MINISTRIES
Adult Faith Formation Fr. Mike 973-
This ministry seeks to educate and enrich the spiritual life of the parish by organizing scripture studies, faith sharing groups, retreats, and days of reflection to share faith insights and strengthen the commitment to the Lord.
Altar Servers Father Bryan 973-
Altar Servers assist the priest at Mass once or twice a month. The server must demonstrate an understanding of the responsibilities undertaken and the ability to perform them correctly. An appropriate reverence towards these duties is essential. Upon entering fifth grade all children are welcome to participate. Training is provided for a period of two hours once a week for one month.
Art & Environment Rita Moss 973-
With living plants, fresh flowers, banners, and altar linens, the members of this ministry work to create an atmosphere conducive to worship and praise. Their aim is to enhance worship by acknowledging all God’s gifts in the natural world and using them to beautify the church to the greater glory of God. The use of parishioners’ talent and time is a part of their offering to the Church.
Baptism Ministry Donna & Jerry Liquori 973-
The Baptismal Ministry at Our Lady of the Lake is aimed at:
- Reviewing the meaning of the sacrament of Baptism,
- Understanding the responsibilities of parenting in a Catholic family,
- Preparing parents for the Baptismal ceremony,
- Introducing and welcoming parents to the parish community
Baptismal host couples have an active involvement in defining the Baptismal preparation process, as well as, participation in the actual Baptismal program at Our Lady of the Lake.
Couples are asked to participate for a two year term, which is renewable. Each host couple participates in one to three Baptisms per year. This entails hosting a “catechesis” meeting with the parents whose babies are to receive the sacrament, held on a weekday evening during the week prior to the Baptism. This catechesis meeting lasts about 90 minutes, and is usually held at the host couple’s home or at the rectory. Host couples also participate in the Baptism ceremony itself, organizing and directing the couples, and by assisting the priest during the ceremony. The Baptism ceremony is held on Sunday, at 1:30 p.m. and is usually concluded by 2:45p.m.
In addition to participating as host couples for one or two Baptisms per year, the Baptismal ministry host couples meet as a group two or three times a year, to assess, develop and revise the program, plan for recruitment and training of new host couples, and to touch base with one another as a group
Bereavement Joan Stern 973-
Our Bereavement Ministry offers hope and comfort to those who have suffered the loss of a loved one. Trained facilitators conduct support meetings 9 to 10 times during the Fall/Winter and late Winter/Spring seasons which cover a variety of topics chosen to help those who are grieving. The death of a loved one is difficult to accept and meeting with people who are feeling the same way can help.
Bethany Jan Rice 973-
Bethany is a ministry offering consolation and comfort to those who have lost a loved one. In addition to attending wakes and funerals, Bethany members assist family members in the planning of the funeral liturgy.
Convalescent Aid Program Gerry O’Toole 973-
In following the Gospel message to reach out with love, understanding, and kindness to those in our Christian community, the Convalescent Aid Program provides parishioners with the necessary transportation to meet medical appointments. Volunteers are called to serve approximately once a month, Monday through Friday. New drivers are always welcome.
Cornerstone RuthAuriemma 973-
Cornerstone is a weekend experience of religious and social significance, so named because it focuses on Christ as the main foundation or cornerstone of our lives. This is a 26 hour retreat held within the parish, which begins on a Friday evening and concludes on Saturday evening. Accommodations and meals are provided on the premises. The retreat encompasses talks, small group discussions, quiet contemplation, Reconciliation and a Eucharistic celebration. Cornerstone provides a wonderful opportunity for spiritual renewal – to live, love and grow in the spirit of the Lord. Separate retreats are held for men and women.
Disciples in Mission Diane Carr 973-
Following the Lord’s mandate “Go out and make disciples of all people,” our Disciples in Mission Team plans and coordinates the annual prayer campaign and small faith sharing groups which meet during Lent. Additionally a parish day of reflection is planned by this team.
Eucharistic Ministers Saturday Gloria & Bob Stalzer 973-
Sunday Ruth Auriemma 973-
Eucharistic Ministers are an integral part of the church liturgy. They serve the parish family by distributing Communion under both species at all Eucharistic celebrations. Parishioners who possess a mature faith are welcome to serve. Two training meetings per year are offered. Ministers are scheduled for approximately one weekend Mass per month.
Faith Formation 1st – 9th Grades
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To prepare young people to proclaim the Good News and to respond to the Gospel message in their lives, Our Lady of the Lake’s priests, parents, and catechists have united in their efforts to build a quality program of religious education that will lead our first through ninth grade children to a greater understanding and deeper appreciation of God’s loving acts.
The goals of the programs are:
- To teach Christ’s message fully
- To encourage parents to assume their responsibility as the primary religious educators of their child
- To enrich the prayer life of each child
- To encourage participation in the liturgy and sacraments
- To provide opportunities for the children to express concern for others through apostolic service with the parish family and beyond.
Family Mass Ministry Elena Kish 973-
Members of this ministry plan and implement this monthly Eucharistic Celebration ensuring it is child friendly with music, readings, homily, and participation. A family breakfast is served following each monthly Mass. Everyone is welcome to participate in planning and in sharing visions and views.
Grocery Merchandise Certificate Program Rita Moss 973-
This program assists the financial needs of the parish by selling grocery certificates to parish families after all weekend liturgies and at the rectory during business hours. The certificates, when redeemed at local supermarkets, yield a 5% return for O.L.L. It is hoped that with continued support and participation from all parishioners, greater financial gains can be realized to help the parish achieve some long term goals. Our Church sacristans and volunteers serve approximately 10 minutes after Mass selling certificates.
Health Care Ministry Mary Scott 973-
Health care professionals from among OLL parishioners provide evaluations, guidance, and referral resources to members of the parish and their families in need. Members also assist with organizing the annual Mass with the Anointing of the Sick.
Knights of Columbus John Sommer 973-
The Knights of Columbus is an organization long renowned for rendering service to Church and community by promoting the principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. Fund raising for the developmentally disabled, contributing to Catholic Charities, and providing resources for the Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets, are just a few activities organized by the Knights. Meetings are held twice a month.
Liturgy John Rachel 973-
The Liturgy Committee ensures that our liturgical celebrations are Spirit-
Liturgy of the Word with Children Kathy Van Benschoten 973-
Liturgy of the Word with Children gathers children to celebrate the Liturgy using simplified readings and homilies to help them understand God’s Word. Children are called to the sanctuary (after the greeting) by the presiding priest and led by the lay presider to St. Joseph’s Chapel. The music, environment, reading, Gospel and homily of the day are presented in images that are familiar to the children. The children receive a handout with an activity related to the liturgy topic to share with their family. Liturgy of the Word with Children is currently held every Sunday during the school year (except Easter Sunday). Planning meetings are held about 4 times a year. Time commitment varies for presiders, musicians, and environment team members. Adults and teenagers who would like to help form our children in faith are welcome.
Ministers of Hospitality Peter Lombardi 973-
Ushers, or Ministers of Hospitality, cordially welcome and greet parishioners as they enter the Church. They provide assistance locating seats and negotiating stairs when necessary. Ushers also facilitate the offertory and communion processions, as well as, gather the offertory donations, and distribute parish bulletins. Ushers generally serve one Mass per weekend. Men and women are always welcome to serve.
Ministry to the Homebound Ruth DeLucca 973-
Ministers to the homebound provide a vital outreach between parish life and those unable to attend liturgies. Our ministers offer Holy Eucharist, as well as, parish bulletins, religious reading material, and a few minutes of companionship. Ministers visit homes once each week.
Ministry to St. John’s Soup Kitchen Ida Emma 973-
Nan Canavan 973-
Volunteers serve on a monthly basis preparing, serving and cleaning up for a midday meal served at St. John’s Soup Kitchen in Newark to poor, homeless and hungry people. Additionally, monthly food collections are held in parish to ensure replenishment of necessary food supplies at St. John’s.
Music Ministry Ron & Judy Cecere 973-
The Music Ministry is made up of various components, all of which partake in leading
song at Sunday liturgies and sacramental celebrations. Included in the leadership
of this ministry are the parish Minister of Music and Assistant Minister of Music,
and two professional cantors/leaders of song. Other ministers participating in the
Music Ministry are the members of the adult choir, the Praiseful Youth Choir and
Orchestra (grades 7-
Two other ministries that are integral part of the overall Music Ministry are the Funeral Liturgy Ministry and the Wedding Liturgy Ministry. Under the direction of the Assistant Minister of Music, these ministries provide personal assistance to the families of the deceased and to engaged couples as they make their choices of music. After the music is planned, it is carried out by the Assistant Minister of Music and parish cantor who lead the gathered assemblies in song.
The adult choir practices two hours a week from September to June. These rehearsals
are from 8-
Our Lady of the Lake School Sr. Mary Agnes Sullivan 973-
Our Lady of the Lake School is committed to providing quality Catholic education
to children in pre-
O.L.L. Home School Association Sr. Mary Agnes Sullivan 973-
The Home School Association of Our Lady of the Lake School strengthens the bond between teachers and parents through their collaborative involvement in the education of the children. Various activities are held throughout the school year to support school functions
Respect Life John & Judy Sommer 973-
In keeping with the Vatican documents and the American Conference of Catholic Bishops, the OLL Respect Life Ministry seeks to raise awareness of the appreciation of the consistent ethic of life, in the “seamless garment” tradition, from the moment of conception to the moment of natural death. By disseminating literature and reporting on national events, this ministry seeks to promote a culture of life, by encouraging prayerful listening to the word of God and openness to the promptings of the Spirit, while addressing a host of moral issues. Volunteers are always welcome and invited to participate in the varied ongoing activities.
Shawl Ministry Marge Duffy 973-
Shawls are symbolic of an inclusive, unconditionally loving God. They wrap, comfort, and hug. Members of OLL parish gather monthly to prayerfully knit shawls for people in need of a concrete sign of God’s embrace
Social Justice Maureen Flynn 973-
The Social Justice Ministry seeks to raise awareness of the Church’s teaching and to urge us all to respond accordingly to the social justice issues of the day, as they apply to human dignity, human rights, and the caretaking of God’s creation. Emphasis is placed on walking in the footsteps of Jesus with both feet, one foot for advocacy and one foot for outreach. All are welcome to serve as workers in this vineyard.
Time for Tots Anne Stusnick 973-
Time for Tots seeks to offer caretakers of children five years of age and under, a source of social support and friendship. The Time for Tots play group brings together adults and their young children in a casual, social atmosphere. Gatherings are held weekly during the school year in the Danny O’Callaghan Youth Center. Refreshments are provided. Parishioners and their children five years and younger are invited to join the fun.
Welcoming Margaret Gardner 973-
In keeping with the O.L.L. mission to be a welcoming community, this ministry extends its hospitality to new parishioners. Once a month, after all weekend Masses, members of the Welcoming Ministry are available to register new members of the parish family. Additionally, members participate in planning Welcome Liturgies and hosting receptions several times throughout the year.
Women’s Spirituality Ruth Auriemma 973-
This faith filled group of women meets one hour a week from September to June. After prayerful meditation on scripture, insights gleaned are discussed and personal reflections shared in a supportive and nurturing environment, deepening spiritual awareness. The evening culminates with a Communion Service. All women seeking spiritual refreshment are invited to participate in this uplifting ministry.
Youth Ministry Julie Camp 973-
All teens in grades 9-
In addition to bi-
We have
visitors this month.
Lectors Joe Mortara 973-
Since it is Christ Himself who speaks to us when the Holy Scriptures are read in
Church, lectors have a responsibility that entails sincere piety and decorum. They
are challenged to communicate with humility, focusing the congregation’s attention
on the text, not on the reader. A workbook and resource materials are provided during
the formation period for new volunteers. Lectors serve approximately once every
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