If I or the staff can answer any questions please do not hesitate to contact us

                                                Deacon Kevin Bagley

                                                Pastoral Life Director

PARISH STAFF 

Deacon Kevin Bagley………………….................……....…...  Pastoral Life Director

Julie Kline Rybczynski .................................................................  Pastoral Associate

Dorothy Williams............……………...…........................…..………  School Principal

Sue Bangert…….………................…......…................................  Religious Education

Ann Marie Seigle....…………...........................…………...….….....  Day Care Director

Audra Rome........……….……….......…................................  Administrative Assistant

Carla Berkenkemper.......................................................... Institutional Advancement

Matthew Mossmiller..............………………….……….......  Maintenance Supervisor

                                    PARISH PHONE NUMBERS

Parish Center..................………..410-687-6011;  FAX: 410-687-3054

School Office...................….……410-687-7787;   FAX: 410-687-2715

Religious Education Office..…..……...………………...410-686-7693

Day Care Office...................……………….………….…..410-574-4098

Hall Rental .................…………….........….........410-687-6011, ext. 117

  PARISH MISSION STATEMENT

United in the tradition and based on the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ, we are the Roman Catholic Community of Saint Clare in Essex.  As a parish family we accept the call of Jesus to serve Him and one another by:

Striving to spread the Gospel message through active worship and education;

Encouraging each other in love to become the person the Lord has called us to be;

Providing activities that foster cooperation and fellowship for all ages; and reaching out to those who are sick, lonely or less fortunate.

                                      PARISH SACRAMENTAL LIFE 

MASS SCHEDULE

Weekend Masses:  Saturday 4:00pm & 7:00pm (espanol); Sunday 9:00am & 11:00am

Daily Mass:  Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 8:00 am

Communion Service:  Thursday  8:00am

Holy Day Mass Schedule:  8:00am & 7:00pm

RECONCILIATION (CONFESSION)

The celebration of the Lord’s mercy and forgiveness is held on Saturdays at 3:15 p.m. (or by appointment with a priest). Special services are held in Advent and Lent.

MARRIAGE

Couples preparing for marriage should contact Julie Kline Rybczynski at least six months in advance of their desired marriage date.  All couples are expected to participate in a Marriage Preparation Program.

BAPTISMS

Parents are requested to contact the rectory several months before the birth of their child (if possible) to make arrangements to attend the Baptism Preparation Program.  Godparents are also invited and encouraged to attend.  We strongly recommend that the Sacrament of Baptism be celebrated during Sunday Mass.  Where this is not possible, ceremonies are scheduled on the first Sunday of the Month at 12:30 p.m.

Adults seeking Baptism or Reception into the Church are invited to inquire about the Catechumenate Program.  (Please see information about the RCIA program under “Education Ministries”)

ANOINTING OF THE SICK

If someone is in the hospital, confined to home, nursing home or otherwise unable to join the community celebration, please call the rectory to arrange a visit, communion call or the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick.  Should there be an emergency, all local hospitals have a priest on call who can perform an anointing.

                      OTHER DEVOTIONAL SERVICES 

VESPERS

Saturdays: 5:00 p.m. (following 4:00 p.m. Mass)

 PRAYER GROUPS

"Living Water" meets Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m.

"Merciful Heart of the Lord" meets Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.

 ROSARY

The Rosary is prayed weekdays before the 8:00 a.m. Mass.

ALTAR & SANCTUARY FLOWERS

 Decorating our sanctuary with flowers enlivens and beautifies our celebrations.  Parishioners are invited to provide flowers for our sanctuary in memory of their deceased loved ones, to honor a special anniversary or occasion in the life of someone close to them.  The weekly cost of the altar arrangement is $45 and $55 for the Book of the Gospels arrrangements.   To arrange a memorial, please contact the Carla Berkenkemper in the Parish Center.

THE PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL

The Pastoral Council is made up of laywomen and men selected by the parishioners and/or appointed by the pastor to represent the parish community and to provide collaborative pastoral leadership.  Acting in a consultative capacity to the pastor, the Council charts the course and points the way for parish planning and development, as well as monitors, with the pastor, the development, implementation, and evaluation of pastoral planning and budgeting efforts. The Council meets on the second Thursday every month at 7:00 p.m. Members serving on the Council are Joseph Bangert, Carl Brewer, Robin Cutlip, Vickie DeRuggiero, James Grace, Jason Jenkins, Sally Kelly, John & Lois Kirby, Timothy Knepp, Catherine Lanocha, Robert Pelley, Joseph Powell, Margaret Tirschman, James, Kathleen & Christine Wandishin, Patricia Wilhelm.

DEVELOPMENT MINISTRIES

The Development Committee works with identified parish needs and goals to plan and implement programs designed to ensure financial stability for the parish now and in the future. The Committee also determines methods to better utilize the physical and human resources within our community.

The Finance Committee oversees the financial health of the parish and reports regularly to the Parish Council.  They are charged with formulating the annual parish budget and advising the Pastor on the financial concerns of the parish.

Meets fourth Thursdays every month at 7:30 p.m. (Contact James Wandishin, Chairman, at the Parish Office)

The Maintenance Committee oversees the upkeep and improvement of the parish plant and facilities.  Members with expertise in various areas of maintenance and construction recommend needed repairs and improvements. They coordinate volunteer activities or seek out trade professionals to execute projects. (Contact Matt Mosmiller in the Maintenance Office)

LITURGICAL MINISTRIES

The Liturgy Committee plans and executes the liturgical life of the parish in both the weekly celebrations as well as special feasts and seasons of the year. The Committee also ensures the recruitment, training and scheduling of Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, Altar Servers and Ushers.  Meets first Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. (Contact Mr. Robert Pelley at the Parish Office)

Eucharistic Ministers assist at Eucharistic celebrations by distributing the precious body and blood of Christ and caring for the sacred vessels.  (Contact Mrs. June Powell at 410-687-4921).

Lectors proclaim the Word of God at liturgical celebrations.  (Contact Mrs. June Powell at 410-687-4921).

Altar Servers assist the celebrant at Mass and other liturgical celebrations.  Boys and Girls in grades 4 and above are invited to participate. (Contact Deacon Kevin Bagley at the Parish Office).

Ushers/Greeters welcome those who attend Mass and other liturgical celebrations and assist them when needed.  They also participate in collecting the weekly offering. (Contact the Parish Office.)

Family Liturgy Committee coordinates liturgies where children are invited into the sanctuary once a month and for special feasts. (Contact Mrs. Rhonda Hemling at the Parish Office)  

Children’s Liturgy of the Word is held Sundays during the 11:00am Mass. This opportunity allows our children to hear and appreciate the Word of God appropriate to their age and maturity level.  Staff and Liturgy Committee members facilitate this ministry.

The Music Ministry provides music for liturgical celebrations.  Cantors lead the congregation in song at the Saturday evening 4:00pm and 7:00pm Masses and also at the Sunday 9:00am Mass.  Our Contemporary Ensemble leads music at the Sunday 11:00am Mass and for special occasions.  The Ensemble rehearses at 12 noon on Sundays.  (Contact Mrs. James Hemling at the Parish Office)

The Sanctuary Society cares for the worship space, the sacred linens and vessels. (Contact the Parish Center)

PARISH EDUCATION MINISTRIES 

The Education Committee works to identify educational needs of the parish and establish programs to provide life-long education and faith formation for all ages.

The Office of Religious Education coordinates all Religious Education opportunities for adults and children of the Parish.  (Contact Sue Bangert in the Religious Education Office) 

Religious Education Classes

For children enrolled in the Public School system, Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade.                 

Classes meet Wednesdays, 6:30- 8:00pm

Sacramental Programs are offered for children and for the parents of children preparing for the reception of the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, Reconciliation and Confirmation.

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) is a program for adults seeking Baptism or Reception into full Communion with the Roman Catholic Church.  This program is conducted from September through the Easter Season each year.  Catholics who wish to learn more about their faith, especially those who have been away from the practice of the faith for some time are also welcome.

RCIC (Rite of Christian Initiation for Children) prepares children 5 years and older who wish to be received into the Catholic Church.  Classes meet October through March. 

ALPHA Program is a practical guide to living the Christian Faith.  Offered on Wednesday evenings, each session includes Mass, a teaching on a topic relating to Christianity and an opportunity for group discussion.  (Contact Mrs. Vickie DeRuggiero at the Parish Office).

THE SAINT CLARE SCHOOL offers a religious and values based comprehensive elementary education for students from Pre-school (3 years old) through 8th grade.   Emphasis is placed on the commitment to spiritual development, academic excellence, family involvement and social and cultural exposure for all students.  Saint Clare School is open to all; however, enrollment preference is given to parish families.   (Contact Dorothy Williams, Principal, at the School)

The Saint Clare School Board is an advisory body that provides guidance and support to the Pastor and school administration in the form of policy and budget planning, development and long-range goal setting. The Pastor appoints members for a three-year renewable term.  (Contact Mrs. Mary Sacilotto, President, at the Parish Office)    

The Saint Clare Home-School Association facilitates communication between parents and the school's faculty and administration.  The Association also plans and coordinates social events, volunteer programs and fund raising activities in support of the School.  (Contact Shelby Welsh, President, through the school office)