Parish Council
Our Parish has an active Parish Council that works to represent members of the parish in its daily management and operations. There are several sub-committees to the council, each of which are listed below. The Finance Committee is an additional parish committee that is external to the Parish Council and its other subcommittees.
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Back Row: Deacon Dave O'Brien, Jennifer McKenna, Sherry Monte, |
Building and Grounds Committee
The Buildings and Grounds Committee keeps our Church, the grounds, and the Rectory in tip top shape. They ensure that the parking lot is clear and safe in the Winter, and the lawn is neatly trimmed in the Summer. Special projects include:
- Planned maintenance of the rectory (siding, painting, etc.).
- Removal of trees from the cemetery.
- Carpet cleaning throughout the Church.
Liturgy Committee
The Liturgy Committee works to provide a Church environment that promotes a full, conscious, and active participation of each parishioner, especially children, youth and their parents. This is accomplished through music and decoration appropriate to the liturgical seasons. In addition, this committee provides guidance regarding the duties and training of the ushers, lectors, altar servers, and Ministers of the Holy Eucharist. Special projects include:
- Coordinating Church clean-up days in conjunction with other committees, including the Buildings and Grounds Committee, and the youth of the parish.
- Coordinating the donation of fresh flowers to adorn the altar and Church.
- Coordinating special masses, including a Signed Mass, Youth masses (in conjunction with the Religious Education Committee), and special recognition masses (such as for graduates).
- Coordinating special liturgical events such as the Holy Hour held on Holy Thursday (which continues now as a First Friday Holy Hour under the administration of the Spiritual Life Committee).
Religious Education Committee
The Religious Education Committee oversees and helps administer the Religious Education program, which includes religious instruction for grades 1-12. Special projects include the investigation into re-establishment of an active Youth Ministry program. The Religious Education Committee also participates in other special projects, such as the Bike Donation Program.
Social Concerns Committee
The Social Concerns Committee works to provide socially responsible and humanitarian outreach within St. John's Parish and the Christian community within the greater Bennington area. St. John's Food Shelf helps to distribute food for those in need in the community.
- Food shelf hours are Tuesday and Thursday from 9::30 AM - 11:00 AM.
Parish Life Committee
The Parish Life Committee ensures that the social ties and events that bring us together remain strong. We help organize parish celebrations, receptions, and coffee hours, and coordinate funeral receptions. Special projects include:
- Coordination of the coffee hour after 9:00 AM mass on Sundays.
- Welcome Basket program for new parishioners.
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee is an independent entity (not part of the Parish Council) that oversees the appropriation of funds to committees for their operations, as well as assists Father with the management of the overall budget and annual financial reporting.