The Service & Social Commission is a group of ministries dedicated to the practical application of the Gospel in society and are dedicated to fostering a sense of community within our parish. The individual ministries provide opportunities for Nativity parishioners to offer their time, talents and treasures to interact with and help others.

Athletic Teams. Youth and adults have many opportunities to participate in team sports at Nativity. Contact John Grzymala at 716-633-7441 regarding available time slots for volleyball, basketball, etc.

Auction Committee. The annual parish auction is organized through this committee. Many volunteers are needed in several areas to support the parish’s major fundraiser. Contact Karen Kleinmann at 716-741-2303.

Bereavement Ministry. Ministry which reaches out to individuals and families who have experienced the death of a loved one or other significant loss. The group provides emotional and spiritual support as requested. Contact Kathy Fonte at 716-632-8838, ext. 9.

Book Clubs. Nativity currently has two book clubs which meet regularly to discuss books related to personal enrichment. Contact Msgr. Leising at 716-632-8838, ext. 307.

Catholic Charities Committee. The Nativity Catholic Charities Committee promotes the participation of every parishioner in achieving the diocesan goals for funding charities and counseling services. Contact Dave Rogers at 716-741-8386.

Gardening Ministry. There are a dedicated group of men and women who devote some of their spare time to planting, weeding, watering, and just generally sprucing up the many flower beds that now grace the grounds of Nativity. They are always looking for new "green thumbs". You don't have to be a master gardener to join in the fun. Tom Hogenkamp at 716-634-5089 heads up the effort, but he is a snowbird that doesn't come North until mid-May. Before that you can call Kathy Fonte at 716-632-8838 ext. 9 with questions, comments or suggestions.

Girl Scouts. Girl Scout troops are available through Nativity School. The groups strive to teach girls Christian faith and the Girl Scout Law through social interaction and community service projects. Contact the school principal at 716-633-7441 for referral to the various troop leaders.

Habitat for Humanity*. Nativity is a Partner Church with Habitat for Humanity. As such, Nativity’s group works to mobilize the parish resources by offering prayer, financial and manpower support to Habitat for Humanity Buffalo and Habitat for Humanity International. Contact Susan Lankes at 716-759-1789.

Home School Association. Nativity’s Home School Association provides the means for mutual cooperation of its members to best ensure the educational and spiritual growth and development of Nativity students. The group also secures and allocates resources to support the goals of Catholic education. Contact Archangelo Capozzolo, the current HSA president, at 716-632-9110.

Members from the Home School Association organize social activities throughout the year to promote community to the parish. Financially supported by the HSA, all activities are open to parish families, as well as school families. Activities are planned for children up to 8th grade. Contact Ed Harding at 716-632-5861.

Ladies Guild. This organization offers women an opportunity to socialize, enjoy a planned program and promote service to the Church. Contact Julie Wharam at 716-759-6157.

Men’s Group. The Nativity Men’s Group is a ministry designed to meet the spiritual needs of the adult men of the parish through various functions, projects, prayer and retreats. Contact Norbert Wrobel at 716-633-9999.

Monthly Morning Coffee. Parishioners and friends are invited to socialize over coffee after the 9 AM weekday Mass on the last Wednesday of the month in the Msgr. Paa room. Contact Frank and Jackie Kennedy at 716-633-6116.

Outreach Programs. The outreach staff (pastoral associate) and trained volunteers respond to the needs and welfare of all parishioners, as well as diocesan and community groups. Contact Kathy Fonte at 716-632-8838, ext. 9.

The Giving Tree Committee, a part of parish outreach, is a group that works with the youth of the parish to provide Christmas presents for children and families living in poverty in the Buffalo area. Contact Dave and Joan Rogers at 741-8386 or the youth ministry department at 716-634-3130.

Picnic Committee. A group of volunteers plan, organizes and coordinates an annual parish picnic for all parishioners. 2010 Chair Couple: Joe & Laurene Lipiec; Vice-Chair Couple: Brian & Debbie Evers.

Rosary/Prayer Shawl Service. Called -"Praying Needles & Beads", this ministry is an informal group of women and men that meet once a month to knit (or crochet) prayer shawls and/or make rosaries. Shawls are distributed to individuals who are in need of prayerful support. The rosaries are for local and mission use. Contact Annette Youngs at 716-633-8639.

Scrip Program. Normal shopping provides funds for Nativity’s school through the purchase of SCRIP cards that are redeemable at a variety of participating vendors. Contact Mary Beth Cucinotta at 716-630-1677 or Nativity School at 716-633-7441.

Social Justice. The Social Justice Ministry strives to learn the Catholic position on matters of social justice and advocate for the victims of unjust treatment. We read and discuss books, the Bishops' position papers and other writings that help us to learn and understand current events in light of Catholic teachings. Meetings are held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month in the rectory at 7 PM. Contact Kathy Fonte, 716-632-8838, ext. 9 for more information.

The Respect Life Committee, a part of the Social Justice Ministry, is an organization focused on promoting and protecting the value and dignity of human life. Contact Gene and Arlene Mendryza at 716-634-8997.

St. Vincent DePaul. Nativity’s St. Vincent DePaul group works to provide for the needs of the poor both locally and overseas. The group also ministers to residents of nursing homes through visits and gifts. Contact Don Marx at 716-633-7902.