FOR INFORMATION ABOUT ANY OF THESE MINISTRIES CALL THE
PARISH OFFICE AT 609-654-8208 X110 OR EMAIL THE PARISH AT
EMAIL@SMLPARISH.ORG
BEAR’S DEN
The Bear’s Den is for adults with special needs who want a social night out. It is also a time to give the moms, dads, and siblings a couple of hours of no worry. We have plenty of chaperones, lots of activities, and more than enough to eat. We usually meet the second Friday of the month in the Emmaus Center. Keep an eye on the bulletin for any date changes. If you’d like more information, or if you have any ideas for future activities, call Pat O’Brien at 609-654-0157.
CAREER CONNECTIONS
St. Mary of the Lakes Career Connection Ministry provides free job search assistance in the following areas: Resume and Cover letter writing, Interviewing techniques, Job Search strategies and Career Direction. We can work with you in person or over the telephone – and with the utmost confidentiality. For more information, please contact the parish office at 609.654.8208×612 or email careerconnections@smlparish.org
CHARISMATIC PRAYER GROUP
This group gathers weekly on Tuesday evenings to experience the Charismatic style of
prayer and celebrate a monthly Healing Mass every 3rd Tuesday at 7:30pm in the
Church. Its style of fellowship provides wonderful support system to the members.
CHILDREN’S CHOIR
The children’s Choir sings once a month at the 10:00 Mass in the School Auditorium.
We also sing on Christmas Eve and other special events. We practice every Thursday
from 3:30 to 4:40 in the Parish Meeting Room. All children of the parish grades 2 to 6
are welcome. Contact Sr. Regina phone (609) 654-8208 ext 129 or email:
rmccalla@smlparish.org
CHOIR
The choir uses their musical gifts and talents in order to enhance the participation of
those gathered for liturgical celebrations. They sing every Sunday at the 9:00am Mass
and other special events. Contact Sr. Regina McCalla phone (609)654-8208 ext 129 or
email: rmccalla@smlparish.org
DAUGHTERS OF ST. THERESE
The Daughters are women who pray for the parish, priests and serve as an intercessory
prayer group. They meet on the third Monday of the month for prayer and benediction.
EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are parishioners who are invited by the
pastor and trained to distribute the Holy Communion to their brothers and sisters who
are gathered.
EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION
TO NURSING HOME/HOSPITAL/HOMEBOUND
These ministers of Holy Communion take the “Bread of Life” to those of the community
who are unable to gather and celebrate with us.
GREETERS
The Greeters come a little early to Mass and provide a welcoming presence at the
entrance to our worship space. They are in place so that new parishioners and guests
have someone to turn to for information.
HEALTH MINISTRY
The mission of the Parish Health Ministry is to support and promote spiritual and
physical wellness for the parish community and residents of Medford/Medford Lakes.
They provide health education and screenings, counseling, information, referral,
advocacy and visitation to individuals and groups. The parish health ministry can be
contacted at parishhealthministry@smlparish.org or 609-654-8208 x610.
HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE
This ministry brings the mandate “Love Our Neighbor” alive in the parish by fostering a
warm welcome to our parishioners on Community Sunday and other gathering times
through refreshments and fellowship.
JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH
YES Jr.
The parish sponsors regular events and social action projects throughout the school year which are open to all students in grades 6, 7 & 8th grade who attend either our parish school or PREP. Some community service projects that we support on an on-going basis are Community Sunday; Casseroles for Camden; St. Vincent de Paul Christmas Gifting; Giving Tree Decorations; Trenton Area Soup Kitchen; Christian Caring Center; Francis House; St. Anthony of Padua School in Camden; Living Stations of the Cross; Thanksgiving Bake Sale and Hoagie Sale.
All events will be listed in the parish bulletin and quarterly special events will be held on Friday evenings at the school. Students must pre-register for all events. For information contact Linda Xerri at 654-2546, ext 311 or lxerri@smlparish.org
LITERARY GUILD
The Guild promotes literature reflecting Christian values; provides an atmosphere
conducive to thought, discussion and appreciation of good literature, and engenders
fellowship, intellectual insight and spiritual growth.
LITURGICAL ENVIRONMENT MINISTRY
The members of this ministry artistically and aesthetically enhance all liturgical
celebrations of both the Church and Parish Education Center. They decorate in an
appealing and tasteful fashion, launder and maintain liturgical linens and vestments and
clean liturgical spaces.
LITURGY COMMITTEE
The liturgy committee includes the leaders all liturgical ministries and the pastor. We
plan, coordinate and evaluate all liturgical celebrations at St. Mary of the Lakes to
enable our liturgies to be prayerful examples of the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy’s
idea of full, conscious, active participation of the assembly.
MINISTRY OF CONSOLATION
This ministry provides for parishioners to be present to those who have lost loved ones.
One component of this ministry provides a meal to the family within three days of a
death. Another component consists of a team of trained parishioners who encourage
family members to assist in planning the funeral liturgy and offer them help through
individual counseling and support groups.
MUSIC MINISTRY
The music ministers enhance liturgical celebrations through appropriate musical
selections, with well-prepared and committed musicians and singers who share their
knowledge and talent with those present. Contact Sr. Regina McCalla phone (609)654-
8208 ext 129 or email : rmccalla@smlparish.org.
PRE-CANA TEAM
The Pre-Cana Team consists of a priest with experience in marriage and family therapy,
a deacon candidate and his wife and married couples who instruct and share their lived
experiences with couples who are planning to receive the Sacrament of Marriage.
Contact Joseph and Maureeen Sokolowski email: Jomo.soko@verizon.net or Joe &
Christine Volpe email: decolores@prodigy.net
RCIA….
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults
How does a person become a Catholic? The Rite of Christian Initiation or Catechumenate, is the way the Church helps an unbaptized person prepare for
Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist. If you, a friend, or a family member have any
feelings or thoughts about becoming a Catholic, or if you are an adult Catholic who is
interested in receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation, please contact Christine Brandt at (609)654-8208 ext 113 or email :cbrandt@smlparish.org
READERS AND LEADERS
The readers and leaders proclaim scripture readings to the assembly and lead the
congregation in the Prayers of the Faithful at parish liturgies.
REGISTRATION TEAM
This ministry celebrates the uniqueness of each new member of our parish family. It
consists of trained parishioners who welcome and register new parishioners two
Sundays per month and by appointment.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION FOR ELEMENTARY LEVEL STUDENTS
PREP,our Parish Religious Education Program, in partnership with the parents, assists
in the faith formation of our children within the experience of the faith community.
Through the Program, the children are immersed in the teachings of the Church, its
worship, and prayer life. They are also empowered to live and proclaim the GOOD
NEWS and reach out in service to others. Contact: MaryPat Scordato, (609)654-2546 x315 or email: mscordato@smlparish.org.
RESPECT LIFE
Participants in this ministry are committed to fostering prayer for the unborn, advocating
programs that assist those who choose life and embracing projects directed at ending
abortion, as well as providing information about other life issues.
SENIOR HIGH YOUTH – YOUTH ENERGIZED IN THE SPIRIT
YES Sr.
The Sr. High Youth Group, also known by the acronym Y.E.S. (Youth Energized in the
Spirit), is open to all high school students. Members of the Y.E.S. group participate in
weekly spiritual meetings, monthly service projects, as well as numerous leadership and
social activities. The program is designed to challenge and empower the youth of the
parish to live their lives permeated by gospel values. Contact: Linda Xerri at (609)654-8208 x111 or email: lxerri@smlparish.org.
SEPARATED AND DIVORCED SUPPORT MINISTRY
This ministry provides support and encouragement, strongly emphasizing God’s healing
love and forgiveness. It helps and supports men and women of all ages who are newly
separated or divorced. They meet Wednesday’s at 7p.m.
SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE
Anyone seeking spiritual guidance may contact any of the priests directly or call the
parish office to make arrangements with a member of the pastoral staff.
USHERS
The ushers provide assistance to those entering the church and, if necessary, to
persons in need during liturgical functions. They also take up the Offertory collection.