The aim of the music ministry is to provide excellent music for all parish liturgies. The Nativity adult choir meets on Tuesdays from 7:30 pm to 9:00 p.m. in the church sanctuary. They sing at the 10:15 Mass each Sunday morning, as well as at the annual Advent/Christmas concert, Confirmation and First Communions. They also sing for the 10:00 pm Christmas Eve and 10:30 am Christmas Day Masses, as well as on Holy Thursday, the Easter Vigil, and the 10:30 am Mass on Easter Sunday. The choir is in recess for the summer. An accurate sense of pitch and rhythm and the ability to sing harmony are basic assets of our choir members. For more information contact Denis Mullins (201) 444-6362

This ministry brainstorms ideas for educational and spiritual programs, explores a variety of topics, surveys parishioners to determine which programs are needed and seeks out guest speakers. The members of the ministry are then able to coordinate appropriate activities including scripture studies, mission retreats, parish mornings of reflection and other programs.

For more information contact Mary Lou Balog (201) 444-6362

Young parishioners from grades 4 through 10 are encouraged to participate in assisting at the altar during the Masses. Training is provided and all servers are put on a rotational schedule approximately once a month. Altar servers may indicate the times of the Masses they prefer.

For more information contact Kevin Keegan (201) 493-7388

The ministry members welcome the parents and babies into the community. Through sharing and discussion the members and parents focus on the meaning of the symbols used in Baptism, the sacrament itself, and the commitment the parents make in deciding to have their child baptized into the Catholic faith. The ministry members also assist during the Baptism ceremonies, which are held on Sunday afternoons during the year.

For more information contact Louise Oates (201) 818-7997

Nativity's Bereavement Ministry is being re-invented to better serve the needs of the parishioners. A member of the team of ministers will follow up with parishioners who have lost a loved one to offer care, concern and a listening ear.

For more information contact Judy McGarry (201) 444-3465

CARE (Concern And Regard for Everyone) Ministries is an umbrella program, encompassing many giving and receiving opportunities for members of the parish and beyond, reaching out into the community. It is set up to allow some members to volunteer for a ministry while receiving the benefits of another ministry. This program offers the opportunity for parishioners to lend-a-hand and/or get-a-hand in the ministry categories:

CARE-Drivers, CARE-Chefs
CARE- Nativity Knits - contact Helen Demers (201) 447-4440
CARE-Hospital Visitors - contact Janet Weis (201) 445-7373
CARE-Eucharistic Home Ministers - contact Kathy Hutton (201) 444-1481
CARE Outreach
Giving Tree Food Pantry
YES (Youth Engaged in Service) - contact Cathy Biebrich (201) 445-7388

Please see the CARE Ministries brochures for more information or contact Mary Allyn (201) 447-2313

On a rotational basis, teams of two clean the church approximately once every five weeks. It takes about 1½ hours to accomplish chores such as dusting, window cleaning, cleaning holy water fonts and straightening the pews, sacristy and children's cry room. The best time to do this is from Thursday to Saturday. Scheduling is done through the Ministry Leader.

For more information contact Laura Kallenberg (201) 445-1288

Committee members volunteer seasonally with decorating the interior of the church for Christmas and Easter. The volunteer time will vary as personal schedules permit.

For more information contact Regina Eid (201) 689-1375

A celebration of the Eucharist is offered each year, for members of the parish needing the support of prayers and camaraderie during times of illness. Members of the ministry assist with transportation to and from these Masses as well as coordinate and serve lunch held afterward in the McGrath Room.

For more information contact Sally Miller (201) 445-0823.

The Cornerstone weekend takes place on separate weekends for men and women. The 26 hours commences on Friday at 6:00 pm. It is a gathering of ordinary men and women who are given an opportunity to renew and strengthen their faith while growing in the experience of Christian community. A team of Cornerstone alumni host and lead the weekend. Additionally, the Men's Cornerstone Ministry has joined forces with neighboring parishes in preparing the weekend for all men of the respective parishes. The next Men's Cornerstone will be held at St. Luke's on March 9 - 10 2012. You can register for the weekend by email at cornerstone@cornerstone2012.com. Women's Cornerstone will join together with St. Luke's. The weekend is scheduled for October 26 - 27, 2012. For more information on the Men's or Women's Cornerstone contact Jim Kenny (201) 444-6362

The Nativity CYO Basketball program is designed to be representative of the Christian values of respect, love, compassion and support for each other. Through sports, competition and teamwork, we provide healthy growth and development through games, practices and the life lessons that sports teach.

Positive coaching, sportsmanship for children and their parents, learning to live together in a diverse community, maximizing talents, and fostering the physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual strength in each of us are the values that are stressed.

The program is open to Nativity boys and girls Gr. 3 thru Gr.8. For more information contact Ron Harrington (201) 670-6671

Ministers are invited to assist the priest in the distribution of the Eucharist at weekend, daily and Holy Day Masses. The ministers may indicate the times of the Masses for which they prefer to be scheduled. Eucharistic Ministers are encouraged to bring Communion to the residents at Mill Gardens and parishioners who need to receive Communion at home.

For more information contact Kathy Hutton (201) 444-1481

The role of the Finance Council is to advise the pastor in managing parish finances and operations, in areas such as accounting, budgeting, investing, capital improvements, insurance, legal and regulatory compliance, long-range financial planning and financial reporting. The Finance Council is accountable to the pastor, who has ultimate responsibility for all decisions.

*Upcoming meetings are December 8, January 26, March 8, April 26 and June 7.

Good News is a religion readiness program provided by the parish catechetical ministry to compliment the parents' role as the primary and most important religious educators of their children. Most Sunday mornings from September through May, pre-schoolers meet in the upper room of the church during the 10:15 am Mass. Adult catechists and parent and teen assistants are available to provide care and supervise play and activities that lead to a positive, religious learning experience.

For more information contact Olivia Harrington (201) 447-1776

Greeters stand at the entrance of church to cordially greet and welcome all who come to worship at the weekend Masses. Greeters also assist persons with special needs as they approach and enter the lobby of the church. A rotational schedule assigns greeters to the Mass times of their choice about once every few weeks.

Members bake, serve and clean up at Hospitality Weekends which provide light refreshments after the Masses. They also provide similar hospitality at a variety of functions throughout the year including the Christmas Concert

Lectors are scheduled to serve at least once a month at weekend and Holy Day Masses. Helpful handbooks guide our lectors through the readings so that the Liturgy of the Word may be proclaimed with confidence and clarity. A strong voice and good diction are considered assets for lectors. All lectors are given the opportunity to indicate the Mass times for which they prefer to be scheduled.

For more information contact Richard Palatucci (201) 444-6644

The Legion of Mary is a national association of Catholic men and women who foster a deeper devotion to Mary among all people. The members undertake various apostolic work including visiting nursing homes and bringing the Eucharist to the homebound. Members also coordinate a visitation program to parishioners' homes with the Pilgrim Virgin of Fatima Statue, praying the rosary and other short prayers on each visit. Cenacles are held in the Nativity chapel at various times. Meetings are held every Tuesday at 1:00 pm in the chapel and last about one hour.

For more information contact Vince Gallagher (201) 447-1369

The Liturgy Committee meets monthly with the Pastor to pray and develop themes for Liturgical environments of significant feasts; the seasons of the Liturgical Year and Para Liturgies.

For more information contact Father Peter Funesti (201) 444-6362

Liturgy of the Word with Children is geared toward children in grades one through five and takes place during the 10:15 am Mass several Sundays each month. Children sit with their families when they first arrive. Prior to the first reading, they are led out of the church to the McGrath Room by adult leaders after receiving a special blessing. There they will hear the Word of God proclaimed from the Lectionary for Children and hear a reflection on the reading. Following the Prayer of the Faithful, at Mass, they are escorted back to the church, where they are reunited with their families.

For more information contact Beth Anne DeMarco (201) 670-1497

Mothers meet with their children for playgroup on Thursday mornings in the upper room of the church. This ministry provides friendship and support for all its members, mothers and children.

For more information contact Betsy Magato (201) 546-2077

The members of this ministry volunteer their time on an as-needed basis to assist the rectory staff with preparing parish mailings and lending general administrative support.

For more information contact Betty Ann McGill (201) 652-9188

Each Fall the Parish celebrates Catechetical weekend with an Outdoor Mass during which the Parish Catechists are blessed. The Mass is followed by a picnic which includes games. a “bake off”, music, raffles and the “gourmet” food and drink for a typical Parish Picnic.

For more information contact Kyle McKay (201) 493-1252 or Nick Paladino (201) 612-8959

A group of parishioners offer private support to anyone who initiates a request to the rectory office or through the ministry chairperson.

For more information contact Michele Shinnick (201) 251-9662

A sense of community involvement and spirit is fostered by the events this ministry plans and presents. The ministry meets several times a year for planning, and separate sub-committees meet just for the event they are coordinating. Some of the activities are dances, pancake breakfasts and the parish picnic.

For more information contact Kyle McKay (201) 493-1252

RCIA is for those wishing to become Catholic, for those who were baptized but have not received the other sacraments and for those who have questions about the Church or have drifted away over the years. RCIA is facilitated by team members who teach through faith sharing. RCIA meets Sundays after the 10:15 Mass from October through the Easter season.

For more information contact Fr. Raymond Rodrigue (201) 444-6362

Religious Education provides our parish youth with the opportunity to experience Jesus and learn about the Roman Catholic tradition through class activities, prayer, celebrations and faith sharing. Catechists are always needed for grades K-6 for either Sunday morning or Thursday afternoon in our school-year program; or for two weeks for our summer program. The junior high school program is remote preparation for Confirmation that takes place in small discussion group settings. The Director of Religious Education will provide both group and individual training sessions to prepare Catechists.

For more information contact Olivia Harrington (201) 447-1776

RENEW takes place once a week for six weeks during Lent. Sessions last approximately 1½ hours in private homes or other locations determined by the group. The groups consist of 8-10 fellow parishioners sharing their faith as they are guided by a volunteer who has been trained to facilitate the meetings. Each year, a different topic for discussion is chosen by the RENEW Ministry Leader who prepares sign-up sheets, advertising, and assembles the groups based on individual preferences.

For more information contact Janet Nemec (201) 444-6362

This ministry keeps the parish community informed on issues relating to human life at all stages by providing literature and information regarding ways to participate in supporting New Jersey Right to Life and other sanctioned groups. They also provide support through prayer and communicating with government officials.

For more information contact Vince Gallagher (201) 447-1369

These women are actively devoted to Jesus through the Blessed Mother Mary. Rosary Society business meetings are held four times a year usually in conjunction with a Rosary sponsored event. These events involve a Communion Breakfast in October, the Christmas Party in December, a Night of Reflection during Lent and the May Crowning. In addition, there are six Rosary Sunday Masses a year.

For more information contact Pat Shaver (201) 652-6593

The members of this ministry are volunteers who launder the purificators, taking turns every few weeks.

For more information contact the Parish office (201) 444-6362

Nativity Shepherds is a group of welcoming active seniors. Regular meetings are on the first Friday after the 12:10 Mass from September through June. Lunch is always part of the meeting. Special activities are planned throughout the year with speakers and social programs. Outreach events are also scheduled. New shepherds are always welcomed.

For more information contact Mary Lou Balog (201) 444-2534

We are dedicated to being OPEN in heart and mind in order to a sense of family among all our parishioners by:

Offering opportunities for all to share their God-given gifts of Time, Talent and Treasure;

Providing a comfortable and caring environment that invites participation and communication;

Encouraging each other to find fulfillment and direction in our lifelong faith journeys;

Nurturing the lives of those we touch as stewards in our community and beyond.

* The Stewardship/Pastoral Council meets on the 4th Monday of the month

The Technology Ministry works with the Pastor, the Parish Staff and the Ministry Leaders to design and maintain the Parish Web Site and explore and develop other current and new technologies that will maintain effective communications between the Pastor and the Parishioners.

For more information contact Jim Szydlik

These ministers serve at weekend and Holy Day Masses assisting with a variety of duties such as the seating needs of the congregation; attending to those with special needs; checking pews, holy water, the gifts and offering baskets; selecting parishioners for presentation of the gifts; and distributing bulletins after Mass. They take pride in maintaining a safe environment for parishioners and restoring orderliness to the church after the Masses.

For more information contact Ed Priestner (201) 444-9753

Through participation in the Vocational Chalice Ministry, Nativity Parish offers everyone who worships at Nativity, the opportunity to pray that all those whom the Lord may be calling to the Priesthood, Religious Life or Lay Ministry will be responsive to that call. Parish family members volunteer to receive a consecrated, encased chalice at the conclusion of one of the weekend liturgies which they then take to their home and place in a prominent place. During that week the chalice will remind the recipient(s) to pray that those being called will have the strength and the wisdom to answer the call of the Lord. Those who wish to participate in this ministry may do so by signing the sign up book (organized by Mass times) outside of the sacristy in the church lobby. The coordinator of the Mass will contact them. Weekend dates and procedures can then be decided.

For more information contact Mary Lou Balog (201) 444-6362

As a way of affirming the Sacrament of Marriage, Nativity Parish offers an annual celebration for those couples who have been married 5-1O-15-20 etc., years of Marriage. This annual celebration is held on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. The evening begins with a 6:30 PM Mass during which the couples renew their Wedding Vows, and the Liturgy is followed by a cocktail party, dinner and dancing.

For more information contact Mary Lou Balog (201) 444-6362

This ministry extends the first official welcome to new parishioners with a personal phone call, follow-up visit if desired, and welcome brochure along with a small token of welcome.

For more information contact Kyle Costello (201) 447-5966

A prayerful weekend for all women of the parish that includes speakers, discussions, fellowship and reflection. This retreat usually takes place during the Lenten season at the beautiful Carmel Retreat House in Mahwah.

For more information contact Mary Ann Viviani (201) 447-2839

YES (Youth Engaged in Service) is a ministry specifically designed for the younger members of our parish. The extent to which this ministry reaches out is boundless; it is all up to the kids. The service of this ministry starts with the needs here within the parish, then concentrates on our neighbors in the local community offering volunteer opportunities to our seventh, eighth and ninth graders. YES is reaching out to our friends at the York Street Project in Jersey City by assisting in the parish programs specifically benefiting them.

Please see the YES brochure for more information or contact Cathy Biebrich (201) 445-7388