About Our Ministries
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As a welcoming community, our Church has many ministries to fit different interests.
Take a look at the ministries with additional details on the menu to the left,
and the many offerings below.CONSULTATIVE BODIES
Finance Council
The Finance Council is comprised of parishioners with an expertise in finance who review monthly financial statements, approve the budget for the parish and the school, and advise the pastor on financial matters.
Contact: Finance Council Chair, Kevin Loughlin [email protected]
Pastoral Council
The purpose of the parish pastoral council is to investigate parish matters, to consider them thoroughly, and to propose practical conclusions about them. The council’s task is, first, to study those matters brought to its attention and shed light on them. Its second task is to reflect on them thoroughly, to discern their true nature, and then evaluate and ponder them. Its final task is to draw sound conclusions. The council presents these conclusions to the pastor in the form of recommendations. This threefold task of the council – investigating, considering, and recommending conclusions – is called pastoral planning. Council members are chosen, above all, for their ability to accomplish the main task of the council – the work of investigating, considering and recommending practical conclusions. They are baptized Catholics in good standing with the Church who reflect the parish’s various neighborhoods, social and professional groups, and apostolates. Finally, they are parishioners noted for their faith, good morals and prudence.
Contact: Ed Bohi [email protected]
Trustees
Our trustees are lay members of the parish who serve with the Bishop and pastor in forming the corporate structure of the parish.
Contact: trustees Pat Kiernan [email protected] and Kevin Loughlin [email protected]
School Board
The St. Mary of the Lakes School Board provides assistance and advice to the Pastor and the Principal. The Board assists with financial planning and budget preparation, as well as setting long/short-range goals for our school.
Contact: Lauren Arnot [email protected]
FAITH FORMATION
Baptismal Preparation
Classes for first-time parents are held monthly, and provide an overview of the commitment being made for the parents, child, and godparent.
Contact: Elizabeth McDonald at [email protected] or Deacon Tom McDonald [email protected]
Becoming Catholic, OCIAInterested in the Catholic faith? The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is a process of spiritual formation for those 16 years of age or older who need the Sacraments of Initiation. We meet Sunday mornings September through Easter. If you would like to be baptized, Confirmed as a Catholic, and receive Holy Communion,
Contact: Christine Brandt (609) 654-8208 x113 or [email protected]
Lending LibraryOur lending library in the vestibule of the Jackson Road Entrance has books, movies, and music which parishioners can borrow to strengthen themselves in the knowledge of their faith. Volunteers are also needed, and can maintain the cart after Sunday Mass.
Contact: Stella Denn (609) 923-7504 or [email protected]
Faith Seekers Book ClubOur Literary Guild meets several times a year to discuss both Catholic and contemporary literature. Contact the parish office for info.
Contact: MaryJane Abplanalp (609) 350-8363 or [email protected];
Loretta Amari (609) 654-6502 or [email protected]
The Littlest DisciplesThe Littlest Disciples is a craft and snack event that meets throughout the school year. Newborns through age 10 along with their families are invited to the Emmaus Center for crafts and snacks.
Contact: Mary Bell [email protected]
Marriage MinistryJoin other couples in promoting the Sacrament of Marriage and supporting those already married through educational, spiritual, and social events in collaboration with our Cohort parish, Holy Eucharist.
Contact: Deb & Keith Kent (609) 535-5713 or [email protected]
P.R.E.P. (Parish Religious Education Program)
Our program assists in the faith formation of parish children not enrolled in Catholic school for grades 1 through 8, in addition to a new High School-level program. They are immersed in the teachings of the Church, its worship, and prayer life and are empowered to live and proclaim the Good News as they reach out in service to others.
Contact: Millie Linett (609) 654-2546 x315 or [email protected]
Pre-Cana
Offered in the spring and fall, Pre-Cana is a marriage preparation program for engaged couples led by a group of married parishioners. After your engagement, the next step us to contact us at least one year before your desired wedding date. Within this process, you will be given information about the general requirements of a Catholic marriage, guidelines for Catholic marriage in New Jersey and specific instructions from your own wedding parish.
Contact: Nicole and Eric Grussenmeyer at [email protected]Respect Life
Participants in this ministry are committed to fostering prayer for the unborn, advocating programs that assist those who choose life and embracing projects directed at ending abortion, as well as providing information about other pro-life issues.
Contact: Ann Babinchock [email protected]
HOSPITALITY
Carnival
Take part in our school’s largest fundraiser by volunteering to sell tickets, work a game, help with parking, and much more. The opportunities are endless, like the fun that you’ll have! Contact: Maria King at (609) 953-9486 or [email protected].
Chair Fitness Class
Offered on select Saturdays this Fall from 2:00pm to 3:00pm in the Emmaus Center. This complimentary fitness class is exclusive to seniors ages 55+, and aligns with the recommended 150 minutes of weekly exercise for older adults, enhancing cardiovascular health, and promoting overall well-being from low-intensity activity.
Contact: Andrew Nolan at (609)222-4501.
Community Sunday
This ministry brings the mandate “Love Your Neighbor” alive in the parish by fostering a warm welcome to our parishioners on Community Sunday and other gatherings at various times through refreshments and fellowship.
Contact: Carole Coyle (609) 953-1385 or [email protected];
Sue Ross (732) 609-2595 or [email protected].
Hospitality Committee
Do you enjoy the receptions we have after events like seminars, parish missions, special Masses and many others? Be one of the people behind it! Spin the salad and cut the cake for your parishioners!
Contact: Debbi Cancelliere at (609) 654-8208 x120 or [email protected].
Ministry of Consolation
Assists and plans the funeral liturgy with family members, and offers help to those grieving through individual counseling. The ministry also conducts bereavement group sessions twice a year. Interested? Contact: Sue Roggio (609) 953-1723 or [email protected].
Parish Health Ministry
This ministry supports and promotes spiritual/physical wellness for the parish community and Medford/Medford Lakes residents by providing health education and screenings, counseling, information, referral, advocacy and visitation to individuals and groups. Contact: Parish office (609) 654-8208 x110 or [email protected].
LITURGICAL
Adult Choir
The choir often sings at either the 9:00am or 10:30am Mass each Sunday, as well as special liturgical events and holidays. Rehearsal is every Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m. Fall through Spring.
Contact: Carolyn Cuperwich (609) 654-8208 x129 or [email protected]
Altar Servers
Boys and girls in fourth grade and older are invited to serve at Mass assisting priests and deacons. Registration is held in the Fall.
Contact: Father Dan (609) 654-8208 x115 or [email protected]
Children’s Choir
The children’s choir is composed of both PREP and school children from grades 2-5. Practice is every Wednesday from 5:30-6:30pm, Fall through Spring. We sing at the monthly children's Masses throughout the year and accompany the adult choir for a Christmas concert.
Contact: Carolyn Cuperwich (609) 654-8208 x129 or [email protected]
Lectors: Take part in proclaiming the Word of God at Mass on Sundays, Holy Days of Obligation, and daily Mass. Since we encounter Christ in His Word as well as in the Eucharist, the ministry requires persons with a strong, clear voice who can express clearly the words of Scripture. Contact: Jim Quigley (609) 953-7381 or [email protected]
Sacristans
Just like you and I set the table for a meal, so do sacristans set the Church for the Lord’s Supper. Candles, chalice, hosts and more are made ready, then cleaned up after each Mass. Contact: Deacon Ed Mayer (703) 401-7330 or [email protected]
Ushers
Ushers provide assistance to those entering the church and those in need during liturgical functions. They also take the collection during the Preparation of the Gifts.
Contact: John Fleming (609) 975-2112 or [email protected]
Youth Choir
This choir, for students in 5th-12th grades, practices at home and sings for 2 noon masses each month. They combine with the children's choir for holidays and participate in the Christmas Concert.
LITURGICAL
Children’s Church
Bible readings, activities, and crafts can be had right during Mass! Children in PreK and Kindergarten are encouraged to come to Church like always, then line up to go to the Emmaus Center for Sunday morning fun. Children will return around Communion. Our ministry runs on various Sundays throughout the school year.
Contact: Millie Linett (609) 654-8208 x315 or [email protected]
Come To Me - Jeremiah 29:12: Intercessory prayer is about praying for and with others. Our goal and commitment are to “surround our parish in prayer.” We supply a list of requests once a week to those who offer to join us in prayer. As a member, you can pray each week at home alone or with family and friends, in your already established prayer group, or even in our Adoration Chapel; simply, join our weekly email prayer chain.
Contact: Rebecca Weill (856) 810-0266 or [email protected]
Eucharistic Adoration
“Behold the Lamb of God!” You can pray for others, the evils on our world, for healing, growing in faith, and truly pray without ceasing in the most profound beautiful way: in the physical presence of our Lord. Our Chapel is open 24/7 and located at the Jackson Road Entrance. Anyone interested is encouraged to sign up first for their own “Holy Hour” at sml.weadorehim.com .
Contact: Natalie Stone at [email protected] or Diana Kenworthy [email protected]
Glory to God Prayer Group
You CAN be Catholic AND Charismatic! We begin our meeting with the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. We sing to live music and pray out loud (not required). We allow for the Holy Spirit to speak to our hearts. We have a teaching and share how God is working in our lives. No age limit, all are welcome. Come and test the waters!
Contact: Marianne Perkins at (609) 760-9221 or [email protected].
Miraculous Medal Novena
Join us for a tradition that began over 150 years ago. “O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you", (the prayer given to Saint Catherine Laboure who founded the medal). This invocation, engraved on the Miraculous Medal, is worn and repeated by the faithful throughout the world, and you can be a part of it every Monday after the 9am Mass. Mary is eager to bestow her graces upon us!
Contact: Pat Hess (609) 654-7633 or [email protected]
Pray for Our Priests
In gratitude for the gift of the priesthood, would you be willing to commit to pray for a priest or bishop in our parish/diocese each week? Our ministry gathers prayer warriors do just that! We pray especially for the priests from our own diocese, in order to intercede for them and their needs in effectively ministering to all of us and bringing even more souls into the faith. Contact: Eileen Donahue at [email protected]
Pray for Vocations
Families are asked to take home an icon of Mother of the Eternal High Priest and prayer cards after Sunday Mass and pray together for vocations every day for a week. The icon is then returned to the sacristy the following Sunday.
Rosary
“The Rosary shall be a powerful armor against hell, it will destroy vice, decrease sin and defeat heresies” (Mary to St. Dominic). We pray after the 7:15 and 9:00am Mass, and at 3:30 pm, on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, plus 9:30am on Saturday. Pray with us near the ambo.
That Man Is You Men’s Gospel Reflection Group
We meet early Monday mornings, followed by the 7:15 a.m. Mass. Coffee and breakfast are served before listening to the speaker introduce the theme for small group breakout sessions. The ministry starts back up in August. Join us by visiting programs.paradisusdei.org/join/5145B0
Contact: Andre Caldini at (609) 760-4026, or [email protected]
Thursday Prayer and Bible Study Group
Every Thursday from 9:45 to 11:30am is a chance for you to pray, read and support each other in bringing our children, our families and ourselves, closer to God. Contact: Rebecca Weill at (609) 828-6137 or email [email protected]
SCHOOL
St. Mary of the Lakes School is a pre-K through 8th grade school committed to promoting a Christian environment where students are instructed in the foundations of the Catholic Faith and prepared academically to face future challenges.
Altar Servers and Sacristans
Students prepare the altar and serve at school Masses. Contact: Millie Linett (609) 654-8208 x315 [email protected]
Athletic AssociationThe Athletic Association provides the best possible athletic instruction and experience through sports to the students of our school and to supplement our existing Physical Education Program. The Athletic Association is made up of volunteer coaches and an Executive Board.
Contact: Mike Venable (954)658-5272 or email: [email protected]Bands
Beginners Band is for students in grade 4, and Advanced Band is for students in grades 5-8. Students perform at two annual school concerts and other events throughout the year.
Contact: Chase Cataldo [email protected]
Before/After School Care ProgramThis program is available 7-8am, then 3-6pm.
Contact: Lisa Mongrandi (609) 654-2546 x225School Choir
School Choir members visit Medford Leas and the senior housing living facility behind the school. They are invited to perform at the Medford Dickens Festival in December and participate in the annual 101.5/101.1 Christmas Choir Competition.
Contact: Carolyn Cuperwich at [email protected]Drama Club
The St. Mary of the Lakes Drama Club is open to students in grades 5-8 who love to act, as well as those with an artistic ability, musical talent, or interest in staging and lighting. The club members perform a musical production each spring. The Drama Club’s goal is to nurture students into confident and independent young adults who appreciate the arts. Please email [email protected] or [email protected]
Giving Tree and Jesse TreeStudents and school families donate gifts for needy school families, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Catholic Charities, Providence House and homeless families served by the Cathedral Kitchen in Camden.
Mission ClubChildren of St. Mary of the Lakes School perform acts of charity and service to local, state, and foreign organizations in need.
Email: [email protected].
Parent Teacher Association (PTA)The Parent Teacher Association supports the faculty and staff of our parish school and enhances parents’ ability to participate actively and effectively in their child’s education.
Contact: [email protected]
TV CrewEighth grade students, who prepare scripts, create sets, research and tie current events to our Faith, create School Service Announcements, and anchor a broadcast every morning. They also lead the entire school in a morning prayer each day.
SERVICE
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
Weekly meetings are held every Sunday at 7:00pm in the Parish Meeting Room, located at the school. AA is the international mutual aid fellowship founded in 1935 by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith in Akron, Ohio, whose stated “The primary purpose" is to help alcoholics “stay sober and help other alcoholics achieve sobriety."
Cathedral Kitchen (SMLS)
St. Mary of the Lakes Students provide a brown bag lunch, drink, dessert, and decorate paper placemats. Located in Camden, Cathedral Kitchen feeds the homeless and their families twice a day. Students remain after school to prepare the meals with all food donated by SML School families. Each month, a different grade level participates by making the meals and preparing them for delivery to the Cathedral Kitchen in Camden on the first Friday of each month. Contact: Patty Nardi at [email protected]
Confirmation Community Service
Students in grades 6-8 perform several hours of community service to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation. When students engage in service, they benefit others on a personal, community, and global level.
Contact: Millie Linett at (609) 654-2546 x315 or [email protected]
Family Promise
As a member of this national ministry, St. Mary of the Lakes parishioners can support Family Promise in a number of ways: provide temporary shelter, food and clothing for families who have become homeless, volunteer at the “Day Center” in Moorestown, provide advocacy, prevention, and even more.
Contact: Marie Cox at (609) 654-0244 or [email protected]
Feed My Sheep Casserole
We are all called to care for the poor and vulnerable, and one way is in the form of food. Our Y.E.S.-sponsored casserole program invites everybody to bake, then freeze, a casserole of any kind for the hungry. Casserole donations may be dropped off at the Parish Office. Your food is donated to the Christian Caring Center in Browns Mills and God’s Precious Infants in Gloucester City.
Contact: Frank Babinchock at (609) 654-8208 x111 or [email protected].
Fifth Grade Medford Leas Ministry
Our very own fifth grade students of SML School partner with Medford Leas, a retirement community, to coordinate visits with the residents. Time with the seniors includes making crafts, reading, playing games, and take them on walks several times a year.
Further 72
Our “as needed” ministry serves any temporary needs that aren’t addressed through our existing ministries, just like those Jesus sent out as laborers in His field. If you know of a need we can help with, please reach out!
Contact: Elizabeth McDonald at (609) 577-5424 or [email protected]
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Anyone who enjoys knitting/crocheting are ideal ministers who pray while creating a shawl in the intimacy of their own home for someone who is ill, suffered a loss, or has other hardships. Shawls are also given freely with love and can be requested at the parish office.
Contact: MaryLou Beecham at (609) 744-8132
St. Mary Apostolic Reach-Out Team (SMART)
SMART dedicates itself to sharing with the hungry/homeless in our parish and local community. Members reach out to those in need and share food for nourishment of the body and spiritual resources for the soul. Each year, we host a Christmas dinner at the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen. Contact: Tom Plantulli at (609) 654-0958 or [email protected]
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
This Catholic lay organization offers person-to-person service to those in need, such as food, assistance with mortgages, rent, utilities and more. The SVdP thrift shop and food pantry are located on 1 Jones Road in Medford. The parish has a monthly food collection to help fill the pantry. If you or someone you know needs assistance, call SVdP at (609) 953-0021.
Wedding Facilitators
The most magical day in a couples life is thanks to the people behind it, and that can be you! Wedding facilitators assist wedding rehearsal and organize the bridal party on the day of the wedding. Contact: Rosemarie Lyczak at
(609) 654-0272.
YOUTH
YES Sr., Youth Energized in the Spirit Senior High Youth Group: This parish youth ministry for high school students offers youth the opportunity to explore their faith throughout their relationships, their experiences and prayer life. YES focuses on topics which are important to today’s youth and challenges them to live their everyday lives by Gospel values. The group meets regularly on Sunday evenings, participates in service projects and hosts various social activities throughout the year.
Contact: Frank Babinchock (609) 654-8208, Ext. 111 or email [email protected]