CARMELITES - Lay Carmelites are men and women who, while living in the world, respond to a special call from God to follow Jesus Christ, according to the tradition and spirit of Carmel. Carmelites meet every fourth Monday after the 8a.m. Mass in the Parish Center. Call Blanche Weber for information 732-849-1245.

EMMAUS - A support group for people who are experiencing the loss of a loved one. We meet the 2nd and 3rd Thursday of each month from 10:30AM to 12 Noon in the Parish Center. For more information contact Deacon Ron at 732-657-6347.

FAITH SHARING GROUPS - Small groups of parishioners ( 6 - 8 people) meet, in various communities, once a week to read, discuss and reflect on the Scriptures as it relates to our every day lives. Call Joan Boland for information 732-657-6347, ext. 108.

FINANCE COMMITTEE - Monitors the finances of the parish with the Pastor.

FOLK CHOIR - Anyone who would like to share their musical talents at the 9:15AM Mass on Sunday is welcome to join the folk choir. Practice is held every Wednesday night 8:30 - 9:30PM in the Church Hall. Call Joyce Sorenson for information 732-240-4750.

HEARING IMPAIRED - The 4PM Saturday Evening Mass has a special section in our West Wing which offers signing for the hearing impaired. For more information, please call Frank Masiello at 732-240-2579.

HOSPITAL MINISTRY - Members visit and pray with parishioners of St. John’s who are in local hospitals and nursing homes. Call Joan Boland for information 732-657-6347, ext. 108.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS - The Knights of Columbus is a lay Catholic family fraternal service organization. Membership is open to all practicing Catholic men in communion with the Holy See, age 18 or older. There are three councils in St. John’s parish. Residents of Leisure Village West can join Council # 9134 by calling Joseph Spiegel for information 732-323-8827. Residents of Leisure Knoll can join Council #10002 by calling Ren Selvaggio for information 732-657-5401. Please check your village newspaper for more information. Other interested parishioners can join St. John’s Council #12940 by calling Doug Steinke at 732-657-0301.

LADIES AUXILIARY OF THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS - Council 12940 - A support group to our St. John’s Knights of Columbus Council 12940. For more information call Barbara Steinke at 732-657-0301.

LEGION OF MARY - Members meet every Thursday after the 8AM Mass. The Holy Rosary is recited and plans are coordinated, for weekly visits to Manchester Nursing Home. At the home, Holy Communion is distributed, and members provide simple acts of kindness to residents of the home. Call Coby DeRidder for information 732-849-1607.

PARISH COUNCIL - Provides information and guidance to the pastor on different aspects of ministries in the parish. The council also coordinates major church projects, in addition to ongoing projects for the parish. Call Victor Bala for information 732-657-8899.

R.C.I.A. - The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a process designed for two different groups of people: (1) adults who are not Catholic and would like to join the Catholic Church, and (2) adults who were baptized as children into the Catholic faith, but who have not yet received the Sacrament of Confirmation. Sometimes members of this group also have not received their First Communion in the Catholic Church; R.C.I.A. is designed for them, too. The members meet every Sunday during the 11AM Mass. The process starts in September and members are formally brought into the Church on Holy Saturday, at the Easter Vigil. Volunteers are needed to assist the R.C.I.A. team in providing sponsors, prayer partners and baby sitting. Call Mary Ann Anthony at 732-657-0793 for information.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION - Religious instructions for our young parishioners, grades K to 8. They are held in the Parish Center on Wednesday evenings 5:30 - 8PM and Saturday mornings 9 - 10:15AM. If anyone is interested, please call Mary Ann Dempkowski at 732-657-2348.

RESURRECTION TEAMS - Each team consists of three parishioners who assist at all funeral masses. The teams prepare the church for Mass and serve on the altar and help families in their time of need. Call Deacon Robert Gooden for information 732-849-4808.

ROSARY ALTAR SOCIETY - The society, devoted to the Blessed Mother, recites the Holy Rosary before the 11AM Mass each Sunday. Meetings are held on the first Monday after the first Sunday of each month. The society participates and supports special activities in the parish. Call Anne Corey at 732-408-1126 for information.

SANCTUARY CHOIR - Anyone who would like to sing with the choir at the 11AM Mass on Sunday is welcome to attend practice on Wednesdays at 1PM in the Church. Call R.J. Palinkas for information 732-350-0577.

ST. VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY - Helps needy families in St. John’s Parish and the Manchester Community by distributing food, clothing, household goods and furniture. The Society also distributes gift certificates to Shop Rite and assists in paying utility bills, rent and mortgage payments where needed. St. Vincent de Paul receives no government subsidy and only depends on generous donations from parishioners and the community. Call Mike Brennan for information 732-657-6359.

TELEPHONE PRAYER MINISTRY - Parishioners in contact with the homebound sharing a special intention for monthly prayers. Contact Marie Vuocolo at 732-323-0809.

TWIN PARISH - Helps run fund-raisers and guides the monetary donations made to Our Lady Help of Christians in Bucaramanga, Colombia, South America. With this help and support the parishioners of our Twin Parish are cared for, spiritually guided, and served refreshments daily. For more information and to see beautiful pictures, contact Sofia Moreno at 732-349-6898.

USHERS, LECTOR and SPECIAL MINISTERS OF THE EUCHARISTIC - Help in various ways to facilitate a smooth liturgy as well as bringing Communion to the homebound. For more information, call Carol Kerr at 732-657-6347.

WINGS AND A PRAYER - Our Religious Article Shop which is open once a month at the rear of the Church Hall after all the Masses. Contact Victor Bala at 732-657-8899.

YOUTH CHOIR - All young people who like to sing are welcome to join the Youth Choir. Practices are held at the Parish Center on Wednesdays from 6:30 - 7PM. Call Joyce Sorenson for information 732-240-4750.