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ADMINISTRATIVE COMMISSION

PARISH  PASTORAL COUNCIL:

The purpose of this Council is "to advise and assist the Pastor in recognizing and addressing matters relevant to the continuing spiritual, social, and physical well-being of the faith community."

The Council consists of five members at-large (nominated by the parish), several ex-officio and ad-hoc members, and seven commission members.  The seven commissions are:  Building and Grounds, Communications, Education, Liturgical, Parish Life, Social Concerns, and Youth.  Each commission has one elected representative nominated from its respective group or from the parish.

 All parishioners are invited to attend the meetings of the Council which are held monthly (September through May, except December).  Suggestions or topics for discussion are welcomed and appreciated and may be called to the attention of any council representative.

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BUILDING AND GROUNDS COMMISSION

 BUILDING and GROUNDS COMMITTEE:

The purpose of the Building and Grounds Committee is to inspect and maintain the physical aspects of our parish.  The group consists of individuals who are knowledgeable about construction principles and experienced in the building trade.

CEMETERY COMMITTEE:

The Cemetery Committee investigates the conditions and needs of our cemeteries on Darling Street, Wilkes Barre and Pioneer Avenue, Shavertown.  Recommendations for upkeep and improvements are made by the committee to the Building and Grounds Committee and Finance Council.

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 COMMUNICATIONS 

HISTORIANS:

These individuals are responsible for recording events that occur at Saint Nicholas.  They clip newspaper articles that pertain to church and school activities, prepare bulletin board displays of parish events, and organize the parish photo albums.  Many groups donate photographs of their special events for these albums which provide a continuous pictorial history of Saint Nicholas Parish.

 SAINT NICHOLAS BULLETIN:

This is a parish publication distributed at all weekend Liturgies.  It informs parishioners of upcoming events and meetings, and provides a schedule of the Masses and other parish activities.  Announcements to be placed in the bulletin must be submitted to the rectory by the Monday prior to the weekend they are to be published.

 SAINT NICHOLAS MESSENGER:

The purpose of this parish newspaper is to inform and evangelize.  Articles written by parishioners deal with subjects relating to church and school.  Advertising space is sold to defray the cost of the publication.  The paper is published four times a year in February, May, August, and November.  Copies are mailed to all parishioners and are available in the church for visitors and friends.

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 EDUCATION COMMISSION 

ADULT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION:

Periodically throughout the year (especially during Advent and Lent) informal gatherings for education are offered for adult parishioners and their friends.  Discussions and presentations are led by one of the parish priests or, when possible, a guest lecturer.  Topics cover a wide area of concern including scripture, morality, liturgy, and doctrine.  Classes are usually held during the evening.

CHILDREN'S RELIGIOUS EDUCATION:

One program of Religious Education provides instruction in the Catholic Faith for all public school students beginning with pre-school.  This also includes the preparation of students for the sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation.  Each student is required to attend religious education classes at least two years prior to receiving any sacrament.  Registration takes place the last week in August.  A second program sponsored by this group is the Summer Vacation Bible School, a week long celebration usually held in mid-summer.  Children from pre-school through grade five are welcome to participate in a variety of activities emphasizing the presence of Christ in their lives.  Parishioners are encouraged to volunteer as instructors or aides.

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA):

This is the process through which new members are fully initiated into the Catholic faith community.  The Rite is designed primarily for those who have never been baptized.  It also welcomes those who have been baptized in other Christian traditions and wish to become Catholic, and those who were baptized in the Catholic Church but have not received First Communion and/or Confirmation.  Participants join together in the paschal journey of Jesus Christ and are introduced to Church doctrine, life, liturgy and apostolic work.  Weekly sessions are held throughout the year and culminate in the reception of the Sacraments at the Easter Vigil.

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SCHOOL BOARD OF EDUCATION:

The Board of Education is a consultative body operating educational programs at Saint Nicholas - Saint Mary's Elementary School, subject to such regulations that proceed from the Diocese Board of Education.  The Board is responsible for specific aspects of the formal educational program.

SAINT NICHOLAS - SAINT MARY'S ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:

The purpose of the inter-parish elementary school is to provide a Catholic education.  The school offers classes, Kindergarten through Eighth, and is staffed by the Sisters of Christian Charity, a priest, and numerous lay teachers.  In addition to a fine educational experience, the school also provides a wide variety of athletic and academic extra-curricular activities.

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SAINT NICHOLAS - SAINT MARY'S PARENT/TEACHERS GUILD:

The purpose of this group is to assist the Administration, Faculty, and Staff of the school in making our children's Christian educational experience the best it can be.  This group also organizes a number of fund-raising projects throughout the year to help defray the costs of education.  Membership is open to all parents of our school children.  Meetings ordinarily are held on the third Thursday of the month (September, October, November, April, May).  Special meetings may be called by the officers.

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LITURGICAL COMMISSION

 ADULT ALTAR SERVERS:

The primary function of this group is to participate in the Liturgy of the Christian Burial.  Membership is open to adult men and women who are available to offer their services.

 ALTAR SERVERS:

Servers participate in all Liturgies including Sundays, Weekdays, Novenas and

Special Services.  All boys and girls of the parish enrolled in grades four through twelve in both public and parochial schools are eligible.  Training usually takes place during the summer.

 ART AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE:

This group of men and women, which functions as a sub-committee of the Liturgy Committee, designs and executes an environment in the Church which is both appropriate to the liturgical season and serves to enhance the worshipping atmosphere.

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 BREAD BAKERS:

These ministers bake the bread for the Eucharist (which is distributed in this manner at one Mass each weekend on a rotating basis.)  Membership is open to all parishioners.  Volunteers are provided with the recipe and suggestions to make their task prayerful and spiritually fulfilling.

 EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS:

Ministers of the Eucharist are those men and women who assist in the distribution of Communion at liturgical functions and take the Eucharist to those who are ill or homebound.  Each Sunday, these Ministers provide an Outreach Service to First Hospital and Clearbrook Manor where a Liturgy of the Word is held and the Eucharist is distributed.

 LITURGY COMMITTEE:

The purpose of this group is to promote an increased understanding of worship in the Catholic Church.  It strives to nurture this understanding with the careful planning of all liturgical celebrations.  Special attention is given to the coordination of music and decoration within the church environment.  Appropriately prayerful formats are designed for all Weekend Liturgies as well as Holy Days, Prayer Services, and special celebrations.

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MUSIC MINISTRIES:

 ADULT CHOIR:  This musical group offers a program of sacred music accompanied by the organ each Sunday at the 12:00 PM Liturgy.  It also provides musical accompaniment for the numerous special occasions celebrated at Saint Nicholas such as Holy Days, Eucharistic Devotions, and Graduations.  Membership is open to all adults; rehearsals are held Thursday evenings from 7:00 to 8:30 PM October through May.

 CANTORS:  The purpose of the cantors is to bring to life the song of the assembled community by teaching music, leading song, and solo singing.  The cantors serve the community at all liturgical services where music is employed; including Weekend, Funeral, Wedding, and Holy Day Liturgies.

CONTEMPORARY MUSIC ENSEMBLE:  This musical group offers a program of sacred music each Sunday at the 9:00 AM Liturgy.  It is accompanied by piano, guitar, trumpet, flute and other instruments.  Also it often joins with the Adult Choir at special liturgical celebrations.  Membership is open to anyone who has completed the fourth grade; rehearsals are held Thursday evenings 6:00 to 7:00 PM October through May.

PARISH LIFE COMMISSION

ALTAR and ROSARY SOCIETY:

This group gathers the women of the parish for prayer; it also cares for the needs of the church sanctuary.  The society sponsors a Spring Card Party and a Christmas Celebration.  Part of the proceeds from these events is donated to the parish for Sanctuary needs.  All women of the parish are welcome to become actively involved.  Meetings are held monthly.

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 SAINT NICHOLAS BAZAAR:

This annual parish festival is one of the largest in Wyoming Valley.  It is staffed completely by volunteers and is held during the third weekend of July.  Food, games, and good times are plentiful.  This event is a very important source of income for the parish, and gathers the members of the parish family to work together and to share in the fun and excitement.

 SAINT NICHOLAS BINGO:

A team of volunteers staffs this weekly event.  Bingo is open to the general public and is a traditional and popular way to socialize in Wyoming Valley.  Income received through this function helps meet the financial goals of the parish.  Bingo is held every Tuesday from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM.  Students of high school age and all adults are welcome to volunteer.

 HOLY NAME SOCIETY:

This organization encourages the spiritual and social life of the men of the parish.  Each year the Society sponsors the annual German Night Celebration and the Family Communion Breakfast.  The Society also offers financial support to a variety of parish programs.  All men of the parish are urged to become actively involved.  Meetings are held monthly.

 FAMILY LIFE COMMITTEE:

This group coordinates a variety of family activities (Advent Wreath Making Program, Easter Egg Hunt, etc.) throughout the year to affirm individual families and to promote the ideal of the parish family as a community.  This team also sponsors receptions for newcomers to the parish and prepares celebrations for the renewal of marriage vows.

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HOSPITALITY:

This Ministry is designed to establish a sense of welcome and comfort at Saint Nicholas.  Hospitality Greeters welcome participants in our Liturgies each weekend.  The Greeters coordinate the schedule for the Presentation of the Gifts and also provide any necessary assistance before and after the weekend Liturgies.

 Hospitality Hosts/Hostesses welcome those in attendance at large and small celebrations of a variety of parish functions.  Each year the Saint Nicholas Day party is sponsored by this group which also prepares receptions for introducing new priests, honoring special guests, meeting RCIA candidates, and recognizing visitors to our parish.

USHERS:

This group of volunteers coordinates the activities of Sunday and Holy Day Liturgies.  They help seat people, take up the collection, arrange the procession of gift-bearers, and distribute bulletins after the Liturgy. 

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SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION PROGRAMS

A period of preparation is required before a person can receive a sacrament.  The preparation program offers information about the nature and obligations of the sacrament he/she is about to receive.

 BAPTISMAL PREPARATION PROGRAM:

This program is offered every two months for parents who wish to have their child baptized.  It presents the Theology of Baptism and focuses on the parents as the primary educators in the development of faith.  Godparents are also encouraged to attend. A video presentation highlights the Sacrament of Baptism at Saint Nicholas and provides practical information on the role of the Godparents.  All baptisms are ideally celebrated when the parish community is present for the Liturgy and ordinarily takes place during the Noon Liturgy on the fourth Sunday of each month (except during Lent).  Parents must be registered parishioners of the parish and are asked to participate in the program during the time of pregnancy. 

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS: 

Adults who wish to become members of the Catholic faith are asked to participate in the RCIA process.  Additional information can be found above.

BAPTISMAL PREPARATION TEAM:

This group consists of a parish priest and married couples of the parish who use a discussion format to instruct the parents of new-born in the preparation for the Sacrament of Baptism.

 FIRST RECONCILIATION PREPARATION:

This program instructs second grade children about the nature and need for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  A parental involvement program is provided so parents may better assist their child in preparing for the Sacrament.

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 FIRST EUCHARIST PREPARATION:

This program instructs second grade children about the presence of Christ in the Eucharist and in their lives.  Parents are asked to participate in a parental involvement program to help prepare their child to celebrate his/her First Communion.  A retreat day and prayer service is offered.  The children are recognized at a special Liturgy.

 CONFIRMATION PREPARATION:

This program is offered every two years for seventh and eighth grade students.  They attend special classes and are asked to do service projects as part of their preparation.  Parents and sponsors are invited to share in their child's preparation twice during this period.  A retreat day is also held for the students.  Candidates receive this Sacrament at a special Liturgy celebrated with our bishop.

MARRIAGE PREPARATION:

This program includes three meetings with a priest and attendance at a Pre-Cana Program offered by the parish or diocese.  The couple must contact the parish at least six months prior to the wedding.

MARRIAGE PREPARATION TEAM:

This group is comprised of married couples who present Spring and Fall Marriage Preparation Sessions for engaged couples from Saint Nicholas Parish and other parishes within the diocese.  Couples participate as presenters, table moderators, panel members, and hospitality providers.  Married couples desiring to participate in Marriage Preparation may contact the priest-moderator or the Marriage Preparation Team Coordinators.

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RITE OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL:

Preparation for a Funeral Liturgy includes choosing scripture readings, music, readers, gift bearers, and various other options within the Rite (perhaps a eulogist).  When possible, a priest will be with the family as early as possible during the period of bereavement.

YOUTH COMMISSION

 YOUTH MINISTRIES:

The Parish Youth Groups continue, during the teen-age years, the emphasis of Christ's presence in our lives.  Students are taught to keep in touch with Jesus as He exists in themselves and others.  Activities center around prayer, education, recreation, and service.  Action-oriented experiences encourage the development of a Christian adult lifestyle.

     Junior High Youth:  Membership is open to all students

                         in grades seven and eight.

     High School Youth:  Membership is open to all students

                             in grades nine through twelve.

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SCOUTING:

The Saint Nicholas Boy and Girl Scout troops teach boys and girls the importance of obeying the law, helping others, and respecting each other as individuals.

 Meetings for Boy Scouts are held on Friday evenings at 6:00 PM for those members age twelve through seventeen and at 7:00 PM for boys age eight through eleven (Cub Scouts) and boys ages six and seven (Tiger Scouts).  Saint Nicholas Scout Troop 43, founded in 1919, is the oldest, continuous troop sponsored by a Catholic parish in the United States.

 Meetings for Girl Scouts are held on Thursday evenings at 6:00 PM for those in grades four and up; girls in grades one through three (Brownies) and girls in kindergarten (Daisies) also meet at that time.

AFFILIATED/ASSOCIATED GROUPS

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 SENIOR CITIZENS:

This group gathers to provide entertainment, educational programs, and vacation trips for senior citizens of the area.  Meetings are held twice monthly.

SAINT CONRAD'S YOUNG MEN'S SOCIETY:

This social club was founded in 1890 for the male members of the parish.  The purpose of this group is to "cultivate and maintain a Christian Catholic way of life".  Named in honor of Msgr. Peter Conrad Nagel, the first pastor of Saint Nicholas, this society sponsors athletic groups (bowling and volleyball) and supports family life through its annual summer picnic.  "God's Special Children" is its designated charity.

SAINT CONRAD'S Y.M.S. AUXILIARY:

This women's organization provides assistance to the programs and functions of the Saint Conrad's Young Men's Society.  Proceeds collected through fund raisers are donated to further the good works of the social club located on South Washington Street in Wilkes-Barre.

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 SAINT NICHOLAS - SAINT BONIFACE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION:

This organization offers the parishioners of St. Nicholas and St. Boniface the opportunity for savings accounts and low-interest loans.  Membership is open to anyone belonging to these two parishes.  Office hours are held Monday evenings 6:30 to 9:00 in the school basement.

 GRIEVING SUPPORT:

Support for one another through the stressful period following the loss of a loved one is offered on an individual basis.   Spiritual and personal growth are encouraged by helping victims share their grief.  Sometimes individuals are referred to support groups available in the surrounding area, such as the Beginning Experience Weekend, Beginning Experience Level Groups and Living a New Life Group for the Widowed.

RESPECT LIFE COMMITTEE:

The goal of this group is to educate and inform the parish community concerning quality of life issues such as abortion, infanticide, euthanasia, and capital punishment.  It works in cooperation with the Human Life Resource Center in Wilkes-Barre to encourage pro-life activities.

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SOCIAL CONCERNS COMMITTEE:

The focus of this group is to assess the needs of people in both the parish and the community and devise programs to address those needs.  Special attention is given to the poor, the homeless, and the elderly.  All parishioners are enlisted to help with special activities such as donating gifts on St. Nicholas Day, collecting food for baskets on Thanksgiving and Christmas, and distributing flowers to the homebound on holidays.  Continued support is encouraged for on-going parish projects including the food barrel, the poor box, assistance to migrants, shelter for the homeless, and various collections for emergency relief.

PARISH ADVOCATE FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES:

The responsibilities of this position are: identifying and welcoming persons with disabilities into parish life and programs; sensitizing the parish to the needs and gifts of persons with disabilities; and making referrals to appropriate agencies or diocesan offices.

 PASTORAL CARE VISITATION:

This is a service by volunteers of the parish who visit and assist those who are homebound or in a nursing home.  Training is provided to instruct volunteers in befriending the homebound and helping them in whatever way possible.

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