Interested in joining or finding out more about a
ministry? Email or call the Parish Rectory for contact information.
A yearly effort to promote personal relationships
between parish families and parish staff.
Prayers for Expectant
Parents (P.E.P.)
Parish anticipation of birth or adoption through
prayer. Please call Deacon Dick at the rectory, (610) 867-7424 ext. 18.
Ministry of the
Eucharist at Mass
The Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
assist the Celebrant at Mass in sharing the Body and Blood of Christ with those
in attendance, thus enabling the assembly to unite themselves with Christ
and one another as the Body of Christ.
Ministry of the
Eucharist to the Homebound
When a member of our parish family is unable to
celebrate the Sunday Eucharist with the community, an Extraordinary Minister of
Holy Communion is available to visit at home. This very special time of prayer
and the reception of Holy Communion sustains the sacramental bond that exists
among all members of the Body of Christ.
If you or any of your loved ones become ill and
are unable to participate in Sunday Mass with your fellow parishioners, please
call the rectory (610-867-7424 x 10). If your illness keeps you homebound, an
Assumption Eucharistic Minister would be happy to set up a time to visit you
and bring you Holy Communion. If someone close to you enters a nursing home or
hospital, please make the call to the rectory so that your parish is aware of
your needs.
"Let us see in the needs of
others the opportunities to make Jesus Christ live." Please call us so
that we can begin that important connection.
The Wedding Minister assists the bridal party and
the presider with preparations for a pleasant and memorable ceremony; to
experience the sacrament with love and grace. This involves reviewing details
of the ceremony with the wedding couple well ahead of the wedding, assisting at
the rehearsal, with details before and during the wedding, and assists with
clean-up after the wedding ceremony.
The Funeral Ministry is one of the most important
ways that Assumption BVM Parish supports a family at the time of the loss of a
loved one. Two teams, the Alphas and the Omegas, rotate monthly and serve as
liturgical ministers for the funeral Mass. The hospitality ministers welcome
all to the church and assist them in any way during the liturgy. The acolytes,
lectors, and eucharistic ministers serve in their respective roles to
facilitate the celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial and represent our
parish family.
As it is expressed over and over again in our
rites for Christian Burial, the Church expects that the community gather around
those who mourn the death of a loved one. The members of our Funeral Ministry
represent our parish in that important ministry of consolation. Grieving
families often comment on how touched they are by the manner in which the
parish responds to our brothers and sisters at a time of their great sadness
and loss. May God continue to be praised in all we do.
The Grief and Loss Ministry at Assumption Parish
responds to those who suffer the loss of a loved one through death, or the loss
of a spouse through the ending of a marriage relationship. This is accomplished
through pastoral care and counseling, self-help support groups, and special
workshops.
We the Living is a support group for
adults who have suffered a loss through death. The loss can be a spouse, child,
a friend, parent or sibling. The program is 12 weeks, with sessions held in the
fall (September) and winter (late January). The group meets on Tuesday evenings
from 7 to 8:30 PM in the Finnegan Room. The sessions are directed by a trained
facilitator. They are open to all faiths and there is no cost.
Repair with Care is a self-help support
group for adults who are separated or divorced. The program is 12 weeks, with
sessions held in the fall (September) and winter (late January). The group
meets on Monday evenings from 7 to 8:30 in the Finnegan Room. The sessions are
directed by a trained facilitator. They are open to all faiths and there is no
cost.
Coping through the Holidays is offered on the
Saturday before Thanksgiving from 9 to 12 PM in the Coll Room. This is a
practical presentation to aid those who are grieving through the holidays.
The exact dates for the groups
and workshop are published in the parish bulletin
Pastoral Care and Counseling is available through our
Pastoral Team. Deacon Bill Urbine D.Min., LMFT is a licensed marriage and
family therapist, counseling for over thirty years. Carol Barron M.S. is a
pastoral/ clinical therapist with many years experience working with children
and families dealing with grief and loss. Contact them directly for assistance.
Rainbows for all
God's Children
Sadness, grief and loss can happen in a family for
many reasons. Kids feel these things too. If your family, or a family you love
and care about is suffering from death, divorce, chronic illness, or sadness
due to relocation or separation, Rainbows might help.
Rainbows for all God's Children is a gentle,
nationwide, proven support program for children ages 4-14 that is being offered
at Assumption BVM Parish in Colesville. Meeting weekly for 12 sessions,
children are carefully put into age appropriate groups. Our facilitators are
trained in the Rainbow's method and curriculum, and provide gentle,
understanding guidance as the children learn to communicate their feelings and
fears in a safe place.
There is no fee needed to attend Rainbows. Groups
are confidential, supportive, and a wonderful place for healing to take place.
Please feel free to call me to learn more about
Rainbows, and how your child might benefit by taking part. You may also learn
more about this important, successful program by checking it out at www.Rainbows.org
Do you knit or crochet? Then please join
us!
The Prayer Shawl Ministry is a group of women who
make beautiful hand made shawls for those who are in the need of comfort,
support, hope, strength and love.
The Parish Liturgy Board discerns, develops,
implements, and evaluates parish practices, and plans for the full, conscious,
and active participation of the parishioners in the liturgical life of the
parish.
The Liturgy Board objectives include:
The Liturgy Board consists of 12 members:
The Liturgy Board meets on the second Tuesday of
each month from September to June.
Liturgy
Preparation Form for Parish Groups
The goal of this ministry is to connect our parish
families to one another. We will provide meals and fellowship for each
other during the busy and joyous times of a birth or adoption and during
unexpected family challenges.
Please contact us if:
"And let us consider how we
may spur one another on toward love and good deeds." Hebrews 10:24
The Music Ministry plays a vital role in
enhancing the liturgies of Assumption B.V.M. Church. With over 60 musicians
active in four choirs, this ministry provides music for all weekend liturgies,
seasonal liturgies, and sacramental celebrations of the church. During the
season of Advent, the musicians from the varied groups combine for the annual
'Gaudete'! concert, a candlelight concert celebrating the
season. Director, organist and pianist Dr. Dennis Varley, invites musicians of
all ages and abilities to become part of this dynamic, spiritual and joyous
ministry.
The Assumption Choir rehearses on Wednesday
evenings from 7-8:00 PM September through May. This SATB choir sings at the
10:00 AM Mass (except on the first Sunday of the month), Christmas Midnight
Mass and the liturgies of Holy Week. Repertoire ranges from Gregorian chant and
classical motets to the spirit-filled work of today's composers for the church.
The choir is open to singers high-school age and older.
The Assumption Youth Choir rehearses on Thursdays
from 3:45-4:30 PM September through April. Interested boys and girls, second
grade and older are invited to contact Dr. Varley to join this exuberant group.
The Youth Choir sings, and occasionally plays handbells, at the family Mass on
the first Sunday of each month, October through May at 10:00 AM and for the
Christmas and Easter liturgies.
The Contemporary Ensemble directed by pianist
Carol Herman, includes guitars, flute, viola, and voices. This smaller ensemble
of instrumentalists and singers provides music in a contemporary style at the
5:00 PM Mass on Saturdays. The group rehearses on Monday evenings at 7:30 PM.
The Shopkeepers welcomes young people
from grades 9-12 who sing or play instruments. Our newest addition to the Music
Ministry, this group of talented teenagers provides music for various liturgies
throughout the year. The group is coordinated by Andrea Powell.
Cantors (Leaders of Song): Assumption B.V.M. is
fortunate to have a group of dedicated cantors who lead our congregations in
sung prayer. An annual workshop provides training for newly interested singers.
Assumption Church is in partnership with
ShareCare, Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers in the Lehigh Valley. ShareCare, a non-profit
agency, is a network of faith communities within the Lehigh Valley whose
volunteers help people who are elderly and/or disabled and are living
independently.
Share Care offers a variety of services such as
respite care, transportation to doctor appointments, shopping, and light
housekeeping to the elderly, homebound, and those with special needs.
Elected Members
· Ed McKarski · John McHale · Jeanine Faust · Tony Martocci (ex-officio member
representing the Parish Finance Council) · Phillip Maas (Youth
Representative) *** Bi-monthly meetings
are held on the second Parish Nursing gives you an insight to your health
and provides guidance for your spiritual journey through a prayerful partnership
with our Priests, Deacons, Pastoral Team, and Lay Apostolate Ministers.
It teaches, coaches , protects and advocates for human dignity and whole person
health and wellness. Volunteers are encouraged and trained to support you in
your need. Referrals to community resources are provided. Personal
health counsel and preventive early intervention strategies aid in maintaining
wellness. Parish Nursing promotes a lifestyle shaped by the
HOLY SPIRIT in HEALTH and WELLNESS Emotional ~ Physical ~ Spiritual ~ Mental ~
Psychological ~ Social ~ Biological ~ Intellectual ~ Soulful ~ Relational ~ and
Vocational. The Contemporary Ensemble leads the community's
sung prayer at most 5:00 PM Saturday Masses from September through June.
We rehearse each Monday evening from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM and before Mass
beginning at 4:15 PM in the sanctuary. Presently, our group consists of
vocalists, guitarists, violist, flutist, and pianist. The Arts & Environment Ministry is responsible
for preparing the worship space for the celebration of the Church's liturgical
feasts and seasons following the guidelines as outlined in the Church's
liturgical books and documents. The Ministry also proposes and implements various
enhancements to the interior quality and appearance of the church building and
its surroundings. The Ministry chairperson is a member of the Parish
Liturgy Board, and is responsible not only to report its monthly activities,
but also to interact and participate constructively with all other parish
ministries. Recent projects completed by the Ministry are: the
design and renovation for the main altar [rear side enclosures for the church
speakers and internal closets], the Tabernacle, the altar, the BVM side altar,
renovation of the Sacristy, basement storage rooms in Vestment Room and rear
kitchen area. Projects awaiting approval are the renovation of the church
flooring and doors. The Arts and Environment Ministry warmly welcomes
the participation of all who are interested in preparing our worship space for
the celebration of the liturgy. Little People's Church offers a safe, comfortable
environment for children ages 3, 4, 5, and 6, to learn about Jesus Christ at
their level of understanding. Rituals, prayers, readings and themes are
adapted from the Mass of the Sunday to enable both parents and children to
continue their family church experience at home. Finally, a primary goal
of Little People's Church is to provide a fuller experience of Jesus by
parents, children and the parish community at the Family Mass celebrated each
month. Little children have much to learn and much to teach about the
experience of Jesus in their young lives. The Catholic Church asks that you begin the
preparation process for marriage at least one year prior to your wedding
date. This will allow time to look clearly at your relationship and for
the Church to support you at this time of transition in your life. We
offer the Marriage Preparation Dialogue program at Assumption BVM, but other
times and locations within the Allentown Diocese are also available. The
Marriage Prep program for engaged couples centers on some of the topics
essential to marriage preparation. These include: Effective Communication,
Sexuality, Natural Family Planning, Finance, Potential Problems and
Spirituality Married couples belonging to our parish facilitate
discussion with the engaged couples. Brief presentations by the married
couples lead to personal sharing with partners. Techniques for each
couple to improve their own relationship are a major thrust of the program. Parishioners of all ages, families, and
individuals--serve the worshiping assembly by welcoming and assisting the
people, distributing liturgical materials and gathering the weekly collection
of the faithful. Ministry of Gardens
and Grounds The garden ministry is comprised of volunteers who
create and maintain the outdoor environment; which nurtures prayer and an
appropriate environment of beauty and dignity. New Neighbors
Welcoming Ministry This ministry is made up of approximately 50 wonderful
parishioners who welcome new neighbors who have recently joined the Assumption
Parish Family. Our goal is a warm welcome all the way through a family's
adjustment to their new home, parish community and any other help that might be
needed. This ministry began in 2006, and we have been warmly received
with our simple phone calls, plates of cookies and even occasional
visits. It is a wonderful way to meet new people as well as offering a
little kindness as a sign of welcome to a new parishioner. Have no anxiety at all, but in
everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known
to God. Philippians 4:6 The women and men in the Prayer Chain offer
prayers of petition for requests received from fellow parishioners. We
delight in thanking God for answering our prayers. What an exalted
privilege to lift up those in need of spiritual, physical, mental, emotional,
relational, and financial healings! The Sewing Group concentrates on using their
talents and time to create lap quilts for sick and elderly parishioners.
Fabric is mostly donated through the generosity of other parishioners.
The group of women cut and sew the quilts and Monsignor Martin and the parish
nurse lovingly present them to those in need. In addition to the lap quilts, the women take on
any assignment given them, such as, but not limited to, the baptismal bibs that
are given to newborns, and the First Communion banners which the communicants
decorate the church on the day of their First Holy Communion. The Sewing Group has also made tote bags.
The proceeds of the sale of the bags were donated to the parish and used to
purchase sound amplification devices for use in church. This wonderful group of women are always looking
for newcomers to share in the love that they have of sewing and making those in
need feel comforted. Come and join us! Social Outreach -
Southern Lehigh Food Bank The Southern Lehigh Area Churches sponsor a Food
Bank, which is housed at St. James Lutheran Church in Coopersburg. The
Food Bank is supported by generous food and monetary donations from churches,
individuals, and community groups. To be eligible to receive food from the Food Bank,
you must be a member of a participating church or a resident of the Southern
Lehigh School District. Food is distributed every other Saturday.
Assumption Parish's dates in 2008 to distribute food and restock the shelves
are: November 1, 15, 29. We meet at 9:00am until approximately 11:00 AM. Continuing the religious education goals
established through PREP, comprehensive youth ministry at Assumption B.V.M.
encourages fully initiated youth in grades 9-12 to make meaningful, lasting
connections to their Church. Age-appropriate opportunities exist in the areas
of: These connections are designed to: Soup Kitchen at New
Bethany Ministries Assumption BVM supports the New Bethany
Ministries in their hospitality center, Mollard Hall, on the 4th
Friday of every month. A group of volunteers starts the cooking
at 9:30 am and serves the food at noon. Every month we cook
whatever is on the New Bethany menu. It is a surprise each
month. We finish our duties at 1:00 PM by removing
the serving dishes to the kitchen to be cleaned by another
group. We enjoy working together in the kitchen and
meeting God's people. One year at Christmas time Sandy Andreucci,
the Ministry Coordinator, played Christmas songs on the piano. On
another occasion someone who came to eat entertained us with some
songs. There are also artists that bless us with their gift by
drawing on the chalk board. You can join this ministry as
a volunteer any time, you need to be at least 16 years old to work in the
kitchen. The time commitment is once a month for 3 and a half hours
and you can choose which month/months fit your schedule. There are other opportunities to support New
Bethany - once a month ABVM asks the parish to donate spaghetti sauce, pasta,
parmesan cheese, coffee and sugar. Did you ever notice the blue
bins at the entrances once a month? That is where you can put your
donation. Do you have the "need to
feed"? Fill that desire to feed by volunteering in this
valuable ministry contact the church office, 610-867-7424. "For I was hungry, and you
gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me drink; I was a
stranger, and you invited Me in" Matthew 25:37
Monday of the odd months of the year, beginning in May.