Social Concerns Commission (updated 6/5/2008)

Animal Concerns

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Greiving support sessions are held in the Fall. The purpose is to help people who are mourning the loss of a loved one deal with their grief and sorrow as well as to offer the breaved the hope that comes from the Gospel.

Schedule: Fall
Contact:  Frank Grassi, 732-249-5774; Dr. Jean Patrick: 732-828-1402/ jpatrick@smpo.us or Joanne Piagentini: 732-873-3743

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The Care Support Ministry serves the spiritual and emotional needs of people coping with serious and /or chronic illness and those of their caregivers. It offers comfort, camaraderie and shared wisdom through group discussions and presentations about topics related to wellness and improving daily life.

Members of the Care Ministry are experiencing physical challenges such as MS (multiple sclerosis), cancer, fibromyalgia, respiratory problems, and chronic back pain.
Parishioners with all health conditions are welcome.

Schedule
The ministry meets on the second Saturday of each month from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Meetings ---
include prayer, refreshments, and sharing of ideas and concerns are held in the parish office of St. Matthias on JFK Boulevard

Chairperson: Audrey Straczynski; 732-828-1400 ext. 203
Pastoral Staff Liaison: Sr. Anita Kuchera; Akuchera@smpo.us 732-828-1400

Hospitality Chair: Joan McCann; jmc-34@earthlink.net 732-545-8661
Publicity Chair: Jocelyn Thomas; JocelynMThomas@aol.com

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Individual, couple and family counseling is available for members of the parish through a new parish-based counseling program. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call Nonie Nicklas at 908-722-1881 ext. 305. All calls will be kept confidential.

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Ministry With People With Disabilities

We believe that every person is created by God, each is loved by God, and that none should be diminished by another, even by unintentional words or actions.

We believe that if there are barriers of attitude, communication or architecture for anyone, the foundation of the House of God is weakened for all.

Therefore, our Ministry exists to affirm the rights of People with Disabilities, and to welcome them into all aspects of the life of our Church.

Our goal is to educate and to create an inclusive Parish Community whereby the people of our parish will come to recognize the unique gifts that People with Disabilities bring to the Church.

ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES:

Wheelchair Accessibility

The CHURCH is wheelchair accessible via the front curb cut and ramp to the front of the breezeway. Pushing the button on the pole to the left opens the automatic doors.

The PARISH MEETING ROOM is accessible from the first floor of the school and can be reached by using the same curb cut and ramp to the front of the breezeway.
The PARISH MEETING ROOM is also accessible by using the lift (elevator) in the new addition to the school. This elevator is located at the far end of the building. Prior notification for use of the elevator is need; call the parish office 732-828-1400.

The CAFETERIA(ground floor) of the school is accessible using the doors at the far end of the new addition to the school, from the front of the school or from the parking lot.

Assistive Listening Devices

The CHURCH has available an FM assistive listening system that improves sound clarity and amplification while blocking background noise.
The receivers can be used with or without hearing aides by the use of neck loops or earpieces.
The receivers are located in the sacristy, behind the tabernacle. The receivers are in a marked cabinet.

Receivers and portable transmitters are also available for use in the Parish Meeting Room and the Cafeteria. They are located in the grey storage cabinet in the wall of the cafeteria next to the stairs near the kitchen. They are in a marked cabinet.

Large Print
Large Print Seasonal Missals are located at the front vestibule (narthex) of the church. Please return after use.
Large Print red Worship hymnals containing only hymns are also available in the church vestibule (narthex). Red squares on the hymn boards at the front corners of the church indicate hymns from the Worship hymnals.

ACCESSIBILITY GUIDELINES FOR THE FULL INCLUSION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

Schedule: Contact Carol Ann Norland for meeting dates
Contact: Carol Ann Norland canorland@msn.com or Denis McGrath psuedo@att.net

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“As disciples, rooted in God’s Word and sacraments, we are awakened to the needs of others and share our time, treasure and talent in our faith community and beyond.”

The Employment Ministry's Sizzlin' Summer "Twofer Offer"

Summer is just around the corner, so you may be thinking about putting your job search "on ice." Before you make that call, consider this: Summer is a great time for networking!

The St. Matthias Employment Ministry invites you to attend our last employment workshop for this first half of 2008, on Saturday, June 14th, 2008 from 9:30AM-12:00PM in the School Cafeteria.

We will feature a "two-for-one" format:
? Presentation: "Keeping your job search active during the summer"
? Job Search Round Table Discussion:
o You can talk to the ministry team and group members about any job search issues you may be wrestling with, including resumes, phone call, networking, cover letters, interviewing etc...
A special invite goes out to any attendees of our past workshops who have landed. We would love to see you again and hear from you regarding *What Worked!*
Stay in touch by joining our online Career Networking Group: http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/SMCNG/
All are invited to attend. Walk-ins are always welcome, but registering is always appreciated!
Please register by contacting Deacon John Radvanski at deaconjohn@smpo.us
Or by calling the Parish Office 732-828-1400 ext. 130.
Workshops will reconvene in the fall. Have a happy and safe Summer.
Remember, you may be the answer to someone’s prayer!

(Click Here) to join our Networking Group:

Contact: Terry Seamon (thseamon@yahoo.com) or Deacon John (deaconjohn@smpo.us)

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Elijah's Promise

When the hungry of New Brunswick called out for help in 1983, three churches answered. The churches soon realized the urgency in pooling their efforts and resources to accomplish what was necessary to feed local needy residents. In faith and hope, they united and chose the name for the new program for the biblical story, Elijah’s Promise.

Today, volunteers from more than 30 churches and civic organizations serve lunch and dinner daily to more than 250 people at the facility in the former school of St. John the Baptist in downtown New Brunswick. Most of the guests live in low-income housing; others are homeless. All are poor and hungry. No one is turned away and everyone is served a nutritious meal in an atmosphere of hospitality.

Volunteers are needed for food service, reading readiness for children, literacy work for adults and other programs. Elijah’s Promise, assisted by New Brunswick Tomorrow, is increasing efforts to collect perishable food from food service establishments and retail markets.

For information call (732) 545-9002. A tax deductible contribution can be made to Elijah’s Promise, 18 Neilson Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901.

Volunteers from St. Matthias have been preparing and serving dinner each month since 1989.

Schedule: Meals are prepared and served by St. Matthias parishioners on the 4th Wednesday and 4th Sunday of each month.
Contact: David Moynihan davem92857@aol.com or call Elijah's Promise at 732-545-9002.

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Diversity Council
The Diversity Council was formed to spearhead the education of Diversity throughout the parish and the school. The council acknowledges that there are many different cultures within the parish which necessitates different needs. It also acknowledges that these cultures basically operate very much on their own. The goal of the council is to act as catalyst that will bring these cultures together and intertwine them into one beautiful diverse multicultural quilt

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Franklin Food Bank

The Franklin Township Food Bank is a private non-profit food pantry located at 60 Millstone Road, Somerset., NJ. It operates to serve the emergency food needs of the Franklin community. A small part-time staff operates the Food Bank with a large group of dedicated volunteers. Members of the St. Matthias Community support the Food Bank as volunteers, monetarily and with regular donations of non-perishable food.

Schedule: The first Sunday of every month is Food Bank Sunday at St Matthias. Members of our community are asked to bring food donations to church and leave the bags at the left side of the altar before or after Mass. On Monday the donated food is transported to the Food Bank by a group of parishioners.

The Emergency Food Program: Residents of Franklin Township in need of emergency food may come to the Food Bank once a month for twelve months. Second visits are allowed during any three months for a total of fifteen visits per year. Full details of this program may be found at http://www.franklinfoodbank.org/what_we_do.htm

The Wardrobe Program: This program provides business attire for persons going for a job interview or starting a job. Service is on Tuesday and Thursday mornings between 9 AM and 12 PM by appointment. Come to the Food Bank or call 732-246-0009 to schedule an appointment.

Do You Garden? 
Plant a Row for the Hungry. For details go to  http://www.franklinfoodbank.org/plant_a_row.htm

Contact: www.franklinfoodbank.org

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Giving Tree

The Giving Tree project is coordinated by a small group of volunteers each year at Christmas time. Because of the generosity of our parishioners, hundreds of gifts are deliverd to Nursing Homes, shelters, homebound persos, Saint Vincent de Paul families and other families who are struggling.

Schedule: Contact Chris and Christine Rath for meeting dates.
Contact: Chris and Christine Rath 908-359-5446 car@research.att.com

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Homebound and Nursing Homes

Ministry to the sick and homebound is one of greatest importance here at St. Matthias. It is a ministry based on the peace of Christ in all its dimensions.  Every Sunday a team of ministers brings Eucharist to those who are unable to come to Church.  They go to individual homes and to area nursing homes.  Many ministers go the extra mile and often shop or do little chores if needed.  Mass is offered at each nursing home once a month on Fridays.

Schedule: Homebound ministers and nursing home visitation occurs regularly on a weekly basis.
Contact: Mary Indyk: 732-247-0695;  Mae Schunk: 732-246-0394; Geri Weber – 732-249-7216 and Bob Thielmann – 732-249-2462

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Hospital Visitation

Sr. Marie Therese Sherwood visits St. Peter's and Robert Wood Johnson hospitals weekly and more frequently when the need arises. She visits St. Matthias parishioners who are listed on the hospital's computer list.  Very often the names are not listed at Robert Wood, so parishioners are encouraged to call the parish office to notify the parish that a family member is in the hospital and would like a visit.

Contact: MSherwood@smpo.us 732-828-1400 xt 113

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Lazarus Ministry assists those mourning the loss of a loved one through prayerful participation at funeral liturgies held in the parish. The presence of these ministers helps to make the liturgies beautiful tributes to those who have completed their earthly journeys.  

Schedule: Contact Marion Cross – 732-247-1399 for meeting dates
Contact:Marion Cross – 732-247-1399 or Racquel Fishbach: 732-545-2913

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Loaves and Fishes

The Loaves and Fishes ministry provides home-cooked meals for persons coming out of the hospital, and sometimes for a family in time of grief. Volunteers also visit McCarrick Care Center monthly, bringing home-baked treats and smiles to the residents. Ministry members periodically go to the Center for Great Expectations too, donating hot meals and pantry staples for homeless, pregnant women. And in partnership with the parish chapter of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, members contribute holiday meals to SVDP clients. Those in need of the ministry’s services can contact them through the parish office.

Schedule:  Contact Joyce Dombroski: 732-545-2071 for meeting dates
Contact: Joyce Dombroski:732-545-2071 or Christine Retz:732-249-2913 chrisflp@aol.com

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New Beginnings (for thoses who are divorced, widowed, separated)

The primary goal of this ministry is to give those experiencing the pain of separation, divorce or the loss of a spouse, the opportunity to share in a self-help support group. Journeying and companioning with others who are going through or have been through the same experience can be healing.

Schedule: The group meets in the Parish Office every fourth Thursday of the month.
Contact: Anne Marie Francis, 732-828-3376, afrancis@rci.rutgers.edu

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New Brunswick Food Pantry

Volunteers are needed to help bag food the fourth Saturday of each month from 9:00am until 1:00pm. Please call if you are able to assist in this worthwhile cause.

Location: 29 Abeel Street, New Brunswick, NJ

Contact: Myrna Gavilanes, 732-249-6498

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Nursing Ministry

The Nursing Ministry of The Catholic Community of St. Matthias formed in the spirit and mission of Jesus Christ is dedicated to caring for the greatest gift from the Father, Life and Health.
The group brings its faith in God’s love, comfort, and healing to serve the community by promoting wholeness and physical, emotional, and spiritual health. The ministry does this by serving the role of health educator, heath counselor, health facilitator, coordinator and trainer of volunteers as well as a referral source.

Members of the Parish Nursing Ministry respond to their baptismal call as disciples of Jesus Christ.  In carrying out the mission, members minister in the name of Jesus through the following vision:

• Empowered by the Holy Spirit
• Centered in the Word
• Humbled by His compassion
• Encouraged by His healing presence
• Blessed by His gifts
• Inspired by His exampleWe follow in the footsteps of Jesus by restoring His image and likeness through embracing healing for the whole person, body, mind, and spirit.  As an all inclusive and collaborative ministry, we seek to reestablish the Churchís historic role in the area of health and well being by utilizing the many gifts of our ministers to meet the needs of community, in order to promote celebrating the seasons of life to the fullest.

The newly-formed group plans to fulfill this vision through outreach activities including:* educational programs for the community including newsletters, by:

• home visits after discharge from a hospital or healthcare facility
• visits to homebound parishioners
• hospital visits
• health and wellness assessments such as blood pressure screenings as well as health counseling
• healthcare for the Pastoral Staff
• training and support of members of other parish ministries

Contacts: Elizabeth DTolvo 732-563-6919;  Gondee Tibay 732-745-4779 gondeetibay328@msn.com or Nancy Fisher 732-422-828.

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Ozanam Men's Shelter

The Knights of Columbus periodically collect sweatshirts, te shirts and eyeglasses for the men at the Ozanam shelter. The Confirmation classes provide toiletries and other necessities fo shelter residents at Christmas as well as gifts from our giving tree donated at Christmas time. Parishioners are encouraged to donate any or all of these items or to assist in the distribution. Food is distributed on the first weekend of each month.

Schedule: Contact Thomas Grace 732-873-2361 lynne_grace@hotmail.com for times and how to become involved.
Contact: Thomas Grace 732-873-2361 lynne_grace@hotmail.com

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Pro-Life Ministry

The members of the Pro-Life Ministry are dedicated to the defense and protection of all human life from conception to natural death.  Taking our inspiration from the encyclical of Pope John II, The Gospel of Life, we are committed to working spiritually, educationally and legislatively to promote the sanctity of life. The Pro-Life Ministry invites individuals interested in nurturing "a culture of life" within our society.
 
Schedule: Monthly meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month at 7:00 PM iiiiiiiiiii Upcoming events: ( Click Here ) to see upcoming events
Contact: Deacon Ron Caimi rcaimi@smpo.us, or  Jeanne Kolmer jmk1325@yahoo.com

Pregnant?  Need Help? Call 1-800-noabort (1-800-662-2678) or 732-828-1166

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Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity

Raritan Valley Habitat For Humanity is a non-profit, ecumenical, Christian housing ministry committed to building decent affordable housing in the Raritan Valley area (Somerset and Hunterdon counties) for low-income families through a cooperative effort. The group is a local affiliate of Habitat For Humanity International based in Americus, Georgia. Members of the St. Matthias community volunteer their time and talents to this ministry by building homes and staffing committees to support this effort.

Schedule: Meetings are held monthly depending on the need and the committee.
Contact: The Raritan Valley Habitat For Humanity office at  908-704-0016 or rhabitat@eclipse.net or Mark Schmitz 732-418-1304 mschmitz@rci.rutgers.edu

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Saint Vincent de Paul Society

The aim of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society is to bring true charity to all in need. Our goal is to do this in a personal way. The Society attempts to help with a wide array of concerns including monetary problems, sickness, disability, family problems, loneliness, dependency, and hunger. Members visit people who ask for our help in an effort to assist them even if it’s in a small way.

For help call 732-828-1400 ext.120
Please contact us through the parish office.

Schedule: Meeting are held on the third Tuesday of the month from 7:30 - 9:00 PM
Contact: Tom Vajtay 732-745-4732 tvajtay@aol.com or Mark Milano 732-214-8749 mark_milano@merck.com

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Samaritan Stitchers

The Samaritan Stitchers Quilting Ministry seeks to offer comfort by sewing and donating quilts. St. Peter's Children's Hospital, The Center for Great Expectations and the St. Vincent dePaul Society have benefited from our Ministry.

Contact: Shirley Bodnar 732-873-8493

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Social Justice Committee

The Social Justice Committee is called to serve as a resource and catalyst to empower our parish community to work for peace and justice. We operate as a committee of the Social Concerns Commission under the pastoral council of the Catholic Community of St. Matthias. Our activities are based on the biblical and theological foundations of Catholic social teaching.

http://www.stmsj.org/index.html

Contact: Dave Moynihan, 732-246-2849, davem92857@aol.com

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CROP Walk

CROP Walks are interfaith community events to raise funds and awareness for the hungry in New Jersey and around the world. In 2005, CROP Walks and other donations in New Jersey exceeded $1.8 million, and $190,348 went to food banks, pantries and other hunger fighting organizations in New Jersey. The 2006 Somerset CROP Walk will be held on Sunday, October 15th. 25% of funds raised goes to the Franklin Food Bank. For more information please contact Jeanne Kollmer at jmk1325@yahoo.com or http://cwscrop.org/newjersey/crop.html

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