Holy Martyrs Ministries
Note:
1. The table below contains links to a description and
contact information for each
of the Ministries at Holy Martyrs.
2. For organizations with no specific contact information, just call
the rectory at
(215) 884-8575 for further details.
Adoration:
The Most Blessed Sacrament is exposed every Monday after the morning Mass until Benediction at 500 P.M. We seek persons to commit to a specific time period each week. Jesus is present for us, ready to listen to our prayers of praise, love, contrition, adoration, or the desires of our hearts.
CONTACT: Nancy Abromaitis (215) 886-4273
Aid For Friends:
Holy Martyrs has been part of the Aid for Friends organization since 1979. We have many cooks who contribute meals on a regular basis. We have a few people who serve as visitors and some who drive when needed. Volunteer cooks donate the food and prepare the meals at home. The meals are then brought to the freezer in the Church basement for storage. All supplies are provided for the volunteers. Visitors are always needed. Taking seven meals per week to a client/friend and spending some time visiting with them is all that is required. Please consider joining in the efforts of this truly Christian organization.
CONTACT: Mary Pat Boyle (215) 836-7966
Altar Linens:
These volunteers prepare the altar linens on a weekly basis for use during the Eucharistic Liturgy. Teams are assigned on a rotation basis.
>CONTACT: Joan Dobson (215) 233-4936
Altar Servers
Any parish youth who has completed the 4th grade is eligible to train as an altar server to assist the celebrant at mass and other liturgical celebrations. This ministry of service at the altar of God is designed for young men and women of the parish. Both public school and parochial school children are welcome. Servers perform their role at Sunday Masses, weekday Masses (parochial school only), funerals, and weddings. There are periodic meetings and special outings that take place during the year.
CONTACT: Laura Archie (215) 233-5234 or Jerry Schneider (215) 885-3478
Baptismal Garments:
This group of parishioners makes the white garments used for the newly baptized in the sacrament of Baptism. If you can cut and sew or choose appropriate material at a fabric store, you are needed.
CONTACT: Marita Frain (215)-886-7996
Bereavement Ministry:
This group assists families at the time of a death to bring comfort to those experiencing grief. A visit or call is made to the bereaved offering to help the family prepare for the funeral liturgy. Throughout the year cards are sent for special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries, and calls are made until the first anniversary of the death. The group also helps coordinate the Remembrance Mass in November that honors the deceased.
CONTACT :Doris Duncheskie (215) 884-8575
Bible Study:
The Bible Study Group meets to help us learn as much as we can about the Bible. Under the direction of Sister Assumption, the Bible is brought to life for us. We meet every Tuesday in the rectory from 1000 A.M. until 1130 A.M. Please join us.
CONTACT: Nancy Abromaitis (215) 886-4273
Blood Drive:
The main
responsibilities of this group includes working with the Red Cross
to recruit donors, coordinate scheduling, and help to set up the
blood drives that are held every July and December. This ministry
provides the parishioners with the opportunity of helping to save
lives and heal the sick. Volunteers and committee members are
needed.
CONTACT: Margaret Shanks (215) 572-7094
Building Committee:
The nature of this ministry is to oversee the Church, rectory and pre-school/day care buildings. These buildings are inspected on a regular basis to ensure that they are in good condition and to avoid possible problems. Many enhancements and needed repairs have been made and new projects are on the calendar.
CONTACT: Mike Burns (215) 836-0887
Carnival:
This week long event is held in mid-September and involves over a hundred volunteers who run many booths, games, and food concessions. The carnival is not only a great source of needed revenue for our parish, but it also provides a wonderful social atmosphere for our people to come together in a spirit of cooperation and friendship.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION (PDF file)
CONTACT: Dennis Jacoby (215) 572-9673
Parish Religious Education
Program (PREP)
(Formerly C.C.D./DRE)
PREP classes are held from September until May. These classes cover the full spectrum of grades from Kindergarten to Grade 8. The Junior High Classes are conducted in a manner that meet the needs of a Junior High student. It is imperative that parents not children make the decision concerning the religious education of their children especially in Grades 7 and 8. Religious education is a major factor in the life of everyone but especially in the life of your child. If your child is attending public school, please be sure that they attend religious education classes. Remember these classes do not end after grade 6.
Re-registration for children already attending PREP are mailed in the month of July. If your child is not already attending PREP or if your address has changed please call the Religious Education Office any time between June and September.
Grades Kindergarten to Grade 2 meet on Sunday morning from 9:30 to 10:30. This time may change in the Fall of 2004, if so you will receive corrected information.
Grades 3 to 8 meet on Monday evening from 6:45 to 8:00.
For further information, please contact me at the numbers listed below
Contact: (215) 233-4368 or (215) 887-0360
Children's Liturgy:
This group of volunteers helps to provide children, ranging in age from 3 to 5 years, with an opportunity of listening to and understanding the weekly readings on their level. This takes place during the 930 A.M. Mass in the Church Hall. Two volunteers are needed every Sunday to coordinate the readings and prepare any projects needed for that particular week. Volunteers are needed to provide a snack and drink for the children. The committee meets once or twice a year.
CONTACT: Terry Melanson (215) 884-8575
Church Cleaners/Holy Dusters:
This group of volunteers keeps the interior of the church clean and in order. Our ministry involves general housecleaning on a weekly basis and for special occasions as needed. Membership is open to anyone who is able to dust, vacuum, clean windows, and occasionally lift light- weight objects. Families with school-age children are most welcome! Our members usually work in groups of three or four on a two-month rotating schedule. Cleaning can be done anytime that is convenient. Saturday mornings or weekday evenings work great!
CONTACT: Maureen Dunlap (215) 884-2420
CYO Program:
Catholic Youth Organization offers athletic, spiritual and social programs for all parish children beginning with the fourth grade through high school. Primary fund-raiser is the Night at the Races.
Contact: Denise Riser (215) 576-5159
CYO Sports:
The goal of the CYO Sports program at Holy Martyrs is to help our youth compete at their best level and to maintain Catholic identity on and off the field. Under the direction of the parish athletic directors, efforts are made to organize and administer all CYO sports throughout the year. The objective is to encourage all Holy Martyrs children to be involved regardless of their talent level. CYO Sports involves students from Holy Martyrs and other local schools.
CONTACT: John Causi (215) 884-0787 or Peter Corcoran (215) 233-2814
Enrich the Spirit Bookshelf:
Located by the Montgomery Avenue doors, these books provide a wonderful opportunity to spend Time with God in reflection. You are invited to take a book, read it, and return it. You could also replace it with another book that you might have found meaningful.
CONTACT: Marita Frain (215)-886-7996
Environment:
The committee is responsible for creating a holy, aesthetic, and inviting worship environment. Past efforts include construction of children’s/crying room, lighting, and upgrading altar area.
CONTACT: Cass Corcoran (215) 233-2814
Eucharistic Ministers:
It is the Eucharistic Minister’s privilege to distribute Holy
Communion to their brothers and sisters in Christ at church
Liturgies and to the homebound. Meetings are held occasionally
CONTACT: Karen Sabatini (215) 884-5266
Finance:
The parish finance committee is an advisory committee that assists the pastor in the temporal administration of the parish. Members are appointed by the pastor and meet regularly at the pastor’s direction.
CONTACT: Peggy Youse (215) 884-8575 (Rectory)
Flower Ministry:
Arrange flowers and greens for weekend Liturgies and celebrations of other Solemnities
CONTACT: Madeline D’Aversa (215) 886-8242
Gift Bearers:
Individuals/Families present offertory gifts at the appropriate time during the Liturgy. Rotational schedules are provided.
Contact:
Grounds Keepers (Church/School/Rectory/Pre-K):
The Church Garden Committee maintains the landscaped beds situated on the Church parking lot area and the flowerpots at the entrances to the Church. Special attention is given to these areas during the Lenten and Easter Seasons. We also cooperate with ongoing “Green Thumb” projects at Holy Martyrs School. The volunteers form groups of three or more, working independently or as one group, resulting in 5 or 6 work cycles in the May to October season. The coordinators recruit and form the work group, provide plantings and supplies, comply with special requests and oversee the maintenance during the off-season.
CONTACT: Martin Jennings (215) 884-1590 or Mary Prizo (215)885-6701
Holy Martyrs School:
website: www.holymartyrsschool.net
The ministry of Catholic education serves the parish by providing parish children with the opportunity to learn and develop Christian values through classroom instruction, examination of scripture, and sacramental preparation. A strong spiritual foundation is built through a faith-based curriculum, stressing morals, values, and ethics in all aspects of daily life.
CONTACT: David Hayden, (215)887-2044
Home and School Association:
An adult education program that provides teachers and parents, as well as all other church members with opportunities to grow in being effective teachers of the parish. Meetings are held four times each school year.
CONTACT:
Hospitality Committee:
Committee
members provide food and drink, as well as housekeeping for parish
related socials. Some events are the breakfast for new parishioners,
regularly scheduled social events, and the volunteer appreciation
night. No meetings are held. Volunteers are called when needed.
CONTACT: Lena Allegretti (215) 884-2380
Lectors:
Holy Martyrs is
blessed to have a committed, well-populated, and diverse group of
lectors. In becoming a lector, you choose to serve the assembled
faith community by sincerely and effectively proclaiming God’s word.
A lector is charged with the first and second readings of the Mass,
the general intercessions, and any additional announcements. On
average, a lector is assigned to read at Mass every 7th
week. The lector’s role at Mass helps to bring the dynamic presence
of God’s Word into our hearts. Some public speaking skills are
helpful.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please consider if you are interested in or feel called to this ministry.
CONTACT: Elizabeth Lipp Cuconati (215) 884-8458
Legion of Mary:
This is a world-wide organization of Catholic men and women, who offer their services to their pastor to aid him in performing spiritual works in the parish. This is done by members placing themselves under the banner of Mary. With her help, they may develop greater holiness in their own lives as well as spread a deeper Marian devotion to others. The Legion of Mary meets every Tuesday at 7:30 PM in the rectory meeting room.
New members are welcome!
CONTACT: Father Michael Ryan 215-884-8575
Liturgy Committee:
This committee shares in the responsibility of planning the liturgy, and assists the pastor in seeing that the rituals of the Church are authentically carried out. The pastor, aided by a chairperson, directs the planning team. Membership includes the Director of Music, other musicians, the DRE, the heads of each liturgical ministry, and other interested members of the congregation. Meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month. New members are welcome.
CONTACT: Father Michael Ryan, (215)884-8575
Marian Movement of Priests:
This group is a movement, not an organized association with offices and fees. There are priests-at-large on national, regional, and local levels. Our Lady’s requests for membership are simple 1) pray the rosary daily, 2) fidelity to the Pope, 3) observe the commandments, 4) frequent reception of the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, and 5) enrollment in a cenacle. A cenacle consists of two or more persons praying together on a regular basis. Holy Martyrs cenacle consists of five people who meet regularly in the Church every Monday at twelve noon before the Blessed Sacrament. New members are welcome.
CONTACT: Marty Buzhowski 215-657-7078
Music Ministry:
ADULT CHOIR This enthusiastic group provides musical support to the liturgy by striving to enhance the spoken word with song and music. We follow a rotating schedule allowing us to sing at a different Mass every week. Both familiar hymns and new music is included in our repertoire. The choir has acquired a strong foundation of group unity through prayer, laughter, and dedicated work during rehearsals. The choir rehearses for approximately one hour on Wednesday evenings at 730 PM in the Church. We are praying for new members – no experience necessary!
CONTEMPORARY GUITAR GROUP The goal of this ensemble is to encourage people of all ages to sing and fully participate in the Mass by offering a less traditional musical sound. New members are always being sought and all musicians are welcome, especially guitarists, flute players and singers. Currently, the ensemble plays at one Mass per month. Rehearsals are held in the Church on Tuesday evenings at 630 PM. The rehearsals start in September.
CONTACT: Laura Demkovitz (215) 402-0490
Outreach:
The Outreach Team follows the mandate of Saint Paul’s letter to the Galatians, chapter 6, verse 2, “Help carry one another’s burdens; in that way you will follow the law of Christ.” This is done by providing transportation for people to get to Church for Mass or confession. We also provide transportation for other appointments such as the doctor, dentist, hairdresser, etc. In addition, we provide respite care for the caretakers in order to give them time away from their charges. Meetings are not mandatory. We encourage our members to gather as a group from 7:30 to 8:30 PM on First Fridays before the Blessed Sacrament. We also meet in the Family Room to pray the rosary.
CONTACT: Mo Rdesinski 215-233-4592
Parish Development:
The committee identifies and supports special projects and needs recognized as critical for the growth and continuity of our parish community. To serve Holy Martyrs Parish by attending to the physical and spiritual needs of our community through consultation with the Pastor. To identify, coordinate and support the fund-raising projects/activities within the Parish and School, and to assist/advise various groups in identifying proper resources and implementation strategies necessary to maximize fund-raising effectiveness.
CONTACT:
Parish Pastoral Council:
The purpose of
the Parish Pastoral Council is to foster full participation of the
entire parish in the life and mission of the parish and the
universal Church. Its function is to advise the pastor in the
pastoral matters he brings to the council’s attention..
Parish Pastoral Councils are composed of the pastor and the
parochial vicar, representative parish staff members, and lay
members of the parish. The members of the Council reflect the
diversity of the parish and are either elected or appointed. Lay
members are to be parishioners in good standing. The PPC meets on
the 1st Tuesday of each month.
CONTACT: Father Michael Ryan (215) 884-8575 Rectory)
Parish Nurse:
The Parish
Nurse Ministry has been established to enable parishioners to live
enhanced lives by assisting with their physical, emotional, and
spiritual needs. The parish nurse, supported by trained
professionals and lay volunteers, assists parishioners in modifying
their lifestyles, adjusting to disease, coping with chronic illness
and other heath concerns. The parish nurse works as a health
counselor, discussing health problems and making visits to homes,
hospitals, and nursing homes as needed. She also acts as a liaison
to community resources and services. She coordinates/ facilitates
volunteers and support groups within the parish. The nurse also
serves as a health educator promoting an understanding of the
relationship between lifestyles, attitudes, faith, and well-being.
CONTACT: Doris Duncheskie (215) 884-8575 (Rectory)
Parish Stewardship:
This committee
assists the pastor in developing a parish plan for the introduction,
invitation, and encouragement of Catholic Stewardship to all
parishioners. The committee carries out its mission by
providing experiences that foster stewardship and formation, such
as, the Stewardship Fair. Meetings are held in the rectory on the
third Tuesday of each month, from 7:15 to 8:45.
CONTACT: Terry Melanson (215) 884-8575 (Rectory)
Prayer Line:
The main
purpose of the prayer line is to have the maximum number of people
praying for those who need prayers, especially those in critical
need. All that is required of our volunteers is to make one or two
phone calls a week and to set aside a special time for prayer each
day. Please call if you are interested.
CONTACT: Sue Hartman (215) 886-2115
Pro-Life:
Pro-life promotes builds awareness of the need in today's society to protect life from the unborn to the elderly.
CONTACT: Tina Hungerford (215) 885-8462
Rosary Group for Vocations:
This group promotes devotion to Mary by reciting and offers their prayer for new vocations to the priesthood, religious and religious brothers.
CONTACT: Helen Sandone (215) 887-4690
R.C.I.A.
RCIA is an
ongoing process of conversion. It is for and about people searching
for a deeper meaning and answers to who Jesus is in their life. It
is the normal way adults become full, active, participating members
of the Church.
CONTACT: Terry Melanson (215) 884-8575
Religious Education:
The director of the Religious Education Ministry is responsible for Adult Faith Formation, the Parish Religious Education Program, and Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, and Holy Martyrs parish school Religious Education Program. The director is also responsible for all those candidates preparing for the First Sacraments and the Sacrament of Confirmation. Teachers are recruited and supported by the director. Frequent meetings are an essential part of assisting these teachers in their classroom duties. Religious education courses are also offered to the teachers so that they may obtain certification in this area. Consider being a teacher, substitute teacher or support staff person in the future.
CONTACT: Carole Galente (215) 884-8575
Rosary Ministry:
Our Lady of Fatima requested that we pray the rosary each day as a weapon against the evils of this world. The group members gather each weekday before the 8:30 AM Mass. They pray before the Saturday morning Mass for religious vocations and to preserve them from harm.
CONTACT: Helen Sandone (215) 887-4690
St. Vincent DePaul Society
The Holy Martyrs Conference of the St. Vincent De Paul Society serves the poor and needy of our parish and the surrounding area. Our mission is to serve the poor regardless of race, color, creed, sex, or age. Our parish Conference currently has twenty active members and is always open to new members. We meet in the Parish Hall on the 1st Wednesday of every month.
Click here for online brochure
Please visit our website: www.geocities.com/stvdp2/home.html
CONTACT: Jean Frissora (215) 886-8835 or Shirley Sweeney (215) 887-9270
Senior Citizens Club:
The Holy
Martyrs Senior Citizens Club was formed in 1977 as a self-sufficient
parish organization open to all men and women 55 years of age and
older. The social meeting of our club is held on the 1st
Thursday of each month at 12:30 PM in the school hall to provide
recreation and information to our members. The program generally
features entertainment at about 5 or 6 of the 10 monthly meetings.
There are no meetings in July or August. An important advantage of
joining this group is being able to join fellow members on one-day
and multiple-day trips and for many special celebrations.
CONTACT: Joan Salvatore (215) 884-1999
Stewardship Committee:
This committee
assists the pastor in developing a parish plan for the introduction,
invitation, and encouragement of Catholic stewardship to all
parishioners. The committee carries out its mission by providing
experiences that foster stewardship education and formation, such
as, the Stewardship Fair.
CONTACT: Terry Melanson (215) 884-8575 (Rectory)
Technology Committee:
This committee provides oversight of the use and promotion of current technology for the benefit of the church and all its ministries.
CONTACT: John O'Brien (215) 886-8835
Ushers (Ministers of Hospitality):
The ushers
have many responsibilities which include 1) counting the number of
people in Church from 1st grade and up for a master tally
sheet for each Mass; 2) taking up the collection and preparing the
donations for the Offertory Procession, and 3) directing the people
at Communion time. Please call for further information about or
membership in this group.
CONTACT: Roy Hanshaw (215) 887-7826
Welcoming Committee:
This committee is formed by men and women of the parish who try to
reach out to all the new parishioners in order to make them feel
welcome and to familiarize them with the various activities taking
place in Holy Martyrs Church/School. Call the rectory for details.
CONTACT:
Windows:
CONTACT: Joe McFadden
Youth Activities (CYO):
The mission of the expanded youth activities for Cluster 74 is to bring post-Confirmation youth into a closer relationship with Jesus through social, spiritual, and service oriented activities. The facilitator assists in planning these activities for Holy Martyrs Parish and several other parishes in the surrounding area. Members have interest in reaching out to youth and participating in activities such as pizza nights, outdoor trips, retreats and pilgrimages, and service projects. Meetings are regularly scheduled.
CONTACT: Denise Risser (215) 576-5159
Youth Cluster Coordinator - Cub Scouts:
Cub scouts is a junior division of the Boy Scouts of America. In
their oath, Cubs promise to love God, their families and learn about
the world. Pack meets at the school on the 1st and 3rd Friday
evening of every month during the school year. The pack also goes on
educational and fun day trips on several weekends throughout the
year. Currently, enrollment is open to all boys who will be in 1st
or 2nd grade beginning in September.
CONTACT:
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