"There are different gifts but the same Spirit; there are different ministries but the same Lord,
there are different works but the same God who accomplishes all of them in everyone.
To each person the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good." (1 Corinthians 12:4-7)
Bereavement Team - “The Lord has sent me to comfort all who mourn” (Isaiah 61.2)
This service was inaugurated by Father Dave Tramontini in order to assist people at a very stressful time in their lives - the passing of a loved one. A Funeral Liturgy Booklet was made up which contains Epistle and Gospel readings, Psalms and Hymns which are used by the family to make choices for the type of service they wish to have. The team members help the family with these choices which are then made known to the Parish Office and Choir Director. At Christmas time, in the year of the bereavement, a card and Poinsettia is delivered to each family on behalf of the Parish.
Liturgical Environment - “For everything there is a season” (Ecclesiastes 3.1)
This ministry is an essential part of good liturgy. It provides an ambiance of tranquility and beauty to help us focus on the liturgy and prayer. Those who assist, work with the creation of form, colour and texture to appeal to the senses and create an atmosphere and mood for our liturgical space. Architecture and art become the joint work of the Holy Spirit and the local community in preparing human hearts to receive God’s Word and to enter more fully into communion with God.
Altar Servers - “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve…” (Mark 10:45)
Altar servers offer service to God and the community by assisting the priest during Mass. The ministry is open to all adults and youth of the parish who have made their First Communion and whose parents believe they are ready and responsible enough to be trained.
Choir/Chorale - St. Augustine is quoted as saying: “He who sings, prays twice”
As we all know, music and prayer go hand in hand. The Music ministry is an integral part of our Parish life. It is a dynamic tool of evangelization, helping to lead the congregation in prayer through music, enhancing our experience as we come together to know and worship God. We welcome all.
Hospitality/Hospitalité - “Welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you” (Rom 15:7)
This team provides the service of welcoming the faithful at the door, providing them with all the necessary books and aids, helping them find their places if need be and taking up the collection. They appoint and assist those who will be taking up the gifts in the procession for the Preparation of the Gifts. At the end of Mass they distribute parish bulletins and any other pertinent materials and collect hymn books.
Eucharistic Ministers/Ministres Extraordinaires de le Communion -.”Whoever eats of this bread will live forever and I will raise them up on the last day.” (John 6.51)
The Holy Eucharist is the most intimate and important of the seven sacraments because, in this and in no other sacrament, we receive the very body and blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ. This liturgical ministry is responsible for assisting the priest with distributing the Body and Blood of Christ at the weekend Masses and other times Mass is celebrated.
Communion for the Sick Ministers visit and offer the Eucharist to the sick, the shut-in’s and also into hospitals.
Lectors/Lecteurs - “Anyone who hears my word and believes has passed from death to life.” (John 5.24)
Lectors bring life to the written Word of God. Answering this call to become a lector enters one into a deeper relationship with God as He is revealed in sacred scripture. Those participating in this Ministry are called to proclaim Scripture and the Prayers of the Faithful for liturgical celebrations offered on Saturdays, Sundays, Holy Days and other special services.
Sacristans/Sacristain(e)s - “My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27)
The Sacristan prepares and oversees the articles and elements required for the Liturgy so that all members of the faithful community can take an active part in the liturgical celebration.
Many things need to be done before liturgy can take place. The building must be opened and lit, cleaned and readied for the feast. Bread and wine must be in place, vessels and vestments available, books and candles set out.
“If anyone would serve me, let him follow me; where I am, there will my servant be. If anyone serves me, him the Father will honour.” (John 12:26-27)