An altar server contributes to the enhancement of liturgical celebrations while at the same time teaching reverence and closeness to God. Boys and girls in grades four through high school receive training and are organized into teams assigned to the various liturgies. During a very difficult time, the Church becomes present to grieving persons in a special way through the Ministry of Consolation. In this work we invite family members to participate in the preparation of the liturgy by selecting readings and songs, and taking an active role in the funeral service as lectors, in reading the prayers of intercession, and in presenting bread and wine at the offertory. The survivors are also encouraged to share their memories of the deceased person and in so doing to help us to better appreciate their love and their loss. This ministry assists with the distribution of Communion at Mass when a priest or deacon is unavailable or the number of communicants is so large as to create an inordinate delay in the celebration of the liturgy. Persons called to this ministry are nominated by the pastor and accepted by the Bishop. Special training is provided in the catechesis of this ministry by the diocese and is followed by a practicum in the parish. Ministers generally volunteer to serve at a particular Mass. Eucharistic Ministers also distribute Communion to the sick, the homebound and those in nursing homes in the parish. Additional training in this ministry is required. Family Ministry’s mission is to help share the Word of God with our young people and their families by fostering the Religious Education program and by encouraging families to regularly practice their Faith - at weekly Mass, Family Rosary, Stations of the Cross and other prayerful events throughout the year. The proclamation of Scripture is an essential part of the Mass. Lectors attend diocesan sponsored training before beginning their ministry and find support in workshops sponsored by the parish. Lectors generally serve at a particular Mass on a rotating schedule. Persons who feel comfortable speaking before a group are invited to join in the proclamation of God's Word. The committee meets monthly to pray, reflect and plan the celebration of parish liturgies. Pastoral staff members propose parishioners to the pastor or his designee who interviews and selects candidates for the committee. Members attend diocesan-sponsored training courses to deepen their understanding of liturgical rubrics. They relate to the pastoral staff and other ministries involved in different aspects of liturgical celebration, e.g., lectors, music ministry, ushers, etc. in coordination with the pastoral staff, they implement changes designed to foster Christ's presence in the Liturgy for all who worship in our parish. The music ministry seeks to actively preserve the rich heritage of liturgical music, as well as to explore new musical directions that befit the spirit and dignity of the liturgy. This commitment to great music is reflected in several ministries: Cantors: Leaders of song who encourage and enhance the participation of the congregation in singing at Mass. Training and on-going support is provided. Adult Choir: The Adult Choir assists the congregation in singing at the 11:00 a.m. Mass every Sunday and enhances the liturgy with motets and reflective music. The choir also sings for Christmas, Easter and Holy Week services as well as at special seasonal concerts. The choir rehearses every Thursday evening. Children's Choir Children from grades 3 through 8 meet every Thursday afternoon to practice singing at the Family Masses and other special parish functions. Songs used are especially chosen to capture the interest of the children and enhance their participation in the liturgy. Inquiries may be made directly to the Music Office at 516-420-0950. Cleanliness is next to Godliness as evidenced that "Cleaners" and "Clergy" appear on the same page of the Yellow Pages. This committee is responsible for the maintenance of the parish worship areas. Duties include cleaning the sanctuary and sacristy, changing and laundering altar linens, assisting in decorating the sanctuary in accordance with liturgical seasonal norms, and maintaining inventory control of vestments, linens and altar server's cassocks. The first person one is likely to meet when coming to Mass is one of the men and women who serve as ushers. Their presence, conversation and demeanor speak of a genuine desire that all who come to St. Kilian are welcome. Ushers help respond to the needs of the congregation, help visitors find seats, take up the collection and assist in organizing the people who present the gifts at the Offertory.
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MINISTRIES OF RELIGIOUS FORMATION |
Responding to the call of the United States' Bishops to reinvigorate our faith through a lifelong journey of understanding, proclaiming and living their faith, the parish Adult Formation team plans programs to deepen the spiritual lives of the St. Kilian faith community through a variety of programs and courses. Members attend Diocesan sponsored training to assist them in their endeavors. The Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated every Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Parents participate in a preparation meeting prior to their child's Baptism. Members of this ministry assist the Priests and Deacons who administer the sacrament and through personal contact act as "welcomers" to the families on behalf of the parish. A happy, lasting, sacramental marriage unites husband, wife and Jesus. A six-week marriage preparation program is offered three times a year for engaged couples. Married couples are always needed to help lead a Pre-Cana group. Arrangements for the marriage ceremony are made through the rectory. A priest or deacon will assist the couple with parish guidelines including banns, required Pre-Cana options, planning the Liturgy, licensing requirements, music, flowers, photography, rehearsals and fees. A brochure explaining the process is available in the rectory. Engaged couples should make an appointment to see a priest or deacon at least six months prior to their wedding date. The St. John Baptist de La Salle Regional School, Farmingdale, offers a full program from Nursery School through Grade 8, including an after-school Care Center. The curriculum exceeds the standards of the New York State Education Department while providing the spiritual and moral framework unique to Catholic Education. The Regional School Board consists of the pastors of the four cooperating parishes (St. Kilian, St. Martin of Tours, St. James and St. Pius) and representatives of the Parent community and school administration. Inquiries concerning opportunities for service should be made directly to the principal of the school at 516-694-3610. The Religious Education Program is organized to demonstrate the Pastoral Staff's commitment to guiding young people on their faith journey and providing them with a catechesis based on sacred scripture, tradition, liturgy, teaching and the life of the Church. Children in first through sixth grades attend one and one-half hour classes on Saturday mornings or Monday afternoons. The Confirmation program for 7th graders offers instruction on Monday evenings for one and one-half hours to fulfill the classroom component of their sacramental preparation. Instruction, prayer and service experiences are presented to students, as well as opportunities to share their faith with their families, sponsors and parish. Vacation Bible School is offered for one week each August for youngsters, ages 4-12. More than one hundred volunteer catechesis are needed to staff this program. Opportunities for administrative support personnel are also available. Catechists receive training and support in this ministry vital to the future of our church. Inquiries may be made directly to the Director of Religious Education at 516-694-0633. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a formation process by which adults are initiated into the Catholic Church. It is a process of conversion, both for the people going through it, and for the community to which these people belong. The RCIA process is a community event reminding the entire parish that the initiation of adults is the concern and responsibility of all the baptized, called to minister through the witness of their lives and the openness of their attitudes. The St. John Baptist de La Salle Regional School, Farmingdale, offers a full program from Nursery School through Grade 8, including an after-school Care Center. The curriculum exceeds the standards of the New York State Education Department while providing the spiritual and moral framework unique to Catholic Education. The Regional School Board consists of the pastors of the four cooperating parishes (St. Kilian, St. Martin of Tours, St. James and St. Pius) and representatives of the Parent community and school administration. Inquiries concerning opportunities for service should be made directly to the principal of the school at 516-694-3610. Small groups meet weekly to study, share, pray, read and reflect on Scripture. Participants are encouraged to notice how God is active in their lives and to seek opportunities to further transform themselves. Groups use various models of bible study including the Little Rock and Renew 2000 programs. Some groups follow their own model of spiritual reading and reflection. The St. Kilian Youth Ministry (SKY) is a parish organization for young people in grades 8 through 12. SKY provides a faith based activity program that meets the religious and social needs of our future parishioners. A monthly Youth Mass, generally celebrated on the third Sunday of the month at 5:00 p.m.; the Living Stations of the Cross on Good Friday; the 30 hour fast during Lent; The Christmas Tree Sale; and the annual "Guess Where" amusement park trip are but some of the highlights of the diversified program offered. Contact the SKY office at 516-420-8655. |
MINISTRIES OF INTERCESSORY PRAYERS |
Members meet Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m. in St. Benedict's Chapel seeking to praise God and strengthen one another through singing, sharing and breaking open the Scriptures. (Times and dates of devotions are listed in the Bulletin each Sunday.) Miraculous Medal Devotions to Our Lady are held each Monday at 7:30 p.m. in the Church. The Rosary to Our Blessed Mother, in answer to her call for the rosary to be said daily for peace in our hearts, our homes and the world, is prayed daily except Sunday before the 9:00 a.m. Mass and on the first Saturday of the month before the 5:00 p.m. Mass. Stations of the Cross are prayed each Friday during Lent at 7:30 p.m. in the Church. The Rosary is prayed before the Blessed Sacrament for the souls in Purgatory every Tuesday evening in St. Benedict's Chapel. Queen of the Peace Rosary is prayed every Friday at 1:00 p.m. in St. Benedict's Chapel. Eucharistic Adoration, Mondays at 8 p.m. in St. Benedict's Chapel. Spanish Charismatic Renewal, Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. in the La Salle School Cafeteria. Devotees of: Divine Mercy Chaplet The Holy Face of Jesus Our Lady of Fatima Poor Souls in Purgatory Small groups pray for specific intentions. Devotions are often prescribed by long standing traditions and prayer formats. |
The Appeal is conducted annually to support diocesan social services, pastoral and special needs. The parish is assigned a goal which can only be achieved through the parishioner's generous pledges. After achieving the goal, the parish receives a substantial rebate from the diocese. The diocese will be sending a first appeal letter and pledge form. Volunteers will then be getting in touch with parishioners through a telephone call or a letter follow up. The campaign generally runs from February through April of each year. This committee assists the pastor in the wise stewardship of parish finances. This ministry is by invitation only. The recent parish centennial celebration renewed interest in the history of St. Kilian parish. From its founding in 1896, the parish has been an integral part of the growth of Farmingdale and Long Island. It is fortunate that so much of our history has been preserved. Indeed, the original church lives on in its integration into the newly expanded and restored church building that exists today. Members of this committee catalogue, maintain and help with the display of the various memorabilia that characterize the living history of the parish. Hospitality is more than coffee and cake. It is an attitude of reverence for one another which is rooted in the belief that we are made in the image and likeness of God. St. Kilian's Hospitality Ministry is modeled on the rule of St. Benedict which states, "All guests are to be received as Christ." As disciples, we are called to welcome the stranger. Through this ministry, it is hoped that we will be able to facilitate the welcoming process whenever there is an occasion for social participation in parish community life. A new ministry that seeks to capitalize on the special gifts of carpenters, electricians, plumbers, etc., both amateurs and professionals, who would be available to donate their time and talents to special maintenance needs and projects around the parish campus. The council assists the pastor in developing long-term goals for the parish in a manner faithful to the Gospels and responsive to the needs of the parish. Membership on the council is by invitation of the pastor. During the course of the year, the parish organizes special events, e.g., a dinner dance and golf outing. These events combine both social and fund-raising components. Through this ministry, parishioners assist the responsible committee chairman or chairwomen in the planning and implementation of the event. An extra pair of hands is always welcome. A leadership group that is devoted to discovering and communicating insights into Christian discipleship and stewardship as a way of life. Members plan and assist in the implementation of the parish and diocesan vision for Time, Talent and Treasure. |
The pain and sorrow that accompanies the loss of a loved one does not end with the funeral and burial. Experience has taught us that through support it is possible to begin to cope and to form new relationships. Members of the Bereavement Ministry facilitate small groups that meet, pray and share. Guardian Angel Perinatal Support Group (GAPS) offers understanding, friendship and bereavement support in an effort to assure that parents are not alone in their grief when their baby has died. By addressing issues of peacemaking, human rights, justice, racial/ethnic harmony this group seeks to help each member of the parish live the Gospel message. It serves as both an informational and advocacy group. The committee provides information and promotes action on the sanctity of human life. The committee sponsors a bus trip to Washington, D.C. for the annual January March for Life, a week of Eucharistic Adoration, prayer and fasting in October, a Mothers' Day Roses for Life and Fathers' Day Carnations for Life as part of its commitment to life. St. Kilian Parish Outreach is a not-for-profit human services program affiliated with Catholic Charities that serves the needs of the Farmingdale community regardless of race, religion or ethnic origin. This ministry stems from the gospel call to social justice and the beliefs we celebrate within the Christian community. Direct assistance, information, informal counseling, advocacy, referrals and transportation are provided. Many specific ministries fall under the Outreach office umbrella. The Parish Outreach office is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and is entered from Franklin Place, around the corner from the rectory entrance. Due to issues of confidentiality, participation in some aspects of the outreach program is by invitation only. Spanish Apostolate (EI Apostolado Hispano) The Spanish Apostolate helps Spanish-speaking parishioners with their religious, political and socioeconomic needs. Members are provided necessary referrals and assistance. The Apostolate also assists with the weekly Mass in Spanish and social activities. An international Catholic lay organization seeks to help those in need. Objectives are to bear witness to Christ by showing that Christian faith compels work for the good of humanity; to display mutual examples of friendship; to establish personal contact between members and those who are suffering. Members meet the first and third Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. in the Outreach office. Many support groups and other twelve step programs, meet on the grounds of the parish campus. Please contact the rectory or watch for bulletin announcements for specific group and meeting times. This is the Sexual Abuse Awareness program that has been adopted by our Diocese as a response to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishop's Charter for the protection of children and young people. This program is adminitered by the Diocese and is part of The National Catholic Risk Retention Group. This program is mandatory for all parish volunteers and ministers who are actively part of any parish program. The schedule is always available in the bulletin. Please register for a training session by visiting www.virtus.org and following the prompts on the "Registration" page. |
