On average, Eucharistic Ministers serve twice a month. The number of visits varies dependent upon need. "CARES" volunteers are scheduled according to their available time. Meetings are held twice a year. Formation is provided for those interested in serving as a Eucharistic Minister. All adults are encouraged to assist in this ministry. 
 

Christmas Giving Tree is an opportunity for parishioners to share what we have with those less fortunate by donating specifically requested Christmas gifts to be dispersed to various charities. 

Volunteers and Confirmation candidates collect the gifts each weekend of Advent, sort them by destination, and deliver the gifts to the designated organization on the last weekend before Christmas. No meetings are held. All contact is made by phone. All are welcome to participate - there is no age restriction. 

Meals for St. Patrick's - Members cook and serve a meal once a month for the needy at St. Patrick's in Newark. They also prepare sandwiches monthly and deliver them. All interested parishioners are invited to participate. 

Monthly Food Collection - takes place year-round on the first weekend of each month. Parishioners are encouraged to donate non-perishable food for distribution to the needy of Cedar Grove and of St. Patrick's Pro-Cathedral in Newark.

Ministers collect the items brought to church, sort the food and deliver it to the designated destination. No meetings are held. All arrangements are made by phone. Everyone is invited to take part in this ministry. 

Mother's Helping the Hungry donate specifically requested items for use in our outreach programs…from aluminum foil to chicken to coffee. No meetings are scheduled. Requests are generated via a telephone chain. Donations are brought to one standard drop-off site. Everyone is encouraged to help. 

Respect Life Committee
Seeks to educate parishioners about issues involving respect for life; foster prayer; and provide activities for parishioners to become involved with pro-life causes. 

The major activity is our telephone tree, which responds to legislative alerts at the state and federal level. Phone calls are made to legislators on pro-life issues; e.g., the partial birth abortion ban, and parental notification of abortion on minors. Due, in part to our efforts, both became laws in New Jersey. The committee shares political awareness of life as a "seamless garment" from before birth to after death. 

Meetings are held on an as-needed basis with most contacts occurring via telephone. All parishioners are invited to participate in the ministry. 

Social Action Committee 
Participates in legislative networks focussing on key social issues by making contact with legislators. The goal is to educate people in Catholic social teaching so as to work for institutional change within government agencies and the Church to promote justice. This advocacy group is in the process of formation and needs volunteers. 

Urban Ministry 
This new ministry promotes a partnership in mentoring families out of poverty. Multiple possibilities are offered for people to involve themselves in this grassroots project emanating from Sacred Heart Church in Vailsburg, Newark.