Parish Ministries
The Mission of St. Charles Borromeo Parish is to be responsive to the needs and aspirations of its parishioners. We truly hope that you will allow us to serve you. We have many ministries which are always ready to help. If you yourself have some gift to offer the parish we would be grateful to have you become actively involved. Some of our ministries are:
Contact Info
- Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers and Altar Servers
- If interested in any liturgical ministries , call the parish center at 856-629-0411.
- Choirs (Adult and Children) and Liturgical Musicians
- Contact Jojo Jordan at 856-256-1962
- Children's Liturgy of the Word
- This is for children in grades 1 to 5 during the 9AM Sunday Mass. Contact Joanne LaMaina at 856-875-5574
- Environment and Arts
- If you are creative with decorations and flowers contact Yvonne Janiszewski at 856-228-3692.
- Pre-Cana Ministry
- If you are in a good marriage and want to help couples preparing for marriage this ministry needs you.
For more information call Janice & Mike Selvato, 856-218-1519.
- Ushers and Greeters
- If you are outgoing and welcoming by nature this is the ministry for you. Call the Parish Center at 856-629-041l.
- Charlie's Angels
- A new ministry for seniors. Contact Nina Benigno, 856-582-1210.
- Sunday Pre-School
- This ministry teaches pre-school children using arts and crafts during the 11AM Mass.
Contact Denise Saverese at 856-627-640l.
- Religious Education
- Catechists teach religion to children from 1st grade to 8th grade. If you would like to share your faith,
contact Mary Ann Exler at 856-228-5694.
- Hospitality Ministry
- Members serve coffee, donuts, juice and other refreshments after the Sunday Masses and other occasions.
For more information contact Barbara & Jim Kenney at 856-629-0411.
- Social Justice Ministries
- St. Vincent de Paul, Cathedral Kitchen, American Red Cross Blood Drive, Interfaith Hospitality Network program.
If you are committed to furthering justice in our parish and local communities, contact Cam Giusti at 856-728-5710
MINISTRY FOR MOMS
Meets every 2nd and 4th Friday in the Padua Lounge in the church basement 10AM to 11:30AM. Please join us and bring your children (baby age and up). While the kids enjoy playtime, the moms enjoy fellowship and support in our vocation as Catholic mothers. we look forward to seeing you and your children as often as you are able to join us! For more information call Beverly 863-3773. Hope to see you there!
“Women at the Well”
The women’s group meets weekly on Tuesdays at
10am in the Parish Center Meeting Room. For
more information call Janet Moran, 875-6210.
NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING
True sexual "freedom." Free yourself from the oppression of the contraceptive mentality. Learn the truth - the wonderful truth - about Natural Family Planning. For more information nfpoffice@camdendiocese.org or call 856-756-7900, x6315
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VOCATION CROSS/Chalice: CALLED BY NAME
Parish families pray for encouragement and support for vocations to the priesthood, Permanent Diaconate and the religious life.
Families receive the Cross or chalice at Mass, take it home to be placed in a visible place to remind them of their commitment to prayer during the week, and then return the Cross or chalice the following Sunday. The family returning the Cross leads the procession at the beginning of Mass.
Please consider being a host family.
Call Mary McGonigle at 227-5478.
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The Association of the Holy Childhood is an intercessory prayer group that meets weekly to pray for our children and the children of the world. All are invited to join in prayer for one hour in the Emmaus Chapel on Monday nights at 7 PM.
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ST. CHARLES MEN'S MINISTRY
Meets on the third Sunday of each month at 7:00am in the Parish Center basement. Join
us for fellowship, prayer, and reflection on the bible and teachings of Jesus Christ
as they relate to our lives as Christian men.
Coffee, tea and a light snack are served.
Come once or as often you like--all are welcome! For more information, please call
Tony Killian: 728-9581 or Tom Avery: 227-2444
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MINISTRY OF CARE
Has someone you know suffered the loss of a loved one? Perhaps the members of this committee could be of some assistance. Please don't hesitate to call for more information at the Parish Center Office, 629-0411.
The services of the Funeral Luncheon Committee sponsored by the Ministry of Care, are available to parishioners. Please call the parish center office.
The Funeral Luncheon Committee has been active for several years. There is a need, and the concept does work. Volunteers are always needed. If you are interested in helping, please call the Parish Center Office.
THE FUNERAL LUNCHEON COMMITTEE NEEDS PEOPLE WHO ARE AVAILABLE DURING THE DAY TO HELP SERVE THE FUNERAL LUNCHEONS.
PLEASE CALL PARISH CENTER 629-0411..
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THE MARTHA MINISTRY
(Martha - disciple of the Lord and patron saint of cooks.)The Martha Ministry is a ministry of service in the parish. This group of volunteers work behind the scenes to set up for various parish and Diocesan meetings which take place at St. Charles. The primary function of the group is to arrange serving tables and seating, provide appropriate refreshments, and also clean up. Depending on the nature of the meeting, the presence of the volunteer may not be necessary during the meeting. If you are available, daytime or evening, and would like to be a member of this ministry, please call Ann Castellano at 228-1709.
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PARISH CENTER MINISTRY
Are you able to volunteer 2 hours per week, on a day of your choice, from 4:00 to 6:00PM or 6:00 to 8:00PM? The primary duty of this ministry is to answer the telephone and take messages, etc. If you would consider being a volunteer, please call the Parish Center Office at 629-0411.
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PRAYER CHAIN
The members of INTERCESSORY PRAYER LINE continue to faithfully pray for the intentions requested. Information regarding the status of those individuals and situations remembered by Prayer Line members would be welcomed. Please call Janet at 875-6210 or Joanne at 374-9523 with any updates on previous intentions or with any new intentions.
Anyone wishing to make a commitment to join the Prayer Line should call Janet or Joanne at the numbers listed above.
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SACRISTAN/ENVIRONMENT AND ARTS
This ministry focuses on keeping the altar area, the sacristy, the cry room, and other areas of the church clean and in good order.
A small group of big-hearted ladies who generously dedicate themselves to these and many other important tasks that are necessary for our environment of worship.
Will you prayerfully consider joining in this special service to God and to your parish? If you are interested and able to help, please call the Parish Center Office at 629-0411.
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ST. VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY
The St. Vincent de Paul Society is ready to help. Call the Parish Center Office at 856-629-0411. ALL INFORMATION ISCONFIDENTIAL.
The St. Vincent de Paul Society here at St. Charles provides the opportunity for members to grow in holiness through service to the needy. Even in this area of plenty, there are families and individuals who, through no fault of their own, don't always have enough to eat, or a warm place to spend the night. Sometimes, these people are not eligible for other assistance for a variety of reasons, and we provide emergency food from our food pantry, stocked by the donations of parishioners. In addition, we cooperate with numerous other agencies in the area with donations from our Giving Tree, Diaper and Outerwear drives throughout the year enabling us to share the wonderful generosity of the parish with many more people. The Casserole Program makes use of the time and talents of those who may not be able to leave their homes in service of others but who can cook a warm meal for someone else. The Youth Casserole program gives our young people a place to learn a vital lesson about the importance of helping others. They gain experience cooking and working as a team, and are empowered by the act of providing an essential service that would not happen without them. The casserole they create may feed someone who otherwise would go hungry. This small act of service has big implications!
St. Vincent de Paul Youth Casserole Program
Brochures to sign up in advance are available with the pans and lids in the vestibules of the church. Any questions, call Irma Colabrese at 228-5314.
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FOOD PANTRY
The wicker baskets on each side of the altar are for non- perishable food items used to stock the food pantry.
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CASSEROLE PROGRAM
Pans and lids are available in the foyers of the church. Frozen casseroles are collected at theReligious Education Center every second Tuesday from 12:30 to 1PM and the Monday before, from 7-8 PM. Consider preparing one or two casseroles. Call Irma Colabrese at 228-5314
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MUSIC MINISTRY
New members are always welcome! Approach one of the musicians at any Mass and ask about the ministry.
11:00 AM Mass + Adult Choir
Rehearsal every Tuesday 7;30 PM
Music Ministry at 6:00 PM Mass
Rehearsal every Sunday 5:00 PM
Come sing with us any Sunday
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LECTOR MINISTRY
Liturgical celebration is both an action of Christ the priest and His body, the Church. Through the liturgy, Christ's faithful people express in their own lives and manifest to others the real nature of the Church. These rites summon each one of us to be fully present: involved in the worship of God and open to the rich instruction that is offeres(Statement of Most Reverend James T. McHugh, past Bishop of Camden) Lectors are readers and bearers of God's word, who assist in the liturgical celebration, and so take on a special office within the Christian community. Lectors are given a responsibility in the service of the faith, which is rooted in the word of God. Any parishioner interested in becoming a lector should contact Jim Anzide at 856.227.5764.
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HIGH SCHOOL LECTORS
High school age boys and girls interested in becoming Lectors, please contact Jim Anzide for more information at 856-227-5764. Candidates must be over 14 and Confirmed.
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INTERFAITH HOSPITALITY MINISTRY
Our parish has recently committed to participating in an interfaith network which will address the needs of homeless families living in Gloucester County. The purpose of this network is to provide temporary housing and support to families who are homeless to assist them in their transition to
successful, independent living. Assistance is needed to renovate a building that will serve as a day center for the families, raise funds, prepare meals, provide child care, and offer technical assistance to families. If you are interested in learning more about this ministry, contact Tom Power (227-4005). See the Social Justice page for more information.
PRO-LIFE
Peace and Respect For Life
Respect for and development of human life requires peace. Peace is not merely the absence of war, and it is not limited to maintaining a balance of powers between adversaries. Peace cannot be attained on earth without safeguarding the goods of persons, free communication among men, respect for the dignity of persons and peoples, and the assiduous practice of fraternity. Peace is the “tranquility of order.” Peace is the work of justice and the effect of charity (CCC2304).
O Mary,
bright dawn of the new world,
Mother of the living,
to you do we entrust the cause of life:
Look down, O Mother,
upon the vast numbers
of babies to be born,
of the poor whose lives are made difficult,
of men and women
who are victims of brutal violence,
of the elderly and the sick killed
by indifference or out of misguided mercy.
Grant that all who believe in your Son
may proclaim the Gospel of life
with honesty and love
to the people of our time.
Obtain for them the grace
to accept that Gospel
as a gift ever new,
the joy of celebrating it with gratitude
throughout their lives
and the courage to bear witness to it
resolutely, in order to build,
together with all people of good will,
the civilization of truth and love,
to the praise and glory of God,
the Creator and lover of life.
Pope John Paul II
Stem Cell Research
Researchers now know that the apparent initial "promise" of [embryonic stem cells] was exaggerated. For example, because of their genetic instability and tendency to form potentially lethal tumors in host animals, those cells may not be ready for human clinical trials for years, if ever. At the same time, adult stem cells ansd other avenues that pose no moral problem have advanced quickly toward human clinical trials to treat corneal damage, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injury, sickle cell anemia, cardiac damage and many other conditions. (For details see www.stemcellresearch.org)-- Cardinal William H. Keeler, letter to House and Senate Appropriations Committees, July 7, 2004
In light of the recent developments in the State of New Jersey regarding stem cell research, the following is timely and informational.
Monsignor Tracy
Q: WHAT IS A STEM CELL?
A: A stem cell is a relatively unspecialized cell that, when it divides, can do two things: make another cell like itself, or make any of a number of cells with more specialized functions. For example, just one kind of stem cell in our blood can make new red blood cells, or white blood cells, or other kinds-depending on what the body needs. These cells are like the stem of a plant that spreads out in different directions as it grows.
Q: IS THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OPPOSED TO ALL STEM CELL RESEARCH?
A Not at all. Most stem cell research uses cells obtained from adult tissue, umbilical cord blood, and other sources that pose no moral dilemma. Useful stem cells have been found in bone marrow, blood, muscle, fat, nerves, and even in the pulp of baby teeth. Some of these cells are already being used to treat people with a wide variety of diseases.
Q: WHY IS THE CHURCH OPPOSED TO STEM CELL RESEARCH USING THE EMBRYO?
A: Because harvesting these stem cells kills the living human embryo. The Church opposes the direct destruction of all innocent human life for any purpose, including research.
Q: IF SOME HUMAN EMBRYOS WILL REMAIN IN FROZEN STORAGE AND ULTIMATELY BE DISCARDED ANYWAY, WHY IS IT WRONG TO TRY TO GET SOME GOOD OUT OF THEM?
A: In the end we all die anyway, but that gives no one a right to kill us. In any case, these embryos will not die because they are inherently unable to survive, but because others are choosing to hand them over to destructive research instead of letting them implant in their mother’s womb. One wrong choice does not justify an additional wrong choice to kill them for research, much less a choice to make taxpayers support such destruction, The idea of experimenting on human beings because they may die anyway also poses a grave threat to convicted prisoners, terminally ill patients, and others.
Q: HAVEN’T SCIENTISTS SAID THAT EMBRYONIC STEM CELL RESEARCH WILL LEAD TO THE CURE OF MANY DISEASES?
A: Some have made this claim, but in fact this is largely speculation. Embryonic stem cells have never treated a human patient, and animal trials suggest that they are too generically unstable and too likely to form lethal tumors to he used for treatment any time soon. Years ago it was said that stem cells from embryos would be the most useful because they are so fast-growing and versatile, able to make virtually any kind of cell. But those advantages become disadvantages when these cells make tumors, creating a condition worse than the disease. Yet many supporters remain wedded to this approach, having invested a great deal of money and effort and hoping they can still make it work. This kind of exaggerated “promise” has misled researchers and patient groups before. This was most obvious in the case of fetal tissue from abortions, which a decade ago was said to promise miracle cures and has produced nothing of the kind.
Q: HAS RESEARCH USING ADULT STEM CELLS EVER ACCOMPLISHED ANYTHING?
A: Thousands of lives have been saved by adult stem cells—most often in the form of “bone marrow transplants” for leukemia and other conditions (where the active ingredient in the bone mar row is stem cells). Today, adult stem cells have been used to help people with Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury, sickle-cell anemia, heart damage, corneal damage, and dozens of other conditions. The danger is that this progress toward cures will be halted or slowed by campaigns that divert attention and resources toward embryonic stem cell research
Q DID THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IN 2001 FORBID FUNDING ANY EMBRYONIC STEM CELL RESEARCH? A: No. In fact, the Federal Government gave $25 million to human embryonic stem cell research last year, but on August 9, 2001, President Bush said that federally funded research would use only embryonic stem cells already in existence (obtained by destroying embryos prior to that date). In this way, he reasoned, federal funds could be used to explore this research, without encouraging researchers to destroy new embryos in order to obtain federal grants. Some of these existing stem cell samples have been used to create more than 20 cell lines for research and others remain in storage for possible use in creating new cell lines in the future. There is no legal limit on the amount of funding that can be used for this avenue, If the total funding for it is relatively small, that is chiefly because researchers are not requesting the funds as they are finding other avenues more promising.
Q: CAN STEM CELLS BE STORED IN A BANK?
A: Yes, like donated blood or bone marrow, they can be frozen and banked. In 2003, for example, Congress approved funds to help create a nationwide umbilical cord blood stem cell bank. This was done in light of the many clinical benefits being discovered from these cells now usually discarded after live births. Many of the embryonic stem cell samples eligible for federally funded research under the current policy also remain frozen in banks, to be thawed and turned into stem cell lines when needed.
Q: WHAT IS A STEM CELL LINE?
A: It is an ongoing, living colony of stem cells in a laboratory, from which cells can be obtained for research or other uses, Sometimes these are called “immortal” cell lines, but that is misleading because they do eventually deteriorate. Embryonic stem cells are said to be easier to grow in a stem cell line, but they also tend to develop serious genetic abnormalities associated with cancer,
Q WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF HARVESTING DONOR CELLS FROM THE INTENDED RECIPIENT OF THE STEM CELL THERAPY?
A: Because these cells come from the patient, they are an exact match and will not be rejected by the body as foreign tissue. Also, because no foreign substance is placed in the body, there are fewer regulatory barriers to their medical use.
Let us pray for researchers and government officials. May they grow in respect for life in all its forms through natural development from the conception of the tiniest stem cell to natural death.
Respect For Life
Only a tiny fraction of abortions today are performed because of serious health risks or for rape or incest. The reality is that most women turn to abortion because they feel alone and helpless, abandoned or pressured by boyfriends or family members. Each and every woman deserves better than abortion; the problems she faces are ours to help solve.
If you are interested in receiving Pro-Life correspondence, please call Deacon Joe Chandler at
629-0411 oe email at busmgrscb@comcast.net
