Organizations

Our Parish

AA:
A self-help group for those suffering from alcohol addiction.
Contact: The parish offices 732-671-0071
www.aa.org

Adopt a Family:
collects and distributes food certificates, toiletries, baby needs and more to the poor and homeless in our area in coordination with VNA and the Missionaries of Charity.
Contact: Kathy Plath 732-495-9109 griff652@aol.com

Adult Bible Study:
Catholic Bible Study materials are written and shared to enable us to come to know Jesus Christ in a deeper way in the study of the Sacred Scriptures and to conform our lives to God's Word. Seeking to preserve the Catholic sense of Scripture, we provide orthodox biblical commentary in a readable format, faithful to Catholic doctrine and obedient to the magisterium of the Church.
Contact: Maureen Dooley 732-842-3346 medooley27@aol.com

Al-Anon:
A 12-Step Life Recovery Program for anyone whose life, past or present, has been affected by the disease of alcoholism or by another addiction or radical dysfunction.
Contact: The parish offices 732-671-0071
www.al-anon.org/

Altar Servers:
Altar Servers serve God and God's people by helping the priest and his fellow worshippers to praise God as well as they can during liturgical services.
Contact: Laney Wilkens 732-671-6281 thewilk@verizon.net

Ancient Order of Hibernians:
We invite all Catholics of Irish descent to seek admittance to the FINEST Irish Catholic Organization in the World -- all we would ask is for you to live our motto of: "Friendship, Unity, and Christian Charity".
Dia 's Muire dhuit! (God and Mary be with you)
Jack Sullivan fenian1881@aol.com
www.njaohdiv2.org

Anointing of the Sick:
Pre-Vatican II this was known as Extreme Unction or Last Rites. If you are in need of a priest, please contact the rectory immediately.
Contact: The parish offices 732-671-0071

Baptism Classes:
The Sacrament of Baptism marks a child's formal initiation into the Christian community. This required preparation session for parents and godparents is an opportunity to learn about the history and theology of the Sacrament of Baptism in the Catholic Church and the opportunity to renew and reaffirm the commitment of their faith.
Contact: Deacon Charlie Smith at the parish office 732-671-0071 charlesjdcn@aol.com

Bereavement or Consolation Ministry:
Our goal is to help people through the loss of a loved one and understand God's role in death.
Contact: Bob and Eileen Batz 732-787-8566 rbatz@hotmail.com

Bible Camp:
Summer Bible Camp is offered for one week every summer (Pre-K through 5th grade). Time for music, crafts and instruction provide an enjoyable fun-filled week where young people learn about Jesus in a "relaxed" atmosphere during the summer break.
Contact: Peggy Dunne 732-671-8550 tauandcord@msn.com

Birthright:
Birthright is there for every woman who calls for help. Birthright asks "How can we help"? No matter how difficult a situation may seem, Birthright helps each woman plan constructively for her future. Every woman is special and deserves to be treated as an individual.
Contact: Tess Jordan 732-747-7600 tjord1@webtv.net

Blessings for Expectant Parents: A monthly prayer service for parents who are expecting a child. Please check the parish calendar on this site for dates, times and locations of the service.
Contact: Deacon Charlie or Bob at the parish offices 732-671-0071

Bridge of Books: "Reading is a right not a privilege" is our belief. We distribute new and gently used books collected from book drives, individual donations, corporate donors, publisher overstocks and new book purchases made possible from financial donations, to the underprivileged and at risk children of New Jersey.
Contact: Ellen McNamara, Board Member, 732-291-5280 emcna26202@aol.com

Brotherhood and Brew:
The meeting consists of a faith-based presentation, often given by a priest or deacon followed by time for fellowship where the group watches a sporting event on TV and enjoys sandwiches, soda and beer. All parish men are invited to attend.
Contact: Kevin Gibson 732-787-6095 gibson.kevinr@comcast.net

Brownies/Girl Scouts:
St. Mary's sponsors a local Troop of this national youth organization.
Contact: St. Mary School Office 732-671-0129 wsmith@stmaryes.org

Catholic Daughters of America-Court Fulgens Corona:
supports charitable organization and student scholarships at local, state and national levels. We also support needy families in times of crisis. Our support throughout the years consists of financial as well as material goods.
Contact: Angela Catania dynamic2duo@msn.com (h) 671-3831 (cell)732-804-3187
http://www.catholicdaughters.org/

Cub Scouts/Boy Scouts:
St. Mary's sponsors a local Pack of this national youth organization.
Contact: St. Mary School Office 732-671-0129 wsmith@stmaryes.org
www.scouting.org/

CURSILLO:
Trenton Cursillo is a member of a worldwide movement which provides a method of living a Christian life where one's spirituality may be developed lived and shared. The Cursillo three-day weekend experience is designed to make it possible to live in union with Christ and to desire to bring others to Christ.
Contact: Janet Moscuzza 732-671-7248 Newdawnjm@aol.com
http://www.shortcourse.org/ or the National Website is www.natl-cursillo.org

Early Childhood Center:
St. Mary Early Childhood Center's goal is to provide a positive, secure environment where children can grow spiritually and socially while developing the readiness skills needed to enter kindergarten.
Contact: Marita Goworek 732-671-0129 mgoworek@stmaryes.org
www.stmaryes.org/ecd-center.html

Eucharistic Ministry to the Homebound:
We visit and distribute Eucharist to our temporarily and permanently homebound neighbors. Every Sunday Eucharist and a Prayer Service is offered at four local senior residences and two assisted living residences.
Contact: Carol Christiansen 732-671-2509

Family Ministry:
Focus is placed on re-energizing families with young children to attend Mass regularly and help build our community, our church, and most importantly to keep God in the CENTER of their families.
Contact: Lynn Retterer 732-693-1226

Finance Committee:
The Finance Committee assists the Pastor in developing and implementing financial strategies to plan and maintain a sound fiscal status while meeting the challenge of building God's Kingdom on Earth.
Contact: The parish offices 732-671-0071

Habitat for Humanity:
Habitat for Humanity of Northeast Monmouth County: HFHNEMC is a non-profit, ecumenical organization. We seek to eliminate substandard housing world-wide by helping families achieve their dreams through home ownership. Habitat provides partner families with a hand-up not a hand-out.
Contact: Bob McCully 732-671-4103 bobmc1@aol.com
habitat.org

Hand to Hand:
Organization dedicated to help needy people acquire food and clothing. Clothing is collected in bins and at clothing drives. Food is donated, traded for clothing or purchased with the proceeds of unwanted clothing. Hand to Hand works closely with Sisters of Charity.
Contact: Bob and Eileen Batz 732-787-8566 rbatz@hotmail.com

Holy Innocents:
Religious formation classes for children with disabilities are held on Saturday mornings at St. Mary School. These classes share God's love with these special members of our community while they prepare to receive the Sacraments.
Contact: Nancy Rubinson 732-671-2115 rubi802@aol.com

Hospitality Committee:
Parishioners providing refreshments after Mass each Sunday offering worshipers an opportunity for fellowship.
Contact: Anne Donnelly amdonn21@yahoo.com

Job Networking Group:
St. Mary's Job Networking Group is a group of parish men and women who schedules meetings which include a job search presentation followed by time for networking within the group in hope of finding employment for all parishioners who are in need of work.
Contact: Kevin Gibson 732-787-6095 gibson.kevinr@comcast.net

Knights of Columbus:
The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic fraternal service organization. Founded in New Haven Connecticut in 1882. We are Catholic men dedicated to promoting the concepts of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism. We do this through various activities throughout the year with multiple charities and working together to support our families and the church. Our local council Vincent T Lombardi #6552 serves the Parishes of St Agnes Atl Highlands and Mary Mother of God New Monmouth and meets every 1st and 3rd Tuesday at 8:30pm at 872 Leonardville Rd in Leonardo. Those men interested in membership can contact Grand Knight Tony Costa at or Recruitment chairmen Tom Welch at 732-291-3669.
Contact: Tony Costa 732-708-1414 tony.costa@verizon.net
www.kofc6552.org

Lectors/ Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion:
Saint Mary's parishioners are invited to join Liturgical Ministries. During the celebration of Mass: Lectors, proclaim the Word of God from the Altar, while Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion help in the distribution of the Body and Blood of Jesus to the congregation.
Contact: Deacon Bob Scharen 732-471-0278 deaconbob612@aol.com

Mater Dei Prep High School:
Mater Dei High School empowers students for lifelong success by integrating faith and service into a rigorous college preparatory curriculum and providing opportunities to learn, grow, compete, and believe.
Contact: Mater Dei High School Office 732-671-9100
www.materdeihs.org

Missionaries of Charity:
Mother Teresa's Sisters serve the poorest of the poor within our Diocese in Asbury Park. Volunteers help them in working the soup kitchen, aiding with the children on different programs and assisting with food distribution to the poor. We also collect and deliver beds & simple furnishings for those in need.
Contact: Kathy Plath 732-495-9109 griff652@aol.com

Music Ministry:
Our Music Ministry serves the parish by assisting the congregation to pray through their participation in the singing of sacred music. Our goal is the "full, conscious, and active participation" of the assembled faithful at Mass. More Info.
Contact: Doris Ramme 732-671-0071 X232 dramme602@aol.com

Nursing Ministry:
The Nursing Ministry serves people in the parish and the community by promoting healthy lifestyles and helping people to understand the relationship between lifestyle, faith and well being.
Contact: Eileen Theall 732-671-4122

Ocean's Harbor House:
Harbor House is a safe haven for youth ages 10-21 who have runaway, are homeless, or have been abused, neglected or abandoned. Harbor House is committed to providing quality services that respond to the growing and changing needs of youth and families in the Jersey Shore region.
Contact: Tom Large thomas.large@sprint.com (h) 732-787-8677 (cell) 732-470-6892
www.oceansharborhouse.org/index.html

Parish Athletic Council:
To provide leadership to enhance the facilities, policies and programs and to maximize participation in the athletic programs offered by Mater Dei, St. Mary School and St. Mary Parish.
Contact: The Parish Offices 732-671-0071

Parish Fair:
An annual 6 night community fair organized by the Parish Fair Committee and manned by volunteers within the St. Mary community. This fair is one of the largest in the State. All proceeds go to Mary, Mother of God new church building and mortgage.
Contact: Art & Pat Pilgrim 732-671-1757 patpilgrim1@aol.com or artieeo11@aol.com

Parish School Board:
The Parish School Board is a nine member body selected to participate in delegated areas of responsibility. This advisory group works to promote, sustain and ensure the ministry of quality Catholic education in our parish.
Contact: Peggy Dolan 732-671-0129 pdolan@stmaryes.org

Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration:
Since, May 1997, Saint Mary's Parish has maintained a Eucharistic Adoration Chapel where individuals can pray before the Blessed Sacrament in a quiet, reverent and peaceful setting. There is always a need for people to volunteer as hourly adorers. Consider volunteering for one specific hour each week to the Chapel.
Contact: Deacon Bob Scharen 732-471-0278 deaconbob612@aol.com

Polar Plunge:
The Polar Plunge is an event offered by the Ancient Order of Hibernians, brings together the ideals of the organization to support our Catholic Schools in a fun and crazy way. Every January for the past four years we have lead our Catholic family into the Atlantic Ocean to create an opportunity for more families and children to choose St. Mary's and Mater Dei by providing tuition assistance.
Contact: Jim Shaw 732-471-1818 jnsiv1958@msn.com

PreCana:
Pre-Cana is preparation for couples seeking to enter into the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. It helps to assess the strengths and weaknesses in the couple's relationship, and to develop communication skills.
Contact: The Parish Offices 732-671-0071 To Register: 609-406-7400 ext. 5592
www.dioceseoftrenton.org/department/events.asp

PREP:
Regular faith formation classes in the Roman Catholic tradition are provided for the children in Grades 1 – 8. Preparation for Sacraments of Initiation is included and offered for all children of the parish whether in public or parochial school.
Contact: Sister Sharon Santos, f.c.l.g. 732-671-8550 tauandcord@msn.com

RCIA:
The rite of Christian initiation is designed for adults who, after hearing the mystery of Christ proclaimed, consciously and freely seek the living God and enter the way of faith and conversion as the Holy Spirit opens their hearts. By God's help they will be strengthened spiritually during their preparation and at the proper time will receive the sacraments fruitfully.
Contact: Sr. Gloria 732-671-3622

Relay for Life:
An American Cancer Society fundraiser held on the Mater Dei track in June to raise funds for cancer research. The Parish Team is open to all, or you can form your own Team!!
Contact: Kathy Plath 732-495-9109 griff652@aol.com
www.relayforlife.org/relay/

Senior Ministry:
A newly formed group who plans to develop activities and services that support and protect the quality of life and independence of our parish seniors, and to provide opportunities for spiritual growth, social connections and community service.
Contact: Pat Burke 732-671-0304

Siena New Hope Home:
SNHH is founded in response to a need to provide a safe haven to support children, to aid them in achieving their maximum psychological, social and economic potential, while fully respecting the dignity and worth of each individual.
Contact: The Parish Offices 732-671-0071

Spiritual Direction:
Spiritual Direction is about being encouraged to draw closer to God; to recognize God's presence in your joys, hopes, - struggles, and losses. If prayer has been difficult, or if you would like to explore new ways to pray, I can assist you in this.
Contact: Mary Reidy 732-739-4090 mtreidy@msn.com

Spring into Summer 5K:
A 3.1 mile road race open to the public which winds through the residential streets of Middletown and finishes on the MD track. All proceeds go to the Msgr. Bulman Stadium Fund.
Contact: Steve Denery 732-275-6307 or sjd192431@msn.com
www.springintosummer5k.com

Stewardship Committee:
Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, working to bring an awareness to the people of our Parish of the life we are all called by Jesus to lead. The Team will be presenting spiritual verses and reflections, promoting and supporting parish ministry, individual & family works in an effort to encourage parishioners recognize their personal call to discipleship.
Contact: Kathy Plath 732-495-9109 griff652@aol.com

St. John's Group:
This format of religious instruction is for young people, under 18 years of age who are preparing to receive Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil mass. This recommendation is made by the Director of Religious Education depending on individual needs.
Contact: Sister Sharon Santos, f.c.l.g. 732-671-8550 tauandcord@msn.com

St. Mary Altar Rosary Society:
Active for more than 50 years , we have the privilege of furthering devotion to Our Lady through the Most Holy Rosary and honoring her Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ through maintenance of His Holy Altar.
Contact: Bernadette McManus 732-671-8591 bmcmanus@allenstaffing.com

St. Mary Athletic Association:
SMAA seeks to provide recreational youth sporting opportunities within the guidelines provided by the Diocese of Trenton and the Parish of St. Mary to local children.
Contact: Jim Curti, President info@stmaryaa.com

St. Mary Pre-School:
We strive to create a warm loving environment where we cultivate joy in learning. We provide opportunities for each child to grow socially, spiritually and creatively.
Contact: Christine Hare 732-671-9198
stmaryes.org/ecd-ps.html

St. Mary Respect Life Committee:
We are called by God to respect life from conception to natural death. Our mission is to promote the "Culture of Life" in our parish in a manner consistent with the programs initiated and supported by the Diocese of Trenton and the American Catholic Bishops.
Contact: John Lovasz 732-787-2794 Jelovasz@verizon.net
NJLC.org

St. Mary School:
St. Mary School offers an academic program that develops the intellectual, physical, social and emotional nature of each child. Our school environment fosters the development of spiritual values from a Catholic perspective through prayer, worship, instruction, example and service.
Contact: Dr. William Smith, Principal 732-671-0129 wsmith@stmaryes.org
www.stmaryes.org

St. Mary's Youth Group
Open to all parish high school age students. Our goals are to continue to grow in faith through guided formation activities; to live out that faith through service projects and activities andto develop strong bonds based upon common beliefs through social events and opportunities for fellowship.
Contact: Craig Palmer cpalms7@verizon.net

St. Mary Travel Group:
We offer trips to the local community both in and outside of the parish at a low cost premium. We strive for fun-filled days ranging from day trips to overnight stays to international destinations. Any profits are donated to the Church Building Fund. All are Welcome!
Contact: Fran Timpanaro 732-708-0430 frannytip@comcast.net

St. Vincent DePaul:
Through the prayers and generosity of the people of the St. Mary community in Middletown, St. Vincent de Paul Society has been able to provide help to those in need.
Contact: The Parish Offices 732-671-0071
www.dioceseoftrenton.org/justice/stvincent.asp

Sunday Scripture for Kids ages 3-6 Program:
At Sunday Mass, children are provided the Sunday Gospel, formula prayers (Sign of the Cross, Hail Mary and Our Father), role of Mary and the saints as well as liturgical celebrations and seasons via age appropriate and engaging activities.
Contact: Sister Sharon Santos, f.c.l.g 732-671-8550 tauandcord@msn.com

The Barn for the Poorest of the Poor:
Over 100 volunteers collect surplus food from supermarkets, organize the donations and deliver it to Mother Teresa's soup kitchens, local areas of need in Monmouth County and to other organizations daily that provide help for the poorest of the poor among us.
Contact: Karin 732-671-4163 or Camille 732-495-0581 Duffer3@comcast.net

Ushers:
Our responsibility is to welcome, greet, assist, seat, serve and keep the church safe and secure during worship services.
Contact: Steve Kelleher 732-747-8660 kellehercpa@verizon.net

Viridian Energy Fundraiser - Green Is The Word!:
We are excited to announce our fundraising agreement with Viridian Energy, a socially responsible energy company. When you choose Viridian as your electric supplier you can save money and do something good for the environment while still receiving the same delivery, service and billing from the utility JCP&L,or PSE&G. The benefits of being a Viridian customer are:

no enrollment fee
same reliable service
receive only one bill
cancel any time
20% renewable energy
low variable rate.
save money on your energy bill
help the environment with greener energy

Support our Parish- we will earn up to 2.00 every month for every customer we refer to Viridian Energy
Please click on the link for more information or call Jim Nerney 908-601-5410 www.viridian.com/marymotherofgod

Virtus - Protecting God's Children:
Three hour interactive program to identify the need to protect children from sexual predators. The seminar identifies common predatory characteristics and an implementation plan to provide a safe environment for children. The seminar is a pre-requisite for all Saint Mary's volunteers and employees working with or near children.
Contact: Deacon Bob Scharen 732-471-0278 deaconbob612@aol.com

Vocations:
Holy Orders and Religious Vows Is God calling you? If you feel you may have a vocation or a desire leading in that direction, please call one of our priests.
Contact: The parish offices 732-671-0071
www.godiscallingyou.com

Welcome Committee:
Parishioners sponsor an Open House the 1st Sunday of every even month immediately after 12:00 mass. Parishioners are encouraged to learn about and to become involved in the many parish organizations. They are also encouraged to let us know of any needs they may have that the parish can help them with.
Contact: Eileen Hoey 732-275-9041 membershipteam@stmarychurchnj.org