BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT
CAROL ORLANDO
973.239.7960
corlando@scscedargrove.org

People of all faiths who have experienced the pain and loss of a loved one have derived great consolation from this Bereavement Support Ministry.  Ministers embrace and support the bereaved, nurture their spiritual and emotional lives, provide educational resources and speakers on important topics, provide compassion and understanding, and promote formation and continued development of the monthly Support Group gathering.

Mature adults with the ability and inclination to help with this Ministry are welcome to join our Team.

CHRISTMAS GIVING TREE
EILEEN RENDEIRO
973.239.3064
erendeiro@aol.com

This annual outpouring of love and sharing bestows over 1,200 gifts each year to needy individuals nearby and throughout the Archdiocese: the homeless, aged and infirm, senior citizens, and families and children in poverty.

At the rear of Church, a Christmas Tree displays paper ornaments with the gift requests we receive from our partner charitable organizations.  Parishioners select the ornament(s) of their choice, purchase the gift(s), wrap them and return them to Church by the designated due date.

Ministry helpers prepare the gift tags; set up the trees; gather, sort and prepare the gifts for distribution; and, deliver them to the charities in time for Christmas giving. 

LIAISON to CEDAR RIDGE
PAT McGARRITY
973.2239.6061
patmcgarrity@verizon.net

Two, permanent, Pastor-appointed St. Catherine representatives sit on the Board of Trustees, Cedar Ridge Senior Residence (Cedar Grove Senior Citizen Housing Association).  The Board consists of representatives of the Cedar Grove Senior Citizens and the four Houses of Worship in Town.

MINISTRY to the HOMEBOUND
MICHAEL MULIERI
973.239.1542
poppymulieri@hotmail.com

Homebound Parishioners are brought the gifts of Eucharist, prayer, compassion, care and Parish tidings by Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharistic.

If you have a loved one who wishes to receive home visits, please contact the Ministry Leader.  Most often, visits are made every 2 weeks. 

Individuals interested in serving in this Ministry must be of mature faith, be Eucharistic Ministers and complete a formation process.

MONTHLY FOOD COLLECTION
ROBERT SWEENEY
973.857.2036
Bsweeney2@verizon.net

Year-round, on the first weekend of every month, Parishioners are requested to bring non-perishable food items to Church, for distribution to the impoverished parishioners at St. Thomas Aquinas, our sister Parish in Newark.

St. Thomas Parishioners are in great need, extremely faith-filled and tremendously grateful for our generosity and assistance.

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
KATHY KEEGAN
973.857.3016
KAKE254@optonline.net

Friends and Families of sick or homebound Parishioners may contact Carol Orlando at the Rectory to request a Prayer Shawl, lovingly made by SCS Ministers.

Ministers gather monthly to pray and knit or crochet these beautiful Shawls.  Arrangements may also be made for parishioners to participate at home.  Beginners and experts are needed!  Yarn is also much appreciated!

RESPECT LIFE MINISTRY
JEANNE ANDRIUZZI
973.857.9069
landriuzzi12@verizon.net

The dissemination of facts regarding abortion and other life issues, not covered by the secular media, are brought to light by this Ministry.  Members support and encourage women who have had abortions to seek healing as well as educate and encourage young people to be pro-life activists.

Ministers gather a few times, yearly, and occasionally participate in activities or attend seminars/ lectures.

SOCIAL JUSTICE
CAROL ORLANDO
973.239.7960
corlando@scscedargrove.org

The aim of our Social Justice Committee is to help lead the way in social reform and the need for justice in our society by engaging more Catholics in the Church's Social           Mission.  The Committee empowers parishioners to answer God's call to protect and enable vulnerable persons in our society ~ such as the poor, disabled, dying and elderly.

Members must understand that they are to lead with their faith, not their politics, and not search for projects to do but rather see their role as that of enablers.

S.O.S. ~ Shepherds Of Service
PATRICIA BRAUN
973.744.4619
pfbraun@verizon.net

Each year, S.O.S. provides parishioners with over 50 one-time, short-term, hands-on activities from which to choose to help the homeless and hungry in our grater community.

Projects cover a wide range of pursuits.  Included are: making Brown Bag Meals for distribution to the homeless on the streets of Newark; presenting life-enhancing Programs for homeless teens and young children living in a Crisis Center or Shelter; and, packaging food and clothing for the state's largest food distribution organization for the hungry.  Through its work, S.O.S. benefits at-risk individuals who are served by four, area, not-for-profit organizations - Bridges, Covenant House, Eva's Village and the NJ Food Bank.

Helping our brothers and sisters, who lack even the most basic human needs, is as easy as showing up to help with an Activity … for just a couple of hours … once a year!  And, the satisfaction gained from giving of yourself in this way is immeasurable.   

STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL
PATRICIA BRAUN
973.744.4619
pfbraun@verizon.net

Stewardship is a way of life, an every day Discipleship.  This leadership Council develops and implements ways to advance Parishioners' awareness and understanding of Stewardship, as well as to create and effectively present year-round opportunities for parishioners to share their Time, Talent and Treasure as an active member of our faith family.

The Council advocates for realization that we are curators of all God's gifts, not owners of them, and that God intends us to utilize these gifts not only to benefit ourselves but to help all His creation.

Council tasks are varied and numerous, and can be short-term or long-term … such as serving on the Communications Team; assisting with organization and implementation of S.O.S.; helping research new Stewardship initiatives; or, developing Stewardship activities, such as Ministry Fair. Everyone has a gift to share.  Help us engage everyone in sharing his or her gift with our Parish!