Description of Evangelization Committee Ministries

The Evangelization Committee is composed of those ministries at Immaculate Heart of Mary which deal with spreading the Word of God to our church family.  The Evangelization Ministries include the Religious Education teachers, the First Communion instructors, the Confirmation instructors, the "Why Catholic" study group, the RCIA team, the Book Study Club and the Church Trustees.  We serve in whatever capacity is requested by the Pastor and his staff.  For instance, our committee is responsible for reading the parish announcements at weekend Masses, arranging transportation for Healing Masses, publicity and mailings for parish functions and for helping to arrange the logistics of parish celebration.

The Confirmation Program provides catechetical preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation for the teens of our parish.  During confirmation, which is celebrated on annual basis, young parishioners finish their initiation into catholic faith and assume active roles in the local church.  The program is organized by the Director of Religious Education (Ms. Jeanne Fox) and lay catechists.  It consists of a series of class-type meetings where the candidates are reminded of various aspects of religious life, encouraged to discuss topics related to their own lives, and challenged to participate fully in the life of the community.  Other program events include interviews, retreats, prayer meetings, and service projects.  If you are interested in learning more about the confirmation program at IHM or if you want to be a confirmation catechist, please contact Jeanne Fox at (908) 889-2100 or Peter Nizner at (908) 232-1519.

The Reconciliation/First Communion team has a twofold purpose: to perpare the children to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation so that they understand God's love and merciful forgiveness, and then to prepare them to receive their First Eucharist which is the next step in their journey of initiation into the Catholic community and allows them to share in the Eucharistic meal, the focal point of the communal celebration of the Mass.

The New Energies Committee of Immaculate Heart of Mary works alongside our partner, St. Bartholomew, to identify and implement change in areas where opportunities for the sharing of our ministries exists.  Our group reports annually to the Archdiocese and receives support and guidance from the Archdiocesan offices.  Currently we are developing a shared Adult Education program to be held during Advent, a Christmas Concert including choirs from both parishes to be held at IHM, and we are identifying ministries which would benefit by the inclusion of all interested parties from both parishes.  The focus of New Energies is to bring new life to the many wonderful ministries currently available and to explore opprtunities for new shared growth.

The Religious Education program's mission is to assist parents in guiding the faith formation of their children and to provide an atmosphere where both parents and children can grow in faith, prayer and Christian service.  There are classes for children from Pre-K through Eighth grade.  The program is staffed by dedicated volunteers supported by the priests and staff.  If you would like to become part of the team, please contact Jeanne Fox at the Parish Office (908) 889-2100.

"The two lay trustees serve on the civil governing body of the parish corporation. They assist with ordinary business and exercise their powers as necessary and proper for attaining the corporation's purposes.  Careful selection of lay trustees is essential to meet these responsibilities.

Lay trustees should:  (1) be members in good standing of the parish; (2) be active participants in the parish community; (3) have relevant business expertise or ability; (4) have the commitment needed for the position.

It is Archdiocesan policy that each parish should have one male and one female lay trustee."

Pastor's Administrative Manual of the Archdiocese of Newark: Section 5.2.