Below is a list of ongoing ministries, organizations and services that we have available to, and operated by, members of our Parish. Click on the underlined link to take you to a brief description of each ministry.


Worship Ministries
 
Worship Ministries are focused on planning and implementing the various liturgies, sacraments and prayer opportunities in the Parish.

Celebration Ministries 
Celebration activities provide opportunities for all parishioners to come together for faith development, social functions and mutual support. These ministries provide a sense of belonging within our parish and the community-at-large.

Word Ministries 
Word Ministries study, share and proclaim the Gospel, responding to our call to become "Christ-like".

Leadership/Stewardship Ministries 
These Ministries of Service are dedicated to provide for the physical maintenance and spiritual growth of the parish.

 

Sacramental Life Moments Ministry

The Sacramental Life Moments Ministry is responsible for pre-sacramental catechesis, planning, mentoring and faith sharing. This process of preparing candidates for the reception of the sacraments includes activities that will allow people to build community, experience creative hospitality, tell their own life stories, share faith experiences, learn the faith traditions, experience Christian love with wonder and awe, participate in engaging/reflective worship and apprentice for discipleship. Top

Altar Servers

Youth Altar Servers prepare for and assist the celebrant at Sunday/Weekday/Holyday masses, weddings and other special liturgies and services. This ministry includes forth grade and older boys and girls of the parish. Adult Altar Servers prepare for and assist the celebrant at funerals and other special liturgies and services. Top

Eucharistic Ministers

The members of this ministry assist the celebrant in administering the Eucharist to parishioners during Weekend and Holyday masses. Top

Lectors

These ministers are instruments through which God reaches out to His people and conveys His message of love and salvation through the proclamation of His Word. This ministry demands openness to the Spirit of God, insight, careful preparation and skills of interpretation and communication. Top

Liturgy Committee

The members of the Liturgy Committee work to enhance and foster better participation in parish liturgical celebrations. They develop liturgical themes, prayers and offerings for the seasons and individual Sundays throughout the year. Top

Music Ministry (Adult and Youth Choirs)

The St. Cecelia Choir brings together the organist, other musicians, cantors and choir members in an ensemble that provides an essential and beautiful compliment to our experience of worship. Top

Hospitality Ministers

The Hospitality Ministry’s purpose focuses on making all parishioners, especially those newly registered, feel welcome and part of the Parish community. This ministry helps to enhance the warm, friendly environment that exists at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish. Top

Greeters

Welcome the parish family at the doors of the Church prior to the weekend Masses. Ushers - escort and assist parishioners, take up the collections, guide people at Communion and distribute the Parish bulletin. Top

Pastoral Care Ministry

The members of this ministry are Christ bearers to the sick and shut-ins through hospital, nursing home and home visitations. They also offer assistance with household, shopping and other special needs. Top

Church Housekeeping

This ministry has two divisions: The first segment of the ministry is responsible for the cleaning of the sanctuary, sacristy, and furnishings of the Church as well as washing and refilling the Holy Water fonts. The second segment (the Sacristan) is responsible for the washing and ironing of the linens used at the daily and weekend liturgies. The Sacristan also sets up for daily Masses. Top

Ladies’ Guild

The Sacred Heart of Jesus Ladies’ Guild is an organization of women uniting themselves spiritually, socially and charitably to further a spirit of true parish community. The Ladies’ Guild unites women of the Parish in purpose, direction and action in religious, charitable, social and economic actions in support of the Parish family.
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Youth Ministry

Under the direction of advisors and parents this ministry involves teenagers in spiritual development, service projects and social activities. The Sacred Heart of Jesus CYO creates a community for teenagers which encourages them to continue their relationship with the church by discovering their gifts and unique qualities and by sharing themselves with the community. Top


Communication Ministry

This ministry includes the development and maintenance of the Parish website. Contact Mary Driscoll 203 797-0117. Top


Parish Life Committee

This committee plans opportunities for parish members to socialize and celebrate together through various social events during the year, e.g., the Parish Family picnic. Top

Religious Education for Children

The purpose of the Parish Religious Education Program is to assist parents with the sacred responsibility of educating their children in the Catholic faith. Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish offers formal instruction on Sunday mornings through the Catechetical Ministry. A catechist is a person who believes in Jesus Christ, lives that belief within a community of Catholics and is called to share that belief with others. Top


Adult Education

The Adult Education program provides opportunities for the adults of our Parish and community to continue their spiritual formation, increase their knowledge of Scripture and grow in our Catholic faith. Top


Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

This ministry is intended for those individuals seeking to become members of the Catholic Church. It involves an extended process of informational presentations and faith development with the support and guidance of the RCIA team. This experience brings new members into our faith community, and provides a wonderful opportunity for team members and sponsors to explore and deepen their own faith. Top


Vacation Bible School

The Vacation Bible School provides the school age children of our Parish with enriched Bible education through traditional instruction as well as arts & crafts and other activities. Top

Leadership

Fr. Dennis Mason, OFM Conv. And Pastoral Staff. Top


Finance Committee

The Finance Committee is responsible for protecting the infrastructure and financial strength and well-being of the parish through careful planning, thoughtful execution of programs and sound financial practices. Members of the Finance Committee are appointed by the Pastor. Top


Parish Pastoral Council

The mission of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish Pastoral Council is to advise and assist the Pastor in developing a pastoral plan for the parish and to encourage participation in parish life. The Pastoral Council provides leadership and advice in carrying out the Parish Mission Statement. Their efforts focus on worship, religious education, social justice and fostering a welcoming environment and ecumenical spirit, as well as reaching out to the overall needs of others. Top