St. Michael Catholic Church - Van Buren, AR
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  • Estaciones de la Cruz
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Parish Registration
    • Our History
    • Staff
    • The Sacraments
    • Gallery
  • OUR FAITH
    • The Catholic Church
    • Catechism of The Catholic Church
    • DAILY BIBLE READINGS
    • St. Phillip Institute
  • Schedule
  • Get Involved
    • Ministries
    • FORMED
  • Bulletins/Calendars
    • Church Calendar
    • Inserts
  • En Spañol
    • Nuestra Fe
    • La Iglesia Catolica
    • Lecturas Biblicas Diarias
    • Instituto San Felipe
  • Religious Education
    • RCIA
    • Adult Education
    • MEN OF FAITH
    • PRE
  • Contact
  • 40-Day Devotion to St. Michael
  • Stations of the Cross
  • Estaciones de la Cruz

Ministries

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GREETERS
As first impressions of our parish are made
upon entering, these individuals have the
important role of welcoming newcomers and
parishioners before Mass by offering a friendly
smile and warm greeting to each person.
Contact: Mike Burdick or James Shelby

HOSPITALITY MINISTRY
Hospitality ministers build community in a
variety of ways. These volunteers will reach
out to newcomers, may provide refreshments
and clean-up services, and introduce
members to one another and to ministries in
which they may have an interest. This group
helps to welcome and assist the existing
ministries where possible.
Contact:Parish Office

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
“Come to me, all you who labor and have been
burdened, and I will refresh you” (Mt 11:28).
Spend some time in prayer, meditation and
adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Let
our Lord refresh your soul and transform
your life. Adoration times are offered on
Wednesdays from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. and
Saturdays at 3 p.m. Contact: Jenn Cummins

DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET
Divine Mercy Chaplets are prayed at 3 p.m.
on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
and Saturday. The message of this chaplet
is that God’s love and mercy is greater than
sin. He desires us to receive His mercy and
share it with others. Join us in this prayer
of mercy! “The Lord said to me, ‘The loss of
each soul plunges Me into mortal sadness.
You always console Me when you pray for
sinners. The prayer most pleasing to Me is
prayer for the conversion of sinners. Know,
My daughter, that this prayer is always heard
and answered” (St. Faustina, 1397).
Contact: Pat Chaffin

PEOPLE OF THE ROSARY
The People of the Rosary meet every First
Saturday before Saturday Vigil Mass. Join
us in this prayer to our Blessed Mother. This
Rosary is bilingual. It is open for everyone,
not just ladies of the parish! Bring yourself,
your spouse, children, grandchildren and
friends. “There is no problem, I tell you, no
matter how difficult it is, that we cannot
resolve by the prayer of the Holy Rosary.”
— Sister Lucia
Contact: Amber Rowe

PRAYER CHAIN
The Prayer Chain Ministry prays for the needs
of the parish, all the sick in the parish, and for
special needs that arise. Join us in praying for
our fellow parishioners. To get involved or to
add prayers to the chain, contact us.
Contact: Mary Burdick 

YOUTH MASS
This is a special Mass offered the fourth
Sunday of the month at the 10 a.m. Mass
specifically inviting the youth to participate.
During the school year, one Wednesday/month,
an additional youth Mass takes place in the
early evening, followed by fellowship. Youth are
needed to help with the parts of the Mass as
readers, servers, ushers, gift bearers, greeters
and choir participants. Contact: Angela Long

ADULT BIBLE STUDY
We invite everyone to open your mind and
further your faith formation through our
Adult Bible Study. We have two different times
for the classes — Monday night at 6:30 p.m.,
Thursday Mornings at 10 a.m. and Thursday
Evenings at 6:30 p.m. For class, we open
in prayer, study Scripture and offer time
for discussion. Our study helps members
strengthen their relationship with God by
deepening their understanding of His Word.
Classes vary in number of weeks and new
topics are offered in the spring and fall.

​Monday Evenings: “Optional” Potluck
6-6:30 p.m.; Classes 6:30-8 p.m. 
Contact: Mary Burdick

Thursday Mornings: The first session
started on Sept. 12 at 10 a.m. to around
11:45 a.m. (no potluck). Same schedule as
Monday evenings. Contact: Carole Huff

PARISH RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (PRE)
The catechetical program at St. Michael
Church seeks to provide the youth and
children with the knowledge, experiences and
skills necessary to become faithful and fruitful
disciples of Jesus. The children will also
receive the appropriate religious preparation
needed to receive the sacraments. There are
often opportunities to assist in a variety of
ways — help teach during the school year,
participate during a specific week/event or
participate as a substitute. September-May,
Wednesday evenings, 6:30-8 p.m. Contact: Angela Long 

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA)
RCIA is the process which helps guide
interested adults on the journey of becoming
a full member of the Catholic faith. A team of
dedicated and knowledgeable Catholics are
needed to assist adults and children (7 years
old and up) who are interested in becoming
Catholic by providing education, hospitality,
support and facilitation of the meetings. We
meet in a lounge on the second floor of the
St. Michael parish offices located next to the
church. Meetings are held year around every
Monday, 6:30-7:45 p.m., with the exception of
holiday weekends and Easter (Spring) break. Contact: Kevin Andersen

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL (VBS)
This fun faith formation class is offered
once a summer for the youth of the parish
and community. Vacation Bible School is a
time for the youth to discover their faith in a
fun and interactive way. Much work is put
into planning this week. If you would like to
volunteer to help prepare, assist or teach VBS,
please contact us for more information!
Contact: Parish Office 

ARCH YOUTH GROUP
We are ARCH(All Reach Christ Here) Youth
Group of St. Michael Catholic Church. We are
developing on Fire, Holy Spirit led apostolic
discipleship in our 7th-12th graders who will
carry Christ to their parish, community, and
all the world as God calls. 
​Contact: Parish Office

ALTAR SERVERS
Altar servers assist the priest and deacon in
preparing for and celebrating the Mass and
other liturgies. The altar servers participate in
the procession and presentation of the gifts, as
well as holding the prayer books. This is open
to boys and girls who have made their First
Communion. Periodic training sessions are
held throughout the year as needed. Contact: Don Chaffin

ALTAR SOCIETY
Altar Society is open to all women interested in
helping to provide altar bread, wine, linens and
decorations for the church. They also minister
to grieving families by providing bereavement
dinners. Through selfless service for others and
the church, these women exhibit stewardship
through hospitality and service, and they invite
any ladies interested to join them.
Contact: Rosemary Sellers

BEREAVEMENT DINNERS
Bereavement dinners is a ministry that
prepares meals for those who have just lost
loved ones or are in a difficult situation. This
simple act of providing a meal for those who
are going through a difficult period can show
the love of Christ to others.
Contact: Marilyn Boyd or Annette Knitting

BLESSING BOX
This ministry is an outreach to the
neighboring community. Each day necessities
are stocked in two boxes, offering food and
personal care products to those needing help
during challenging times. “For I was hungry
and you gave me food” (Mt 25:35). Contact: Andi Miller 

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PAGEANT
Each December, St. Michael’s youth put
on a simple Christmas pageant helping to
tell the story of Jesus’ birth. If you would
like to volunteer for the preparation and/or
production of the pageant, please contact us!
Contact: Angela Long 

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION
EMHCs assist in distributing the Body and
Blood of our Lord at Mass and, as such,
recognize the profound significance that the
Eucharist holds in the life of the Church. A
spirit of reverent service to Christ, present
in the Eucharist, is at the very heart of this
ministry. By serving as an EMHC, you will be
witnessing Christ’s own loving service to the
members of the parish.
Contact: Parish Office 

FINANCE COMMITTEE
Members monitor the overall health of the
parish’s finances and financial controls, and
recommend improvements. They review and
approve the yearly budget that is prepared
and proposed by the parish administrator.
The pastor appoints members.
Contact: Fr. Rick Hobbs 

HOMEBOUND
This is a ministry that serves homebound
parishioners due to age, injury, or illness.
As a support to the pastor and the deacons,
ministers carry the Holy Eucharist to patients
in the hospital, nursing homes and assisted
living facilities. This ministry extends God’s
love to those who are unable to directly come
in contact with Him in the church by bringing
them Communion, praying with them and
showing them support. Contact: Mary Frauenhoff 

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
(FRATERNAL ORGANIZATION --
THIRD AND FOURTH DEGREE)

The Knights of Columbus help men to
better live their Christian call through
prayer, service and fellowship. Their mission
focuses on five main areas — church,
community, family, youth and council. It
provides members and their families with
volunteer opportunities in service to the
Catholic Church, the community, families
and young people. The Knights of Columbus
is a worldwide organization of Catholic men
striving to become better men of Christ.
Those interested in learning more, please call!
Contact: Craig Wahlmeier, Grand Night 

LECTORS
Lectors proclaim the Word of God within
liturgical celebrations in an inspiring
and meaningful way. The proclamation
of Sacred Scripture is a very important
ministry. Lectors adequately prepare through
prayer and practice. They also engage with
the congregation by sharing the week’s
announcements, inviting and informing
members of upcoming opportunities to grow
in prayer, faith and service. This ministry is
for Spanish and English Masses.
Contact: Kevin Anderson (English Lectors) &
​ (Spanish Lectors) the parish office


MUSIC MINISTRY
The Music Ministry provides music for parish
liturgical celebrations, as well as singers and
instrumentalists for other parish events.
Members engage the assembly in songs and
acclamations to worship and pray together
during Mass. We offer Hispanic choir and
English choir. If you are interested in joining
our Music Ministry, please feel free to contact
our music director for more information.
English Choir: Practice, every other Tuesday at 6 p.m.
Spanish Choir: Practice, Sundays at 9 a.m.
Youth Choir: Practice second and third Sundays at 11 a.m.
Instrumentalist: same as Choir Cantor: same as Choir
Contact: T.C. Long 

PARISH VETERANS NETWORK
St. Michael Parish Veterans Network exists
primarily to assist veterans and their
families during times of bereavement. We
feel it is important to honor and support
our parish veterans and their families
by having a strong veterans’ presence at
Rosary services, at Masses of Christian
burial, and most especially at the interment
site. Other services for our veterans may
include assisting with rides to Mass, medical
appointments and VA facilities. Home,
hospital, rehabilitation center and nursing
home visits are also made as appropriate.
Assistance for families of the parish’s active
duty personnel are also available. All veterans
are appreciated and welcomed. There are
no regularly scheduled meetings, dues or
responsibilities other than to participate
based upon whatever time each member has
available. Contact: Walter Boyd or James Shelby 

PASTORAL COUNCIL
Pastoral Council is an advisory group for the
pastor. The council works diligently to serve
the parish in the following ways — foster
unity, assess needs, develop programs,
coordinate activities, encourage participation
in spiritual and apostolic life, and provide
a forum for parish dialogue. Members are
appointed by the pastor. Contact: Fr. Rick Hobbs 

COMMUNITY OUTREACH
We at St. Michael Parish are working on
getting involved with our community, by
providing a meal for the Adult Education
Center Program. We will be serving a meal to
about 40 students. We are the first Catholic
Parish helping with this program.
Contact: Deysi Sandoval 

GOLDEN CLUB
The Golden Club is a group for seniors in the
parish who gather monthly throughout the
year. This group helps to build and maintain
relationships between seniors in the parish
by providing an opportunity to worship
together the first Thursday of the month
beginning at the noon Mass and followed with
a luncheon and fellowship.
Contact: Rosemary Sellars 
 
PARISH EVENTS
Everyone in the parish is invited and
encouraged to participate in our different
events throughout the year starting with Fat
Saturday (March), Parish Picnic (in May), Flea
Market (June), VBS (June), St. Michael Day
Community Festival (September), Trunk-or-
Treat (October), and our Parish Christmas
Luncheon (December).
Contact: Fat Saturday, Parish Picnic, Flea
Market, St. Michael Day Community Festival: Phillip and Shane Weinsinger 
VBS, Trunk-or-Treat, Christmas Luncheon:Church Office 


Contact the Parish office at 479-471-1211 for more information on Ministry Leaders.
St. Michael Catholic Church
1025 East Pointer Trail 
Van Buren, AR 72956
Phone: (479) 471-1211 
Fax: (479) 471-1219

Office Hours/Horario de Oficina:
Monday/Lunes: - Thursday/Jueves:
​8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Lunch Time/ Comida: 12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Friday/Viernes: 8 a.m. - Noon/Mediodia

Weekend masses / Misas de Sábado y Domingo
​Saturday (Sábado) *8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Sunday (Domingo): 8:00 a.m. (Español) 10:00 a.m. (English), and 11:45 a.m. (Español)

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