ADULT SCRIPTURE STUDY

Purpose
An annual 15- week lecture series facilitated by a biblical scholar, on various biblical topics, to enliven our tradition of faith; and to enhance our understanding of the format, the authors, the physical geography, and the political and social climates of the Bible.

Commitment
This Parish offering is open to all parishioners in the Diocese for three 5-week sessions (Fall, Winter and Spring), on Thursday evenings at the School Center from 7:30 to 9:00 pm. While given in lecture style, the scholar encourages discussion, and answers the questions generated. Topical printed materials, a bibliography, and coffee and snacks are provided at no cost.

ALTAR SERVERS

Purpose
To assist the priest during mass. This is a good introduction to a deeper understanding of our celebration for our children.

Commitment
The time commitment can be variable as servers indicate their availability for service two months in advance and are typically assigned to 1-2 masses per month. If the server is unable to fulfill the commitment it becomes their responsibility to arrange for a substitute.

Training
Boys and girls 5th grade and older are eligible to serve. Instructional classes are typically held in May for one hour in the church. Other trainings may be arranged during the year by appointment.
 

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AUTO DONATION PROGRAM

Purpose
To supplement our Parish’s annual income this group receives auto donations from parishioners and friends. Donors receive a generous tax deduction based on the Kelly Blue Book value of their car, which often nets them more than the dealer's trade-in allowance.

Commitment
Volunteers coordinate auto pick-up, clean-up, smog certification, minor repairs, DMV paper-work, and word-of-mouth promotion. 100% of auto sales accrue to the parish. This is a year round, on-going program.

BAPTISMAL PREPARATION

Purpose
To prepare parents wishing to have their infants or toddlers baptized in the Catholic Church. Godparents are also asked to attend this training. The class is both informational and community oriented as several parents are brought together to share the importance of their Catholic faith as it relates to their children.

Commitment
Classes are held twice a month on the first and third Sunday at 1:30 p.m. in the Parish Center. Each class last approximately one hour. Volunteers interested in this ministry would be trained and scheduled to teach about once every two months.

BIKE MINISTRY

Purpose
To facilitate the collection of bikes and helmets from our parishioners for distribution to those less fortunate. Our goal is to bring a smile to a child's face during the Christmas holiday.

Commitment
Each fall volunteers are needed to help clean up the bikes and make minor repairs. No experience is necessary, just the desire to help others. Anyone who has ever patched a bike tire is especially welcome. Volunteers are also needed who can transport the bikes to Sacred Heart Community Services in San Jose in time for Christmas.

BRIDGES TO COMMUNITY

Purpose
To plan, organize, and coordinate activities, which allow parishioners to put our Catholic faith and beliefs into practice through various programs that benefit others. Bridges to Community sponsors the following St. Nicholas Ministry programs: Hunger Knows No Season, Christmas Giving Tree, Bi-annual Blood Drive, Career Clothing Drive, Homeless Needs Collection and the Volunteer Activities Data Bank. Bridges to Community is the human concerns group within
St. Nicholas parish.

Commitment
We are always in need of extra hands to help, new ideas to implement, and your ongoing support through contributions to any of our sponsored projects. You are encouraged to join our group at any time. We meet the second Monday of each month, at 7:30 pm, in the Parish Center.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD

Purpose
To coordinate the efforts of our volunteer catechists who present weekly liturgy of the word to the children attending the 9:15 Sunday Mass at St. Nicholas Church. During Mass, children are invited next door to the Parish Center to attend age-appropriate presentations by the catechists of that Sunday's readings. Catechists use special materials and prepare activities to enhance the children's understanding of the Word. The children then return to Mass during the offering of the gifts.

Commitment
Catechists prepare for and present at least one twenty-minute liturgy per month. Occasional meetings of all the catechists are held throughout the year as needed.

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CONFIRMATION PREPARATION

Purpose
To prepare tenth, eleventh, and twelfth graders to receive the sacrament of Confirmation.

Commitment
Tenth, eleventh, and twelfth graders are confirmed in the spring of even-numbered years. Preparation begins in the fall of odd-numbered years, and lasts through the school year.

FALL FESTIVAL

Purpose
To bring our parish community together for this annual parish appreciation day that celebrates community for our entire parish. It begins with Mass and is a fun filled day with many activities including carnival games, relays, face painting, petting zoo and pony rides.

Commitment
We rely on many volunteers to make this day successful. There are several lead positions that coordinate different areas such as traffic, set up, clean up, ticket sales, bar and relays. If you can spare just an hour we always need help the day of the event to work in a carnival booth. It's lots of fun and is an excellent way to meet fellow parishioners.

GRIEF MINISTRY

Purpose
To be the compassionate, listening presence of Jesus to those who have lost loved ones. You will visit with members of our community who are grieving over the loss of a loved one. Training is provided for those who are interested in this ministry.

Commitment
The time commitment varies depending upon the number of parishioners who are grieving and want to make use of this service.

HOSPITALITY

Purpose
To reinforce that all are welcome at St. Nicholas. This committee witnesses to this truth by serving juice, coffee, donuts, and cookies after each Mass on Sunday. It is a time for members of our community to gather and socialize. The parish provides the refreshments.

Commitment
Each Hospitality Team has six members, and it requires a couple of hours four times a year.

ICF (ITALIAN CATHOLIC FEDERATION)

Purpose
The ICF is a family oriented organization promoting activities that build family spirit and bring all ages together, Italians and non-Italians. By praying together, we strengthen our spiritual life and shared values. As a Catholic organization, we receive communion as a group in our districts, we give money and time to our parishes, we support parish schools and religious education programs, we visit rest-homes and work with the elderly, the needy and the developmentally disabled, we support our clergy and seminarians, we donate scholarships to eighth grade students and high school students. Beyond this, we sponsor dinners, dances and trips, because we believe social interaction is important.

Commitment
The St. Nicholas Branch meets the first Thursday of each month. Our dues are modest and we would like you to join us in our good works. Family memberships are encouraged.

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JUNIOR HIGH MINISTRY (7-8th)

Purpose
To provide religious education for students in 7th and 8th grade who do not attend parochial school. The program consists of prayers, scripture, church, faith, self-appreciation, value formation, responsibility, service, and projects. This program is carried out jointly with St. Williams Parish. 

Commitment
The ministry group meets on Sunday evenings from 7:15 to 8:30 p.m. at St. Nicholas School Center. This program runs October - May.

LITURGICAL MINISTERS - EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS

Purpose
Ministers assist in the distribution of Communion at all Masses. This is a beautiful way to serve the parish and enhance your own spiritual life.

Commitment
The time commitment can be variable as Eucharistic ministers indicate their availability for service two months in advance and are typically assigned to 1-2 masses per month. If the minister is unable to fulfill the commitment it becomes their responsibility to arrange a substitute.

Training
Sessions lasting approximately one hour are given periodically throughout the year to provide the necessary background for reverent service in our parish community.

LITURGICAL MINISTERS - LECTORS

Purpose
To proclaim the Word of God at weekend masses and special liturgies throughout the year. This provides the lay minister the opportunity to participate more fully in the liturgical life of the parish.

Commitment
Lectors are given an annotated lectionary of the readings for each year with advice about presentation. The lector is expected to study and practice privately prior to the mass. The time commitment can be variable as lectors indicate their availability for service two months in advance and are typically assigned to 1-2 masses per month. If the lector is unable to fulfill the commitment it becomes their responsibility to arrange a substitute.

Background
Although no particular experience is required, a lector should be able to speak clearly and with confidence in a public forum.

LITURGICAL MINISTERS - USHERS

Purpose
To greet members of our community and guests as they enter the Church to attend Mass, as well as assisting them in finding seats. Our Ushers ensure everyone receives a church bulletin as they leave Church.

Commitment
You will be scheduled once or twice every eight weeks. The time commitment can be variable as ushers can indicate their availability for service in advance.
 

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theIntersection TEEN MINISTRY

Purpose
To foster a Christian Community among the high school youth from St. Nicholas and St. William parish communities, and the greater community. This ministry supports, challenges, and encourages the faith life of local teens.

Commitment
theIntersection serves the high school parishioners of St. Nicholas and St. William Catholic Churches throughout the year. Activities include second Sunday Teen Mass and Sunday nights at theIntersection from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the Teen Center behind St. Nicholas School, service and leadership opportunities, retreats, and more.
theIntersection Teen Ministry website.

MEN’S CLUB

Purpose
To enrich the life of St. Nicholas Parish and School by actively involving the men of St. Nicholas in activities and various special projects.

Commitment
Social gatherings once a month September – May and work projects twice a year.

MEN’S RETREAT

Purpose
To provide a time of rest and reflection in a spiritual setting to allow participants to refocus on life priorities and goals.

Commitment
The St. Nicholas Men’s Retreat is at the Jesuit Retreat House in Los Altos. The weekend begins on Friday evening with a reception and dinner and ends with lunch on Sunday. The retreat is scheduled for the last weekend in September each year. Private room and meals are included for the nominal fee. Brochures are available at the Jesuit Retreat House (retreat@elretiro.org), St. Nicholas Church, and St. Nicholas School.

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MOTHERS OF PRESCHOOLER’S (MOPS)

Purpose
To provide St. Nicholas and St. William parents, with children ages newborn to kindergarten, a support group which is dedicated to the positive enrichment of family life. Our monthly meetings include speakers, mom/parent-only events, park play dates and more. MOPS provides an opportunity to meet other moms/parents, share experiences and information, create new friendships and have fun.

Commitment
MOPS meets once a month at St. William.

MUSIC MINISTRY

Purpose
To complement and enhance the liturgy with prayers, readings and reflections in the form of music.

Commitment
The Music Ministry includes the choir, which sings regularly at the 10:45 Sunday Mass and occasionally at special occasion Masses, the Women’s Music ministry, which sings at one Saturday Mass each month and various special theme Masses and the music ministry group which sings at the Sunday Masses in the chapel on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month. The Ministry also provides cantors and accompanists for other liturgies. Groups generally practice once per week.

PARISH OFFICE VOLUNTEERS

Purpose
To provide assistance to the parish office staff by stuffing envelopes, answering phones and occasionally covering the office.

Commitment
Generally, about 2-4 hours every six weeks, and some additional times during the first week of November for Christmas mailings and March/April for Easter mailings. Actual times can be somewhat flexible.

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PASTORAL CARE OF THE HOMEBOUND

Purpose
To provide the healing presence of Jesus to members of our community who are unable to attend the Sunday Liturgy. An experienced Pastoral Care minister will train anyone interested in this ministry.

Commitment
Once a week bring the Eucharist to one or two homebound parishioners.

PASTORAL COUNCIL

Purpose
To advise the Pastor on various subjects as they relate to the parish and the school. The Council is made up of six parish members, the Associate Pastor, and the Pastor. Parishioners nominate potential candidates (which can include themselves). From the pool of candidates, potential members proceed through a discernment process, from which final members are selected.

Commitment
Terms are for three years. The meetings are held monthly on the second Tuesday of the month for about two hours (7:30 – 9:30pm). There are occasional special projects that require time commitments outside of the regular meetings.

PRAYER GROUP

Purpose
To pray for the personal intentions of the group members as well as the intentions of parishioners who have requested prayers.

Commitment
Members are invited to pray during Eucharistic Adoration on Thursdays from 10:00-11:00 a.m. in the church. Following the prayer session, members occasionally meet for about 30 minutes for faith sharing or book discussion. There is no specific time commitment required and members may participate as their time permits.

RCIA (RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION FOR ADULTS)

Purpose
To engage adults who are interested in learning more about the Catholic faith. Those who complete the process will receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist). Each adult going through RCIA needs a Catholic sponsor.

Commitment
It requires a weekly commitment of one and a half hours from the third week in September until Pentecost Sunday. Regular season holidays and vacations are observed.

RCIC (RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION FOR CHILDREN)

Purpose
To prepare children above the age of seven who have not yet received their sacraments, including Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation, to receive those sacraments. This program is carried out jointly with St. William Parish.

Commitment
Classes meet on Sunday mornings from 10:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at St. Nicholas School. The program begins in October and continues through Easter.

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RUMMAGE SALE

Purpose
To generate additional income for St. Nicholas Parish. The St. Nicholas Rummage Sale is the only true major fundraiser sponsored by the parish each year. All revenue generated supports parish and school activities, funds parish ministries and helps defray other expenses as directed by the Pastor and Finance Committee. The annual rummage sale seeks to build parishioner involvement by renewing old acquaintances and making new friends in a spirit of fellowship that glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ. We recognize and acknowledge that the success of this event is always dependent upon the blessings of God.

Commitment
Many volunteers are needed and very welcome. Commitment is always at the discretion of the individual. Each group or department will have staffing needs ranging from event set up, donation sorting & display, event day sale and clean up crew. Due to the reliance upon the goodwill of our parishioners, most volunteers find the scheduling always flexible to meet other personal obligations.

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION FOR CHILDREN

Purpose
To prepare students to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Sacrament of Eucharist. This program is part of the School of Religious Education for Children and is carried out jointly with St. William Parish.

Commitment
Classes meet on Sunday mornings from 10:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at St. Nicholas School. Sacramental preparation is a two-year process beginning in first grade. Students must complete both years of the program. This program runs October - May.

SCHOOL OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN (K-6)

Purpose
To provide religious education for students in Kindergarten through sixth grade who do not attend parochial school. The program consists of prayers, scripture, church, faith, self-appreciation, value formation, responsibility, service, and projects. This program is carried out jointly with St. William Parish.

Commitment
Classes meet on Sunday mornings from 10:45 to 12:00 noon at St. Nicholas School. This program runs October - May.

SMALL FAITH SHARING GROUPS (RENEW)

Purpose
To build a close-knit circle of faithful who come to know each other well, who pray for each other and who explore the deeper meanings of the scripture in an intimate setting.

Commitment
We currently have nine active Small Faith Sharing Groups at St. Nicholas each with their own particular focus or characteristic. Please contact the Renew Groups Coordinator for more information on the individual groups and their meeting times.

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SPIRITUAL LIFE COMMITTEE

Purpose
To enhance the spiritual life of the Parish, the School and the Religious Education Program by sponsoring faith-related activities and events. These include (but are not limited to) speakers, dramatic productions, rosary walks, rosary for peace prior to healing masses, stations of the cross-Lenten walk, women's retreat, grade level retreats and participation at monthly Saturday 8:00 a.m. Mass, religious book fair, and religious literature provided via family envelope, distribution at religious education classes and the church bulletin.

Commitment
All interested persons are welcome to volunteer on this Committee, which meets approximately once every two months.

ST. NICHOLAS DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Purpose
To build life-long relationships with individuals and groups committed to the mission of St. Nicholas Parish and School. The development committee achieves this aim by coordinating St. Nicholas public relations efforts, school alumni communications, building campaigns, and by working to secure the continued growth of the St. Nicholas School Endowment Fund.

Commitment
Terms are three years and are renewable. Committee members each focus on a particular area of the development program. Meetings are every six weeks from September - June and generally run two hours. Members also manage specific projects during the year based on their area of involvement (i.e. annual appeal for the endowment fund each fall).

ST. NICHOLAS SCHOOL

Purpose
Since 1953, St. Nicholas Catholic School has provided students in our community with an exceptional, faith-centered education that instills fundamental Catholic values and offers life-lasting benefits. The St. Nicholas School experience builds a strong spiritual, academic and moral foundation that prepares each student to be successful not only in future educational endeavors, but in all aspects of life. Our school is a K-8 school.

Commitment
Parents are asked to become actively involved in their child’s or children’s education. We ask our school families to contribute their time and talents for at least 30 hours during each school year. Many opportunities also exist for parishioners who do not have children currently enrolled in our school.

ST. NICHOLAS SCHOOL ADVISORY BOARD

Purpose
This School Advisory Council is an advisory body that assists the pastor and principal in guiding the educational policies of Saint Nicholas School. The Council has no operational responsibilities or jurisdiction. The Council adds expertise to the administration of the school by recommending policy and providing input.

Commitment
Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of the month from September through June and run from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Members are also engaged in special projects as needed. Members are discerned, after being nominated by members of the school committee. Terms are for three years.

ST. NICHOLAS SCHOOL PTG (Parent Teacher Group)

Purpose
To support St. Nicholas School through the coordination of volunteers, fund raising activities, and other activities as requested by the school administration and faculty. The PTG offers numerous opportunities for school parents to get involved and aims to offer options that are flexible out of respect for people’s work schedules and other family commitments.

Commitment
The time commitment varies depending upon the job. Parents have the opportunity to find the volunteer position that best matches their personal schedule and available time. However, the school does expect school parents to volunteer at least 30 hours for the school and 10 hours for the parish annually.

STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE

Purpose
To lead the Stewardship process at St. Nicholas Parish by seeking opportunities to present the Stewardship message in any and all facets of parish life. To work with all standing committees of the pastoral council to continually evaluate the management of parish resources of time, talent and treasure and to actively encourage more lay participation in our parish life through a variety of means.

Commitment
Terms are for three years and are renewable. Membership consists of between 6 and 10 parishioners each focused on a specific sub-committee. Meetings are monthly from August - May and generally run two hours.

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WEDDING PREPARATION PROCESS

Purpose
To prepare engaged couples that are active parishioners for successful entry into the Sacrament of Marriage.

Requirement
A minimum of six months notification prior to the desired wedding date is required, a longer time is recommended. For inquiry on booking a wedding date contact the Wedding Consultant thru the parish office, (650) 948-2158 or stnickcc@yahoo.com.

Commitment
During the preparation period the couple will participate in the following, which is facilitated by the Wedding Consultant:
Three meetings with the presider, discussing faith and sacrament.
Participate in the FOCCUS Instrument and discuss results with a professional Family Counselor who will facilitate discussion regarding communication and compatibility.
Attend a weekend retreat or a series of three evening meetings for the engaged.
Participate in a session required by the Diocese on Natural Family Planning.
Meets with the Wedding Consultant to discuss and choreograph the wedding ceremony.

WOMEN’S RETREAT

Purpose
To provide an experience of rest and reflection in a spiritual setting where you can be refreshed and strengthened with new energy and renewal.

Commitment
The St. Nicholas Women’s Retreat is held annually at the Jesuit Retreat House in Los Altos off University Avenue. This location is an incredibly beautiful and spiritual environment where you can relax, reflect, and still be close to home. The retreats begin Friday evening with a reception and dinner, and then close Sunday afternoon with lunch. The retreat is usually held the last weekend in March. Brochures are available at the Jesuit Retreat House (retreat@elretiro.org), St. Nicholas Church, and St. Nicholas School.

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