The Liturgical Ministries assist with and enhance the celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. They strive to bring a reverent and prayerful atmosphere to the Sacred Liturgy. If you have a desire to serve our Lord in worship, below is a list of opportunities for you to be involved in the Liturgy.
ALTAR SERVERS
This ministry is open to both boys and girls in the third grade and up. It offers an opportunity of service which is most important to the young men and women of the faith community. The altar servers assist the priests and deacons by leading the entrance and offertory processions, helping to prepare the altar for the Liturgy of the Eucharist, clearing the altar following Communion, and other responsibilities throughout the Mass. Our altar servers continue to serve during their high school and college years. Training is available for those that are interested.
If interested, please contact:
- Kathy Gregorio: 856-262-4908; kgregorio68@comcast.net
- Loren Laughlin: 856-629-6142 ext. 119; llaughlin@olopp.org
ART & ENVIRONMENT MINISTRY (CHURCH DECORATING)
This ministry is responsible for decorating the church during major feast days and seasons of the Liturgical Year, such as Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter, in addition to adorning the sanctuary with various plants, flowers, and other decorative items that reflect the character of particular liturgical seasons.
If interested, please contact:
- Janet Costa: 609-217-8282
- Parish Office: 856-629-6142
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (Eucharistic Ministers)
Eucharistic Ministers serve at Mass and/or bring Communion to the sick, the homebound, and the hospitalized. The Eucharist is given to the Eucharistic Ministers during the Mass. The Eucharistic Ministers then go forth after the conclusion of Mass to the homebound. Eucharistic Ministers are also needed to bring Communion to our local nursing homes and hospitals. Their primary responsibility is to bring Christ in the Eucharist and Christ in the Community to all who hunger. This wonderful ministry displays for us so clearly the unifying bond that comes from the Eucharist.
Prospective candidates for this ministry must be interviewed and approved by Fr. Sanjai and then attend the Diocesan School of Liturgy Workshop.
If interested, please contact:
- Deacon Jim Hallman: 856-629-6142 ext. 113; deaconjim@olopp.org
Lazarus Ministry (Funeral Masses)
The Lazarus Ministry is designed to support families who have lost a loved one. This Ministry helps families during the funeral Mass by preparing the church and assembling the Readings. The Lazarus Ministers are also present at the Mass to assist family members who participate in the funeral Liturgy of their loved ones.
If interested, please contact:
- Janet Costa/Parish Office: 856-629-6142
Lectors
Lectors proclaim the Scriptures and share leadership in prayer at all weekday and Sunday Liturgies. Lectors are expected to engage in ongoing training in proclaiming the Good News. The emphasis of the lector’s training is understanding of the Scriptures, integration of the Word, and the Proclamation of its message as an act of faith. Prospective candidates must be interviewed and approved by Fr. Sanjai and then attend the Diocesan School of Liturgy Workshop.
If interested, please contact:
- Deacon Jim Hallman: 856-629-6142 ext. 113
Liturgy Committee
The Liturgy Committee meets three times a year (in September, before Lent, and in May) to focus on ways to enhance our liturgical celebrations and to prepare for the liturgical seasons, especially Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter, in addition to the liturgical celebrations of First Holy Communion, Confirmation, special Masses, etc.
If interested, please contact:
- Joachim Cendana: 856-629-6142 ext. 127; jcendana@olopp.org
MARTHA MINISTRY (CHURCH CLEANING)
The Martha Ministry offers its service to Christ Himself through its service to the liturgical worship of the entire community. This ministry creates the environment for the liturgy and a clean and welcoming atmosphere. They also assist in cleaning the church on a weekly basis, setting up for the weekend Masses, and washing and organizing the altar linens.
If interested, please contact:
- Kathie Restuccio: 856-629-8547
- Walter Schaefer: 609-206-3333
Ministers of Hospitality/Ushers at Mass
This ministry includes men and women as ushers and greeters who serve at each of the weekend Masses and on all special liturgies. We welcome men and women to serve in this ministry, which focuses on welcoming the faith assembly. We greet parishioners and visitors as they enter and leave the church. In addition, we help those attending Mass to find a seat, we assist with the Offertory collection, and we find people in the congregation to bring up the Offertory gifts.
If interested, please contact:
- Joe Sottosanti: 856-889-9468; jpsotto@comcast.net
Music Ministry
The Music Ministry is one of the most generous ministries of our parish. They give one night a week in rehearsal for our liturgies. They prepare for First Communions, Confirmation, special liturgies, and Sunday liturgies, and they are also present during Advent and Lent and offer evenings of Scripture and Song for the entire Williamstown community.
The Adult Choir practices every Thursday from 7:30pm to 9pm in the church and sings at the 11:30am Mass on Sundays from September to June. (Joachim Cendana: 856-629-6142 ext. 127; Ronnie Adams: 856-629-5923)
The Folk Group sings for the 9:30am Mass each Sunday. They combine the guitar, bass, piano, and other instruments with vocals to worship through song. They practice every Tuesday from 7-8pm in the church. (Toni McCann: 856-728-1294)
The Filipino Ministry Choir sings every first Sunday of the month at the 6pm Mass and typically rehearses once a month in the church. They sing both Tagalog and English hymns. (Joachim Cendana: 856-629-6142 ext. 127)
The Students’ Music Ministry sings at the 9:30am Mass on the second Sunday of each month. They consist of singers and musicians in grades 3rd-8th. Rehearsals are held on Wednesday afternoons: for St. Mary School students from 2:45-3:45pm; for Religious Education, public school, and homeschool students from 4:15-5pm. (Joachim Cendana: 856-629-6142 ext. 127)
The Travelin’ Melodies Ministry consists of musicians and singers from our parish who travel to care facilities to play music for the residents and to brighten their day. (Tony Molino: 856-881-2224)
We also welcome musicians to play at any of our weekend Masses. We are especially in need of additional organists and pianists to serve as substitutes when the need arises.
All of our music ministry groups are always looking for new members! Please come to one of the rehearsals listed above or call one of our music ministry leaders for more information.
TECHNOLOGY MINISTRY
The Technology Ministry is responsible for projecting the words to the hymns and prayers that are sung and recited during weekend Masses and special liturgies. This ministry aids in the full, conscious, and active participation of the congregation at the Liturgy. All that is required is a basic knowledge of computer operation and a willingness to assist the parishioners in their worship of our Lord. Training is available for prospective volunteers.
If interested, please contact:
- Joachim Cendana: 856-629-6142 ext. 127; jcendana@olopp.org