Adult Choir
The choir sings at the 11:30 AM Mass each Sunday and provides the music for the important feasts during the church year.  It also prepares for two major concerts each year, one at Christmas and the other in the Spring.  Membership in the choir is open to all who have a love for singing and a sincere interest in enriching liturgical worship through the medium of music.  Previous musical experience is helpful, but not essential.  The choir rehearses each Tuesday at 7:45 PM in the church.  Those who wish to join are invited to come to a rehearsal and meet with the director.
Contact: David Close, (718) 268-6251

Altar Server Society
This ministry of service at the altar of God is designed for young men and women of the parish, beginning in the 5th grade.  Both public school and parochial school children are welcome.  Servers perform their role at Sunday Masses, weekday Masses (parochial school only), funerals, and weddings.  There are periodic meetings and special outings that take place during the year.
Contact: Jonathan Rodriguez, (718) 268-6251

Bible Study Group
Parishioners interested in learning more about the Sacred Scriptures meet frequently under the direction of one of the priests or a qualified lay person.  A planned course of study is followed in an informal atmosphere, with time for discussion and questions.  The group gathers Mondays at 7:30 PM in the rectory meeting room.
Contact: The Rectory, (718) 268-6251

Cub Scouts
Cub scouts is a junior division of the Boy Scouts of America. In their oath, Cubs promise to love God, their families and learn about the world.  Pack 44 meets at the school on the 1st and 3rd Friday evening of every month during the school year. The pack also goes on educational and fun day trips on several weekends throughout the year. Currently, enrollment is open to all boys who will be in 1st or 2nd grade beginning in September, '00.
Contact: Richard Allen, (212) 596-9295

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Eucharistic Ministers take Holy Communion to the homebound and those confined to nursing homes and hospitals within the parish.  They also serve as Ministers of the Cup and distribute the Eucharist at any Mass as needed.  The special commission for this important ministry is given in accord with a prescribed rite and after proper and appropriate instruction.  It is understood that this commission can be used only with the confines of the parish in which the minister has been installed.   The frequency of ministering is a personal commitment, usually weekly or bi-weekly.
Contact: Deacon Greg Kandra, (718) 268-6251

Faith Sharing Prayer Group
This Prayer Group provides the opportunity to pray together and study the Gospel, as well as share with one another faith-affirming experiences.  The group meets every other Friday at 7:30 PM in the convent basement (RCIA room).  Exact dates will be announced in the bulletin.

Health Ministry
Our Christian faith embraces the whole person.  Parish health ministry enables people to overcome the obstacles that keep them from healthy living.  Our earliest endeavor is to provide free blood pressure monitoring.  As the ministry develops and needs emerge, further services will be provided.  The tests take place on the first Sunday of each month from 10:00 AM 1:00 PM in McLaughlin Hall.

Lectors
A group of men and women have been entrusted with the responsibility of proclaiming God's holy Word to the assembly of the faithful.  In the performance of their role in the liturgy, they become the medium through which God communicates with His people.   Training sessions are provided and periodic meetings are held.
Contact: The Rectory, (718) 268-6251

Leisure Club
This association facilitates and fosters companionship and provides a varied program of social activities for its members, such as parties, creative arts, lectures, video shows, card games, and other enjoyable diversions.  Additionally, bus trips, tours of popular interest, and special celebrations are scheduled throughout the year.   Membership is open to persons fifty-five years of age and older who have some affiliation with the parish.  Those who do not reside within the parish are also welcome as members.  Meetings take place on two Thursdays per month in McLaughlin Hall (school auditorium).

Nocturnal Adoration Society
Parishioners convene for a Holy Hour before the Blessed Sacrament for an hour of Adoration, followed by Benediction.  The congregation reads prayers from the Book of Hours and there are opportunities for petitions.  The Holy Hour takes place from 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM on the third Thursday of each month in the Church.

Pastoral Care Program
A full program of spiritual care for those who are elderly or infirm is carried on by a group of dedicated parishioners.

Holy Communion is brought twice a week to the Parkway and North Shore Hospitals and to three local nursing homes.   Mass is regularly celebrated for nursing home residents.  Holy Communion is brought regularly by appointment to those confined to their homes.  Parish priests are on call to bring them spiritual and sacramental care.  Persons who are seriously ill should request the Sacrament of Anointing.  In an emergency, please call the rectory at any time - day or night.

Communal Anointing of the sick is offered three times annually.  Persons who are elderly, in frail health, and/or anticipating surgery avail themselves of this special prayer of the Church.

Pastoral Care volunteers:
a. Prepare the list of Catholic patients in hospital, prior to the visit of a Eucharistic Minister.
b. Provide assistance to nursing home residents, bringing them to and from the area where religious services are conducted.

Additionally, the Pastoral Care Program provides assistance, information, and referrals in all areas of social service.   Services are free of charge and available to all, regardless of religion and church affiliation.  Volunteers are always welcome.
Contact: Dennis Francis Portelli, (718) 268-6251

Religious Education  [website]

I. Children in Public School

• Wednesday afternoon from 3:15 – 4:30 PM for Levels 1, 2, 3, & 4

• Wednesday evening from 7:00 – 8:15 PM for Levels 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, & R.C.I.C.

             Note: If your child is in the 3rd or 4th Level, we offer a choice between an afternoon or evening class.

All sessions are held in Our Lady Queen of Martyrs School located on the corner of Austin Street and Ascan Avenue.

Children begin attending classes in 1st Grade, receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion in 2^nd grade, and the sacrament of Confirmation in 7^th grade.  We ask that parents attend special meetings regarding the sacraments.

It is the belief of those involved with the Religious Education Program that the parents of our students are the primary teachers of religion.  Parents set the good example of attending Mass every week, encouraging prayer at home, and forming their child’s conscience.

Our volunteer catechists and staff are happy to assist parents in these responsibilities and present our faith to the students in a well-prepared and interesting manner.

Through the dedication of parents, volunteer-catechists and staff, we hope to provide each child with a love of their faith and a longing to act and be like Jesus.

II. RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults)

RCIA is a journey of Faith through the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.  RCIA provides ways to:

• Learn more about the Catholic Religion

• Become a Baptized Catholic

• Complete the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist

• Participate fully in the life of the Catholic Church

• Reaffirm your faith

Group Meetings are held on Thursday evenings at 7:00 PM.

Contact:  Deacon Bill McNamara, (718) 263-0907 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays for further information.

Sacred Music Society
Membership in this society provides parishioners and friends with the opportunity to support and preserve fine programs of sacred and classical music.  Through its efforts, the Society seeks to sponsor the continued development of music appropriate for liturgical worship, as well as high-quality seasonal concerts for the community at large.   Membership is open to all who have a desire to help support and maintain high standards of music in our parish.
Contact: David Close, (718) 268-6251

Saint Pio Prayer Group
Meets in the church every second Thursday.
Contact: Angela Castaldo, (718) 268-6251

Single Adults Group   [website]
The OLQM Single Adults Group is dedicated to providing opportunities to interact on social, spiritual, service and educational levels for personal enrichment and fulfillment.  Shared experiences by those in the single state should result in closer ties to the spiritual life of the parish and more active participation.  Members participate in a variety of social, spiritual, cultural and service activities, including dinners, talks, entertainment and networking with other Catholic adult groups in the NYC area.  Open to all currently single adults -- never married, separated/divorced or widowed.  All those 21 and over are welcome, especially targeting those between 35 and 55.  We meet in the rectory basement the second Thursday of each month at 7:30 PM.  Call our special hotline at (718) 361-3201 for information on upcoming events or click on our title above to access our webpage.
Contact: Denise DeMaria, (718) 361-3201

Social Action Committee
Promotion of Catholic values, justice, and humanitarian issues in the parish and the community.

Ushers (Ministers of Hospitality)
Ushers assist the parish community at weekend liturgies and other special occasions.   They help gather the offerings of the faithful and act as ministers of hospitality, making the entire congregation feel warmly welcome.
Contact: John Gregory, (718) 268-6251