Serving in the Broader Community

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 Bart's Bards

 To promote

 Christian

 fellowship through

 the performing arts

The Bards offer a Christian-oriented social activity to adults and children alike through the opportunity to participate in and learn about the art of theater while providing good entertainment to the parish and local community. In addition to formal productions, the Bards regularly bring their joyful performances to nearby venues like St. Clare Convent, the Alois Alzheimer Center, and local nursing homes.

Since its inception, Bart's Bards' motto has been "to promote Christian fellowship through the performaing arts." In 2012, we added "Love God. Serve Others. Use Your Gifts". 

We are proud to offer an activity that the entire family can participate in, both on and off stage. This can be especially valuable as an opportunity for young people to showcase their talents. We consider Bart's Bards to be a Christian family; as such, we begin and end every rehearsal with prayer, always gratefully seeking God's blessing on our endeavors. Our loyal and beloved audiences make all the hard work worthwhile.

Since auditions and behind-the-scenes responsibilities are open to the public, Bards' members represent a wide variety of backgrounds, faiths, and experiences - all coming together for a common purpose and in a spirit of prayer.

The summer 2015 production of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer marked Bards' 27th show and celebrated 20 years of producing musicals, straight plays, and theatre-in-the-round for our church family and greater community.

Join us for a performance as a cast member, crew member or audience member; however you choose to be involved, you're sure to have a wonderful time and meet some wonderful people! For more information, see the Bart's Bards website.

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 Shelterhouse

On the 2nd Wednesday of each month (Jan-Oct), volunteers meet in the church parking lot at 7:30 PM to carpool downtown to Shelterhouse. Bearing various snack items, magazines, and devotional items (all donated by parishioners), the volunteers meet and greet about 300 homeless men and women for their evening snack before returning to the church around 9:15 PM.

To learn more, take part in this ministry, or supply items contact the parish office to be put in touch with Barb Perry.

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 Hunger Sunday

On the first Sunday of each month, we hold regular collections for food, personal care items, and school supplies to help stock local pantries like Valley Interfaith and Mt. Healthy Food Alliance. 

Your involvement truly makes a difference in the lives of our neighbors!

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 Knights of

 Columbus

The K of C is a Catholic, family, fraternal organization. Members of St. Bartholomew are part of K of C's Madonna Council, which is based in Mt. Healthy and includes members from several parishes. Meetings are held at 8 PM on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month at the council hall (7700 Seward).

The Ladies' Auxiliary meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month at various restaurants. They hold their own fundraisers and assist at council events. For additional information contact Jon Witt.

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 Mission

 Garage

 Sale

Six birds with one stone! Through our bi-annual mission garage sale...

• parishioners and parish friends simplify their lives by clearing out the usable items they no longer need or want
• our team of volunteers experience fun and fellowship setting up the sale
• we have an opportunity to extend a welcome to the public during sales
• thrifty shoppers enjoy finding quality items at a price that can't be beat (prices aren't marked - shoppers choose their donation amount)
• all proceeds benefit Catholic missionaries, including our own youth group
• remaining items are given to St. Vincent de Paul for their shops

Our volunteers arrange sales dates, collection, sorting, welcoming shoppers, accepting donations, and clean up. Contact the parish office to get in on the fun.

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Our Daily Bread

On the 4th Tuesday of every month, volunteers serve meals and lend a hand in the food pantry at Our Daily Bread, a Hospitality/Soup Kitchen in Over-the-Rhine. Leaving the church parking lot at 9 AM, they return around 1 PM.

Our volunteers help prepare and serve a hot meal, greet guests, wash the tables, carry trays, and do whatever they can to make the meal and the visit pleasant. Contact Mary Hoffmann through the Parish Office to learn more.

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 Parish Festival

Held the last weekend of July, our festival is much more than a fundraiser. As our largest and most public event of the year, the festival presents us with an opportunity to interact with parishioners and non-parishioners in a fun, positive, safe atmosphere. 

Whether a person's skills are in baking, making people smile, sales, planning, using their muscles, or simply being reliable, everyone can be part of the fun! The fellowship that develops within the parish and between the parishioners and the public is deeply rewarding.

We are always looking for new ideas and new faces, so join us any time by contacting Bill and Jenny Mauntel.

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 St. Vincent de

 Paul Society

 Neighbors

 helping

 neighbors

Illness, job loss, or other circumstances can render families unable to meet their monthly obligations. For many, a hand up is all that it takes to get back on their feet. Through our volunteers and parish donations, our society is able to provide food, clothing, living expenses, and agency referrals to more than 150 families per year. Some of these families are parish members; others are our neighbors who live within the assigned society boundaries.

To make a donation or to learn more about volunteering with SVdP, please call the parish office at 522.3680.

Please keep our members and those being served (both locally and around the world) in your prayers.

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Tender Mercies

Located in Over-the-Rhine, Tender Mercies provides housing and related services to homeless persons with histories of emotional and/or metnal disabilities. There are no kitchen facilities at Tender Mercies, so residents are dependent on outside volunteers for all meals. Our parish has committed to preparing dinner for 35-40 residents on the 3rd Sunday of each month. Participation in this program allows for a great deal of flexibility, ranging from occasionally preparing one item of the meal to preparing and/or serving the entire meal for a given month.

Volunteer sign-ups are held twice a year after Sunday Masses. Watch for the dates of sign-up events in the bulletin or on the website. Please take a few moments to visit Tender Mercies' website and learn more about the history and ministry of this remarkable, much-needed organization.

For additional information, contact Mary Anne O'Donnell.

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Youth Mission Trip

Through our mission trip, teens move out of their comfort zone and assist others in need while deepening their Catholic faith. During the day we travel to work sites and assist with everything from home repair to new home construction to yard work, painting, or anything else that needs to be done for families in need. In the evening we foster spiritual growth through activities, faith sharing, and prayer. This experience can be life-changing for everyone involved!

Feel free to contact Amy Staubach if you have any questions.

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 More...

Be sure to check out these other wonderful options for Serving as a member of St. Bartholomew:

• Serving within the Context of the Mass
• Serving Children & Families
• Serving Behind-the-Scenes

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