. You can never love her more than Jesus did.”


VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL - ADULT VOLUNTEER
Contact: Holly Moran, 513-777-4322 Ext. 107, hmoran@saint-max.org

Adult volunteers are needed to work during Vacation Bible School. We are offering the archdiocesan program known as Totus Tuus, which stands for “Totally Yours’ as our VBS experience. This ministry is available for Catholic youth in grades 1-6, in the morning and early afternoon, and then for grades 7-12, in the evening. VBS will be held in the summer and lead by seminarians and college students from the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Volunteer assistance is needed with crafts, music, storytelling, snacks, games, lunch, and to guide youth to activity areas. Completion of the SafeParish Child Protection Training and a background check are required for adults 18 and older before beginning this ministry. Without our volunteers, we will be unable to host VBS. 


VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL - TEEN VOLUNTEER
Contact: Holly Moran, 513-777-4322 Ext. 107, hmoran@saint-max.org

Teen volunteers (Grades 7 or older) are needed to work during Vacation Bible School. VBS is held each summer, usually during the morning and early afternoon hours. Our VBS/Totus Tuus program is led by seminarians and college students. Volunteer assistance is needed with crafts, music, storytelling, snacks, games, lunch, and to guide youth to activity areas. Service hours are available for volunteers. 


WOMEN’S RETREAT TEAM
Contact: Marlene Doughman, 513-703-1061, WomensRetreat@saint-max.org 

Whether you are a cook, decorator, event planner, or something in between, we need your energy and ideas for our women’s retreats. Retreats that are planned for this year are November 11th with Fr. Nathan Cromley, Advent by Candlelight, and our annual Women’s Lenten Retreat on February 24th. Please join us in serving the women of our parish.


YOUNG ADULTS 
Contact: John Baumann, 513-777-4322 Ext. 118, jbaumann@saint-max.org

Our young adult ministry is a newer ministry which offers opportunities for one to find mission and purpose in the Church through authentic faith formation, solid community and communion with God. We provide activities at St. Max as well as partner with other local parishes for social events. Watch for details on social media and in the bulletin. If you are interested in being a part of our planning team, we meet monthly on the second Tuesday at 7:00 PM.


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