WE ARE A
STEWARDSHIP PARISH
STEWARDSHIP is not some secular term. It is a way of life, a life-principle which
touches every corner of our lives. The stewardship principle invites
involvement in the parish community as a thanks-giving to God for the many
blessings we have received in life. The principle is based on the understanding
that all we possess is a gift of God. Given another set of life’s
circumstances, it would not be so. Everything we have is freely given for our
good. The other side of the stewardship principle is that we are called to
return a portion of those gifts in the form of time, talent and treasure.
TIME is so
precious. We never seem to have enough time. Every day we are gifted with a new
supply. Each day we are given a privilege to return a portion of that new day
back to God in carrying out the demands of our respective vocations in life.
Perhaps even a part of that can be given to the many opportunities and
ministries available in our parish.
TALENT
is in abundance in our parish. We are blessed with talent to be shared
and to give glory to God. Your talents are also much needed in our parish
community. There are so many opportunities to give back by sharing your talents
in one of the many ministries that are listed in this Handbook.
TREASURE is last, but not
least, in our stewardship tripod. The stewardship of treasure is a challenge to
prayerfully examine the financial support we offer to our parish and to the
wider Christian community. Is our financial support what it should be? Has it
kept pace with our increased income? Do we see our treasure response as a part
of our responsibility as Christian stewards?
God loves a cheerful giver.
As we have been gifted by God, so we are challenged to respond in the way we
exercise the stewardship of our resources.
PARISH MINISTRIES
Our parish strives to share the mission of Jesus Christ by proclaiming
the Word, celebrating the sacraments, building a sense of community and,
serving the needs of others. Accordingly, we recognize within our community of
faith four major areas of ministry:
WORD
All of these ministries are primarily associated with teaching and
proclaiming the Good News in continuity with the mission of Jesus.
WORSHIP
These ministries are involved in the enhancement of our faith journey
through prayer, celebration of the Eucharist, and other sacramental and
para-liturgical celebrations.
COMMUNITY BUILDING
These ministries are engaged in providing an adequate environment for
parishioners to experience a sense of belonging to a family of faith, care,
fellowship, support, friendship, mutual respect, and recreation.
SERVICE
These ministries strive to serve the needs of our local parish
community, as well as those of the wider community. Through its different
programs, the parish tries to become more aware of its responsibilities in
regard to social justice and peace, while at the same time responding to the needs
of the poor and the disadvantaged.
************************
Parishioners are encouraged
to take part in any of the four major ministries of the parish, either by
contacting a member of the parish staff or by calling the parish office for a
contact name.
PARISH PASTORAL
COUNCIL OF MINISTRIES
The Parish Pastoral Council is made up of parishioners who represent
the four major areas of parish ministry.
They provide advice and counsel to the Pastor. They assess the needs of the parish and the
merits of the various programs and activities of the parish. Their responsibilities also include planning
and evaluation of parish goals and objectives.
New members are chosen for the Council through a discernment process
which takes place every year. Three
appointments are made by the Pastor.
MINISTRY OF WORD
BAPTISMAL PREPARATION
Preparation for Baptism includes an interview with a priest as well as
a discussion of ideas and insights about parenting and Baptism with other new
parents and the Baptismal Team. Meetings
take place prior to the Baptism. There are also post-baptismal experiences that
compliment the formation of Christian parents.
CENTERING PRAYER
Centering Prayer
is a Contemplative Prayer Group that meets every Monday evening at 7:00 PM in
the Chapel.
PRE-CANA
Pre-Cana is the process by which couples receive intellectual and
spiritual preparation for marriage. Areas of communication, sexuality, family
and spiritual life are examined according to the adult education model.
Pre-Cana sessions, held twice a year in March and November are conducted by
married couples along with a priest.
PRE-CANA MENTOR COUPLE PROGRAM
Mentor couples are available to work with
engaged couples preferring mentor-model form of marital preparation.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Our Religious Education programs are designed to involve children in
the life of the parish as they study Catholic doctrine, the Scriptures, the
beliefs and rituals of their faith.
Sunday Religious Education Grades Pre-K - Grade 5: Students meet from mid-September through April and is divided into two
sessions. The first session meets from
9:00 am to 10:15 am, and the second session is from 10:30 am to 11:45 am. Following each session, it is expected
parents will attend the Eucharist with their children. Parents are invited on a
regular basis to participate in classes at any time.
Grade Six: Students meet weekly in small groups for study and
discussion. The times and locations for
these classes vary.
Liturgy of the Word for Children: Grades 1-4: Each Sunday, from September to May, the Liturgy of the Word is
celebrated for children in Grades 1 to 4 in a manner adapted to their age and
understanding. Children are dismissed
after the Opening Prayer of Mass to share Sunday’s Scripture with their peers. They return to their families at the Presentation of the Gifts of Bread and Wine.
Grades 7
and 8: A
comprehensive study of the Christian Catholic faith takes place in smaller
settings under the instruction of specially trained teachers. Seventh and eighth graders meet in homes or
in the Catechetical Center once a week for an entire school year. A parish and community outreach program,
which offers junior high school students the opportunity to put faith into
action, is incorporated into the program.
Confirmation: The celebration of this sacrament is in Grade 8. Students must have
completed 8 years of religious education training, participated in Blessings
Projects, attended the confirmation retreat, and demonstrated the desire to be
confirmed in the faith.
Whole Family
Catechesis: This program involves the parents as the
primary catechists of their children.
The program will be more work for the parent, but it will also be
rewarding for the parent and child. For
three weeks, lessons are done at home, parent and child working together. On the fourth week, all of the families will
come together at Notre Dame for a 2 hour program. We will share a light meal
and socialize. The children will then meet in age appropriate groups while
parents discuss the lessons among themselves with a catechist or leader. We end
the program with a final prayer. The program
will run from October until May.
Summer Session Religious Education: is a two-week program offered as an alternative to the Sunday Program
for students in Grades 1-8. Grades 1-6
meet every day from 9:00 am - 12:00 Noon. Grades 7-8 meet from 6:30 pm to 9:00
pm. Concentrated and intense, with daily homework, this program also has art,
music and projects as an integral part of the curriculum. All students and parents in this program
reunite during the school year for classes, discussion and activities. Strong parental involvement is a requirement
for this program.
RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS
An R.C.I.A. team works in conjunction with teams from our cluster
parishes, (St. Aloysius, Caldwell; St. Thomas More, Fairfield; Our Lady of the
Blessed Sacrament, Roseland) to welcome all interested in the Catholic
Christian journey of faith.
RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION ADAPTED FOR CHILDREN
This is a program for unbaptized children of
catechetical age (6 to 18 years). The program culminates at the Easter Vigil
with the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, and
Confirmation). Children attend classes
and participate in liturgical celebrations within a communal setting. Parents
are encouraged to inquire for their child.
RITE OF
CHRISTIAN INITIATION SOCIAL COMMITTEE
This Committee will provide R.C.I.A. social
celebrations four times a year.
SMALL FAITH SHARING GROUPS
Groups of adults, numbering from 8 to 12, gather
together to share the Scriptures in a context of faith, friendship and
openness. In so doing, they strive to grow and mature in
their understanding of spirituality, to deepen their awareness of God’s call, and
to appreciate the strength and joy of a Christian community.
SPIRITUAL BOOK OF THE MONTH - INTERFAITH GROUP
Reading books with spiritual themes and discussing their value for the
spiritual journey is the purpose of this group that welcomes people of all
faiths. A schedule of the featured texts
and dates is printed each fall.
MINISTRY OF WORSHIP
ALTAR
SERVERS
Altar Servers, both boys and girls, represent the parish community at
the Table of the Lord by assisting at the celebration of the Eucharist and
other liturgical services. Once they
enter the fourth grade, parish youth are eligible to become Altar Servers.
Included in this ministry is caroling at Crane’s Mill during Advent.
ENVIRONMENT/ART
The goal of this group is the enhancement of the worship space with
symbol, color, floral arrangements and other appropriate forms of expression
suitable to the liturgical seasons.
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
Parishioners are called upon to administer the Eucharist during the
sacred liturgy. They also distribute the
Eucharist to those who are sick, homebound, or in nursing homes.
LECTORS (Proclaimers of the Word)
Lectors assist in the celebration of the liturgy by proclaiming the
Word of God. Under ordinary
circumstances, they are called upon to read once or twice a month at a liturgy
of their choice.
LITURGY COMMITTEE
This Committee
fosters the education, participation and greater appreciation of public worship
as it takes place in our parish. Included in its planning process is
appropriate parish worship, ritual, music, liturgical calendar, and other
sacramental and pastoral concerns.
MARY, OUR MENTOR GROUP
This group meets
monthly to discuss various spiritual and educational books about Mary, our
mentor for the 21st century.
In addition, they plan the May Crowning celebration for our Notre Dame feast day, usually the first weekend in May.
MINISTERS OF
HOSPITALITY/USHERS
The primary role of the Ushers is to help worshipers experience a sense
of welcome and belonging at the sacred liturgies. Their ministry also includes assisting with
seating, attending to those with special needs, taking up the collection, and
distributing the parish bulletin.
MUSIC MINISTRY
The music ministry is made up of young people and adults working
together in various groups of singers, instrumentalists and hand bell ringers.
Music is a vibrant part of Catholic worship, with members of the music
ministry leading the congregation to prayer in song. Beauty in our music, coupled with good
preparation, is key to prayerful music. For this reason, members are asked to attend
weekly rehearsals. Like any other
ministry, a commitment is made on the part of those ministering. Our rehearsal time is a time of
enjoyment. It is a time when members
come together to learn, socialize and improve their musical skills while
interacting with other group members.
Musical ability varies among individuals in the music ministry. The members range from seasoned professional
musicians to those with a will to sing.
All are welcomed, and all will find a place in this ministry. Following is a list and description of the
groups that make up Notre Dames music ministry:
1)
The Folk Group: ages 9 through adult. Meets
Thursday evening for rehearsal and sings at the 5:30 Saturday evening
liturgy. This group uses a number of
different instruments: Keyboards,
guitars, woodwinds, strings, and horns.
2) The Choir: Meets Wednesday evening for rehearsal and sings at the 10:30 am Sunday
liturgy. This group is comprised of
approximately 35 members and sings one, two and four part music.
3)
The Hand bell Choirs. There are
two hand bell choirs. One rehearses on Wednesday evening and the other on
Thursday evening. These groups do not
play at one specific liturgy; the times they play are dependent on member’s
schedules. During Ordinary Time, they try
to play twice a month. Membership is
limited to 11 in each group. From time
to time we do look for people to fill in for an absent member or permanent
replacement.
For the larger celebrations of Christmas, Triduum,
other special times throughout the liturgical year, all groups within the music
ministry combine to make one spectacular joyful noise. We hope our music ministry brings an added
element of beauty to your prayer. If
unable to join one of our groups, we hope through the efforts of our music
ministry, you may be moved to song in your worship experience. If interested in
being a part of one of these groups, or would like information concerning our
music ministry, please contact our Director of Music, or see him after any of
the weekend masses.
MINISTRY OF COMMUNITY BUILDING
BEREAVEMENT
Bereavement Team: Parishioners who have themselves experienced the loss of loved ones
make themselves available to comfort and assist those who have recently
suffered the loss of a loved one. During
the funeral service, team members offer their services and support in ministering
to the various needs of those grieving.
Funeral
Liturgy Committee: This committee
will meet with parishioners/relatives to select readings, music and the
coordinating of involvement of persons participating in the Liturgy.
New Life: One of the
important dimensions of the bereavement program is this eight-week process
aimed at those who have suffered the loss of a loved one. Through group sharing, members try to develop
coping mechanisms to deal with the pain of loss.
BOCCE LEAGUE
This dedicated and amicable group of players enjoys the ancient game of
Bocce and the fellowship associated with it. Teams of players compete on spring
and summer evenings and conclude the season with a friendly tournament in
September.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Committee members plan and organize the annual Christmas musical
performance by the Orchestra of St. Peter-by-the-Sea. This beautiful evening of
song and music, traditionally taking place on the Sunday before Christmas, is a
wonderful completion of Advent and prelude to the Christmas season.
CHRISTIAN WELLNESS MINISTRY
A core council of nurses and physicians coordinates this ministry.
Christian Wellness – Flu Shots
(following
Anointing masses in the fall)
Spring
Lecture on Wellness
GOLF TOURNAMENT
This event provides an opportunity for parishioners to enjoy one
another’s company in a recreational context, and raises funds for several
students at St. Mary’s High School in Jersey City, N.J. Committee members plan,
organize and carry out all the supporting activities.
JEWISH CATHOLIC DIALOGUE
An ongoing dialogue with members of Agudath
Israel, Caldwell, addresses various issues supporting mutual understanding and
respect.
"LITTLE LAMBS" PARISH NURSERY
This parish service is intended to help parents with young children
between the ages of 2 and 4. In this way, parents may attend the 10:30 am
Sunday liturgy prayerfully and peacefully.
During Mass, children are engaged in special projects under the supervision
of trained and reliable parishioners.
The nursery is located at the entrance to Charlie’s Place on the ground
floor. Special parking is available in
back of the church.
MAILING COMMITTEE
This committee consists of volunteers who come together from time to
time to help in a secretarial capacity by assuming the responsibility of
completing important mailings to all parishioners.
PARISH LIFE COMMITTEE
This group of parishioners serves as an umbrella organization for a
number of family social celebrations that bring our parish community
together. As a coordinating committee,
it provides guidance and direction for numerous events and solicits the time and
talents of parishioners to guarantee the success of the event. These events include: coffees after Mass, and
pancake breakfasts.
PARISH PICNIC
This event traditionally takes place the first Sunday after Labor
Day. It provides an opportunity for the
Parish family to gather for the celebration of the Eucharist on the front lawn
of the church, followed by food, fellowship and events for children. Committee
members are responsible for the planning and preparation.
PLANT-A-THON
Taking place on
the first Wednesday after May 15, this annual event invites all parishioners
with green thumbs to plant the annual flowers which surround the church and
rectory. It allows all to take ownership and personal pride in the ambiance of
our church.
RETREAT
MINISTRY
This Ministry acts to explore, to encourage
and to facilitate retreat experiences for the Notre Dame community in an effort
to help one foster and nurture a deeper, personal relationship with Jesus
Christ.
Antioch Retreat (Youth): This specially designed weekend program for young people utilizes peer
sharing, music, games, and prayer as ways of making Jesus a reality in
day-to-day life. The weekend is run by Notre Dame teens and depends on the
support of the parish community for host homes, food, and volunteer kitchen
crews. Antioch weekends are open to
teens in grade 9 and up and take place twice a year with weekly follow-up
sessions.
Cornerstone: This weekend experience is rooted in the
conviction that the Holy Spirit works in all believers; therefore, this social
and spiritual weekend experience is intended to help women and men of the
parish recognize and appreciate God's presence in the ordinary circumstances of
their lives.
Cursillo: This "mini-course" in Christian living is a four-day retreat
experience using sharing techniques to communicate the meaning and reality of
lived grace. Cursillos
in Christianity are sponsored every other month by the Archdiocese of Newark
and are available to all interested men and women of the parish.
Men’s Retreat at Loyola Retreat House, Morristown: this is an
opportunity for the men of the parish to enjoy the experience of an annual
weekend of prayer, reflection and personal renewal at the Loyola Retreat House
in Morristown. The weekend is
usually held in February.
Nurse’s
Spring Retreat
Centering Prayer Retreat (Spring)
ST. FRANCIS SENIOR CENTER
Our seniors gather in the St. Francis Senior Center on the third
Thursday of the month, from September through June. Seniors gather to socialize, pray and laugh,
while enjoying their lunch and a shared dessert. Periodically, a planned speaker shares topics
of interest. Gathering is from 12:00
Noon to 2:00 pm. All are welcome.
WELCOMING COMMITTEE
This ministry extends the first official welcome to new
parishioners. This is accomplished by
periodic Welcome Receptions which are held four times a year at the
Rectory. Through these receptions, new
parishioners become acquainted with the parish staff, other parishioners and
each other, creating a sense of parish community.
WEST ESSEX MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION
Local clergy from different denominations meet monthly for a luncheon
meeting to discuss issues pertinent to the life of the local community.
YOUTH MINISTRY PROGRAMS:
Antioch Retreat: This
specially designed weekend program for young people utilizes peer sharing,
music, games, and prayer as ways of making Jesus a reality in day-to-day
life. The weekend is run by Notre Dame teens and depends on the support of the parish community for
host homes, food, and volunteer
kitchen crews. Antioch weekends are open
to teens in grade 9 and up and take place twice a year with weekly follow-up
sessions.
High School Youth Program: Designed for teenagers of the parish 14 years and up, the Youth Group
offers weekly opportunities for teens to play, pray, discuss, and reach out to
others. Retreats (Antioch), Mission Trips and Mystery Play are some of the ways
young people can get involved.
Junior/Senior High Youth Ministry Advisory Board: Young adults,
youth representatives and adults come together to help discern and plan various
youth ministry programs.
Summer Mission Trip: Each summer, adults, young adults and teens
travel to different parts of the country to bring hope and repair to those in
need – Past projects have included Appalachia, West Virginia and Mississippi.
Fundraisers are held throughout the year to help fund this project.
Youth Ministry Volunteers: The Notre Dame Community has an active youth ministry program and is
always looking for adult volunteers who are willing to devote themselves to a
one-time event. Events take place
throughout the school year.
MINISTRY OF SERVICE
ALTAR GUILD
These angels do light physical cleaning in the church and also wash and
press altar linens. Four angels are
responsible for sewing baptismal garments.
BLOOD BANK
The parish conducts several Blood Drives each year, usually in January
and August. Any Notre Dame parishioner
can use the Notre Dame blood bank account in times of emergency. Blood is made available for anyone in need
when there is a surplus.
BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS COMMITTEE
The committee is made up of parishioners whose wisdom, expertise and
professional experience contribute to the efficient oversight of the entire
physical plant, facilities, and church property.
CANCER
SUPPORT GROUP
This group provides emotional support for
those struggling with cancer. The group encourages the holistic healing
process.
CHRISTMAS GIVING TREE
This very special program offers our parish an opportunity to enter
into the true Christmas spirit by sharing gifts and resources with those less
fortunate. The Giving Tree program donates gifts to people from three different
locations according to need.
DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
This committee is composed of a group of parishioners who advise and
assist the Pastor in matters pertaining to the development of the resources of
the parish. Among those resources
included are motivation, searching and utilizing the talents of the parish,
financial development and providing the funding for major projects undertaken
by the parish.
FINANCE COUNCIL
The Council is composed of appointed members who advise and assist the
Pastor in matters pertaining to the financial administration of the
parish. Among their responsibilities
are: long-range financial planning, parish budgeting, monitoring the flow of
parish revenues/expenses, and generally overseeing the fiscal stability of the
parish.
FEEDING
THE POOR AND THE HOMELESS
ST.
AUGUSTINE’S SOUP KITCHEN: Each Monday morning, a group of men from the
parish collects food from various sources, delivers it to the soup kitchen
located in St. Augustine’s Church in Newark, and then serves the poor a hot
lunch.
ST. JOHN’S
SOUP KITCHEN: Every fourth Wednesday of the month, a group
of people prepare food to be taken to St. John’s Church in Newark. Another
group of volunteers transports the food prepared in our kitchen to the city and
serves it.
HOLY
TRINITY SOUP KITCHEN: An outreach to the poor of West Orange, NJ, this ministry involves
families who prepare a warm meal and soup on Saturday mornings at certain times
during the year.
FOOD PANTRY COMMITTEE:
Parishioners oversee the food collection at the parish on the first
Sunday of the month. Food is sorted, stored, and then distributed to the poor
and homeless.
HELPING HANDS
A group of parish volunteers have formed a “quick response team” to
help other parishioners who find themselves in emergency situations and need
temporary assistance. Numbering about 20
people, these men and women try to respond to the temporary needs of others in
a timely way.
INTERFAITH HOSPITALITY NETWORK (IHN)
Volunteers provide support services for homeless people (no more than
14) for one week during the year.
Temporary housing is provided, as well as breakfast and dinner to the
guests.
MINISTERS
OF CARE
Visiting
those in Nursing Homes: These parishioners visit with the residents of certain nursing homes in
the area on every Thursday morning. They bring Holy Communion to the residents,
chat with them, and share consolation, hope, and faith.
Visiting the Homebound: Volunteers visit parishioners who are not able to physically attend
church services. They
assist the needs of the primary care givers in any way they can.
PARISH SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (St. Mary's, Jersey City)
This program includes partial scholarships offered to students at St.
Mary's High School funded by our parish, particularly through the Parish Golf
Outing. These grants are intended to
support urban young boys and girls in their quest for a college education.
PAWS WITH A PURPOSE (Therapy Dog Ministry)
Along with their “faithful” canine companions, volunteers provide a
valuable and much needed service. They
visit senior centers, rehabilitation centers and hospitals and provide a
positive affect on the health and well being of these
special members of our community.
PRAYER
SHAWL MINISTRY
This group consists of knitters and crocheters. Our main purpose is to make Prayer Shawls which
are prayed over and blessed and given to those persons in need.
RESPECT LIFE COMMITTEE
The purpose of this committee is to raise the consciousness of the
parish community relative to life issues from “womb to tomb.” Through
information and education, this group keeps parishioners informed on vital life
issues that impact our lives today.
SEPARATED AND DIVORCED MINISTRY
Support group meetings are scheduled throughout the year to offer
guidance and emotional support to those facing separation and divorce.
TRINITY ACADEMY ADVISORY BOARD
Two appointed members from the parish assist the Pastor and Principal
of Trinity Academy in formulating and administering those policies intended to
achieve the mission of the school.
Trinity Academy is co-sponsored by three parishes: Notre Dame, St.
Aloysius (Caldwell) and Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament (Roseland).