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VISITATION PASTORAL COUNCIL

ORGANIZATION COUNCIL

ROSARY ALTAR SOCIETY
HOLY NAME OF JESUS SOCIETY
EVANGELIZATION COMMITTEE
BAPTISM COMMITTEE
PRAYER GROUP

CHARTERED GROUPS
   ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY
   KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS – COUNCIL 836
   BOYS SCOUTS OF AMERICA TROOP 38
   CUB SCOUTS OF AMERICA PACK 38
   EXPLORER SCOUTS

ACTIVE CHRISTIAN TEENS (A.C.T.)
BUILDINGS & GROUNDS COUNCIL
FINANCE COUNCIL
DEVELOPMENT/STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL
SCHOOL OF RELIGION

MINISTRY COUNCIL

WORSHIP COMMISSION
PROCLAMATION COMMISSION
COMMUNITY COMMISSION
OUTREACH COMMISSION
GROWTH COMMISSION
USE OF RESOURCES COMMISSION

Rosary Altar Society

    The primary mission of the Rosary Altar Society of the Church of the Visitation is to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary and to secure her patronage through the daily recitation of the Rosary for the spiritual benefit of the parish and all of our members both living and deceased.

   A special group of our ladies called “The Rosary Makers” make Rosaries and ship them all over the world to any group that requests them. 

   We support Birthright of Toms River sponsoring a “Birthright Shower” every June and a Carnation Sale in August with all proceeds going to Birthright of Toms River.

  We sponsor Cub Scout of America Pack #38 in our Parish.  We contribute to all Visitation Parish Fund Raisers and support the Bishop of Trenton Diocese’s programs by operating the Kitchen for Tuesday Afternoon and Friday Evening Bingo’s and running our own fund raising activities and socials.

     Membership is open to all the ladies of our parish community.  Join us the first Sunday of each month at the 8:00am Mass as we gather for the Sacred Liturgy and Eucharist and for our business meeting on the Tuesday evening following this Mass at 7:30pm in the Church Auditorium.  The business meeting is preceded at 7:00 with the recitation of the Rosary and Benediction.  For additional information call the Rectory Office.

Holy Name of Jesus Society

The Holy Name Society promotes respect for the Holy Name of Jesus and His holy Catholic Church.  Composed of the men of the parish it is dedicated to following the precepts and teachings of the Church by living the Gospel message of Jesus Christ everyday.

The Holy Name Society continues to work with our Pastor to build a viable Catholic Christian community here in the Brick area and to promote Catholic Christian ideals throughout the world by association with Holy Name Societies of other parishes.

The Holy Name sponsors Boy Scout Troop 38.  Open to all men of the parish over the age of 18 and willing to  commit to service to the betterment of our parish community the Holy Name Society gathers on the second Sunday of the month at the 8:00am Mass to celebrate the Holy Eucharist.  For additional information call the rectory office.

Knights of Columbus Council 836

          The Knights of Columbus is the world’s largest Catholic fraternity.  Working with our local parish, we contribute hours of volunteer work to our community every year supporting our priests and bishop in all their endeavors.

            The Knights of Columbus is always seeking out Catholic gentlemen eighteen years and over to join our order in promoting Catholic ideals.  We meet the first and third Wednesday of each month at our council home on Cedarbridge Ave near Route 70.

St. Vincent de Paul Society

Through operations of a Thrift Shop in the basement of the Old Church and maintaining the “Poor Boxes” within the Church, the St. Vincent de Paul Society raises money to assist families and individuals in need with food, clothing and other basic necessities.            

The Thrift Shop is open on Saturdays between the hours of 8:00am and 2:00pm.  Donations of  good clean used clothing and household goods are accepted  during these hours.  Financial donations may be made in the “Poor Boxes”  located by the exits in the Church. 

The Society meets on the first and third Thursdays of the month in the rectory offices.  Call the Rectory offices for additional information at 477-0028 ext. 201.

 Infant Baptism

            Infant Baptism takes place every Sunday at 1:45 p.m. with the exception of certain Holy Days and Holidays.  Parents must register their child at the Rectory Office and attend a Baptismal Preparation Class prior to the Baptism.  Please visit the Rectory Office between the hours of 1pm and 7:30pm on Mondays;

9am and 7:30pm Tuesday through Friday; 10am and 2pm Saturdays and 9am and 1pm on Sundays to make arrangements.

Children’s Religious Education Program

             The Visitation Religious Education Program strives to instill in our students a sense of Jesus’ personal love and the awareness that God is with them during the times of crisis and trouble as well as times of joy and thanksgiving.

             Parents, by their example, are the primary instructors in the way of the Faith.  We attempt to instill and nurture within the students a knowledge and pride of our Catholic Faith, it’s doctrines and traditions.  What students learn in the Religious Education Program is meant to reinforce and supplement, but not replace what families share at home.

             Classes are held on Sunday mornings in two sessions.  The first session is from 8:30 am. until 9:45 am., the second session is from 10:30 am. until 11:45 am.  All staff members are volunteer parishioners who share a desire to pass our faith on to our young people.

            Two years of instructions are required to receive a Sacrament.  First Eucharist is celebrated in the Second Grade.  Children need to attend First Grade through Eighth Grade to be prepared and eligible to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in the Eighth Grade.

            Each grade participates in their own grade liturgy at the 12:30 pm Sunday Mass.  All grades from Second through Eighth attend a Penitential Service the Saturday prior to their Mass.  Families are encouraged to attend Mass every week as part of the Religious Education Program.  Holy Eucharist is the center of our Catholic Faith and Community and cannot be replaced by religious education classes.  Please attend Mass every week with your child(ren).  For additional information please contact: Mrs. Nancy Grodberg at 477-5217

 Adult Education Programs

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.)  RCIA, The Rite of Christian  Initiation of Adults, is an important ministry here at the Church of the Visitation.  It is the process we use to welcome those who wish to complete some or all of the sacraments of initiation and be informed about our faith and beliefs.

As individuals journey in the RCIA they go through three basic stages, the Precatechumenate, where they search for the will of God and listen to the gospel being proclaimed, the Catechumenate which involves catechesis or instruction, Liturgical Rites, Blessings, and Anointing with the oil of Catechumens.  In the third and final phase Election and Initiation, the Elect are prepared for the actual reception of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation, at the Easter Vigil.  The newly Baptized and Confirmed are embraced with love and joy by our community of Easter people who loudly acclaim “Alleluia.”

We can always use the help of the Worshipping Community.  If you are willing to help in any capacity, even if that means just offering a daily prayer, please contact our RCIA Director Dale Zanetti at 477-0028 ext. 224.

Adult Confirmation   If you are an adult over age of 18 and have not been confirmed you may be eligible to participate in this special program.   Classes are held on Monday evenings from January to May from 8 to 9pm  The program is designed to help Catholics whose studies for this Sacrament were interrupted.  For complete information or to register contact Deacon Ed Fischer at 477-0028 ext. 212. 

Music Ministry

            The Music Ministry seeks to share God’s gift of music — sung or instrumental — to lead the assembled faithful in effective praise and worship through their full, active and conscious participation in the liturgy.

             Incorporating both contemporary and traditional music in varied styles and presentations, our musicians look to serve and inspire the parish community.  As a teaching ministry, participation is open to all — we offer musical experiences to all age groups and levels of musical ability.

             As our community recognizes music’s integral nature in the worshipping environment, we look for their continued support as we actively seek to better our musicianship and team leadership.

             Individual groups include the Cantor Ministry, Children’s Choir, Youth Choir, Adult Choir, Beginning Ringers, Advanced Hand Bell Choir, and Folk Group.  Please call Natalie at 477-0028 ext. 217 for rehearsal meeting times.

Children’s Choir

             The Children’s Choir under the direction of Jim Daniels is composed of children eagerly sharing their love for Jesus through music.  From a modest beginning of approximately 15 members the choir has grown to over 65 with an age range from 3 year olds to 12 year olds with room for more.  There are no try outs and all are welcomed.  Our mission is to make our parish families comfortable participating in the Mass and our hope is that our future liturgical leaders are being formed.

            The children meet every Monday evening in the Church at 6:15pm under the direction of Jim Daniels and Howard Tallman.  At present, the choir sings once a month at the 12:30pm Sunday Mass.  They have performed at the Ocean County Mall, Knights of Columbus Hall, Laurelton Village at Christmas and at the Brick Township Interdenominational Festival at Windward Beach.

Come join us on Monday evenings at 6:15pm in the Church.

YOUTH MINISTRIES

 Visitation Teen Center - A safe place for High School teenagers to come together, meet new people, and have fun sharing ideas, goals, dreams, and life experiences while serving God and the community.  We meet on Monday nights 7-9 pm in the Old Church.

For additional information feel free to contact our moderator:  Deacon Brad Krupa at 477-0028– ext. 102

VAST (Visitation Altar Servers Team) 

- is made up of boys  and girls, third grade and older who have received their First Communion.

            Team members provide assistance to the priest in the celebration of the Mass and other liturgical celebrations.  They serve God and the parish with humility, loyalty and reverence.  Teamwork is an essential part of participating as an Altar Server.

            Training sessions are held twice each year – once in June, after First Communion and again in October.  A special Mass is celebrated in November to recognize our Altar Servers for service to the parish community.  For additional information call our coordinators:  Mrs. Sue Stranieri 458-1492

 Visitation Visitors

             Volunteer outreach program to elderly and disabled that enhances their lives through supportive services.  Recipients need not be Catholic but must reside within the physical boundaries of Visitation Parish.  Some services offered are:  friendly visiting, food shopping, rides to medical appointments, and transportation to weekend masses.  Volunteers are always needed.  To volunteer your time or to request  services please call Sister Clara at 477-0028 ext. 211.

 Eucharistic Ministers

            Eucharistic Ministers are parishioners specially trained to distribute Holy Communion at all the Masses.  They are also commissioned to bring Holy Communion to the homebound, and also the infirm at the local hospitals and nursing homes.  Periodic training sessions and meetings are held.  This very important ministry is always seeking new members to Eucharist and fellowship to the homebound and infirmed to keep them in touch with our parish community.

For additional information or to join our Eucharistic Minister Team call: Sister Clara at 477-0028 ext. 203 or Vicki Cottrell at 477-2973

 Spiritual Direction  

             Spiritual Direction is offered to anyone in the parish who yearns to deepen their relationship with God.  The contemplative approach is used which is “looking at God, listening to God, and responding to God.  For additional information, call Sister Clara at 477-0028 ext. 203.

Hospitality Ministry (Ushers)  

            The Ministers of Hospitality greet parishioners before Masses.  In addition to assisting our parishioners and guests in finding seating they assist our parishioners and guests in any needs or concerns they may have relevant to their visit to the Church.  Ushers also take up the collection and prepare the gifts for presentation at the Offertory.  They meet occasionally for training and discussion sessions.  For additional information or to join the Hospitality Ministry call:  Joe Gigante 920-9006

Lector’s Ministry   

            Lectors assist at all Masses proclaiming the Word of God from selected passages of the Old and New Testaments.  They also present the prayer and petitions of the community at all Eucharistic celebrations.  Lectors also present timely announcements to the parish community at the Masses.  This ministry is open to all our parishioners and all age groups.  If interested in serving the parish in the unique ministry call the parish office.

Community Sunday Ministry

          On the 4th Sunday of every month after all the Masses, all parishioners and guests are invited to share light refreshments and hospitality in the Church Auditorium.  This ministry is dedicated to promoting fellowship and bonding among our parishioners, clergy, staff, and visitors.  Please join us. .

 Evangelization Team

             The Evangelization Team of Visitation Parish has been active in the Renew 2000 and Small Christian Communities programs.  The Evangelization Team has conducted many fruitful ministries, including, “Come Back to Me” and “A Night of Worship.”  Bringing the “Good News” to all living within the boundaries of Visitation Parish.  Coordinator Eric Zanetti is planning a new “Come Back to Me” program in the near future. 

 Small Christian Communities

Renew 2000, a three year program started in the fall of 1998, and put into operation by the Church of the Visitation to form Small Christian Communities within the larger parish structure.  We ushered in the New Millennium like a “new springtime” for the parish.  By participating in Renew 2000 we took part in Pope John Paul II’s call to “open wide the doors to Christ.”  The program concludes after Season V, which begins in October 2000.  Although Renew 2000 is coming to an end, people who have taken part have expressed a desire to continue participating and building Small Christian Communities within the Parish.

The small Christian Community can be defined as a group of 6 to 10 people who meet weekly, during the Season, and monthly during the off-season, either in homes or in the Rectory meeting rooms.  Each group meets at a different time and day.  They follow prepared lessons that help them come together to share their faith and talk about ways they can better follow the Lord.  They discuss their lives and dreams, and how to enhance their service to the Church and each other.  They find that when they come together in the larger body of the parish, they are no longer alone, they now have each other.

Dale Zanetti – Coordinator

Deacon Leonard Kruk – Spiritual Advisor

Margaret Barth, Pat Carroll, Elaine French, Kay Shembari & Pauline Spinelli – Team Members

Children of Light Charismatic Prayer Group

             The Children of Light Prayer Group began in 1973.  Its mission is to pray and work for spiritual renewal in Visitation Parish.  We are committed to serving the spiritual ministries and activities of the parish, conducting Life in the Spirit Seminars since 1975 and sponsoring Healing Masses since 1987.

            We come together in prayer and fellowship on Friday evenings at 7:30pm in the Daily Chapel to worship God and to strengthen each other.  We pray for all in need and share our natural and spiritual gifts.  We share about the loving ways in which Jesus comes to us and touches our lives on a daily basis.  On the First Friday of each month, we celebrate Mass.  

            All are invited to come and join with us. For additional information call Paul Rollis at  255-2728.

Paul Rollis – Coordinator
Fr. Chris – Spiritual Advisor

  Annulment Advocate Ministry

            The Advocate aids a parishioner in rectifying their marital status in accordance with the law of the Catholic Church.  The Advocate, sponsored by the Pastor, is trained and supported by the Tribunal, Diocese of Trenton.  At completion of the training process, Bishop John M. Smith of the Trenton Diocese, grants a commission, which can range form 1-3 years.  After careful review  of the advocate’s cases the commission is renewed at the discretion of the Bishop and Tribunal.  This is a rewarding ministry in the fact that one can help a member of our parish family to participate in their Christian life in the full sense of Christianity.  For more information about this ministry or if you wish to seek an Annulment please contact Eleanor Troianno at 477-0028 ext. 221.

 STEWARDSHIP … A WAY OF LIFE

As Christians, we believe that all creation is a gift from God.  The use of this gift was taught to us by  Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.  Jesus demonstrates the true meaning of stewardship as a way of life by giving freely and without restraint of his time, talent, treasure, and life, to further the reign of God on earth and gain for us eternal life.

As a community of stewards and members of God’s Church here at Visitation parish, we unselfishly dedicate ourselves to a life at service to the world through our family, our work, our play, our worship and our interaction with others through our community.

We enter the world totally dependent on the stewardship of others for nourishment, shelter and our Christian values.  As we mature and develop our own stewardship, we recognize that at our final judgement we will be accountable for our prudent and unselfish use of God’s gifts of time, talent, and treasure.

PARISH STEWARDSHIP MISSION STATEMENT

We, as members of the Church of the Visitation, a community of Faith, now with 50 years of life and worship in the Brick Township area of Ocean County, joyfully proclaim that: inspired and strengthened by the Holy Spirit, we continue to be formed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ so that we may give glory to God, our Father and Creator.

We believe that our mission is to be a Stewardship community: dedicated to prayer and worship; committed to living a life which radiates the love of God and leads us to love one another; devoted to studying the Word of God so that we become active witnesses of the Gospel; concerned with extending warmth and welcome to the newcomer, the lonely, the alienated; sensitive to the needs of people of all backgrounds and ages, especially young people who are our future.

Mindful of our sinfulness and human imperfections, we rejoice in the gift of Redemption and we acknowledge our responsibility to develop and use our personal gifts of Time, Talent, and Treasure in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

WORSHIP & SERVICES SCHEDULE

WEEKEND MASSES: Saturday Evenings:  4:00pm & 5:30pm Sunday:  6:45, 8:00, 9:30, ll:00am & 12:30pm

WEEKDAY MASSES: Monday through Saturday:  7:30 & 8:15am

FIRST FRIDAYS:      7:30pm

NOVENA: Perpetual Novena in Honor of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal held on Mondays after the 8:15am Mass & 7:30pm (St. Jude Novena prayers are included).

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION (PENANCE/CONFESSION):

Every Saturday: 3:00 – 3:45pm
Thursdays before First Friday 7:00-7:45pm
During Lent and Advent Only: after the 4:00pm Mass on Saturdays

Holy Days – Please check Parish Weekly Bulletin

SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM

Every Sunday (except on special Holy Days and Holidays) at 1:45pm. 

Parents of children to be baptized must register the child and attend a preparation class prior to the Baptism.

 SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE

Registered Couples contemplating marriage should contact one of our priests or deacons one year in advance to set a date and time and begin Sacramental preparation.

 ANOINTING  OF THE SICK

In cases of serious illness any time of the day or night.

COMMUNITY SUNDAY

4th Sunday of each month after all the Masses.  This is moderated by a Parish Committee to help facilitate friendship and bonding among our Mass attending Parishioners.  Moderator:  Paula.  All Parish Groups help out and serve.

The Visitation of Mary:

Our Parish is named after an event in the Blessed Mother's life.  After the visit of the Angel Gabriel, who announces to Mary that her baby will be "Great in the eyes of God and man…" and that the Holy Spirit of God will be instrumental, Mary "proceeded in haste to the hill country of Judea.."  She Visited her kinswoman Elizabeth who was pregnant with John the Baptist, thus John the Baptist is Jesus cousin.  This Visitation scene is found in the Gospel of Luke 1:39-56 and it is a great Prayer to Pray. 

At Visitation Parish we enjoy ministry through this mode:
When we visit one another in the Service of God's Family of Faith, we visit with Jesus

May you be Blessed in Every endeavor in Jesus and Mary's name we pray…..

Parish Directory

Main # (732) 477-0028 – Fax # (732) 477-1274

Reverend William M. Dunlap, Pastor -ext. 201
Reverend V. (Chris) Christudas, Extern –ext. 220
Reverend Mr. Salvatore Vicari, Deacon –ext. 101
Reverend Mr. Leonard Kruk, Deacon, Ph.D. –ext. 107
Reverend Mr. Bradford Krupa, Deacon – ext 102
Reverend Mr. David Kohut, Deacon _ ext. 103
Reverend Mr. Richard Johnston – ext. 106
Sister Chirstine J. Iacobacci, SSJ - ext 218
Sister Clara Schroeder, CSJP –ext. 203
Mrs. Vicki Cottrell, Pastoral Associate –ext. 216
Mrs. Nancy Grodberg, C.R.E. –477-5217
Mrs. Dale Zanetti, Director of R.C.I.A. –ext. 214
Mrs. Natalie Bencevinga, Music Director –ext. 217
Mrs. Laura Spaziano, Accounting –ext. 202
Ms. Denise Patetta, Secretary/Bulletin Editor –ext. 201