parishhandbook.htm

Liturgical Lay Ministry

The purpose of this book is to cordially welcome and inform our new parishioners but additionally to reacquaint all of our parishioners, with the many spiritual, social and educational groups and activities that are available at our parish. As we look forward to the beginning of the next century, here at St. Isaac's, we pause to give thanks to the Lord, Our God, for all the blessings received during our years together as a parish family. With God's help and with the cooperation of all of us who make up this faith community, I trust that the goodness of the Lord will continue to shine upon us in the years to come.

Whether you're a new member at St. Isaac's or if you've been here as a parishioner since the very beginning, let us give thanks to God for all that's been and all that is yet to come.

The Parish Pastoral Council of St. Isaac Jogues, on behalf of the whole parish, would like to extend a heartfelt welcome to our new parishioners and express sincere thanks to all parishioners for everything they do and have done to make St. Isaac's the vital, active parish it is today.

As you read through this handbook, you will find a variety of Parish ministries, social and spiritual gatherings all designed to allow our faith to deepen and to experience the love of Our Lord, Jesus Christ.

We encourage you to become active members of our Parish community. Whether you are single, married, with young children or empty-nesters, we invite you to experience your religion in whatever area that brings meaning to you personally.

A Parish Pastoral Council fosters participation of the entire parish in the life and mission of the Church. The Council as a consultative body, advises and assists the pastor in areas of pastoral concern. It develops and recommends parish pastoral plans through consensus in an atmosphere of prayerful reflection. The pastor of the parish is the chairperson. Members of the Pastoral Council are to be representative of the entire parish recognizing and reflecting the parish's diversity. The Pastoral Council needs to collaborate and cooperate with the parish staff, committees, groups and parishioners.

Membership of the Pastoral Council includes the Pastor as Chair, three ex officio members, Parish Business Manager, Parish Services Director and Religious Education Director, three appointed lay representatives and six elected lay representatives. Each elected lay representative serves a term of three years.

Nominations to the Pastoral Council take place annually in April and early May. Elections are held in May by secret ballot. Two representatives are elected annually to each serve a three year term.

On June 3, 1970, St. Isaac Jogues Parish was founded by decree of John Cardinal Krol, Archbishop of Philadelphia. Reverend Thomas J. Lawlor was designated founding pastor, and parishioners were drawn from the parishes of St. Monica, St. Ann, St. Norbert, St. Teresa of Avila and Our Lady of the Assumption.

The first parish meeting was held in the auditorium of St. Monica's in Berwyn, where Father Lawlor had taken temporary residence. A program of home Masses was initiated enabling the new pastor and parishioners to meet and pray, and establish a close Christian community.

A warm demonstration of ecumenism was exhibited by surrounding Protestant churches, especially St. Matthew's United Methodist Church, whose pastor, Reverend Menno Good, most generously offered the use of its church facilities. Two Masses each Sunday were celebrated at St. Matthew's through the summer of 1970. At that time the original parish choir, altar guild, acolytes, "treasury men" and ushers groups were formed.

In the Fall of 1970 Masses were then held at the Valley Forge Junior High School and a house within the St. Isaac's boundaries was rented to serve as a rectory. A plea to parishioners produced all the accoutrements of a comfortable residence.

Plans for a church and rectory buildings were announced in February of 1971 with the official groundbreaking held on March 21, 1971. The rectory was completed in October and Father Lawlor moved in on November 1, 1971, the feast of All Saints. Once again with great dedication, parishioners donated their time and talents to facilitate this move.

In late December the church was ready for the joyous celebration of the Christmas Midnight Mass. Replete with carols and poinsettias, the church's beauty was exceeded only by the thanksgiving and elation of its people.

On September 23, 1972, St. Isaac Jogues was solemnly dedicated by Cardinal Krol. C.C.D. classes were held in the rectory and the church and the children showed true Christian generosity by initiating the custom of the "Giving Tree" at Christmas that is still carried on today.

Parish Social development was overseen by the "Ladies of St. Isaac's," with their first social event in October 1970. This was followed by parties for Christmas, St. Patrick's Day, and covered dish suppers became enormously popular events.

Spiritual events became established traditions with retreats for men at St. Joseph-in-the-Hills, days of recollection, a spring Communion breakfast, Penance services, parish renewals and the observation of the Forty Hours Devotion.

The church also had to accept its incidents of tragedy. On Sunday, October 27, 1974, Father Lawlor finished his last homily with the words of St. Paul: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." Moments later he was stricken and late that night Father Lawlor died. Those final words of Father Lawlor to his people symbolized the life of a good man, loved by all.

Cardinal Krol then appointed Rev. Hugh J. Nolan as pastor of St. Isaac Jogues effective November 29, 1974. Father Nolan came to us from Immaculata College where he had taught for many years. A scholar and church historian of note, he was chaplain of St. Mary of Providence in Elverson, a school for special children.

Father Nolan's special interest in education and evangelization have always been evident. The C.C.D. program flourished, Bible Study, pre-school and summer programs were introduced. In order to provide facilities for the growing parish enrollment, a new church annex was erected in 1979. This building has served to house all the religious education of the parish including youth, teenage and adult education.

In September 1980, a new chapel and administrative offices were provided due to the tremendous growth experienced with the advent of the Chesterbrook community. Daily Adoration in the chapel began at this time.

In 1989 Father Nolan (later to become Monsignor Nolan) retired. On February 19, 1989 Monsignor Joseph C. Cunningham was installed the third pastor of St. Isaac Jogues, after having been appointed January 16, 1989 by Cardinal Bevilaqua. Monsignor Cunningham had served the Archdiocese for over fifteen years at the Archdiocesan Offices in Philadelphia. He held the position of Vicar for Financial Affairs and Archdiocesan Controller prior to his appointment to St. Isaac's.

Monsignor Cunningham has continued to direct the parish's spiritual growth with the gift of Perpetual Adoration so loved by our parishioners as well as those from surrounding parishes. In addition, the new pastor committed himself to keeping alive the various programs initiated by Fathers Lawlor and Nolan and has added many new ministries, programs and activities, so that the people of St. Isaac's could have every opportunity to be fully involved spiritually, educationally and socially.

Meetings are held every Monday evening in St. Isaac Jogues' Parish Hall from 8:00-9:00 P.M. It is an open meeting and visitors are welcome.

Members of the Altar Society assist, on a rotating basis, providing care of the altar linens and the preparation of the Sanctuary throughout the Liturgical seasons. We are in need of volunteers who can spare an hour or two each month.

The Bereavement Ministry offers support to any person experiencing grief related to any type of loss encountered at any stage of life. The group meets the second Wednesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. in the rectory meeting room.

For a fun night out come play Bunco. You might win a prize, or at the very least, will meet some wonderful ladies and enjoy some delicious snacks. No experience necessary to play...it is quite easy. The games begin at 7:30 p.m. and end around 9:30 p.m. in the parish hall.

These volunteers work one to one and a half hours a week, in teams of five or six. They accomplish the counting and recording of the Sunday collections under the supervision of the Parish Business Manager.

Pack 81 provides many activities and first-time experiences for boys in grades 1 through 5. Some examples are outdoor camping, camp-ins (at places like the Adventure Aquarium, Franklin Institute and the Battleship USS New Jersey), hiking, skating, skiing and bowling. A highlight of their year is the Pinewood Derby race.

Pack 81 is involved in several service projects during the year to foster citizenship and character development. Among their projects, they collect and assemble more than 25 complete Thanksgiving dinners that are delivered to St. Malachy Parish in Philadelphia. Pack 81 has one major fundraiser during the year - the annual Popcorn Sale that helps to offset the costs of many of their activities.

The Finance Committee assists the Pastor in studying and reviewing the financial needs of the Parish and makes periodic reviews of Parish stewardship.

In 2004, the Knights of Columbus were inaugurated in St. Isaac's parish. As part of an international fraternal Catholic organization, they sponsor a variety of services for our parish, as well as for the surrounding communities. Membership is open to Catholic men eighteen years and older. Meetings take place on Wednesday in the parish hall. For further information including prospective membership details, visit their website at www.kofcvalleyforge.org.

There is a ministry within St. Isaac Jogues dedicated to marriage. They plan special programs each month for "Building Awesome Marriages." The team will also be providing ongoing instruction for engaged couples and for any other groups such as Way of Christ (RCIA) or Religious Ed (CCD) regarding the Sacrament of Matrimony.

Building Awesome Marriages holds regular gatherings on the second Friday of each month throughout the school year. We will feature different presentations on marriage and family life such as "Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage - A Tale of Two Brains" and the movie FIRESTORM. Each month is something new. The gatherings will last from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and babysitting on site will be offered for those who call ahead.

There is a multi-parish dialogue support group for couples who would like to continue enriching their marriages using the techniques learned on the WWME Weekend.

The parish newsletter, Spirit of St. Isaac's, is a semi-annual publication that is mailed to every registered family/individual in our church community. As a supplement to our weekly bulletin and the parish website, the newsletter is yet another communication vehicle which provides an opportunity to document major parish events and accomplishments, to recognize distinguished parishioners, organizations and staff, to bring news of upcoming events to you, and welcome new parishioners.

All parishioners are encouraged to contribute articles for publication as well as to submit comments and suggestions that would enhance the quality of the newsletter. Additionally, anyone willing to help in the preparation of Spirit of St. Isaac's is welcome. The editor can be contacted through the rectory office.

Non-perishable food is collected before and after all Masses the first full weekend of every month.

The food is delivered and distributed to needy families at our sister parish in Philadelphia, St. Malachy. Contributions are welcomed and we encourage all parishioners to participate. There is a special need for drivers who are available on weekdays between 9:00 A.M. and 12:00 Noon to deliver the collected food to St. Malachy.

Refreshments are served Sunday mornings in the Parish Hall, immediately following 10:30 Mass. All parishioners and guests are welcome to enjoy a cup of coffee and a visit with old friends as well as new! New hosts are always welcome. (Coffees are not held on major holydays, holidays and most summer weekends.)

Nominations to the Pastoral Council take place annually in April and early May. Elections are held in May by secret ballot. Two representatives are elected annually to each serve a three year term.

Parishioners over fifty-five years of age are invited to join our Seniors Group. Social events, day trips and Christian social service events are enjoyed while our members build a sense of community among our parishioners.

Monthly meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month. Please refer to the Parish Bulletin for meeting times and special activities. A schedule of events is available upon request.

The Hospice, located in Philadelphia, provides housing for 35 men each night and breakfast and dinner for about 400 men and women daily. We participate in the Hospice Hot Casserole Program by preparing casseroles in the months which have 5 Mondays (about 4 times a year). Pans and recipes are available in the rear of the church as announced and frozen casseroles are to be brought to the Parish Hall on the designated days. Also, clean men's clothing accepted anytime for delivery.

St. Malachy is our sister parish located at 1429 North 11th Street in Philadelphia. Throughout the year we assist St. Malachy spiritually, financially and materially. Each year Thanksgiving dinners, donated by our parishioners, are delivered. Each year up to 15 cars and vans are filled to capacity with Christmas gifts from our Advent Giving Tree and distributed among the families of St. Malachy's. We replenish their Food Pantry on the first full weekend of each month.

St. Isaac's offers the unique opportunity for youth, grades six through twelve, to fully immerse themselves in the Catholic Faith. Activities within the community, socials, spiritual and service events, worship services and athletics provide the means for the youth to establish and strengthen relationships with others. At the heart of this group is the mission of realizing God's significance in the world and to live as Christ in word and deed.

St. Isaac Jogues Altar Servers assist at Eucharist and other special liturgies on a rotating basis according to a schedule issued monthly. A training course is held in preparation for this ministry of service. Any boy or girl in fourth grade or above who wants to be more involved in the parish and is ready to assume this responsibility may apply.

Our Parish Choir is under the direction of the Music Director. Men and women of all voice ranges enhance the Liturgy regularly by singing at the 10:30 Sunday Masses from September through June. The Choir meets each Tuesday evening for practice and welcomes anyone who enjoys singing.

Eucharistic Ministers are commissioned by the Diocese to distribute the Holy Eucharist on Sundays and whenever the Parish Priests need assistance. The Eucharistic Ministers also make Communion calls to the sick and shut-ins in the parish.

Our greeters provide a warm and friendly atmosphere for parishioners as they enter weekend Mass. We are in need of volunteers. Can you be at church fifteen minutes before Mass, smile and say good morning? No training is necessary. Name tags are provided.

Our lectors proclaim the Word to us through the readings at Eucharistic celebrations and Penitential Services. They serve on a rotating basis, reading approximately once every three to four weeks. We would like to expand participation in this important Ministry, particularly encouraging youth involvement (over 18 <-!><-"><-+>please). If you have a good speaking voice and a call to this Ministry pleases call for an audition and training session.

As a part of the worshipping community, ushers are men and women called to render a special service to the parish. The pleasant demeanor and open cordiality of the usher who is sincerely glad that worshippers have come is a major part in setting the tone for a beautiful liturgy. The service of our ushers is a real blessing. Ushers are needed on a regular and substitute basis.

Adult religious education has as its goal to help the faith of adults become "living, conscious and active," through the light of instruction. It takes place within the context of the faith community and allows for active participation while employing diverse methods suitable to the adult learning process.

Your baby's Baptism is a time for celebration and joy. It is the initiation into the family of God and the beginning of a life of faith for your baby. The Pre-Jordan class helps you to prepare for your baby's Baptism in the best possible way. Parents are expected to attend instruction prior to their first child's Baptism. The instruction class will give couples an understanding of the theology of Baptism, explain to them the ritual and their responsibilities and share with them some of the practical information regarding Baptism at the Parish. Godparents are also welcome.

This program is designed for children from five years through grade four. At the time of the Liturgy of the Word during the 10:30 A.M. Sunday Mass, the children are gathered, blessed and dismissed by the Celebrant. They are then led to the classrooms where they are taught the day's readings at their level of comprehension.

Booklets, drawings, music and other instruction materials are used. When it is time for the Presentation of the Gifts, the children are led back to their families. Children from pre-school are encouraged to participate.

Our pre-school program for 3 and 4 year olds is held during the 9:00 A.M. Mass every Sunday from October to May in the Parish Religious Education Building. Children must be registered to attend and are expected to come every Sunday. Capable teachers assist the children in learning about people, sacred symbols, God's love, holidays, family and the liturgical year.

RCIA is a process through which adults are fully initiated into the Catholic Church. This process is for the unbaptized who wish to become Catholic, those baptized in another faith who wish to become Catholic as well as Catholics who have not been fully initiated or catechized. The four stages: Pre-Catechumenate, Catechumenate, Purification/Enlightenment, and Mystagogia are separated by major liturgical rites.

Unlike other parish programs, RCIA requires a firm commitment on the part of the entire parish. There are many ministries in the RCIA process - prayer partners, director, coordinator, hospitality, evangelization, discernment, social events, catechists, sponsors, sponsor coordinator, ministers of private prayer and many more. Anyone interested in the conversion of souls, witnessing to your faith or learning more about your faith, please contact us. Religious Education

The Religious Education Program provides education in the Catholic faith and sacramental training for children who attend Non-Catholic schools from Kindergarten to Grade 12. Our program welcomes adult volunteers to serve as teachers, teacher aides, and office aides.

Our youth group is open to junior high and high school students, grades 6 through 12, regardless of the school attending. Public, private and Catholic school students are all invited. The program is designed to help youth discover the realness of God's presence within and around them. This is done through religious education, community building, leadership development, peer ministry, guidance, justice, service, prayer and worship.

The Society promotes prayer before the Blessed Sacrament exposed in the Parish Adoration Chapel. Exposition is around the clock. Members are any persons who commit to an hour of adoration each week during one of the four divisions: morning ( 6 A.M. to Noon), afternoon (Noon to 6 P.M.) , evening (6 P.M. to Midnight), and night ( Midnight to 6 A.M.) and those who sign the register in the chapel foyer to help maintain attendance at all hours. The Society also sponsors holy hours (Thursday before each First Friday at 8 P.M.) and the Forty Hours Devotion each October, provides reading materials in the chapel foyer to assist in adoration, and maintains a Book of Petitions and Book of Favors Received and Thanksgiving, also located in the chapel foyer, as a means of assistance in prayer and giving glory to God. The Society's executive committee meets quarterly or as necessary to encourage weekly commitments.

Members of the Legion of Mary give glory to God through Mary in their spiritual and corporal works of mercy. For example, our members visit our homebound parishioners, as well as the sick in nursing homes. Meeting are held each Monday afternoon in the Religious Education Building.

There are wedding gifts you haven't unwrapped yet! Make a Marriage Encounter Weekend and discover the hidden treasures in your relationship. Designed to make good marriages even better, the weekend offers you a chance to get away from all your cares and concerns to just spend time with each other. Marriage Encounter Weekends are offered regularly in this area.

Perpetual Adoration is the devotion of adoration and other prayer before the Blessed Sacrament perpetually exposed in the St. Isaac Jogues Adoration Chapel.

The specific way Our Lord has requested to be loved in the Blessed Sacrament is for each of us to be willing to spend a quiet hour with Him each week. Christ said: "Where your treasure is, there is your heart." . . . "I, Myself am the Living Bread come down from Heaven." . . . "Could you not watch one hour with Me?"

Adoration is appreciation of the gift of God's total presence among us in the Holy Eucharist. Adoration is being present to Him, who is present to us. Adoration is drawing close to Him, who has drawn so close to us.

This hour that he wants you to spend with Him is spent any way you want. THIS IS YOUR HOUR WITH JESUS. You may want to go to the chapel and bring your own prayer books, or use the prayer pamphlets that are there. You may want to read and pray with Scripture, or pray the Rosary, or do both. You may want to speak with Jesus heart-to-Heart, as one does with a friend.

Our Perpetual Adoration Chapel is open 7 days a week and is located directly across the driveway from the Church.

Prayer Power members throughout the Delaware Valley pray before the Blessed Sacrament for vocations to the priesthood and religious life and for family peace and unity. Tuesday is the day set aside at St. Isaac Jogues for this purpose. More than one hundred parishioners have committed to pray in Adoration for these intentions one Tuesday per month for one-half to one full hour. Our Adoration chapel is located in the Rectory building (directly across from the church). Join the Prayer Power!

The St. Isaac Jogues Memorial Fund was established as a means to help fund projects that aim to beautify or improve the Church and Chapel furnishings, equipment or facilities.

Money donated to the Memorial Fund is designated for the Church and Chapel and these funds are accounted for separately from routine parish collections. These donations are used to fund non-routine maintenance, replacement and improvement expenses.

Over the years, contributions to the Memorial Fund have enabled St. Isaac's to purchase: new ciboria; new altar cloths; the Stations of the Cross; stained glass windows; improvements to the Choir Loft; pamphlet racks; to name a few items. These projects are undertaken to keep our worship facilities in top condition for the continued use and benefit of our parishioners and the many welcomed guests who join us from time to time.

There are many things we would like to do to make our Church and Chapel more efficient, useful and visually appealing. The generosity of our donors enables us to accomplish these goals.

Donations of any amount are welcome for the Memorial Fund, which is a great way to remember the living and the deceased in the ongoing work of the Lord. Memorial plates are mounted on our Memorial Plaque in the main vestibule of the Church for donations of $1,000 or more. Periodic Masses are also celebrated for all those who contribute to, and who are remembered by, the Memorial Fund.

The St. Isaac Jogues Memorial Fund -- what a beautiful way to say "I love you".