Ministries

St. Paul Ministries encompass a wide range of liturgical, social, and educational services, including liturgical roles (lectors, servers, music), sacramental preparation, and community outreach. Many of these groups were organized to build faith, community, and charity.

Please let the St. Paul church office, leader of the ministry, or committee coordinator know if you would be interested in any of the groups detailed below.

Ministries List

Altar Servers (Adult & Youth)

Altar servers assist the Priest with the Mass and other liturgical functions. Essential tasks they perform include carrying the cross and candles, holding prayer books, preparing the altar, assisting with the gifts (bread/wine), washing the priest’s hands, and managing incense. Their role requires reverence, familiarity with the liturgy, and proper attire (cassock/surplice or appropriate dress). The ministry offers youth and adults a way to serve, grow in faith, and draw closer to the mysteries of the Eucharist. Servers bring beauty and reverence to the liturgy, helping the congregation experience the sacredness of the Mass. Their service helps others believe in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. It’s a way to “love Christ through serving,” reflecting the motto Serviendo Christus Digitur. Children in St. Paul School and the Religious Education Program are trained to be altar servers in the third grade. If a server is unable to serve the mass they are scheduled for, it is their responsibility to find a replacement.

Contact: Parish Office 330-332-0336

Divine Mercy Ministry

St. Paul Parish offers a ministry of prayerful support to our parishioners and their family for the dying (under Hospice Care) and deceased. You do not need to be a member of the parish. The Divine Mercy Chaplet is a beautiful and powerful prayer invoking the mercy of God, said in our homes for your loved one. Jesus has promised St. Faustina, “At the hour of their death, I defend as My own glory every soul that will say this Chaplet; or when others say it on their behalf. God’s anger is placated, unfathomable mercy envelopes the soul and the very depths of My tender mercy are moved for the sake of the sorrowful Passion of my Son.” If you wish to become a member of the prayer team or wish for the Chaplet to be said for a loved one, please call.

Contact: Ros Hardgrove 234-567-1863

Eucharistic Adoration

Eucharistic Adoration is a Catholic devotion where the faithful pray before Jesus Christ, truly present in the Blessed Sacrament (consecrated host). It involves adoring the Eucharist usually exposed in a monstrance. It is a time for quiet meditation, spiritual communion, and deepening one’s relationship with God. Come with a sincere intention and be touched in a profound way by an intense awareness of His presence (Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity.) Adoration is held every Thursday following the 9 a.m. mass until 4 p.m. in the Church. Enter through the side door off Ohio Ave. with the handicap ramp. Come at any time and stay as long as you wish. It is a time for quiet meditation, spiritual communion, and deepening one’s relationship with God. There are two people in attendance at all times. While a “Holy Hour” is traditional, worshipers may spend as little as five minutes with Jesus. Volunteers are asked to make a one hour commitment. When arriving, enter and leave quietly. Eucharistic Adoration is viewed as a source of peace, strength, and grace, allowing for a personal encounter with Jesus Christ.

Contact: Dee Stryzinski 330-277-1151

Eucharistic Ministers

A Eucharistic Minister is a trained layperson who assists the priest in distributing the consecrated Body and Blood of Christ (Communion) at Mass. Some go to the sick or homebound, serving as a visible sign of faith and love for the community. Those confirmed, 16 years of age and up, may serve as Eucharistic Ministers after a brief training session and approved by their parish or diocese, demonstrating reverence and commitment to the Eucharist. They are needed to assist distribution of communion at weekday Masses, 4:30 p.m. Mass on Saturday and 11:00 a.m. Mass on Sunday.

Contact: Parish Office 330-332-0336

Greeters

A greeter at St. Paul Parish is a Minister of Hospitality. A greeter welcomes people before each mass with a warm smile, handshake, or hug, answering simple questions, and helping create a friendly atmosphere. Because you are the first impression of St. Paul Parish, this is a wonderful opportunity to touch every heart in a positive, friendly, spiritual manner. The parish will assign certain committees or ministry groups to take turns as greeters. A need for a leader of this committee and several constant greeters for each mass would be ideal. A greeter often arrives early, stands at the doors, and may assist with seating, ensuring a smooth start to the service, acting as the first point of contact for parishioners and visitors alike. A greeter may become aware of those who need special assistance (e.g., elderly, those with disabilities) or new families.

Contact: Parish Office 330-332-0336

Leader of Prayer

A Leader of Prayer is a primary leader of prayer, an ordained minister (priest or deacon) during Mass, but lay leaders of prayer—parishioners commissioned by their bishop—are authorized to lead specific, non-sacramental services. They lead Morning and Evening Prayer, the Liturgy of the Word, Communion services, and Stations of the Cross, particularly when a priest is unavailable. The formation for this ministry consists of an eight-week workshop conducted by the Diocese. Leaders of Prayer may be asked to lead Liturgy of the Word with/without Communion, the Rite of Committal, and Sunday celebrations of the Liturgy of the Word with Holy Communion when in an emergency, a priest cannot be present. Aside from Liturgy of the Word, they may lead prayers in funeral homes and wake services. In a broader sense, leaders of prayer also include school prayer leaders, catechists, or individuals guiding the Rosary.

Contact: Dee Stryzinski 330-277-1151

Lector

Lector (Reader) attend a preparation meeting during which the ministry is explained and training is given. Lectors are expected to follow directives given by the Diocese, proclaim the readings with spirit, clarity, and meaning. They are given materials to help them understand what they read and how best to proclaim God’s Word. Their demeanor must display reverence, confidence, and enthusiasm, projecting their voice clearly so all can hear. Lectors are needed for weekday and weekend Masses. Teenagers are also welcome to become lectors.

Contact: Parish Office 330-332-0336

Liturgy/Worship Committee

St. Paul’s Liturgy/Worship Committee is led by the pastor. They assist in planning Sunday Masses, sacraments, and seasonal celebrations to enhance parish worship. Under the priest’s guidance, members ensure liturgies are reverent and encourage active participation. The committee often coordinates environment, art, and liturgical ministers. The priest, as the head of the liturgical assembly, oversees the committee and is the final arbiter on liturgical issues. The committee plans liturgical celebrations, including music, liturgical environment, and special, seasonal, or sacramental rites. The committee facilitates the training and formation of altar servers, Eucharistic ministers, lectors, and ushers. This committee is a combination of several other ministries offered at St. Paul.

Contact: Father Joe Ruggieri 330-332-0336

Ministry to Sick and Homebound

St. Paul offers this ministry to the sick and homebound providing spiritual, sacramental, and emotional support to parishioners unable to attend Mass due to illness, age, or physical incapacity. Led by trained Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC) and clergy, this ministry brings the Eucharist, prayer, and companionship, to homes, hospitals, or care facilities. It fulfills the Church’s mission to care for the suffering, ensuring they remain connected to their parish community. Ministers are trained to offer communion, pray with the sick, and, if needed, handle situations with sensitivity.

Contact: Patty Schaff 216-246-0087

Music Ministry

St. Paul’s music ministry serves to glorify God, sanctify the faithful, and spread the Gospel through song with a focus on prayerful participation rather than performance. It is a liturgical role that supports the Mass with music, ranging from traditional chant to contemporary songs. This ministry fosters community, encourages active worship, and requires a commitment to musical excellence and spiritual formation. This often includes choirs (adult, children, youth), cantors, and instrumentalists. Music ministry goes beyond just singing; it is considered a way to “pray twice,” as attributed to St. Augustine, and is crucial for creating an environment for spiritual encounter. It is rooted in the idea that music communicates truths beyond words and acts as a form of ministry to the congregation.

Contact: John Zamarelli 330-277-8772

Prayer Chain

Those needing prayers during times of illness, surgery, special intentions, etc., can request the assistance of the Prayer Chain. When received, the leader passes along the request to all Prayer Chain Team Members. Updates and requests for additional prayers are forwarded to all members as received. Strict discretion is maintained regarding the names and situations of those in need of prayer, per the direction and preference of the person making the request. To make a prayer request, or to become a Prayer Chain Team Member, please call.

Contact: Mary Ann Sugar 330-718-7444

Ushers

Ushers are vital lay ministers at St. Paul Parish, who greet parishioners and visitors before each mass with a smile and warm welcome. They provide parishioners and visitors needing assistance with seating, take up the collection, pass out bulletins after mass, and maintain safety during Mass. As the first point of contact, ushers foster a welcoming atmosphere, direct Communion flow, and ensure order, serving as a crucial, historic, and active role. They answer questions from parishioners and arrange for people to take the gifts (bread & wine) up to the altar to prepare for communion. Ushers should arrive 15 minutes before mass. They will ring the mass bell five minutes before mass starts. Other responsibilities include: check and make sure gifts for the altar are on the table at the back of the church; answer questions the celebrant may have or help him with any requests; assist as part of the security team by locking the two front doors once mass begins; know where the EKG is located and other medical items if needed (call 911 if necessary). At the end of mass ushers straighten up and lock up. They also turn the lights off and place the offertory in the proper location.

Contact: Tom Englert 330-337-6302

Finance Council

St. Paul Parish Finance Council is a consultative body of lay persons that advises the pastor on the administration of the financial and material goods of the parish. The establishment of a finance council is mandated by Canon Law for every parish. The council is strictly advisory. Final decision-making authority rests with the pastor, who is the chief administrator. There are six appointed members by the pastor based on their expertise in business, finance, accounting, or law. They must be practicing Catholics known for their integrity. The appointed members serve a three-year term. The council typically meets in closed sessions four times a year. Members must maintain confidentiality on designated matters. Key Responsibilities: Budgeting, Financial Reporting, Internal Controls, Long-range Planning, Consultation.

Contact: Parish Office 330-332-0336

Knights of Columbus

The Knights of Columbus Council 1818, based at St. Paul Church in Salem, OH, is an active Catholic fraternal organization focused on charity, unity, and fraternity. The council regularly supports local initiatives, including donations to The Sophia Women’s Center and the Columbiana County Special Olympics. K of C contributed to the remodeling of the confessional with new lights, insulated walls, doors, heater and sound cancelling devices at St. Paul Parish. A total of $9,384.00 and 4,031 hours were donated to the parish and other local charities. They are involved in several fundraising activities including the sub sandwich sale during Super Bowl Week. K of C meets on the first and third Monday of each month and begin by praying The Rosary at 6:30 p.m. with a business meeting at 7:00 p.m.. Normal meeting place is the rectory basement meeting room unless another meeting takes priority, then we will meet in the Parish Center living room.
Father Kermiet Fourth Degree Assembly: The Fourth Degree is the highest and most prestigious degree within the Knights of Columbus. It is a group of outstanding Knights who are dedicated to support religious, civic, and charitable causes fostering patriotism and supporting veterans. Meeting are held on the third Saturday of each month at 6:00 p.m., location to be announced. Fourth Degree Knights are dedicated to the principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. These assemblies often unite members from multiple councils for service and ceremonial purposes. K of C 1818 donated $3,000, of the $15,000 from the other K of C councils in the Columbiana County Chapter. This dollar amount was matched by K of C Supreme for the new ultra sound for Sophia Women’s Center in Salem which will be installed in the spring of 2026. The original ultra sound was provided by the K of C ten years prior and no parts are available when there is a breakdown of the system. Thus, to avoid an interruption of services, a decision was made to purchase a new device.

Contact: Dave Bedell 234-320-8159

Loyal Christian Benefit Association LCBA

The Loyal Christian Benefit Association (LCBA) was founded in 1890 by a group of courageous Catholic women who saw the need to provide financial protection for women. The original name was Ladies Catholic Benevolent Association, the first insurance society owned and operated by women for the benefit of Catholic women. Today it serves all faiths and families, men women, and children with Insurance policies, Scholarships, Camping, and Road Scholar (age 50+ Travel), Preneed Insurance, and Cemetery Final Expense planning. LCBA has expanded to create a force for the good in many communities, serving Christians in 35 states and the District of Columbia. Home office is in Erie, PA. LCBA Branch #654 is affiliated with St. Paul and was formed in 1901. There are 28 active members, and welcomes new members all the time. Meetings are held March through May and September through December on the first Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Salem Senior Housing’s Club House at 996 W. Perry St., Salem. The association sponsors, speakers, plans fund-raisers, potlucks, parties, and occasional tours. LCBA provides social time and discuss ways to give back to the church, school, and community. LCBA promotes helping others through fun and fellowship.

Contact: Rose Bedell 330-337-8353

Legion of Mary

Legion of Mary members carry out an apostolate centered around the rosary, prayer, works of mercy and mutual support of its members. Members attempt to live and grow spiritually under the guidance and example of the Blessed Mother as she leads people to her Son. Weekly meetings are held on Mondays at 12:30 p.m. in the Rectory Meeting Room.

Contact: Mary Ann Sugar 330-718-7444

Parish Pastoral Council

St. Paul’s Pastoral Council advises the pastor on the parish’s spiritual and apostolic life. Its primary mission is pastoral planning, discerning how the parish can best fulfill the mission of the Church in its local community. The council provides “advice and consent” rather than making binding executive decisions. The pastor retains final decision-making authority. This group typically addresses evangelization, worship, religious education, and service activities. Unlike the Finance Council which is operational and manages temporal goods. The Pastoral Council is strategic, focusing on the “big picture” of parish life and mission. The council is composed of ex-officio, appointed and elected members who meet monthly at St. George’s Hall, 271 West Chestnut St., Lisbon, OH.

Contact: Parish Office 330-332-0336

Security Council

St. Paul Parish Security Council meets periodically. This council focuses on safety protocols for the parish. Members have received training in First Aid, CPR, AED use, fire extinguisher use, weather contingencies, and active threat situations. The parish’s Security Council discusses safety within the church buildings and the church grounds actively implementing safety measures. Parishioners are encouraged to inquire regardless of skill set or experience level.

Contact: Joe Moran 330-720-5190

St. Paul School

St. Paul School is located west of St. Paul Church and Offices on State Street in Salem. St. Paul School is a K–8 Roman Catholic school in the Diocese of Youngstown that partners with families to educate the mind, body, and spirit of every child.

Since 1904, Saint Paul School has provided a faith-centered community that evangelizes, educates, and fosters the formation of a healthy and morally sound lifestyle. The school offers: rigorous academic programs; enriching co-curricular opportunities; engaging extracurricular activities; and a dynamic STREAM Learning Ecosystem (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). Students come from public school districts throughout Mahoning and Columbiana counties, neighboring Catholic parishes, and families of various faith traditions.

In May 2020, St. Paul School was designated a STEM School by the Ohio Department of Education, and Reaccreditation was awarded for 5 more years during their February, 2026 meeting. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education provides students with a deep understanding of these disciplines through inquiry-based learning and design thinking integrated across all subjects.

Top 10 Reasons to Choose Catholic Schools:

Catholic tradition and academic excellence in a community grounded in faith
Balanced curriculum including art, music, and physical fitness
Emphasis on moral development, service to others, and leadership skills
A 99% graduation rate
Strong preparation for future education
Safe and disciplined environment
Exceptional faculty who help students reach their highest potential
Individual attention in a caring community
Commitment to technology use to enhance education
Good stewardship of resources

St. Paul School Foundation:
The St. Paul School Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization established in 1990, provides essential financial support for the school’s educational programs, facilities, and students. Tuition alone does not cover the full cost of delivering an exceptional Catholic education. Your generosity helps bridge that gap. We invite you to consider making the St. Paul School Foundation a regular recipient of your charitable giving. They are a registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation. Monthly or annual gifts are deeply appreciated, and all donations are tax-deductible. St. Paul School continues to grow in enrollment, innovation, and opportunity. With growth comes continued need. Your financial support helps ensure that we can educate students at the highest level possible. Thank you for your generosity and for keeping St. Paul School in your prayers. If you would like to make a contribution, directly, to the school, please feel free to contact the school by emailing at [email protected] or by calling the office at 330-337-3451. Mail donations to: St. Paul School, 925 East State Street, Salem, OH 44460. Every gift – no matter the size – makes a difference. On behalf of every child at St Paul, THANK YOU!

Contact: Mr. David Fischer – Principal 330-337-3451

Faith Formation

St. Paul’s Catholic faith formation is a lifelong ministry, functioning as an umbrella for catechesis, sacramental preparation, and spiritual growth. It is aimed at fostering a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ through prayer, community, and service. It serves all ages, children, youth, and adults moving beyond simple religious education to form the whole person in the teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church. It helps educate the mind and heart on Church teachings, scripture, and liturgy. It is focused on nurturing adult faith. Faith formation aims to equip Catholics to live out their faith in daily life, transforming hearts and minds to act as disciples in the world.

Contact: Peggy Fitch 330-332-0336

Order of Christian Initiation of Adults O.C.I.A.

(…formerly known as R.C.I.A.)
O.C.I.A. (Order of Christian Initiation) is the official process for individuals to become members of the Catholic Church. It is a journey of spiritual and intellectual formation rather than a simple class. Anyone whose search for God that leads them to the Catholic Church will have the opportunity to deepen their faith and join the Catholic Church. The candidates meet weekly to pray, share, learn, and listen for the movement of the Holy Spirit in their lives. If you want to know more or would like to participate in any way as a candidate or a volunteer to this program please contact us. You can be a part of our journey!

Contact: Patty Schaff 216-246-0087

Religious Education Program

The Religious Education Program at St. Paul Parish involves public school children, grades 1 through 8. It is designed to foster a personal relationship with Jesus and provide a foundation in Church teachings While supporting parents by providing an environment of living faith, this program include catechesis, community building, worship, service, and prayer. The liturgy, scriptures and sacraments are taught on a level the children understand. Children are prepared for First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation. Classes are held on Sunday mornings, September through April. Adult volunteers are always needed to help operate the Religious Education Program. Catechists, aids, and office help are needed every Sunday. Adults working with children must participate in the Diocesan Safe Environment Training, be fingerprinted by Web Check, and sign a volunteer document.

Contact: Peggy Fitch 330-332-0336

Vacation Bible School

Vacation Bible School (VBS) is held during the summer. Each year a different theme is chosen featuring Bible stories, prayer, activities, food, and fun. Many volunteers are needed. Adults and teens over 18 working with the children must participate in the Diocesan Safe Environment Training, be fingerprinted by Web Check, and sign a volunteer document. High school students may help in the program, working with an adult mentor.

Contact: Peggy Fitch 330-332-0336

Youth Ministry

The St. Paul Salem Youth Group is part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Youngstown and offers various activities and opportunities for faith development for high schoolers. High school students, grades 9 through 12, are invited to participate in the youth ministry. Meeting day and time varies. Designed to combine catechesis and fellowship, the group participates in local, diocesan and national activities. Adult volunteers are needed to facilitate high school youth ministry activities. Adults working with children must participate in the Diocesan Safe Environment Training, be fingerprinted by Web check, and sign a volunteer document. To join the Youth Ministry or become a volunteer, please contact us.

Contact: Peggy Fitch 330-332-0336

Banquet in Salem

The Banquet in Salem is a community outreach to provide food and fellowship. Formation began in 2004, a group of local Pastors and Lay Leaders met to develop and organize a feeding program for the people of the Salem area. It is served at the Memorial Building every Monday evening and on the fourth Thursday of the month, from 5:00 p.m. until food is gone, and is free for all. This Ministry provides 240 meals on Mondays and 180 meals on the fourth Thursday of each month. Recipients of food must be present to receive meals. St. Paul’s Parish, along with other community organizations, provides and serves the meals. A team of 23 to 25 people serve the banquet. Groups or individuals come together each week to do the preparation and service work, but it takes donations to make it happen. Meals costs an average of $800 each meal. The people of Salem have always been generous in helping us fund the program, but the demand is great. By donating to the Banquet, you can be assured that 100% of your tax-deductible contribution will be used to feed people from the Salem area.

Contact: Donna Dermotta 330-692-2284

Centro San Pablo

Centro San Pablo is the Hispanic Ministry outreach program associated with St. Paul Parish in Salem, Ohio. Offices are open at Centro San Pablo Monday and Tuesday mornings and afternoons. Volunteers offer assistance in improving English reading, writing, and speaking to persons for whom English is a second language (ESL). Dental van and Mercy Health come and offer services. These services are offered without charge. Tutors do not need to speak Spanish or have prior teaching experience. The ministry supports the Spanish-speaking community, including a Spanish Mass offered on Sundays at 5:00 p.m.. In addition to Mass Stations in Spanish (Viacurcis), Posados, Guadalupe celebrations are also offered. Donations of non-perishable foods, toiletries, and baby supplies are welcome. Diapers & wipes are donated by MKC (Making Kids Count).

Contact: Isabel Leon 234-564-9609

Christmas Giving Tree

The Christmas Giving Tree is an Advent ministry supporting needy local families, children, and individuals by providing gifts, clothing, or essential items. St. Paul Parish works with the Salvation Army gathering gifts at Christmas time for the less fortunate. Usually appearing after Thanksgiving, the tree features tags with specific requests, which parishioners take, purchase items, and return unwrapped to the church for distribution. Volunteers from the parish prepare the tree, collect, sort, and deliver the gifts to beneficiaries.

Contact: Dee Stryzinski 330-277-1151

Church Cleaning

Volunteers are always needed to help with the cleaning and upkeep of the church. Areas needing assistance include sweeping, vacuuming, dusting and annual cleaning tasks. Cleaning the church is viewed as a “behind the scenes” ministry that reflects reverence for the house of God. It is often described as a form of “praying with your hands,” where volunteers find peace and a sense of fellowship while working in the quiet of the sanctuary.

Contact: Dee Stryzinski 330-277-1151

Collection Counters

St. Paul’s collection counters, working in teams, securely count and sort, the weekly offertory donations. They process cash/checks, prepare bank deposits, and track envelopes. The collections are counted Monday mornings. Volunteers schedule on a rotating basis, usually every other week. This ministry is crucial for financial transparency and security, ensuring donations are handled properly to fund religious education, outreach, and operational costs, making it a vital part of parish stewardship.

Contact: Parish Office 330-332-0336

Food & Fellowship

Sharing food and conversation is an important way for families to bond and support each other. Our parish family needs those opportunities, too. They reinforce our faith and create a welcoming atmosphere, especially for newcomers. This helps people feel like part of the ‘Body Of Christ’ and is a tangible way to practice the grace of sharing.

Food & Fellowship is a way for our parish to build community. It mirrors early Christian practices described in the bible of breaking bread to deepen spiritual growth. It gives people a chance to meet and socialize with fellow parishioners. Gathering monthly on the weekend of the third Saturday after the 4:30 p.m. Saturday Mass and after the 11 a.m. Sunday Mass in the school gym/cafeteria. Exceptions are published in the parish bulletin. Use the entrance off Pershing Street at the back of the building. Appetizers, savories, and sweets along with a variety of beverages around a different theme each month are served. There is no charge, but donations are gladly accepted.

Volunteers in this ministry set-up, decorate, prepare/serve food, and clean up. Opportunities to work are on Friday evening, Saturday morning, Saturday evening, and Sunday. Volunteers can work every month or whenever time permits. Call or E-Mail Ginger Grilli at 330-853-7050 or [email protected].

Contact: Ginger Grilli 330-853-7050

Funeral Buffet

The Funeral Buffet is a Ministry that is offered to anyone who has had a death in the family and has a funeral mass at St. Paul Church. This is an opportunity, after the funeral, to share fellowship with family and friends. The committee calls for food donations and serves the buffet. You can volunteer on an as-needed basis, specifying whether you can help with food preparation, serving, and/or clean-up.

Typical Volunteer Roles:
Volunteers perform a variety of tasks to ensure the reception runs smoothly. Set-up includes covering tables, arranging decorations, and setting up the buffet area. Food Preparation/Donation: Preparing hot dishes or desserts at home and receiving donated food items. You could also schedule workers, food donations, etc. from the call list. There is no charge for the service, but donations are accepted. If you would like to be on the call list for food donations or serve, please call the coordinator.

Contact: Kris Egli 330-429-4066

Hospitality Coordinator

St Paul is currently in need of a person to be in charge of all our Hospitality committees. Although each committee will have it’s own leader, the Hospitality Coordinator will control the scheduling and help the individual leaders.
The Hospitality Coordinator should create a welcoming environment by managing events, overseeing volunteers (greeters, servers, food prep), organizing fellowship like coffee hour, planning for funerals/special occasions, managing supplies, and ensuring seamless guest/parishioner care. This is a volunteer position that requires dedicated service to our parish. The parish and the committee leaders will provide the support you will need. Details for each committee will be discussed with the right candidate.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
Event Planning – Plan food, setup, and logistics for parish gatherings, coffee hours, funeral luncheons, and other events.
Volunteer Management – Recruit, train, schedule, and appreciate volunteers for greeting, ushering, food service, and setup.
Guest/Visitor Care – Ensure a warm welcome, provide directions, and help integrate new members into the parish community.
Logistics & Supplies – Maintain inventory of hospitality items and décor, and coordinate with ministry directors.
Community Building – Foster relationships and a sense of belonging among parishioners.
Collaboration – Work with pastors, staff, and other ministry leaders to align hospitality with the church’s mission.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS & TRAITS:
Warm, outgoing, and hospitable personality. Strong organizational and administrative skills. Ability to lead and develop volunteers. Work with each committee leader to ensure each event is handled efficiently. Excellent communication (verbal/written). A heart for serving and building Christian community.

The committees that the Hospitality Coordinator will oversee include:

Greeters
Food and Fellowship
Feast Day
Funeral Buffet
Welcome Committee
Miscellaneous Special Events

Contact: Parish Office 330-332-0336

Our Lady’s Purse

Our Lady’s Purse was started in 1974 by St. Paul parishioners who were members of the Our Lady of Good Counsel Study Club, along with the late Rev. Blaine Pierce. Since its founding, it has been governed by a Board of Trustees. Our Lady’s Purse is a charitable fund that provides financial assistance to those in need when other agency resources are not available. It supports local aid efforts, particularly A.I.D., Inc. (Action, Information, Direction), which can be reached at 330-332-1466. In recent years, Our Lady’s Purse has also helped support the Community Pantry, the Banquet of Salem, the Leetonia Food Pantry, and the Salem Backpack Program. Donations may be made to the Salem Community Foundation for Our Lady’s Purse, PO Box 533, Salem, OH 44460.

Contact: Parish Office 330-332-0336

Parish Landscape Upkeep

Volunteers work to keep the parish and school grounds beautiful. There is a spring and fall trimming of the shrubs and trees. We need people who have shrub trimmers. Weeds are pulled, flowers and shrubs are planted, and areas mulched. A spring meeting reviews what needs to be accomplished and plans to have spring clean-up completed by Memorial Day. Project dates will be set.

Contact: Rose Bedell 330-337-8353

Mowing and edging the grass is maintained by men from the Knights of Columbus and volunteers.

Contact: Dave Bedell 234-320-8159

Watering of flowers and plants is cared for by volunteers scheduled on a weekly basis.

Contact: Mary Beth Shivers 330-337-7708

All of these activities are weather dependent.

Salem Food Pantry

The Salem Community Pantry is located at 794 East Third Street in Salem, Ohio, on the corner of Third & Vine. The Slogan of the Salem Community Pantry is “Helping Salem Set the Table.”

The Salem Community Pantry was created as a non-profit public service community organization on October 14th, 2009. Consider donating to support the Salem Pantry. Your donation to The Salem Community Pantry helps us provide food to our Salem Neighbors. We gladly accept donations of canned and boxed food along with fresh vegetables and fruit from your garden. For your delivery convenience there’s a large collection box located next to the Pantry entrance on Vine Street.

Join St. Paul Parish to help donate food and personal care items for distribution at the Pantry. Financial contributions help us purchase food and pay the necessary bills to keep the Pantry in operation. Donations are tax deductible. Checks can be made payable to the Salem Community Pantry and mailed to Post Office Box 222, Salem, Ohio 44460. See web site to send a quicker electronic donation at salempantry.com. Our pantry email is [email protected]. You can call the Pantry Office at 330-332-5166 and leave a message for the Pantry Director. The Director will return your call to discuss volunteer opportunities. You can also visit the Pantry in person to see our operation for yourself. The best times for volunteers to visit is when we receive and sort food donations on Tuesday, Friday, Saturday between 9 a.m. to around 11 a.m., and Wednesday between noon to 2 p.m.. You can also visit Monday between 8 a.m. to around 12:30 p.m. and/or Thursday between 1 p.m. to around 6:15 p.m., when we prepare our shelves for the shopping distribution and conduct the shopping experience. Our youngest volunteer was 14 years old, the oldest was 94.

Shopping Days and Times: Monday, 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; Thursday, 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Contact: Rose Converse 330-301-3522

Seasonal Church Decorating

The décor of the church changes as the seasons change during the Liturgical year. Christmas and Easter are especially busy. Volunteers are needed to help set up and take down the decorations as well as to water any live plants that are in the church. Decorators focus on enhancing, not overwhelming, the primary focal points (altar, ambo, chair) with themes of simplicity and beauty. Decorations should use real flowers and plants rather than artificial ones whenever possible. Moderation in color and volume should reflect the season’s mood.

Contact: Dee Stryzinski 330-277-1151

Welcome Committee

The Welcome Committee seeks to help newly registered parishioners feel welcome to St. Paul Parish. Their goal is to create a warm, inviting atmosphere, making first-time visitors and new members feel seen, valued, and connected. Volunteers help them transition from guests to integrated members by offering hospitality and information about the parish ministries, committees and events, and provide pathways to get involved in the faith community. The Welcome Committee are called to be ambassadors for Christ, to welcome one another, and to pray for one another. They serve as the “face and heart” of the church, ensuring positive first impressions and fostering belonging. Matthew 10:40 – “Anyone who welcomes you welcomes Me, and anyone who welcomes Me, welcomes the One who sent Me.”

Contact: Parish Office 330-332-0336

Widows Meeting

St. Paul Parish hosts a dedicated Widow’s Support Group specifically for women who have lost their spouses. The group provides a supportive environment for widows to connect, share experiences and plan fun activities that they can participate in. Meetings are held from March through December on the first Tuesday of the month at 10:00 a.m. in the living room of the St. Paul Parish Center office.

Contact: Theresa Morris 330-360-8827

Women’s Bible Group

St. Paul Parish in Salem, Ohio, offers a “Walking with Purpose” women’s program that includes Bible study and fellowship. For women of all ages and backgrounds. The group meets on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. and are held at the St. Paul Parish Center Living Room.

Contact: Patty Schaff 216-246-0087