family/youth min.

Youth & Young Adults
Boy Scouts of America
Boy Scout Troop 194 is open to boys from 11 to 18 years of age. The organization serves to teach Scouts to be trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.

Troup 194 is involved in numerous community service projects, including trail upkeep at Morales Park, involvement with local food drives, and assistance with set-up of large parish activities. Camping, other outdoor activities, weekly meetings, and service projects are the framework through which leadership skills are practiced and learned.

Special Considerations: This group meets each Friday, 7:15-900 p.m., in St. Magdalen's Parish Center. New members are always welcome; simply come to a meeting! Adult participation is also appreciated, and adult volunteers can assist in a variety of different areas.

FastMag
The Filipino-American Association of St. Magdalen's (FASTMAG) was created in 2003, with the objective of uniting Filipinos spiritually as well as helping to raise funds each year for a designated cause.

Their spiritual ministry consists of spreading stronger devotion to the Blessed Mother, so FASTMAG helps with the Perpetual Novena to our Mother of Perpetual Help (in English) held every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. In addition, a Mass in Filipino is celebrated every quarter. At these liturgies, a Filipino Choir sings hymns in Filipino, English and Latin.

Fund-raising activities include a May dinner-dance and Unity Night, held in October. They also sponsor an annual picnic. There are several general meetings held throughout the year.

Knights of Columbus
Founded by Father Michael J. McGivney in New Haven, Conn., in 1882, this social and fraternal men's organization espouses the principals of charity, unity and patriotism. Supporting the teachings of the Catholic Church, this group provides fellowship to all members of our Parish community.

The Knights orchestrate many different activities for the Church and the community. Among the most noteworthy are Pancake Breakfasts, golf outings, art auction for youth scholarship, and a visit from Santa Claus at Christmas time. They sponsor a very important Christmas toy drive for needy children, and have outreach programs to visit the poor and sick of our parish.

This is a wonderful opportunity to meet and work alongside Catholic men, to form friendships and to give back to the community and the church. The reward draws you closer to God and strengthens your faith.

Special Considerations: General meetings are held each month on the second and fourth Thursday beginning at 8 p.m. Members determine their own level of involvement and participation in the many different functions and activities.

Natural Family Planning (NFP)
This ministry provides NFP instruction, guidance, support and inspiration to married and engaged couples to live Christ's teaching for married love. NFP helps couples learn about their shared fertility and how to plan for their family size in a way that is unitive and respectful of the need to be open to life.

The program is not to be confused with the "Rhythm Method" of family planning. NFP is a modern, scientific and reliable approach to family planning, and is 98 percent effective while being fully consistent with the Church's moral teaching.

Special Considerations: NFP is taught in a series of four classes scheduled 5 weeks apart, with each class lasting approximatley two to three hours.

Coordinators: Steve and Rosemary Kern, 908-782-4447

_____________________________________________________________

Spanish Ministry
This ministry serves the Spanish speaking community. "Senvedo de Amor" group meets for Bible study songs and discussions each Monday. Maintaining the unique qualities of the Hispanic culture, Voces del se Ñor uses their gift of song to encourage participation in the liturgy enhancing the inherent beauty of the Mass. Practices are held on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. All are welcome to both groups.