Social Concerns

MONTHLY FOOD COLLECTION

Bring your donations of non- perishable food to the Atrium of the church the first weekend of every month.

PARISH FOOD COLLECTION

ST. CECELIA FOOD PANTRY

Our food pantry is located in the basement of St. Cecelia School. The population we have is mostly low income or families needing temporary assistance. They come from 27 neighboring towns particularly Iselin, Edison, Carteret and Woodbridge. In the year 2003 we gave out 1.528 bags of food to 1.359 persons including 711 children. In addition we gave out $6485.00 worth of food certificates. Currently we are assisting an average of 150 clients per month with 150 bags of food.

We get our food from several sources: the monthly perish food drive, Me Food, the county food bank and community food bank in Hillside. Anyone in need of food should call the Social Ministry office for an appointment. Volunteers are welcome in this ministry to shelve, bag and transport food to the needy.

EUCHARIST MINISTERS

Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist assist in the distribution of the Eucharist at weekly masses and serve parishioners who are confined to their homes, in hospitals or care center. Formal training is provided after which the Eucharist Ministers receive an Episcopal mandate at a commissioning Mass. If you are interested in becoming a Eucharist minister please call the Social Concerns office. Arrangement to have Eucharist brought to the elderly, sick or homebound can be made on a temporary or permanent basis through the Social Concern office.

LAZARUS MINISTRY

Parishioners trained for this ministry provide immediate support to a parish family following the death of a loved one. Volunteers meet with the bereaved and assist in planning the funeral liturgy. They also attend the funeral and participate by doping the readings or helping to distribute Holy Communion as needed.

HOSPITAL VISITS

Eucharist ministers from St Cecelia’s visit Catholic patients at JFK Hospital on Mondays and Wednesday’s and Rahway Hospital upon request. Upon admission to the hospital, please advice their staff that you are a Catholic parishioner of St Cecelia’s so that you will be listed in their Parish Computer Census.

LEGION OF MARY

Meetings are held every Tuesday at 10:00 AM in the Church Conference room. Following the gospel imperative, members put their faith into action by volunteering at the Roosevelt care center.

BEREAVMENT SUPPORT

St. Cecelia’s sponsors support groups (afternoon and evening) for anyone who has suffered the loss of a loved one. The group meet once a week for 10-12 weeks from February to June.

HEALTH RELATED EVENTS

Blood drives are conducted 2 or 3 times per year by the New Jersey Blood Center. Donors must be 18 or older, bring identification and need to eat before donating.

An annual Flu Clinic is sponsored by the Visiting Nurses Association once a year in November. Flu shots and pneumonia vaccination are available.

INTERFAITH HOSPITALITY NETWORK

Churches of the Woodbridge Township work together to provide shelter, meals and support to families without homes. Founded in New Jersey in 1986, IHN members contribute time and talent in helping the homeless. A host congregation provides sleeping space when IHN members set up cats, partitions, tables, chairs etc. Other volunteers assist in preparing meals and lunches, helping students with homework or socializing with the guests. Please contact the social concerns office if you would like to be a part of this ministry.