Parish Ministries and Organizations
Liturgical and Sacramental
Altar Servers
Help in the smooth flow of the liturgy. They assist the priest and deacon at the Holy Eucharist and other liturgical celebrations. Anyone fourth grade or older may train to be a server.
Contact: Deacon Bob Berberich, 931-552-0275
Altar Society
Helps to keep our worship space, furnishings, candles and linens beautiful, clean, maintained and prepared for when our Church community, God’s people, gather together in reverence and devotion to worship. Presently there are four teams that serve the main church. Each team serves once every four weeks. A fifth team is responsible for the chapel. Many others serve in different areas (altar flowers, preparations for funerals, weddings, and Adoration) as needed
Contact: Christine Voorhis, 931-358-4429
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Are lay people who are trained by the Church to assist in distributing Holy Communion at Mass, or to the sick in institutions or private homes.
Contact: Deacon Dominick Azzara, 931-645-6275, deacona@charter.net
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion for Hospitals, Nursing Homes and Residential Homes
Are lay people who take the Eucharist to the sick at area hospitals and nursing homes, and make home visits to those unable to participate in community worship.
Contact: Deacon Dominick Azzara, 931-645-6275, deacona@charter.net
Greeters
Greet people before and after Mass and other services.
Contact: Regina Azzara, 931-645-6275 or 931-358-9662
Lectors
Are lay people who are trained to proclaim the Word of God from the scriptures during liturgical functions.
Contact:Deacon Dominick Azzara, 931-645-6275, deacona@charter.net
Ushers
Help with seating, provide directions and assistance, distribute the offertory baskets and help ensure the orderly celebration of the liturgy and other activities.
Contacts: Bob Sisson, 931-551-8079, bob@sissonmail.com
Frank Pierce, 931-358-0215, strblzr6@aol.com
Music
The music ministry promotes, unifies, enhances, strengthens, and serves the parish by inviting all parishioners to participate in the liturgy through music and song at weddings, funerals, and weekly liturgy. New and potential members who wish to participate in the music ministry are welcomed. The music schedule is planned and implemented on a regular basis.
Contact: June Esquilin, 931-552-3015, juniebunie@gmail.com
The Music Ministry consists of six different choirs and musical accompaniment with a combination of organ, piano and other instruments.
Chancel Choir
Is a small group of ladies who sing for regularly scheduled and special liturgies.
Contact: Stella McKnight, 931-378-0301
Children's Choir
s made up of children, grades 3 through 8. They sing for Sunday and other special liturgies throughout the year.
Contact: June Esquilin, 931-552-3015, juniebunie@gmail.com
Exalt!
Consists of instrumentalists and vocalists, providing primarily contemporary music, for regularly scheduled liturgies and the (Life Teen) Mass on Sunday evenings.
Contact: Danny Chartrand, 931-920-2868
Parish Choirs
Both English and Spanish speaking choirs consist of women and men, usually post-high school age and up. They sing for Sunday liturgies, as well as special liturgies.
Contacts:
June Esquilin, 931-552-3015, juniebunie@gmail.com
Terry Martin, 931-648-2081
Elizabeth Ramos, 931-648-8553 (Spanish)
Nancy Garza, 931-320-2049 (Spanish), ngarza15@gmail.com
Teen Choir
Consists of young people grades 9 through 12. They sing for Sunday liturgies, as well as other special liturgies throughout the year.
Contact: Stella McKnight, 931-378-0301
Education and Formation
Adult Education
We offer seminars and classes throughout the year. Professional people from our parish, as well as our community, share their talents with us. Classes are also offered in the Chapel on Sunday during the school year between the 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Masses (9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.). Classes are for adults of any age who want to deepen their faith and learn. Adults are required to take classes to prepare for their children’s Baptism or to be Baptism or Confirmation sponsors. Marriage preparation is also required for engaged couples. Please contact the church office for additional information.
Contacts: Parish Office
Dan Calderon, 931-302-2100, danc@wckv.com, (adult classes on Sunday morning)
Gary Harmon, 931-801-4863, gahrmn@bellsouth.net (adult classes on Sunday morning)
Bible Study
The following classes are currently being held:
Tuesdays 9:30 a.m. - St. Joseph’s Center
Sundays (Spanish) 11:00 a.m. - St. Joseph’s Center
Contact: Parish Office
Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD)
The mission of the CCD Program is to assist the parents of Immaculate Conception in building a strong foundation of faith for their children by educating them in church doctrine and inspiring them to be of service to our community – to love and serve the Lord in their life. Classes are offered at the Family Life Center, St. Joseph’s Center, and Columbus Hall for K through 12th grade and are held on Sunday mornings during the school year. Two year Sacramental preparation is offered for 1st Communion and Confirmation. Classes in English are from 9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and classes in Spanish are from 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Contact: Therese Ansberry, 615-505-9729, ansberry1@bellsouth.net
Immaculate Conception School
Is committed to the spiritual and academic success of all students, and is dedicated to providing students with a well-rounded educational experience that will serve them well into the future. We serve grades Kindergarten through eighth grade and are accredited by the state of Tennessee, the Diocese of Nashville and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Our school is like a Christian village led by both qualified faculty and engaged and supportive parents. The success of this partnership is evidenced by a student body that routinely scores above the national average on standardized testing while serving our local parish and community.
The mission of our school, in cooperation with the parents, is to develop the spiritual, intellectual, physical, and social growth of each individual child by providing a quality educational experience that reflects the presence of Christ on earth. Please visit our website at www.icschoolTN.org
Contact: Denise Tucker or Samantha Thom, 931-645-1865
Immaculate Conception Pre School
Provides an active and structured learning curriculum well-known for its high standards in preparing children for kindergarten and beyond. We offer half day and full day programs for children ages 9 months to 5 years beginning mid-August and ending mid-May.
Contact: Pam Loos or Sally Tranberg, 931-647-9276
Hispanic Ministry
Coordinates pastoral care and service to the Spanish speaking community. Religious education, preparation for Baptism, Marriage and other sacraments, as well as other assistance is available. A Spanish Mass is celebrated each Sunday at 1:00 p.m. in the main church and a prayer group gathers in St. Joseph’s Center at 6:00 p.m. on Thursdays.
Contact: Nancy Garza, 931-320-2049, ngarza15@gmail.com
Korean Catholic Community
A Korean Mass is celebrated the last Sunday of each month at 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel followed by a pot-luck dinner in the Family Life Center.
Contact: Kwan Haney, 931-920-4397
Library
The parish library is located in St. Joseph Center. It is for the development and improvement of a parishioners understanding of the Roman Catholic faith. It is open from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, but is closed during summer months.
Contact: Parish Office
Life Teen Youth Ministry
Is open to all high school students. The mission of this ministry is to lead teens closer to Christ. This group meets in the Knights of Columbus building from August through May on most Sundays after the 5:30 p.m. Mass.
Contact: Mary Skipworth, 270-604-1236, skipworth.ma@gmail.com
Natural Family Planning
NFP is completely natural and does not use drugs, devices or surgery. Modern NFP has been used effectively worldwide for over 20 years and is a thoroughly researched, safe, medically effective and family-supportive method of fertility regulation which can be used to avoid or to achieve or delay pregnancy.
Contact: Parish Office or Shannon Stanley, 931-302-8148, shannonstanley@charter.net
Newman Club
Is the Catholic Student Organization at Austin Peay State University (APSU). It is an organization run by students for students. It is about having good, clean fun, making friends, and even learning a thing or two about the Catholic Church. APSU students of all denominations are welcome.
Contact: Parish Office or Professor (Deacon) Tim Winters, 931-920-3953
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
Provides a welcoming and supportive environment where those seeking to learn more about the Catholic faith can grow in knowledge and understanding as they prepare for the sacraments of initiation or full communion with the Church. We meet every Sunday with dismissal during the 8:00 a.m. Mass, and sessions starting at 9:15 a.m. and ending at 10:30 a.m.
Contact: Pat Paszek, 931-552-5520, pepasz@bellsouth.net - Pat Riley, 270-885-4177, patrick.riley@kctcs.edu
Read More about Becomming a Catholic
Why Catholic?
Is a unique adult faith formation program developed by RENEW International based on Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Parish facilitators open their homes to small groups to pray together, share their faith, study, and explore the foundations of our faith. English and Spanish speaking groups meet once a week for six weeks in the fall, and again in the spring.
Contact: Carol Nichols, 931-552-7772
Hospitality Service
Hospitality Committee
These men and women serve our church family through fellowship activities and reaching out to welcome new members and visitors to our Parish. Activities include sending notes to welcome visitors and new parishioners who sign the guest register in the Church Narthex, planning pot-luck suppers, offering “send out suppers” for ill parishioners, offering a Hospitality Suite during wakes, First Communion or other parish receptions, and other special events. We meet on the second Sunday of every month in the Family Life Center after the 11:00 a.m. Mass. You are welcome to attend any meeting.
Contact: Regina Azzara, 931-645-6275 or 931-358-9662
Immaculate Conception Council of Catholic Women (ICCCW)
Is affiliated with the National Council of Catholic Women (NCCW) and is part of the largest organization of Catholic lay women in America. The mission of this group is to empower and educate its members in spirituality and leadership and to provide opportunities for fellowship and Christian service to the Church, family, and community. In this group, Catholic women can speak and act on their concerns and seek solutions to current problems. Our local chapter is active in the fight against abortion, pornography, child abuse, domestic violence, and any movement that tears down the family. All women of the parish are members of the ICCCW. The membership meets on the 3rd Tuesday every month at 7:00 p.m. in St. Joseph’s Center. The ICCCW sponsors family activities such as a Halloween Trunk-or-Treat, Covered Dish Supper, Breakfast with Santa, Annual Craft Fair and an Easter Egg Hunt. They also host luncheons for our senior citizens. They help with receptions and luncheons for bereaved families after a funeral. Activities are funded with the proceeds from their annual Craft Fair, which is held on the first Saturday in December.
Contact: Carol Buyna, 615-815-2056, cbuyna@thda.org
Knitting Group
The IC Knit Wits is the Knitting Group that is a part of the ICCCW. It helps clothe God’s children in need who reside in the Appalachian region of East TN and East KY. You can learn how to knit or crochet and be a part of this rewarding ministry. The members meet on the 3d Sunday of each month from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. except July, August and December, in the St. Joseph's Center Upstairs.
Contact: Parish Office or Claire La Pointe, 931-552-0253,
International Festival
Celebrates our multicultural identity and is one of our biggest and most popular events of the year. It draws people from Clarksville and beyond to Immaculate Conception to enjoy an array of ethnic foods, music, dancing, exhibits and a Craft Fair. Volunteers are needed to serve as committee members to organize the event. Marketing, logistics, entertainment, and manning the booths of nations are just a few of the areas for volunteer opportunities. Watch for pulpit and bulletin announcements for more details.
Contact: Gary Harmon, 931-801-4863, gahrmn@bellsouth.net
Nursery
Provides a safe, comfortable, and fun environment for the youngest members of our parish (age 4 months up to their 4th birthday). Parents may leave their children in the nursery trailer between 7:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Sundays while they attend Mass, during RCIA, adult class, or while they are teaching Religious Education. The nursery is also open during special events and on special Holy Days.
Contact: Sharon Engeman, 931-368-1898, tedengeman@hotmail.com
Prayer
Adoration
24 hour Adoration is held in the main church every Friday 8:00 a.m. to Saturday 8:00 a.m. Adoration is also held on the first Friday and Saturday of each month from Friday 8:00 a.m. through Benediction of Saturday at 4:45 p.m. Please sign up for a time in the Narthex.
Contact: Selene Anderson, 931-278-3418, smtanderson@gmail.com -
Peter Martin, 931-624-1888, themartins6@charter.net
Charismatic Prayer Group (Spanish)
Gathers together for prayer, retreats, and spiritual encouragement. They meet at St. Joseph’s Center Thursdays at 6:00 p.m.
Contact: Nancy Garza, 931-320-2049, ngarza15@gmail.com
Cursillo
Small groups that gather together for prayer, and spiritual encouragement.
Contact: Nancy Garza, 931-320-2049, ngarza15@gmail.com
Divine Mercy
Meets every Saturday at 2:30 p.m. in the Main Church or Chapel (whichever is available) to pray the rosary followed by the chaplet of Divine Mercy at 3:00.
Contacts: Anita Tavano, 931-647-9562 - Charles Porbes, 931-278-1268
Earth Angels Prayer Line
Prayer requests are taken by this group Monday through Friday. A phone tree is set up, passing prayer requests to both daytime and nighttime prayer line participants who pray for these needs. The prayer request line is 931-645-6275 ext 111.
Legion of Mary
Auxiliary members pray the Tessera, prayers to the Holy Spirit, the Rosary and the Catena. They meet in the Chapel on Thursday mornings.
Contact: Irene Buck, 931-648-2614, irenebuck@bellsouth.net
Pray and Play Moms
Mothers come together every Monday at 9:00 a.m. to pray the rosary and to study and discuss the Catholic faith. All mothers are welcome. Child care is provided.
Contact: Janine Burton, 931-645-6790, janinebpc@yahoo.com
Rosary Leaders
Lead the Rosary before weekend Masses.
Contact: Irene Buck, 931-648-2614, irenebuck@bellsouth.net
Service
Boy Scouts
Boy Scout Troop (536) is for young men from first grade through age 18. The purpose is for the scouts to become better leaders through service to themselves and others. They are taught to follow the Scout Law and Promise. The scouting experience will help young men discover that they can make good things happen by planning and setting goals. The troop meets every Wednesday at Columbus Hall from 6:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Contact: Pat Doyle, 931-551-9788, doylep92@yahoo.com
Cub Scouts
The program strives to prepare young boys to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. The Pack meets once a month, usually the last Friday night of the month, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Smaller groups (dens) meet additional times during the month.
Contact: Eric Host, 931-802-2923, ericjh13@aol.com
Venture Crew
Is a youth development program of the Boy Scouts of America for young men and women who are 14 years of age or who have completed the eighth grade and are under 21 years of age. Venturing’s purpose is to provide positive experiences to help young people mature and to prepare them to be responsible and caring adults. Meetings are held on Thursdays at 7:00 p.m.
Contact: Pat Doyle, 931-551-9788, doylep92@yahoo.com
Catholic Youth Organization (CYO)
The mission of the CYO is to strengthen the relationship between our youth in middle school and the church by engaging them in their social, cultural, and recreational areas of interest and by allowing them to become active participants in the activities of the church community. The CYO meets every other Friday night from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. during the school year and occasionally on Saturdays for special events.
Contact: Toni Morgan, 931-647-6354 or 931-206-4168, fivemorgans@bellsouth.net
Caring Choices
Provides a caring, confidential atmosphere for a pregnant woman to come into in order to help her work through a crisis pregnancy and come to a quality decision for her and her baby. Pregnancy testing, counseling, and providing maternity and baby articles are a few of the services provided.
Contact: Desiree Williams, 931-645-9969
Catholic Charities
Focuses on its mission to serve all of God’s people in need with a preferential option to serve the poor.
Contact: Editha Spicer, 931-645-9793
Chiapas Mission
Serves the people of San Pedro Chenalho in remote areas of the southern Mexican state of Chiapas. The parish consists of villages scattered across an impoverished mountainous area. The goal of our parish is to work collaboratively with our co-parishioners in San Pedro Chenalho and San Pablo Chalchihuitan on issues and projects that strengthen our lives as Catholics. This group meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month in St. Joseph’s Center. A mission team travels to Chiapas once a year.
Contact: Martha Elva Kenney, 931-802-3247, chiapas1994@yahoo.com
Haiti Mission
Maintains connections with St. Jules Parish, our twinned parish in Petit Bourg du Bourgne, Haiti, and raises awareness among the parishioners of IC about the plight of God’s poor in Haiti. Our committee offers spiritual, medical, and financial support to St. Jules parish. Efforts include an annual medical mission to the village, identifying and bringing patients to hospitals in Haiti and the United States for surgery and sponsoring a clinic in the village that is staffed by a Haitian doctor, two nurses, a pharmacist and a lab technician. The group meets at St. Joseph Center on the first Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m.
Contact: Kit Grabenstein, 931-503-1406, kitgrab@gmail.com
Gift Shop
Is located in the narthex of the main church. It is operated by volunteers and is open before and after the 5:30 p.m. Mass on Saturday, and before and after the 8:00 a.m. and the 11:00 a.m. Mass on Sunday. Proceeds benefit our sister parishes in Haiti and Chiapas, Mexico.
Contact: Kit Grabenstein, 931-503-1406, kitgrab@gmail.com
Grief and Bereavement Ministry
Is dedicated to making contact with parishioners and offering them counseling through the church when they experience the death of a family member. They work to educate the members of the parish about the ceremonies and rites available to the deceased and their family.
Contact: Deacon John Carroll, 931-648-9739
Knights of Columbus
A Catholic Men’s Fraternal Service Organization that sponsors activities for family, youth groups, and community service. Their mission is to assist the pastor in any manner of his choosing. The 4th degree meetings are held at Columbus Hall every 1st Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m., and council meetings are held at Columbus Hall every 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m.
Contact: Harold Duvall, 931-358-4568, haroldkofc@gmail.com
Little Mexico and Latin Folklore
This dance group wants to share their heritage and colorful folklore culture. They want to instill in the youth that participate a feeling of pride, team work, organization, high self-esteem in front of audiences and the ability to develop healthy social skills. This group meets at St. Joseph Center on Saturdays at 11:00 a.m.
Contact: Juanita Jones, 931-320-2210, spoiledjones@bellsouth.net
Loaves and Fishes
Is a non-profit, ecumenical, community-wide project organized to feed the hungry; serving hot lunches Monday through Saturday. It also has a food distribution center. We support them with food collections, donations, and parishioner volunteers.
Contact: Anne Doherty, 931-647-6972
Medical Guild
Our purpose is to uphold the principles of the Catholic faith in the science and practice of medicine, to assist the Church in the work of communicating Catholic medical ethics to the medical profession and society at large, to support Catholic hospitals in faithfully applying Catholic moral principles in health care delivery and to enable Catholic physicians and medical professionals to know one another better and to work together with deeper mutual support and understanding. Although physician based, it extends associate membership to medical professionals including Dentists, Chiropractors, and Podiatrists; and affiliate membership to Nurses, Clergy and Non-Catholic Physicians. The members look forward to other physicians joining to permanently establish an official Guild here at Immaculate Conception Church. The Guild meets the last Wednesday of each month after the 6 p.m. Mass in the St. Joseph Center.
Contact: Mary Vozar, 931-221-0053, mary.vozar@gmail.com
Parish Pastoral Council
Is responsible for assisting the pastor and clergy in ministry to the parishioners of Immaculate Conception Church. It advises the pastor about the needs of parishioners, designs programs to meet those needs, recruits volunteers for those programs and oversees the implementation of those programs. The Council also provides advice to the pastor regarding the annual parish budget as prepared by the Finance Board, as well as any capital expenditures of ordinary income (collection), and any capital improvement projects or other major purchases.
Contact: Parish Office
Parish Finance Board
Advises the Pastor concerning parish finances, fund raising, and the annual budget. Members are appointed by the Pastor.
Contact: Parish Office
Parish Office Volunteers
Assist in a variety of office duties, such as answering the phones, greeting visitors, assisting with bulk mailings, and other projects.
Contact: Kathy McDonough, 931-645-6275, icaccounts@immaconception.org
Parish Youth Council
Is a ministry of middle school and high school students who plan and conduct retreats and activities.
Contact: Fr. Theo, 931-645-6275
Pro-Life Ministry
We proclaim that life is a precious gift from God; that each person who receives this gift has responsibilities toward God, self, and others; and that society, through its laws and social institutions, must protect and nurture human life at every stage of its existence. The Pro-Life Committee meets on Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. in St. Joseph’s Center and a Pro-Life Rosary is said on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. and Thursdays at 9:00 a.m. in the Chapel.
Contact: George Goetzka, 931-980-3023, ggoetzka2135@charter.net
Room in the Inn
Is a program for the homeless administered through the Old Fire House Day Shelter. Our ministry provides food and overnight shelter during winter months. The program volunteers provide a shelter in our Parish facilities. Each Thursday night from November – March, Immaculate Conception Church welcomes (typically) 15-35 male guests. We are always looking for generous people who want to the support the ministry as innkeepers, drivers, cooks, and other volunteer opportunities.
Contact: Parish Office
Stewardship Committee
Stewardship is about Christian discipleship. As people of faith who hear Jesus tell us in the Gospels to serve one another, we are called to show our faith through our acceptance of our responsibility to be good stewards of our time, our talents, and our treasures. The goal of this committee is to help Immaculate Conception become a stewardship parish. Activities include sponsoring the annual parish Ministry Fair to offer volunteer opportunities that encourage stewardship within the many parish organizations. Individuals are invited to be on the committee which meets in St. Joseph’s Center once a month.
Contact: Maggie Kulback, 931-645-6374, kulbackb@bellsouth.net -
Linda Steiner, 931-647-6897, lfmsteiner@charter.net
ICCC Stewardship Commitment Form