Children and adults are invited to serve at the altar, assisting the priest and deacon during the Sacred Liturgy with reverence, devotion, and love for the Holy Eucharist. Altar serving is a privileged way to grow closer to Christ and to deepen one’s understanding of the Holy Mass.

Training Required


Contact: Edwin Hernandez | ehernandez@stfrancisrp.org

This ministry brings the compassion of Christ to families who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Through prayer, presence, and practical support, members accompany families during times of sorrow, offering consolation, hope, and the healing love of Christ and His Church.

Contact: Deacon Victor Conversano, Jr. | deaconvic@stfrancisrp.org

Sacred music lifts the heart to God and enriches the beauty of the Sacred Liturgy. Our choirs lead the faithful in prayer through sacred song, helping our parish worship with reverence and joy.

English Choir: rehearsals are held on Thursdays at 7:00 PM
and the choir sings at the Sunday 10:00 AM Mass, as well as at other special Liturgies.

Spanish Choir | Coro Hispano: rehearsals are held on Wednesdays at 7:00 PM and the choir sings at the Sunday 12 Noon Mass.

Rehearsals take place in the Choir Room inside the church, September through June. During the summer months, the choirs do not rehearse nor sing at the Sunday Masses.

Contact: Facundo Lopez | flopez@stfrancisrp.org

Throughout the year, parishioners gather to help care for God’s house. Working alongside our priests, volunteers help keep the church beautiful, clean, and worthy of the sacred mysteries celebrated within its sacred walls. The church is cleaned throroughly four times a year.

Contact: Rita Murray Cottone | rcottone@stfrancisrp.org

Help prepare the House of God for the liturgical seasons, Holy Days, and major feasts of the Church. Arranging the offering of flowers and other seasonal preparation, this ministry helps prepare the church to celebrate the great mysteries of our Faith.

Contact: Patricia Acosta | pacosta@stfrancisrp.org

Members of this ministry assist in the reverent distribution of the Most Holy Eucharist during Mass and may also bring Holy Communion to the sick, homebound, and those unable to join us in person, extending Christ’s sacramental presence beyond the walls of the church.

Training Required


Contact: Shirley Vogler | 201.440.0992

Following the example of Christ, who fed the hungry, this ministry serves those in need within our community. Volunteers assist with packing, organizing, and distributing food, as well as special outreach programs throughout the year.

Ministry opportunities include: Food packing and distribution, deliveries to the homebound, Christmas Giving Tree Outreach, packing & distribution done twice monthly.


Contact: Deacon Victor Conversano Jr. | deaconvic@ stfrancisrp.org

Lectors proclaim the Word of God during the Sacred Liturgy, helping the faithful encounter Christ through Sacred Scripture. This ministry requires prayerful preparation, reverence, and a love for God’s Word.

Training Required


Contact: Marie Coschigano | 201.370.8357

A brotherhood of Catholic men seeking to grow in faith, virtue, and authentic friendship. Through prayer, community, spiritual formation, and service, members strive to become faithful disciples, stronger husbands and fathers, and witnesses of Christ in the world. Meetings are held on Saturday mornings at 6:00am in the Parish Center (September–June).

Contact: Deacon Victor Conversano Jr. | deaconvic@stfrancisrp.org or Paul Manchess | 732.598.9605

Our catechists and volunteers help form the hearts and minds of our young people in the truth, beauty, and richness of the Catholic faith. Through prayer, catechesis, and sacramental preparation, children and teens are guided toward a lifelong relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church.

Programs include: Religious Education (Grades 1–8), First Holy Communion Preparation, Confirmation Preparation, special classes for older children and teenagers who still need the Sacraments of Initiation. Classes meet from September - May.

Contact: Milagros Lopez | mlopez@stfrancisrp.org

Formerly known as RCIA, this ministry is for adults seeking Baptism, First Holy Communion, or Confirmation in the Catholic Church, as well as those who wish to deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith.

Classes include Sunday Mass followed by faith formation and preparation for the Easter Sacraments.

Contact: Lewis Morales | lmorales@stfrancisrp.org

Through prayer and the work of their hands, members create prayer shawls for those experiencing illness, grief, or hardship. Each shawl becomes a tangible sign of God’s love, comfort, and healing presence. They also crochet white blankets for the children being Baptized. Beginners and experienced crocheters both woman and men are welcome.

Meetings are held on the 3rd Monday of each month at 4:00 PM in the Parish Center (September–June).

Contact: Sophie Cole | 201.281.2645

A community of Catholic women seeking to grow closer to Christ through prayer, friendship, community, and spiritual enrichment. Through gatherings, talks, prayer, and shared experiences, women strengthen one another in faith and joyful discipleship.

Meetings are held on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 7:30 PM (September–June).

Contact: Celeste Farrell | 201.410.8759

Rooted in the Gospel of Life and the dignity of every human person, this ministry promotes the sacredness of life from conception to natural death. Members provide prayer, advocacy, education, referrals, and support for individuals and families facing difficult life circumstances.

Areas of support include: Pro-Life programs, pregnancy and family support, elder care resources, addiction recovery referrals, domestic violence support, homeless outreach, Catholic charitable services.

Contact: Deacon Victor Conversano Jr. | deaconvic@stfrancisrp.org

Ushers extend the hospitality of Christ by welcoming parishioners and visitors at Mass and parish liturgies. They assist with seating, collections, processions, and helping maintain an atmosphere of reverence and order during our liturgical services.

Contact: Dominic Lazzaro | 201.424.4085

Young people are invited to encounter Christ through prayer, community, faith formation, service, retreats, and fun social activities. This ministry helps young disciples build an authentic relationship with Jesus and with other young people.

Meetings are held September - June.

Contact: Milagros Lopez | mlopez@stfrancisrp.org