God’s Rainbow
What: God’s Rainbow is a mass ministry which serves children with special needs while their parents attend mass. Volunteers are needed to prepare for the Sunday session and run the session with materials provided. Volunteers are required to have prior experience with children with special needs and must complete Protecting God’s Children, a 2 hour training class.
When it happens: First Sunday of each month at 9 AM mass
Time commitment: 1.5 hours once per month plus preparation time (varies)
Coordinator: Denise Stefanelli email: Denise.Stefanelli@svmnj.org
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
What: Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a mass preparation ministry for young parishioners, PreK3 through kindergarten (Level 1) and K through 5th (Level 2). Level 1 meets in the rectory during 9 AM mass from October through May. Volunteers are needed to assist with religious instruction. Volunteers are required to complete Protecting God’s Children training, a 2 hour class.
When it happens: 9 AM mass
Time Commitment: 1.5 hours, once per week
Coordinators: Denise Stefanelli, Christine Farner, Julia Crimmins
email: Denise.Stefanelli@svmnj.org
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
What: Children’s Liturgy of the Word is a liturgical based gospel message given to preschool
children through 3rd graders during the 9 AM mass in the church. Children receive religious instruction in a separate area of the church during a portion of the mass. Volunteers are needed to assist the lead teacher in religious instruction and are required to complete Protecting God’s Children, a 2 hour training class.
When It happens: Every Sunday at 9 AM mass from September through May
Time Commitment: One hour per week
Coordinator: Denise Stefanelli email: Denise.Stefanelli@svmnj.org
Christian Formation
What: Christian Formation is a religious instruction program with several components for children in kindergarten through 5th grade. Volunteers are needed for the Traditional Monday program as catechists, aides and door monitors. Volunteers are needed for Family Sunday for hospitality set-up and clean-up. Volunteers are required to complete Protecting God’s Children, a 2 hour training class.
When It happens: Traditional Monday Program - 20 Mondays from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM from October through April. Family Sunday - one Sunday per month from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM.
Time Commitment: 1.5 hours once per week (Traditional Monday), 3 hours per month (Family Sunday)
Coordinator: Denise Stefanelli email: Denise.Stefanelli@svmnj.org
Junior High Ministry
What: Junior High Ministry is a religious instruction program for youth in grades 6 through 8.. Volunteers are needed to assist in providing instruction and for set-up and clean-up of hospitality for 6th and 7th graders. Eighth grade Decision Points curriculum is in need of adult volunteers to lead small group discussions. Volunteers are required to complete Protecting God’s Children, a 2 hour training class.
When It happens: Sixth and Seventh Grade - 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM one Sunday per month.
Eighth Grade – One evening per month and the following Sunday presentation from 5 pm to 6:30 PM.
Time Commitment: 3 hours once per month on a Sunday (Sixth and Seventh Grade), 1.5 hours on one Sunday per month plus weeknight prep (1 hour).
Coordinator: Denise Stefanelli email: Denise.Stefanelli@svmnj.org
Vacation Bible School
What: Vacation Bible School is a camp for children aged 4 through 7 held in July to continue the message of faith formation in the summer. Volunteers in 7th Grade or older are needed for one week in July on Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM through 12:30 PM as station leaders and crew leaders to lead the children through activities. A set-up crew is also needed the Sunday prior to camp for 2 hours.
When It happens: One week in July
Time Commitment: 3.5 hours per day for one week (Monday to Friday) in July, 2 hours on Sunday prior to camp for set-up
Coordinator: Denise Stefanelli email: denise.stefanelli@svmnj.org