The Altar Server Ministry is open to all boys and girls from the fourth grade and above. This ministry assists the priest at the celebration of Mass. The Altar Server or in the proper name: Acolyte, has an important part in the celebration of the Mass. It is the Altar Server who leads the procession into the church for the beginning of the Mass, makes sure the book of prayers is available for the priest and leads the faithful from the back of the church to the altar for the Offertory Procession. The Altar Server is also responsible for getting the Chalice to the altar, presenting the priest or Deacon with the water and the wine, taking part in the priest's washing of hands and leading the recessional after Mass.

There are three servers assigned to each of the following Masses: the Saturday 5:30 p.m. and on Sundays at the 8:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m. and the 12:15 p.m. One Altar Server is dedicated to the Sunday 7:00 a.m. Mass. With the use of these many servers each week, each server will serve approximately once a month. There are also special occasions for the server to assist. The most honored one is serving Confirmation with the Bishop as the celebrant. The other is serving for First Communion for both the second grades in Assumption School and Assumption Religious Ed programs. These events are usually assigned to those servers who may have brothers or sisters receiving these Sacraments.

If any one would like to sign-up as a server, or has questions, please call Liz Wilkey at 973-267-8519.

The loss of someone we love through death is one of the hardest experiences for a human being to go through. Gratefully, we are not merely human beings, because we are also touched by the divine gift of immortality. Bereavement is a vital part of the process of recognizing and accepting the deep consolation of our being created for everlasting union with our God who is love.

Our Bereavement Support Group Ministry assists all those who are grieving the loss of someone they loved. Spiritual insights are combined with topics such as 'common grief emotions', and 'getting through the holidays'. You are invited to call Michele Cameron at 973-539-2141 EXT 17 for information.

Children's Worship at Assumption Church allows all children to become active participants in Sunday Liturgies throughout the school year. The Children's Worship Team is responsible for planning Masses, processions, and prayer services for our children. Members of the Children's Liturgy Committee help to plan and rehearse for these special liturgical events.

Through Children's Service of The Word, members of the Children's Worship Team lead children each Sunday in readings, discussions, prayer and song. Children and their leaders gather in the Community Room during 10 am Mass so that children can hear the readings of the day in language and format that is geared specifically toward them. Group leaders volunteer to guide groups of children for at least two Sundays a year. They are trained and provided with resources to use on their assigned Sunday. For more information please call Liz Wilkey at 973-538-6764.

In August of 1992, our Parish Ministry to the homeless was extended to include a project known as the Adopt-A-Family Program. Through this program, our parish assists families that have recently relocated out of the homeless shelter network.

Specifically, we 'adopt' one family for a one-year period, during which time volunteers from our parish work with the family by assisting them in resolving problems as they arise, and by providing budgetary counseling when necessary. In addition, our parish assists the family financially with the goal of making them fiscally stable by the end of the one-year adoption period. You are invited to become involved by calling Jeanne Hanly at 973-539-4766.

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an approach to the religious formation of children, 3-1/2 years of age. It originated in 1954 with the founding of the children's center or "atrium" in Rome, Italy. Inspired by Montessori principles of education, it now extends to many countries.

The Catechesis (religious formation) is based on the conviction that God and the child are in relationship. The task of the adult is to help the child live fully the encounter with God.

The Catechesis in Level I (3-6 years old) uses the Scriptures, the liturgical cycle, Baptism, Eucharist and Reconciliation and the parables of the Kingdom of God as its curriculum base. The children use manipulative materials to work with after presentations have been made.

The element of the parable of the Good Shepherd that strikes young children is the fact that the shepherd knows and calls each sheep by name. This reveals in an explicit way that the Good Shepherd has a personal relationship with each one of us.

Contact Tara Speer at 973-267-5368.

Confirmation is the "last" Sacrament in our blessed series of what we call our "Initiation Rites." Baptism, First Communion and Reconciliation and then Confirmation. It is "the" Sacrament of the Holy Spirit wherein our gift of faith received at Baptism and nurtured through Eucharist and reconciliation, is strengthened and "Confirmed."

The program consists of approximately eight to ten meetings a year and one overnight retreat each year. The First Year Candidates meet in a large group following the monthly Youth Mass and breakout into small groups at the Parish Center. These meetings are led by the youth of Assumption that have already received Confirmation; normally 11th and 12th graders and under the guidance of Lisa Cosenza, (973-267-8519) Director of Assumption Youth Ministry. These youth volunteer their time and talents to prepare the upcoming candidates for their confirmation.

The Second Year Candidates meet in small groups of eight to ten with an adult Confirmation Catechist. These meetings normally take place in either the catechist's home or sometimes in the Parish Center.

Our Confirmation Program is always looking for volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Lisa Cosenza at 973-267-8519. Volunteer positions include Confirmation Catechists, retreat housing, retreat drivers, hospitality, etc.

C.Y.O. (Catholic Youth Organization) Basketball addresses the essential aspect of exercising not only our Spiritual side, but also our physical bodies. CYO Basketball consists of boys and girls in grades 5th through 8th. There are approximately 110 children in the program, forming nine teams, four Junior Varsity and five Varsity. This organization is open to all children of Assumption parish, and also to the neighboring parishes that don't have C.Y.O. Basketball.

Our ministry has 36 volunteers which include coaches, score keepers, time keepers, and team mothers. Registration is at the end of September. The season opener is Thanksgiving weekend and comes to an end in the middle of March. All games are played on Sunday afternoon, with practice twice a week. For further information, please feel free to contact Ron Pellegrino at 973-538-3435.

The Food Pantry at Assumption has a long history in the Morristown community . Assumption has answered the call to feed the hungry for many years. Those who come to us in need are helped by your generosity. The numbers became so great throughout Morristown, that a meeting of the churches was held in 1994. The result was the creation of the Interfaith Food Pantry. Since it's inception, the Interfaith Food Pantry has received Assumption's wholehearted support with food and funds. Concerts, fund-raisers, volunteers and food have helped meet the ever-growing needs of our community. The Interfaith Food Pantry has now moved to a donated facility on West Hanover Avenue.

At Thanksgiving our on-premises Food Pantry supplies families in Morristown and Paterson with dinners and food coupons. Funds donated at Thanksgiving are used for coupons, which help us to continue this work throughout the year. At Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter, volunteers assemble food baskets which are picked up or delivered to families in Morristown. Every weekend Assumption parishioners volunteer to shelve the food that is so generously donated.

Assumption's school and Religious Education program remember our Food Pantry and have drives during the school year to support this work. Just recently donations were received from the Scouts and the Knights of Columbus. As a community, we strongly support our on-premises food pantry and the Interfaith Food Pantry. Through the Food Pantry, some of the dinners that are collected by Bob Rohr, and Assumption Scouts, are distributed to our Morristown families who are grateful for them. They thank you for your overwhelming generosity and continued support. To learn how you can do more call Claudia Nardi at 973-539-2141 extension 19.

This has become a remarkably successful program to feed working poor families. Most are in inner city Paterson. We distribute 10% of your generous gifts to families we know in Morristown. Most are not on welfare because they work 2-3 minimum wage jobs but high rents and lack of health insurance limit their ability to enjoy good nutrition.

Catholic service agencies in Paterson say that the need among their family clients exceeds what Assumption and several other parishes have delivered. Your opportunities to help occur in March, June, September and December. For more information please call Bob Rohr at 973-539-2693.

Morris Habitat For Humanity, Inc., is a chapter of Habitat For Humanity International. It is an interfaith Christian ministry dedicated to providing 'a simple, decent place to live' to low-income persons (earning less than 50% of the median county income) within Morris County. Construction is a cooperative effort of professionals, volunteers and future homeowners. Homes are sold to the families on a no-profit, no-interest loan basis to assure the affordability of the units.

Volunteers are encouraged to call the Morris Habitat office on South Street, Morristown at 605-5804 or contact David Fadden at 973-455-8879.

Assumption Church is pleased to be embarking on an exciting new ministry as part of an initiative with four other churches in Morristown. Carol Hires and Michele Cameron, who are Registered Nurses in this parish, will be in charge of this Ministry. This Health Care Ministry will reach out to all parishioners in an effort to provide a holistic approach to health. Known as "parish nursing" in many locations, this is a nationwide effort by churches to promote and integrate spiritual, physical and emotional well-being in their congregations. For more information on what you can do, please call Michele or Carole at 973-539-2141, extension 17.

On March 1, 1875, Pastor Reverend James Sheeran, purchased a track of land consisting of 15 acres fronting on Whippany Road and named the cemetery "Holy Rood" (Rood is an old English word for Cross). Approximately 10,000 people are presently buried at Holy Rood. We have former pastors, civil war soldiers, Paul Revere relatives and thousands of parishioners. Holy Rood presently has three Mausoleum buildings for above ground burials. The stained glass windows in the chapel of our new building were created by Mayer Brothers of Munich and London, the same artist that created the stained glass windows for our church.

We currently have availability in both in-ground plots and mausoleum crypts. Our office is open daily from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please call Diana Loughman at 973-539-7501.

For more than ten years, volunteers from Assumption Church and other local congregations have been participating with the Interfaith Council for Homeless Families of Morris County (ICHF) in operating a network of emergency shelters for homeless families. Each year, on four occasions, Assumption parish volunteers assist in hosting a week-long emergency shelter at the Church of the Redeemer in Morristown, along with volunteers from the Unitarian Fellowship and the Church of the Redeemer. As a result of this program over the past ten years, 254 homeless families have received shelter, and 40,000 shelter beds have been provided to 729 homeless family members, more than half of which were children. You are invited to offer your time and talent by calling Terri Maier at 973-267-4859.

Assumption Home and School is an organization composed of parents who volunteer their time and talents to Assumption School. The Association is responsible each year for hosting the school's major fund-raiser, The Fall Fashion Show. The profits realized from this event, provide enrichment assemblies, computer purchases, and also subsidize many programs for the students.

The Home and School Association is made up of many committees in which volunteers may participate. Whatever one's talent, there is an opportunity to express it here at Assumption School. Volunteers play a crucial role in the success of our Catholic schools. Assumption school is blessed with an enthusiastic and committed Home and School Association. You are invited to participate by calling Mary Ellen Denoon at 973-538-2123

The Knights of Columbus is a fraternity of Catholic men, founded on the principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism. It is a wonderful opportunity to meet and become involved with individuals who are dedicated to the same Catholic ideals as you are. Our activities are centered around support of the Church, Family, Youth, Community and our Council. We are especially attentive to the struggles of the poor, providing food and clothing. We support these endeavors through a number of events we sponsor and through financial contributions. We also maintain a life insurance program.

If you would like to grow in your faith, meet like-minded Catholic men and their families and give something back to society, give us a call. All we ask of each member is that he contribute at least five hours a year. For more information, please call Joel Monod at 973-984-5292.

Perhaps the most vital part of our life as a worshipping community is our Liturgies. From the absolute pinnacle of the Easter Triduum - Holy Thursday - Last Supper, Good Friday - Passion and death, Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday - to the regal celebration of Christ's birth in Christmas, we have interspersed thirty-three Sundays and weeks of "Ordinary Time." Ordinary, not because they are common uneventful and routine, but rather ordinary because they are an orderly progression of every beautiful facet of our complex and mysterious Salvation history. The Liturgy Committee is composed of representatives from various other Ministries which exist in service to our Liturgical celebration - Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Altar Servers, Music, and church decoration to name a few.

Moms and Tots is a group of moms (dads are welcome too) who meet on Tuesday mornings for a chance to get out and share our experiences with each other. Our discussions involve child rearing, leaving the work force, school concerns and potty conquests. It is an opportunity to lend and get support from others who truly understand the daily challenges of parenthood. While the adults are socializing, our children (newborn and up) are playing with the toys and learning to interact with each other. Moms and Tots is also a group who join together when someone can use a helping hand. For more information, please contact Henriette Kahn - 973-539-1350

The entire worshipping assembly exercises a ministry of music. . These are pastoral musicians, whose ministry is cherished by the church. Cantors or Psalmists, Leaders of Song, Organists, Choir Members, Instrumentalists, Directors of Music, are all parts of the Music Ministry.

Assumption Church's Music Ministry is comprised of a group of dedicated professionals and volunteers who seek to honor God through musical expression. We endeavor to provide music of all styles to enhance and uplift our worship experiences and encourage the musical participation of the Assumption congregation. We invite people of all ages to come and "Make a Joyful Noise Unto the Lord". To that end our Children's, Junior and Adult Choirs rehearse weekly during the year and join the worshipping congregation at special and weekend liturgies. You are invited to contribute the gift of your voice in song by calling Claudia Nardi at 973-539-2141 ext. 19.

Find and serve Christ in the sick, the aged and the disabled. He lives in the Nursing Home. Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, Singers, Visitors, secretarial and clerical help are needed for this Ministry. Just as the residents and patients do the best they can with what they have, so we can put whatever we have to use in serving them. For more information, please contact Denise Sellin - 973-539-6922

All Catholic Dioceses require that those who are be married sacramentally are to be prepared through an "Engaged Encounter" week-end or a "Pre-Cana" program. Assumption has a thriving and successful Pre-Cana program in which we prepare over 70 engaged couples a year for the Sacrament of Matrimony. The program focuses on the main factors that can help either build or undermine the strength of a married relationship. Our objective is to give the engaged couples the understandings and skills to make their marriage work. In this ministry, there are many small group discussions which are lead by married couples who are Assumption parishioners. It is a ministry which blesses those who participate, so come and be blessed by calling Deacon Jim Butkus at 973-285-1025

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, RCIA, is focused on the conversion of Catechumens, the unbaptized, and Candidates, those baptized in other Christian denominations or Catholics seeking to complete their sacramental initiation into the Roman Catholic faith. It is a process focused on conversion during an extended period of formation. It is we, the community, that ritually celebrate their conversion during the season of Lent as they are received into our community through the Rite of Sending when the Catechumens are sent to the Cathedral where the Bishop accepts their enrollment into the final phase of their journey as they become the Elect and enter into the final preparation for celebrating the Sacraments of Initiation.

The Three Scrutinies are celebrated during the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Sundays of Lent when the Elect and Candidates are presented to the entire Church community as they receive The Creed, The Ten Commandments, and The Lord's Prayer, culminating in the celebration of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil when they are fully received into the Roman Catholic Church.. These Scrutinies give the Elect and Candidates time to take more seriously the profound love of God and to deepen their awareness of the gift of God's love as they become more sensitive to that which keeps this love from transforming and recreating life and to strengthen them through God's grace so they can continue to move forward in their faith journey. For more information please contact Paul Walker and Karol Corbin-Walker at 973-538-6844.

All those involved in the Religious Education and formation of public school children and families here at Assumption believe that the content of our faith is not a series of facts, but a relationship with the risen Lord living in us all through the in-dwelling Holy Spirit. Our prayer is one with that of Jesus who prayed ardently "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." It is to this goal that all our prayers and efforts are dedicated.

Linda Macios is the Director of Religious Ed and Sharon Bertram coordinates 6 through 8th grade. We have over 500 children enrolled each year served by over 50 volunteer catechists. In addition to classes, there are various other activities: church visits, family days, retreats, parent and child learning sessions, training for catechists, etc.

Our Senior Citizens gather on the second Thursday of each month after the 12:05 Mass; usually in our Community Room. We enjoy each other's company, share lunch and listen to a speaker or video on topics of interest. Bring a sandwich and join us. We sponsor days of Recollection at St. Mary's Abbey/Delbarton and Loyola Retreat House. We welcome new members and new ideas for activities. We have no minimum (or maximum) age standard. It's up to you. Contact Jane Bardes at 973-401-0670

A fundamental element of our being a worshipping community is the warmth of our hospitality. To old and new comers alike, our ushers are there to welcome and assist in seating all who come together to worship and praise our God.

Some of their other duties are to find people to bring up the gifts of bread and wine at the Offertory, take up the collection, wish the people a fine day or evening when they are leaving and hand out bulletins.

We have Ushers at all Masses, but because of vacations and other commitments, we need back up ushers at all the Masses. If you are outgoing and friendly, please become an Usher. For information please call Tony Romano at 973-267-5433.

The Community Soup Kitchen of Morristown, Inc., is a concerted effort on the part of 34 congregations throughout Morris County to follow one of the mandates of the Lord, and that is to "Feed the Hungry". Volunteers from Assumption contribute toward that end by providing and serving complete meals for 80 to 160 hungry men, women and children who appear at the Church of the Redeemer daily at noontime for a hearty meal. By Our volunteers staff the Soup Kitchen on the 3rd and 4th Mondays of each month. In 1999 the Community Soup Kitchen Assumption volunteers helped provide 38,000 nutritional meals to those in need. Please call Annaliese Rush at 973-455-0391 to volunteer to become of service to God's people who are in need.