Queen of the Most Holy Rosary is blessed with many individuals that willingly give of their time to help others.  Following is a list of our current ministries and organizations.  Please check each week's bulletin for updated information or call the office with questions about whom to contact.

WORSHIP            

ALTAR LINENS—This ministry is responsible for the laundering of the finger towels and purificators used at Mass.  The linens are picked up, laundered and returned to the sacristy on a monthly basis.  Contact:  Mya Rodriguez (672-9377).

ALTAR SERVERS—This ministry is for children grades 3 to 12 (and older!) who serve the priest at Mass and other parish liturgies (Stations of the Cross, Forty Hours, funerals, etc.)  A commitment must be made to serving the scheduled liturgies.  Training is given as needed.  Contact:  Father Al (672-2302).

ALTAR SERVER TRAINING—This ministry provides training for new altar servers and also organizes “refresher” training sessions for older servers.  Contact:  Stephen Major (672-8628).

CANTORS—The cantor leads, inspires and prayerfully animates the assembly to sing forth God’s praises at each liturgy.  Cantors are not soloists who perform for the congregation; rather, he or she gently leads the people through the hymns, responsorial psalm and the settings of the Mass.  Cantors also aid in teaching new music to the congregation.  Successful cantors must have a pleasant voice, project well, and, ideally, read music.  Candidates should be at least 13 years of age.  Cantors are chosen after auditioning with a selection committee.  Contact:  Patricia Wondoloski (672-2516).

CHOIR—The choir is made up of persons drawn from the parish community who possess the requisite musical skills and a commitment to the established schedule of rehearsals and liturgies.  Choir members meet weekly on Wednesday at 7 PM from September to June for a practice session of approximately one hour.  The choir sings periodically at weekend Masses, special feasts and celebrations, and at parish funerals.  Contact:  Anne Schlagle (648-4528).

CHILDREN’S CHOIR—This ministry works with children to provide music for Christmas Eve Mass (cantoring, solos, and as part of the Nativity Tableau).  Special practice sessions will be provided in the weeks prior to Christmas.  Contact:  Anne Schlagle (648-4528).

CONTEMPORARY CHOIR—This new ministry seeks individuals to be part of a choir which provides more contemporary music at Mass.  This group would play for Mass on an occasional basis.  Contact:  Meg Yeager (672-1923).

SCHOLA CHOIR—This choir is made of individuals with more advance musical knowledge and skills.  It sings for special occasions.  Contact:  Beth Bembenek (672-3006).

LECTOR—This ministry proclaims the Word of God at parish liturgies.  The requirements for this ministry are that a person be comfortable speaking in public and have a good reading voice.  Instruction is provided.  Contact:  Father Al (672-2302).

LITURGY COMMITTEE—Meets with the pastor and other liturgical ministers on a regular basis.  The liturgy committee is concerned with all aspects of the liturgy (preparing music, assessing parish liturgies, implementing changes according to diocesan or universal Church law).  This ministry is also involved with planning all other liturgies in the parish (e.g. Forty Hours Devotions).  Contact:  Father Al (672-2302).

MONTHLY ADORATION—Monthly adoration of the exposed Blessed Sacrament takes place on the first Saturday of each month from 6 PM to 1 AM.  You may sign up for whatever hour you wish.  Opening and closing prayers begin and end the hour.  Prayerful silence is observed during most of the hour at which time individuals may do spiritual reading, pray the rosary, etc.  Contact:  Joe and Frances Wondoloski  (672-3099).

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION—This ministry helps the priest in distributing Holy Communion at Mass.  Diocesan requirements for this ministry include being in good standing in the Church, faithful to Sunday and Holyday Mass obligations, a commitment to the schedule and love of the Eucharist.  Candidates must be approved by the pastor.  Contact:  Father Al (672-2302).

USHERS—This important group arrives ½ hour before each Mass and cheerfully greets parishioners and visitors to the parish.  Ushers help latecomers find seats, take up the collection, and are especially vigilant in meeting the needs of our elderly and physically challenged parishioners.  Requirements are honesty and integrity.  Contact:  Alex Jacoski (672-2710).

FAITH FORMATION

LEGION OF MARY—The Legion of Mary is an association of Catholic men and women devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary and who are concerned with the work of evangelization.  Weekly meetings are held on Wednesday after the 8 AM Mass.  The rosary is recited, prayers are prayed, and work is assigned (visiting sick parishioners, calling upon those who have gone astray, etc.).  Contact:  Bernadette Petro (672-2334).

SPIRITUAL LIFE—This committee helps further the spiritual life of the parish by providing spiritual reading for Advent and Lent, planning retreats, and planning for a Parish Mission.  Meets as needed.  Contact:  Father Al (672-2302).

RCIA—The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the process by which adults are received into the Catholic Church.  The RCIA is held on a regional basis here in our deanery at the Saint Pauline Visintainer Center in Kulpmont.  It meets every Wednesday from 6:30 to 8 PM from September to May.  Volunteers can either help teach the faith or simply be companions with those journeying to the Catholic Faith.  Contact:  Father Al (672-2302).

COMMUNITY

CYO—The Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) provides opportunities for young people to develop strong moral character, self-esteem and leadership qualities through athletic activities.  Boys and girls have the chance to be part of our different grade-level basketball teams.  Coaches have a great influence on the young people and make a commitment to five or six hours a week coaching and playing games and tournaments.  Contact:  Donna Oley (672-3289).

KNITTING GROUP—New knitters to experienced are welcome.  This group provides personal satisfaction, fellowship and the opportunity to learn an age-old art.  Meets for five to six weeks once or twice a year, depending on interest.  Contact:  Mary Annis (275-2131).

RELAY FOR LIFE—This ministry represents our parish in local events raising funds for the American Cancer Society.  Various fundraisers are held through the year.  Contact:  Brian and Mary Major (672-3287).

ROSARIANS—This social group is for senior citizens under the direction of Senior Adult Ministry in the Diocese of Harrisburg.  Monthly meetings at Masser’s Restaurant include lunch, a short meeting and usually bingo.  There are membership dues and on occasion the Rosarians support different projects such as the library and ambulance fund. Contact:  Gloria Bohr (672-3167).

SUPPORT MINISTRY

DISABILITY ADVOCACY—This ministry assists the pastor in working for and with parishioners with disabilities.  The advocate strives to assist persons with disabilities to become full participants in the life of the parish spiritually, physically and socially.  The advocate does this by promoting a spirit of invitation, welcome and inclusion.  Contact:  Rose Valania (644-7611).

GOOD SAMARITANS—The Good Samaritans provide assistance to the needy of our parish and community by sending monthly greeting cards, transporting persons to doctor appointments, running errands, making meals, assisting with personal bills, and help with the sorting and distributing of food at Thanksgiving.  No regularly scheduled meetings.  Contact:  Beth Bembenek (672-3006) or Marlene Niglio (672-9007).

HEALTH MINISTRY—This ministry offers resource for the parish to help promote personal wellness and health goals.  Activities range from monthly blood pressure checks after weekend Masses to CPR training to health fairs for our parishioners.  Health care professionals are encouraged to join.  Contact:  Diane Harlow (672-9735).

LAZARUS MINISTRY—Lazarus ministers assist those mourning the death of a loved one through prayerful participation at the funeral liturgy, calling the next of kin to offer condolences at the time of death, and to offer any assistance on the anniversary of the loved one’s death.  No meetings or dues.  Contact:  Mary Ziarkoski (672-2678).

PRAYER CHAIN—Prayer is at the heart of this ministry!  The prayer chain prays for the needs of our parishioners and those from other churches and communities.  This is an excellent ministry for the homebound, for people who work, and for the very busy.  All contact is by telephone and a quarterly written update is sent to all members.  Contact:  Alice Marks (286-0628).

SERVICE

BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS—This group takes care of parish grounds and buildings on a seasonal basis.  This includes staking markers for snow removal, raking leaves and picking up branches, planting flowers, cleaning out rainspouts, painting, and doing general repair work.  Other work as needed.  Contact:  John Feudale (672-1934).

CCW—The Council of Catholic Women is a women’s group affiliated with the National, Diocesan, and Northumberland District, Councils of Women and is open to all women in the parish.  Nominal dues are charged for all members.  This group sponsors many events in the parish such as receptions for First Communion, Confirmation and Forty Hours; take up a Pro-Life collection and distribute carnations on Mother’s Day; prepare shoeboxes of essential supplies for victims of domestic violence; the Birthright Tree in Advent.  Meetings are held on the first Monday of the month at 7 PM.  Contact:  Kim Cotter (president) at 672-1952.

DECORATING—This ministry decorates the church for the different liturgical seasons.  Some of its responsibilities include planning, ordering flowers, gathering needed accessories, decorating the church (usually on a tight schedule!) clean up, maintaining live flowers by watering and pruning, and changing altar cloths as needed.  Contact:  Brenda Roadarmel (672-3150).

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS—This fraternal order of Catholic men supports the parish by providing a labor pool for the parish, assist in cleaning and decorating the church, and other work as needed.  The Knights hold fundraisers to support the parish financially, provide a scholarship for a graduating member of our parish, and take part in community events such as setting up the Nativity Scene at Ralpho Park.  All men are welcome to join this national fraternal group.  Meets second Wednesday of every month at 7 PM.  Contact:  Louis Odorizzi (672-9197).

OFFICE VOLUNTEERS—This ministry involves answering the phone, taking messages, writing out Mass cards, compiling letters for mailings, placing inserts into bulletin, etc. Volunteers also enable the office to remain open on a limited schedule while the office manager is away on vacation or out sick.  Contact:  Carol Fedash (672-2302).

WEBSITE MINISTRY—This ministry develops the parish website and keeps it updated on a weekly basis.  Good computer skills necessary.  Contact:  Brian Major (672-3287).

EDUCATION

CCD TEACHERS—This important ministry teaches the faith to the young people of our parish.  Classes are held from 9:10 to 10:10 most Sunday mornings from September to May.  All teachers have aides in the classroom and are given instructional material to present the faith.  Contact:  Meg Yeager (672-2302).

CCD AIDES—This group assists the CCD teacher in the classroom each Sunday morning and, on occasion, substitutes for the teacher when needed.  Classes are held from 9:10 to 10:10 most Sunday mornings from September to May.  Contact:  Meg Yeager (672-2302).

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL—This ecumenical Vacation Bible School takes place for four nights sometime in the summer.  Although the site for the VBS varies between the local churches, volunteers from our parish are needed.  Volunteers help with snacks, music, decorating, teaching, telling stories, etc., as needed.  Contact:  Meg Yeager:  (672-2302).

FATHER SLOUGH SCHOLARSHIP FUND—Honoring the spiritual guidance and leadership of former pastor Father Slough, this committee distributes an annual scholarship to a student of Holy Rosary Parish who is seeking a Catholic education.  Meeting twice a year, the Board of Directors is responsible for the stewardship and distribution of scholarship funds.  Contact:  Mel Purdy (286-1661).

OUTREACH

PRO-LIFE--  This important group implements the Church’s pro-life mission and teaching of upholding the sanctity and dignity of all human life from the moment of conception until natural death.  Activities include the annual March for Life in Washington, DC; Birthright Giving Tree project in Advent; participation in Diocesan Mass and witnessing at Hillcrest Abortion Clinic; Respect Life Sundays; maintaining parish pro-life bulletin in vestibule of church; supplying weekly bulletin blurbs.  Adults and children invited to join.  No formal meetings at this time.  Contact:  Michele and Steve Resuta (672-1040).

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE—This group caters to the parents and family members of gravely ill youngsters who are being treated at the Geisinger Medical Center by providing full course meals for their nourishment and enjoyment.  Meets approximately three hours a week every two weeks on a Wednesday morning.  There are at the present time four different teams.  Contact:  Marge Johnson (672-2905).

SOCIAL & FUNDRAISING

FISH DINNER—For five Fridays each Lent, this group prepares and sells a delicious fish dinner as part of a fundraising event in the parish.  There are opportunities to help both on Thursday and Friday before the dinner as well as in cleaning up after the dinner is over.  Contact:  Helen Forti (672-9307).

PARISH PICNIC—This annual event is held each summer.  The committee meets in late spring to plan the menu, activities, and entertainment.  Volunteers assist with food service, adult and children’s games, setup and cleanup.  Contact:  Jan Kanaskie (672-9830).

PIEROGIE SALE—This group of volunteers makes and sells pierogies as a fundraiser for the parish.  Instruction is given in the fine art of pierogie-making!  These sales are usually held once or twice a year.  Contact:  Helen Forti (672-9307).

SPAGHETTI DINNER—This annual fundraiser needs volunteers in making, serving and cleaning up after a delicious spaghetti dinner.  Contact:  Helen Forti (672-9307).

WELCOME COMMITTEE—This committee works with the pastor in welcoming new parishioners, finding ways to unite present parishioners, and reaching beyond the walls of the parish and sharing our faith with others.  Activities involve preparing welcome packets, preparing a biannual brunch for new parishioners, and supporting other evangelization efforts.  Meets when needed.  Contact:  Mel Purdy (286-1661).

YOUTH GROUP—The youth group is for high school students in our parish.  Social, spiritual and educational events are planned.  Activities both on and off parish grounds are planned.  Contact:  Father Al (672-2302).