PARISH LIFE MINISTRY
The Parish Life Ministries nurture our community life and reach out to our children, youth, young adults, families and adults.
Carnival
On the first week of June, each year, SCS holds its largest, most popular activity, presenting fun rides, fabulous food, and fantastic games for 'children' of all ages.
Over 100 volunteers are needed nightly to keep all our balls in the air! We have a task for every talent and schedule...from booth co captains and Kids World helpers to ticket sellers and food servers!
Collection Counters
Weekend collections are counted and prepared for bank deposit by a team of 2 counters.
Ministers serve 5-6 times yearly for about 4 1/2 hours on Sunday morning. Substitutes are needed and everyone must attend a training session
Combined Council of Ministries
Comprised of the Leaders of each Parish Ministry, this Council reports to the Pastor, collaborates with the Pastoral Council and helps plan the Parish Calendar of Activities.
Finance Council
In addition to advising the Pastor on the financial operation of the Parish, this Council prepares and submits the Parish Budget to the Archdiocese of Newark and monitors our financial performance against that Budget.
Members are appointed by the Pastor to include Representation from key Parish Organizations, Parishioners with financial expertise, our Parish Accountant and our outside Accountant..
Home School Association
The Mission of our Parish School is advanced through this collaboration of School Parents, Guardian, and Staff. They reinforce what is taught at School in the home, raise critical funds to offset the gap between Tuition and actual Costs, volunteer for School activities, and optimize home-school communications.
Joyful Noise
God's gift of music is presented for toddlers (walking-age 4) and there caregivers. Children make a 'joyful noise' with their voices, props and instruments as well as learn finger plays, action rhymes and songs. They also develop listening skills and basic rhythm.
1 hour sessions: Thursday 9A and 10A, Lower Church
Fee per session: $6/child, $10 for two or more siblings.
Maintenance Committee
This advisory committee to their Pastor oversees and plans for all aspects of the Parish's physical plant.
Members are appointed by the Pastor and include Parishioners with appropriate expertise in the private sector.
Men's Night
Men of all ages enjoy this annual pre-Lenten festivity in our School Gym, which includes a hearty meal, great male camaraderie, raffles for a favorite charity and a presentation by a notable figure.
Men are needed to help garner raffle prizes, set up and help clean up.
New Energies
This collaboration of St Catherine's with Our Lady of the Lake Parish, Verona, works on creating opportunities for our two Parishes to share programs and services.
The goal: to utilize each Parish's strengths to maximize personnel and programs, minimize expenses, and advance mutual pursuits in Christian Service and Social Justice.
Pastoral Council
The advancement of our Parish Mission is the focus of this Council which advises the Pastor and sets our Vision as well as discerns and facilitates Strategic Plans-in collaboration with the Combined Council of Ministries-to translate our Vision into reality.
Meeting monthly, this Pastor-appointed Council is comprised of Representatives from each Ministry Cluster - Word, Spiritual Life, Parish Life and Christian Service, key Staff and the Pastor.
Click here for current members of the Pastoral Council
Play Group
Children up to five years of age, joined by their parent or caregiver, revel in this weekly, informal Group. Children enjoy playing with one another while the adults enjoy socializing with other adults.
Gathering: Wednesday, 9-11A, Lower Church
Suggested Donations: $4/family to cover the cost of refreshments
Small Christian Communities
Groups of 6-12 individuals gather to pray, reflect on Scripture, discuss the relevance of the Gospel message to daily life, support one another, and learn together. Everyone grows spiritually, taking responsibility for their faith in a more active, participatory way. As they grow together, the group becomes a true Community of believers.
New members are always welcome.
Most groups meet in Advent or Lent.
Vine and Branches
A Ministry in which a Parishioner serves as a "Buddy" for a New Parishioner, helping them to "take root" at SCS by extending a warm, personal welcome, showing SCS to be a loving family and ensuring a feeling of acceptance; by sharing knowledge and experience of SCS; by answering questions, making suggestions or directing newcomers to where they can get the information they seek
Website
Our SCS website communicates the good news about St. Catherine's...and its growing!
Help is needed to take and submit photo. write features stories and contribute ideas.
Welcoming Committee
Periodically, a Welcome Brunch is hosted in the Rectory to introduce new parishioners to our Parish, Staff and Ministry Leaders as well as to acquaint our newest family members with Parish life.
Hospitality mavens are needed.
Youth Ministry
An abundance of spiritual, social, athletic and service programs engender growth in all these critical areas for our Parish Youth, grades 9-12. Meetings and activities, on-and-off campus, as a Parish entity and with other Youth groups, guarantees 'something for everyone.'
A true Community of faith filled peers!
Click here for Youth Ministry Calendar.
