Adult Choir

The aim of the music ministry is to provide excellent music for all parish liturgies. The Nativity adult choir meets on Wednesdays from 7:15 pm to 8:45 p.m. in the church sanctuary. They sing at the 10:15 Mass each Sunday morning, as well as at Confirmation and First Communions. They also sing for the 10:00 pm Christmas Eve and 10:15 am Christmas Day Masses, as well as on Holy Thursday, the Easter Vigil, and the 10:15 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 Veronica O’Brien at (201) 444-6362.

More Choir…Kids & an Ensemble

I think our most exciting news is that there are two new groups starting this year. After numerous expressions of interest last year, we will be starting a children’s choir open to children in 2nd-6th grades. We will be singing for 10:15am Mass once a month, as well as at our Advent Lessons and Carols and Spring concert. Rehearsals will take place on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-7pm and we will start on September 20th. We already have several young musicians signed up, and we would love to see the group grow.

Also new this year we are starting a teen ensemble for singers and instrumentalists from grade 7 through high school. This group will provide the music at 4-5 special Masses throughout the year, including Christmas and Easter, as well as participating in Lessons and Carols and the Spring concert. Participants in this group will receive service hours. We will have a short interest meeting on Fridays at 3:30pm in the church. Please bring your instruments!

Altar Servers

Young parishioners starting in grade three are encouraged to participate in assisting at the altar during the Masses. Training is provided and all servers are put on a rotational schedule. Altar servers may indicate the times of the Masses they prefer. For more information, contact Fr. Gene 201 444-6362 or office@nativitynj.org.

Baptismal Preparation

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 during the 12:00 Noon Mass on Sundays during the year. For more information, contact Fr. George at (201) 444-6362.

CARE Ministries

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 – contact Fr. Gene at the Parish Office at 201 444-6362
CARE- Nativity Knits – contact Helen Demers hbdemers@hotmail.com or 201 447-4440
CARE-Hospital Visitors – contact Fr. Jason 201 444-6362
CARE-Eucharistic Home Ministers – contact Fr. Gene at the Parish Office at 201 444-6362
CARE Outreach: Giving Tree & Food Pantry – contact Fr. Gene at 201 444-6362

YES…Youth Engaged in Service

YES (Youth Engaged in Service) is a ministry specifically designed for the younger members of our parish. 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. Please see the YES brochure for more information or contact the Parish Office.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word

This is a wonderful Ministry sharing the Word of God with children. It is a perfect fit for parents of young children as well as high school and college students interested in teaching. From September through May, this Ministry occurs several Sundays each month, during the 10:15 Mass. Just prior to the First Reading, after a special blessing, you lead the children, in grades one through five, into the McGrath Room and share the readings from the Children’s Lectionary. A short discussion of the readings follow, and you return to the Church following the Universal Prayer. The commitment is only 4 or 5 times a year! You can do this ministry alone, or with a friend or spouse. The Ministry leader makes up one schedule for the year, and members can easily substitute for one another. Training and a workbook for the Liturgical year will be provided. For more information, contact Nikki Thomson at nikkit20@yahoo.com

Church Cleaning

On a rotational basis, teams of one, two or families clean the church approximately once every five weeks. It takes about 1 hour 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 Rene Lubbe 201 225-1328 or rjfml2015@gmail.com.

Collection Counters

Join a team and assist in tallying up the Sunday and Holy Day collections. Each team meets every other Monday at 9:30 am. For more information, contact the Fr. George at 201 444-6362 or office@nativitynj.org.

Communal Anointing of the Sick

In the fall, there is a Mass and Anointing for members of the parish needing the support of prayers during times of illness. Members of the ministry coordinate a luncheon held afterward in the McGrath Room. For more information, contact Sally Miller 201 445-0823 or skmill@optonline.net.

Cornerstone: Women’s

The Cornerstone weekend is 26 hours and starting on a 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 Cornerstone Ministry has joined forces with Saint Luke’s in preparing a weekend for the men or women of both parishes. For more information, contact Trish Olson (Women) tpolson@optonline.net or 201 493-7771.

CYO Basketball

The Nativity CYO Basketball program is designed to be a representative of the Christian values of respect, love, compassion and support for each other through sports, competition and teamwork. It provides healthy growth and development through games, practices and the life lessons. Positive coaching, sportsmanship for all, learning to live together in a diverse community and maximizing talents, fosters the physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual strength in each of us. The program is open to Nativity boys and girls grades three thru grade eight. For more information, contact Ron Harrington 201 670-6671 or ronald.harrington@velan.com.

Eucharistic Ministers

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 Fr. Gene at the Parish Office at (201) 444-6362.

Finance Council

Nativity’s Finance Council meets with the Pastor providing financial guidance and advice to the Pastor observing both Church and civil law. Members have strong accounting, finance, and business experience. For more information, please contact Fr. George at 201 444-6362 or office@nativitynj.org.

Good News for Little Ones

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 at 201 447-1776 or religioused@nativitynj.org.

G.R.E.A.T – (Giving Religious Education with Alternative Teaching)

This Program was started at Church of the Nativity to serve the children with special needs at our parish and beyond. This program prepares the youngsters for the Sacrament of Holy Communion. The program runs in conjunction with our monthly Masses for differently-abled people. We hope for an on-going reciprocity between the two programs. The G.R.E.A.T. program is supported by Nativity with the program Coordinator and volunteer teachers. We also provide the materials and involvement from our Pastor. Parents involved at every lesson. For more information, contact Olivia Harrington at 201 447-1776 or religioused@nativitynj.org.

Greeters

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. For more information, contact Fr. Gene at the Parish Office at 201-444-6362

Hospitality

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 two receptions after our Masses for differently-abled people. For more information, contact the parish office at (201) 444-6362.

Nativity’s I-Desk

You will be equipped to share information about Nativity’s ministries, how to register for the parish, and about Religious Education, community service and Sacramental Programs for school children. You will even be able to provide Mass Cards for the convenience of our parishioners and visitors. Aside from the initial training, there will be virtually no meetings. All it requires for I-Desk team members is getting to the Mass of choice a little early and staying a little later. After a training session and a few times behind the desk, you will be amazed at how much you now know about your parish. But guess what, if you don’t know the answer to a question you can just say “I’ll find out”. For more information, contact Fr. Gene at the Parish Office at (201) 444-6362.

Knights of Columbus

If you’re interested in helping those in need, serving your parish, growing your faith or having exclusive access to top-rated insurance protection for your family, then the Knights of Columbus is the organization for you. For more information about the Knights of Columbus contact George Thompson, Jr. at 201 445-9835 or getjr.kofc@gmail.com.

Lectors

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 Fr. Gene at the Parish Office at (201) 444-6362.

Legion of Mary

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 10:45 am in the McGrath Room and last about one hour. For more information, contact the parish office at (201) 444-6362.

Liturgy Committee

The Liturgy Committee reviews and plans current Liturgical and Para Liturgical experiences. They plan for upcoming environmental settings as the Liturgical seasons change and call upon the expertise of the Pastor to explain Liturgical changes. For more information, contact Fr. George at 201 444-6362 or office@nativitynj.org.

Meals That Heal

“To provide meals for people who are hungry” is the Mission of the Meals That Heal Ministry. Meals That Heal Ministry is now serving meals at Jericho Road Shelter for working men. Nativity’s commitment is once a month on a Sunday Evening. Volunteers meet at the Kennedy Hall Kitchen at 4:45PM, and will probably be back home by 8:00PM. They transport and serve the meal, provide desserts and eat with the gentlemen at the shelter. Nick Paladino works with another team preparing the meals. Parishioners can sign up as individuals, couples and families (junior high or older). We are now building a large list, giving many, the opportunity to volunteer once or twice a year. If you can’t make the date you are called to serve, the next person on the list is asked. You will be asked the next month. If you are not available on Sunday evenings, you can also help with a donation for supplies for the Ministry. If you have a connection with a food market, we need short dated foods suitable for freezing. For more information, contact the parish office.

Office Workers

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 Judi Plafta 201-445-9469 or judiplafta@hotmail.com.

Parish Prayer Chain

A group of parishioners offer support to anyone who initiates a request to the rectory office. For more information, contact the parish office at 201-444-6362 or office@nativitynj.org.

Parish Social Events

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 include our Patrick’s Day Dance, Parish Pancake Breakfast, Parish Picnic and Wedding Anniversary Celebration. For more information contact Kyle McKay 201-493-1252 or Kyle.MCKAY@rbs.com.

Pastoral Council

The Pastoral Council is an advisory committee which works with the Pastor to develop “best practices” for the growth of the Parish as a stewardship and discipleship community. For more information contact Fr. George at 201 444-6362 or office@nativitynj.org.

RCIA-Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

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 meeting schedule is completely flexible to the group’s needs. For more information, contact Fr. Gene, or Fr. George at 201 444-6362 or office@nativitynj.org.

Religious Education/Sacramental Preparation

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 or religioused@nativitynj.org

Resurrection Ministry

The Resurrection Ministry consists of volunteers who provide service to the Celebrant in assisting with the liturgical functions during the Funeral Mass. These people perform the responsibilities of Sacristan, Greeter, Eucharistic Minister, Lector, and Altar Server at a Funeral Liturgy. Each volunteer can choose to serve from one to all of the roles needed and will be asked as needed to serve one of those roles during Funeral Liturgies throughout the year. A member will also be asked to maintain contact with the family following the burial. Resurrection Ministers will be trained as needed. If you would like to be part of this vital ministry, please contact Fr. Jason, or Fr. George at 201 444-6362 or office@nativitynj.org.

Respect Life

The Respect Life Ministry supports the Catholic belief in the sanctity of life in all stages. 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 Church Office office@nativitynj.org or 201-444-6362.

Rosary Society

These women are actively devoted to Jesus through the Blessed Mother Mary. Rosary Society business meetings are held four times a year. Other Rosary Society sponsored events include a Christmas Party in early December, a Night of Reflection during Lent and the Parish May Crowning. In addition, there are six Rosary Masses a year. The Rosary Society also has a relationship with the Community Thrift Shop in Midland Park. When you bring your donations to the thrift shop and mention #18, your donation will benefit the Rosary Society and allow them to pay it forward by contributing to parish and community organizations. For more information, contact the Parish Office at (201) 444-6362.

Sacristy Linens

The members of this ministry are volunteers who launder the purificators, taking turns every few weeks. For more information, contact Fr. Gene at 201-444-6362.

Scripture Study

This ministry is a moderated study of the Bible. This small group offers a place to connect with others interested in growing their knowledge of the Bible. It meets weekly on Tuesday afternoons and studies scriptures via programs that can run from weeks to months. Usually, Wednesdays at 1:30pm. The group takes a recess during the summer. For more information  please contact Fr. Gene, or Fr. George at 201 444-6362 or office@nativitynj.org.

Shepherds

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 welcome. For more information, contact Phyllis Veli at elephyl@aol.com or 201 560-0470.

The Nativity Prayer Chaplet

The Nativity Chaplet will give you 60 minutes of respite in your busy schedule and week through silent prayer, intercessions and a connection with the Lord. This ministry meets Mondays,11:00AM –12:00PM in O’Connell Hall. Come…Sit…and Connect with God…He’s waiting! For more information, contact the Parish Office at (201) 444-6362.

The St. Francis Closet

The mission of The St. Francis Closet is to provide an avenue where the parishioners of the Church of the Nativity may act as “instruments of peace” and provide goods from our abundance to the needy of the surrounding area. There will be major household products and clothing drives twice a year. In addition, there will Monthly Mini Drives. Drop off for the Mini Drives will be the first Tuesday of some months only at O’Connell Hall. (see the bulletin for dates) Members are needed to accept, sort and bag donated goods, as well as drivers who can drive the items to the various organizations. On the first Tuesday of the month, we need volunteers accept and sort donations in O’Connell Hall. For more information, contact Tia Patterson tiapatterson@me.com or 201-493-1160.

Ushers

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 or eenjj@optonline.net.

Vocation Chalice

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 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 can let one of the ushers know. The coordinator of the Mass will contact you. Weekend dates and procedures can then be decided. For more information contact the Church Office at 201-444-6362 or office@nativitynj.org.

Welcoming

This ministry extends the first official welcome to new parishioners with a personal phone call, follow-up visit if desired, and welcome packet along with a small token of welcome. For more information, contact the Parish Office at (201) 444-6362.