Parish Organizational Guide

Transcription

1 Parish Organizational Guide CHURCH OF SAINT BRIDGET 125 Church Street Glassboro, NJ Phone: FAX: Website: March 2014

2 Prayer to St. Bridget Lord, our God, grant that Your faithful spouse, St. Bridget, may kindle the flame of Divine Love in us for the everlasting glory of Your Church. Secure in us the same desire to assist all those in need, that we may continue her great work. Amen. St. Bridget, Pray for Us!

3 When God gives us life, we don t know how much time we have to use that life. But, whatever time we have is a gift from God, and we must use it wisely in every activity throughout the day. The Bible tells us that if we use our talents wisely, we will be better able to use them and will develop others but if we don t, we may lose even those talents we do have. Once one chooses to become a disciple of Jesus Christ, stewardship is not an option. As you look through this Parish Organizational Guide, you will see that we have many parish ministries, groups, clubs and activities. So many of you are using your gifts and sharing them with the larger community. This is what it means to be CHURCH. This is what makes us a parish. Please take the time to prayerfully reflect on how God has gifted you and how you may become a more effective disciple of the Lord by sharing the gifts given to you with others. Everything that we have while we are here on this earth comes as a gift from God. Because we love God, we gladly dedicate these gifts to God s service. We seek no rewards for our stewardship; we do it for the joy of serving God.

4 Parish Clergy & Staff Rev. Matthew R. Weber, Pastor Rev. Robert Sinatra, Chaplain, Catholic Campus Ministry Joseph Loungo, Deacon Samuel Soto, Deacon Kevin Heil, Deacon Mary Ellen Bush, Office Manager Kathleen Capitanio, Secretary Kathie Graham, English Bulletin Editor Javier Acosta, Spanish Bulletin Editor Brian Hancock, Youth Minister Pete Baran, Maintenance Sr. Janice Marie Novak, FMIHM, Coordinator Religious Ed. Miss Janice Bruni, Principal, St. Michael the Archangel Regional School Ann Polo, Director, Catholic Campus Ministry Nina Camioni, CCM Assistant Parish Center Office Hours Sunday 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM Monday/Wednesday/Friday 9:00 AM to 12 Noon and 1:15 PM to 4:30 PM Tuesday and Thursday 9:00 AM to 12 Noon and 1:15 PM to 6:00 PM Phone: Fax:

5 Sacraments We Celebrate the Eucharist Saturday Vigil Mass 4:30 PM Sunday Masses 8:30 AM 10:30 AM 1:00 PM Spanish 7:00 PM University Mass at Newman House Daily Masses: Monday Friday 8:00 AM St. Bridget Church Saturday morning 9:00 AM St. Bridget Church Monday Wednesday 12:30 PM Newman House (September-May) Thursday evening 7:00 PM Rowan University Campus (September-May) We Celebrate the Sacrament of Penance on Saturdays 3:30 to 4:15 PM in English and Sundays 12:40 to 1:00 PM in Spanish. Other times are by appointment with the priest. We Celebrate Baptism at 11:45 AM on the first and third Sundays of the month. Please call the Parish Center to make arrangements. Instructional classes are under the direction of the deacon. We Celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage. At least one year before you plan to be married and before you make arrangements for the reception, please make an appointment with the priest to begin the necessary preparations. We Care for the Sick. Parishioners who are unable to attend Mass regularly, due to serious illness, may have Communion brought to them at home or in the hospital. Please call the Parish Center if a need for this service should occur. The priest should be called for the Sacrament of the Sick if there is an indication of serious illness. Our parish community continually prays that our sick be healed and strengthened to accept the challenge of faith during these difficult times.

6 Catholic Education St. Michael the Archangel Regional School 51 West North Street, Clayton, NJ St. Michael the Archangel Regional School is a Catholic, Christ-centered, family-oriented educational community rooted in the Franciscan tradition which fosters a commitment to community and service. Through the efforts of a highly experienced and dedicated staff it provides a nurturing, stable and safe environment in which students are challenged to grow academically, spiritually, morally, socially, and physically. At Saint Michael Regional School students gain self-confidence and are prepared to take their place in a culturally diverse society as life-long learners and positive contributors to the Church and community. Please consider the many opportunities available to your children at St. Michael the Archangel Regional School. Contact: Miss Janice Bruni, Principal Website: PREP (Parish Religious Education Program) The teacher in religious education is a Catechist. They prepare for class by reflecting on the material and praying for their students. They provide a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere for all the students. A Catechist is encouraged to nurture his/her own faith, as well as those entrusted to him/her, to attend all Catechist meetings, days of prayer and courses provided for basic or advanced catechist certification. Adults and young adults who would like to share their faith with the children of St. Bridget Parish are welcome. Classes: Every Tuesday, 4:30 5:30 PM, St. Michael Archangel Regional School from September to May Contact: Sr. Janice Marie Novak srjnovaktech@smrsoline.com

7 Activities/Clubs/Groups/Ministries/Societies Listed Alphabetically Altar & Rosary Society The main function of the Altar and Rosary Society is to keep The Lord s Home, our church, beautiful. The society assists in the physical care of the altar and its furnishings. They do the changing and laundering of linens and any article used in church. Meetings: Tuesday as needed, 7:30 PM, Members Homes Contact: Maryanne Woerner Altar Servers Altar servers of the parish assist priests and the whole worshiping community in the prayerful celebration of the Eucharist. Altar servers function as Cross Bearers and Acolytes, assisting the presider and other liturgical ministers with the sacred vessels, the presentation of the gifts and the use of the Sacramentary Book. Open to adults, as well as boys and girls from the fourth grade and up, it provides the opportunity for parishioners to offer service and to be more active in their participation at Mass. Contact: Sal Alibrando sla3410@hotmail.com Art & Environment Beauty is an important dimension in Catholic liturgy and worship. Every major holiday requires organizing, planning, arranging and time to be sure our church and altar are decorated to accentuate the beauty of our church and to enhance worship. Meetings: Each Liturgical Season Contact: Mary Anne Welsh

8 Assumption Council Knights of Columbus We have been part of the Church of St. Bridget since January 7, It was officially charted on March 29, 1882, thanks to the efforts of Venerable Father Michael J. McGivney, as a fraternal benefit society. The order is true to its founding principles of Charity, Unity and Fraternity. The Knights render financial aid to members and families. Social, intellectual, and spiritual fellowship is promoted among members and their families through educational, charitable, religious, social welfare, war relief and public relief works. Our emphasis on family life involves the member s wife and children in his commitment to Catholic knighthood. Contacts: Raymond Iacovone, Grand Knight Neal Cullen, Financial Secretary Black Catholic Ministry This ministry is to develop and provide leadership in establishing organized programs for the evangelization and outreach to the diverse communities of those Catholics of African descent within the Diocese of Camden. This Ministry is committed to improving the spiritual and social needs of Black Catholics. To offer and to share the Black Catholic gift of Blackness that God gave to the whole Church to go forth as Disciples of Christ. Contact: Eudcay Jones udkay@comcast.net Book Discussion Group Read and discuss all types of books and the impact of the concepts presented to our Catholic faith. Meetings: 1 st Friday, 1:00 PM, Parish Center Library Contact: Nancy Dougherty nancydoughertyathome@comcast.net

9 Catholic Revival for Families This is a new ministry currently in development. Our mission is to provide Spiritual Growth in the personal life of our parishioners. Worship and Praise the Lord with Joyful Music. Singers and Musicians are needed. Contact: Linda Penuel lspenuel@yahoo.com Catholic Sports Ministry This ministry focuses on sports as a path to God. The sacramental of sport are seriously examined as, we as sub creators, serve God in our role in recreation in the world. This dialogue with God is a simple and uncomplicated attempt at faith and fellowship, in every sense, in the world. Meetings will include movies, speakers and discussions. It is open to all ages, young and old. Our motto: We are not called to be successful, but faithful. Mother Teresa Meetings: Last Tuesday of the month, 7:00 PM, Parish Center Contact: Bill Van Dusen wlvandusen@comcast.net Children s Liturgy of the Word (Ages 6-10) Children ages 6 to 10 attending the Sunday 10:30 AM Liturgy are offered the opportunity of sharing the Good News of the Scriptures during the Liturgy of the Word and the Homily apart from the main assembly. The children learn and share God s Holy Word based on the Sunday readings. Volunteer aides are needed to help the children with their activities. Contacts: Lisa Glick bigbrucefan@verizon.net Theresa Vigliotta vigliotta@hotmail.com

10 Communications/Website The Website Committee is responsible for updating our website on a regular basis. The website features the many activities, committees and ministries of the parish. It also includes the weekly church bulletin. Our parish website address is: Contacts: Mary Ellen Bush Ray Jackson bridget125@comcast.net Compassionate Care Activities of this group include: Cards to the bereaved and seriously ill of the parish Occasional rides to Mass Medical equipment lending Quilts prayed over and blessed by Father for the seriously ill Christmas caroling and Spring hymn-a-long to the infirmed Christmas giving tree for needy families Easter Baskets for needy familes Meals for parishioners who are in need Project Service People cards and letters Sponsor of the bereavement group Visitation of the sick Meetings: 1 st Monday, 7:00 PM, Parish Center Contact: Mary Lamey timothy327@comcast.net Divorce Care Divorce Care is a non-denominational, spiritually based, program with emphasis on recovering from separation and divorce. This weekly seminar and support group helps in finding peace with those who understand your pain and support your recovery. Meetings: Every Tuesday, 7:00 PM at various locations Contact: Bob Marino robertfmarino@yahoo.com

11 Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist Members of this ministry assist the priests with the distribution of the Body and Blood of Christ during the celebration of the liturgy. Ministers also bring Holy Communion to the homebound and sick. Eucharistic ministers should have a strong faith life and a deep desire to bring the Body of Christ to others. Eucharistic ministers must be at least 18 years of age, and are scheduled on a rotating basis. New ministers are subject to pastor s approval. Contact: Sal Alibrando sla3410@hotmail.com Faith Formation & Spirituality This ministry is to help deepen our parishioners relationship with God and grow in the Catholic faith. It is designed to be a Think Tank so as to build an engaged, spirit-filled, faith community. Contact: Domenic Scarcella domenic1@comcast.net Families Formed in Faith This ministry is a committee of parishioners whose purpose is to foster liturgical and social activities in our parish that involves the whole family so as to foster a stronger faith life and participation in our parish. We have organized such special Liturgies as the Mother s Day and Father s Day Masses, the Christmas Vigil/Children s Mass, Three Kings Mass and the Back to School/Blessing of Backpacks Mass. We are currently looking for parent volunteers to help with the Liturgies and to coordinate the celebrations that follow. Contact: Sheila Seddon tdseed@verizon.net

12 Family Promise Interfaith Hospitality Network of Gloucester County We provide shelter and supportive services to homeless children and their families. The former Convent at 206 Ellis Street is the daytime home for guests of Family Promise. They are then sheltered overnight in one of a dozen congregations throughout the County. Heed the Gospel call as often as you did it for the least of these and make a difference in the lives of homeless children and their families. Contact: Gary L. Salmon, Executive Director familypromisegc@aol.com Website: FOCCUS for Engaged Couples Includes Pre Cana for engaged couples by appointment only Contact: Kathy & Scott Woodside ltsdanz@verizon.net Gardening of Church Grounds Each season the parish grounds are divided into sections and volunteers plant, water and feed appropriate flowers to beautify the landscape. A few hours a week and a green thumb are all that s necessary. Contact: Parish Center Garden of Love - Chestnut Ridge This is a collaborative project between St. Bridget and the First Presbyterian Church of Glassboro to cultivate food for the poor of our community. Volunteers needed to work in the garden. Minimal involvement, less than one hour per week. Tasks for anyone interested. Contacts: Ines Terway Cindy Kammer (609)

13 Greeters All that is needed for membership is a warm smile and welcoming personality. Members arrive 15 minutes prior to Mass to greet parishioners. They distribute the parish bulletin after Mass. They also assist at parish retreats, Holy Week and other special parish Liturgies and celebrations. Contact: John & Vita DeSant H.O.P.E. Ministry (Helping Other People Everyday) This ministry, provided by volunteer parishioners, is to transport people in the parish who need help getting to their doctors appointments, medical treatments, physical therapy, food shopping, banks, hair salons and other needs such as respite to caregivers for a few hours, etc. Contact: Shirley Pusak shirllen@comcast.net Lectors The lector proclaims the Word of God through the reading of Scripture at Mass. In this ministry we are able to publicly witness our faith, and to come to know the Word of God more deeply. This ministry is open to confirmed parishioners at least 14 years of age. Lectors generally read at a particular Mass on a rotating basis. Contact: Sal Alibrando sla3410@hotmail.com Liturgy Committee This committee meets seasonally to prepare for major events of the Liturgical year and also for special liturgies, such as First Holy Communion and Confirmation. Meetings: Each Liturgical Season Contact: Kathleen Capitanio capitanio.cre@comcast.net

14 Love for a Lifetime St. Bridget offers a new series titled Love for a Lifetime. It is the most popular series ever recorded by David T. Moore and has revitalized and saved thousands of marriages. The program offers couples the opportunity to come together and communicate. Through open dialog and the use of DVD presentations that focus on communication, spirituality and both physical and emotional needs, couples build a strong relationship through understanding, appreciation and recognition. Please make this commitment to ensure that your relationship Lasts for a Lifetime. Contact: Bob Marino robertfmarino@yahoo.com Ministry of Ushers The Ministry of Ushers is a vital part of a vibrant weekend Mass. Ushers take a head count of all the people present in church at Mass. They take up the offertory collection. They must be friendly, caring, out-going and willing to serve all parishioners in a Christ-like manner. They also assist in seating people when Mass is crowded, such as during the Christmas Masses. Meetings: Wednesday, as needed. Contact: John DeSant Music Ministry The music ministry seeks to actively preserve the rich heritage of liturgical music, as well as to explore new musical directions that benefit the spirit and dignity of the liturgy. The choir enhances the liturgies with its presence. They are always open to having new members join them. Rehearsal: Wednesdays, 7:15 PM, Church Contact: Carol Harwood carberton@aol.com

15 Prayer Groups St. Bridget Parish is blessed with a number of prayer groups. The groups of men and women meet to pray, read scripture selections for the following Sunday and share their faith. The meeting continues with a discussion followed by prayers and petitions for our children, families and special intentions. They meet at each other s homes. Meeting times and frequency varies from group to group. Coffee, cake and socialization follow. Contact: Deacon Joe Loungo deaconjoe41@comcast.net RCIA: Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults RCIA is a process of study, exploration and faith formation for adults who seek to complete their sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. We offer a learning course and liturgical celebrations for unbaptized persons seeking all three sacraments, baptized non-catholics looking to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church, and baptized Catholics who still need to receive Eucharist and Confirmation. Our classes include members of Rowan University s Catholic community, whether they choose to receive their sacraments at St. Bridget or at their home parishes. We also offer a Condensed Course for Confirmation to those Catholics who have already received Eucharist. Both the full and condensed curriculum can be modified to create a separate learning track for teens in high school. Our RCIA teaching team includes clergy and laypeople, and allows students to meet people from our parish as part of their preparation for joining fully with us as Church. Meetings: Weekly from September through May Contact: Domenic Scarcella domenic1@comcast.net

16 St. Gerard Society St. Gerard Majella is the patron saint of expectant mothers/parents and unborn children and has been adopted as the unofficial patron of the prolife movement. The St. Gerard Society fosters devotion to St. Gerard through novenas and prayers. This ministry celebrates new life when a child is born or adopted. In keeping with the Italian tradition, both men and women are encouraged to join. The Society also works with the diocese in organizing a Diocesan Mass in honor of St. Gerard, which is celebrated annually here at the Church of St. Bridget in October. Our motto: Here the will of God is done, as God wills and as long as God wills. St. Gerard of Majella Meetings: 3 rd Wednesday, 7:00 PM, Parish Center Contact: Bill Van Dusen wlvandusen@comcast.net St. Joseph Society Facilities Maintenance This group consists of volunteers who provide a number of services, both skilled and unskilled, in order to maintain parish buildings and grounds. Such services include plumbing, construction, roofing, electrical, painting, snow removal, landscaping, gardening, etc. Meetings: As Needed Contact: George Woerner woernegr@aol.com

17 Scripture Study Catholic Scripture Study (CSS) was designed by Sister Marie Therese Wright for Catholics who seek a deeper knowledge of scriptures as God s Word. Bring your Bible and learn fundamental skills for studying and praying scripture. Through in depth Scriptural study, members share faith stories, beliefs and values. They encourage and support each other in living out the gospel message while growing deeper in their spiritual lives. Come and discover a more personal and intimate relationship with God while enjoying fellowship and community. Meetings: Every Wednesday, 6:30-8:30 PM, from September to May, Parish Center, first floor. Contact: Earline M. Woodson earlinewoodson@verizon.net Watercolor Art Classes Art Workshops are offered in a variety of painting experiences for beginners as well as those with all levels of experience, including professionals. Classes: Thursdays, Church Hall Sessions: 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM Contact: Marie Natale mariedezines@comcast.net Website:

18 Women of Grace Ministry In the Women of Grace Foundational Study, you will embark upon a journey of discovery and transformation as you explore the great call and gift of your femininity. Along the way, each week you will meet two great women saints, receive wisdom from Holy mother Church, unpack the life-changing wisdom of Holy Scripture, and discover how the Blessed Virgin Mary is the exemplar of discipleship and the pathway to her Son, Jesus Christ and the heart of the Father. Study Details: Women of Grace Foundational Study (Textbook/Workbook) Begin in September for eleven to twenty-five weeks. Meetings:Tuesdays 7:00 to 9:00 PM Contact: Roseann Kacewich kacewich@yahoo.com Worldwide Marriage Encounter Worldwide Marriage Encounter has been enriching marriage in the U.S. for over forty years. It is a weekend away from the distractions of the world. Couples who make a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend restore communication, rekindle romance, and renew commitment. The weekend provides an opportunity to achieve a richness you may never have thought possible. Contact: Joe & Thea Hegarty Youth Group Our Mission is that all are welcome to come together and grow as disciples of Jesus. One of our goals is to have a youth group that is involved in the life of the church and in the community of Glassboro. We discuss topics that allow for personal and spiritual growth for individuals and the group as a whole. The group is open to grades 6 to 12. Meetings: Saturdays after the 4:30 PM Mass in the St. Francis Center Contact: Brian Hancock brian.youthminister@comcast.net

19 Apostolado Hispano Misa en español, Sacramentos, Santo Rosario / Bendiciones en la casa y Misa Bilingüe de Sanación Es el don de Dios que hemos estado construyendo nuestra comunidad hispana en la fe y en la vida sacramental de la Iglesia aquí en Santa Brígida. Por esto damos gracias a Dios! Queremos invitarles a unirse con nosotros en oración en lo que seguimos para construir el Apostolado Hispano, con todas sus características espirituales. Poco a poco el Señor nos ha provisto de lo necesario para dar forma a nuestro Ministerio español, pero todavía necesitamos la ayuda de todos para el Contacto: Diacono Samuel Soto Correo Electrónico: sam.soto@comcast.net Contacto: Sonia Morales Correo Electrónico: smorales6355@gmail.com Contacto: Magdalena Natal Fennal Correo Electrónico: mfennal@gmail.com Ministerios y Comisiones Hispanos incluyen: Monaguillos Matrimonio Preparación Bautismal Liturgia de los Niños del Consejo Ministros de Eucaristía Evangelización Lectores Legión de María Equipo de Celebración de María Vida Familiar Ministerio de Música Pastoral Palabra Oración Grupos RCIA Educación Religiosa Grupos Juveniles Un empleado que habla español está disponible en el Centro Parroquial los domingos de 09:30 am a 12:30 pm y los martes y jueves de 4:00-6:00pm

20 Catholic Campus Ministry at Rowan University Newman House 1 Redmond Avenue (Just off Whitney Avenue) Glassboro, NJ The Diocese of Camden provides this facility to spread the Good News primarily to all university students, but also to staff and faculty at Rowan University. The Newman Community encourages and fosters the religious and humanistic development of the university student and young adults so that they are better equipped to find their place in the Church and the world. Events: Daily Mass Monday to Wednesday 12:30 PM Daily Mass Thursday 7:00 PM Bunce Hall Room 107 Supper Wednesday 6:00 PM Meeting Wednesday 7:00 PM Weekend Mass Sunday 7:00 PM Contacts: Ann Polo, Director (856) apolo@camdendiocese.org Fr. Robert Sinatra, Chaplain (609) frrobinrome@aol.com

21 Your Ideas and Wishes Stewardship need not be limited to only the ministries, groups and clubs listed in this directory. Do you see a need for a ministry not previously mentioned? How can you be of service? Do you have a skill? Can you volunteer your time for an activity or project? If you have a new idea or suggestion, please contact: The Parish Office or Renee Mirenda Parish Pastoral Council Facilitator

22 Parish Mission Statement We, the parish family of the Church of St. Bridget, (established in 1887), are called to build the Body of Christ in each other, in the church, and in the community. We will manifest our faith among all people who form the community of the faithful. We will continue the work of the church through education, Catholic action, and those community activities which have spiritual and socially redeeming value. We are committed to plan, initiate, promote and support activities leading to the enrichment of our people, parish, church and community according to the principles and teachings of the Catholic Church.

23 Oh God, Giver of Life Stewardship Prayer Oh Lord, giver of life and source of freedom, we are reminded by the Psalmist that Yours is the earth and its fullness; the world and those who dwell in it. We know that it is from your hand that we have received all we have, and are, and will be. Gracious and loving God, we understand that You call us to be the stewards of Your abundance, the caretakers of all You have entrusted to us. Help us always to use Your gifts wisely and teach us to share them generously. May our faithful stewardship bear witness to the love of Christ in our lives. We pray with grateful hearts, in Jesus name. Amen.