FORMATION MINISTRIES
Bible Study
The Bible Study groups meet during the months of September through June. Depending on the group leader, they may meet during the day or in the evening. Meetings are held in the Nazareth Center. The material to be discussed is decided upon by what religious texts interest the group and are approved by the pastor. In past sessions, video series by Jeff Cavins and other American Catholic evangelists have been viewed and discussed. There may be a small fee for workbooks. Coffee and desserts are provided.
Book Study
The Book Study Club meets each month at 12 noon, eight months of the year. There are no meetings in December, June, July or August. Meetings are held in the Nazareth Center over lunch. Bring your lunch and we will provide the cookies! Each month the discussion will be led by a volunteer from the group.
children's liturgy of the word
Children's Liturgy of the Word, or CLOW, is offered on most Sunday’s at the 10:00 am Mass. CLOW is a liturgical experience of God's presence in the ritual proclamation of the Word. During Mass, after the opening prayer, the children and their leader are excused from the assembly to gather in a separate worship space where the scriptures are proclaimed in language they can understand. The children return to sit with their parents for the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
Catechetical Ministry
We welcome all confirmed Catholic parishioners who feel called to share the Good News of Jesus with the children and and families of our parish. Please contact Mary Clinton (maryclinton@ihmparish.net or 908-889-2100) to discuss the requirements for serving as a parish catechist as part of one of our Religious Education Programs, or as a mentor for our 8th and 9th Confirmation Preparation Process. To learn more please visit the Children's Faith Formation section of this website.
RCIA
RCIA is the process by which adults are accompanied in their journey into full communion with the Catholic Church. Participants are adults who have never been baptized; baptized Christians from other denominations who want to become Catholics; baptized Catholics who have not received the other Sacraments of Initiation (Eucharist and Confirmation); and those from any other religion desiring to become Catholics. The program also extends an invitation for anyone who desires to "catch-up" and update with the teachings and traditions of the Roman Catholic Church.
New Energies
The New Energies Committee of Immaculate Heart of Mary works alongside our partner, St. Bartholomew, to identify and implement change in areas where opportunities for the sharing of our ministries exists. Our group reports annually to the Archdiocese and receives support and guidance from the Archdiocesan offices. Currently we are developing a shared Adult Education program to be held during Advent, a Christmas Concert including choirs from both parishes to be held at IHM, and we are identifying ministries which would benefit by the inclusion of all interested parties from both parishes. The focus of New Energies is to bring new life to the many wonderful ministries currently available and to explore opprtunities for new shared growth.