STEWARDSHIP BOOKLET A FEW GOOD MEN

This group supports the Samaritans by handling the packing and delivery of donations for all Samaritans’ annual events as well as responding to special requests as needed. We are also involved in “Interfaith Furnishings”, an ecumenical Warehouse project supported by Resurrection which provides much needed furniture to clients of agencies we serve.

Volunteers can help with one event a year (i.e. the Thanksgiving Food Drive) or all of our events throughout the year. Please join us!

“Volunteering with A Few Good Men is a hands-on way to help the community as well as a great opportunity to work with the men of our parish.” - Jim

ALTAR SERVERS

The Altar Server Ministry is comprised of young parishioners from Grade 5 through High School. Children serve mass on average about once every 4-5 weeks. Training sessions are held for members to prepare for the ministry.

Altar Servers play an important role in the Parish’s weekly masses. The Altar Servers assist the Priest during the liturgy by performing minor duties which include preparing the altar, leading the procession in and out of the church, assisting the Priest with the missal and washing of the Priest’s hands. Altar Servers also have the opportunity to participate in the parish’s special liturgies which include our annual Confirmation Mass with the Bishop, First Eucharist celebrations and our Holy Week Services.

When asked how they felt about being a member of the ministry, one of the children responded:

“ I FEEL LIKE I AM AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE MASS AND I AM GIVING MY GIFTS AND TALENTS TO GOD”.

BIBLE STUDY

OUR GOAL IS TO COME TO KNOW THE LORD MORE FULLY BY BETTER UNDERSTANDING HIS WORD AND ITS RELEVANCE TO OUR PERSONAL LIVES, FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES. Our group of all ages and experiences come together FOR DIFFERENT TOPICAL PROGRAMS to share what we know (and don’t know), to witness the beauty of the Catholic faith, and to hear God speaking to us through God’s Word. We use Catholic materials, renowned teachers on DVD and small group discussions. New members are always welcome. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. CONTACT Shannon to find out current study focus and times. CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

Assisting parents in their primary role as faith educators, the Children's Ministry religious formation program at Resurrection Parish seeks to impart the traditions of our Catholic faith and preparation for reception of the Sacraments.

The approximately 300 children in grades K-5 meet for classes separately by grade level about twice a month from September to June. Through the Sacramental Program for Grade 2, including a special "Jesus the Bread of Life" Retreat Day, children are prepared to receive the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist. For any child beyond 2nd grade who has not received the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist, there is a "Continuing Initiation for Children" program to bring the child up to date. (There is also the experience of R.C.I.A. for “younger parishioners who are not baptized.)

Special enrichment programs are offered to provide additional opportunities to share faith, build community and worship with one another: From movie and game nights to Family Advent and Lenten celebrations, these optional gatherings present ways to have fun while learning.

Kindergarten classes are held once a month from October until May. This optional program combines song, prayer, activities and Old Testament Bible stories.

Over the summer, children are encouraged to attend “Vacation Bible School” held the first week of August. VBS is an exciting week consisting of 5 mornings filled with stories, games, music, dance, snacks and crafts centered on a biblical theme.

There are many ways to volunteer! Have you ever thought about teaching? Help out in the classroom, assist in our office as often as you can…there’s a special need just waiting for you! Call and we’ll find something that will fit your schedule. Your kids will love you for it.

ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE

The Environment Committee is responsible for setting up the worship environment and the gathering space environment. The committee’s focus is on setting up for seasonal and liturgical holidays, such as Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter. We meet either a day or two before the holiday to set up. The chores include but not limited to: ironing altar cloths, climbing ladders to put things up, and moving /setting up plants. The intent of the work of the Environment Committee is to compliment, enhance and contribute to the worship experience of the sacramental celebrations during the different liturgical seasons. The Environment Committee is always looking for creative people with the energy to prepare for these liturgical seasons. We are also in need of men who are able to climb ladders and hang wreaths, garland and flags as appropriate. Give us a call to get your name on our contact list. You will be called and told of the day of implementation. Get a real behind the scenes look of all the work that goes into the holiday season, and how the space is transformed by so many hands. For further information contact Bob Sesko 973-895-5455.

Time commitment: Usually a Saturday morning or Sunday afternoon is spent before the season to do set up and then one to take down. Any commitment is made for only ½ day of work at the church. EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS

It is the responsibility of Eucharistic ministers to assist the priests and deacons at the Eucharist and to distribute communion to the faithful at the Eucharistic liturgy and to the sick. After completing the required training, each Eucharistic minister of the parish is commissioned as a "Special Minister of the Eucharist".

The liturgical Eucharistic ministers at our parish are usually scheduled to serve twice a month at mass times they prefer. Other Eucharistic ministers serve as part of the Ministry to the Sick and Homebound.

EVANGELIZATION COMMITTEE

Purpose: To share the Good News, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, through prayer and Liturgy with our Church community and beyond. This is accomplished in a number of ways: Through our stewardship, serving the needs of others personally, and through our ministry. By welcoming new members to the Church with a personalized hand written card via USPS, (and embrace those who have fallen away). Acknowledging Baptisms, First Eucharist, Confirmation and those who complete RCIA in a similar way. By building a culture where everyone is welcome and feel they belong. Strengthen our parish community by fostering our own personal discipleship, and inspire people to action. The Evangelization Committee is composed of men and women of all age groups who meet as necessary. They are responsible for the successful outcome of the Parish Day of Reflection held twice a year, usually in spring and fall.

55 AND OVER – SENIOR CITIZENS GROUP

The purpose of this Group is to offer our parish community, 55 and older, an opportunity to join together in both a Liturgy and Luncheon setting for spiritual and social enrichment. It also provides an environment for fostering camaraderie and cheer, creating new friendships and associations to further enrich their lives. In addition, our participants may also benefit from brief informative presentations, which are periodically added to the luncheon agenda. These short presentations typically focus on topics of special interest to our Over 55 audience.

LECTORS

We all have been blessed with different gifts that we can dedicate to a ministry at Resurrection Parish. If you have been blessed with a powerful or a pleasant voice or simply have the willingness to speak in front of others, please consider the Lector Ministry. As a Lector, you would be responsible for proclaiming God’s Word at weekly Saturday evening-Sunday morning Masses as well as on the various Holy Days throughout the liturgical year. The various readings are provided in a workbook entitled Workbook for Lectors and Gospel Readers. This workbook provides insights into the various readings heard during Mass and is a great instrument for deepening your understanding of God’s Word. In order to sufficiently prepare for the proclamation of God’s Word and attend the Mass for which you’ve been scheduled, this ministry requires a time commitment of approximately 2 hours every 6 weeks. An initial training session of one hour is provided. MARRIAGE PREPARATION

Congratulations on your engagement! As a parish of the Diocese of Paterson you are asked to contact the main office (973-895-4224 ext. 101) about one year in advance of the desired wedding date.

The parish priest will contact you to begin the necessary spiritual and liturgical preparations, as well as the necessary church and state forms.

Please contact Fr. Tarantino at the Parish Office.

MEN’S FELLOWSHIP GROUP

Mission Statement: Grow in Faith:

 give men an opportunity to share in a relaxing atmosphere, learn about their faith and grow through spiritual bonding with other men

Build Community:

 participate in parish gatherings that promote Christian community for men, their families, and the broader parish

Give of Ourselves Through Service:

 give of our time and talents to assist in the needs of our parish family and community at large

Our casual gatherings begin and conclude with prayer and provide men an opportunity to discuss current events or topics as they apply to our faith.

The group typically meets twice a month on a weekday.

We look forward to you becoming a Men's Fellowship member!

MIDDLE SCHOOL MINISTRY

We share our faith with our Middle School parishioners by offering them a welcoming and caring atmosphere in which to learn more about God’s love for them, grow in their personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and live a Christian life in today’s world. Through small groups and a variety of activities, the program includes our beliefs, the sacraments, life in Christ, and prayer. MINISTRY TO THE BEREAVED

Our Mission is to reach out to the bereaved of our parish; to assist them in the Funeral Mass or Memorial Mass preparation; and to follow up with calls and visits in the time of grief following the funeral.

The Resurrection Parish Bereavement Support Group meets at 12:30 pm, in the Resource Room on the second Sunday of the month following the 11 AM Mass. In May and October, it is the 3rd Sunday. In the words of Angela, “Bereavement Ministry is an opportunity to listen, share and pray with those who have lost a loved one”. Powerful and painful, yet helpful in walking the journey of sorrow and grief, many find it supportive in picking up the pieces of their lives and learning to go on.

We have a tradition of placing on the Memorial Wall in the vestibule at the main entrance to our worship space, a Memorial Cross bearing the name on each person buried from our church Once a year, in November, the month of Remembrance, we celebrate a Memorial Mass and return each cross to the family. Those not buried from our Church can be included in our roll call of names and a candle will be given to the families. A letter is sent out in the beginning of October as a reminder of our Memorial Mass which is held at a parish mass on November 1st or 2nd..

We have walked the road of grief. If you have also and feel called to be there for others on this road, please sign up. Openings are available to be trained as a co-facilitator, to assist in sunshine ministry and hospitality.

MINISTRY TO THE SICK/HOMEBOUND

Our Mission is to identify and reach out to the sick and homebound of our Parish; to visit, listen, bring a bulletin and share Eucharist with them on a weekly basis; and to foster a connection between them and the worshipping community. These visits usually range from ½ hour to 1 hour.

The Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Anointing of the Sick are available by letting the Eucharistic Minister know, or by calling the Pastoral Care Office (973-895-4224 Ext. 106) or the Main Church Office, (973-895-4224 Ext 101).

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is celebrated at every Mass on a weekend in October. These prayerful and powerful celebrations make present the healing love of Jesus Christ in the community.

A Communion Prayer Service and distribution of Ashes is available at both Senior Citizen Housing Buildings every Ash Wednesday, following the 9 AM morning Mass.

We have many active Eucharistic Ministers visiting the homebound of our Parish; Morris View Nursing Home; St. Clare’s Hospitals in Denville and Dover, formally Dover General, and Morristown Medical Center. If you are already a Eucharistic Minister and would like to join us in this ministry, we welcome you. If you feel the call to ministry, but are not a Eucharistic Minister, training is available for the home and all facilities. If you feel called to serve in this ministry, please call the Pastoral Care Office.

When you are sick, to see a Eucharistic Minister come through the door knowing they are carrying the Eucharist to share with you, is the best gift. To become a Eucharistic Minister and visit the sick, knowing you are the vessel God has chosen to bring His comfort and life, is a very humbling experience. The bond formed between the homebound parishioner and the minister is blessed. We are His hands. We are His feet. We are His voice on earth. We bring His love. MUSIC MINISTRY

Within the Resurrection Parish Music Ministry, there are two choirs that are used to enhance liturgies with song, create an outlet within the church for those who like to sing and make music, and enrich our sense of community.

PARISH CHOIRS: For registration forms, Music Ministry calendars, and more information, please contact the Parish Office.

The Junior Choir is a group of about 25-30 children in grades K-8th. This choir rehearses every Monday from 6pm to 7pm. During rehearsal, the children learn spoken and sung responses for the liturgy, as well as common hymns used in our faith community. It is our goal to complete each child’s religious formation through the learning of our faith rituals & music, supporting the foundations and values taught in their Religious Formation Classes. During the school year, the Junior Choir sings twice each month at the 9:30am Sunday liturgy, at which the daily readings are proclaimed by student readers, the Responsorial Psalm is sung by an older choir member, and the homily is shared for children of all ages. In addition, the Resurrection Parish Children’s Choir performs in the annual Christmas and Spring Choir concerts in December and June, respectively, as well as Christmas Eve (4:00pm Mass) and Easter Sunday (9:30am Mass).

The Senior Choir is the advanced choir within the Music Ministry. This choir is open to all parishioners (high school age and older) who have a desire to make music and praise our Lord in song. This ensemble meets every Monday from 7pm to 8:30pm and sings every week at the 11:00am Sunday liturgy. During rehearsal, the choir prepares for each weekly liturgy, as well as preparing special musical selections for Confirmation, Advent, Christmas, Lent, Holy Week/Easter, and the annual Christmas & Spring Choir Concerts. Although this choir sings on a more advanced level, anyone who would like to try singing with the choir is strongly encouraged to join (even if only for a season, i.e. Advent/Christmas; Lent/Easter, etc.).

CHORAL CONCERTS Enjoy the sounds of seasons at our choral performances, featuring the 30-voice Resurrection Parish Junior Choir and the 35-voice Resurrection Parish Senior Choir.

Annual Christmas Concert (December) An evening of Scripture, music, and fellowship to celebrate the sounds of the Advent and Christmas Seasons.

The Lenten Sketches (March) Combining heartfelt narration with evocative choral anthems and artwork, this multimedia presentation creates a worship experience of deep meaning and emotion based on the last days of Jesus Christ.

Annual Spring Choir Concert (June) The joy and excitement of the Spring & Easter Seasons will be highlighted by a beautiful program .of choral selections for Junior Choir, followed by a great masterwork performed by the Senior Choir. RCIA (RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS

What is the RCIA – The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults?

A programmed process of inquiry, teachings, scripture sharing, faith sharing, discussions, formal rites of passage and prayer among catechists, inquirers (persons interested in knowing more about the Catholic faith), and active parishioners over about a nine month period. Sessions usually begin in the early fall and are held on a weekly basis. Through this process some inquirers may become catechumens, and decide to be initiated into the Catholic faith by receiving the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation) at the Easter Vigil. Sessions continue after the reception of the sacraments to explore living out the mystery of the faith.

Who should consider participating in RCIA?

 Non-Baptized people seeking to join the Church.

 Non-Catholics who may be interested due to marriage or engagement to a Catholic

 Non-Catholics who are no longer or ever were active with another religious denomination who would like to understand more about the Catholic faith and its practices

 Non-Catholics who may be raising children in the Catholic faith who need to understand the faith their children are being brought up in

 Catholics who have not completed the initiation sacraments of Confirmation and/or First Eucharist

 Catholics who need to know more or who have been inactive in their faith life

How can you support RCIA?

Examine your situation and see if this experience may be for you. Encourage a friend, spouse, neighbor, child, grandchild to participate based on their circumstances. Offer to accompany them to a session.

Volunteer to participate as a welcomer and share your faith with others.

(There is also a process for an RCIA experience for our “young parishioners.”)

RIGHT TO LIFE

Resurrection Parish Right to Life serves the Parish Community by providing pamphlets in the upper Lobby. Parishioners join our Right To Life E-mail/Phone tree for Action Alerts on pro-life issues as directed by the Diocesan Respect Life Office. Annually for one weekend, we conduct the New Jersey Right To Life Respect Life Raffle. There is a Respect Life Sunday activity, such as in 2015 offering of "Choose Life License Plates" and National Life Chain participation. Locally members join with Morris County Right To Life at weekly prayer vigils events Including 40 Days For Life during Lent and in the Fall. Events are posted on at: http://morriscountyrighttolife.org/ ROSARY

To Jesus through Mary is the guiding intent of the rosary group, a devotional praying of the Rosary every Monday at 7:00PM, supporting each participant’s prayer need and that of the community. We promote Marian devotion in the parish community and we consecrate ourselves to Mary, our mother. We reach out to others and join novenas to the Blessed Mother, as well any activity that will bring a deeper devotion to her son Jesus and to her as Queen of heaven and earth. In addition, we have the image of the Blessed Mother as she appeared at Fatima. The statue “travels” from one family to another during the year, bringing blessings to the families who have this in their homes. We have Benediction every first Monday of the month. We join the celebration of the crowing of the Blessed Mother during the month of May.

SAMARITANS/SOCIAL SERVICES

The Samaritans ministry provides assistance in a variety of ways to those in our parish and extended community who are in need, as well as to provide opportunities for parishioners of all ages to recognize and respond to those needs.

Our annual events include a springtime Baby Shower for mothers/caregivers and babies in need, a Back-to-School Supplies collection for students served by local agencies, a Turkey and Thanksgiving Food Drive in November and a Christmas Giving Tree collection.

On-Going Programs: Cooking and serving hot lunches at the Faith Kitchen several Fridays each month and hot dinners at Homeless Solutions twice a month; also supporting Randolph’s Meals-On- Wheels program with delivery volunteers; and collecting non-perishable items for the food pantries at Hope House and Homeless Solutions.

Volunteers can give as little or as much time as they wish by helping with one of the collection drives or with ongoing activities throughout the year. We invite you to join us in this very worthwhile Ministry!

“ In working with the Samaritans, I feel that I receive more than I give. It is always inspiring because not only are you helping others, but you gain so much by working with people who truly match their faith with good works.” - Kim

SOCIAL COMMITTEE

The Social Committee is a terrific group of men and women, of all ages and talents. Our primary objective is to promote fellowship and a feeling of community within our parish. To this end, we host several events throughout the year, such as Oktoberfest, Wine Tasting, Free Pancake Breakfast, Fish Fry, St. Patrick's Day and Parish Picnic. We also host Hospitality Sundays, assist with the Advent/Christmas concert reception, etc. Our events are not run as fundraisers, and the Social Committee does not raise money beyond the cost of each event. For all of our large events, we work together to determine the idea, entertainment, activities and menu. We shop for and prepare all food fresh the day of the event so our guests get the very best that we can provide.

The committee is a great way to volunteer your time and talent to the church and have some fun at the same time. We hold meetings in the church to set our yearly schedule and prior to each event. The Social Committee also gathers 1 or more times per year for an evening of food, fun and camaraderie. If you would like to be a member and become part of this group or would like to sit in on a meeting, share some ideas, and just see what it's all about, feel free to call or email and we'll include you in our upcoming events and meetings. USHERS

Joining the Resurrection Ushers team is a really good way to get involved in parish ministry.

Why do we need you? We need your warm smile and greeting to welcome both our regular parishioners and new visitors to mass. We need your hands to find people seats, and hand out Resurrection Parish material like bulletins, prayer books and leaflets that all of us can use to get involved in parish activities or deepen our faith. We need your stewardship to assist those who have special needs, assign families to present our gifts of bread and wine at mass, and to help neaten up the pews after each mass.

What is your commitment? Most of our ushers serve 4 weekends every other month at the mass they sign up for. We also have alternates who can fill in for regular members who have to travel, or mind coaching events etc.

Please give us a helping Smile! Remember, your smile and your words might be the ones that someone really needs to feel a sense of belonging to our family, or to gain courage in the midst of the trials they face in their daily lives. Won’t you come share your smile with us?

WOMEN OF FAITH

Mission: To support each other, to grow in our faith through prayer, learning, and sharing, and to help bring God’s love to our families, community and all whom we meet.

Women of Faith meets weekly on Thursday mornings from 9:30 to 12:00 noon mid-September through May. Weekly attendance is not compulsory.

YES (Youth Enjoying Service)

YES is a youth service organization for kids (and adults) of all ages. The mission of YES is to provide service opportunities for our youth that address the needs of the church, children, and the community. Each year, YES volunteers perform a variety of projects that include: making Easter baskets for homebound parishioners; organizing a St. Baldrick's fundraiser to help conquer children's cancers, organizing a picnic for underprivileged children from New York City through the Fresh Air Fund, hosting a dinner/social for members of the community who are 55 and over, making care packages for our troops overseas, reverse trick or treating at a nursing home, leaf raking, hosting a technology workshop for senior citizens, and more.

As a member of YES, you can participate as much or as little as your schedule allows. We do not have regular meetings, but rather meet on a project by project basis. We currently have over 100 members, with kids in all age groups, including Elementary, Middle and High School. Many adults participate as well, enjoying the opportunity to participate in projects as a family. We provide many service opportunities for students to meet their school or confirmation requirements. New members are always welcome! YOUTH MINISTRY

The Youth Ministry program seeks to reach out to the teenagers of our parish to help them develop spiritually, emotionally, and psychologically into all that God calls them to be. This program offers a variety of religious, educational and social experiences, such as:

+ Retreat Day – usually Ash Wednesday, during the day, optional + SEARCH Retreat weekend (juniors and seniors) + Retreat teams (Seek/SEARCH) + Youth Council (by invitation)

The Confirmation Process is part of the overall youth ministry program of our parish. The program is a two and one half year process. The Sacrament of Confirmation is received in the fall of junior year (Year III of the process).

The following are requirements for Confirmation:

+ Caring Groups (group of 10-12 teens with two catechists) + Service Projects (one per year usually completed with group) + Sponsor (a sponsor must be a practicing Catholic and at least 21 years old) + Seek Retreat (freshman, sophomores)

Leadership Formation: + Youth Council + Retreat teams

Volunteer Opportunities:

Caring Group Leaders (Catechists) - Interested and caring adults who would be willing to make a 2 ¼ year commitment to work with approximately 10-12 students preparing them for the Sacrament of Confirmation (adults will be interviewed by the Coordinator of Youth Ministry).

Seek Retreat Chaperones - Seek is an overnight retreat. Adults interested in helping young people develop a deeper sense of self, and others, the idea of community and the presence of Christ in their lives. Commitment from Friday-Saturday

SEARCH Retreat Chaperones SEARCH is a weekend retreat. Adults interested in working with high school juniors and seniors, sharing a weekend helping them to examine their self-identity, relationships and how to live a Christian life. Commitment from Friday - Sunday

Retreat Day Facilitators Adults are needed to help chaperone the retreat days (a one day commitment from 8:30 AM–1:45 PM). MINISTRY CONTACT INFORMATION

A FEW GOOD MEN Tom Marciano 973-768-4321

ALTAR SERVERS Tracey Drazek 973-607-1663 [email protected]

BIBLE STUDY Shannon Civetta 973-979-7864 [email protected]

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY Lorraine Scandariato [email protected] 973-895-4224 Ext 104

ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE Bob Sesko 973-895-5455

EVANGELIZATION COMMITTEE Henry Holden 973-222-3718 [email protected]

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS Jim & Mary Tosso 973-895-2026 [email protected]

55 AND OVER – SENIOR CITIZENS GROUP PARISH OFFICE 973-895-4224 Ext 101

LECTORS Ron Krautle 973-303-5717 MARRIAGE PREPARATION PARISH OFFICE 973-895-4224 Ext 101

MEN’S FELLOWSHIP GROUP Jay Donohue 973-895-0098 [email protected]

MIDDLE SCHOOL MINISTRY Linda Magistro 973-895-4224 Ext 110 [email protected]

MINISTRY TO THE BEREAVED Cindy Novak 973-895-4224 Ext 106 [email protected]

MINISTRY TO THE SICK/HOMEBOUND Cindy Novak 973-895-4224 Ext 106 [email protected]

MUSIC MINISTRY Joshua Coyne, Director of Music Ministry 240-676-4433 [email protected]

RCIA (RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS Stephanie Hauge 973-539-8418 [email protected]

RIGHT TO LIFE Stephen Perkowski 973-895-5445 [email protected]

ROSARY Reuben Blanco 973-328-2334 [email protected] SAMARITANS/SOCIAL SERVICES Tammy McConnell [email protected] 973-895-4224 Ext 109

SOCIAL COMMITTEE Mike Lambariello 973-366-6227 [email protected]

USHERS Loren Holihan 973-442-2967

WOMEN OF FAITH Janet Meissner 973-292-0347 [email protected]

YES (Youth Enjoying Service) Jen Baxter and Beth Manzi [email protected]

YOUTH MINISTRY Dolores Hallock 973-895-4224 Ext 107 [email protected]