Volunteer Ministries
and Service Opportunities
at Saint Jean Baptiste

 

 

ÿ

 

 

CALLED TO WITNESS AND SERVICE IN CHRIST'S NAME

Saint Jean Baptiste Church, in the heart of Manhattan’s Upper East Side, is a community of committed and caring people living the fullness of the Catholic faith as envisioned by the Second Vatican Council.  It is staffed by religious from the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament, an order of priests and brothers founded in France in 1856 by Saint Peter Julian Eymard, the Apostle of the Eucharist.  The mission of the Congregation is to make the Eucharist better known and loved.

The parish supports Saint Jean Baptiste High School, administered by the Congregation of Notre Dame, a congregation of sisters founded in Montreal in 1653 by Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys.

The parish also sponsors the Saint Jean Baptiste Community Center as a place of welcome and hospitality to the people of the surrounding neighborhood and city.

Saint Jean Baptiste Parish reflects the charisms of these religious congregations in its emphasis on the Eucharist, on service, and on education.  It also operates out of the conviction that each of us is called, by virtue of his or her baptism, to give witness to Jesus Christ and to serve others.  Many opportunities are available to become involved in the life of the parish.  Here are some of them and the approximate time commitment entailed.

 

 

PASTORAL

Parish Pastoral Council and Parish Finance Council – assisting the Pastor in overseeing the life of the parish.

 

 

LITURGICAL

Greeters – welcoming people entering the church for liturgy.  One hour weekly.  Contact: Mrs. Pierrette Hogan.

Ushers – keeping order during church services, assisting in the collection.  One hour weekly.  Contact: Mr. Thomas Hogan.

Choir/Music Ministry – singing at the Noon Mass on the first and third Sundays of the month and participating in special liturgies throughout the year.  One and one-half hours in rehearsal, two hours on Sundays twice a month.  Contact: Mr. Kyler Brown.

Acolytes (Altar Servers) – assisting the clergy during liturgies.  One hour weekly.  Contact: Deacon Richard Russo.

Lectors – proclaiming the word of God during liturgies.  One hour weekly, as assigned.  Contact: Miss Rita Rowan.

Ministers of Communion – assisting with the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass and to the homebound.  One hour twice a month, as assigned.  Contact: Ms. Margaret Duffy.

 

 

PRAYER GROUPS

Pro-Life (Monday, 7:30 p.m.)

Charismatic (Thursday, 7:30 p.m.)

Marian (Friday, 6:30 p.m.)

Nocturnal Adoration (First Friday of month at 9:00 p.m.  Closing Mass at 12:00 Midnight)

All prayer groups meet in The Founders Room in the Parish House.

 

 

EDUCATIONAL

Catechetical Program (CCD) – religious education and sacramental preparation for children and youth from kindergarten through high school during the academic year.  One hour weekly, plus preparation.  Contact: Mrs. Robin Drayer.

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) – faith formation for adults interested in Catholicism and for completion of the sacraments of initiation.  Catechists and team members are needed for approximately two hours per week, September through June.  Contact: Mrs. Robin Drayer.

High School Mentor – tutoring girls attending Saint Jean Baptiste High School.  Contact: Sr. Ona Bessette, C.N.D.

Toddler Play Group – cooperative run by parents/caregivers with guidance from parish staff.  Serves children 18 months to three years.  Contact: Mrs. Pauline Reenock.

 

 

SOCIAL

Family Life – religious, social, and educational outreach to families with children.  The Family Mass is celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on the third Sunday of each month, September through June. Contact: Mrs. Jill Bowers or Mrs. Tina Sapienza Castellano.

Senior Program – meals and social opportunities for seniors on Wednesdays and Fridays.  Volunteers needed as greeters and servers.  Contact: Mrs. Pauline Reenock.

Saint Jean’s Young Adults – religious, social, and educational outreach to young adults.  Various events throughout the year.

 

 

COMMUNITY

Parish Outreach – providing practical assistance to the elderly and homebound.  Time commitment varies.  Contact: Deacon Joseph Pino.

Yorkville Common Pantry – working with this local food pantry to feed the hungry of New York City.  Contact: Mrs. Patricia Kelly.

 

 

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

Cultural Life Committee – organizing activities that build the cultural and community life of the parish.  Contact: Mrs. Barbara O’Dwyer Lopez.

Office (Secretarial and Computer) – assisting with correspondence and record keeping.  Time commitment is flexible.  Contact: Mrs. Ellen Hagan.

The Saint Jean’s Journal – parish newsletter.  Writers and editorial assistance.  Contact: Mrs. Barbara O’Dwyer Lopez.

Thrift Shop – sorting, pricing, and staffing.  Time commitment is flexible.  Contact: Mrs. Pat Sliwak Grinberg.

 

 

OCCASIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Church cleaning – semiannual cleaning to spruce up the church.  Approximately two hours twice yearly.  Please see the church bulletin for schedule.  Contact: Fr. Anthony Schueller, S.S.S.

New Parishioner Welcome – assisting with preparation of new parishioner welcome packages and semiannual new parishioner dinner.  Contact: Ms. Margaret Duffy.

Saint Anne’s Novena – helping with various duties during ten days in July (17-26).  Contact: Mrs. Ellen Hagan.

Concert helpers – ticket taking and ushering at concerts and other activities held in the church.  Contact: Fr. Anthony Schueller, S.S.S.

 

 

How You Can Help
Call the Parish Office at 212.288.5082, and they will put you in touch with the contact persons who coordinate the volunteers for the various ministries and programs.

 

Please Note
Persons volunteering to work with children or youth are required to complete the Safe Environment Program (Protecting God’s Children) of the Archdiocese of New York.

 

 

Home