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OLMM PARISH MINISTRIES
"THERE ARE DIFFERENT GIFTS, BUT THE SAME SPIRIT; THERE ARE DIFFERENT MINISTRIES BUT THE SAME LORD; THERE ARE DIFFERENT WORKS BUT THE SAME GOD WHO ACCOMPLISHES ALL OF THEM IN EVERYONE."
LITURGY "WHEREVER TWO OR THREE COME TOGETHER IN MY NAME, THERE I AM WITH THEM." (Matthew 18:20) The Parish Community of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal has an active, living, liturgical life. There are many wonderful opportunities to come together in thanksgiving and praise as the People of God. Through the talents and skills of all those involved in various liturgical ministries, our experiences of worship provide prayerful and meaningful signs of God’s presence.
CHURCH DECORATING COMMITTEE This committee provides a welcoming atmosphere for our Church Community and entails physical care through decorating the sanctuary and cleaning of the altar linens. Contact: Mary Ann Lando, 586-5981
CHOIR, 5:00 MASS All singers and musicians welcome. Contact:
Maureen Maloney, 643-7568
FOLK CHOIR, 10:45 MASS The choir enhances the celebration of the Family Mass. At this Celebration we hope to include many young people. We are open to new members who can sing or play an instrument. Contact: Ed Kozlowski, 643-7568 GOSPEL CHOIR, 8:00 MASS The Gospel Choir accompanies the Liturgy at the 8:00 a.m. Sunday Mass on the first, third and firth Sundays of the month. We are a multi-cultural choir that provides music in the African-American tradition as well as an eclectic selection of songs. As a choir of diverse cultures, we welcome all new members. Rehearsals are on Monday evenings at 6;30 PM. Contact: Leslie Cooper, 643-7568 EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS These Ministers serve at the altar by helping to distribute Communion at our liturgies and they also bring the Eucharist to members of the community who cannot come to Mass. Contact: Arline and Larry Schroeder, 643-5465. LECTORS (MINISTRY OF THE WORD) The lector ministers to the assembly by proclaiming the Good News and is most effective when proclaiming the word compellingly with power and conviction. Bringing the printed Word to Life through the human voice is a sacramental act which is completed by hearing the word proclaimed. The Lector’s ultimate purpose is to enable the People of God to hear the Word of God and keep it. Effective, clear articulation and projection are needed. Contact: Arline and Larry Schroeder, 643-5465 LITURGY COMMITTEE The Liturgy Committee plans and prepares the special liturgies for major feasts and various multi-cultural celebrations. The Committee meets with the Pastoral Staff, reviews and evaluates materials of liturgical concern, and makes recommendations for the worship environment appropriate to the liturgical season of the year. The Committee welcomes new members who share an interest in liturgy. We meet approximately 4 times a year. Contact: Arline and Larry Schroeder, 643-5465 USHERS We are "Ministers of Hospitality. We greet everyone and make them feel welcome. We try to do our best to assist parishioners in any way we can. We have the privilege of gathering the gifts of the parishioners, and presenting the gifts at the Offertory. Occasional meetings are held with usher captains and Pastor. The "Ministers of Hospitality" serve about 2 hours a week. Contact: Nick Cioffi, 667-3843
EDUCATION AND RELIGIOUS FORMATION "THEREFORE GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS." (Matthew 28:19) AFTER SCHOOL TUTORING PROGRAM The goal of this program is to provide children with an opportunity to get help with their homework from a teacher and/or high school age tutor. We have an average of 30 children who participate in the tutoring program, and 10 volunteer tutors. Contact: Naycha Florival, 643-3364
LENTEN PRAYER GROUPS Our parish encourages small groups of parishioners to come together to pray once a week for the six weeks of Lent. These meetings are held in homes or at various locations throughout the parish. The groups pray the Sunday Scriptures, share their faith experiences and explore what discipleship means to them. Approximately 300 parishioners participated in these small prayer groups this past Lent. Membership is open to all. The only requirement is a willingness to pray with others in a small group. Contact: Sr. Vicki Toale 63-7568 PRE-CANA (English) We prepare engaged couples for the sacrament of marriage focusing on such issues as communication, commitment, finances, family of origin issues, spirituality, sexuality, addictions, abuse and any other issues as related to the preparation for marriage. We add our own life experiences and get the couples to interact with each other. We do the pre-cana sessions in our home and let our example of the domestic church help to prepare the couples for marriage. We look forward to serving the needs of the engaged couples. Contact: Joanne and Richard Becker, 586-1575 RCIA - (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) - RCIA is the official way we welcome non-Catholics, share our faith and break open God’s Word with them, and celebrate with them the various rites of welcoming, acceptance, and penance. We help them to prepare for their joyous reception of the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil. Training includes informal explanation of the various rites, praying together and sharing of Scripture. Contact: Deacon Jules Gagnon, 643-7568 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION This ministry facilitates the religious formation of young people in our parish from Pre-K to Grade 12. There is an ongoing need for additional teachers with an ability to relate the Faith to young people. Training varies from a few meetings a year to a more intensive year long course. Contact: Naycha Florival, 643-3364
STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE The Stewardship Committee promotes the spirituality of Stewardship throughout the year. The Ministry plans and carries out the stewardship efforts of time, talent and treasure on an annual basis. Members are responsible for publicizing stewardship in the bulletin and in mailings and for recruiting individuals and couples to share their personal testimonies about stewardship with the parishioners. They coordinate the Ministry Fair, encourage volunteerism and ensure that those who volunteer are contacted. Contact: Mary Ann Maddock, 643-7568 YOUTH MINISTRY Our Youth Ministry provides Religious Education, Retreats, Trips, fun nights and opportunities for service for all young people in grades 9 to 12. At the present time there are 50 in our group plus 8 volunteer leaders. We are open to unlimited members. The essential qualification is an ability to relate well with young people. We would like to begin a sports program and need volunteers. Contact: Nancy Bracht, 643-7568
SPIRITUAL GROWTH "PRAY AT ALL TIMES IN THE SPIRIT WITH ALL PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION." (Ephesians 6:18) CURSILLO - Evangelizes our environment, home, work, parish neighborhood and those with whom we come into contact. We help people to use the talents God has given them, first through a short course in Christianity and then through lifetime support groups. Our ministry follows the format of "Make a friend, be a friend, bring a friend to Christ, using the ideals of believing, belonging and being compassionate. Training includes: Leaders School, Workshops, Team Meetings, Seminars. Contact: JoAnne Archer, 422-6145 FOCOLARE Introduces people to the Charism of Unity that has come to life in the Church today under the official name of the "Work of Mary." This new charism of unity fosters renewal of the family, work place and society through the daily living of the gospel in a radical way, thereby making its contribution to Jesus' last prayer, that "All may be one." Regular meetings are once a month for about 2 hours. Opportunities for retreats, meetings with other local, state, national and international Focolare groups. Contact: Ursula and Bob Lulley, 491-1828 HEC (Handicapped Encounter Christ) The purpose of HEC (Handicapped Encounter Christ) is to help people with disabilities know and experience the love of Christ. There is an annual retreat weekend which has a big volunteer team. Our ministry’s goal is to integrate the handicapped into the parish community and into regional groups. Contact: Joanne Archer, 422-6145 MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER Learn how to really love each other, no matter how long you have been married. Call the toll-free number, 1-866-499-6354, or www.WWMELI.homepage.com ROSARY We meet Wednesday thru Saturday morning to recite the Rosary after the 9:00a.m. Mass. On Tuesday we begin with special Novena prayers to the Blessed Mother before reciting the Rosary. Contact: Mary Ann Lando, 586-5981
PARISH SOCIAL MINISTRY "A NEW COMMAND I GIVE YOU; LOVE ONE ANOTHER. AS I HAVE LOVED YOU, SO YOU MUST LOVE ONE ANOTHER." (John 13:34) BEREAVEMENT Most people begin to deal with the reality of life without their loved one after the funeral when everyone else seems to have resumed their normal life. Grief is expressed differently in everyone. There may be feelings of sadness, guilt or anger at the person, at the medical profession, or God. These are normal emotions. The goal of our bereavement ministry is to help each individual deal with his or her grief in a positive manner for healthy healing. Private visits or phone calls with a professional grief counselor are provided by a parish volunteer. Contact: Joanne Archer, 422-6145.
CONSOLATION CARE MINISTRY It is our goal to help families through the task of planning a loved one’s funeral Mass. We assist the family in choosing the readings as well as the music they would like at the Mass. We also ask about the deceased so that the celebrant can speak of the family’s loved one in a touching and consoling manner to help the family feel God’s presence to them during this time of sorrow. Though certain parishioners have been trained in this ministry, we are not formally ministering in the parish because there is a need for at least 20 individual participants so that no one person has to be called upon more than once every six weeks. The training is very simple, requiring l or 2 meetings. Two ministers go together to the funeral home as consolation ministers to the family. Area funeral directors are aware of our ministry and welcome it. Contact: Parish Office, 643-7568
JUST FAITH We are an ongoing study and support group that grew out of an eight month social awareness program which works in partnership with Catholic Campaign for Human Development, Catholic Charities, Catholic Relief Services and Bread for the World. That program was called Just Faith, the name being formed from the biblical connection between God's call for justice (Just) and a people of faith committed to that call (Faith). We meet monthly to pray, share, and study Catholic Social Teaching and Scripture, connecting it to local and worldwide issues. We occasionally sponsor programs consisting of guest speakers, movies and book discussions to help raise the parish's awareness regarding the social mission of our Church as it applies to our world today. We seek ways, individually and communally, to live out Jesus' message of love, justice, and compassion. We welcome any and all to join us in our journey. Contact: Sr. Vicki Toale, 748-6021, Alexis Stafford, 549-3303, or Re Zirkel, 516-390-8608 LONG ISLAND C.A.N. (Long Island Congregations, Associations and Neighborhoods) is a group of about 30 members (mostly churches, including OLMM, and some mosques and synagogues,) in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Our goal is to improve the quality of life here on Long Island. We need people who care abut justice and can come to meetings as required based on a particular issue. Whatever your talents are, they can be put to use. Contact: John and Mary Ann Maddock 586-4737 THE OPENING WORD PROGRAM A ministry of the Sisters of St,. Dominic, Amityville, is a literacy and job-training program for underemployed and undereducated women. It strives to empower them by improving their academic and/or English language skills, thus enabling them to provide for their families and assume membership in the work force. The program consists of two areas: Adult Basic Education/ GED preparation and English for Speakers of Other Languages. Classes are held weekdays from September to June, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM. We follow the local school district calendar. Registration is ongoing. Call Sister Fran Gorman at (631)643-0541 for more information. PRO-LIFE We are a not-for-profit organization located at 1767 Deer Park Avenue, Deer Park, New York 11729 PH. 243-2373, or web site: www.lifecenterli.org. The Organization gives free pregnancy tests, counseling, and so much more, to people experiencing a crisis pregnancy. We rely greatly on donations of money, baby items, baby furniture, and baby clothes sizes new born to 3T. Contact: Mary Ann & John Lando, 586-5981 PPEN - PUBLIC POLICY EDUCATION NETWORK Did you ever ask what was wrong with the Jericho Road? Why was the man set upon by thieves" Why did the Samaritan have to help him? The Public Policy Education Network tries to fix the Jericho Road. Our focus is on injustice: the root causes of poverty, racism and the other social sins that require "Good Samaritans" to help people in need. Help us to educate and advocate in the Public Square. Bring the Catholic moral voice into politics so that someday, justice will reign and there will be no need for Samaritans. Help us fix the Jericho Road. The core committee meets monthly for 2 hours. The Committee sponsors 2 to 3 programs a year for the PPEN network. In addition, there is an occasional request for advocacy in the form of letter writing, phoning officials, etc. Contact: Dick Koubek, 499-6725 RESURRECTION HOUSE Originally founded by Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Parish, Resurrection House has since been incorporated. This facility is a safe haven for homeless families placed by the Department of Social Services. The families find security here and receive the benefits of counseling and parenting guides under the supervision of a social worker. Because Resurrection House is considered transitional housing, the family's main goal is to seek more permanent housing. Many of the Board Members and volunteers are parish members. Contact: Leslie Waddler, 491-3954
PARISH OUTREACH
CHRISTMAS GIVING TREE The purpose of this project is to open our hearts to those little children in our community who could not otherwise have a special Christmas celebration. The Christmas Giving Tree is sponsored by the Gerald Ryan Outreach Center. Our parishioners are requested to select a paper ornament with a child’s gender, age and style of toy that is needed. The Giving Tree is an opportunity to share in the delight and joy of Christmas through a child s eyes provide their families with a special Christmas celebration. Contact: Noelle Campbell, 643-7591 CLOTHING ROOM This ministry is our parish response to Jesus’ command to clothe the naked. We seek to provide a friendly, dignified atmosphere for people in need. Donated clothing is sorted and displayed so that our Outreach clients can make their own selections. A sincere desire to serve is the only qualification necessary. Contact: Ivonne Taveras, 643-7591, Gerald Ryan Outreach Center.
HOLIDAY BASKETS The Holiday Basket Program is a highly visible action of the reaching out at Thanksgiving and Christmas that the Gerald J. Ryan Outreach Center, Inc. provides all year round. The hallmark of the basket program is gift - to provide special moments for families who struggle every day to provide for their family. Contact: Noelle Campbell, 643-7591 IMMIGRATION ASSISTANCE In this ministry we assist individuals in completing and typing forms and in making sure that the individual gathers all the documentation needed in becoming a citizen of the United States. We also translate birth certificates and other necessary documents from Spanish to English. At the present time there are 5 participants in the ministry. Contact: Edda Nieves, 643-7591 SENIOR TRANSPORTATION SERVICE The Suffolk County Office of the Aging has made a new eight passenger van available to the Gerald J. Ryan Outreach Center for the express purpose of transporting SENIORS only. The driving service can be provided for seniors to get to medical appointments, treatments, basic banking and shopping. Advance arrangements can be made by calling the Outreach office at 643-7591. The services will expand when additional volunteers come forward to do the driving. Contact: Anthony Caccioppi, Gerald Ryan Outreach, 643-7591 YOUTH SUMMER CAMP This program provides an educational and recreational program for 6 weeks during the summer for children who may not have other opportunities for summertime fun. At the present time, there are 150 youngsters who participate in the program. Contact: Naycha Florival, 643-3364
PARISH COMMUNITIES "THE BODY IS A UNIT, THOUGH IT IS MADE UP OF MANY PARTS AND THOUGH ALL ITS PARTS ARE MANY, THEY FORM ONE BODY. SO IT IS WITH CHRIST." (I Corinthians 12:12)
HAITIAN COMMUNITY A Mass is celebrated in French/Creole by Father Aime Moise where Haitians have the opportunity to pray, sing as they did in their own country. After the Mass, everyone meets in the Maria Regina Room where they share their concerns about life in the United States, their children, their happiness. The Community expresses their love of gathering together to Worship and share fellowship over coffee, soda, cake and pate. By getting to know each other, the Haitians that have been in the US longer provide guidance and welcoming to newcomers. Likewise, we teach religion to the youngsters. Contact: Yolene Justafort ,253-0663 or Joseph Lamy, 643-2723 KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS The Knights are a Catholic Fraternal Organization dedicated to furthering and defending the Catholic Church in the United States by defending life, families and the poor. The Knights meet two nights a month during the year. Active members share their talents and gifts in various ways to help achieve the goals of the organization. Contact: Ed Caravalho, 422-0337 SPANISH C0MMUNITY See Spanish pages or Contact: Angela Abrego, 920-2174
SMALL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES Meetings are held in homes and various locations throughout the parish. These groups pray over the Sunday Scriptures, share their experiences of faith and explore what discipleship is all about. Approximately 300 parishioners participate in the Small Christian Communities. Contact: Kathy and Bob Gerber, 264-1704, or Sr. Vicki Toale, 643-7568
PARISH LIFE HAPPENING DINNER DANCE This evening provides an enjoyable event in which parishioners can meet and socialize. It is a major fund raiser for the parish. Contact: Parish Office for name of current chairperson, 643-7568 DEFIBRILLATOR Learn how to save a life. Take a class at the Wyandanch Ambulance Corp. and learn how to use the defibrillator and CPR. Class offerings will be posted in our bulletin in a timely fashion. Contact: Carol Cronogue, 491-3250
PARISH BUSINESS BOARD OF TRUSTEES The Code of Canon Law requires each parish to have two trustees. They are part of the legal corporation that is formed along with the pastor and our bishop. As part of their trusteeship, they monitor parish finances and assist the pastor in all legal corporation matters pertaining to the parish. Members are appointed by the Pastor/Administrator for legally established terms. Current trustees are Rich Ventura and Pat Dooley. Contact: Fr. Bill Brisotti, 643-7568 FINANCE COMMITTEE The purpose of the Finance Committee is to provide the Pastor/Administrator with trusted advisors, thus enabling him to make prudent decisions in a spirit of Christian Stewardship. Members of this committee are appointed by the Pastor. Contact: Pedro Fortunato, 587-3667
PASTORAL COUNCIL The Pastoral Council is made up of approximately fifteen persons who were nominated by the Parish Community. They advise the Pastoral Staff and are attentive to the needs and suggestions of the parishioners. They act as a go-between for the parishioners and the Pastoral Staff. Their role is to be sure we are faithful to our Parish Mission Statement and to plan for the future of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. Contact: Kevin Lucey, 698-4025 RISK MANAGEMENT The goal and purpose of Risk Management is to provide a safe and healthy environment at OLMM for all who use our parish facilities. Anyone who cares about the safety and well-being of people is invited to join. Contact: John Maddock 586-4737 STAFF VOLUNTEER ASSISTANTS Answer phones and welcome individuals who come to the rectory daytime and after office hours, plus some limited clerical tasks. Computer skills helpful. The principal qualities needed by participants are a friendly, welcoming manner and good phone skills. Contact: Parish Office, 643-7568 
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ALTAR SERVERS Young persons are given an opportunity to serve at the altar in celebrations of the Eucharist. Children in grades four and older are welcome to serve in this ministry. Contact:
Fr. Bill Brisotti, 643-7568
BAPTISM MINISTRY The Baptism Ministry assists parents and godparents in their preparation and celebration of Baptism for children and infants. Contact: Alda Miller 643-2257
SEDER (HOLY WEEK SEDER) The Seder, celebrated each year on the Wednesday during Holy Week, commemorates the Passover Seder celebrated by Jesus on the night before he suffered and died. We are reminded of God’s saving activity among His People, that faith is a journey, that we are called to serve each other, that Jesus gave himself to us in the Eucharist, and that His suffering and death leads to Easter Resurrection and Glory. This ministry includes meal planning, food preparation, and organization. Contact: Arline and Larry Schroeder, 643-5465
HOUSING - WYANDANCH HOMES and PROPERTIES DEVELOPMENT CORP. Wyandanch Homes and Property Development Corp. builds and renovates houses for homeless families. The family, upon entering the home, works with the Human Service Coordinator to become economically self-sufficient through education or job training. We have built or renovated 25 homes, and are involved in managing these homes and assisting the families living in them. At the present time, there are 10 participants in this ministry. We are in need of an additional 15 participants. No special training is needed, but a willingness to help us clean yards and do some home repairs. Usually once a week for 3 hours, or every 2 weeks. Contact: Peter Barnett, 491-7285
GERALD J. RYAN OUTREACH CENTER, INC. The Gerald J. Ryan Outreach Center, Inc. provides dignified assistance in meeting the emergency needs of community residents, regardless of age, race or creed, helps individuals to qualify for public assistance for their on-going basic needs and encourages individuals and the community as a group, to become self-sustaining to the best of their abilities. An average of 100 individuals come to the Outreach Center each week seeking assistance. Thirty generous people volunteer their time and talent to provide services. Among the services are: interviewing and assessing the client’s situation, assisting in discovering new resources, evaluation of what can be available for them at the Outreach and giving referrals to outside agencies and services that can meet the needs. Some of the volunteers provide data entry services, filing and other office skills. Also necessary and hard working are all the volunteers who keep the Clothing Bank neat and tidy and the Food Pantry volunteers who assist clients with the emergency food packages. We welcome any generous person who can offer a morning, afternoon or a full day to the service of our vulnerable people. Your help is needed and would be most appreciated by us and those we serve. Contact:
Noelle Campbell, 643-7591
FOOD PANTRY This ministry is our parish response to Jesus’ command to the Hungry . We seek to provide an atmosphere of dignity, friendliness and compassion while providing for the emergency food needs of people in this community. Qualities needed are a desire to help and the ability to do some heavy lifting. Contact:
Ivonne Taveras, 643-7591, Gerald Ryan Outreach Center.
CATHOLICS OF AFRICAN ANCESTRY The Ministry to Catholics of
African Ancestry was established as a response to the need for new vision and
courage at the highest levels of leadership in our nation. The Ministry seeks
justice for all by encouraging changes in our society that are consistent with
our Christian beliefs, emphasizing brotherhood and love above all. Thus, the
Ministry is ultimately a response to God’s Word, proclaiming the oneness of the
human family... and to the exhortations of Pope John Paul II to keep our rich
cultural gifts active and alive. Since the cultural heritage of African
Americans enriches the Church and makes the dream of universality more complete
and real, the Ministry serves the spiritual, cultural, educational and social
needs of Catholics of African Ancestry and encourages a deeper understanding of
these needs by the Church. The Ministry also works to give guidance and support
to special individuals who aspire to the priesthood while helping to stimulate
the development and training of lay leaders, especially youth and young adults
of African Ancestry. Finally, the Ministry strives create a positive environment
for the assumption of leadership roles in the parish, and promote spiritual /
liturgical rites that culturally connect to the experience of African Americans
as well as to the experience of those who are not of African Ancestry. The
members of Catholics of African Ancestry welcome and actively reach out to new
members in our community. Contact: Alice Cone, 643-5370
SPICE OF LIFE The principal goal of our Ministry is to give our senior parishioners an opportunity to get together and enjoy themselves. In addition to our regular weekly meeting, our planned activities and arrangements for transportation, group rates, etc., gives us opportunities to travel and experiences we could not otherwise enjoy. Contact:
Myrna Ramirez 422-7823
PARISH FACILITIES This ministry concerns itself with overseeing the parish plant, maintaining and repairing it as needed. We check the plumbing, heating, electrical systems, the condition of equipment. We re-paint where needed, etc. Persons with expertise in plumbing, carpentry, painting or general upkeep are welcome. Contact:
Nick Cioffi, 643-7568