Ministries

FAMILY MINISTRY

The primary goals of our Parish Family Life Ministries are to help parents to pass along the rich legacy of our Catholic faith to their children, and to enrich family life in our homes and in our parish. Our various programs include Holiday celebrations, a Mother’s Spiritual Journal program and Spiritual Reflection for Women, Marriage Enrichment, Parenting classes and other family events. Ginnie Bailey directs our Family Life program and would love to hear your ideas, and welcome your family personally to our parish.  

Catholic Story Hour

Catholic Story Hour is a 1 hour session for young children and their caregiver. We meet from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Fridays in the Parish Center . The hour includes a ½ hour of play, coloring and craft; and a ½ hour of circle time with singing, stories and prayer. Our mission is to introduce God and the Catholic Faith to young children at the simplest level, and in turn provide the parents with a starting point in developing their own faith, and the faith life of their families.  

St. Luke’s Play Group

St. Luke’s Play Group is a weekly gathering giving moms and dads an opportunity to socialize with other parents and the children to play together informally and unstructured. They meet most Mondays at 10:00 a.m. in the Parish Center . The Play Group also occasionally sponsors outside activities. This is a great way to meet other families and to socialize with other parents and children.   

Spiritual Reflection for Women

Please join us as we explore the Gospel of Mark.

We’ll utilize communal reading, reflection, journaling and discussion to learn how our Scriptures come alive in personal and relevant ways!

Thursday mornings
9-10:45AM
St. Luke’s Parish Center

Childcare is available with reservation for a nominal fee of  $5 per session per child. 
Women of all ages are most welcome!

Cornerstone Women

Cornerstone provides a rich, thoughtful and comfortable opportunity to share faith experiences as we live our busy lives. This vibrant, 26 hour “weekend” is held approximately once a year and fosters a deep sense of support, faith enrichment, and community among its participants.  

MUSIC MINISTRY

The Music Ministry enhances worship through song and is a vital component of our liturgical celebrations at St. Luke’s. The choirs are dedicated to leading the congregation in songs and responses of many different styles.  Singing or playing an instrument is a great way to praise the Lord and a wonderful opportunity to worship in a special way. In addition to leading the worship each weekend, the Music Ministry also sings for special liturgies such as Confirmation, First Eucharist, and Holy Week Services. The Music Ministry also performs an annual Christmas Concert. Our Music Director, Gary Sabak leads the following Choirs:

Festival Choir

The Festival Choir is open to all enthusiastic singers in High School and older. The choir sings a variety of musical styles such as contemporary, gospel, traditional, and classical at the 10:30 a.m. Mass each weekend. Rehearsals are held each Wednesday from 7:30-9:30 p.m. in the Church.

Various instrumentals are always welcome.

Contemporary Choir

The Contemporary Choir is open to anyone in High School or older who enjoys singing or playing exciting and upbeat music. The choir sings musical styles such as contemporary, folk, and gospel at the 9:00 a.m. Mass. Rehearsals are held each Thursday from 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. in the Church.  Various instrumentals are always welcome.  

Teen Choir

The Teen Choir is open to all teenagers Jr. High through college who wish to learn a variety of musical styles, lead the worship at Mass each weekend, and gain musical experience and training. Choir members can choose to sing at the 9:00 a.m. or 12:00 p.m. Mass each weekend and rehearses from 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. on Thursdays in the Church.  Various instrumentalists are always welcome.

Children’s Choir

The Children’s Choir is open to all children in grades 3-8 who enjoy music and singing. This choir is a wonderful chance for young people to experience the special kind of worship that music offers. The Choir sings once a month at the 9:00 a.m. Mass. They rehearse from 5:00-6:00 p.m. on Tuesdays in the Church

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Religious Education Center

The main goal of St. Luke’s Religious Education Programs is to support families in their faith development. St. Luke’s offers the following programs to assist families in achieving this goal.

Religious Education Classes

For children ages Kindergarten through Level Nine. This is a sequential program, which is designed to help our young people build on their understanding of our Faith and Church teaching. This program is mandatory from Level One through Level Eight for all children who are to be fully initiated into our Church. Full initiation in the Roman Catholic Church requires the preparation for and the reception of the Sacraments of: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.

Currently the reception of Eucharist takes place in the Spring of Level Two, the reception of Confirmation takes place during the Spring of Level Nine.

Presently there are three options for taking part in the sessions for children 1-6.
Tuesday- 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. or
Sunday- 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. or

Summer Sessions are held for a two week period. The children meet daily from 9:00 a.m. to Noon . There are 2 sessions available. During the year the children are also required to participate in four additional lessons, which are scheduled throughout the year.

Level 7 and 8 presently meet Tuesday Evening – 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. or for two weeks in the Summer Monday-Thursday 4 to 6:00 p.m.

The Children’s Liturgy of the Word

Children ages 3 through Level Three are invited to participate in the Children’s Liturgy of the Word. The children are brought to a separate location in the Church to hear the Word of God and a Homily geared to their age group. This takes place during the 9:00 a.m. Mass from September through June. During the summer months the dates will be limited and announced each month.   

Family Masses

On the first Sunday of each month, instead of Children’s Liturgy of the Word, we celebrate the 9:00 a.m. Mass as a Liturgy with children.  At this Mass, we use the Children’s Lectionary, our Children’s Choir leads us in song and we celebrate together the broad range of ages that make up the St. Luke’s Family.

YOUTH MINISTRY

This ministry strives to provide experiences that include social, community involvement and spiritual programs. The Youth Ministry Program strives to encourage leadership as well to foster the total personal and spiritual growth of each young person.  Information and updates on all items relating to Youth Ministry can be found on the website at churchofstluke.org/youth.  Kathy McCann is our Youth Minister here at St. Luke’s.

High School Youth Group: 

Anyone in grades 9-12 is invited to attend the weekly  high school youth group.  Held on Sunday evenings, this program offers a mix of social, spiritual, and community oriented events.  Among these are the annual Little Kids Party which sponsors a birthday party for inner-city children, the overnight Relay for Life which is a fundraiser for The American Cancer Society, a yearly retreat and many other great get-togethers.

Jr. High School Youth Group: 

For young people in both 7^th and 8^th grades, the Jr. Youth Group meets monthly and holds many fun, interesting and get-together opportunities.

Young Adult:  

The Young Adult Ministry provides information on opportunities for faith sharing and social interaction for young adults in and around the Archdiocese and Bergen County .  Information can be obtained in regard to “Theology on Tap”, and many other events involving those aged 21-35.

Sharing: 

Sharing is an informal small faith community for high school students.  Sharing explores the Sunday Gospel and how it relates to teens through discussion, music and media.

LITURGY

Altar Servers

Altar Servers assist the Priests in celebration of the Mass, the center of our parish’s worship of God.  This ministry is open to all members of the parish in the fourth grade and older.  The school age volunteers participate on weekends an the adult volunteers serve during the week.  Training and support are available.  After training, you would be asked to serve as few as two Masses a month.  If you feel that you might be called to help the Priests to carry out Jesus’ command to “Do this in rememberance of Me,” call the Parish Office with any questions you might have.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

This group’s members assist with the distribution of the Eucharist at all weekend Masses and on various Holy Days throughout the year, and some ministers distribute to the homebound.  They also assist with the distribution of ashes on Ash Wednesday.  This ministry is open to any dedicated parishioner 18 years of age and older.

Hospitality Ministers – Greeters

The Hospitality Ministers welcome parishioners at Mass, help with seating and take the collection.  They also provide general assistance and information to those attending Mass.   When necessary they provide aid to anyone becoming ill during Mass, distribute weekly bulletins and special written messages and most importantly, help people feel welcome and comfortable.  Members usually serve at Mass every weekend.

Ministers of the Word – Lectors

The Lector’s mission is to proclaim the Word of God at Mass and special liturgies.  This ministry is open to any young adult or older.  Assignments for weekend Masses and other liturgies are made about twice a month on a rotational basis. 

Groups & Organizations

Adult Faith Formation

Focusing on a variety of scriptural topics, we provide a solid background of scriptural knowledge as well as time-pertinent theological issues. Meetings take place throughout the year as advertised.

Catechists

Catechists are those individuals who volunteer to share their faith with our young people enrolled in the Religious Education program, or the adults who are journeying through the RCIA process. To be a catechist, you must be a fully initiated Roman Catholic in good standing. All those who volunteer to share their faith with our young people will also participate in the Protecting God’s Children workshop, prior to working with our young people. In addition catechists take part in a formation process leading to certification. This time commitment will vary, depending on the level of catechists and the session one is involved with. However it is a rule of thumb, that if you are facilitating a one hour session, it will take at least one hour to prepare for that session.

Knights of Columbus

The Knights of Columbus- Council 5257, is a fraternal organization, which was organized in 1962. Meetings are held once a month at their hall on the corner of Smith Street and West Prospect Street in Waldwick. Approximately 160 members are currently active in the organization. Members must be practicing Catholics, age 18 and above. There are minimal annual dues. Activities include fundraising for the developmentally disabled, college scholarships, monthly dinners and breakfasts which are open to the public, golf outings, etc.

Rosary Altar Society

A service based, parish inspired organization dedicated to the Blessed Mother and open to all parishioners. Meetings are held the second Monday of every month at the Parish Center , preceded by recitation of the Rosary and Mass at 12:15 p.m. in the Church. Some of the services provided by this organization include visiting the sick, assisting in parish mailings, washing and ironing the altar linens, etc. Various activities include the Communion Breakfast, Christmas Party, St. Patrick’s Party, guest speakers at meetings, etc.

Rosary Hill Home Sewing Group

The group meets the first Wednesday of each month at 1:30 p.m. in the Parish Office meeting room to sew pads for use by patients at the Rosary Hill Home in Hawthorne , NY . Used sheets, donated by parishioners are cut to a size specified by the Sisters at the home. Using filling provided by the home, they are made into bed pads and delivered to them.

The Rosary Hill Home is operated by the Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne, Servants of Relief for Incurable Cancer. Their apostolate is to provide care for patients who are too poor to afford nursing care. This care is given without charge to the patients and without government assistance.                                           

Senior Lucans

St. Luke’s Senior Lucans provide a ministry of sociability, concern and mutual assistance to the senior members of St. Luke’s Parish. Membership is open to all men and women fifty-five years of age and older and their spouses. Meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at 9:00 a.m. in the Parish Center . A coffee social, guest speakers and/or entertainment is offered at each monthly meeting. Day trips, overnight excursions and extended trips are scheduled during the year. Members also participate in bridge, bowling, crafts, golf and quilting.

Small Christian Communities (Why Catholic?)

The Small Christian Communities program provides a primary source for spiritual nourishment and a new way of participating in the parish. It consists of small groups of parishioners who meet to discuss and enhance their spiritual growth.

This ministry’s goal is to involve parishioners and others from outside the parish community in prayer, reflection and support, following the example set forth by Jesus. All are welcome and encouraged to participate in St. Luke’s Small Christian Communities. Currently St. Luke’s is participating in the “Why Catholic” adult faith formation program for Small Christian Communities.

St. Luke’s Basketball

St. Luke’s Basketball is dedicated to teaching the youth of St. Luke’s Parish and the surrounding community the fundamentals of basketball in conjunction with an emphasis on sportsmanship and working with a team concept. This organization is open to boys and girls in grades 3-8. The St. Luke’s Basketball Program is an inter-parish team and there is no traveling involved. All games and practices take place in the St. Luke’s Gym with tournaments at the end of each season. Registration forms are mailed to those interested in the Fall for a season that begins in early December. Additional forms are available in the Parish Office.

Outreach Ministries

Altar Linens

Each week the small white altar linens and hand towels that are used during Masses by the priests are washed and ironed by St. Luke’s parishioners. The linens are picked up at the Parish Office at the beginning of the week and returned the following weekend. This ministry requires no meetings and it is an excellent way for people with busy schedules to be a part of parish life.

Baptismal Robes Sewing Group

This ministry creates the baptismal robes worn by all babies who are baptized at St. Luke’s Parish. If you enjoy sewing and have the desire to help, this is the ministry for you. Materials and instructions are provided.

Bereavement Meals

When a family member of a parishioner dies and the wake is held in the local area, a group of St. Luke parishioners prepare a meal for the family and deliver it to the home on the day of the wake service. Based upon the number of individuals currently in the group, it is anticipated that a member may be called upon for a four-hour period once a year. There are no dues but members are asked to pay for the cost of the meal they prepare when they are called upon.

Bereavement Support

This ministry helps anyone dealing with the loss of a loved one by offering an opportunity to speak to someone on a one-to-one basis.

Building & Maintenance Committee

This ministry encompasses a group of professionals who have experience in Building Maintenance who are willing to offer their time to assist St. Luke’s Pastor in evaluating the needs of the physical complex (grounds and buildings) that make up St. Luke’s parish. They will assist in identifying and explaining the type of work required, selecting and obtaining bids from contractors for the work required and evaluating the proposals received from the various contractors. This group then makes recommendations to the Pastor on those projects in most need of attention and in selecting the contractor to do the work.

Covenant House Collection

This group coordinates collections four times per year on behalf of Covenant House in New York City , which is a shelter for homeless young adults and unwed mothers. Covenant House not only provides shelter, but also offers job and life strategy training. The collections target specific basic needs based on the information provided to us by the staff at Covenant House.

Covenant House Christmas Party

We prepare all year long for the Covenant House Christmas Party in December.  We are always looking for those who can knit and/or crochet to make hats and scarves for the residents of Covenant House. There are many ways you can help from donating gifts to helping with the preparation or attending the party itself.  It is always a warm way to give back during the Christmas season.  For more information, call the Parish Office.

Feeding the Needy

The Mission of “Feeding the Needy” is to coordinate food collections following events at St. Luke’s.  Feeding the Needy is a pick up of left-over food following either a private or St. Luke’s event.  The food is collected and distributed to a local shelter which feeds the needy, such as Eva’s Kitchen.

Giving Tree – This group coordinates the “Giving Tree” in the Church during Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Gifts are donated to several needy organizations.  Volunteers are always needed to help sort and package gifts.  Please call the Parish Office for more information.

Harrison House Feeders

This organization, which is under the auspices of the Bergen County AIDS Ministry (part of CANAN), provides a dinner once a month for people residing at Harrison House, a home for AIDS patients on the grounds of Bergen Regional Medical Center. Members prepare a meal which is delivered on the second Wednesday of the month by one of the coordinators. Depending on the numbers of volunteers, a member is called on once or twice a year.

Martha’s Group

Martha’s Group is comprised of men and women who volunteer their time to clean the church every Wednesday after 8:30 a.m. mass. Usually they clean for about 2 hours. The work consists of polishing, vacuuming, dusting, bathrooms and other general cleaning jobs.  

Monthly Food Drive

On the first Sunday of each month, food is brought to Church by our parishioners.  All the non-perishable food that is collected is brought to our sister parish – Blessed Sacrament in Newark .  This is a wonderful opportunity for anyone to be an active part of our Outreach Ministry.

Parish Office Support

The Parish Office Support Group is responsible for assisting the laity of the parish and supporting the parish’s administrative responsibilities. They provide information and coordinate various programs within the parish.  Volunteers are always welcome.

Parish Picnic Team

This group meets regularly to plan St. Luke’s Annual Parish Picnic held on the John Griffin Memorial Field each September. New members on the picnic team are always welcome.

Social Activities Planning Committees

Include Advent Wreath making, the Christmas Concert, Fish & Chips Dinner for Lent and our St. Patrick’s Day Party. Anyone interested in serving on a planning committee for Parish Socials is invited to call the Parish Office for more information

Transportation

Anyone requiring local transportation for a doctor or hospital related activity can call in advance to schedule a ride.

Welcome Committee

The Welcome Committee is dedicated to making new parishioners of St. Luke’s feel more at home and welcome into our “family”. New parishioners are invited to a social gathering where they are introduced to some of the St. Luke’s parish staff, fellow parishioners and other ministries leaders. This committee spreads the “spirit of St. Luke’s” and encourages future participation in activities at the church.

Independent Ministries

The following groups act in advisory and overseeing capacities to the pastor and the parish.

Finance Council

The Finance Council is comprised of finance and accounting professionals who offer their expertise in advising the Pastor on financial matters concerning the Parish. They are consultative in nature and meet every few months to review plans and reports. They make suggestions and recommendations to the Pastor and serve two to three year terms on the Council.

Liturgy Committee

The Liturgy Committee prepares the Liturgy for Masses, Lent, Holy Week, Easter, Thanksgiving, Advent and Christmas.  The Committee coordinates with the worship ministries in preparing our liturgical celebrations.  They also plan and carry out the decoration of the worship environment in accordance with the liturgical seasons through the work of the Art and Environment Committee.

New Energies Parish Transition Project

All parishes within the Archdiocese of Newark have been asked by the Archbishop to merge, link or partnership with one or more parishes in their surrounding community.  St. Luke’s, Guardian Angel and Church of the Presentation are currently in a partnership and working together in the areas of Religious Education for those with special needs, Young Adult Ministry and Social Justice.  

Pastoral Council

The Pastoral Council is a ministerial community that reflects the mission of Jesus. The Council meets periodically to discern a vision of Parish life in the areas of the Word, Worship, Service and Community building. They submit recommendations to the Pastor for evaluation.

Stewardship Committee

The Stewardship Committee is a group of parishioners who offer their time, talent, and treasure to assist St. Luke’s Parish and surrounding communities while supporting existing ministries and developing new ones where applicable. Stewardship is the willing return of the first measure of our time, talent and treasure to God for all that He has done for us.

COUNSELING CENTER AT ST. LUKE ’S

The Counseling Center at St. Luke’s offers Marital, Family, Relationship, and Individual Therapy to parishioners and others.

Marital and Family Therapy

Family:  “A joy, a trial, a gift, a challenge, a fulfillment of dreams.”

Marital life and Family life are all of these things and more.  Every now and then, it becomes necessary or very beneficial to take a closer look at our family commitments, and strive to go a little deeper; get a little closer to one another.  Family Counseling can provide you with just such an opportunity.  You might be experiencing difficulties communicating recently, or you might seem to be on different wavelengths, leading to anger, conflicts or distance.  You might be looking for direction on parenting concerns for your young or adolescent children or you might simply be yearning for deeper, more uplifting relationships.

Individual Therapy

Issues such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, career discernment or change, grief and illness, as well as many other disorders are addressed.  An integrated approach to therapy is used with a foundation in Gestalt Therapy.  Gestalt Therapy is based upon the assumption that we all desire to live life fully, freely and exuberantly.  Together we explore, experiment with and overcome those processes that inhibit that dynamic. 

The strictest level of confidentiality is provided, and there is a sliding scale for payment. You will find a supportive and creative environment to discuss your goals and/or difficulties.  Bring your spouse, or your entire family, and give yourselves the gift of richer happier family lives!  Or come on your own, and explore new ways of attaining a happy fulfilling lifestyle.

Please call if you think you might be interested, or would like to learn more.  Contact:  Ginnie Bailey M.S. – 201-444-0272 X11