Recent Organization Activities
The Parish Outreach Report detailing the recent activities from our organization can be found here.
AD – Cursillo
“A Cursillo is an encounter with self, Christ and others.” It is a short course in Christianity that takes place over a 3 day weekend. Want to hear more?
Contact Joy Bandy at 484-797-5607 or Joyful0306@ptd.net.
Bereavement
The Bereavement Ministry offers two grief support sessions a year, one in the spring and one in the fall, to all those who have suffered a loss of a loved one through death. There are six meetings once a week: (1) focusing on the life of the love one loss; (2) stages of grief; (3) aspects, effects. and symptoms of grief; (4) adjustments and memories; (5) remembering and reinvestment; and (6) continuing outside expression of feelings. The sessions are confidential providing a place to share experiences, strength, and hope.
The Bereavement Committee also assist families with planning the funeral mass and program as well as being present the day of the funeral for any other assistance needed.
For further information please contact Mary Ann Razzano through the parish office 610-856-1006.
Book Club
The St. Benedict book club is an informal group that meets once a month to discuss current books or authors. Meetings are usually held in members’ homes at 7 PM on the third Tuesday of the month. New members are always welcome!
Anita Harrison through the parish office at 610-856-1006 or aharriso@ptd.net
Catholics Divorce Ministry
A ministry to help Catholics cope with divorce and the impact on family, faith and self. Open to St. John’s Parish & St. Benedict’s. 12 week session with DVDs and discussions facilitated by Joe Boylan (St. Benedict’s) and Deb Seidel (St. John’s).
Joe Boylan through the parish office at 610-856-1006 or joeboylan@berksfoods.com
Disabled Advocate Committee
This group is here to ensure that all parishioners are able to fully participate in Parish services, events and activities. For more information contact Brooke Frech through the Parish Office at 610-856-1006.
Family Life
The purpose of the Family Life Committee is to engage all members of the church in family-friendly activities. We promote Christianity in our community. We strive to enrich the lives of each family through events held throughout the year
Leadership is currently open. Please contact Gene Raser through the parish office at 610-856-1006
Festival Committee
A group of parishioners that plans parishes largest fundraiser of the year, the annual Chicken Barbecue/Summer Festival.
Susan Teaford through the parish office at 610-856-1006
Friendly Visitors
Make home visits, telephone calls, or send cards to homebound parishioners. There are about 20 volunteers who make home visits as needed.
Dennis Brizick through the parish office at 610-856-1006.
Gardens/Steward of Creation
Makes baskets for the Christmas Bazaar. Does Fall clean-up was…putting garden beds to sleep for winter. Planning Mary’s Garden. Recycles paper and magazines.Collects ink cartridges to be recycled.
Tony Diederich through the parish office at 610-856-1006.
Knights of Columbus
A Catholic group of men formed to do charitable deeds.
Mike Maiers through the parish office at 610-856-1006
More Information
Landings
Coming soon.
Prime Timers
Meet monthly on the fourth Tuesday. This group has in excess of 100 members 55 plus. They are our seniors group.
Charlie Jones through the parish office at 610-856-1006
More Information
Property Committee
About 8 members that help prioritize parish needs to the church campus repairs is in repairs and maintenance to the property.
John Bergandino through the parish office at 610-856-1006
Respect Life
Meet monthly to plan and keep the parish informed about the Catholic position on all respect life issues.
Mary Newhams through the parish office at 610-856-1006
St. Vincent DePaul
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, St. Benedict Chapter provides basic needs assistance to all families and individuals in crisis. Due to limited public transportation in our area, and the inability of most of our clients to pay for available transportation, our volunteers deliver all emergency food and needs directly to the families at their home. Because of this personal attention, our volunteers, many of whom have been with our organizations for years, are able to offer companionship, build relationships with those we serve and assess additional needs.
Services Provided: Food Pantry and Emergency Food Deliveries, Utility Assistance, Housing cost and Temporary Shelter, Holiday Food Deliveries, Soup Kitchen, Transportation, Health Care Expenses and Other services. No true form of charity is foreign to this Society, whether it be funeral costs or some other unexpected financial burden.
St Vincent de Paul Society meets the second and fourth Tuesday of the month after the 6:30 PM Mass to discuss how they can assist people in need with resources given to them by parish poor boxes, grants, etc.. Consists of about 20 active members. They prepare over 50 food baskets 3 times a year for the needy and host the Kennedy Soup Kitchen twice a year.
Andy Terifay through the parish office at 610-856-1006 or through the SVdP hotline 484-336-4665
St Vincent de Paul has joined with Saint Benedict Church in using ParishGiving for online donations. To donate to St Vincent de Paul, click here.
Stewardship
The goal of this ministry is to foster the living of stewardship as a way of life which means living the spirituality of stewardship of time, of talent, and of treasure.
John Bergandino through the parish office at 610-856-1006
Vocations
To encourage parishioners to pray for, learn about, support, and recruit vocations to the priesthood and religious life. To provide opportunities to develop vocation awareness through various parish structures already in existence.
Mia MIller through the parish office at 610-856-1006
Women’s Club
Long standing group that financially supports youth events like Vacation Bible School, Halloween party, First Communion gifts, etc. They meet the first Tuesday of each Month. Their largest fund raiser is the Christmas bazaar.
Youth Group
The Youth Group is open to those in grades 9-12. We have combined with the youth groups throughout Berks County to provide weekly opportunities to our teens. We meet on Sunday Evenings at either St. Ignatius, St. Catharine’s, or Holy Guardian Angels.
For more information, please contact Marcia Zambito through the parish office at 610-856-1006