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Aid
for Friends
AFF
is a non-profit organization founded in 1974 that supports people who are
isolated and homebound (primarily the elderly) throughout the Greater
Philadelphia region. AFF provides the following services free of charge:
seven home-cooked meals weekly (delivered frozen); home cooked soups and
nutritional supplements; safety items; and many other aid/assistance and
visitation programs. Here at St. Catherine's, a group of dedicated
parishioners assist AFF by volunteering their time and talents to prepare
the meals in their own homes. Meals are placed in aluminum trays, sealed,
frozen, enclosed in a plastic bag with cooking instructions, and placed in
the AFF freezer located in the garage across from the convent. All
necessary supplies are available in the garage. Meal kits are also
available in the rear of the Church. Parishioners also volunteer to
deliver the seven frozen dinners, put them in the freezer and enjoy an
extended visit with the shut-in, providing both food and friendship.
AFF is constantly in need of volunteers for our local area.
Contact:
Jim & Dolores Vetrini (215)
674-5267
Altar
Servers
All
children of the parish beginning with fifth grade are eligible
to become Altar Servers, the only requirements being the completion
of a formal training program and a willingness to be of service
at the Altar of the Lord.
Serving at the Altar is a special privilege. It allows you to
be close to the altar, to carry the cross, to carry the light
of Christ, to wear the robe of baptism, to hold the book of prayers,
and to "swing the thing that makes the smoke" (the thurible).
How wonderful it is to serve the Lord!
Contact: Jacki Craney (215) 646-8748
Bereavement
Committee
This
support group is meant to assist fellow parishioners when they experience
the death of a family member. Parish representatives will visit the
bereaved family and offer the sympathy of the whole parish and also any
assistance that they can provide in helping these people deal with their
loss.
Training is available and new members are paired up with the experienced
members to make visits. New members are always welcome.
Contact: Deacon Mary Kolb (215) 672-2881
Carnival
Committee
Over
300 volunteers are needed to organize and staff our annual carnival, which
is held on the parish grounds for one full week during early July. All
parishioners are welcome to participate in monthly planning meetings
beginning as early as January each year. Assistance is needed during May
and June for setting up the carnival. During this time, all parishioners
are asked to get involved and assist in whatever way possible. During the
carnival week, volunteers are needed nightly to staff booths, as well as
to prepare and serve food and beverages. Cooperation from all is needed in
supporting the carnival through attendance with family and friends.
Besides being an important source of income for our parish, the carnival
also serves as an annual event that brings our community together in fellowship
and cooperation.
Contact: John Reed (215) 675-5277
Catechists
Volunteer
catechists are the heart and soul of our Parish Religious Education
Program. They are committed to presenting the message of Jesus Christ in
word and deed. If you have a desire to share your faith and are confident
and comfortable with a group of children, perhaps the Holy Spirit is
prompting you! Catechist training and support are a vital part of our
mission.
Contact: Mrs. Donna Heeney (215) 674-8549
Catholic
Youth Organization (C.Y.O.)
The
C.Y.O. attempts to fulfill the needs of young people in five areas:
social, spiritual, athletic, cultural and service. The organization
is meant to assist the youth in finding their identity in Christ,
in understanding their responsibility toward others, and in developing
a well-rounded personality. C.Y.O. athletics and activities
are open to all children of the parish in grades 5 through 8 and
in some cases even at earlier ages. C.Y.O. activities include
community service projects such as food and clothing collections,
C.Y.O. Christmas party for underprivileged children, the Young
Shepherds choir, and seasonal C.Y.O. Masses. Interested adults
are encouraged to become members by helping with planning and
executing the various programs or by acting as coaches.
Contact: Matt Fasano (215) 657-7014
Charismatic
Prayer Group
The
"Maranatha Prayer Group" provides an atmosphere where people may
praise God with prayer and song, offer thanksgiving and petitions, hear
teachings, and support, guide and direct each other in the Life in the
Spirit. All are welcome to attend on Thursday evenings at 7:30 p.m.
(Rosary at 7:00 p.m.) in the Chapel.
Contact: Daniel Fanning (215) 836-5107
Disciples
in Mission
Disciples
in Mission is an Archdiocesan program which offers a variety of ways to
enrich your life and deepen your relationship with God in an informal
manner. The program begins in Advent with a prayer campaign, followed by
several weeks to sign up for family activities and small faith sharing
groups. The main focus of Disciples in Mission takes place during Lent,
when small groups meet once a week to focus on, study and discuss the
lectionary readings for the following Sunday. Group members are invited to
share the ways in which the Word of God impacts their faith and life in a
setting of warmth and confidentiality. It's a great opportunity to learn
about Scripture, make new friends and grow in your faith.
Contact: Michael & Diane
Calvin (215) 657-6241
Eucharistic
Ministers
These
dedicated men and women assist in the distribution of Holy Communion
during Mass and also bring Communion to the sick and infirmed at their
homes on a weekly basis. Appointment by the Archbishop and a period of
training precedes one's commissioning as a Special Minister of the
Eucharist. Usually parishioners are contacted by the Pastor or
Deacon Urbanski and invited to become an Eucharistic Minister.
Contact: Deacon Urbanski (215) 643-4663
Financial
Council
In
accordance with the revised Code of Canon Law, our parish has established
a council composed of men and women chosen by the Pastor who are to advise
him in the financial matters of the parish. The Council meets once every
month. Membership is by appointment from the Pastor.
Contact: Father Wild (215) 672-2881
Hand
of God Volunteers
This
organization is a group of parents whose children attend religious
education classes (CCD) at St. Catherine of Siena. Our purpose is to
provide additional support to the Director of Religious Education and our
wonderful catechists and students.
Some of our annual efforts include refreshments after our Christmas Family
Prayer Service, a Catechist Appreciation Night and an Ice Cream Social
after our Closing Liturgy.
Contact: Judy Connelly (215) 641-1120
Home & School
Association
This
group serves as a link between parents and teachers, school and parish.
The dedicated members present informative programs, provide volunteer
staffing and conduct fund raising programs to benefit our school. Meetings
are held every month, as announced.
Contact: Elaine Johnson (215) 918-0283
Hospitality
Committee
The
main function of this group is to staff the Rectory on Sundays. Members
work in teams from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on 2 to 3 Sundays per year. They
greet visitors, answer phones, and assist with requests for Masses,
sympathy cards, etc. Their most important focus is to register new
parishioners, making them feel welcome in our parish community, answering
questions, and providing information about all of our groups and
activities. Occasionally, the committee assists with other parish
events, such as helping to serve refreshments after the annual Christmas
Concert and assisting the photographers with the parish directory.
Men and women of all ages are invited to join this group, whose mission is
to represent "the heart of St. Catherine of Siena" to the public
and to the parish.
Contact: Mary Brown (215) 675-3372
Knights of Columbus
Founded
by Father McGivney in 1882, the Knights of Columbus was formed
in an effort to provide much needed security for widows and
orphans of Catholic parishioners and to help Catholic men remain
steadfast in their faith. Father McGivney's original idea grew
quickly, becoming an order of Catholic men and their families,
dedicated to promoting the concepts of charity, unity, fraternity,
and patriotism. Today, there are more than a million and a
half members in over 10,500 councils worldwide. Members and
their families donate their time and talents to a variety of
causes, such as feeding the hungry, providing shelter for the
homeless, fighting to protect the right to life of all individuals,
involvement in the Aid for Friends program for elderly shut-ins, "Crusade
for Life" pro-life efforts, Special Olympics, annual Easter
egg hunts, support of parish programs, etc. Here at St. Catherine
of Siena, the Fr. Joseph Keeney Council # 8530 meets on the
fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in the room above
the garage. Any man over the age of 18 who is a witness to
the Catholic faith is welcome.
Contact: Joe Gilmore (215) 957-9135
Lectors & Commentators
Commentators
read the theme of the liturgy, announce the intention for the Mass, make
announcements and perform other services as directed. Lectors proclaim the
Word of God at Mass and other liturgical services. Lectors must be good
public readers in order to announce the Good News to the people.
Contact: Jim Princivalle (215) 646-0502
Life
Teen
Since 1995, St. Catherine of Siena has used the Life Teen program as its
form of high school youth ministry. Life Teen strives to address the
spiritual, emotional, educational and social needs of teenagers. The
mission of Life Teen is to create an environment which leads high school
teenagers into a relationship with God, through Jesus Christ and His
Church. Life Teen consists of a weekly Sunday evening liturgy, which is
open and welcoming to all, but is geared to the teen age group. The music
is more contemporary in nature, while still reverent and Liturgical. Teens
serve as lectors, ushers and altar servers. After Mass there is an
hour-long gathering called the "Life night" or LIFE. This is for
high school teens only. Here the teens learn and talk about the Catholic
faith and issues of the times, perform acts of service and socialize.
These nights range from a night about Jesus, to a hayride and bonfire. We
also take yearly weekend ski trips, white-water-rafting trips and a summer
weekend retreat. Life Teen is run by the Life Teen Coordinator and a
group of dedicated, balanced, young adult volunteers. These quality people
seek to be good role models and assist in carrying out the mission of
leading teens closer to Christ. The program, including Mass, runs from
mid-September to the second Sunday of December, and from mid-January to
the end of June. Consult the parish bulletin for specific times and
activities.
Contact: Melissa Hewitt (215) 674-0536
Music
Ministry
Music
and Liturgy are certainly the high-points of life here at St. Catherine's.
People who gather for Sunday Liturgy are aided in their worship by our
music ministry program. A variety of musical forms enhances our Masses,
from accompanist and leader of song, to choral groups and ensembles, to
choirs. Anyone who has the gift of a singing voice or the ability to play
a musical instrument is sure to find a group to his or her liking.
Contact (unless otherwise noted): Mary Anne Dunbar (215) 362-6899
Our various music groups are as follows:
"Cantors" (leaders of song)
"The Companions" (9:00 a.m. Mass choral group ensemble)
"Choral Praise" (10:45 a.m. Mass choir)
"Emmanuel" (combined choral groups & ensembles)
"Men's Ensemble" (ensemble of men's voices and instruments)
"Young Shepherds" (grade school-age choral group & ensemble)
Contact: Debbie Pio (215) 444-0630
"Joyful Noise" (St. Catherine School Choir)
Contact: Rita DiCarne (215) 672-2881
Elizabeth Ministry
This newly named ministry continues its mission of welcoming and assisting families with infants and also offers encouragement and support to women and their families throughout the child-bearing/raising years. Women with real-life experiences in such areas as infertility, adoption, miscarriage, pregnancy while single, childbirth complications, infant special needs/illness/death, etc. are available to support others who are facing similar circumstances. One on one "companioning" is the basis for this support and may take the form of a phone call, a letter, or a visit. This ministry also offers home-cooked meals spiritual reading material, and play-group information according to the needs of each situation. Whether you would like to serve or be served in this ministry, we welcome your call.
Contact: Diane Calvin (215) 643-4643
Parish
Nurse Partners
The
Parish Nurse Partners is a dedicated group of parishioners who contribute
their time and talents by reaching out to the local community through
prayerful concern and compassionate service. They are an excellent
resource for information on health and wellness issues and community
resources. They also provide 2-3 hour interim assistance/respite to those
caring for a loved one, as well as spiritual support in times of illness
or crisis.
Contact: Anne White (215) 886-7273
Marge Nowack (215) 675-8758
Pastoral
Council
The
Pastoral Council is the main advisory board to the pastor. Their concern
is to help the pastor vision the direction of the parish in the years
ahead as well as the present. They look at the spiritual, social, and
structural needs of the parish. It is an elected position. Terms are for
three years. Voting is done by the registered parishioners 18 years of age
or older. This Council is mandated by Archdiocesan statutes.
Contact: Fr. Wild , Moderator (215) 672-2881
Perpetual
Eucharistic Adoration
Over
350 of our parishioners have chosen to express their love for the
Eucharist by participating in round-the-clock adoration of the Blessed
Sacrament. Each adorer visits with the Blessed Sacrament for one hour once
a week in Our Lady of the New Millennium Chapel adjacent to the Rectory
(except during Sunday Masses--6:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.). We are always in
need of additional scheduled adorers, particularly between the hours of
1:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. Whether you can commit to one hour a week or you
only have a few minutes to spare, the door is always open if you'd like to
spend some quiet time with the Lord.
Contact: Sue Brinkmann (215) 675-4078
Pre-Cana
Team
Married
couples share their views on important aspects of married life with
engaged couples who are preparing to marry in the Church. The Pre-Cana day
is held twice a year from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm (once in Fall and once in
late Winter; 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). The day consists of presentations
and discussions on communication, lifestyle, intimacy and spiritually.
Contact: Jim and Mary Doherty (215) 542-0769
Pre-Jordan
Team
The
Pre-Jordan team consists of staff and families who have volunteered to
assist in preparation of new parents for their child's baptism. Training
is provided. Pre-Jordan classes are held on the first Tuesday of each
month at 7:30 p.m. in the Rectory.
Contact: Tim & Joan Urbanski (215) 643-4663
Senior
Citizens
The
Senior Citizens group at St. Catherine's gives seniors the opportunity to
share companionship and activities with people their own age. The group
meets on the second Saturday of the month at 1:00 p.m. in the Rectory.
Occasionally, trips to Atlantic City, Lancaster, shows, etc., are planned
with seniors groups in other local parishes.
Contact: Natalie Kolin (215) 672-0797
Ushers
Ushers
assist in the orderly execution of the Church functions and celebrations.
They also help by distributing the announcements after each Mass.
Contact: Mr. Mike Barrilli
(215) 643-2295
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