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MINISTRIES
INFORMATION
STM PASTORAL COUNCIL Pastoral Council Members:
Rev. Ward P. Moore, Dana Bartello, Dawn Behnken, Gail Bottone, Kristy
Giordano, Chris Hrycyshyn, Cabrina Kinslow, Andrew Marino, Ann Marie
Micchelli, Marie Micchelli, Maral Najarian, Neil Pagano, Pat Parillo, Rick
Polo, Tom Colins, Rosemarie Scannapieco, Colleen Volanti, Ralph Zirpoli
ADULT EDUCATION: CCL (CENTER FOR CELEBRATING LIFE) Provides opportunities that enrich mind, body and spirit. We call upon members of the STM Parish, as well as guests outside the Parish, to share their knowledge, skills and talent with the larger STM community. CCL provides opportunities for adults to experience all aspects of growth and development and leads them to appreciate the many gifts God has given them. Events are held on several evenings throughout the year. Additional information on these events can be found in our Sunday bulletin. New members are welcome.
Contact:
Dolores Barron- 973-331-9175
MARRIAGE PREPARATION/PRE-CANA: Pre-Cana is a ministry to engaged couples who are preparing to celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage. Members of the Pre-Cana Team are usually (but not exclusively) married couples who are living joyful married lives. This team sponsors two Pre-Cana Marriage Sessions which take place at Saint Thomas More Church, usually in November and March. The responsibilities of the Team include: welcome, hospitality, sharing of experiences and insights, and being a supportive presence to the younger couples. The Team has several planning sessions a year.
Contact:
Fr. Ward P. Moore, Pastor- 973-227-0055
BAPTISMAL TEAM: The Baptismal Team helps to welcome young parents and prepare them for the baptism of their children through support, presence and continued outreach. The Team takes part in the preparation class required of all parents before the baptism of their children. This class, which takes place monthly, helps parents to learn more about the Sacrament of Baptism as well as exploring how the addition of children to a family changes a marriage relationship. The Baptismal Team is also present during the celebration of baptisms (usually once a month except during Lent) to welcome new families, assist with hospitality and represent the parish community. The Team also helps with follow-up after baptisms by continued outreach and support of new parents in their job of Christian parenting. Contact: Adian King- 973-227-5786
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP: This
ministry is an opportunity to help with the grief journey. Meeting with
others who have suffered loss and are experiencing similar pain, will give
support and understanding that helps sustain us during a difficult time in
our lives. Each meeting addresses a different issue of grief. Please see
Sunday's bulletin for dates and times. NEW ENERGIES INITIATIVE: STM parish has been taking part in the Archdiocesan program entitled “New Energies.” The program has put STM in greater communication with our neighboring parishes to see how we can develop a new energy for evangelization and parish life together. Representatives from St. Thomas More have been meeting with those from Notre Dame in North Caldwell, St. Aloysius in Caldwell, and Blessed Sacrament in Roseland to determine how our four parishes can work together to build up the Kingdom of God here in our corner of West Essex. We have determined there are several ways we can share our common mission and ministry: through shared Adult Education opportunities, through shared Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, through a coordinated Youth Adult Ministry, through shared Social Action efforts, through a collaboration among parishes for other ministries, and through combined efforts for out reach among our own Catholic community. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION/CCD: Our program is for children in grades Kindergarten through Grade 9 (classes for Grade 9 will begin in the September of 2005). Catechesis is built upon proclaiming the Word, faith experience, celebration of sacraments, and service. Our goal is to have the children realize that being a Catholic Christian is a way of life. It is a spiritual journey that one walks to grow in faith through scripture and tradition, prayer, worship and to bear fruit by using his or her gifts to make a Christian difference in the world. Children meet once a week from September through May. Grades 1 through 6 meet Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings from 7:45 am to 8:40 am. Buses are provided to bring the children to school after class. Grade 7 meets on Monday evening from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm and Grade 8 meets on Tuesday evening from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Sunday classes for Grades K-through 6 are held from 11:15 am to 12:15 pm for those students who are unable to attend the morning classes.
Contact:
Cabrina Kinslow- 973-227-3607
CATECHIST/RELIGIOUS EDUCATION TEACHER: Dedicated, faith -filled parishioners (men, women, and members of our high school Youth Group) who volunteer their time and talent to teach Grades K through 8 our Catholic Christian faith. Catechists work together using a text provided by the CCD Center to prepare and present the lessons to the children each week. Time commitment is one and a half hours a week while CCD is in session. Contact: Cabrina Kinslow- 973-227-3607
EVANGELIZATION COMMITTEE: is currently a function of the Pastoral Council. It is the goal of St. Thomas More parish to create a separate Evangelization Committee whose job it will be to provide opportunities for parish outreach to those members of our community who are not practicing their faith and to welcome and encourage them to take a more active role. This committee will also develop ways of encouraging all parishioners to deepen their faith lives and relationship to Jesus Christ. Those interested in learning more about this committee should contact the Pastoral Council. Contact: Gail Bottone 973-227-0677
BIBLE STUDY: Read, discuss and reflect on the books of the Bible in our Catholic tradition in a friendly, casual setting every Friday evening from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm in the Library.
Contact:
Fr. Gene Gniewyk- 973-227-0055
OUR LADY OF LOURDES PRAYER GROUP: This group meets every Thursday at 7:00 pm in church to pray the Rosary. Join us as we pray for our Church, our priests, peace in our world and for the sick and suffering. Contact: Evelyn Juliano 973-439-9882 RCIA: (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) This process is for welcoming and preparing those who are joining the Catholic Church and for baptized Catholics who have not yet completed the Sacraments of Initiation. It is open to all parishioners as a means to grow in appreciation and knowledge of the truths and traditions of our Catholic faith. Sessions are conducted by a group of parishioners (RCIA Team) who commit themselves to share their experience of faith with catechumens and candidates by discussing faith related issues and preparing assigned topics for the instruction of those in the RCIA process. Weekly sessions are held from September through May on Thursday evenings, 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Contact: Fr. Gene Gniewyk- 973-227-0055
CORNERSTONE: An annual 26 hour parish retreat for men and women, Cornerstone provides adult members of the parish time to examine their relationship with God. It is an invitation to engage in quiet reflection and to become actively involved in one’s own spiritual development. There is also the opportunity to develop new relationships with fellow parishioners. Men’s Cornerstone is held in the fall and Women’s Cornerstone is held in the spring. The retreat begins on a Friday evening and concludes on a Saturday evening with a closing Mass. Family and friends are encouraged to attend this closing liturgy. Contact: Joanne Gebbia- 973-882-0818 Rick Polo- 973-244-5955
CURSILLO: Cursillo (pronounced cur-see-yo) means "Little Course in Christian living." It originated on the Spanish island of Majorca in 1947, and came to the United States in 1957. The Cursillo has one purpose: To give those who participate a deeper understanding of basic Christian truths. This is done in two ways: First, through a three day course in the fundamentals of spiritual life conducted by both priests and lay people; Secondly, through a voluntary follow-up program to sustain a person in his or her desire to live more fully as a Christian. The Cursillo is similar to Marriage encounters and other renewal programs and is an official part of the Roman Catholic Church. For more information visit the web site: www.mycursillo.com Contact: Dominic Messina- 973-808-1951
STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE: Stewardship involves everything we do after we say, “I believe.” The Stewardship Committee helps parishioners to prayerfully discover the blessings God has given to them in the areas of time, talent, and treasure, and to discern how God is calling them to share those gifts with the community. Through annual Stewardship Renewals and Ministry Fairs, the committee helps to proved parishioners with the opportunities to learn about ministries taking place in our parish and ways to become involved. The Committee meets monthly. PRAYER SHAWL: Caring for others and love of knitting and crochet have been combined into a prayerful ministry that reaches out to those in need of comfort and solace. Many blessings are knitted into every shawl. The knitter begins each shawl with prayers for the recipient. Intentions are continued throughout the creation of the shawl. Upon completion of the shawl, a final ritual is offered before being sent along its way. Some uses for the shawl are used as a comfort after a medical procedure, during an illness, after a loss, or for those in nursing homes. It can also be given during happy times such as marriage or birth. Seasoned or beginner, whether you knit or crochet, please join us in this ministry of peace, healing, love, comfort and hope. The ministry meets on Wednesday afternoons. Ministry contact – Lorraine Ascensao 973-227-5166
MUSIC MINISTRY:The music ministry enhances the worship and leads the congregation in the songs and responses during our Eucharistic Celebrations and other services through the year. New members are welcome in any of the following: Contact: Rita Maggio - remsingr@aol.com
CANTOR/LEADER OF SONG Welcomes the people and helps them to locate the necessary music that will be used by the congregation and encourages them to participate in the Celebration of the Eucharist by leading them in song. Rehearsals are by appointment. ADULT CHOIR Leads and inspires the congregation to join in participating in the Eucharistic Celebrations for Christmas Eve and Easter Vigil. Rehearsals are Thursday evenings at 8PM in the Church for several weeks prior to each occasion. CHILDREN’S CHOIR Grades K to 4 will learn the basics of music along with learning about the liturgical year, special feast days, and God-centered songs and hymns. The choir meets Monday afternoons, 4:30 to 5:15PM, September to June. The choir will participate as often as possible in the Sunday 10AM Mass and 4PM on Christmas Eve. BELL CHOIR This group meets on Thursday evening in O’Connor Hall 6 to 7:30PM for several weeks prior to the Christmas Eve Midnight Mass, the Easter Vigil Mass, and several other Eucharist celebrations throughout the year. They also are available to play at weddings upon request. TEEN COMTEMPORARY ENSEMBLE This group is made up of Junior and Senior High School students along with several adults. We invite and welcome singers and instrumentalists alike. Rehearsals are on Sundays at 6PM prior to the 7PM Mass. Contact: Rita Maggio- 973-220-0330 SCHOLA CANTORUM: This group is made up of both men and women (ages 14 and up) to sing Gregorian Chants both in Latin and English at Sunday Mass and other feast days. Persons interested in this ministry will undergo a brief audition before the admission to the Schola. Rehearsals take place on Monday evenings at 8:15 to 9:30Pm. A strong sense of commitment and availability is essential. For more info on the Schola contact Fr. Gene 973-227-0055.
EUCHARISTIC MINISTRY: Those who desire to serve in this ministry should be active practicing Catholics who have completed the Sacraments of Initiation. The ministers assist the priests with the distribution of the Body and Blood of Christ at weekend Masses, holy days, special liturgies and sacramental celebrations throughout the year. Training sessions take place twice a year. Ministers are required to assist at Mass about two times a month.
Contact:
Fr. Gene Gniewyk- 973-227-0055
USHERS: We are always in need of parishioners who can commit themselves to one Mass each Sunday in a ministry of welcome and hospitality. Ushers seat worshipers as needed, collect offerings, guide those who are bringing the gifts to the altar, assist with procession for Communion, and distribute Sunday bulletins and programs after Mass. Time commitment extends about 15 minutes before and after assigned Mass. Contact: Fr. Gene Gniewyk- 973-227-0055
LITURGY COMMITTEE: This Committee helps in planning all of the celebrations that take place in our church including Sunday Mass, holidays feasts and special celebrations. We plan and carry out the decoration of our worship space to give full meaning to the signs and symbols of our faith in accordance with guidelines set forth by the Worship Office of the Archdiocese of Newark. We work with the parish music ministry and other liturgical ministries to insure that our community prayer together is as beautiful as possible. If you are creative, enjoy decorating, have a flair for the artistic, and desire to learn more about our church and its celebrations, we would welcome your gifts and talents. This Committee meets several times during the year for education and planning, and also to decorate the church before each liturgical season. Contact: Claudette Murray- 973-227-3547
LECTORS: Ministers of the Word proclaim the Word of Sacred Scripture at Mass and at special liturgies. To prepare for this ministry lectors are asked to pray, read and reflect upon the readings in advance and to take time to learn the proper pronunciation of words. Mass assignments are on rotational schedule.
Contact:
Fr. Gene Gniewyk- 973-227-0055
LITURGY OF THE WORD FOR CHILDREN: Liturgy of the Word for children Pr-K through Grade 5, takes place during the 10:00 am Sunday Mass. This program enables the children to hear the Sunday readings and the Gospel interpreted at their level of understanding. Before the Rite of the Liturgy of the Word the children are invited to process to a separate area of the building to hear the readings from the Children’s Lectionary and to participate in group discussions, directed activities and music. The children return to join the congregation after the Homily. Contact: Cabrina Kinslow- 973-227-3607
ALTAR SERVERS: Boys and girls from Grade 4 and up are invited to train as Altar servers for Sunday, Holy Day Masses and other rites. Group and individual training take place the fall of each year.
Contact:Fr. Gene Gniewyk
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: Children’s Vacation Bible School is held for one week during the summer for children Pre-K (age 4) through Grade 4. Many moms, dads, grandparents and young people (Grades 5 through 8) are needed to volunteer each year to help with various activities based on the theme for the year. If you enjoy working with children and would like to help them grow spiritually while having fun, consider volunteering your time and talents in this ministry. Contact: Annamarie Keegan 973-227-8083
YOUTH MINISTRY FOR JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL AND SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS: In the first letter to Timothy Paul writes," Let no one look down on you because of your youth, but be a continuing example of love, faith and purity to believers." The St. Thomas More Youth Group continues to grow and offer fellowship to teenagers in our parish. Each year our Core Team plans an exciting calendar of events such as Youth Retreats, Living Stations of the Cross, and the Homeless Box village. Our primary focus is Jesus and to have the teenagers experience His presence in the Church and in one another, through faith, friendship, and fun. Jesus cherished intimate moments and good times with friends. He invites all of us to have those same kinds of experiences. All high school students grades 9 through 12 are welcome to attend our Sunday evening meetings. We have recently begun a middle school ministry for students in grades 7 & 8 called "Faith Nights" held in the evening on alternate Tuesdays after CCD. Check the Church bulletin for information about all Youth Group events. Hope to see you there! Contact: Craig Jandoli Co-ordinator of Youth Ministry at 973-227-0055 Assistants to Youth MInistry: Fred Giordano & Dana Bartello
MINISTRY OF COMMUNITY BUILDING MINISTRY OF HOSPITALITY: Hospitality is vital to our parish community. From welcoming parishioners at Mass, to a reception for new parishioners, Scramble Sunday breakfasts, Lenten lunches and other parish celebrations, the Hospitality Committee reaches out beyond our Church to touch and enrich other lives. In answering the call of Jesus Christ this committee fosters a spirit of togetherness and community building. New members are always welcome.
Contact:
Annmarie Micchelli 973-227-1489
ECUMENICAL WELCOME WAGON: The Committee members are parishioners of St. Thomas More, members of the Fairfield Reformed Church and the Fairfield Methodist Church. They have put together packets of information about our town and our places of worship as well as coupons from local businesses. Several times during the year the Committee visit the new homeowners to welcome them to our community and deliver these information packets with a friendly “Hello”. Contact: Gail Bottone- 973-227-0677
RENEW/SFSG: Small Faith Sharing Groups are a continuation of Renew. It consists of small groups who meet to read, reflect upon and discuss the upcoming Sunday readings. If you have a desire for a deeper understanding and appreciation of Sacred Scripture please consider joining one of the SFSG groups. Each group has a designated time and place to meet decided by the members of that group. Contact:
VOLLEYBALL: Monday evenings at 8:00 pm in the Gym. All are welcome. Contact: Ted Kossup- 973-227-5695
LINE DANCING: Tuesday nights at 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm (except for the 2nd Tuesday of the Month) in the Gym. Come join us for some exercise, fun and fellowship. Contact: Joyce Cimera- 973-403-3332
MOMS AND TOTS: Meets every Friday, September through June, from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon in the Library. This is an informal playgroup for toddlers through age 5. Moms, dads, grandparents, and caregivers are welcome. There is no registration or fee required, you may come as often as you like. Fairfield residents and non-residents are welcome. Contact: Lisa Gemma 973-575-9447
ROSARY SOCIETY: The St. Thomas More Rosary Society has been an active organization for almost 40 years. They have and continue to run several parish fundraisers throughout the year and serve the church in various ways. They have monthly meetings which begin with recitation of the Rosary in church followed by a business meeting and refreshments. Membership is open to any Catholic women. Contact: Bonnie Fritz- 973-256-0407
LEGION OF MARY: The Roman Legion, from which the Legion of Mary takes its name, has come down through the centuries illustrious for loyalty, courage, discipline, endurance, and success. Mary’s Legion must put on the whole armor of God. Its members strive to live the Gospel. Loyalty to God’s commandments and His Church; Courage to stand up for one’s faith; Discipline to battle the forces of evil; Endurance to stand up to the pressures of the world; Success in works which encompass daily recitation of the rosary, and visitation to the Nursing Homes to bring God’s Word and comfort. The Legion also brings the Fatima Statue to families in the parish and encourages auxiliary members to also pray the Rosary daily Contact: Sandy McNally- 973-227-8517.
CARNIVAL: Held annually in the spring, the Carnival has rides for the children, plenty of food, entertainment, and lots of prizes. The Carnival is a fun way for families to spend time together while helping to support their parish. Many volunteers are needed to make this event a success.
Contact: Ted Zoppo- 973-575-9674
55 PLUS CLUB: The 55+ Club is a social club which promotes and renews friendship. The group meets September through June on the second Tuesday of the month at 7:30 pm. Planned socials take place throughout the year. Members help build community by collecting food, clothing and items needed for unwed mothers and battered women. They also donate to organizations such as Feed the Children and send financial support to the Missions. Contact: Mary Lebeda 973-227-0055
BINGO: Bingo is held each Friday and Saturday evening in O'Conor Hall at 7:15PM. Food and refreshments are available. Bingo is NON-SMOKING. Contact: Lou DeSmet 973-227-3488
GIVING TREE: The Giving Tree is one way our parish can share with those less fortunate at Christmas. After Thanksgiving, gift tags are put on a tree in the vestibule of the Church. Parishioners select a tag, purchase and wrap the gift requested and return it by a specified date. Members of the committee help to identify needy individuals and coordinate this outreach. The committee meets several times before the holidays and to deliver the gifts the week before Christmas. Volunteers are needed to help with the collecting, sorting and delivery of the gifts. Contact: Rosemary Grieco- 973-256-3471
FOOD PANTRY: Thanks to the generosity of the parishioners of St. Thomas More, our parish food pantry is a registered pantry in Essex County. Those who are served by the pantry are from Fairfield and surrounding areas. Non-perishable items are left in the vestibule of the church and are collected daily. Monetary gifts used to purchase perishables such as milk, eggs and meat, can be left at the Rectory. All those being served by the food pantry appreciate your generosity and the privacy of this pantry.
Contact:
Eleanor Culnen- 973-227-2052
BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS: This committee deals with issues regarding the maintenance and improvement of the Church, school and rectory buildings at St. Thomas More. They also deal with the beautification and upkeep of parish grounds. With the Pastor and the Finance Committee it seeks to set priorities for needed repairs and improvements. Members of this committee also put their own gifts and talents at the service of the parish community (e.g., electricians, plumbers, landscapers, carpenters, etc.). The committee meets quarterly unless certain projects require more frequent meeting. Contact: Joe Kocinsky-973-227-4268
HOMEBOUND MINISTRY: If you are lonely, elderly, confined to home or just unable to go to church, the St. Thomas More parish family offers you someone who cares. Volunteers will visit you in your home. They will pray with you and bring you Holy Communion. If you would like to be part of this Ministry or if you are in need of service of this ministry please contact the Rectory.
Contact: Fr. Gene Gniewyk-
973-227-0055
INTERFAITH HOSPITALITY: STM parish family has been involved with the Interfaith Hospitality Network for several years. It is a program that provides a temporary home for families who are in difficult situations and find themselves without housing. For one week during the summer our classrooms turn into bedrooms and our gym into a dining room. A gathering room is provided for our guests to relax, watch TV and socialize. We provide food, cook and serve our guests, organize games and activities for the children and help in any way we can. Many volunteers are needed to help with this program.
Contact:
Sandy McNally- 973-227-8517
LAZARUS MINISTRY : The Lazarus Ministry at St. Thomas More Parish currently consists of a group of parishioners, who assist the clergy at funeral masses as readers, servers, and Eucharistic Ministers. As members of the Lazarus Group, we serve the bereaved and give Christian witness by our presence during funeral liturgy. We have high hopes for this ministry and would like to expand it to include helping out the bereaved family by cooking a meal, or providing baby sitting, if necessary, or just being there to help out in whatever way we can; maybe providing a ride for someone in the family, etc. If you are interested in becoming part of this group, if you think you might have some time to each out to a family in distress, or would like to serve on the Altar, please contact Fr. John or Fr. Gene. Ministry contact – Rose Crane 973-227-6033
SOUP KITCHEN: This ministry conducts an outreach program to serve the needs through Our Lady’s Soup Kitchen at Our Lady of the Valley Church in Orange, N.J. The Soup Kitchen takes place on the third Saturday of the month from September through June. A full meal is served at 11:15 am. The volunteer sign up sheet is posted each month in the vestibule of the Church for those who want to help in obtaining, preparing and serving the food. All parishioners age 10 and older are welcome to participate. Contact: Kathleen Russell 201-919-0904
COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE: This Committee helps to keep the community aware of events and opportunities in our parish. We publish the parish newsletter "The Tower" several times a year, as well as administering the parish website (www.stmchurch.net). The committee also coordinates publicity for parish events. If you enjoy writing, are good with computers, or have other pertinent gifts and interests, we encourage you to join the Communications Committee. Contact: Donna Macon-973-882-8247
FINANCE COMMITTEE: The committee is appointed by the Pastor and is responsible for assisting and advising the Pastor concerning the administration of the parish, especially as it pertains to financial matters. The Finance Committee helps to oversee the parish budget, prepares a yearly report on finance given to the parishioners, and works within the framework of the Archdiocese of Newark policies regarding church finance and administration. This Committee consists of those skilled in financial and business matters and meets quarterly (and other times as needed). Contact:
SOCIAL JUSTICE ISSUES Border To Border - Human Rights (Powerpoint Presentation) Border To Border - Immigration Reform (Powerpoint Presentation)
PUBLIC
DISCIPLESHIP: Public Discipleship is an opportunity for our parishioners to address specific, targeted, social justice issues such as hunger, poverty, and human rights. Public Discipleship is: KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS: The Knights of Columbus are a Catholic men's fraternal benefit society. Here at St. Thomas More Parish the Knights of Columbus, council # 6380, are visibly involved in the life of the parish. They sponsor many spiritual, social, charitable and community programs. The Parish Picnic, St. Patrick's Day Corned Beef Dinner, Parish Dinner Dances, clothing drives, blood drives, collecting for the disabled, the unborn, and supporting individuals in our community in need of assistance are some of the areas where the Knights can be seen. We work closely with our Pastor and priests to support them, our parish and community. The Fairfield council is open to new members. Any gentleman over 18 years of age interested please give us a call. We meet the second Tuesday of every month in the KOC Hall located in the STM school building. Contact: Gerry Hrycyshyn, Grand Knight |
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