Sharing
our Time and Talent
in the Parish of St. William the Abbot
The 2008-09 Guide to
Parish Ministries and Organizations
Mission Statement of St. William the Abbot Roman Catholic Church
We, the Parish Family of St. William the Abbot, are a
welcoming community of faith, guided by the Holy Spirit
and centered in God’s Word and the Eucharist.
Through the Sacraments, prayer and the stewardship of our
God-given gifts, we are called to minister with respect and
compassion to all, from the youngest to the oldest.
We commit ourselves to continue the mission of Jesus
Christ, to proclaim His Gospel and to love one another as
He has loved us.
Liturgical Ministries
Adult Choir
The Adult Choir leads the congregation in song at the Sunday 10:45 AM Mass. The Choir plays a very important part in our Solemn Christmas and Holy Week Liturgies, Seasonal Concerts, and special events. No musical experience is required. If you enjoy singing, please consider joining this group. Rehearsals are Wednesdays at 7:30 PM. Seasonal help is also welcome if you are unable to commit to weekly 10:45 AM Mass.
Altar Guild
The Altar Guild is responsible for those tasks that keep our Altar and Sacristy in good, clean and efficient order. These tasks include washing and ironing the linens.
Altar Servers
Servers assist the priests at Masses, weddings, funerals, and other prayer services. They are responsible for the smooth flow of the parish’s prayer. Membership requires a prayerful student (from Grade 5 or above), attentive to detail with good self-control. Candidates make a commitment to participate in our training program and to be present for their Mass assignment. The entire parish appreciates the dedication and professionalism of our servers.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Eucharistic Ministers are specially trained and commissioned members of our parish who assist the priests and deacons with the distribution of Holy Communion at our parish Masses. Some ministers choose to attend further training to become “Eucharistic Ministers to the Homebound.” In our parish they are then assigned to bring Holy Communion to the frail-elderly, the infirm, the handicapped, or to those suffering from an extended illness. This is a very rewarding ministry for both the communicant and the minister. Training is provided by the Rockville Centre Diocese. To apply, please contact our Pastor, Fr. Bill Koenig.
Children’s ‘G.I.F.T.’ Choir
The G.I.F.T. Choir is a choir which sings for the 9:15 AM G.I.F.T Masses each month, and combined with the Youth Choir, sings for holidays, special occasions and concerts. Appropriate ages for this group are Kindergarten through 3rd grade. Rehearsals are Wednesdays, 5:15 PM weekly.
Folk Group
The Folk Group leads the congregation in song at the Saturday 5:00 PM Mass. The group selects contemporary “folk” type hymns and employs a variety of musical talents, especially the folk guitar, piano, flutes, and other instruments. Practices are scheduled for Tuesday evenings.
Handbell Choir
Our Parish is fortunate to have a Handbell Choir. This is a group of dedicated parishioners who play our new three-octave set of Malmark Handbells for holidays, concerts, and special occasions. No musical experience is necessary. All Adults/Young Adults are welcome. Rehearsals are alternating Sunday evenings after the 5:00 PM Mass.
Junior Lectors
Since the day Abraham spoke to God in the burning bush, God has been seen as active in His Word. The responsibility for proclaiming God’s Word in the assembly is not a gift reserved solely for adults. Membership to the Junior Lectors is open to students in Grades 6 through 12. There is a program of training and preparation for candidates. As with our Senior Lectors, Junior Lectors are expected by the community to prepare themselves to proclaim the proper readings at their scheduled liturgies.
Lectors
Readers are members of our parish community who assist at our Masses by proclaiming God’s Word to the assembled community. The Word of God is an essential part of the Mass. When the Word is proclaimed and heard, it becomes the experience of the power and presence of the Living God in our community. Training is provided for all new Readers.
Parish Liturgy Committee
Several members of our community gather regularly to pray and plan upcoming liturgies in our parish. This committee works with other committees and the different music ministries with the goal of fostering Christ’s presence in the Liturgy to all who worship at St. William the Abbot.
Seasonal Orchestra
Our Seasonal Orchestra enhances our Concerts and Special Events, and provides us with solo/ensemble instrumentalists on occasion for Masses as needed. Relatively good sight-reading skills and proficiency with your instrument is required. Youth and Adults alike are welcome.
Teen Music/Handbell Group
This group provides music for the 5:00 PM Evening Mass on Sundays, with rehearsal following once a month as scheduled. Vocalists, Handbell Ringers, and Musicians/Guitar, Keyboard, etc., are welcome. High School age and older. Please leave a message at the Music Ministries Office 781-3253 to speak with Alfred Allongo.
Ushers
Ushers are parishioners whose presence, conversation and activities speak of a genuine desire that all who come to one of our liturgical events are welcome. Ushers are men and women who facilitate various parts of the Mass to insure a sacred and smooth gathering.
Youth Bells
This is a handbell choir consisting of children 5th grade through 8th grade at St. William’s School. Rehearsals are Mondays during lunchtime in School. Some musical experience is preferred. The group performs at the School and Parish Concerts and at liturgies throughout the year.
Youth Choir
This is a group of teen/preteen and young adults who sing at the 9:15 AM Mass once monthly, and combined with other choirs, sings for holidays, special occasions, and concerts. Ages in this group range from 4th grade through high school. Rehearsals are on Wednesdays at 6:15 PM.
Sacramental Preparation
Baptismal Preparation Program
Newborns are a great joy to new parents. These parents usually contact the parish shortly after the child’s birth to arrange Baptism. We assist the new parents by welcoming them to a one-time preparation class. These sessions are hosted by one of the couples of our Baptismal Committee and one of our priests or deacons. A parent from the parish is part of the presentation at each class. The members of the Baptism Committee also serve as hosts at the Baptism ceremonies on Sunday afternoons.
Confirmation Preparation Program
Confirmation preparation is a two-year program that involves active participation by the students, sponsors, parents and the parish. The youngsters of the parish celebrate the Sacrament at the conclusion of Grade 7. Youngsters who request the Sacrament in Grade 7 or later are offered a two-year age appropriate program of study and formation. Preparation for the Sacrament involves catechesis which integrates doctrine, worship, and service. Adults who request the Sacrament of Confirmation are invited to join the RCIA process.
G.I.F.T. Program
The Growing in Faith Together Program (GIFT) is a religious instruction program for first, second and third grade children and their families in St. William the Abbot Parish (School and Religious Education). GIFT includes a two-year process of preparation for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist.
Parent Meetings, special Prayer Services and monthly grade level Masses all aim to nurture the faith of the participating families.
In-Home Pre-Cana
In this ministry, married couples share their experience of married life with the engaged couples of our Parish planning a wedding at St. William’s. Sessions are held three times a year (Fall, Winter, and Spring). Each session begins, and ends, with a group meeting at St. William’s. Between these meetings, each scheduled team holds four sessions at their home with three or four of the engaged couples. Team members are not required to be available for all three seasons. Training is provided, as are outlines of the talks and handout materials. This important ministry helps our newly married to start their lives together on the best foot possible.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
RCIA is a Process for those Adults from ages 18 and over wishing to become a part of the Catholic Church. If those wishing to become Catholic have never been Baptized into another Christian faith tradition (catechumens), they are prepared to receive the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and 1st Eucharist. For those Adults who have already been baptized into another Christian faith (candidates), they are prepared for Full Communion with the Catholic Church by receiving Confirmation and 1st Eucharist.
In the RCIA process we also welcome those Adults who have been baptized as infants into the Catholic Church but for whatever reason have not received the Sacraments of Confirmation and 1st Eucharist.
The candidates and catechumens meet weekly throughout the year with the RCIA team. The team is composed of members of the parish who pray together, share their own faith journey, their own relationship with God and their knowledge of the Church and its traditions. It is also a process for the families and friends of the candidates and catechumens, in which their own Catholic faith grows and becomes more important to them.
RCIA is a Process, not a program. It is the ongoing journey of faith that we all experience during our lives.
There is also an RCIA process adapted for those who are under the age of 18, and come under the guidelines listed above.
Wedding Rehearsal Ministry
The Wedding Rehearsal Ministry is a fun, rewarding and easy ministry. Teams are assigned to a wedding and assist the bridal party in their rehearsal. Rehearsals are scheduled on both Thursday and Friday evenings at 7:00, 7:30 and 8:00 PM. The average team conducts 1 – 2 rehearsals a month. The teams work well together with scheduling when conflicts arise. Please call Joanne Newcombe, 516-795-1028, if you are interested in this ministry.
Education and Formation
St. William the Abbot School (N – 8)
St. William the Abbot School, a Middle States Accredited School, provides a strong religious education teaching Catholic values and doctrine. The faculty’s commitment to “Teach As Jesus Did” fosters in our students a deep sense of their own dignity, an appreciation of the sacredness of human life, and the need to love and respect God, themselves, and others. Academic programs grounded in basic skills challenge our students to become critical thinkers, life-long learners, and responsible members of the community. We strive to educate the “total child” in a community-centered and spiritually-based atmosphere.
Fun with God
Fun with God is a Sunday preschool program for four and five year olds. In this bimonthly class, held during the 9:15 am Mass, children learn about God through stories, songs and crafts.
Home School Association
The St. William the Abbot Home School Association objectives are: 1) acquiring an appreciation of Catholic Education; 2) promotion of mutual educational responsibilities between parents and teachers; 3) encouraging cooperation between home and school; 4) fund-raising efforts that enhance the total educational experience for children, parents, and teachers. Participants include parents and legal guardians of SWS students and members of the school faculty.
Religious Education
Religious Education is a “womb to tomb” ministry aiding all members of our parish who strive to grow in their love and knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Children grades Pre-K through Grade 7 receive doctrinal instruction, faith formation and sacramental preparation in parish programs under the direction of the Priest Moderators and the Directors of Religious Education.
The G.I.F.T. Program, grades 1 – 3, provides instruction and involvement for students and their parents. Students, grades 4 – 7, receive weekly instruction, which culminates in Confirmation at the end of 7th grade. Junior High and High School students are encouraged to join Youth Ministry.
Continuing Adult Education and Spiritual Enrichment are offered in the form of lectures and classes, marriage preparation (Pre-Cana), for the baptism of a child, and for those who are interested in becoming members of our Church (RCIA). These opportunities are listed in the Parish bulletin.
School Board
The St. William the Abbot School Board assists and advises the Pastor and Principal in the policy-shaping process by formulating and adopting school policies. The Pastor has the final authority to accept the recommendations of the Parish School Board. School Board members are elected for a three-year term. Elections are held every spring and board membership is open to all parishioners.
Youth Ministry/High School
A comprehensive Youth Ministry for High School aged youth whose goals are: to empower young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today; to draw young people to responsible participation in the life mission and work of the Catholic faith community; and to foster the total personal and spiritual growth of each young person.
These goals will be reached with the help and guidance of adult team members through the components of advocacy, catechesis, community life, evangelization, justice and service, leadership, pastoral care, prayer, and worship. Some events include weekly community nights, bowling nights, a talent show, community outreach, Holy Week lock-in, and an annual retreat at a local retreat house.
Parish Social Ministry
The parish is where the Church lives. Parishes are communities of faith, of action and of hope. Parishes are the place where God’s people meet Jesus in word and sacrament and come in touch with the source of the Church’s life. More and more the social dimensions of our faith are moving from the fringes of parishes to become an integral part of local church life. Communities of Salt and Light: Reflection on the Social Mission of the Church, NCCB November 1993
St. William the Abbot supports the following Social Ministries:
St. Vincent de Paul Society
Women and men volunteers who collaborate with Social Ministry in providing direct services and assessing needs. Confidentiality is assured in assisting individuals and families in need.
Abbot INNKEEPERS
Volunteers (18 years and older) assist the Interfaith Nutrition Network (INN) located in Hempstead. The INN operates 17 soup kitchens on Eastern Long Island. Volunteers from St. William the Abbot Parish meet in the Abbey once a month to prepare sandwiches for homeless women, children, and men.
Advocacy
When an individual or family needs exceed our resources, information and referrals are made to the appropriate local, county, state or federal agency. On-going support and follow-up are available.
Direct Services
Shoppers – Shop for or with people unable to shop on their own.
Special Projects – Lent, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas.
Transportation - Transport people to and from medical and other appointments within the local area.
Support Groups
The Abbot Seniors are women and men that gather bi-monthly to enhance the social dimension of this club. During the year, additional activities and outings are planned. The Abbot Seniors is open to anyone over 50 and looking to enjoy a pleasant and relaxing time with newfound friends.
Bereavement – Grief is a natural response to death. Each individual responds to her or his own grief individually. Trained volunteers offer support and acceptance to individuals who have lost a loved one through death.
Consolation Ministry provides personal contact, warmth, and outreach to people at a time when it is most needed. Coordinators, Cake Bakers and Greeters are needed.
Friendly Visitor – Telephone and/or visit a homebound individual. The time spent with the homebound individual can include listening, sharing stories, playing cards, etc.
Moms and Tots – Mothers and children gather once a week, September through mid-June, to share experiences, ideas, and friendship. The mothers focus on parenting skills and developing positive self-esteem in themselves and their children. The children have playtime with experienced babysitters while their mothers meet.
Spiritual Ministries
Adult Antioch Community
Antioch is a welcoming, spirit-filled Christian community, centered in prayer, celebrating diversity of gifts. Fellowship in this community begins with a retreat experience and continues with monthly follow-up meetings. As a community, we seek to share the love of God with others through prayer, affirmation, and fellowship.
Nocturnal Adoration Society
Pope John II said,
“Authentic, effective and true apostolic action can only come from intimate
communion with ‘the Lord’.” Nocturnal Adorers witness to the Real Presence of
Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. We gather once a month for one hour to fulfill
the Lord’s pleas to “Watch with Him.” During that hour we pray both publicly
and privately in the presence of the exposed “Blessed Sacrament.”
Rosary Society
St. William’s has an active Rosary Society whose members promote devotions to the Blessed Mother particularly through praying the Rosary. New members are always welcome.
Small Christian Communities
Our parish has many small groups who gather together weekly, bi-monthly, or monthly to pray with and share on the upcoming Sunday Scriptures. They listen and share on the ways God has touched their lives and encourage one another mutually to go forth and live the Good News of the Gospel.
General Parish Organizations
The Abbey
St. William the Abbot has a quarterly periodical, which is mailed to the homes of our parishioners, called The Abbey. It is edited by one of our parish members and serves to keep the parish community informed of significant events that occur in our parish. Publicity members such as photographers and “reporters” attend various parish events and offer their reflections on the event.
Bingo
Every Saturday evening our parish hosts Bingo in the school cafeteria. Teams are formed and expected to work every 12 weeks. Workers arrive at 6:00 PM and assist their captain in various jobs from selling games, calling or picking numbers, floor workers and kitchen help.
Blood Drive
Each year our parish holds a blood drive. This necessary ministry has helped thousands of people in need of blood transfusions. This drive requires preliminary work by our parishioners who organize the drive. Trained medical personnel do the actual taking of the blood, our parishioners host and support the event and do the necessary clerical work and phone calls.
Brownies/Girl Scouts
St. William the Abbot has an active scouting program for young girls. Our program ranges in ages from Kindergarten through High School. The mission established is to work together as a group offering service within our community.
Building and Grounds Committee
A group of parishioners who give advice and recommendations to the Pastor regarding 1) the upkeep and maintenance of the parish’s buildings and grounds, 2) projections for long-range planning regarding the buildings and grounds and 3) assistance with certain projects as they are carried out by outside contractors or volunteers. Members are appointed by the Pastor; people interested in serving should make themselves known to the Pastor
Catholic Ministries Appeal Committee
Each year our Rockville Centre Diocese holds a special fund drive that helps both the diocese and St. Williams accomplish many charitable works. Our committee coordinates this effort at the parish level. Members are involved with phone calls, mailings, and other methods that help our parish meet and exceed our goal. St. William’s receives a portion of the funds raised through the Parish Sharing Program to support parish projects.
Cub/Boy Scouts
St. William the Abbot has an active scouting program for young boys. Scouting at all levels is a leadership development program that uses outdoor activities, citizenship, and a shared set of values to build self-confidence, maturity, and independence.
CYO
CYO is a parish-based organization providing various athletic activities for your youth. Our objective is to assist the youth in discovering and developing their athletic talents while helping them learn a sense of value and fair play.
Catholic children and parents can deepen their faith in Christ through sportsmanship, virtue and cooperation. Registration announcements are made through the Parish Bulletin. CYO fields teams in boys/girls basketball (June registration), boys/girls swimming (fall registration), girls’ volleyball (late November registration), girls cheerleading and boys’ baseball. Check the bulletin for specific grades and ages for each sport.
Family Festival
Every summer our parish sponsors a festival filled with fun and rides. A core committee works to plan the event. However, many generous parishioners unite to implement and make the event a success. The festival is a great way to meet fellow parishioners while having loads of fun.
Fathers’ Club
The Fathers’ Club of St. William the Abbot School is a volunteer organization whose goal is to assist in the maintenance and improvement of the school building and grounds. In providing the opportunity for fathers and other volunteers to use their time and talent to improve the quality of the school environment and maximize the use of the School’s financial and personnel resources, the Fathers’ Club enhances the education provided for their children.
The Fathers’ Club, under the guidance of the Pastor and/or the Principal of the School, does not engage in fundraising and is not compensated for the work they perform.
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee
reviews, with the pastor, all of the revenues and expenditures of the parish
church and school and makes recommendations as needed. Membership on this
Committee is limited in number. Anyone interested in possibly serving on this
Committee can make themselves known to the Pastor. Membership to this
Committee is by appointment.
General Office Helpers
An occasional ministry whereby parishioners join together to help with parish mailings or other general clerical work. When mailings are done, it is usually after the 8 and 9 AM Weekday Masses.
Hospitality Ministry
In the spirit of fellowship, our Mary and Martha Ministry serves our Parish family a light breakfast after 9:15 AM Sunday Masses and refreshments after other celebrations. Our responsibilities include setting up, greeting and mingling, serving and cleaning after these Liturgies. Our schedule extends from September through April.
Human Life Committee
The Human Life Committee works at promoting our Catholic pro-life teaching. The committee keeps the parish informed of current issues by publishing items in the bulletin regarding legislation, post-abortion counseling, crisis pregnancy support centers, weekly prayer vigils, and many other contemporary issues. The committee is concerned with all the various threats to human life from the moment of conception until natural death.
Pastoral Council
An advisory group of Parishioners who meet with the Pastor to oversee the overall effectiveness of the Parish in proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the effectiveness of the Parish of St. William to serve the needs within and outside the Parish.
Pastoral Council members are appointed to a three-year term. Candidates are surfaced through self-nomination, recommendation of the Staff, Pastoral Council members and Parishioners. Bulletin announcements notify people when the process of selecting new Pastoral Council members is taking place.
Stewardship Committee
As can be seen in this booklet, our parish has many groups and organizations that make this such a wonderful parish. It is through the generosity of all that makes these activities possible. The Stewardship Committee works throughout the year to help enable parishioners discern how best to share the gift of their talents and time. There is a core committee as well as occasional subcommittees who work to promote and coordinate this process in our parish.
Technology Committee
This committee is comprised of people of the parish who endeavor to further the Gospel message through technology. The work of the group centers on the Parish Web Site (www.stwilliam.org). Some of the work of the committee is non-technical in nature. The group explores all aspects of parish life in its efforts to bring the advantages of information and technology to the work and spiritual life of the parish.
Periodically during the school year, members will conduct “Photo ID Sessions” which, in the past, have been on a weeknight and/or on a Sunday morning. These sessions are conducted at St. William the Abbot School.
Welcoming Committee
In the spirit of helping new members of our Parish Family feel at home, we place a phone call of “Welcome,” and offer ongoing assistance in helping to meet their needs.
(Please use this form to indicate your interest in or renewal of a Ministry.)
“Making a Return to the Lord”
2008-09 Time and Talent
Information/Recommitment Form
Name: ________________________________________________ (Please use a separate form for each person)
Address: _______________________________________ Town/Zip: _________________________Tel:________________
Please place a check (ü) in the appropriate box and return at Church by October 13th or mail/drop off at the rectory.