MINISTRY TO THE SICK:

For those of advanced age and those seriously ill, contact the parish office.

Holy Communion will be brought to the home of any person permanently or temporarily homebound.

Please contact the parish office.

BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY

St. Gabriel's holds a six-session Bereavement Program held during the fall beginning in September. A trained grief counselor conducts the sessions and helps the bereaved to recover from the deep hurt of loosing a loved relative or friend. Please contact the Parish Office for the specific start date.

MINISTRY TO THE HOMEBOUND

The Eucharist is brought to those of advanced age who cannot attend Mass, as well as
the very ill and homebound. If you would like Communion brought to someone, please call the parish office at 201-327-5663 to make arrangements.

MINISTRY TO THE HOSPITALIZED

The priests  visit the hospital every week. If you have a family member hospitalized and they would like to see a priest please call the parish office at 201-327-5663.

PARISH RESPECT LIFE COMMITTEE

The committee was formed for parishioners wishing to participate more in respect life activities.  Our mission is to advance the understanding and support of life issues within and beyond our St. Gabriel’s community.  Pope John Paul II emphasized throughout his pontificate, we are all called to provide witness to the sanctity of life from the moment of conception until natural death.  He implored us to offer service that stands against the “culture of death” which pervades so much of our modern society.

Presently the committee is engaged in the following activities:

  • Sponsoring, together with our Knights of Columbus council, an annual presentation by an accomplished local pro-life personality. 
  • Promoting parish wide education on pro-life issues including distribution of pamphlets on abortion, cloning, stem cell research, and end of life issues.
  • Raising right to life awareness through after-mass distribution of pro-life reminders such as the “precious feet” and lapel roses.
  • Conducting an annual baby shower to support the outstanding work of Birthright of Bergen County, a life alternative to abortion. 
  • Fundraising to support other charitable life affirming activities.

The committee does not engage in political activity but a number of its members are active in the New Jersey Right to Live Committee.

Presently our meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday of the month following the 9 AM Mass.

Please consider joining us in our respect life activities.  There is much more as a community that we can accomplish on this vital issue

SEPARATED AND DIVORCED GROUP

2008 is the eighth year that Saint Gabriel's has offered a support group for the separated and divorced. We meet every other Wednesday evening at 7:00 PM throughout the year. Please call the parish office for exact times. As a base for our group discussion we use the very helpful Divorce Care video series. If anyone is interested in attending or knows of someone would or could benefit from such a ministry please contact Father Stephen at the parish office (201-327-5663).

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

Alcoholics Anonymous meets at the Kavin Center every morning from 7 am to 8 am, Monday through Saturday. We know that this fellowship has helped many people and are happy to be of assistance to this wonderful group of people.

 
OUTREACH PROGRAMS

WALK-IN DINNER PROGRAM

Our parish has been participating in the Walk-In Dinner program of the Inter-religious Fellowship for the Homeless for the past sixteen years.  Our volunteer group consists of about sixty people, some of whom cook part of the dinner, and others who drive to Hackensack to deliver the meal and serve.  We do this on a regular basis, about eight times a year.

In preparation for our evening in Hackensack, we have a “sign-up” session after Mass so that the parishioners who can volunteer to cook or serve can commit to the date.

The date for the next WID is always announced at the Mass and in the bulletin.  If you would like further information, please call one of our co-chairmen:  Helen Bennett (201-670-1393) or Carol Lee Crowley (201-652-6583).

THE ARCHANGEL HEALTH CENTER

The Archangel Health Center was established ninteen years ago at St. Michael’s Parish in Newark as an outreach ministry.  The Center provides medical services for mainly Spanish speaking immigrants who cannot afford health care.  The Center is financed by St. Gabriel’s Parish, and is staffed by volunteer doctors, nurses, interpreters and other aides from the parish.  Approximately eighty patients are treated each month, and necessary drugs are provided at minimal cost.  The outstanding support and generosity of the volunteers continue to make this program a great success.

FOOD PANTRY COLLECTION

On the first weekend of each month, the parishioners donate bags of food to stock the food pantry at St. Michael's Parish in Newark.  Suggested items are rice, pasta, canned tuna, peanut butter, jelly, canned fruit, canned vegetables and other basics.  The food is taken to St. Michael’s for distribution after the last Mass on Sunday.