Ministry with Adults
ADULT CHOIR
The Choir meets Thursdays, September to May, from 7:30-9PM and sings weekly at the Sunday 11AM Mass. The choir also sings for 9AM Mass on Thanksgiving, Christmas Midnight Mass, Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Easter Vigil, May Procession, and other special occasions as needed. It isn’t necessary to know how to read music, though it is helpful to have this skill once we divide soprano, alto, tenor and bass sections to sing harmonizing parts. New members are welcome anytime. For more information, contact Rob Bonanno at 610-630-2263 or robbo3105@verizon.net.
EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION
Extraordinary (Eucharistic) Ministers assist the Priests (the “Ordinary Ministers”) with distribution of the Holy Eucharist at Mass. Extraordinary Ministers also bring the Holy Eucharist to the sick and shut-ins of the Parish, and to the patients at Einstein Hospital, East Norriton, PA. Extraordinary Ministers are appointed by the Cardinal-Archbishop at the recommendation of the Pastor for a three-year renewable term. For more information, contact Lori Connolly at 484-994-9140 or loriconnolly4@gmail.com.
FAITH IN ACTION
Faith in Action exists in Visitation Parish to fill short-term needs of our parishioners. In short, it is a “neighbor-helping-neighbor” program. The goal is to step in with meals, transportation, or companionship when an individual or family faces a need. Often the needs come because of illness, death, or other crisis. Faith in Action always needs the names of people willing to help their neighbors. Faith in Action does not hold any meetings. For further information, please contact the rectory at 610-539-5572.
FRIENDS HELPING FRIENDS
Friends Helping Friends offers the chance to live your faith by serving those in need. Through your donations to our poor box and the private donations we receive, we are able to help our parishioners and others when they have financial difficulties. Through person-to-person service, we here at Visitation B.V.M. have been able to help with emergency food, rent and utility assistance. If you are interested in getting more information, please contact the rectory at 610-539-5572.
GRIEF MINISTRY
Bringing Comfort to those who mourn. This group meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month in the Larkin Center at 6:30 PM. For information please contact the rectory at: 610-539-5572.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, POPE JOHN PAUL I COUNCIL
The Pope John Paul I Council, Knights of Columbus is a fraternal organization of Catholic men dedicated to the spiritual growth of its members, to creating a spirit of family within the council and within the families who support it and to a charitable presence in our parish communities, in the Church communities, and in the community at large. For further information, please contact Steven Morse at (484) 343-1108 or steve@mbharbor.com. Website: www.kofc7565.org.
LEADERS OF SONG
Leaders of Song (i.e.,“Cantors”) are those individuals who lead the congregation in song during Sunday Masses and Religious functions. Meeting times will be communicated by the Coordinator. At these meetings, songs are selected and rehearsed, and liturgical procedures are discussed. For more information, contact Rob Bonanno at 610-630-2263 or robbo3105@verizon.net.
LECTORS
Lectors are chosen from a broad mix of parish volunteers who consider it a privilege to share in the Liturgy in a very special way, by proclaiming the Word of God. Special skills are not required, but a willingness to properly prepare for an assignment is critical. Time should be spent on preparation and reflection prior to each assignment. We attempt to meet formally at least once a year as a group to discuss concerns and recommendations that will help us deepen our commitment to this important ministry. For further information, please call Bill Artosky at 610-635-1112.
THE LEGION OF MARY
The Legion of Mary formed as an “army” of active and auxiliary members dedicated to advancing the holiness of its members through prayer and devotion. The active members do door to door evangelization, visit those who are confined to hospitals, nursing homes, and are homebound. Auxiliary members are committed to saying the prayers of the Legion and a daily rosary. For further information, please call Teresa Witiak at 484-681-4204.
LITURGY COMMITTEE
Under the leadership of our priests, the Parish Liturgy Committee meets throughout the year to plan and schedule Masses and liturgical events in our parish. Through cooperative planning, representatives of the various ministries of our parish coordinate the overall liturgical calendar and themes for our parish liturgical celebrations. The Liturgy Committee recommends parish policies and guidelines for liturgical and sacramental celebrations in our parish.
MILITIA OF THE IMMACULATA (MI)
Militia of the Immaculata (MI) was established on March 19, 2002. MI members consecrate themselves to the Blessed Mother and routinely visit the prisoners and the sick, feed the poor, and distribute Miraculous Medals as a means to evangelize. The main goal of MI members is to bring souls to the Sacred Heart of Jesus through a total commitment to Our Lady. Please call Joe Valovage at 610-322-0007 or email jrvjmj@comcast.net for more information.
OUTREACH TO MISSIONARIES OF CHARITY (MOC)
OUTREACH TO MISSIONARIES OF CHARITY (MOC) Any donations of food, clothing, furniture is graciously accepted by the Missionary of Charity Sisters in Norristown to serve the poorest. You can also volunteer to serve meals at their convent house – 630 DeKalb Street, Norristown, PA. Their contact phone number is 610-277-5964. Please call Joe Valovage at 610-322-0007 or email him at jrvjmj@comcast.net for more information. Be assured St. Teresa of Calcutta will be pleased with whatever you can do!
NEWSLETTER (the Visitation Visitor)
A quarterly news publication serving our Visitation BVM Parish family. The team is composed of members of our parish with interest in journalism, photography, or art layout. The purpose of this publication is to tell the story of the activities, events and extraordinary gestures of time and talent that occur within all of the ministries of our parish. For more information or if you are interested in joining the newsletter team, please call Joe Gavanus at 610-584-0183.
VISITATION RESPECT LIFE
The Respect Life Group is an extension of the Church’s mission to proclaim the Gospel of Life. We use the power of prayer, faith and education to peacefully accomplish this mission. A community aware of the threats against the most vulnerable — the unborn, the sick, the marginalized, the elderly – will transform our society into a Culture of Life. “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.” Proverbs 3:8. For further information, please call Judy Tartaglia at 610-584-5261 or email judycpts@verizon.net.
SECULAR FRANCISCAN ORDER
SECULAR FRANCISCAN ORDER The Secular Franciscan Order is a branch of the worldwide Franciscan family. A call to our Order can be responded to by male, female, married, single, priests and deacons. Our purpose is to live our lives according to Gospel values and to bring these values into our everyday lives (family, friends, work place). We meet monthly for study, prayer and fellowship. All are welcome to come and see if this is for you. Call Lisa Bechtel at 267-994-6291 or lisa.bechtel@aol.com for more information.
VISITATION SENIOR CITIZENS
VISITATION SENIOR CITIZENS Visitation Senior Citizens is an organization that welcomes all seniors 55 and over to join us. We meet every Thursday from 11:30AM – 2:30 PM in the Larkin Center and Lower Conference Room with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas/New Years and Holy Thursday. We offer bingo, bridge, pinochle (men’s group and women’s group). Coffee and tea are provided along with special lunches several times a year. Come and enjoy a day out and meet new friends. For further information, please call the Rectory at 610-539-5572.
SODALITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
Sodality is a special devotion to Our Blessed Mother. We meet every Saturday morning in the Lower Church immediately after the 8:15 AM Mass for Miraculous Medal Novena Prayers and The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary. All are welcome-both men and women. For more information, contact the Rectory at 610-539-5572. Time of Mass and Devotions – subject to change.
TITHING
Tithing is the heart of Stewardship. It is putting trust in God and putting Him first. It is the realization that everything we have is a gift from God. We respond to His love by giving of our gifts of time, talent and treasure. For more information, contact Sallianne Tschoepe at 610-212-6673 or stschoepe50@gmail.com or consult the parish website.
USHERS/MINISTERS OF HOSPITALITY
The primary mission of the Ministers of Hospitality is to assist at Mass with taking up the collection and to assist in the orderly flow of communicants at Communion time. Equally important is to be Ministers of Hospitality by greeting churchgoers as they enter Church, assisting them graciously when required, helping visitors, and making all feel welcomed on behalf of the entire Parish. Adults of all ages and high school students are welcomed to join. For further information, please call Chris Diliberto at 610-584-6901.
VISI WOMEN
(formerly Visi Moms and Friends) is a group of women who meet monthly to share their Catholic faith and challenges. We aim to inspire each other through prayer and study, discussion and reflection. For more information, please email Bernadette at visiwomen@gmail.com.
ADDICTION SUPPORT GROUP AND HELP FOR THEIR FAMILIES
This group provides support for those suffering from addictions and their families. For more information, please contact Barbara Brasher at bbrasher007@gmail.com or Theresa Bruckner at Tina3692@aol.com.
WEB AND SOCIAL MEDIA TEAM
Our team provides support to our parish communications personnel by helping maintain the social media platforms used by our parish to reach out to our community. All are welcome to help, so if you are interested in joining our team or simply want additional information, please contact the rectory at 610-539-5572.