Adult Choir
Grade 8 through adults. Volunteers must be willing to make a definite commitment to the choir. The Adult Choir rehearses on Tuesdays, from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. in the choir loft at Infant Jesus Church, and prays and sings together at the 10:30 a.m. Sunday Mass at the Church.

Adult Faith Formation
The adult faith formation group meets approximately twice a month. This is a discussion group which provides a forum to continue our adult education. Such topics include the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, Church history, prayer, a Lenten series, human sexuality, the Life of Jesus, Mary and the Saints, and other related topics. The group meets in the convent with each session led by a topic leader.

Commitment: Meetings are held in the Convent on Wednesday nights from 7:30-9:00 p.m. Meeting dates are announced in the parish bulletin.

Altar Servers
Being an altar server is an honor and a privilege to boys and girls 4th grade and up. A server's role is to assist the priest or deacon at Masses, weddings, and special liturgies during Holy Week. This ministry teaches reverence and closeness to God and fosters a child's faith. Altar servers perform their ministry so our worship at liturgy can be more prayerful and meaningful. Recruitment is advertised in the bulletin and training begins in the fall.

Commitment: Altar servers recognize the order of the liturgy. They participate in the Mass and conduct themselves with reverence and dignity. Servers attend all scheduled meetings, and serve 2 to 4 hours per month.

The Catholic Ministries Appeal
The Catholic Ministries Appeal is one of three major annual fundraising efforts here at Infant Jesus Roman Catholic Church. The Diocese of Rockville Centre began an annual appeal in 1978 whereby all the parishes within the dioceses provide funds that help support diocesan programs and services. These include Catholic Charities, the Offices of Education and Formation, Pastoral Care, and Parish Sharing through the rebate formula. Each parish is assigned a yearly goal by the diocese. Once the parish goal is reached in payment the parish receives a rebate of 20% of the goal and then an additional 80% of all money raised over the goal.

Volunteers for this ministry coordinate the appeal at the parish level. Bulletin announcements are prepared on a weekly basis. Parishioners and clergy speak at all Sunday Masses over the course of two weekends. Then there is a follow-up campaign of telephone calls and a parish wide mailing of information and solicitation. This project is held during the winter months each year. The following are a listing of the diocesan offices and services that are funded by this appeal:

Cantors
Infant Jesus is always looking for qualified musicians with excellent sight-reading skills, performance discipline and flexibility. You must be comfortable leading large congregations with an ability to think on your feet. The Director of Music will provide further training and workshops. A definite commitment to rehearsals and weekend liturgies on an on-going basis is necessary.

Charismatic Prayer Group
The Charismatic Prayer Group gathers together weekly to praise God, thank Him, and pray for the needs of our parish community. It is a place where you may find peace and friendship, a gathering for those who want more and who have need of a closer relationship with Our Lord. We praise Him in prayer and share His word in scripture.

Commitment: 1 - 2 hours per week on Monday evenings at 8:00 p.m. in the lower Church.

Columbiettes (Joan of Arc Council)
Like the Knights of Columbus, this is an affiliated organization with members from Infant Jesus and other regional parishes. Its work is to aid the Knights in their responsibility to promote Catholic ideals, support the Church and contribute to worthy charities. The work they do exemplifies the spirit of unity, fellowship, charity and patriotism in this and the greater community. Though a rather small group, these members are dedicated to providing aid to those in need.

Commitment: Members meet the third Tuesday of each month in the convent, from September through June.

Committee for the Common Good
The Committee for the Common Good sensitizes our parish community to the demands of the Gospels' call to justice, service and truth. Through discussion and study, members of the committee strive to engage the parish family in achieving human dignity as restored in Christ. This group sponsors programs and activities throughout the year that create awareness of current Church teachings regarding social issues.

Commitment: Attend monthly meetings, be acquainted with Catholic social teachings through scriptures, pastoral and papal letters, and papal encyclicals.

Sports / CYO
Infant Jesus Sports exist to create the opportunity for young boys and girls to pursue their athletic interests in an atmosphere that promotes an awareness of their own talents as well as a respect for the unique qualities that they themselves and others bring to a cooperative team effort. Infant Jesus Parish involvement in this activity is a strong and clear affirmation of its spiritual presence in the community. Volunteers need a desire to help young people discern and develop their God-given athletic talents. Knowledge of the sport, while helpful, is not necessary. There are many positions where organizational, computer and fund-raising skills are the focus. Enthusiasm is the only requirement.

Commitment: Seasonal availability from two hours per week and more is needed. All help is welcome and appreciated. A variety of needs makes this a great volunteer opportunity for a person whose availability is limited.

Programs are available in baseball, basketball, and track. Add For additional information please go to www.InfantJesusSports.org

Eucharistic Adoration
Participants "keep an hour with Christ" before the Blessed Sacrament and spend time in prayer and adoration before the Lord.

Commitment: Eucharistic Adoration is held in the Church every Friday evening from 8 to 11 p.m.. Participants who are Eucharistic Ministers expose the Blessed Sacrament at 8 p.m., and repose it at 11 p.m.. Because the Blessed Sacrament may never be left unattended, two participants are always present on a rotating schedule of typically 2 one-hour time slots per month.

Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist
Our Extraordinary Ministers assist the priest in distributing the Holy Eucharist in the form of bread and wine to the community assembled at Mass.

Commitment: Parishioners must be devout, reverent, and respectful in distributing the Eucharist to the congregation. If interested, present a letter of intent to the pastor at the rectory. If accepted, you must attend a training class provided by the diocese. Eucharistic ministers serve approximately 2 hours per month at Masses and special liturgies.

Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist visit with people in their homes to enable them to receive the Eucharist on a regular basis in a gesture of care offered to them in the name of Christ and of the parish community. Even if there are only two persons present for the visit, the Eucharistic Minister and the person who is receiving, the whole Church is represented.

Commitment: Diocesan training is needed, 2 half-day workshops in either the spring or the fall. Commitment of time depends upon assignment.

There are weekly prayer services held at the nursing homes. Volunteers are needed who can engage our elderly in prayer, conversation and fellowship. No special training is needed to help in this part of the ministry. Once a month, a priest comes to the nursing home to celebrate Mass with the residents, staff and parish pastoral care members.

Opportunities exist to serve the homebound as well as people at Mather Hospital, Echo Arms Adult Home, St. Charles Hospital, Sunrest Nursing Home, Sunrest Manor, and Port Jefferson Nursing Home.

Commitment:If interested, present a letter of intent to the pastor at the rectory. If accepted, you must attend a training class provided by the diocese. Eucharistic ministers serve approximately 2 hours per month at Masses and special liturgies.

"Faith and Light" Ministry to Caregivers
In "Faith and Light" we meet monthly, September through June, to share the events of our lives, our gifts, graces and our burdens; we encourage and support each other and try to respond to the needs of each one. Our young people provide the residence of a home for the profoundly handicapped with a monthly musical afternoon and learn to discover the God-given gifts, which the world so desperately needs. For more information please contact Anne Dellow at 473-2181.

Family Mass Choir
Grades 3 and up, including adults. Volunteers must be willing to make a definite commitment to the choir. Family Mass Choir rehearses on Thursdays, from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the Infant Jesus Chapel at St. Charles and prays and sings together at the 11:30 a.m. Sunday Mass at the Chapel.

Family Mass Committee
The Family Mass Committee plans the liturgy for the 11:30 a.m. Sunday Mass at the Chapel each week in such a way as to invite active participation of the children with their families, while teaching them reverence and respect in an atmosphere of love and joy. Members need an interest in ministering to children, some crafting skills, and an ability to coordinate the needs of the children with those of the presider.

Commitment: 3 hours per month for meetings and Mass.

Parish Golf Outing
Every year in the early fall our parish holds a local golf outing for the purpose of raising money for Infant Jesus through a well attended and supported social event. Money is raised for the parish through sponsors, players and a parish-wide raffle. A committee is formed each spring that carries out all the organizational plans of the outing, completing its work after the outing has been held.

Healing Services
As the early Church gathered in the homes, we gather in the Chapel to pray and share our healings and answered prayers. Our readings and reflections tell of God's love for us which leads us to receive Jesus in the Eucharist.

Commitment: 2 hours, twice per year at the Chapel.

Hospitality Committee
This committee provides support to the various ministries of the Infant Jesus Covenant Community in the area of organizing and providing hospitality services for large groups when needed. Volunteers will be notified as events are scheduled which will require the services of the hospitality committee.

Commitment: Varies, depending on event.

Hospitality Sunday Committee
Hospitality Sunday Committee volunteers are a group with a long tradition of service to our parish. On the second Sunday of each month, they help us celebrate our Church family by providing light refreshments and fellowship in the Parish Center after designated Masses.

Commitment: Volunteers help shop, set up, greet, serve and clean up once per month.

St. Joseph Arimathea Society
This informal ministry began at Infant Jesus Parish on December 14, 2001 when six parishioners gathered at Casimir Funeral Home at 9 a.m. to offer wake services for a homeless man who had died in the street alienated from his family. At some point, all present sensed simultaneously some amazing grace and sacredness, and all at once realized that they were burying the body of Christ in the distressing disguise of this abandoned homeless addict. This concept was than nourished by the entire personal effects of this homeless man- 80 cents and a small key- a clear sign to the Society that the work was a "key to the kingdom". A fund was established to help bury the abandoned dead in an effort to participate in the grace of the seven corporal works of mercy.

Since then, as word of what happened spread, new members continue to emerge, and the fund continues to be nourished by those near and far. Donations have also been made in memory of deceased loved ones, as a lasting and living memorial, helping us to continue this work of mercy. The Society has had the honor of burying the body of Christ in the of abandoned babies, those forgotten in nursing homes, or the homeless. We gather to offer prayers, and give thanks for every life acknowledging that each was created in the image and likeness of God. All are provided with flowers, a wake service, funeral mass and cemetery service. Each name is embroidered on our plain linen pall, made as closely to the likeness of the linen used by Joseph of Arimathea to wrap the body of Christ.

The group meets once every other month to reflect on what has transpired and where the Holy Spirit will lead us. Come and see if this could be a vehicle of amazing grace for you, as it has been for all of us in the Society. Call the rectory and your name will be added to the roster.

Knights of Columbus (Joan of Arc Council):
The Knights of Columbus, is the largest Catholic fraternal organization in the world. Its purpose is to provide an opportunity for Christian men and their families to be directly involved in service to the Church, community, Council, family, and youth.

Commitment: Members meet the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, and once or twice per year they meet on a Wednesday in the convent.

Lectors
A lector is a person who comes from the assembly to proclaim the Word of God at our weekly and daily liturgies so that believers can hear God's Word and receive it into their hearts. They may also assist at various special prayer services throughout the year.

Commitment: Lectors must be able to read and proclaim the Word of God with devout reverence and respect for the scriptures. A willingness to practice and be prepared is also necessary. Lectors serve approximately 1 hour per month.

Liturgical Environment
Volunteers are people who work on church and chapel beautification. We help with the care of liturgical linens, general and weekly cleaning, care of the plants, and decorating relative to the season and celebration. We help the people who come to the Church and Chapel focus on the seasons of the Church year.

Commitment: Approximately 3 hours per week.

Parish Mailing Ministry
This committee is for those interested in sharing with others the responsibility of parish mailings. You will be asked to assist with preparing materials for distribution including folding, inserting, labeling and sorting various printed items.

Commitment: Monthly distribution plus 5-6 seasonal mailings per year.

Mass Team Captain
The Mass Team Captain takes responsibility for a prayerful celebration of the Liturgy and enables all those present to feel welcome. The captain must be blessed with general organizational skills and be able to plan, lead, and delegate so that assigned tasks are completed. Team Captains are also responsible for the coordination of the various liturgical ministries.

Commitment: 5 to 6 hours per month are required, plus a deep interest in working together as a team. Innovative and creative thinking is a plus.

Men's Spirituality Group
The Men's Spirituality Group's mission is to provide Catholic men of the Infant Jesus parish community an opportunity to meet in Christian fellowship and share their faith journeys and spiritual concerns in a truly comfortable and accepting environment.

Commitment: The group meets monthly, from September to June, on the third Tuesday of the month in Convent room #2. All men are cordially invited to attend. Refreshments are served.

Ministry of Consolation
Members of this small ministry represent the parish community by bringing compassion, concern and assistance at the death of a loved one. Some visit the funeral home to extend the condolences and support of the Infant Jesus family. They lead prayers and assist the family in planning the Mass of Christian Burial. Others assist at the Church as server, lector, greeter or Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist if necessary. They also serve as a liaison between the family and the Church community.

Commitment: Ministers are needed whenever there is a funeral at Infant Jesus Church. This varies from week to week.

Music Ministry
Music ministers glorify God through song and share our musical talents as the Covenant Community of Infant Jesus gathers to celebrate its sacramental life. A love of music and an interest in praising God through music are all that is required. Basic sight-reading skills are useful, but not required to be a member of the choir. Qualified musicians are always welcome to audition as cantors or ensemble musicians.

Musicians
We seek qualified musicians to complement and enhance existing parish ensembles. You will audition with the Director of Music and commit to rehearsals and weekend liturgies.

Parish Picnic Committee
The Infant Jesus Parish Picnic is an annual event that brings our parish community together for a day of praying, eating and enjoying each other's company. The picnic is held on the second Sunday in June. Traditionally, the day starts off with a community Mass followed by free hot dogs and hamburgers with all the trimmings. Softball for the more athletic of our parishioners is a big feature. The day also offers games for the children and shade for those who want to relax and share laughs and fun with our parish neighbors. It is a wonderful day of free food and enjoyment for the entire family.

Parish Social Ministry
This committee welcomes those interested in the empowerment of the parish as the people of God to fulfill the Church's mission of love, justice, freedom and peace. Parishioners are engaged to perform acts of Catholic social teaching. Social policy, as well as individual human needs, are identified, examined and acted upon. Following are the social ministries Infant Jesus supports:

          Parish Outreach: Provides direct services through volunteers who provide food, housing assistance, referrals, shopping assistance, transportation and advocacy. Bereavement groups help parishioners with needed support.

          Support Groups: Facilitators are needed to help orchestrate and run groups for people in need.

Mother-Infant/Toddler Playgroup
A support group for young mothers. A playgroup for children up to three years of age. Meets every Wednesday 9:30 - 11:30 am in the Lower Church

          Pantry Workers: Workers must be available to help in the pantry and distribute items to those in need.

          Drivers: We are always looking for those willing to drive to and from doctor or therapy appointments, social service appointments and the like.

          Buyers: Volunteers must be available to purchase food from local supermarkets or neighborhood sites.

          Companions: We are looking for people to visit the homebound. Two hours per month are necessary.

          Seasonal: There is always a need for people to help with seasonal projects - collecting food, gifts, and other items - for Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Pastoral Care
Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist visit with people in their homes to enable them to receive the Eucharist on a regular basis in a gesture of care offered to them in the name of Christ and of the parish community. Even if there are only two persons present for the visit, the Eucharistic Minister and the person who is receiving, the whole Church is represented.

Commitment: Diocesan training is needed, 2 half-day workshops in either the spring or the fall. Commitment of time depends upon assignment.

There are weekly prayer services held at the nursing homes. Volunteers are needed who can engage our elderly in prayer, conversation and fellowship. No special training is needed to help in this part of the ministry. Once a month, a priest comes to the nursing home to celebrate Mass with the residents, staff and parish pastoral care members.

Opportunities exist to serve the homebound as well as people at Mather Hospital, Echo Arms Adult Home, St. Charles Hospital, Sunrest Nursing Home, Sunrest Manor, and Port Jefferson Nursing Home.

Pre- Cana
The Pre-Cana Ministry assists engaged couples as they prepare for the sacrament of marriage. Our program helps them develop a strong sense of faith and the skills needed to live a loving, spiritual, enduring life together in today's world. The couples learn ways to keep God as the foundation of marriage. Engaged couples are referred by the rectory. Volunteers are the host couples who facilitate discussions, co-leaders who administer the program, plan the events, secure the facilities and the catering, recruit new host couples and communicate with the engaged couples. Priests also take part in group instruction.

Commitment: Pre-Cana training is scheduled for 7 weekend sessions per year. Host couples alternate as needed.

RCIA
The Right of Christian Initiation of Adults is a formation process for adults who are interested in becoming Catholics or in completing their sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Reconciliation, and the Eucharist). The weekly meetings begin in the fall of each year and run through the spring. Members of the parish and the clergy participate in the instruction and developing prayer life of the group. The sacraments are then received at the Easter Vigil.

Commitment: Team participation involves one and a half hours each week from late fall through Pentecost. Persons desiring to receive these sacraments should contact the rectory for further information.

Sister Parish Committee

Commitment: Meeting dates will be announced in the parish bulletin.

Spanish Choir
The Spanish Choir is open to people of all ages. Volunteers must be willing to make a definite commitment to the choir. The Spanish Choir prays and sings together at the 9:00 a.m. Sunday Mass at Infant Jesus Church.

Time and Talent Committee
The Time and Talent Committee exists to renew and inspire our fellow parishioners to share God's gifts of time and talent as members of the Covenant Community of Infant Jesus Parish. This committee prepares literature, such as this booklet, that acquaints newly arrived parishioners with the many pastoral, educational, social and charitable programs open to them at Infant Jesus Parish. Time and Talent volunteers need a deep interest in sharing their gifts in such a way as to inform and encourage the parish family to become active members of the Covenant Community. General organizational, administrative, typing and PC skills would be most helpful.

Commitment: 2 hours per month, with occasional extra time for special projects.

Ushers
A warm smile and a welcoming personality are the key requirements for membership. Ushers, both men and women, help respond to the needs of the congregation and greet people, distribute bulletins, conduct the Mass census count when required, take collections when needed, organize the offertory procession, and keep the entrances and congregation areas neat and orderly between Masses.

Commitment: 1 hour per week is all that is needed.

Women's Prayer Group
The Women's Prayer Group meets approximately every other month. Our meetings provide a forum for hospitality and friendship for women of all ages. Various themes provide a focus for our meetings that include prayer and discussion. This group has been particularly active in creating special prayer opportunities for the parish. These include an annual Advent prayer service, a summer celebration in honor of Mary Magdala, and a unique prayer service in honor of the Jubilee 2000 Day for Women.

Commitment: Meetings are held in the homes of group members on Saturday mornings from 10:00-12:00. Meeting dates and places are announced in the parish bulletin.

Women's Retreat
Continue in the tradition of Infant Jesus women who participate in an annual retreat at the Dominican Retreat House in Pennsylvania. Each year in early June, women from our parish share peace and community during a weekend-long retreat based on a theme pertinent to life in today's hectic world. This retreat is open to everyone. Dates and other details are announced in the bulletin in advance of the planned retreat.

Commitment: One weekend per year plus a retreat fee.

Youth Choir
Youth Choir: High school age and up. Members must be willing to make a definite commitment to the choir. The Youth Choir rehearses on Sundays at 4:00 p.m. in the choir loft at Infant Jesus Church, and prays and sings together at the 5:00 p.m. Mass in the Church. The Youth Choir is always eager for high school musicians to join their ensemble. Practice is once a week, for 2 hours. Day and time will be determined in the fall.

YOUth Ministry
YOUth Ministry Volunteers encourage young people of high school age to fully follow Christ. Ministering to these young people encourages them to minister to others and thereby fulfill their commitment as members of the Infant Jesus Covenant Community. Those who share themselves in this ministry help develop the spiritual and secular formation of our young people.

YOUth Ministry members are invited to join after Confirmation Retreats in June so that they may participate in the summer activities. YOUth choir accepts volunteers to sing and play at the 5:00 p.m. Youth Mass on Sunday evenings. Please join us!

Commitment: This varies as to specific tasks. Leaders attend one diocesan-sponsored formation/information meeting during the year. Choir volunteers meet 3 hours per week, core members meet monthly for one and a half hours while other volunteers are needed for the youth Mass and the meeting each Sunday from 5-8:30 p.m.. Infant Jesus YOUth Ministry sponsors two blood drives each year. Members plan meetings, help coordinate various activities throughout the year and drive youths to the different venues according to the activity.