Parish Ministries

New GREETER MINISTRY 
In our effort to be a more welcoming parish, we will be launching a Greeter Ministry at the 9:30 am Sunday Mass (and eventually expanding it to other Masses as well). When people arrive at Mass, it is good to be greeted with a smile and a word of welcome. If you are a smiling person, who loves St. Cecilia and wants to welcome others, contact Sherri at sherrianneashe@comcast.net. or 215-399-6178. Training is provided!


CARING FOR FRIENDS
Caring for Friends Ministry (originally known as Aid for Friends), founded by Rita Ungaro Schiavone to provide meals and companionship primarily for shut-ins, and others in need, was welcomed at St. Cecilia Parish many years ago.  Our volunteers donate homecooked meals, breakfast bags, and soups bringing them to the freezer located in the alcove between the church and rectory. Freezer Hours: Everyday from 8:30am-4:00pm. Usually once a week, a visitor gathers 7 meals for a client-friend and brings it to them while visiting for some time.  
For information on volunteering for this ministry, please contact Bernadette O'Donnell at 215-379-3448.

ALTAR SOCIETY
The Altar Society take special care of the Church by seeing that our place of worship is as clean as possible. Dedicated men and women gather once a week to dust, mop, and straighten up the inside of the Church.   
There are also a group of women who launder the altar linens weekly in their own homes.   
To join the Altar Society or the Altar Linen Ministries, please contact the rectory at 215-725-1240.

BEREAVEMENT TEAM
The Bereavement Team of Saint Cecilia Parish is dedicated to assisting fellow parishioners following the loss of a loved one.  They respectifully offer assistance to the family with the Funeral Liturgy and additional support is also offered during the first year through fellowship and prayer. 
For information about this ministry, please contact Paula Potts at 215-317-9802. 

CHARISMATIC PRAYER GROUP
The 'People of Love' Prayer Group meet every Monday at 7:30pm in Church.  Everyone is welcome to join us at any time.  Our mission is to intercede for all those who ask us to pray for them.
For information, please call the rectory at 215-725-1240. 

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF COMMUNION
The Lay Extraordinary Ministers answer the Church's call to care for all of God's people. In addition to assisting the priest in the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass, they bring the Eucharist to many of our homebound parishioners, the neighboring hospitals and nursing homes.
For information, please contact the rectory at 215-725-1240.

GIVING TREE
During the Advent Season, our parishioners donate gifts for the homeless shelters and other shelters in the Philadelphia area.  A Christmas tree is placed in Church with ornaments indicating the needs of the shelter residents.  Parishioners purchase the items indicated and bring them to Church the third Sunday of Advent.   The items are then organized and delivered to the shelters in time for Christmas.
For information, please contact Theresa Kuhar at 215-694-3709.

LECTORS
Lectors proclaim the Word of God during Mass and other liturgies during the year. Lectors also lead the Prayer of the Faithful in the absence of a deacon. Each lector strives to prepare carefully for his or her role in making God's Word manifest during liturgies. Lectors require a good speaking voice, knowledge of how to use a microphone, the ability to make eye contact with the assembly while reading, and an ability to be able to pronounce biblical names and places. Above all, Lectors must possess an enthusiasm for God's Word and the celebration of Mass. Volunteers are provided training prior to assuming the ministry.
For information, please contact Dave Schein at 215-725-0903.

MANNA FOOD DRIVE
Throughout the year (except during the summer months),on the third Sunday of the month, we invite parishioners to bring non-perishable food items to the vestibule of the church.  The Archdiocese's NDS Program collects the food and brings them to a distribution center.  
For information about the weekend collections, please see the Sunday Church bulletin.

MUSIC MINISTRY (ADULT CHOIR)
The Adult Choir sings at one Sunday Mass every week and on special occasions.
The Guitar Ensemble provides music at one of the Sunday Masses every week.
Cantors lead the assembly at most Masses at the Saturday Vigil and some Sunday morning Masses. 
Choir Practice is on Thursdays, at 7:00 pm in the Church. Please enter by the side door nearest the altar. All are welcomed. For information, please contact Phil Roberts at 732-915-3872​​​​​​ or call the rectory.

PARISH EVENT PLANNERS (PEP)
PEP plans and assists with parish events. Some events happen each year and some just once. PEP's goal is to offer events for parishioners to gather in fun and fellowship. Our mission statement is, “To Plan and offer events, both spiritually and socially that bring together the St. Cecilia community. The life of a parish includes fostering friendships among us as well as welcoming new members so that we can learn, encourage, and support each other.” 
If you would like to be involved in this engaging and entertaining group, please contact Mary Weymer at maryweymer@gmail.com. 

PRE-CANA
Marriage preparation is a time of planning for the wedding day and every day after.  The Pre-Cana team consists of several married couples who instruct engaged couples at a one day event or several evening meetings.  
For information on volunteering for the Pre-Cana team, please contact the rectory at 215-725-1240.

PRE-JORDAN
The Pre-Jordan team is led by Deacon Pat Diamond, along with several married couples, who are willing to share their time, understanding and their knowledge of the faith.  Parents preparing to have their child baptized are expected to attend a Pre-Jordan class, and Godparents are also welcome.
For information, please contact the rectory at 215-725-1240.  

PREP (Parish Religious Education Program)  
PREP (formerly known as CCD) provides religious education and sacramental preparation for the children in our parish who attend Charter, Public or non-Catholic private schools. Volunteers instruct the students every Sunday morning (9:15am - 10:45am), September through May in our school.  Catechists use textbooks approved by the U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. We invite, welcome, and make accommodations for the religious education of all parish children including those with physical, sensory, mental, and behavioral special needs.
Click here for additional PREP information. 

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
Any adult who has not been baptized, or those who have been baptized in a different faith, and would like to learn more about the Catholic faith are welcome to these classes.  Classes are led by parishioners and a priest or deacon.  
To learn more about this ministry, please contact the rectory at 215-725-1240.

SENIOR CITIZENS
This club was organized in 1971 and meet on Thursdays at 10:00am in the school auditorium from September through June.  They offer refreshments, games, guest speakers and fellowship.  All seniors ages 50 plus are invited to join and you do not have to be a member of St. Cecilia Parish to join.  

USHERS
Ushers assist in a variety of ways during Mass, from helping people find seats when necessary, to taking up the collections. They also ask people to take up the gifts during Mass if no one is assigned. Additional help is always welcome, especially during special Masses during Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Easter, and Holy Days of Obligation.
For information and to become an usher, please contact the rectory at 215-725-1240.