WORSHIP

Altar Servers:  Students in grades 5 through 8 are invited to assist the priest during Mass, weddings, funerals and other liturgical services.  Serving at the altar gives young people an opportunity to become involved in sacred liturgy, serve the parish and consider vocations to the religious life.

Altar Society:  The Altar society is a group of dedicated parishioners who assist in the care of the altar linens and albs and beautify the sanctuary area.

Centering Prayer: Centering Prayer, or prayer of the heart, is a simple way of prayer that can be used by anyone who wants to be with God to experience his love, presence, and faith sharing.  This way of prayer is alluded to in many passages in the Old and New Testaments.  SMM Centering Prayer Group meets weekly.

Divine Mercy Cenacle: Eucharistic Apostles of The Divine Mercy Cenacle profess and proclaim the truth of the Real Presence of Jesus in the Most Holy Eucharist by praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet and promoting Perpetual Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament.

Eucharistic Ministers: Men and women who assist in the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass and take to our parish members who are homebound.  A prayer service is conducted on a weekly basis at nursing homes within the parish.

Faith Formation: This committee seeks ways to provide opportunities for catechesis to all members of the parish who desire to grow in faith and deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ.

Greeters and Ushers: Our greeters and ushers welcome parishioners as they come to Mass.  In addition, they collect weekly monetary offerings, prepare those bringing up the Offertory gifts, and assist the congregation with any other needs.

Guitar Group

Lectors: Lectors are lay volunteers who proclaim the Liturgy of the Word and the Prayer of the Faithful during the Mass.  Lectors play a vital role in the celebration of the Liturgy.

Liturgy Committee:  Members assist in planning of Masses and paraliturgical services and inform others of new liturgy updates.

Men’s Faith Sharing: Men’s Faith Sharing consists of men from different parishes who meet monthly to pray together, celebrate their faith, and praise God for all the wonderful blessings He bestows on them.  Fr. Ralph Chieffo, Spiritual Advisor for the group, makes Reconciliation available during these gatherings.

Moms in Touch: Moms in Touch is a group of mothers and grandmothers meeting weekly to pray for all children/ grandchildren of the parish.   Moms in Touch is part of an international organization encouraging prayer for worldwide schools.

Music Ministry: The music ministry includes the adult choir, youth choir, guitar group, cantors and organists.  Music ministers support the congregation in song during worship, thereby opening up to the Church’s rich musical heritage.

NeoCatechumenal Way: This is an evangelizing ministry rooted in spiritual catechesis.  After going through a period of instruction, members meet regularly for prayer, scripture reflection, and faith formation.

Perpetual Adoration: Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration is a lay ministry whereby each of us, as scheduled adorers, is willing to spend a quiet holy hour of prayer in Jesus’ Eucharistic presence weekly. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament is seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day.  Jesus is never left alone, and the chapel is always open for anyone to visit Him.

Prayer Chain: Power of prayer is kept alive through the devotion of others for requested special intentions.

EDUCATION

Baptismal Prep: Baptismal Prep is an opportunity for parents and godparents to meet with a priest or deacon to review the Rite and responsibilities of the Sacrament of Baptism. 

Children’s Liturgy of the Word: During the Liturgy of the Word at Sunday Mass, children in grades 1-3 are invited to the chapel to experience the Word at an age appropriate level.  They rejoin their families for the Liturgy of the Eucharist.  Volunteers hope to enlighten the hearts, minds and souls of the children by making the readings come to life so they can apply them to their everyday life.

Little Church School: Little Church School is a preschool program for children ages three to five, held weekly on Sundays, September to May.  It teaches the children about God’s love for them and our community, sharing, obedience and His wondrous creation.  The program is lectionary based.  Children are encouraged to come weekly, but each lesson is self-contained.  Registration is encouraged.

Marriage Encounter: Marriage Encounter is designed to give married couples the opportunity to examine their lives together.  The emphasis of Marriage Encounter is on communication between husband and wife, who spend a weekend together away from the distractions and tensions of everyday life to concentrate on each other.

Marriage Prep (Pre-Cana): A Pre-Cana team, composed of couples married for at least five years, presents a series of talks to engaged couples on a Saturday in the spring.  It covers the areas of communication, intimacy, adjustments, customs and traditions and spirituality.  The day ends with the celebration of the Eucharist.  The engaged couples receive a certificate, which is required by the Archdiocese in order to be married.

Men’s Bible Study:  This group meets 7AM Wednesday mornings at the rectory for scripture reflection and faith sharing.

Mornings for Moms: Mornings for Mothers is an opportunity for moms to meet people, share, learn and support one another with the everyday struggles and joys of parenting.  The meetings include guest speakers and open discussion and time for spiritual enrichment.  Mornings for Mothers meet one Wednesday morning each month.  Young children are welcome.

Parish Religious Education Program – (PREP):

Our PREP classes are for students attending public, private, and home school.   Religious education classes are provided for our youth with emphasis on love of God, community, and our Catholic heritage.  In addition to class, students attend church for prayer services, Stations of the Cross, Benediction, confession, and events honoring the Blessed Mother.  Classes are held Wednesday afternoon, September to May. Registration is required.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA):

RCIA is a Rite, which welcomes both children and adults seeking deeper understanding and/or full communion into the Roman Catholic faith.  The main purpose of the rite is to assist prospective Catholics in their journey to become active members of the church community. 

Safe Environment:  Our PROTECTING GOD’S CHILDREN program for adults is a three to four hour awareness session that instructs adults of the church who interact with children that to protect children you must have continuous awareness and vigilance.  This awareness session makes trainees understand the signs of child sexual abuse, the methods and means by which offenders commit abuse and five empowerment steps one can use to prevent child sexual abuse.

Scripture Reflection Groups (Faith Sharing):  Small groups of parishioners meet regularly to reflect on Sunday Scriptures and discuss how the Word impacts our daily lives.  Book Club groups meet to read and reflect on various religious publications of the day. 

Teen Ministry (Open Doors): All high school students in the parish (private, public, home school) in grades 9 through 12 meet Sunday evenings.  This ministry works to meet the emotional, spiritual, and relational needs of youth.  This is accomplished through the Mass, group gatherings and discussions, service projects, retreats, mission trips, and more.

Youth Ministry: All students in the parish (private, public, home school) in grades 7 and 8 meet evenings, twice a month. 

SERVICES

Bereavement: The Bereavement group offers support to those who have experienced any loss in their lives.  The support can be in the form of prayer or visitation in the home.  They will also assist with funeral preparations when requested and provide ongoing contact.

Church Care: The ministry is made up of men and women of the parish who are responsible for the general cleanliness of the church.  There are seven groups, two to five on a team. 

Hispanic Ministry: We have adopted the Delaware County Hispanic Apostolate under Fr. Peter Welsh and St. Katharine’s Parish under Rev. Joseph McLoone for charitable donations. 

H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Everyday): H.O.P.E. is available to assist during emergency and crisis situations by providing meals, transportation or other services to those in need.  H.O.P.E. also has a prayer chain lending support during difficult times.

Hospitality & Welcome Ministry: The Hospitality Ministry helps to create a welcoming spirit in the parish by personally welcoming new parishioners, hosting Sunday socials after Mass and welcoming events in the parish.

Legion of Mary: The members of the Legion of Mary meet weekly to honor the Blessed Mother with devotion and prayer.  They also practice the spiritual and corporal works of mercy.

Men’s Holy Name Society: The general purpose of the Society is to honor the name of God, while the specific purpose is the public veneration of Jesus’ name.  The Holy Name Society encourages its members to assist the pastor’s needs.  All men 18 years of age and older are encouraged to explore this parish organization. 

My Brother’s House: This ministry is a casserole program to aid My Brother’s House, a shelter for men in Philadelphia.  Casserole tins are available.  Call leader for further details.  Volunteers are always needed to items to the shelter. 

Parish Food Collection: Collection of non-perishable food and cleaning items is a year round ministry for area families in need.  The items donated are collected in the back of the church.  Volunteers are always needed.

Respect Life: The purpose of this ministry is to promote the message of the sacredness of life from conception to death.  This SMM ministry is special event driven. In January there is the March for Life and in October there is the Life Chain.  They also attend Pro-Life education events and support Pro-Life political candidates.

Scrip: This program supports SMM through the purchase of Acme, Genuardi, or Pathmark gift certificates.  SMM parish earns 5% of the face amount.  Certificates are purchased directly through SMM.  Also, save your receipts, SMM receives 1% of the purchase.

St. Vincent De Paul Society: Clothing and furniture are collected twice year at the parish. Or you may call the Society to pick up items at your home.

ORGANIZATIONS

Building Committee: The Building Committee was formed in 2002 to determine the current and future demands on the parish facilities.  After the positive results came in that a new facility would best serve the present and future needs of the growing parish, the committee unanimously recommended new construction.

Capital Campaign

Bill Cotter, 565-3563 

Cluster Representative: The Cluster Representative, who is also a member of Parish Council, is St. Mary Magdalen’s link to the four other parishes in our cluster. 

CYO : The Catholic Youth Organization is a parish-based program, which provides opportunities for youth, grades five through twelve, to grow in faith and understanding of their Church through involvement in parish, regional and Archdiocesan life.  The five phases of this youth ministry are athletic, social, cultural, service and spiritual. 

Finance Committee: The pastor appoints parishioners as members to the finance committee.  They assist in areas of financial concern.

Home and School Association: The Home and School Association promotes communication between St. Mary Magdalen parents, faculty and the pastor.  Membership and meetings are open to all families with children registered in our parish school.  The H&S supports parents in their role as primary teacher and caregiver, raises funds to help children’s educational needs and provides social and educational events for parents and students.

Pastoral Council: The Parish Pastoral Council assists the pastor to foster full participation of parishioners in the life and mission of St. Mary Magdalen.   Members are elected by the parish or appointed by the pastor and are representative of the entire parish family.  The council meets five times during the year.  Meetings are open to all parishioners.

Parish Religious Education Program Board (PREP Board): PREP Board consists of parents and teachers involved in our PREP program.  They assist the DRE in coordinating activities and stewardship projects, fostering a sense of parish community.

Religious Education Endowment Fund: A fund established for the religious education of all parishioners participating in our school, PREP, Youth Ministry and adult spiritual programs.

Scouts (Girls): Girls are encouraged to become better Christians through charitable works.  Leaders help them to develop sensitivity to others and teach them to respect differences.  Visits to local nursing homes, meals for the homeless, holiday toiletry bags for the elderly and collecting food for the less fortunate are some of the services performed.  The girls have a lot of fun working together to build stronger personal relationships while emphasizing the importance of helping others on a regular basis.

St. Mary Magdalen Seniors: The St. Mary Magdalen Seniors group meetings meet monthly to provide social interaction for men and women in our parish who are at least 55 years of age.  They sponsor trips and programs of interest to seniors.

Tithing Committee