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PARISH MINISTRIES

 

We at Jesus, the Good Shepherd welcome you to our parish family and  invite you to be a Christian steward of your God-given gifts of time and talent.

We offer many ways to employ these gifts through our ministries, listed below.

We ask you to prayerfully reflect over these opportunities and ask  yourself…

   “Will I make some return to God this coming year by serving His name?”

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Please join us in being stewards of God’s Church and World.

 

MINISTRY THROUGH EDUCATION

image004.jpg (3483 bytes)Religious Education

The main purpose of Religious Education is to oversee the Catholic education for our children.  Knowing that each child is special and unique, a gift to us from God, we have designed our program with this in mind.  Our Religious Education mission is to give children a sense of God, help discover God’s Love for them while shaping attitudes of love and respect for self and others.
Please follow this link for more information on our program.  

Contact:  Maria Gimello        856-461-9343

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image008.jpg (2334 bytes)Holy Innocents

The Holy Innocents organization has a center in every county in the Diocese. Accepting people from Burlington County and Philadelphia, religious instruction, sacramental preparation, social, physical and musical activities for God’s special people is provided. The Holy Innocents meet for 2 hours on Saturdays. 

Contact:  Susan Fegley   609-298-7670     

Joyce Chmielenski  609-387-4748

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image010.jpg (2301 bytes)Youth Group

Our Youth Group is a place to spend time with other youth, have fun and learn not only about God, but also about themselves and relationships in a completely safe environment.  Our youth are a gift from God with talents yet to be unlocked.  Our youth leaders are adults committed to work with and for the parish youth and their parents.

Contact:  Clare Kirk       856-461-2260

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image012.jpg (1913 bytes)Scripture Studies

Our Scripture Study is an interactive program in which the Bible will unfold and become alive.  Complete with DVD’s and CD’s, the Bible group studies different books and scripture of the Bible.  Come and see for yourself how enriching the study of God’s Word can be.  

Contact:  Rick Benner    609-781-0644

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MINISTRY THROUGH EVANGELIZATION

image006.jpg (2591 bytes)Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.)

The R.C.I.A. program is a process of preparing adults for initiation into the Church through the reception of the sacraments of Baptism, Holy Communion and Confirmation.  Anyone who is not baptized, comes from other traditions, or wants to learn more about their Catholic Faith is welcome.  

Contact:  Crystal Wells    609-870-2429

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image014.jpg (2453 bytes)Vocation Prayer Chalice

Keenly aware of the lack of vocations and the need for constant prayers for vocations in our Diocese, the Vocations Prayer Chalice, with suggested prayers, is taken home weekly by the parishioners.  This is a unique way for families or individuals to be aware of praying for vocations with the Chalice visible in their own home.

Contact:  Janet Ruehmling    856-461-3748

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MINISTRY THROUGH SOCIAL SERVICE

image016.jpg (3736 bytes)Bereavement Committee

A group of volunteers committed to reaching out to our parish community in their time of grief, the Bereavement Ministry helps the family in the planning of the funeral liturgy, making arrangements with the Church for the funeral service and providing additional resources within our parish and diocese if necessary.  The committee also designs a Prayer Service Booklet used at Mass and sends Mass cards and prayer cards throughout the first year to the family.

Contact:  Rita Heeter   856-829-4091 or

Eleanor Ruehmling 867-461-3748

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image018.jpg (2194 bytes)Giving Tree

Each year at Christmas, we remember those families and children who may not have all the extras we enjoy or take for granted.   Sponsored by the Religious Education program, we could always use an extra hand around  Christmas time with the Giving Tree.

Contact:  Maria Gimello      856-461-9343

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image020.jpg (2867 bytes)H.O.P.E.  (Helping Other People Everyday)

H.O.P.E. is a group of concerned parishioners who are willing to volunteer to help others in works of mercy and justice.  With 3 groups of volunteers, each group share their time and visit and grocery shop for  shut- ins;  prepare meals on an emergency basis; and take people to Mass on weekdays or weekends.    

Contact:  Joan Robb  856-764-0772

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Catholic Daughters of the Americas (CDA)

 The purpose of CDA is to participate in the religious and educational  Apostolates of the Church.  CDA engages in creative and spiritual programs which provide the members with the opportunity to develop their God-given talents in meaningful ways that positively influence the welfare of the Church throughout the world, while promoting justice, equality and the advancement of human rights and dignity. 

Contact:  Crystal Wells    609-870-2429

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image022.jpg (1706 bytes)Right to Life

These men and women keep us aware of issues facing the unborn, handicapped, aging and terminally ill and suggest ways of respecting all life and supporting those in need. 

Contact:  Charlotte Teel      856-829-9283

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image024.jpg (2573 bytes)Apostles of Divine Mercy

The message of the Divine Mercy is simple- God loves us and He wants us to recognize that His mercy is greater than our sins, so that we will call upon Him with trust, receive His mercy and let it flow through us to others.  Based on the writings of St. Faustian Kowalska, the devotion is based on the revelations she received about prayer.  This ministry also provides handmade prayer shawls to people in need of prayer, a tangible reminder that the recipient is in the thoughts and prayers of many people.

Contact:  Elaine Tarlano    856-461-5658

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St. Vincent dePaul Society

The St. Vincent dePaul Society is a Catholic lay organization which brings people together to grow spiritually by providing person-to-person services to the needy of the community.  The primary purpose is to give its members opportunities for spiritual growth and fellowship, and to help assist people in need.  Food is distributed through our food pantry, and funds that are donated are used to assist the poor in numerous ways. 

Contact: Rich Zanoni  609-387-1998  or email zpop0801@comcast.net

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image028.jpg (2856 bytes)Knights of Columbus

The Knights is the world’s largest Catholic Fraternal Service Organization.  Not part of any ministry, the Knights are men of the parish.  The Knights also serve as Extraordinary Ministers, Lectors, Ushers and Altar Servers.  Not only donating their time for parish functions- liturgical as well as social, the Knights are active in the community doing charitable work.   

Contacts:   Harry DiSeveria   609-346-2461; 

Don Faber  856-503-6015

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image030.jpg (1259 bytes)Ushers Committee

Acting as hosts and hostesses, our ushers provide an atmosphere of welcome and assist those gathering for prayer and Liturgy, as well as assisting at special Liturgies throughout the year. Ushers also help with the distribution of parish bulletins, flyers and special handouts, and help to organize the Offertory procession and collections.

Contact:  Joe D’Agostino         867-461-7663

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image032.jpg (2888 bytes)Prayer Network

Connected by telephone, these adults, children and families offer prayers for those in immediate need-- an immediate response to your SOS for prayer. 

Contacts:   Della Pestridge  856-764-0168  (9am-Noon)

                 Joan Rawls 609-835-0391  (4-8PM)

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image034.jpg (1649 bytes) Holy Name Society

The Holy Name Society promotes the honor and glory of our God and the personal sanctification of its members by acts of love, mercy and devotion to the most Holy Name of Jesus.  Along with promoting respect for the name of God, the society also promotes faith in the Catholic Church, loyalty to one’s country and respect for all lawful authority—both civil and religious. 

Contact: Bernard McGarrigle   856-461-3946

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image036.jpg (3911 bytes)Annual Parish Picnic and Carnival

The church picnic and carnival are annual parish events.  There is no specific group who sponsors these events, but it is a joint effort of all our parishioners, men, women and youth.  The picnic is generally held in September and the carnival in May.  Opportunities abound for volunteers.

Contact:  Picnic:  Terri Atzert  609-372-7521

Carnival:   Giles Nowlan  856-266-2980

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image038.jpg (3319 bytes)Bingo

Bingo is held every Friday night and is a win-win evening for both the parish and the attendees.   Volunteers are always needed.

Contact:   Sheryl Zoppina  856-461-0100

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image040.jpg (4396 bytes)Hospitality Committee

Like a family, a parish must both “pray” and “play” together.  The committee operates on the premise of supplying the parish with the means to meet and get to know each other through hospitality and family entertainment activities.  Help is needed to plan and man the events.

Contact:   Terri Atzert     609-372-7521

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MINISTRY THROUGH WORSHIP

image042.jpg (3476 bytes)Liturgy

The Liturgy Committee consists of men and women of the parish who develop various aspects of rituals and prayer services.  Meeting with the pastor, monthly meetings, and basic knowledge of liturgy and/or willingness to learn are welcomed.  

Contact:    JoAnn DiNoia   856-461-0100

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image044.jpg (1903 bytes)Music

A small, yet dedicated choir, invites you to sing with people who cherish Our Lord and have found that singing is not only praising Our Lord, it is another way to pray.  You are invited to join us in the best seats in the house at Mass.

Contact:   Debbie Cunningham    609-330-0016

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image046.jpg (4909 bytes)Altar and Rosary

A group of men and women who pray the rosary once a month and meet monthly, the organization also takes care of changing altar cloths as the church year progresses.  The society occasionally holds fund raisers and coordinates social events as needed for the good of the parish and assists the pastor as requested.   The women also make baptismal bibs for the newly baptized of the parish.

Contact:   Kathy Robertson   856-764-1130

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 image048.jpg (2912 bytes) Lectors

 Adults, 18 and older and high school students are  invited to become lectors.  Lectors will assist at  Liturgies in proclaiming the Word of the Lord.

Contact:  Domenick Marrazzo    856-461-9463

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image050.jpg (3015 bytes)Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist

Adults, 18 and older, and high school students are invited to assist in sharing the Body and Blood of Christ during Liturgy.  Ministers also bring communion to shut-ins.

Contact:  Father Ed Blanchett  856-461-0100

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image052.jpg (1909 bytes)Altar Servers

Youths, beginning with 4th grade, high school students and adults can assist the priest at Mass and other liturgical celebrations.  The altar servers are required to attend Mass regularly.   

Contact:  Gary Schmitt       609-864-4238

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image054.jpg (3896 bytes)  Sanctuary Guild

Men and women, who like St. Martha,  help to look after the housekeeping and decorating needs of the church.

Contact:  Tom McDermott      856-461-9074

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image056.jpg (1607 bytes)Diaconate Program

The Deacon is a person called to service—a response to Christ’s call.  An ordained minister of the Church, the Deacon receives the sacrament from his Bishop, although he typically reports and supports the ministry of the local pastor.  The Deacon is the servant of Christ and the people of  God.  In addition to assisting the priest, the Deacon is empowered to  administer certain sacraments and preside at prayer services and devotions.  By this public witness, the Deacon shows that the substance of faith is not something that only exists within the church walls. 

Contact:  Father Ed Blanchett       856-461-0100

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image058.jpg (6604 bytes)Secular Franciscans

 

The Secular Franciscan Order, or SFO, is an Order of Catholic men and women throughout the world who, attracted to the person and charism of Saint Francis, recognize that they are called by God to profess the Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order, and so to "follow Christ in the footsteps of Francis of Assisi" (Rule, Article 1), preaching the Gospel ... using words when necessary.
St. Peter's Fraternity of the SFO meets on the fourth Sunday of each month for prayer and fellowship. If you are a practicing Catholic, eighteen years or older, and feel that you are being called to a more Gospel-centered life, please come and see. Starting on January 24, 2010, we will be alternating between St. Joseph's and St. Peter's meeting places. Please consult the bulletin for details.
Contact person:  Mrs. Rita Perry, SFO (856) 764-7496 or
                    Mrs. Eileen Mason, SFO (856) 314-8355

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DEVOTIONS

image060.jpg (1842 bytes)Rosary

Rosary devotion and Benediction is held on Wednesday evenings, 7:00pm at St. Joseph. The Rosary is also said after 9:00am Daily Mass, Monday through Saturday. All are welcome to attend.

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image062.jpg (2479 bytes)Adoration

 Could you not watch one hour with Me?”  Can you commit to a designated time to sit with Jesus?  Various times throughout the year we have Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and need to be sure that these times are covered.  

Contact:   Sharon Marino      856-461-0815

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MINISTRY THROUGH ADMINISTRATION

Pastoral Council: The Pastoral Council is made up of volunteer parishioners advising  the pastor in forming the direction of the parish.  The council will provide advice and recommendations to assist the pastor, parish staff and parish at large, in matters relevant to the spiritual, social, civic and educational development of our community of faith. 

Contact:  Father Ed Blanchett  856-461-0100

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Building and Grounds Maintenance: There are always a variety of tasks to be done around our facilities and for various projects.  If you have a specialty area or just want to lend a hand, please feel free to ask.

Contact:  Deacon  Mike Hagan    856-461-0100

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