The goal of our Service Ministries is to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to the wider community by responding to His call to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, welcome the stranger, clothe the naked, and visit the sick. These ministries carry the Light of Christ to others through various community service projects and outreach programs. If serving the people of God in the greater community appeals to you, consider joining one or more of the ministries below.
Adopt-a-Shrine Ministry
This ministry consists of parishioners and other ministries who help to maintain and beautify the various statues, gardens, and shrines that surround our parish and school grounds.
If interested, please contact:
- Joachim Cendana: 856-629-6142 ext. 127
Catholic Daughters
The Catholic Daughters of the Americas is the largest Catholic women’s organization which now reaches beyond the United States. Mater Creatoris #1808 is our local chapter of Catholic women who work together to fulfill many needs within our own church and local community and beyond. We help to feed the homeless in Atlantic City at the Code Blue Shelter and collect and distribute food and clothing to the poor of Atlantic City. We provide scholarships each year for Saint Mary School and Williamstown High School, host a prom for the special needs members of our community, welcome the newly-baptized members and their families to our church family through Elizabeth Ministry, collect much-needed items for the no-kill animal shelters, host a Fatima Rosary on the 13th of each month, host bus trips to religious sites, host spiritual devotions, help with many church events being hosted throughout the year, and contribute regularly to many different religious, social and pro-life organizations.
We are always looking for new members who wish to share their time, talents, and energy to give back, pay it forward, and be a part of something that can touch your soul while reaching out to help others.
If interested, please contact:
- Patty Adams: 856-629-3343
Elizabeth Ministry
Members of the Catholic Daughters are also members of the Elizabeth Ministry who welcome the newly-baptized and their families to our church family by being present at the Baptism, offering continued support, and celebrating the Baptism by presenting special gifts to the family.
If interested, please contact:
- Elena Heffner: 856-875-5937
Prayer Shawl Ministry
This ministry is also coordinated by the Catholic Daughters. They knit and crochet prayer blankets and put together care packages for those who are sick, hospitalized, or homebound. They also make the Baptismal blankets that are presented to families on the occasion of their child’s Baptism.
If interested, please contact:
- Ave Dougherty: 609-509-4548
- Teresa Vesper: 856-256-0581
Knights of Columbus
The mission of the Knights of Columbus is to empower Catholic men to live their faith at home, in their parish, at work, and in their community. They focus on charity, unity, and fraternity. Mater Christi Council #3352 is located within our parish. The Knights are present at many parish events throughout the year, including Confirmation, First Communion, the annual carnival, and as liturgical ministers at Mass. They hold several fundraising events, including Palm Cross and Christmas ornament sales, a coin drive for children with disabilities, and a clothing drive. They also serve our wider community through a township road cleanup and classroom painting at St. Mary School during the summer.
If interested, please contact:
- John McCloskey: 856-629-1299
Healthcare Ministry (formerly Parish Nursing Ministry)
The parish health care ministry invites registered health care providers from Our Lady of Peace Parish to share their time, talent, and expertise to promote the whole-person health of our parish community. This whole-person view of health is based on the health care philosophy that intentional care of the spirit is the foundation of healthy living. Our health care providers promote health by functioning as health educators and counselors. This ministry welcomes any health-related professional to join our team to collaborate with us in fulfilling our mission.
If interested, please contact:
- Kathleen Williams: parishnursing@olopp.org
Social Concerns Ministry
The goal of this ministry is to guide and help the parish to be attentive to the social justice issues and needs of others within the community. Catholic social teaching is built on a commitment to the poor and vulnerable. It calls us all to reach out and build relationships of compassion and justice.
Our ongoing projects:
- Collection and distribution of food for our weekly food pantry
- Yearly backpack and school supply collection for local students in our community
- Thanksgiving baskets – sorting, organization, and distribution of food and turkeys to the needy families in our community
- Giving Tree – an annual Christmas project in which we organize, sort, and distribute gifts of clothing, household goods, toys, and other items donated by parishioners to needy families.
St. Joseph’s Workers (Tradespeople)
This ministry consists of electricians, carpenters, plumbers, technicians, etc. who provide their knowledge and skills to assist in various repairs and upgrades to our parish and school buildings.
If interested, please contact:
- Deacon Mike McDonaugh: 856-629-6142 ext. 123