CELEBRATE GOD, CELEBRATE YOUR TALENTS
A
few facts about our parish you may not have known:
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Notre Dame
Parish has over 60 different Ministries serving both inside and outside the
parish.
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We have
approximately 1700 families with over 5700 individuals registered. More than
500 parishioners are already involved, sharing their time and talents.
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Is there a
talent that you could contribute to a ministry?
Ř
Please take a
look at all the ministries offered at Notre Dame. Do you see yourself in one of
these ministries? If so, you can call
the Parish Office (973-226-0979) for more information or we would be happy to
put you in contact with the ministry’s coordinator.
MINISTRY OF WORD
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.
Our Sunday Religious Education Program for Pre-K B Grade 5 students runs from
mid-September through April and is divided into two sessions, the first session
meets from
Grade Six students meet weekly in small groups for
study and discussion. The times and locations for these classes vary.
Our Summer Session Religious Education is a two-week program
offered as an alternative to the Sunday Program for students in Grades
1-8. Grades 1-5 meet everyday from
Preparation for the sacraments of
Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist involves a series of workshops for both
children and parents. These workshops
are designed to assist the parents in their role as the primary educators of
their children through adult instruction.
The children participate in small classes and activities, which enhance
their learning experience.
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.
VACATION BIBLE CAMP
Vacation Bible Camp is a summer
program designed to give children Pre-K to grade 4 an experience in their faith
and in Jesus Christ. Bible stories,
skits, crafts, recreation, prayer and song are blended together to give the
children a multi-faceted experience of the Christian faith. Camp is held mid-August for one week from
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION 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 at the
Students are eligible for the
Confirmation Program in grade 8. To
prepare for the celebration of the SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION, students must
have completed 8 years of religious education training, participated in the
parish Blessing Program, attended the confirmation retreat, and demonstrated
the desire to be confirmed in the faith.
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.
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.
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 Most 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,
Confirmation, and Eucharist). Children
attend classes and participate in liturgical celebrations within a communal
setting. Parents are encouraged to inquire for their child.
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
ADULT EDUCATION
Occasional programs or discussions
are offered on topics of Sacred Scripture, Spirituality, and Theology for lay
people. These programs are geared to
inform and raise the consciousness of parishioners to contemporary faith
issues.
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.
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
LITURGY COMMITTEE
This group 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.
LECTORS (Readers)
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.
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.
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 Dame=s 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 on Wednesday evening for rehearsal and sings at the 10:30 Sunday
morning 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 and Triduum and 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 the music ministry. Please
contact our Director of Music, or see him after any of the weekend masses.
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.
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 and a pool
party during summer.
USHERS/MINISTERS OF HOSPITALITY
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.
MINISTRY OF
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.
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.
"LITTLE LAMBS" PARISH NURSERY
This parish service is intended to
help parents with young children between the ages of 2 and 4 who would like to
attend the 10:30 a.m. Sunday liturgy prayerfully and peacefully. During Mass, children are engaged in special
projects under the supervision of trained and reliable parishioners. The nursery is found at the entrance to ACharlie=s Place@ on the ground floor. Special parking is available in back of the
church.
BOCCE! LEAGUE
This dedicated and amicable group of
players enjoys the ancient game of ABocce@ 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.
WELCOMING COMMITTEE
This ministry extends the first
official welcome to new parishioners.
This is accomplished by periodic AWelcome 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.
GOLF ANDTENNIS 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.
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,
assorted events for children. Committee members are responsible for the
planning and preparation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
CONNECTIONS
Connections is the name of the Notre Dame Parish
newsletter that is printed four times a year.
The newsletter contains articles of interest and information written by
parishioners for parishioners.
CURSILLO
This "mini-course" in
Christian living is a four-day retreat experience up 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.
CORNERSTONE
This weekend experience is rooted in
the conviction that the Holy Spirit works in all believers, and 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.
Local clergy from different
denominations meet monthly for a luncheon meeting to discuss issues pertinent
to the life of the local community.
JEWISH CATHOLIC DIALOGUE
An ongoing dialogue with members of
Agudath Israel, Caldwell, addresses various issues supporting mutual
understanding and respect.
MEN’S RETREAT (Loyola Retreat House,
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.
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.
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.
CHAPTER TWO
The ministry of Chapter Two is to serve and embrace those who have lost a spouse
and have completed the spiritual journey of the ANew Life@ ministry. In an effort to help them restore their
lives, Chapter Two provides
opportunities for interaction with others in a similar situation. Chapter Two offers a place to continue
to build new friendships and live a happy, independent life.
ST.
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 2:30 pm. All are
welcome.
MINISTRY OF SERVICE
SOCIAL CONCERNS COMMITTEE
This committee
serves as an umbrella organization for the different social service activities
of the parish. It tries to realize one
of the key statements of our Mission Statement: "to share the talents and resources of the parish with those in
need." Its goal is the
integration of Gospel values and social action in the context of the parish.
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.
INTERFAITH HOSPITALITY NETWORK
Volunteers provide support services
for homeless people (no more than 14) for one week during the year. Temporary housing along with breakfast and
dinner are provided to the guests.
PARISH SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (St. Mary's,
This program includes partial
scholarships offered to students at St. Mary's High School funded by our
parish, particularly through the Parish Golf and Tennis Outing. These grants are intended to support urban
young boys and girls in their quest for a college education.
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.