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Parish LifeIf you have interest in learning more about any of these activities, click the link to reach the responsible person. R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) - This is the Church’s process for fully welcoming new members into the Catholic Church, and for incorporating adult baptized Catholics who have not received First Eucharist and/or Confirmation in the Faith Community. Adults with training in theology or biblical studies are needed to be part of our instructional team. Participants meet once a week from September to Easter. If you have the training and wish to be part of this program, please contact Jim Malinowski at the Parish Office, 215-673-5177. Adult Altar Servers - You will be provided with training to serve at funeral masses. While this is an ideal opportunity for retired persons, anyone with a flexible work schedule can participate. It is a wonderful way to practice both the Spiritual and Corporal works of Mercy to pray for and bury the dead. If interested, please contact Jules Cipollone at 215-464-9114 or by email at julesdeec@comcast.net. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion - These lay ministers assist in the distribution of the Eucharist at Sunday and Holy Day Masses, and bring Communion to the homebound as well as residents of Somerton Nursing Home and the FOP residence. To participate in this ministry, you need to have a great reverence for the Eucharist and a strong desire to serve others. In return, your rewards will be great. You will meet some wonderful people and grow in your faith. If you are interested in serving as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, please call Jim O'Neill at 215-357-9902. Lector Society - The lectors at St. Christopher proclaim the word of God at Masses both on Sunday and Holy Days, reading during weekday Masses and at any other special liturgical functions. We have the help of a workbook to prepare the readings beforehand. At most Masses there are two lectors, one to read from the Old Testament and one from the Letters or Acts in the New Testament. This usually involves reading every four or five weeks. Our lectors vary in age from seventh graders to past eighty. If you are interested, please contact Joan Keller at 215-677-4232. Music Ministry - Music Ministry is an extremely rewarding and joyful ministry. It is a beautiful way to praise God, serve your parish community, and share your gifts. Cantors, Choir and musicians lead liturgical singing, provide accompaniment, and/or participate in choir. If you play an instrument or have a pleasant singing voice, please consider joining our liturgical ministry. Call Pat Gallo-Terrenzio, Director of Liturgical Music at 215-947-4759 or contact her by email at PatGallo316@comcast.net. Somerton Nursing Home Helpers - These volunteers help to assemble residents of Somerton Nursing Home for participation in monthly Mass. Ushers/Greeters - Together the Ushers and Greeters form the group of people who welcome you at the Church entrance, ensure a reverent environment, and coordinate and conduct the practical aspects of the liturgy, such as collections and Offertory gift bearers. Parishioners from all stations in their life can share in this ministry individually or as a family unit. For more information please contact Kate Egan, 215-464-0545. Pre-Jordan (Baptismal) Preparation - Volunteers who are part of this Team share with first time parents and godparents the importance of raising their children in the Roman Catholic Faith. Meetings are held the last Wednesday of each month. For more information or to become involved in this ministry, please contact George and Terry Altmeier at 215-676-6320. CCD - Formal religious education sessions are offered to children in grades 1 through 8 who attend public, non-catholic private, or charter schools. We are pleased to have a faith-filled, dedicated team of catechists who volunteer their time and talents each week teaching our children the truths of their Catholic Faith. Have you ever thought about volunteering to teach or help in the classroom in our CCD Program? For more information about this worthwhile service, please call the Parish Office and ask to speak with Jim Malinowski, 215-673-5177. CCD provides 30 hours of catechetical formation per year. Classes are held on Monday evenings from 6:45 to 8:00 p.m. in the parish school. Little Church School - St. Christopher Parish is proud to offer a Religious Education Program for our youngest members. Little Church School is for children 2 ½ through 5 years old. It is held during the 10:30 a.m. Sunday Mass in the school library. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Judy Landi at 215-677-0720. Pre-Cana Preparation - Married couples are needed to assist the parish priests in preparing engaged couples for the sacrament of marriage. This is a twice a year commitment. For more information, please contact Jim and Mary O’Neill at 215-357-9902. Vacation Bible School - This program for children runs for one week during the summer. Adults and teens are needed to assist with this program. For more information please contact Jim Malinowski at the Parish Office, 215-673-5177. Youth Ministry - We are currently in the process of restructuring our Youth Groups. Youth Ministry serves teens in grades 7 through 12. We are in need of adults who would like to be involved in this restructuring, and who may become mentors to our youth and/or chaperones for trips. For more information on these opportunities, please contact Jim Malinowski at the Parish Office, 215-673-5177. A Youth Protection background check and Youth Protection class will be conducted before becoming a mentor. Charismatic Prayer Group - St. Christopher’s Charismatic Prayer Group was founded in 1985. For over 20 years, members have come together to praise, read the Bible, offer prayer intentions, and give teachings; all for the Glory of God. As St. Paul says in Galatians 5, “If the Spirit is the source of our life, let the Spirit also direct the course of our life.” Eucharistic Adoration - We are thankful for 25+ years of daily Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at St. Christopher. Adoration is available daily after Mass until 7:00 p.m. in the evening and 8:00 p.m. on Sunday evening. All are welcome to visit at any time; we do need committed adorers to ensure that the exposed Eucharistic Presence is never left alone. All who spend this peaceful time with Our Lord are changed forever. If you can commit to an hour weekly or monthly, please call Joan Felice at 215-969-3524. Aid for Friends - Here is another opportunity to practice the Corporal Work of Mercy of Feeding the Hungry, and a great way to use your leftovers. Volunteers are needed to provide meals for the homebound. Our volunteers prepare and package the food and additionally deliver the meals. Packaging supplies are provided and are available next the to Aid for Friends freezer in Holy Family hall. If you wish more information on this very important and much needed ministry, please contact our parish coordinator, Fran Andre at 215-322-4333. Altar Society - Parishioners assist in regular laundering of altar linens, cleaning of the church as well as maintaining albs and other articles used at mass. For information, contact Carol Troisi at 215-677-9844. Bethany Outreach - These volunteers attend the viewing and/or funeral Mass of deceased parishioners to offer the condolences of the parish. They contact the family to offer further assistance and support to those who are in the grieving process. This is another great way of practicing the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. If you are interested, please contact Dorothy Auerbach at 215-856-0403. Junior C Y O - Adult supervision is needed for community service projects, spiritual, social and sporting activities for children in grades 5 through 8. For information, contact Grace Giammaruti, Athletic Coordinator, at 215-673-5787, ext. 32, or by email at gjgiam@aol.com. Home and School Association - Volunteers are needed to assist with special school programs and fund raising activities to promote excellence in education through parent/faculty partnership. If you are interested, please contact Janet Dunphy, President at 267-474-8000. Landscaping Committee - Volunteers on this project provide regular routine maintenance of garden and patio areas outside of church, priests’ residence and parish office areas. In Spring and Summer, this is a good way to get the benefits of fresh air while “working on your tan”. If you are interested, please contact Mrs. Patricia Miller at 215-464-5227. Respect Life Committee- If you are interested in learning about life issues from conception to natural death and advocating for the right to life and dignity for all persons, this group could use your help. If you are interested in pro-life issues and would like to actively participate in this groups activities, please call the Parish Office, 215-673-5177. H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People in an Emergency) - People are needed to visit the homebound and perform small tasks (friendly conversation, shopping, errands, transportation to appoints, etc.) when needed. Volunteers with H.O.P.E. give a bit of themselves and their time to help parishioners needing assistance with transportation. When family, friends or neighbors are unavailable, H.O.P.E. volunteers drive locally (five to ten miles) to take parishioners where they need to go: doctor appointments, shopping, errands, church. Always free to say “not available” to a request, H.O.P.E. volunteers generally rotate on a three-week cycle. If you can help with this much needed and very rewarding ministry, please call Sister Joanne at the parish office, 215-673-5177. St. Christopher Helpers - This group of volunteers assist at the annual Mass of Anointing, special ecumenical and seasonal services, and annual parish mission, particularly through the organization of the socials that follow these events. If you like to “throw parties”, the helpers could use your help. St. Vincent DePaul Society - The primary function of this group is the coordination of our periodic clothing collection drives. Scouting - Boy/Cub/Venture Crew - Scouting has been around since 1910, and has been around St. Christopher for more than 50 years. Our scouting consists of Cub Scout Pack 367 for boys in first through fifth grades; Boy Scout Troop 367 for boys in grade 6 through their 18th birthday; and Venture Crew 367 for high school girls and boys until their 21st birthday. Emphasis is placed on Strong Values, Strong Leaders and Character that Counts. Adults are needed to help scouts working for merit badges, to help supervise at meetings and camping trips, and to act as mentors. If interested in becoming involved with Scouts, please contact Matt and Marge Cronin at 215-677-8413, or by email at PTC367@aol.com. SCRIP - Gift certificates are sold for a variety of stores. Provides tuition assistance by applying the discount received to the purchaser’s account which is then applied to tuition at any Catholic school. Volunteers are needed to pick up, count and/or separate certificates as well as assist with conducting business. Stewardship Committee - This group is dedicated to formalizing our parish response to the need of all people to give. We work to promote widespread participation in parish activities through the sharing of time, talent and treasure. The committee organizes ministry fairs and the annual volunteer recognition mass and reception which provide a direct and personal connection between parishioners and organizations. If you are interested in being part of this group, please contact Peg Kenny at 215-673-8568 or by email at pegkenny1@verizon.net. Welcoming Team - This dedicated group of volunteers work to establish and maintain contact with newly registered parishioners. They filter information to our new members, helping to ease the transition and help them feel at home at St. Christopher. A Mass and Social is organized annually to celebrate the new members. For more information about this group, please contact Kerry Null, 215-934-7491. Bereavement Support Group - This group meets monthly to assist and encourage persons dealing with the loss of a loved one. Meetings are directed by a religious sister with professional experience in the field. Weekly Rosary Group – Members gather weekly at the Somerton Center to lead residents/patients in the recitation of the Rosary.
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