Organizations & Programs
Leaders for SS. Philip & James organizations and programs are listed below. A printable PDF list that also contains an email address for each contact is available here.
If you have updates for the information below, please contact Larry Powers at .
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Bible School – Vacation Bible Study – AM Bible Study – PM Children’s Celebration of the Word Choir - Adult Choir - Handbell Choir - Jericho |
Teens Engaged in Active Ministry (TEAM) Young Peoples Community (YPC) |
Organization / Program |
Contact |
Phone # |
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Adult Club |
Helen T Gallagher |
610-363-1377 |
The Adult Club is a group of seniors who enjoy getting together to socialize with other seniors, to play cards and bingo. Refreshments are served and holiday celebrations are observed. New members are always welcome. Age: 55+ |
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Altar Servers |
Fr. Dieckhaus |
610-363-6536 |
Altar Servers assist the priest at Mass on Sundays, weekdays and at various special ceremonies throughout the year. Altar serving is open to all parishioners from 6th through 12th grades. Training occurs twice a year. The time commitment is 2 hours per month. Reliability, reverence and respect are required. |
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Bible School – Vacation |
Sr. Eunice Marie |
610-363-1307 |
Vacation Bible School is a one-week summer program, which provides the opportunity for children four years of age through fourth grade to explore the wonder of God's love for them through themed Bible stories and song. They also participate in crafts, games, and other outdoor activities. Those interested in coordinating or assisting in this valuable experience are invited to contact the Religious Education Office (610-363-1307) each springtime. |
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Bible Study – AM |
Lesa Hayden |
610-594-0798 |
The morning Bible Study meets weekly to read and study scripture. The group chooses a topic and uses the video and commentary from the Little Rock Scripture Series. Sharing and questions follow the presentation. Time commitment: Wednesday morning, 9:00 – 11:00 am, September through May. Age: Young Adult / Adult |
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Bible Study – PM |
Deacon Chuck Polley |
610-363-6206 |
The PM Bible Study aims at fostering growth in faith through an appreciation and understanding of God’s Word. Attendees meet Monday evenings in Fall and Spring, 2 hours each week. |
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Boy Scouts |
Will Tamney |
610-594-9304 |
Boy Scouts of America, Troop 105, Exton, Pa.: The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical choices over their lifetime by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and law. The program is for boys age 11 – 17 and is designed to achieve the aims of Scouting through a vigorous outdoor program and peer group leadership with the counsel of an adult Scoutmaster. Age: boys, 11-17. |
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Cantors |
Pat Bogdan |
610-363-6536 |
Cantors lead, encourage and support the community in their sung prayer. Our mission is to make our liturgical music a form of prayer and to encourage the community to participate more fully in our liturgical celebrations. New ministers are always welcome. The cantors practice with the organists as needed. The time commitment is at least once a month, practice and seasonal meetings. Age: Teen/young adult, adults. |
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Casserole Program |
Carmen Myles |
610-363-8411 |
Our parish casserole food collection is an on-going service project for anyone wanting to prepare a meal for the homeless. Casserole pans with instructions are found in the vestibule of the church. Casseroles are taken downtown to a homeless shelter on the last Sunday of each month. Age: all ages |
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Charismatic Prayer Group |
Larry Powers |
610-363-2937 |
The Charismatic Prayer Group is a parish-based group guided by the teachings of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. Typical meetings include prayerful praise, songs of praise, use of the charismatic gifts, a teaching or faith-sharing and intercessory prayers. “Life in the Spirit” seminars are offered annually. All are welcome to our weekly prayer meetings, which are held on Thursday evening at 7:30 pm in the Parish Center. |
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Children’s Celebration of the Word |
Suzy Hartz |
610-524-2788 |
This ministry invites young children to hear the Liturgy of the Word in language that is appropriate for their level. Children process from the main assembly, to the cafeteria, to listen to a reading and the Gospel, along with a teaching and a children's version of the Creed and Prayer of the Faithful. Afterwards, they rejoin the main assembly for the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Training is provided for anyone interested in helping. The time commitment is less then 1 hour per month. |
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Choir - Adult |
Matthew McCloskey |
610-594-9252 |
The Adult Choir sings at the 9:00 am Mass on the first and third Sundays of each month from September through May. The Choir also sings at the Christmas Vigil, Holy Week liturgies and the conferring of sacraments. The choir welcomes any parishioners with a sincere desire to sing and a commitment to at least 80% of our liturgies and rehearsals. Training is provided. Time commitment is 10 hours per month. Previous singing experience is desirable, but not required. . Age: Teen / Young Adult / Adult. |
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Choir - Handbell |
Pat Bogdan |
610-363-6536 |
Tone chimes are hand-held tubular instruments, very similar to hand bells, and are used to accompany the keyboard/organ and cantor in leading the congregation in their sung prayer. The chime choir plays once a month at various Mass times and practices twice a month on Wednesday evenings. |
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Choir - Jericho |
Walter Tatarowicz |
610-594-0177 |
The Jericho Choir leads congregational singing at Mass. The group sings a wide range of music including traditional Catholic hymns, Latin, Gospel and Contemporary Christian. Members are taught the basics of singing in a choral group. We meet weekly and the time commitment is 9 hours per month. Age: Teen / Young Adult / Adult. |
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Choir - Youth |
Pat Bogdan |
610-363-6536 |
The Parish Youth Choir is open to all youth, 3rd grade and older. The choir practices in the Church on Wednesday evenings from 5:30PM to 6:30PM, and sings the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month for the 10:30AM Mass, September through May. We invite all children to consider using their love and gift of music to lead our parish community in their sung prayer at Mass. |
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Christmas Drive |
Doug and Maria Weems |
610-594-9798 |
"A Chester County Christmas" collects Christmas gifts to be distributed to needy families through the St. Agnes Outreach. |
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Collection Counters |
Frank Brennan |
610-363-7782 |
Eight teams of men and women rotate weekly to count the current Sunday collection offering. We meet Sunday morning on a scheduled basis. Volunteers are needed and on the job training is provided. The time commitment is 2-3 hours approximately once every 8 weeks. Skills required: Commitment and a sense of humor. Age: Adult |
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Cub Scouts |
Darryl Darlak |
610-431-4604 |
Pack 105 Cub Scouts is the youth program of Boy Scouts and is dedicated to building character through activities that promote spiritual, civic and physical development. This is a family oriented program for boys from 1st through 5th grade. Boys meet regularly in small groups called dens and monthly in in pack meetings at which time the boys are recognized for their achievements. Parents of scouts play an important volunteer role in organizing and overseeing age appropriate activities and events. Volunteers are needed. We typically meet twice per month. The time commitment is 2-4 hours per month. Age: boys, grades 1 through 5. |
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Cursillo |
Vince Di Gregorio |
610-524-9202 |
The Cursillo Movement’s primary objective is to develop in adult Christians a consciousness of their power and mission to become leaders in the work of Christian renewal, and to sustain them as they provide a Christian leaven in civic, social and economic life. To experience Cursillo, one must attend a three-day weekend that begins on a Thursday Evening and ends the following Sunday night. The meeting held the 1st Tuesday of each month is called the Ultreya and is the Cursillo community gathered together, making itself visible as community in a reunion. |
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CYO |
Renee Coady |
610-696-0128 |
The SS Philip & James Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) sponsors activities and athletic programs for the youth members of our parish in grades K-12. The specific purpose of the CYO athletic program is to develop in our youth a sense of self-esteem, self-discipline, cooperation and fair play by providing a competitive team sport activity through which they will practice the teaching of their faith. We offer a variety of sport teams that are led by coaches and group leaders, who teach sportsmanship and Christian values. Every effort is made to ensure every child that wants to play has a team to play on. Almost every sport has a Region and Parish teams available so that our children can play. In addition to participating in the sports program each team in each season will accomplish a Service Project as a team and each team participates in a team Mass to celebrate the Word of the Lord together. For more information about SS Philip & James various sports programs and events, please visit www.sspjcyo.net. |
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Diaper Drive |
Karen Gibson |
610-363-7052 |
The diaper drive consists of collecting diapers, wipes and ointment for the babies and needy in Chester County. Volunteers are needed to stuff flyers, transport diapers and distribute items to charities. We meet quarterly. Time commitment is 2 hours per quarter. Age: all ages. |
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Direction for Our Times |
Karen Powell |
610-692-3969 |
The rescue mission began in 2003 when Anne, a wife and mother of six, was asked by our Lord to start recording a spiritual journal. Through a process called interior locutions Anne recorded ten small books entitled The Volumes. The writings reveal a path to personal holiness that focuses on unity with Jesus Christ. In them is found love and encouragement, as well as clear guidance in how Jesus desires that we conduct ourselves during this time of renewal. Please visit at www.directionforourtimes.org for more information. The Prayer Group meets on the third Thursday of the month at St Mary's Chapel for one hour. We pray the Luminous mysteries, read the monthly message given to Anne from Jesus and close with Benediction. Re-Charge is the youth division of Direction for Our Times formed to spread the Lay Apostolate of Jesus Christ the Returning King to 12 to 24 year olds. |
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Eucharistic Adoration |
Patti Callan |
610-363-1646 |
Eucharistic Adoration is a devotion whereby members of our parish unite in taking hours of adoration before the Most Blessed Sacrament each weekday after the 8:30 Mass until 7:00pm. Age: all ages. |
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Evangelization Team |
Mary Kay Bizal |
610-363-7241 |
As stated by the National Catholic Bishops in their document Go and Make Disciples, " Evangelization is what we are all about! Evangelization is the essential mission of the Church!" The mission of Evangelization is fourfold: Word, Sacrament (or Worship), Witness and Service. Our Evangelization Team prays, studies, and discerns the goals of Go and Make Disciples to help create a climate for total parish evangelization efforts. Our desire is to come to know and experience the love and power that Jesus has for all. Meetings are on the third Tuesday of the month at 7:30 PM in the Rectory Meeting Room. |
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Extraordinary Ministers |
Alice Anderson |
610-363-9036 |
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion assist in the distribution of Holy Communion in the celebration of the Mass. All ministers are selected and appointed by the Archbishop at the suggestion of the pastor to serve the parish community. They are scheduled to serve at Mass 2 or 3 times per month. Training is offered at the parish level as well as regional sessions offered by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia – Office for Worship. Age: Adult |
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Food Bank |
Eileen Berta |
610-524-9313 |
Quarterly collections of non-perishable food are conducted for distribution by Chester County Cares Cupboard, the Lord's Pantry and St. Charles Borromeo Parish in South Philadelphia. Special collections include back to school supplies, holiday baking, and spring cleaning buckets. Drives are quarterly with a time commitment of 3 hours per collection. Volunteer drivers are needed to transport food and other collected items to West Chester or Downingtown. |
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Girl Scouts |
Jennifer Christensen |
610-594-6566 |
Girl Scouts provides girls an opportunity to serve God, our country and other people as stated in the Girl Scout Promise and Law. Four program goals serve as the foundation for all the materials, activities and initiatives that are developed under the auspices of Girl Scouting. They are as follows:
The girls meet at a meeting place approved by their leader(s) and service unit. |
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Helping Hands |
Sarah Hart |
610-269-4689 |
A volunteer group that responds to parishioner requests for temporary assistance with grocery shopping, driving, cooking, handyman projects and visiting. No experience necessary - all are welcome! |
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Home & School Association |
Anita Nardone |
610-280-7844 |
The mission of the Home and School Association is to support the educational and social needs of the school community through appropriate events, fundraisers, and communication forums throughout the school year. Parents and guardians of students attending the school are automatically members of this organization. Volunteerism is critical to its ongoing success and help is welcomed from the entire adult parish community. General meetings are held three times a year. Sponsored events are found on the SSPJ.net website. |
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Knights of Columbus |
Tom Pitt |
610.430.7794 |
Pope John XXIII Council 5671 of Exton is made up of member volunteers in a wide array of programs and activities serving the Catholic Church, the community, family and youth in our area. We meet formally on the second Monday of every month. Volunteer time commitment is approximately 1-3 hours per month. Good Catholic men at least 18 years of age, who have the desire to give back to God and their community are needed. Age: 18 years or greater. |
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Lectors |
Tim Hagerty |
610-280-7554 |
Lectors proclaim the liturgical reading during the Liturgy of the Word. A workbook is provided to enable the lector to practice. Assignments are scheduled in advance. New lectors are always welcome. Individual as well as group training is provided. This ministry requires the ability to speak clearly and with expression. Age: Young Adult / Adult. |
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Legion Of Mary |
Lavina Simeone |
610-363-7661 |
The Legion of Mary is an extension of the heart and hands of the pastor. It does spiritual works of mercy only. Members meet once a week for a meeting of prayer and planning. The members are responsible for the work they are assigned for the week. It is open to all Catholics who wish to faithfully practice their religion. |
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Liturgy Committee |
Deacon Chuck Polley |
610-363-6206 |
This Committee serves to organize the weekly liturgies, special Holy Days and various liturgical celebrations throughout the year. The Committee is comprised of representatives from the liturgical lay ministries and charts the direction that helps each group enhance parish worship. The pastor appoints members. The Committee meets 7 times a year. Openness to the guidance of the Holy Spirit is needed. Age: Adult. |
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Ministers of the Sick |
Deacon Jim Bogdan |
610-363-6536 x204 |
This ministry includes pastoral visits and bringing Holy Communion to the sick and homebound. If you or if you know someone is in need please contact the parish office at 610-363-6536. |
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Mothers of Young Children |
Gina Colau |
610-363-2957 |
This group is for mothers with infants through school-aged children. We gather to encourage each other in our Catholic faith and role as mothers. Meetings vary throughout the school year from Bible study and book discussion to guest speakers and service projects. We usually begin each meeting by praying the rosary together. Children enjoy a fun play time, children’s activity, or craft. We meet on the second Monday of the month from September to May from 9:30am to 11:30am in the rectory meeting room. New members are welcome. |
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Mothers Prayer Group |
Karen D’Ascenzo |
610-280-3384 |
The Mothers Prayer Group prays for the children of our parish and the needs of our school. We also seek a deeper understanding of the Catholic Church and aspire to grow in our faith through reading and discussing articles from the Catholic Standard & Times, religious books and the writings of Pope John Paul II. New members are welcome. We meet twice per month in the Rectory Meeting Room. The time commitment is 4 hours per month. Age: Adult. |
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Organists |
Pat Bogdan |
610-363-6536 |
Organists are liturgical musicians who accompany, lead and support the assembly in sung prayer. Our mission is to make music a form of prayer and to encourage the community to participate more fully in our liturgical celebrations. New talent is always welcome. The organist practices with the cantors as needed. The time commitment is at least one Mass per month, plus practices and seasonal meetings. Age: Teen/young adult, adults. |
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Padre Pio Prayer Group |
Marie Romano |
484-433-9401 |
The Padre Pio Prayer Group of Chester County was formed with permission from Cardinal Justin Rigali and San Giovanni Rotundo, and meets at SS. Philip and James the 3rd Saturday of each month. We follow the format laid out by Padre Pio, which includes adoration, mass, rosary, and the Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Through the intercession of this great saint we pray for our priests, for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious life, and for the sick and suffering of our parish families. |
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Parish Library |
Lynne Poiesz |
610-594-1587 |
The SSPJ Parish Library is open to anyone interested in learning more about the Catholic faith through books, pamphlets, CDs, DVDs, and magazines. It is open after ALL weekend masses and before all except the Sat. 5 PM and Sun. 7:30 AM, and is accessible any other time the Church is open. It is located in the Church Vestibule in the Reconciliation Room (and is open when the Sacrament is not taking place). The library is still very much a work in progress, having just opened in 12/10, in honor of Ruthis Maguire in whose honor the library is named and whose books are the libraries "foundation stock." In progress is a MASTER LIST of all the items available as only about 1/4 of the items are able to be kept in the library itself. Of SPECIAL INTEREST is the "PLEASE TOUCH LIBRARY' located in the bottom right section of the library unit: this section is stocked with Catholic books appropriate for K and Pre-K children for use ESPECIALLY DURING MASS, either in the Church and/or in the vestibule/library to help occupy the little ones during Mass. DONATIONS OF CATHOLIC MATERIALS ALWAYS WELCOME!! Also, volunteers to help cover and catalog books welcomed with loving and wide open arms! |
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Pre-Cana |
Greg & Cathy Leibel |
610-363-5586 |
Pre-Cana is a program offered to engaged couples as they prepare for marriage. Married couples share their experiences with married life, particularly as a sacramental, Catholic marriage. Topics include communication, marital adjustments, sexuality, spirituality and natural family planning. In addition to speaker couples, hospitality and planning for the weekends are needed. Pre-Cana is held 2 weekends per year. Training is provided. Age: Adult. |
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Pre-Jordan |
Deacon Frank Bizal, Deacon Chuck Polley |
610-363-7241 |
Pre-Jordan is a required class, which provides baptismal instruction for parents and Godparents on the meaning and obligations of this sacrament. Meetings are scheduled monthly in the Rectory Meeting room. Age: Adult. |
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RCIA |
Sr. Eunice |
610-363-1307 |
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the process through which a person who desires to be fully incorporated into the Roman Catholic Church proceeds. The process begins with a period of inquiry, moves through a period called the Catechumenate (if one has not already been baptized) or a candidacy (for the baptized) toward full incorporation through the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil. The ministry of those on the team is to accompany the participants in this journey by providing prayer experiences, scriptural and theological explanations, and a sense of parish community. |
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Religious Education |
Sr. Eunice |
610-363-1307 |
The Religious Education Program serves all registered members of the SS. Philip and James Parish who attend public or non-catholic Christian schools, ages four through high school. No student is denied access to catechesis because of race, national origin, or physical or mental challenges. The program has as its objectives: to provide a living faith environment which calls students to learn their faith and to seek personal relationship with Jesus through prayer and sacraments; to assist parents to understand their unique role in the development of the faith life of their children; to provide adolescents opportunities to insert themselves actively into the faith and good works of the church; and to facilitate the preparation of students for the Sacraments of Christian Initiation. Classes are held Sunday morning, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons and evenings during the school year. The program is totally dependent on volunteer catechists, approximately forty-five. Preparation for such volunteers is provided each summer. |
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Respect Life Committee |
Anita Nardone |
610-280-7844 |
Respect Life brings an awareness of life issues to the congregation through information supplied by the Archdiocese and area pro-life organizations; arranging events that financially support the pro-life effort (i.e. Mother’s Day rose sale); providing speakers to educate parishioners of life issues; and participating in the March for Life in Washington, DC. Skills required: Organizational skills are helpful for arranging small events. Age: all ages. |
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Small Church Community |
Deacon Frank Bizal, Mary Kay Bizal |
610-363-7241 |
Small faith-sharing groups meet in homes bi-weekly, Evenings and daytime. No experience needed. |
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Sunday Receptionists |
Mary Berta |
610-363-9456 |
Provide receptionist services in the Rectory office on Sunday from 9 am to 1 pm. Training is a brief orientation and a semi-annual meeting in March and September to review schedules and procedures. Volunteers are needed for 4 hours every month. |
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Teens Engaged in Active Ministry (TEAM) |
Karen Truncellito |
610-363-1484 |
This organization is for teenagers from 8th grade through 12th grade. They meet on the first and third Sundays of each month from September through May from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the rectory meeting room. The purpose of the organization is to foster stronger spiritual, service, and social enrichment as they grow as young adults under the guidance of dedicated youth ministers. Volunteers are always welcome. |
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Ushers |
John Beierle |
610-883-3943 |
The purpose of this ministry is to greet the parishioners as they enter church; help people find seating; collect the financial offering; direct the congregation at Communion time; and to distribute the Parish Bulletin at the end of Mass. Ushers are also provided for events such as First Holy Communion and Confirmation. New ushers are always welcome. Age: Young Adult / Adult. |
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Young Peoples Community (YPC) |
Karen Truncellito |
610-363-1484 |
This youth group provides service, spiritual, social, cultural, and athletic activities as well as leadership opportunities for boys and girls in grades 5 through 8 from all schools. Meetings are held monthly from September through May. Volunteers are always welcome. The time commitment is 2 hours per month. Skills required: A love for young people and a desire to make a difference in their lives. |
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