SUPPORT MINISTRIES
1. ANNULMENT ADVOCATES
Parishioners trained by the Diocesan Tribunal are available to assist those wishing to pursue the annulment process. Each request is as unique as the persons who entered the marriage. The deeper understanding that can come from an honest and searching study of one’s broken marriage can heal wounds and hurts profoundly. An annulment may bring about spiritual closure to the past, permit the con-validation of a present marriage, or provide part of the solid foundation for a lasting and successful marriage in the future, For information, accurate facts, and appointments call the special private line through the parish office. 732-269-2208 Ext. 309
For more information on annulments please call Fr. Kevin (ext. 104) or Fr. Al (ext. 116).
2. BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP
This support group provides a safe environment for the bereaved; 1) to share their pain 2) to gain insight and healing through self awareness and education and 3) to come to a greater acceptance their loss and situation. When a new group comes together a calendar is set up for the convenience of the majority of participants (e.g. mornings or evenings). Pre-registration is usually required to determine if the person is ready to participate in such a group.
Individual bereavement counseling is also available through the Pastoral Counseling Center ext. 117, or any of our priests.
3. CAMILLUS VISITOR PROGRAM
The Camillus Visitors are volunteers who visit our handicapped, sick, and homebound parishioners. The purpose of this group is to provide a spiritual connection between our parish community and those who are unable to participate in our services and activities.
For more information please call Deacon Michael ext. 100.
4. PRISM
A support group program for single parents and step-parents. The Hurt, The Healing,
The Hope, is offered and designed to have you take an honest look at the person you are today and the parent you are to your children. Commitment, the only requirement, 12 weekly sessions, a workbook with a facilitator, trained by Rainbows. Call 732-269-2208, ext. 128 to register. Visit www.rainbows.org or www.rainbowsnj.org for more information.
5. COMFORT MINISTRY
Members of the Comfort Ministry contact and meet with the family of a deceased parishioner to help them plan the Funeral Mass. and followup outreach to grieving parishioners.They help select readings and hymns and encourage the family to participate in the Mass (by reading the Scriptures, giving a euology, placing the pall on the casket and/or bringing the offertory gifts to the altar). When needed, the members will assist at the Mass and aid the family in any way they can. The Ministry meets whenever there is a need to do so. If you would like to join this ministry please call the parish office. Training is available upon request. For more information please call ext. 104.
6. PASTORAL COUNSELING CENTER-- 732-269-2208 ext 117
Various forms of individual and/or family pastoral counseling are available.
Jerry Bowden, MSW, ext. 328, is available for counseling in the evenings and on Saturday mornings by appointment and Dan Waddington, MA, ext. 117, is also available by appointment. The Pastoral Counseling Center is located in the Rectory - 33 Woodland Road. Persons seeking Pastoral Counseling will be given a copy of the parish policies and asked to comply if they wish to continue in this healing process. For a copy of the polices, please call the Parish Office or the Pastoral Counseling Center.
7. THE ELIZABETH MINISTRY
This ministry is dedicated to the support and well being of women during their childbearing years. and special times of motherhood. It is an outreach in which women help other women during a time of pregnancy, birth, adoption, or infant crisis. The purpose of this ministry is to affirm, support, encourage, and assist women in response to their needs during these cruial years. The program provides support to those who are suffering the pain of miscarriage, infertility, or failed adoption. Women volunteer to become ministers in the areas they have experienced such as multiple births, adoption and difficult pregnancies. It empowers women to relate to each other in a spirit of inclusiveness and sisterhood. We welcome young familes into the parish community as well. We are always looking for volunteers. This ministry is open to all women of childbearing age. Volunteers can help as much or as little as possible, according to one's time schedule, availability and talents. Volnteers will be trained at different times of the year. Sometimes there will be home or hospital visits. Women become mentors of one another in the wonderful adventure of bringing new life into the world. If you would like to talk to an Elizabeth Minster for any reason or have a need, please call our extention and leave a message. If you would like to voluntter please call and ask for Stephanie or Donna. 732-269--2208 Ext. 331
8. RAINBOWS FOR GOD’S CHILDREN
The largest world-wide organization dedicated to helping youth cope with loss (due to death in the family or separation or divorce of parents) RAINBOWS is offered by trained facilitators in small, confidential groups. Empathetic listening, appropriate skills and activities heal grieving hearts, because it does not have to hurt forever. 12 week sessions are provided at no cost. See www.rainbows.org or www.rainbowsnj.org. Ext. 128
9. MINISTRY TO SEPARATED, DIVORCED, REMARRIED CATHOLICS
This is group founded to provide hope and support to all who have experienced the trauma of divorce and separation. By sharing our feelings and experiences with each other and with trained facilitators the journey of healing begins. We address the religious, emotional, financial, and parenting issues relative to separation, divorce, and remarriage. Through conferences, seminars, workshops, speakers, and social events we eliminate many myths, make known Christ’s abundant love. We meet on Thursdays from 8:15 to 9:45 PM in Fr. Rucki Hall during the school year and in the Annex in the warmer months. There are no fees, confidentiality is maintained. We are members of the North American Conference of Separated and Divorced Catholics, Region 3. Refer to www. nacsdc.org for international and regional news and events. For more information, call 732-269-2208, ext.128
SOCIAL SERVICES
1.CAREGIVERS OF CENTRAL OCEAN COUNTY, INC.
This coalition has a mission to provide supportive homecare services to the frail, elderly, disabled, and the homebound. Volunteers enable our friends, neighbors, and parishioners to live independently in their own homes. Volunteers will then be trained by the Caregivers Organization. To participate all one needs is a caring, loving, and generous heart with a willingness to give non-medical support to homebound individuals. 732-269-2208 Ext. 128
2. FOOD PANTRY- Located in Rectory Offices' Garage-
A food pantry is available to help our friends and neighbors in temporary need. Requests for food are made through the parish office. Volunteers assist in preparing the food. Those needing help are asked to pick up their completed request at the parish office.
732-269-2208 Ext. 134
3. INTERFAITH HOSPITALITY NETWORK (IHNOC)
This is part of a national, non-profit, interfaith ministry committed to uniting the county religious communities and providing shelter, meals, and assistance to homeless families. Currently there are about a dozen congregations that operate as host sites for a maximum of fifteen people. St. Barnabas Parish functions as a support parish. We provide volunteers for St. Paul Lutheran Church in Beachwood. These volunteers are trained by the Interfaith Community. Compassion, acceptance, and a willingness to help provide a safe haven is offered while IHNOC guests seek employment and/or affordable housing. Volunteers make a commitment to serve about four times a year to provide a meal, a listening ear, and a safe environment.
732-269-2208 Ext. 100
4. PARISH NURSING MINISTRY
This program is a health care ministry for St. Barnabas Parish. The ministry encourages each individual’s spiritual, physical, emotional, and social well-being in the context of their relationship with God, family, and neighbors. The program is rooted in the mission of the church which calls us “to go out and preach the kingdom of God and to heal (the sick).” Luke 9:2. It attempts to recognize God’s desire that we achieve abundant life and reaffirms and supports our journey to wholeness. Through this program we seek to develop creative ways to address needs and identify resources which will help to nurture the body, mind, and spirit of all. The team consists primarily of licensed nurses, other members of health care professions, and anyone interested in participating in activities related to the promotion of health within the parish. The Parish Nursing Office is located in the Pastoral Counseling Center in the Rectory
732-269-2208 Ext. 115
5. RESPECT LIFE
The purpose is to promote an awareness of respect for life from conception until natural death. This is addressed by providing educational opportunities and by sponsoring activities, which occur on the parish, diocesan, and the national level. We encourage prayer for the preservation of the sanctity of human life. All who are committed to the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church with regard to the life are welcome to join. We meet once a month. Ext. 303
6. THE ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY -Located In Rectory Offices
This is a Catholic lay organization whose volunteers help those who are in need. SVDP help includes any person-to-person assistance that promotes -human dignity and integrity. In addition to assistance with the material necessities of life, members visit and offer companionship to those who contact the parish for any assistance with food, finances or other areas of social concern. As a reflection of the family of God, SVDP members are drawn from every ethnic and cultural background, age group, and economic level. They form small groups called “conferences” that meet regularly, pray together, and carry out their selected charitable works. They are united in the worldwide movement of the St. Vincent de Paul Society by a common philosophy and mutual sharing. If you are in need of assistance or would like to volunteer for our St. Vincent DePaul Society, please call
732-269-2208 Ext 134
If you are in need of furnishings or clothing, or would like to donate such items, we handle this on a case by case basis. Please call ext. 134
7. THE SAINT BARNABAS PARISH SOCIAL ACTION HOTLINE 732-269-2208 Ext. 308
If you are in need of assistance other then food or finances, (which is handled by the St. Vincent DePaul Society - above) please let us know how we may be able to help you or someone you know who is in need. If you need furnishings or clothing or would like to donate such items, please call the hotline at ext. 308. Thank you.
LITURGICAL MINISTRIES (see Committees section for more information)
1. ALTAR SERVERS
If you would like to be an Altar Server you need to be in the Fourth Grade or older. Adults are also welcome to be Altar Servers. There will be mandatory training throughout the year. Please contact the Parish Office at 732-269-2208 ext. 116 to get more information.
2. GREETERS
Greeters offer hospitality as people come to Church or attend Community Sunday or other social events in the parish. If you would like to be a Greeter please contact Sr. Janis at
732-269-2208 ext. 100
3. READERS (LECTORS)
If you think you are called to Proclaim the Word of God you need to be interviewed and audition as well as attend training sessions, ongoing formation and keep to the parish schedule and policies. For more information please contact Sr. Janis at 732-269-2208 ext. 104.
4. EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF THE EUCHARIST
This ministry is vital and sacred. If you would like to consider being a Eucharistic Minister there is an application and interview process and you need to be approved by the pastor. EM' s distribute Holy Communion at Masses and visit the sick who are homebound or in hosptials or nursing homes. If you are interested please contact Fr. Kevin at ext. 104
5. USHERS
If you would like to be an usher and greet people at Mass, help with the collection, escort the handicapped and other hospitality, please contact the Parish Office ext. 100
6. LITURGY COMMITTEE
The Liturgy Committee helps plan Masses, Feast Days and Liturgical Seasons. They meet monthly and have ongoing formation. If you are interested please contact Sr. Janis at ext. 104.
7. MUSIC MINISTRY - Please click on the Music Ministry section of our homepage for more information or call Stephane at 732-269-2208 ext. 105.
PLEASE SEE OUR PARISH HANDBOOK SECTION FOR ALL OTHER PARISH COMMITTEES AND ORGANIZATIONS. THANK YOU.
