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She still can't do it alone, though.
Cioletti, a 30-year member of the ministry, called for more volunteers to help with the special-needs members of the parish. She specifically wanted someone to run a raffle fundraiser for New York Giants and Jets season tickets.
"It's a great prize," she told Daily Voice. "But we just don't have enough people who go out to sell."
The raffle is the largest fundraiser for the special needs ministry, Cioletti said. The volunteer would be in charge of filing with the town, printing and mailing tickets, but mostly promoting and selling.
"We're self-sufficient, we depend on raffles," she said.
Some efforts from the Special Needs Ministry include a children's Bible camp, and social events for adults like dinners, dances, holiday parties and more. The programs help more than 300 people, Cioletti said.
The ministry director said she became involved by accident while at the church on separate business. She came across a mother and her child with special needs seeking religious education.
"I really enjoy working with all of the kids, the adults," she said. "It has added a new dimension to my life over the years, and I think I get back so much more than I give."
St. Mary's has other volunteers, some who have helped for more than a decade, but Cioletti said they can always use more.
TO VOLUNTEER: Contact Cioletti at mariecio@netscape.net.
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