Over 70 Ministries

Parish and School Ministries

Our Mission Statement:
We Make Disciples

CONSULTATIVE BODIES

Finance Council: The Finance Council is comprised of parishioners with an expertise in finance who review monthly financial statements, approve the budget for the parish and the school, and advise the pastor on financial matters.

Pastoral Council:  The purpose of the parish pastoral council is to investigate parish matters, to consider them thoroughly, and to propose practical conclusions about them.  The council’s task is, first, to study those matters brought to its attention and shed light on them. Its second task is to reflect on them thoroughly, to discern their true nature, and then evaluate and ponder them. Its final task is to draw sound conclusions.  The council presents these conclusions to the pastor in the form of recommendations. This threefold task of the council – investigating, considering, and recommending conclusions – is called pastoral planning.  Council members are chosen, above all, for their ability to accomplish the main task of the council – the work of investigating, considering and recommending practical conclusions.  They are baptized Catholics in good standing with the Church who reflect the parish’s various neighborhoods, social and professional groups, and apostolates.  Finally, they are parishioners noted for their faith, good morals and prudence. 
 
Trustees:  Our trustees are lay members of the parish who serve with the Bishop and pastor in forming the corporate structure of the parish.
 
School Board: The St. Mary of the Lakes School Board provides assistance and advice to the Pastor and the Principal.  The Board assists with financial planning and budget preparation, as well as setting long/short-range goals for our school.

FORMATION

Baptismal Preparation:  Baptismal preparation classes for first-time parents are held monthly and provide an overview of the Sacrament, the commitment being made, and what is required of a Godparent. 
 
Becoming Catholic (RCIA): Becoming a Catholic or participating in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a process of spiritual formation by which the Church prepares those 16 years of age or older for the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.   If you are interested in being baptized, completing your sacraments of initiation as a Catholic, or being received into full communion with the Catholic Church, please consider RCIA.   We meet Sunday mornings September through Easter. Contact Christine Brandt (609) 654-8208, Ext. 113 or email cbrandt@smlparish.org

Bible Study (Wednesday Morning):  Bible study provides an opportunity for parishioners to learn about and more fully experience the scripture in their lives.   Our bible study group meets on Wednesday mornings at 10:15 a.m.

Discovering Christ: A seven-week series designed to revitalize your faith. Bring your family and friends who have been away from the church and grow in your faith together. Offered in September. Christine Brandt (609) 654-8208, Ext. 113/ cbrandt@smlparish.org

Library:  Our lending library cart in the vestibule of the Jackson Road entrance has books, DVDs, and CDs which parishioners can borrow. Volunteers maintain the cart after Sunday Mass.
 
Literary Guild: Our Literary Guild meets several times a year to discuss both Catholic and contemporary literature.
 
Littlest Disciples: This is a family ministry focusing on developing our children’s relationship with Jesus. The mission is to reinforce the message of the Gospel to children from birth to fourth grade alongside their families through spiritually guiding, fun, and interactive activities and events.

Marriage Ministry: Join other couples in promoting the Sacrament of Marriage and supporting those already married through educational, spiritual, and social events in collaboration with our Cohort parish, Holy Eucharist.

PREP (Parish Religious Education Program): PREP assists in the faith formation of parish children not enrolled in our school. They are immersed in the teachings of the Church, its worship, and prayer life and are empowered to live and proclaim the GOOD NEWS as they reach out in service to others. Call (609) 654-2546, Ext. 315.

Pre-Cana: Offered in the spring and fall, Pre-Cana is a marriage preparation program for engaged couples led by a group of married parishioners.  Contact Nicole / Eric Grussenmeyer at nicole.grussenmeyer@gmail.com

Reach More: In collaboration with The Evangelical Catholic, we form and train parishioners to develop a personal apostolate dedicated to developing evangelizing relationships with those around them. Contact Christine Brandt (609) 654-8208, Ext. 113/ cbrandt@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 pro-life issues. 

Young Adult: Our Young Adult Ministry is a ministry for young adults ages 21-27 who long to grow in their relationship with the blessed Trinity and the community through service, prayer/Scripture study and fellowship.
Contact: Tess DiMona at tessmd@comcast.net or
Kyle Bourbon at bourbonk6@students.rowan.edu
 

HOSPITALITY

Baby's First Christmas: On the Feast of Epiphany, after the 10:30 a.m. Children’s Mass, families of those babies who have been baptized since the previous Christmas are invited to the Emmaus Center to enjoy breakfast provided by the Knights of Columbus. The Young Adults ministry hosts the event and presents each family with a “Baby’s First Christmas” Christmas tree ornament.
 
Carnival: Be a part of this exciting annual event by volunteering to sell tickets, work a game, help with parking ... the opportunities are endless! Like the fun you’ll have! Contact Maria King at mking@eventcrazy.com
 
Community Sunday: This ministry brings the mandate “Love Your Neighbor” alive in the parish by fostering a warm welcome to our parishioners on Community Sunday and other gatherings at various times through refreshments and fellowship.

Consolation: This ministry assists and plans the funeral liturgy with family members and offers help to those grieving through individual counseling. The ministry conducts bereavement group sessions twice a year. The Ministry of Consolation forms and readings are available on the home page of the parish website. For more information, please contact Sue Roggio at chairfxr@aol.com.
  
Hospitality Committee: The special events committee coordinates receptions for special events, such as a seminar or parish mission, throughout the year. Contact Debbie Cancelliere at (609) 654-8208 or Dcancelliere@smlparish.org.
 
Parish Health Ministry: This ministry supports and promotes spiritual/ physical wellness for the parish community and Medford/Medford Lakes residents by providing health education and screenings, counseling, information, referral, advocacy and visitation to individuals and groups.

LITURGICAL

Adult Choir: The choir sings at either the 9:00 or 10:30 a.m. Mass each Sunday, as well as for special liturgical events. They rehearse every Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. Contact Carolyn Cuperwich, the Music Coordinator, at ccuperwich@smlparish.org.

Altar Servers: Both boys and girls, fourth grade and above, are invited to serve at Mass assisting priests and deacons with liturgies.

Children’s Choir: The children’s choir is composed of both PREP and school children from grades 2-5. Practice is on Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. They sing at various Masses throughout the year and join the adult choir for a Christmas concert.

Readers:  Readers proclaim the Word of God at Mass on Sundays, Holy Days of Obligation, and daily Mass. Since we encounter Christ in His Word as well as in the Eucharist, the ministry requires persons with a strong, clear voice who can express clearly the words of Scripture.

Sacristans:  These are our Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion who help set up for Mass.

Ushers: Ushers provide assistance to those entering the church and those in need during liturgical functions. They also take the collection during the Preparation of the Gifts.
 

PRAYER

Children’s Church: We offer a “Children’s Church” in the Emmaus Center during the 10:30 a.m. Mass for children ages 4-5.  The children stay approximately 20 minutes before returning to the church to join their parents for the liturgy of the Eucharist. Children's Church is not held on those Sundays when 10:30 a.m. Mass is designated as a "Children's Mass." Contact Carolyn Cuperwich at ccuperwich@smlparish.org.

Come To Me - Jeremiah 29:12: Intercessory prayer is about praying for and with others. Our goal and commitment are to “surround our parish in prayer.” We will supply a list of requests once a week to those who offer to join us in prayer. We will share first names only (or no name) to protect the privacy of those we hold in prayer. As a member of Jeremiah 29:12 you can:  pray each week at home alone or with family and/or friends; pray in your already established prayer groups; pray in our new Adoration Chapel; simply, join our weekly email prayer chain. If you want to pray for others or if you need prayer support, contact: CometoMe@smlparish.org

Daughters of St. Therese: The Daughters of St. Therese is a prayer group formed by the women and girls of the parish. Our sole purpose is to pray for the people of St. Mary of the Lakes and their intentions. We get together once a month to pray as a group. We pray daily to St. Therese individually. We are one of the prayer engines of the parish. Contact Ann Babinchock at fb4849@comcast.net.

Eucharistic Adoration: Anyone interested in signing up for a Eucharistic Adoration hour can go to a website that helps us manage the Eucharistic Adoration schedule.  You can access the website from your smart phone or computer at: sml.weadorehim.com - Just click “Sign Up” to create an account and set your preferences.  Use the activation code: AVEMARIA to automatically register. For more information, contact Natalie Stone at mazzunat007@msn.com or Diana Kenworthy at dkenworthy1@gmail.com.
 
Glory to God Charismatic Prayer Group: Meets every Tuesday from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for prayer and praise to God, intercessory prayer, scripture and personal witness. Contact Marianne Perkins (609) 760-9221 or marnperk@gmail.com

Legion of Mary: The Legion of Mary began in Ireland on September 7, 1921 by founder Frank Duff and has grown to be the largest apostolic organization of lay people in the Catholic Church with over 2 million active members around the world.  Rooted in devotion to the Blessed Mother, it is an excellent way to share the Catholic faith and encourage spiritual growth.  We meet on Wednesdays at 9:30 am.
  
Men’s Gospel Reflection Group: Meets every Monday morning at 6 a.m. at the Jackson Road Entrance of the church. Contact Gerry Burke at geraldburkemdjd@comcast.net.

Miraculous Medal Novena:  This ministry meets after the 9:00 a.m. Mass on Mondays. 

Pray for Our Priests: In gratitude for the gift of the priesthood, would you be willing to commit to pray for a priest or bishop in our parish/diocese each week?  Our ministry gathers prayer warriors to pray for our priests, especially from our own diocese, in order to intercede for them and their needs in effectively ministering to all of us and bringing even more souls into the faith.
  
Pray for Vocations: Families are asked to take home an icon of Mother of the Eternal High Priest and prayer cards after Sunday Mass and pray together for vocations every day for a week. The icon is then returned to the sacristy the following Sunday for the next family. 

Rosary: The rosary is prayed Weekdays following morning Masses except Thursday and only after 9:30 a.m. Mass on Saturday in the Church; Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday at 3:30 p.m. in the Church.

Thursday Prayer and Bible Study Group: Meet each Thursday from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. (following the 9 a.m. Mass ). For over 15 years our group has met to pray, read and support each other in bringing our children, our families and ourselves, closer to God.  Contact Rebecca Weill at 609-828-6137 or rweill92@gmail.com
 

SCHOOL
St. Mary of the Lakes School is a pre-K through 8th grade school committed to promoting a Christian environment where students are instructed in the foundations of the Catholic Faith and prepared academically
 to face future challenges.
 

Altar Servers and Sacristans: Students prepare the altar and serve at school Masses.

Athletic Association: The Athletic Association provides the best possible athletic instruction and experience through sports to the students of our school and to supplement our existing Physical Education Program. The Athletic Association is made up of volunteer coaches and an Executive Board. 

Bands:  The Beginners Band is for students in grade four and the Advanced Band is for students in grades five through eight.  Students perform at two annual school concerts and other events throughout the year.

Before/After School Care Program:  This program is available 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Call (609) 654-2546, Ext. 225. 

Choir: School Choir members visit Medford Leas and the senior housing living facility behind the school. They are invited to perform at the Medford Dickens Festival in December and participate in the annual 101.5/101.1 Christmas Choir Competition. Contact Carolyn Cuperwich, the Music Coordinator, at ccuperwich@smlparish.org.

Drama Club:  The St. Mary of the Lakes Drama Club is open to students in grades 5-8 who love to act, as well as those with an artistic ability, musical talent, or interest in staging and lighting.  The club members perform a musical production each spring.  The Drama Club’s ultimate goal is to nurture students into confident and independent young adults who appreciate the arts.

Giving Tree and Jesse Tree:  Students and school families donate gifts for needy school families, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Catholic Charities, Providence House and homeless families served by the Cathedral Kitchen in Camden. 

Mission Club:  Children of St. Mary of the Lakes School perform acts of charity and service to local, state, and foreign organizations in need, contact missionclub@smlschool.org.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA): The Parent Teacher Association supports the faculty and staff of our parish school and enhances parents’ ability to participate actively and effectively in their child’s education.
 
TV Crew:  Eighth grade students, who prepare scripts, create sets, research and tie current events to our Faith, create School Service Announcements, and anchor a broadcast every morning.  They also lead the entire school in a morning prayer each day.

SERVICE

Alcoholics Anonymous: Meeting is held every Sunday at 7:00 p.m. in the parish office conference room. AA is the international mutual aid fellowship founded in 1935 by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith in Akron, Ohio, whose stated "primary purpose" is to help alcoholics "stay sober and help other alcoholics achieve sobriety."
 
Bear’s Den:  This is a fun-filled social group for adults (18 and older) who have special needs and are living at home.  It gathers once a month for social activities, to renew old friendships and develop new ones.  It is a chaperoned event, allowing caregivers to relax and have time to themselves.

Cathedral Kitchen:  St. Mary of the Lakes Students provide a brown bag lunch, drink, dessert, and they create original place mats for this mission in Camden which feeds the homeless and homeless families living in local shelters, twice a day.  Students remain after school to prepare the meals with all food donated by SML School families.  Each month a different grade level participates by making the meals and preparing them for delivery to the Cathedral Kitchen in Camden on the first Friday of each month. 
 
Confirmation Community Service: Students in grades 6-8 perform several hours of community service to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Cub Scouts: Parish-chartered Cub Scout Pack 108 is one of Medford’s most exciting youth organizations.  Find information on the Community Facebook page, Medford Cub Scouts Pack 108.
 
Emergency Operations Council: This group of parishioners has a background in law enforcement and safety. They develop and improve a proactive plan to minimize (collateral) damage in a bad event. They also maintain and update a plan with which parishioners and emergency personnel can respond quickly at St. Mary of the Lakes.

Environmental Awareness: Our purpose is to use our knowledge, enthusiasm, and love of the environment to motivate, inspire, and educate members of our parish and community to preserve and protect the environment, to conserve natural resources, and to foster a better understanding of the need to care for God’s creation. 
 
Fall/Spring Planting at the School: Performed by volunteer parents and scouts of the school.

Family Promise: As a member of this national ministry, St. Mary of the Lakes houses and feeds area homeless families for one week, four times a year in the Emmaus Center. Parishioners provide food, transportation, and companionship to the guests. For information, contact Marie Cox at marie.cox1@verizon.net

Feed My Sheep Casserole:  The casserole program is sponsored by our youth group and is one of the ways we assist the poor and vulnerable. Frozen casseroles can be dropped off at the Parish Office Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Casseroles are donated to the Christian Caring Center in Brown’s Mills, New Jersey and the New Jerusalem Center in Philadelphia. Frozen casseroles are dropped off at the parish office from September through June. Casseroles are donated to “Joe’s Place” at Sacred Heart Church in Camden and to the Christian Caring Center in Brown’s Mills. For more info contact yes@smlparish.org.
 
Fifth Grade Medford Leas Ministry: Fifth grade students of St. Mary of the Lakes school partner with Medford Leas, a retirement community, to coordinate visits with the residents, make crafts, read to them, play games, and take them on walks several times a year.

Further 72: This is a new “as needed” ministry, to serve any temporary needs that aren’t addressed through our existing ministries, like those Jesus sent out as laborers in His field. Elizabeth McDonald is the ministry lead, with Betty Anderson, Gina Balsamo, and Ann Babinchock on the organizing team. To join, or if you know if a need we can help with, please email Further72sml@gmail.com.

JOY (Just Older Youth): This ministry is comprised of adults age 50+ who enjoy friendship, travel, social events and serving the community through social justice and outreach to the needy.  It also devotes time to those who are home-bound for many reasons through its “Two Bowls of Soup” program.  Contact Mary Mickinak at (609) 654-0182 or email marymickinak@yahoo.com.
         
Knights of Columbus:  The largest organization of Catholic laity in the country, The Knights of Columbus develop fraternity by promoting Catholic values and by serving the parish community using the principals of charity, unity, and patriotism. They participate in parish social/charitable activities throughout the year. For more information, contact Bill Mazzio at williammazzio@yahoo.com or visit www.medfordknights.org.

Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary: This group of women assists the local chapter of the Knights with special events, fundraising, works of mercy and/or charity promoting Catholic values.
 
Parish Pickup Hoops:  Information on pickup basketball games at the St. Mary of the Lakes School gym coming soon.

Prayer Shawl Ministry: Anyone who enjoys knitting/crocheting are ideal ministers who pray while creating a shawl in the privacy of their own home for someone who is ill, suffered a loss, or has other hardships. Shawls are given freely with love and can be requested at the parish office.
 
St. Mary of the Lakes Apostolic Reach-Out Team (SMART): SMART dedicates itself to sharing with the hungry/homeless in our parish and local community. Members reach out to those in need and share food for nourishment of the body and spiritual resources for the soul. Each year, they host a Christmas dinner at the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen.
 
Society of St. Vincent de Paul: This Catholic lay organization offers person- to-person service to those in need, such as food, assistance with mortgages, rent, utilities, et al.  Its thrift shop and food pantry are located on Jones Road, Medford. The parish has a monthly food collection to help fill the food pantry. If you or someone you know needs assistance, call SVdP at 609/953-0021.
  
Wedding Facilitators:  Members assist wedding rehearsal and organize the bridal party on the day of the wedding.

 

YOUTH

YES Sr., Youth Energized in the Spirit Senior High Youth Group: This parish youth ministry for high school students offers youth the opportunity to explore their faith throughout their relationships, their experiences and prayer life. YES focuses on topics which are important to today’s youth and challenges them to live their everyday lives by Gospel values.  The group meets regularly on Sunday evenings, participates in service projects and hosts various social activities throughout the year. Contact Christina Kotowski (609) 654-8208, Ext. 111 or email ckotowski@smlparish.org

YES Jr., Youth Energized in the Spirit Junior High Youth Group:  The youth of the parish (grades 5-8) are provided with opportunities for religious education, spiritual growth and participation in service, leadership and school activities.  The programs are designed to inspire the youth of the parish with a deeper understanding and connection with their church. Contact: Christina Kotowski (609) 654-8208, Ext. 111 or email ckotowski@smlparish.org