Outreach
Annulment Advocates
The process for declaring a marriage null can be very difficult and confusing for a divorced Catholic, while the hurt and pain associated with it is overwhelming at times. Thus, our diocese provides an opportunity for healing and support through the Annulment Advocate Program, in which committed persons are trained to assist in the process. They help the petitioner in preparing appropriate materials and paperwork, and provide continuing support until the case is resolved. Individuals seeking information regarding the marriage annulment process or anyone wishing to become an annulment advocate should contact the Parish Office.
The Haiti Committee
St. Rose of Lima has a Sister Parish in Haiti, the poorest nation in our hemisphere. Our sister parish is located in Fond Pierre which is in the mountains about 80 miles northwest of the capital of Port-au-Prince. The Haiti Committee helps to maintain the schools and pay the teachers’ salaries. The committee also sends a shipment to Haiti once a year. The shipments consist of approximately 60 – 100 boxes filled with school supplies, toiletries, clothes, shoes, sports equipment and other miscellaneous items donated by St. Rose parishioners. Due to the generosity of our parish and others in the community we have helped to fund a well, the parish center, a new school, the roof on the new church and a new kitchen for the school lunch program. Meetings are held on the first Monday of each month in the Parish Youth Conference Center (former convent) at 7:30 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend a meeting or join the committee at anytime.
Hospital and Homebound Ministry
Teams of volunteer Extraordinary Ministers take communion to the Catholic patients at Centra State Hospital each Friday morning. Individual Extraordinary Ministers also volunteer to take communion to our homebound parishioners. Extraordinary Ministers are invited to consider this ministry. You may choose to take communion to a homebound person or join one of the volunteer teams that go to the hospital. Perhaps a one-year commitment to this ministry may enrich your service as a Extraordinary Minister. Please call the Parish Office for more information.
Prison Ministry
Mass is celebrated twice a week at the Monmouth County Jail. In addition, parishioners of St. Rose visit the prisoners and offer prayer services and educational assistance. If you are considering a volunteer ministry and feel you have the skills and desire to work with prisoners, please contact the Parish Office.
Residential Care Facility Ministry
Members of the Catholic Daughters and the Rosary Altar Society assist our priests in preparing for the celebration of a monthly liturgy in four residential care facilities. In-between times, there are communion services, social gatherings and pastoral visits that take place. There are a limited number of dedicated volunteers who visit each of these places. More volunteers are needed. Perhaps you and a friend or a small group would want more information about what you might do to reach out to the elderly and disabled in these facilities. Please call the parish office for more information.