Ministries

We have over 30 ministries at St. Benedict, if you are interested in a ministry, please see listing below.                          

1. Advent Giving Tree: St. Benedict collects over 1,000 Christmas gifts for the following not for profit organizations: St. Vincent DePaul Society and the RAINE Foundation. Contact: Lori Ulrich / 732-264-4712 ext. 39.
2. 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.                                               
3. 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.                                                                               
4. 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 AL Gamalo at fral@stbenedictnj.org / 732-264-4712 x15.                                                                          
5. Baptismal Preparation: Deacon Steve, Deacon Rich, and Deacon Paul 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.                                                       
6. 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 pastoralcare@stbenedictnj.org.            
7. 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.
8. Contemporary Choir: Adult singers are welcome to join the Contemporary Choir which serves at the 11:00 a.m. Mass. Contemporary Choir rehearses on Wednesday at 8:00 p.m. in the choir room. Contact: Tom O'Brien at thomasobrienjr1@gmail.com / 908-601-4366.                 
9. 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.              
10. 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  
11. 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 AL Gamalo at fral@stbenedictnj.org / 732-264-4712 x15.                      
12. 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 mel0219@aol.com / 732-583-4252.            
13. 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: Ciro Saverino at saverino@stbenedictnj.org / 732-264-4712 x12.                  
14. 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: Ciro Saverino at saverino@stbenedictnj.org / 732-264-4712 x12.  
15. 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.              
16. 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.
17. 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.                        
18. 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: Parish Office at 732-264-4712.       
19. 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: Parish Office at 732-264-4712.                 
20. 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.
21. 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. 
22. Praise Choir: All singers and instrumentalists high school and up are invited to join Praise Choir which sings at the 5:00 p.m. Mass one Sunday per month. Rehearsals are at 4:00 p.m. on the day of the Mass. Contact Ellen Remick, remick@stbenedictnj.org.                 
23. 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: Parish Office at 732-264-4712.     
24. 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.  
25. 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.                   
26. 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.   
27. 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.  
28. 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.
29. 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.  
30. St. Benedict Annual Parish Carnival: The parish carnival is held on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the fall. 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 carnival 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.     
31. 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.      
32. 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 Mary Mykityshyn / marymyk23@gmail.com. For assistance, call SVDP at 732-264-4712 x33.   
33. 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.       
34. 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: Faith Formation Office at 732-264-4712 x24.  
35. 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.                 
36. 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.                
37. 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. Contact: Ciro Saverino at saverino@stbenedictnj.org / 732-264-4712 x12. 
38. Youth Choir: Children in Grades 2-8 are invited to join the Youth Choir which sings at the 9:30 a.m. Mass twice a month. Rehearsals are 4:00-5:00 p.m. on Fridays. Contact: Ellen Remick, remick@stbenedictnj.org.