Ministries

We have over 40 ministries at St. Benedict, if you are interested in a ministry, please see listing below.

1. Adopt an Elder: Adopt an Elder is a small group of volunteers who work together in teams to provide practical, emotional and spiritual support to older adults who may not be able to remain independent and in their own home without the assistance of others. Team activities include transportation to the doctor or grocery store, providing meals, running errands, visiting, making phone calls, bringing Holy Communion, praying the Rosary, doing yard work, etc. The team approach gives volunteers schedule flexibility, a built-in support system and the opportunity to do what they enjoy doing for others. Adopt an Elder is growing with ten teams ministering to ten adoptees. Contact: Lorrie McGee at mcgee@stbenedictnj.org / 732-264-4712 x37.                            
2. Advent Giving Tree: St. Benedict collects over 1,000 Christmas gifts for the following not for profit organizations: St. Vincent DePaul Society, CPC Behavioral Health Care Clinic (for special adults), Broadway House (AIDS patients); St. Anthony of Padua Church, Lakewood; St. Anthony Church, Red Bank; Catholic Charities, Martin House and the Puerto Rican Association. Contact: Toni Brescia at siesta6@comcast.net / 732-264-1002.
3. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): Alcoholics’ Anonymous meets on Monday at 8:00 p.m.  Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. and Friday at 5:45 p.m. in the Choir Room.                                               
4. Altar Linens: Volunteers are assigned on a rotating basis to launder and press corporals, finger towels, and purificators. Contact: Margaret Roddy in the parish office at roddy@stbenedictnj.org / 732-264-4712 x17.                                                                               
5. Altar Servers: Altar Servers are students from Grade 5 through high school who assist the priest and deacon reverently during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, at Nuptial Masses and Masses of Christian Burial, Stations of the Cross and Benediction. Registration and training take place in October/November. Contact: Father J.M. Patilla at frjohn@stbenedictnj.org / 732-264-4712 x15.                                                                
6. American Heritage Girls: AHG provides a traditional character development environment for girls ages 5 to 18; activities include troop meetings, community service projects, and outdoor experiences; opportunities to earn over 240 merit badges through 6 areas of program emphases; sports pins, service pins and religious recognition awards; opportunities for girls to grow through AHG’s unique progressive programming in leadership, develop teamwork and build confidence, life, social and spiritual skills for the 21st century. Visit us online at https://sites.google.com/site/stbenedictahg/  Contact: Maura Domashinski at Maura_Domashinski@hotmail.com / 908-578-3798.                                                                    
7. Assisted Transportation: In addition to Adopt an Elder, St. Benedict volunteers, through a grant received from the Monmouth County Office on Aging, provides emergency transportation to the doctors, county offices, bank, pharmacy, and grocery store for adults over 60 years of age. This ministry is especially important for emergency situations when the county SCAT bus is not available. An army of volunteers assist with this. St. Benedict has been providing over 500 units of service per quarter and has been asked to expand our services. Contact: Lorrie McGee at mcgee@stbenedictnj.org at 732-264-4712 x37.                                                          
8. Baptismal Preparation: Deacon Steve, Deacon Rich, and Deacon Ray conduct baptismal preparation classes for first time parents on the first Monday evening of the month at 7:30 p.m. in the Gathering Space. These classes provide an overview of the Sacrament of Baptism, the commitment being made and what is required to be a godparent. Contact: Margaret Roddy at roddy@stbenedictnj.org / 732-264-4712.                                                       
9. Bereavement Ministry: Bereavement Ministry is an organized parish response to the needs of a grieving family at the death of a loved one.  Bereavement Ministers have been trained to assist families in planning the Mass of Christian Burial in an effort to make the Mass more personal for those who are in mourning.  In addition to assisting the family plan the Mass, they would also provide a follow-up contact from the parish as a friend, and provide support group information if necessary. Contact: Susanne DeSimone at zzmickeyd@optonline.net / 732-290-0514. 
   • Pastoral Care: Are you answering your call to God? Have you been looking for a ministry to join? Do you have a calling to help others in need? Are you a compassionate listener? St. Benedict is looking to build a team of volunteers to continue the ministries we already have in place and create new ministries based on the needs of the parish. There is no commitment, you can learn more and discern if this is where God is calling you to serve. Planning the funeral Mass with a family, Grief support groups, Home visits, Prison ministry, Rainbows. To learn more about the Pastoral care at St. Benedict, questions can be directed to Carol DeMuria at carol.demuria@gmail.com.            
10. Book Club: Our Faith Formation ministry has successfully started a book club which meets once after each selected book is read. Please note, each book should be purchased and brought to the respective book discussion. The next reading with the book club is announced on the website and in the bulletin. Questions can be directed to the Faith Formation office.
11. ChristLife: ChristLife is a three-part evangelization process that equips the parish to enter into the New Evangelization. The courses are Discovering Christ, Following Christ and Sharing Christ. Discovering Christ is a seven-week experience that invites people to explore the meaning of life and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It is a program where you can uncover the treasure of a personal relationship with God and find out how He can make a difference in your life. A weekday session includes a free meal, prayer, a video-based presentation of the Gospel and small group discussions. Contact: Jean Fiorelli at christlife@stbenedictnj.org. 
12. Collection Counters: Realizing that all tasks surrounding the Mass are sacred, collection counters are organized into five teams and are entrusted with counting the offering every five weeks. Contact: Fran DeMuria at demuria@stbenedictnj.org / 732-264-4712 x30.         
13. Cub Scouts, Webelos and Boy Scouts: The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is one of the nations largest and most prominent values-based youth development organizations. The BSA provides a program for young people that builds character, trains them in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and develops personal fitness. BSA builds the future leaders of this country by combining educational activities and lifelong values with fun. The Boy Scouts of America believes — and, through over a century of experience, knows — that helping youth is a key to building a more conscientious, responsible, and productive society. Contact: Frank Radics at hreng@aol.com / 732-583-4810.              
14. Daisies, Brownies & Juniors Girl Scouts: In Girl Scouts, girls discover the fun, friendship, and power of girls together. Through a myriad of enriching experiences, such as extraordinary field trips, sports skill-building clinics, community service projects, cultural exchanges, and environmental stewardships, girls grow courageous and strong. Girl Scouting helps girls develop their full individual potential; relate to others with increasing understanding, skill, and respect; develop values to guide their actions and provide the foundation for sound decision-making; and contribute to the improvement of society through their abilities, leadership skills, and cooperation with others. Contact: Kim Hewski at khewski@me.com  
15. Eucharistic Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC): EMHC assists the priest and deacon at Mass by distributing Holy Communion. They also bring Holy Communion to the sick and infirm in their homes, at Bayshore Community Hospital, Bayshore Health Care Center and The Willows. EMHC are appointed by Father J.M. Patilla. Contact: Father J.M. Patilla at frjohn@stbenedictnj.org / 732-264-4712 x15.           
16. Family Ministry: This newly formed ministry serves the needs of families with children in the parish. Throughout the year various family events will be hosted to involve our fellow parishioner families. New ideas and members are welcome. Contacts: Maria Franz, Al Perno, and Tom Lane at familyevents@stbenedictnj.org.               
17. Health Care Ministry: The Healthcare Ministry has been active at St. Benedict since 1996. Health education and blood pressure screenings are the goals of this ministry. Registered nurses provide blood pressure screenings on the third Sunday of the month from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in the kitchen next to the sacristy. Contact: Mary Ellen Strozak at mstrozak@meridianhealth.com / 732-583-4252.            
18. High School Youth Group: The High School Youth Group is open to all students in Grades 9-12 for monthly meetings, as well as spiritual, social and service activities. Contact: Matt Santucci at santucci@stbenedictnj.org / 732-264-4712 x12.                  
19. Middle School Youth Group: The Middle School Youth Group is open to all students in Grades 6-8 for monthly meetings, as well as spiritual, social and service activities. Contact: Matt Santucci at santucci@stbenedictnj.org / 732-264-4712 x12.  
20. Hospitality Committee: The Hospitality Committee assist with the hospitality/social functions in a variety of ways, including ticket sales, shopping, baking, food preparation, decorating, event set-up and clean-up for various parish functions such as parish parties, installations, and receptions. Contact: Lori Ulrich in the Parish Office at ulrich@stbenedictnj.org / 732-264-4712 ext. 39.              
21. Junior Lectors: The Junior Lector Program prepares young parishioners to proclaim the Word of God at Mass. Our Junior Lector ministry is comprised of children and teens in grades 6-12 that would like to serve the community. If interested, fill out a registration form and return it to Eileen Cannarozzo in the Parish Office. For more information on this ministry, contact Eileen Cannarozzo at cannarozzo@stbenedictnj.org or by calling the office at 732-264-4712.
22. Lectors: Readers proclaim the Word of God at Mass on Sundays, Holy Days of Obligation and Daily Mass. Contact: Eileen Cannarozzo at cannarozzo@stbenedictnj.org.                        
23. Kenosis (Prison Ministry): Kenosis is an interdenominational Christian ministry whose programs are presented in state correctional institutions for men. Team members present a three-day course on Christianity at the prison semiannually. Monthly follow up meetings are scheduled at the prison. Thirty inmates (15 Catholic and 15 Protestant) who attend the weekend are chosen by the Catholic and Protestant prison chaplains. Contact: Jack Lietz at hlietz@optimum.net / 732-583-4602 or Joe Carroll at jcarroll122@verizon.net / 732-264-6320.       
24. Knights of Columbus: The history of the Knights of Columbus shows how the foresight of Father Michael J. McGivney, whose cause for sainthood is being investigated by the Vatican, brought about what has become the world's foremost Catholic fraternal benefit society. The Order has helped families obtain economic security and stability through its life insurance, annuity, and long-term care programs, and has contributed time and energy worldwide to service in communities. The Knights of Columbus has grown from several members in one council to more than 14,000 councils and 1.8 million members throughout the United States and beyond. At St. Benedict, the Knights are a fraternity of Catholic men 18 years of age and older who provide and serve in a variety of ministries: social events, fundraisers, blood drives to name a few. They have supported Eagle Scout projects, children with cancer fundraisers, the food pantry, Right to Life and the “Friendship Feast,” which serves a turkey dinner with all the trimmings to approximately 200 persons. The Knights also provide muscle for set up and take down of parish events as well as delivery for the St. Vincent DePaul Virtual Thrift Shop. Contact: Matt Buhse at / 732-264-4712.                 
25. Marriage Ministry: The marriage ministry is a peer, intergenerational ministry that serves the full range of spiritual, emotional and social/relational needs of all married couples through every stage of marriage and family life. All married couples are welcome to join. For information regarding the ministry, please contact Lori McCahill at mccahill@stbenedictnj.org or 732-264-4712 x27.
26. Merciful Savior Prayer Group: Merciful Savior Prayer Group meets every Monday evening from 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. in the Chapel. A prayer group of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, their purpose is to praise the Lord and be open to the Holy Spirit through spontaneous prayer, intercessory prayer and scripture reflection. Contact: Sal and Janice Alagona at salpal1@webtv.net / 732-264-5744. 
27. Pray for Vocations: St. Benedict parishioners are praying for vocations. Families agree to take one of five icons of St. Benedict and prayer cards home with them after Sunday Mass, and as a family, pray for vocations every day for a week. The following Sunday, each family returns the icon and another family takes the icon to pray every day for a week for vocations. Sign up is available in the Gathering Space. Contact: Toni Brescia at siesta6@comcast.net / 732-264-1002.     
28. Prayer Shawl Ministry: Parishioners who like to knit or crochet would be ideal ministers to pray while knitting/crocheting a shawl/afghan for a person who is ill or has suffered a loss or any other hardship.  Shawls and afghans are given freely with love. Contact: Caroline Cattani at mrsc1998@hotmail.com / 732-566-2085.  
29. Pre-Cana: Pre-Cana is a one day course, held twice a year in April and November, for Catholic couples preparing for marriage. The name is derived from the Wedding Feast at Cana. Topics include compatibility of the couple, basic principles of Catholic marriage and family life, sacramental theology of marriage and conflict resolution within marriage. The day ends with the Mass when engagement rings are blessed. Contact: Lori McCahill / 732-264-4712 x27.              
30. Preschool Liturgy of the Word: On Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Mass, the Liturgy of the Word for Preschool Children is an age-appropriate instruction of the Word of God for 4 and 5-year-old parishioners. The class follows the same format as the Liturgy of the Word in Church and a craft or art project is added. Contact: Faith Formation office / 732-264-4712 x24.
31. Rainbows: Rainbows is a program dedicated to helping children and teens grieving a death, divorce or other painful transitions within their family.  The Rainbows age-appropriate curriculum helps build confidence and self-esteem for vulnerable children during a very difficult time in their lives. Sensitive, caring, trained adults help children put their feelings into words, work through their grief, and begin to accept what has taken place within a family.  To learn more, visit www.rainbows.org. Contact: Pastoral Care at pastoralcare@stbenedictnj.org / 732-264-4712 x24. 
32. Reading Rebels: Preschool children ages 3-5 are welcome to join us for an hour of story time and story-related crafts as we host St. Benedict Reading Rebels in St. Benedict School library on Mondays. Contact: Lori Ulrich at ulrich@stbenedictnj.org or readingrebels@stbenedictnj.org / 732-264-4712 x39.                
33. Respect Life Committee: The Respect Life Committee focuses on the protection of human life, the protection of human dignity, and our responsibility as Catholics. They keep parishioners up to date with current developments in Respect Life issues by including them in the bulletin and parish website. Contact: Deacon Rich Morris at deaconrichmorris@gmail.com / 732-888-0928.   
34. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA): RCIA is designed for those 15 years of age and older who are interested in becoming Catholic. Those who are baptized (Catholic or non-Catholic) and have the desire to receive First Holy Communion and Confirmation, who have never been baptized or are interested in gaining a clearer understanding of the Catholic faith, are asked to consider RCIA. Classes normally meet following the 9:30 a.m. Mass at St. Benedict. Please call Carol Cesario at 732/264-4712 x24 to register or if you have any questions. A team member will call you prior to our start date. At the Easter Vigil, those who are comfortable in receiving the sacraments will become full members of the Catholic Church.  In addition, those who have not been baptized or have not received Holy Communion will be asked to attend the first part of the Mass (Liturgy of the Word) on Sunday as a group, followed by a half hour or so discussing scripture, beginning the First Sunday of Advent. Contact: Faith Formation office / 732-264-4712 x24.  
35. Senior Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) / Food Stamp Applications: St. Benedict works with the Monmouth County Food Bank and Brookdale Community College to provide office space for a volunteer to process food stamp applications on site twice a month. Clients who come to the food pantry apply for SNAP and/or food stamps. Contact: Debbie Palacios at dplizzymom4@optonline.net / 732-918-2600 x234.
36. SHIP Counseling: We have a certified State Health Insurance Program counselor on staff at St. Benedict to assist with Medicare A, B, C and D enrollment, and questions. Assistance with Specified Low Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB), Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB), and Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD) applications is also provided. Counselors attend quarterly update meetings to remain current with changes in Medicare and to ease fears experienced by seniors who receive mountains of mail from the government that is difficult to understand. Contact: Lorrie McGee at mcgee@stbenedictnj.org / 732-264-4712 x37.  
37. St. Benedict Annual Parish Carnival: In its tenth year, the parish festival is held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day weekend. The purpose of the fair is to build community, and features: food, beer tent, rides, wheels and games of chance, adult and children’s games, hourly entertainment, displays from local vendors and ceremonies honoring our veterans, police, fire and EMT personnel. The Festival concludes with the drawing of the super 50/50, one of the parish and school’s largest annual fundraisers. Contact: Parish Office at 732-264-4712.     
38. St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry: The Food Pantry feeds approximately 2,000 people per month. Food is received through generous donations of food from parishioners, local businesses and civic organizations, and matching funds through grants from foundations and benefactors. Food is also purchased from the Food Bank and local food markets. Fresh milk is purchased every week. Frozen meat, fresh eggs, fruits, and vegetables are also available. Contact: SVDP at svdp@stbenedictnj.org / 732-264-4712 x34.      
39. St. Vincent de Paul Society: Run by an executive board of “Vincentian” volunteers, the St. Vincent DePaul Society collects over $200,000 per year through donations from parishioners, grant solicitations, and corporate matching funds. These donations are administered through intake volunteers who make home visits. Cases are created and voted upon at each meeting, carefully substantiating need. Clients are screened and referrals to other county programs that will provide long-term help are often made. Disbursements for the Food Pantry average approximately $7,000 - $8,000 per month. SVDP also provides funds to other parishes and Project Paul in Keansburg, who ask for financial help for their cases. In addition, they provide holiday meals for Thanksgiving and Christmas, as well as Christmas gifts for over 1,000 children each year. To volunteer, contact: President Bill Casey / billy.casey@hotmail.com. For assistance, call SVDP at 732-264-4712 x33.  
40. Teen Choir: Students in Grades 9-12 are welcome to join the newly formed Teen Choir, which performs every 3rd Saturday of the month at the 5:00 p.m. Mass. The Teen Choir is an ensemble of high school student singers and band members who serve at the 5:00 p.m. Mass once per month. The Teen Choir focuses on contemporary Catholic music. All high school students who enjoy serving in song are welcome to join. Our Teen Choir Director is Ellen Remick. Contact: Ellen Remick at remick@stbenedictnj.org / 732/888-1828.                
41. The Youth Choir: Students from Grades 2 - 8 are welcome to join the Children’s Choir, which sings at every Children’s Mass (offered approximately once a month) at the 9:30 a.m. Mass and rehearses on Friday at 4:00 p.m. in Church. Contact: Ellen Remick at remick@stbenedictnj.org / 732-888-1828.       
42. Ushers: Men and women ushers serve as hospitality ministers before and after each Mass, and collect and the offering to the priest. Contact: Gerry McKeever at jprex52@aol.com / 732-264-3810.       
43. Vacation Bible School (VBS): For a week during the summer, students entering Grades K – 5 learn about the Bible through age-appropriate lessons, songs, crafts, skits, and activities. A number of adult and youth volunteers offer their time and talent to make VBS an annual success! Contact: Melanie Bennett / 732-264-4712.  
44. Vegetable Garden: The parish vegetable garden began as an Eagle Scout project and is maintained by parishioners. In-kind donations of seeds, plants, fertilizer, wood chips, tools, and supplies keep overhead costs thin. This year’s harvest surpassed one ton of produce to include: peppers, zucchini, summer squash, eggplant, cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots and turnips, all of which was received by the food pantry for distribution to clients. Contact: Bob Cognat at cognat@stbenedictnj.org / 732-264-4712 x20.                 
45. Wednesday Morning Prayer Group: This prayer group meets on the second Wednesday of the month after the 9:00 a.m. Mass in the Chapel to pray for their own special intentions and those of the parish. Everyone is welcome. "Where two or three are gathered in my name there am I in the midst of them . . ." (Matthew 18:20) Contact: Hilare Reinold at momr9@optonline.net / 732-566-7237.                
46. Young Adult Ministry: This group is new to our parish, our hope is to connect with the young adult population of our church and surrounding community to inspire and encourage a relationship with our Lord and fellowship with each other. We are currently looking for members as well as leaders to help grow this ministry and its efforts. If you are interested or have questions please contact us. Contacts: Matt Santucci at santucci@stbenedictnj.org or Ashley Albro, Shannon Connelly, and Michael McCahill at youngadults@stbenedictnj.org.