Academy of Our Lady School
Adults who enjoy working with children will enjoy being a part of this ministry. Located in Glen Rock, adjacent to St. Catharine Church, Academy of Our Lady is cosponsored by Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. This Catholic Elementary School for children offers education opportunities from Pre-Kindergarten through grade eight. Academy of Our Lady is always in need of volunteers to help in varied ways. Please visit the school's WEBSITE for more information.
Adult Basketball
Open to male and female parishioners age 21 and over who are interested in playing serious competitive (non-league) basketball. The group meets on Saturday mornings at 9:30am in the school gym. For more information on how to join, please call Robert Colombo at 201-447-5490 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. us.
Adult Choir
Sings every Sunday at the 11:00AM Mass. As well as various liturgical celebrations throughout the year. Rehearsals are on Tuesday evenings at 7:30pm in the Music Room in the Parish Center (lower level of the Church. Please use Passaic Street Entrance only). Please contact the Peter Sicko at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.
Adult Funeral Servers
Two adult funeral servers assist the priest during the Catholic Funeral Rite by preparing for and serving the Mass. At times, one may have to read Scripture or the Prayers of Intercession. Training will be provided. Please contact the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more details.
Altar Servers
Our parish altar servers are a fine group of young people (Grade 5 through high school) who generously gave of their time in assisting the presider at Mass. They also find time during the year to learn more about the Mass and the Church, and help the parish prepare for Christmas and Easter. They make new friends, and have organized outings and events. Practice sessions are offered when needs arise. If you are a young person interested in becoming an Altar Server, please email the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Baptismal Preparation Host Couples
The Sacrament of Baptism is a time of great joy for our parish community. In preparation for the reception of this Sacrament by our children, instruction (called catechesis) is given to all parents. The meetings are held at the home of a Baptismal Host couple and include a general catechesis on Baptism, and an overview of the sacrament. To find out more about becoming a Host Couple please send us an This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Bell Chior
The Bell Choir rehearses Sunday Afternoon from 1:30-2:30 pm in the Choir room. Members must be at least 11 years of age and be familiar with reading music. This is both a youth and adult ministry. NO EXPERIENCE IN RINGING IS NECESSARY. For more information please contact Connie Arcilla at 201-446-2302.
Block Party
Held once a year in September, the Parish holds a “block party” for all parishioners, their families, and friends. Free food, games, rides, prizes, and the special highlight of dunking illustrious parish staff members are all part of this fun filled Sunday afternoon. To volunteer to help out at our next Block Party please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. us.
Career Resources Ministry
The Career Resources Ministry serves to help anyone seeking employment or wishing to make a change in their careers, along with those who may be anticipating downsizing. The ministry is presented by professionals in various appropriate fields: Human Resources, Outplacement, Recruiting, Sales and Risk Management. Every Fall/Winter and Winter/Spring, these professionals present a four part series (once a month on Sundays), at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Center. You are encouraged to attend all four workshops. Sessions last approximately 3 hours. The aim is to provide the job seeker with the tools and encouragement needed to find a new position. Opportunities for networking and job leads are also included. There is no charge for the four workshops and they are open to the public. Pre-registration is not required. For more information This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. us.
Confirmation Preparation
Volunteers are needed in various aspects of the program, including small group leaders to monitor/facilitate groups having approximately twelve young people. These groups meet once a month on a day that is convenient for the leaders. Leaders are given detailed lesson plans, all the supplies needed and training sessions to make the process enjoyable for our young people and rewarding for our volunteers. Term of service is one 10 month cycle with the option to renew for another cycle if desired.
Adult Retreat Coordinator: Adults are needed to work along with the team of teenagers in planning, implementing and evaluating the four retreats held for our Confirmation Candidates each program year. Term of service is one retreat during the program year with a time commitment of 6 Sunday evenings prior to the retreat for planning and the retreat weekend itself (Friday 6pm until Sunday 4pm)
For more information on becoming a volunteer in the youth ministry program please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Director of Youth Ministry.
Cornerstone for Men
This 26 hour parish-based retreat is for men seeking a deeper relationship with God. It is an opportunity to grow spiritually and to build a kinship with other men through the common sharing of life experiences. This retreat is held in the parish center and is hosted by a core team of Cornerstone members. It also gives the candidates a meaningful faith experience through talks, small group discussions, and quiet reflective time. The sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist are celebrated as part of this special spiritual weekend. For more information on Cornerstone for Men please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. us.
Cornerstone for Women
Women's Cornerstone is a community of faith-filled women who desire the opportunity to grow in their relationship with God in a nurturing and spiritual environment. This ministry explores many ways to pray, build faith and more deeply develop a loving relationship with Our Lord and each other. Women’s Cornerstone began over 19 years ago and has welcomed more than 300 women.
The journey begins with an all-day retreat held in the parish center one Saturday a year. On the retreat, women hear inspirational faith stories, pray, socialize and form bonds that can last a lifetime. The retreat is a unique time to view your spirituality in a new way and is, for many, the beginning of a new faith journey.
After the initial Retreat, the community offers many opportunities to grow together in our faith on an ongoing basis. There is an annual Communion Breakfast, evenings of prayer, dedicated speakers who address meaningful topics, social gatherings and the ability to explore many ways of deepening your relationship with God.
All women of the parish who have not yet done so, are invited to take the first step and attend a Cornerstone retreat. There is a spot waiting just for you.
For more information please contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
CYO Basketball
This is a competitive program of travel basketball among Bergen county area parishes. Teams exist for boys and girls at the 5th and 6th grade and the 7th and 8th grade levels. Catholic School or CCD attendance is required in order to participate. There is also a program for High School boys. Parish membership is required as well at the High School level. The season runs from December through March, practices start in November. Registration and fees are presented in late-September. Prospective coaches MUST have both Rutgers SAFETY and Protecting God’s Children certifications. For more information on how to join, please contact either Mark Caffrey at 201-652-5038 or Sean McCooe at 201-445-8655.
Eva’s Kitchen/Paterson
This parish ministry reaches out to Eva’s Kitchen, a soup kitchen located in Paterson. Our Lady of Mount Carmel has been involved since the Kitchen’s inception serving a hot meal, fresh fruit and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to more than 200 clients six times a year. To get involved in this ministry please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. us.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Extra-Ordinary Ministers of the Eucharist assist at our Masses with the distribution of Holy Communion. For those who are interested, assistance in bringing the Eucharist to the homebound and area nursing homes is also needed. For more information on how to serve in this ministry, please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. us.
Funeral Liturgy Preparation Team
This ministry offers support to the grieving family by them with preparing their loved one’s funeral mass. This ministry requires great sensibility and compassion in addition to knowledge of scripture and liturgy. New team members are always welcome. Please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. us for more details.
Habitat for Humanity
A non profit, ecumenical housing ministry, Habitat for Humantiy seeks to eliminate homelessness through providing low income housing for those who have none.. Habitat invites people of all backgrounds, races, and religions to build houses together in partnership with families in need. For more information on our parish group that works with Habitat, please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. us.
Health Ministry
“While life itself is a gift, your own life is God’s special gift to you and your gift in return to God.” The Health ministry continues the healing ministry of Jesus and promotes the well-being of the whole person body, mind, and spirit. The ministry includes the following: health counseling, wellness education, screening of blood pressure by registered nurses, and an informational resource for community health programs. Both English and Spanish speaking members are available. If you are a health care worker (or retired one!) and would like to get involved in this ministry, please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. us.
Homeless Retreat Ministry (Ignatian Spirituality Project)
This ministry invites Christ into the lives of retreat attendees, who were recently homeless and suffering from addiction, in a powerful and unique way. Participants and parishioners meet Christ through each other’s lives. Through conversations with those we typically do not speak with, we grow closer to Christ in a new way, broadening and deepening our sense of the Christian community and Christ’s invitation to love the stranger. This powerful experience is just launching at Mt. Carmel. We can use your help and support. To learn more about this ministry click here.
Hospitality/Welcoming Committee
The purpose of this committee is to establish a warm and welcoming atmosphere within the Parish. In the fall and spring, new parishioners are invited to a Newcomers' Breakfast following the 9:30 AM Mass where they have the opportunity to meet other new members and the parish staff. The Hospitality Committee is also asked from time to time to assist in various other Parish events. For more information on how to join this committee please contact Mary Ann Blau (201-612-9826) or Ellin Carroll (201-444-2434).
Instrumentalists
Parishioners who are fairly accomplished musicians are always welcome to share their talent with the community at Sunday Masses. For more information on how to become involved in our Music Ministry please contact Peter Sicko at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Junior Choir
The Junior Choir is for children in Grades 2nd Thru 8th The choir sings Sundays at 9:30am as well as various liturgical celebrations throughout the year Rehearsals are on Tuesdays from 5 to 6:30pm In Parish Center. Please contact Connie Arcilla at 201- 446-2302.
Junior High Religious Education (Grades 7 & 8)
Modeled after our Confirmation Preparation Program, our junior high students meet once a month in the parish center for religious education. Volunteers are needed to facilitate the groups and a commitment is necessary for a ten month program year beginning each September. Training and direction are given by the Director of Junior High Youth Ministry, who is present for all the sessions. To find out more about this program or becoming a volunteer, please call the Youth Ministry Office at (201)444-9302.
Knights of Columbus – Ridgewood Council #1736
The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic fraternal organization founded by Father Michael J. McGivney and dedicated to religious, charitable, service, patriotic, and social activities. Since its formation in 1914, the Ridgewood Council has served our parish and community through numerous programs and projects. If you are a practicing Catholic male 18 years of age or older, you are qualified to be a Knight and welcome to join. Please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. us for more information.
Lectors of the Word
The gifts of a strong voice, good diction and a desire to proclaim the Liturgy of the Word during the Masses characterize our lectors. Training is provided. Those interested in participating in this ministry should email the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Liturgy of the Word with Children
Liturgy of the Word for Children is held twice monthly at the 9:30AM Sunday Mass. Families who attend the 9:30AM Mass on Sunday are invited to have their children attend the special Liturgy of the Word with Children held in the Parish Center. After the Opening Prayer at Mass, the children are escorted to the Parish Center where a committed team of volunteers conduct the Liturgy of the Word using the Children’s Lectionary. The children hear the readings on their level and discuss their meaning with an adult presider. The children are led in song and prayerful response. All return to the main assembly after the Homily. For more information on volunteering in this ministry, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Martha’s Ministry
The mission of Martha’s Ministry is to comfort the family and friends on the day of a loved one’s funeral. Our volunteers, at the request of the family, will provide and serve a light repast. Our Parish Center is a perfect facility for greeting friends on such an occasion. If family chooses to have the meal catered we will still provide the facility and service. Volunteers, who are willing to share their talents are most welcome to join us. PleaseThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. us for more information.
MOMs
(Ministry of Motherhood Spirituality)
The MOMs group is a dynamic and diverse group of new and experienced mothers who share a commitment to making Christ the center of their family’s lives. MOMs generally meet on the first Wednesday morning of each month. If you would like to see what MOMs is all about, please be our guest. You do not need to be a member to attend these meetings. For a full understanding of the many facets of this ministry, please visit their WEBSITE.
Neocatechumenal Way
Neocatechumenal Communities present a person with an opportunity to discover or rediscover his or her Christian identity. Starting with a series of catechesis for adults and youth over age 13, they bring forth a discovery of the fruits of baptism and a way to continue on an active journey of faith. In the words of Pope John Paul II the Neocatechumenal Way is “an itinerary of catholic formation valid for our society and for our times”. Catecheses/teachings are given approximately once each year during the months of October and November. All are welcome to listen to the catecheses regardless of personal life situations. Baptized or non-baptized, practicing or non- practicing, Catholic or non- Catholic all are encouraged to come and listen. For more information on the Neocatechumenal Way please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. us.
Opus Dei
Opus Dei sponsors an Evening of Recollection for Men, generally on the second Tuesday of each month starting at 7:45 PM in the daily mass chapel and concluding at 9:45 PM downstairs in the parish center. It includes exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, a homily by an Opus Dei priest, quiet time for prayer and confession, a talk by an Opus Dei layman and light refreshments. For more information on this group This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. us.
Pastoral Council
The Pastoral Council is a consultative body, which meets with the pastor to help discern the needs and visionary planning for the future of the parish. Members are chosen by the pastor. Meetings are held every other month throughout the year. A three year commitment is required.
Pastoral Visitors
A one-to-one ministry cares for the sick, elderly, and homebound parishioners by reaching out to them in time of need. This ministry focuses on the unique needs of the person and is provided both short and long term. Types of services proivied may include bringing Holy Communion weekly, light shopping or transportation. To volunteer for this ministry, please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. us.
Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration
The Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Ministry, with the supervision of the Pastor, coordinates the schedule allowing our chapel to remain open 24 hours a day allowing anyone seeking peace, prayer and quiet time in the presence of the Holy Eucharist. For more information on becoming an Adorer (a person who is scheduled at a specific time to be present) or a “Substitute Adorer (one who fills in at times or illness or emergency) please contact Cynthia Torres phone at 201-447-3150 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. us.
Praise Band
The Praise Band members sing every Sunday, at the 6:30pm Liturgy. Rehearsals are held on Wednesday evenings at 7:30pm in the church. If you are of middle school, high school age or older come and join this group. Instrumentalists and vocalists are always needed and welcome. Please contact Erin Leal for more information on how to join.
RCIA
(Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
The RCIA welcomes Adults who are not baptized; those who are baptized Christians and wish to enter the Catholic Church and baptized Catholics who wish to complete their Sacraments of Initiation through First Eucharist and/or Confirmation. The RCIA meets on Sunday mornings at 11 AM and inquiries are encouraged at any time of the year. For more information please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. us.
RCIC
(Rite of Christian Initiation for Children)
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Children is a faith formation experience for children and adolescents who have not been baptized as infants; have been baptized in a non-Catholic tradition and wish to become Catholic or have been baptized in the Catholic tradition but have not received any formal religious formation or education. The group forms every year around November and continues until the Easter Season. For more information on the RCIC program please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. us. The RCIC provides children, adolescents and their parents an opportunity to develop a relationship with Jesus and become connected to a Catholic Christian family and community through the celebration of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.
Religious Education Program (Grades 1-6)
This program welcomes children and their families from 1st to 6th grade. This program helps children and their parent(s) build a relationship with God and realize the importance of loving one’s neighbor. We currently offer 2 programs: the Summer Program (end of June/beginning of July) and the When Families Gather Program which follows the school year from September to May.
Volunteers are always needed for our programs: When Families Gather and Summer Programs. Positions include teachers (known as Catechists), Teacher Assistants, Hall Monitors, Office Helpers and many others. Time commitment varies based on the program model.
Please contact Cathy Hunt at the Religious Education Office, 201-444-0211, for more details about the positions available and time commitment.
Respect for Life
A ministry committed to promoting the God given sanctity of conception until natural death. This ministry strives to defend the lives of the unborn, the elderly, and the handicapped through prayer, education, and legislative action, and seeks to minister to those who have been wounded by abortion. This ministry is dedicated to the “Gospel of Life” in all efforts to overcome death. Membership is open to all. Please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. us for more information.
Rosary-Altar Society
Taking care the Altar and Sanctuary needs as requested by the Pastor is the main function of this organization. Any woman, of the parish may become a member of the Society. To find out how to join, please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. us.
Rosary Making Ministry
This group hand makes rosaries to be placed in our Adoration Chapel, given to the homebound or nursing home residents, or given away by our pastoral care visitors in local hospitals. For more information on joining this ministry, please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. us.
Spanish Apostolate
Through the Spanish Apostolate, our parish seeks to reach out to the pastoral needs of our Spanish speaking community, most especially newly-arrived immigrants. The highlight of this Apostolate is the 3PM Sunday Eucharist, which is usually followed by refreshments, ESL classes and immigration assistance are also offered. To find out more or to volunteer please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. us.
Stewardship Committee
Stewardship Committee members gather at various times during the year to help the pastor present Mt. Carmel’s approach to Living a Stewardship Way of Life. Emphasizing how everyone has been given gifts from God, and that each of us has a responsibility of being good Stewards of those gifts. For more information on this committee, please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. us.
Sunday Mass Transportation – Mass Transit!
The purpose of Mass Transit is to provide weekly assistance to parishioners who reside in the Ridgewood area and are in need of transportation to Sunday Mass. Volunteers transport fellow parishioners to the 11AM Sunday Mass. To find out how to volunteer for this ministry as a permanent or substitute driver or if you could benefit by using this ministry, please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. us.
Ushers
Ushers assist at a particular Mass each week, and help with seating, taking up the collection and providing direction during Communion. To become an Usher, please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. us.
Vocations Committee
This committee helps to foster and promote vocations to the priesthood and vowed religious life of the Catholic Church. For more information, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. us.
Youth Ministry
The Youth ministry program is a multi-faceted program for high school aged teenagers structured on the guidelines set forth in the U.S. Conference of bishops’ document, Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry. Membership to the youth group is automatic by being a registered parishioner and is open to high school aged teens. For more information on what is offered through our youth program visit their WEBPAGE. To volunteer in this area of ministry, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Director of Youth Ministry.
