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We are a Welcoming Community
Parish Ministries
Parish Outreach

 

Altar Servers

Cathechists

EM of Holy Communion

Readers

† Music Ministry
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Picture Children's Folk Group

Ministry of Praise

Parish Outreach

Pre Cana

Ushers

 

 

 

Our Parish Ministry Outreach Program began in 1981. As the years have evolved, this ministry has taken on some changes. We allow these changes to take place and we feel that if we follow the Lord’s guidance, we will be reaching the people who need us the most. We continue to try to be neighbors in the truest sense of the word.

We are blessed to have adult volunteers who visit our homebound .

Our Eucharistic Ministers bring Holy Communion to those who are no longer able to get out to church.

Some of our parishioners visit the adult homes weekly to bring the Eucharist. Others meet with a group in the adult home to pray the rosary.

We keep contact with our elderly with friendly telephone calls or visits.

At holiday time, our 7th and 8th grade volunteers, our Y.C.S. - Young Christian Students visit the elderly and bring a small token gift from the parish.

Each homebound person receives a plant at Christmas. Our confirmation students deliver them. Several of the parents drive their children.

Our Ministry of Praise is a prayer ministry in which more than 200 parishioners have pledged to pray for the needs of the Church, the world and especially the needs of our own parishioners. Every other month, each member receives a letter listing special intentions. We also send birthday cards to the members remembering their special day.

Sister Anne Behre, meets with a group every Tuesday after the 9 A.M Mass in the Sacred Heart Chapel. They spend the time praying and preparing for the Sunday readings. This group is open to all who care to join them.

During Thanksgiving and Christmas, the food and gifts we receive are overwhelming. We are happy to share them with those local people who are in need as well as contributing to our cluster parishes.

The school children collect food and other personal items which are given to the Little Sisters of the Poor for use by their residents.

As people become less able or are in need of further assistance, we direct them to the correct agencies to get help. Some of these agencies include the Department of Aging, Catholic Charities etc.

Our advocates for disabilities try to be aware of the special needs of those in the community. As a result of this, the church and school have become wheelchair accessible and large print hymn books are available

St Francis de Sales celebrated the Mass of Anointing on October 20, 2007. Our Gym was transformed into a place of worship on one side and café on the other. Many parishioners along with caregivers and family members came to experience God’s healing presence in this Sacrament.

As usual, we were blessed to have a few members of our parish choir lead us in song. We are grateful to Vera Powers, Liz Graham, Ronnie and Ed Quinn who lent their voices and helped us with the singing. Brigid Conroy proclaimed God’s healing Word.

Monsignor John Brown, Father Lou De Gaetano and Father John Wtulich moved through the rows reverently praying over and anointing each person.
Our elderly friends listened attentively to Monsignor Brown’s comforting homily. His words were just what they needed to hear. Our Gym was transformed into Holy Ground for this special occasion.

The weather cooperated. Because the day so nice and sunny, our homebound were able to get out. This yearly event is something our seniors look forward to.

After the Mass, many of our friends remained to enjoy some coffee and cake and share fellowship with each other. We were grateful to the many ladies who graced us with their presence and helped with the coffee and cake.
We were grateful too, to our roving photographer, Fr. Lou for giving us once again the opportunity of showing off our seniors.
We could never have done all of this without the help of the people behind the scenes. Thank you to Dorothy Brenna, Pat O’Brien, Joan Sweeny and of course our very own Howard Cienski who set up and stayed until the very end to make sure everything was left in good order.


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Many of our EM of Holy Communion are committed to bringing Communion to those who are sick.
Generally, Communion is brought on a weekly basis. The time and day is determined by both the Eucharistic Minister and the patient. Call Sister Patricia Walsh to arrange for a Eucharistic Minister visit.

Visit some of these other web pages
   
Daily Prayer Geneology
Prayer Channel Health
Ministry of Praise Fine Food & Wine

 

Home Bound
For those in our parish who are homebound, we have both adult and student volunteers in our parish programs who are willing to visit and assist.

Adults - visit, make phone contacts, provide rides to doctors locally, bring Holy Communion, and make hospital visits when possible.

Students - Our 7th and 8th graders, called YCS - Young Christian Students help at holidays to deliver plants, or other token gifts. Some are also available to help shoveling snow or going to the local stores.

Our priests make visits to the home bound usually during the seasons of Advent and Lent. They will also visit at other times if a call is made to the rectory to arrange for the visit.

 

 

Social Services

Several local agencies can help with questions concerning benefits and entitlements for our elderly. These agencies are funded by the Department of Aging and other local groups. Their services are free and they can provide you with valuable information.
Call Sister Patricia Walsh at 634-1761 for information concerning Jasa or Catholic Charities.

Other agencies you might want to contact include

Catholic Charities
Social Security
Medicare
Medicaid
AARP
Care Giving Resource Center

 

 

 

 

 

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