Parish Outreach Ministry
Our Parish Ministry office coordinates many services and offers assistance to those in need in our community. Not only providing food for a local food pantry, the outreach services visit those who are sick, homebound, lonely, in nursing homes, or in hospitals. If you would like to volunteer to assist with one of our Parish Outreach Ministries please call the Rectory Office and ask for Janice.
Outreach DonationsOnce a month we distribute food to those who need it through Catholic Charities Partnership for Social Services Family Center located on Wyker Road in Franklin, New Jersey. Many of our parishioners contribute canned and non-perishable food items as well as essentials like soap, diapers, toothpaste, etc. There is a receptacle located in the lobby of the church to deposit these goods the last weekend of each month, designated as SOUPer Sunday. This is one sure and easy way to practice Stewardship weekly. When you do the shopping for your family, perhaps you could remember to pick-up one or two items for those who don't have enough food to feed their families.
Nursing Home VisitationsUnder the umbrella of our Parish Ministry office, is a program of visitation to area nursing homes including Concetta Towers, Andover Nursing Home, Barnhill and the Homestead. At Immaculate Conception Parish we extend our spiritual care of Parishioners to those residing in area nursing homes. Each Wednesday morning a member of this ministry visits the nursing homes to conduct small prayer services, distribute Communion, socialize, and offer assistance according to each individual's need.
Homebound VisitationsA Minister of the Eucharist visits our homebound parishioners who don't have the opportunity to come to the church for Sunday Mass. Many times the Eucharistic Minister is the homebound person's only connection with the outside world. This ministry literally brings the Body of Christ into their homes. It is a gentle reminder that, no matter what physical state they may be in, they are still a valued member of the Immaculate Conception Community. Blood Pressure Screening: The Last Sunday of each month our Parish Health Ministers provide a Blood Pressure Screening after the 10:30 Mass in the Lyceum during our Sunday Social. Information about the risks of High Blood Pressure and Heart Disease is provided. Parish Nurses and Health Care Professionals will take Blood Pressure Readings each month assisting Parishioners with referrals and information if needed. Volunteers are always appreciated.
Prayer Shawl MinistryOn the third Monday of each month, Prayer Shawl Ministers meet together to create beautiful shawls and lap blankets to be given to someone in need. Care and the love of knitting 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. Whether they are called: "Prayer Shawls", "Comfort Shawls", "Peace Shawls" or "Mantles" just to name a few; the knitter begins each shawl with prayers and blessings for the recipient. Contact the Rectory Office and ask for Janice if you are interested in becoming a member or know of anyone who would benefit from one of our Prayer Shawls or Coverlets.
Care MinistryThe Care Ministry serves as a link between parish members who are homebound/sick and active members of the parish. Care Ministry volunteers are willing to drive those in need of transportation, accommodating visits to the doctor, hospital, pharmacy, grocery store, etc. We also try to assist those who cannot get out and need someone to do food shopping for them. Through our Baptism, we are all called to serve the Lord; this may be your way of serving the Lord by volunteering to provide transportation for someone in need in our church community.
Religious Education
Each year our Religious Education program offers instruction to all of our children in Grades K-10. Classes are offered at the Immaculate Conception School on Tuesdays for grades K-4 and Wednesdays for grades 5-7. Our Confirmation Program is a three year program offered to students in grades 8, 9 and 10. Catechists, (Religious Instructors,) guide the children as they learn about the wonders of God and our Catholic tradition. Volunteer Classroom Aides assist us in keeping our programs on track. If you are interested in becoming a CCD teacher or classroom aide please call Nadine Allen, CRE at the Rectory Office.
Liturgy
LectorsStewards acting as lectors, “proclaim” the Scriptural readings to the people of the parish at Weekday Masses, Sunday Liturgy celebrations and on Holydays throughout the year. Lectors read with conviction as they reach the listening ears of the congregation, so all may be able to understand more fully and appreciate the scriptures. Charlotte Vnuk coordinates this activity throughout the year preparing lectors and Liturgy readings for Sundays and Holy Days.
Music MinistryMusic plays an important part of the life of every Christian. At Immaculate Conception, the ministry of music, under the directorship of Mrs. Rosanne Huttman is undertaken to praise God through three choirs and a cantor ministry. The choirs and cantors are meant to assist the assembly in song. Members of the Adult Choir participate in the liturgy through sung prayer. They present quality musical selections, under the directorship of Rosanne Huttman, in order to encourage greater involvement by the congregation in Liturgy. Choir members practice once per week on Thursday evenings and sing at designated Masses on Sundays from September to June. They also sing at special services and Liturgies throughout the year. Mrs. Huttman also leads our children in song through our Youth Choir. Youth Choir practice is on Tuesday afternoons in the church. The annual Lessons and Carols at Immaculate Conception Church spotlights our Adult and Youth Choir and welcomes any parishioner the opportunity to sing out during the Holidays in praise and prayer to the Lord.
We are very fortunate to have a Bell Choir. The Handbell Choir practices on Thursday evenings before regular choir practice. Playing the bells is a wonderful way to participate in the Worship Service and connect with new friends. No musical skills are required and beginners are welcome. Please call the Rectory Office if you are interested in becoming a member of one of our Musical Choirs.
Children's Liturgy of the WordImmaculate Conception is excited about our Children's Ministry Program. Children's Liturgy is offered at the Saturday evening 5:00, Sunday morning 9:00 and 10:30 Masses during the months of September through June. Before the First Reading, children in grades K-3 are invited to be escorted out of Mass to hear the Word of the Lord in language they can understand and are encouraged to discuss the readings openly. The children are then returned to Mass after the homily. Readings are from the Children's Lectionary and homilies are geared for our young people. Help teach our precious children the Word by becoming a Children's Liturgist. Embrace the opportunity to inspire, encourage and empower the children through their faith. Contact our Children's Liturgy Coordinator, Cynthia, at the Rectory Office.
Altar ServersChildren who are in 4th grade or older can participate in Mass as Altar Servers. This ministry allows young people to be actively involved at Liturgies. They are responsible for placing items used at Mass in their proper place, lighting candles, carrying the cross and assisting the Priest and Deacon at the Altar. Mrs. Barbara Morano coordinates this activity for the Parish.
Ministers of the EucharisticBecause we are such a large community, we have a need for many Ministers of the Eucharistic, while in addition to bringing the Eucharist to homes and hospitals, the majority of our Ministers of the Eucharist serve the parish at Sunday and Holyday Masses. They assist the priest in ministering Communion to the gathered congregation. Ministers of the Eucharist are encouraged to grow spiritually in their faith life and possess a deep desire to literally bring the Body of Christ to others.
Hospitality
Since we are a large parish, there are occasions when we offer hospitality for various Parish Activities. Hospitality Stewards are the people whom you may have seen offering refreshments to one and all after our 10:30 Mass at our Sunday Social, at meetings and other parish gatherings. Marianne Cammarano, our Hospitality Coordinator, supervises this activity and is assisted by volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering to become a Hospitality Minister please call the Rectory Office. Volunteers are always needed and appreciated.
Marriage MinistryThis parish ministry is devoted to our married couples. Its purpose will be to foster and strengthen the marriage bonds through prayer, mutual support and other resources. We pray for an environment in which our marriages can flourish. The ministry will provide time and space for couples to listen to each other and other married couples in order to promote a more harmonious, loving relationship with each other and with God through celebrations, such as Renewal of Wedding Vows and activities such as, Date Nights, Socials, and more. If you are interested please contact the Rectory. Our Marriage Ministry Coordinators are Susan and Anthony Quartarolo.
Singles MinistryImmaculate Conception Singles Ministry welcomes all singles of any age. The Singles Ministry focus is spiritual growth, fellowship and service to God's Community. This lay ministry provides an opportunity for singles to encourage, receive, and give support to each other in our Faith Journey. The Singles Ministry meets for various special activities throughout the year. Check the bulletin or call the Rectory for more information. If you are interested in joining please call the Rectory Office and ask for Janice.