The Roman Catholic Church of St. Michael
19 E. Central Blvd, Palisades Park, NJ 07650 l (201) 944-1061
MINISTRIES AT ST. MICHAEL'S
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and know, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:16-20
The parish of St. Michael is a vibrant community comprising three different language groups and people from diverse cultures. Each language group has about ten active ministries dedicated to serving as God's servants. Every person's faith journey is unique, and their interests and talents guide them to different paths. Yet, we are all part of the Body of Christ.
MUSIC MINISTRY
The Music Ministry, comprising four choir groups—English, Korean, Spanish, and Korean Young Adult—leads worship services with music and song at all weekend Masses. By providing inspirational music that reinforces the Gospel message, the choirs encourage more prayerful and active participation in the Liturgy. Additionally, these four groups come together to lead the vigil Masses for Christmas and Easter each year as one united choir.
ALTAR SERVERS
An altar server is a lay assistant to a member of the clergy during a Christian liturgy. An altar server attends to supporting tasks at the altar such as fetching and carrying, ringing the altar bell, helping bring up the gifts, and bringing up the liturgical books, among other things.
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Inquiry to join: John Bosco So
Gail Ramirez
LECTORS
The Lector Ministry at St Michale’s Church is a liturgical ministry. We strive to improve our proclamation of the Word of God through feedback, liturgical training, self-evaluation and prayer. We welcome those who wish to serve with us. Lectoring schedules are completely volunteer based.
If you are interested in being a lector, please contact the lector lead Hyunbae Paik (Joanne).
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Inquiries: Hyunbae Paik (Joanne) - Liturgical Minister
EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS
Guided by the norms of the General Instruction to the Roman Missal and guidelines of the U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion assist the presider in the distribution of Holy Communion to the faithful during the celebration of the mass, and may also assist with preparation of vessels before the liturgy as well as with securing the vessels after mass and/or preparation of vessels for the next mass. Some Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion may also bring Holy Eucharist to those who are hospitalized or home-bound.
MINISTRY FOR THE DESEASED SOULS
When a parish member passes away, the group assists the surviving family with the funeral process, in collaboration with the pastor and the rector. The Ministry provides four types of services in planning and hosting: memorial prayer for the deceased, viewing service, funeral service, and burial service. The Ministry also visits gravesites and offers prayers for the deceased during the annual Memorial Month.
USHERS
At Saint Michael Catholic Church, our ushers serve with hospitality, making parishioners and guests feel welcome and comfortable during our Eucharistic celebration. Ushers see the presence of Christ in each person as they arrive.
The ministry of ushers is the oldest lay ministry in the Catholic Church, originating from temple doorkeepers during Christ's time and the clerical order of porter in the 3rd century A.D. Historically, porters guarded church doors and performed important tasks such as ringing bells and opening the church. In 1972, Pope Paul VI transferred these duties to laypeople. Today’s ushers greet and welcome parishioners, help them find seats, and take up the collection.
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YOUTH MINISTRY
Raising Your Children in Faith
Be an advocate for youth and young adults and educate the congregation about the hopes, concerns and needs of youth in the local church and community. Help plan, develop, and implement all aspects of a balanced youth ministry. Mentor youth and young adults in developing their leadership skills.
KOREAN YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
The Young Adult Group consists of 50 members between the ages of a high school graduate and 40 years old. Open to all those who participate in the Sunday evening mass, the group members are mostly bilinguals and include those who have recently arrived in the U.S. The group seeks to provide support in daily lives and faith development, by deepening fellowship both among the members and with young adult groups in nearby parishes. The members serve for the Sunday evening mass, partake in community service, hold weekly bible studies, and provide volunteer service in planning and hosting church events throughout the year.
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Sungkwan Jang (Jerome) - Leader
LEGION OF MARY
Under Newark’s Korean Comitium, this Legio Mariae group consists of 53 active Catholic members under the 6 Praesidium. As the army of Mary, the group serves in the church through (rosary) prayers, care, and proclamation. Current Legio Mariae members are aged between 50 and 70 and serve in the parish under the 3 language community.
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Sook Ja Min (Flora) - Leader
ULTREYA
The Ultreya group is composed of 28 members (Cursillistas) who study the Cursillo movement. The group gathers every third Saturday to examine and discuss our faith together. Through these gatherings, we seek to better understand each other and live our Christian faith.
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Jinnam Kim (David) - Leader
WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER
Marriage Encounter is a program within the Catholic Church designed to help married couples strengthen their relationship and deepen their connection with each other and with God. M E aims to renew and revitalize marriages, helping couples to rediscover the love and commitment that brought them together and to build a stronger, more loving, and faith-filled marriage.