St. Mary's Ministry page
Listing of all Ministries
(click on links to see more info on that Ministry)
ADORATION OF Commitment: We do need persons in the church at all times all day First Friday. A schedule is set up. Contact: Fr. Neil, or Mary Lloyd-Knechtel
through the Parish Office. ALTAR GUILD The Altar Guild at St.. Mary Star of the Sea is a ministry dedicated to the care of the altar and sanctuary. A team of parishioners spends time cleaning and polishing the sanctuary - wood, marble, brass & glass. This group serves their church and pastor by ensuring that all is prepared and ready for the celebration of the Eucharist. Commitment: Rotating basis on Friday after the 9am Mass, to be part of the team scheduled, for approximately 4 hours. With the number of parishioners currently involved in the Altar Guild each team is on a three (3) week rotation. During Easter and Christmas all members of the Altar Guild get together to do a full cleaning of the pews, windows, doors etc. Contact: Mary Badali through the Parish Office Click here
to go to index at top of page Membership: Boys or girls aged 8 and over who have received their First Communion and First Reconciliation within the Catholic faith and attend Mass regularly. Altar Servers are asked to follow a schedule as it is laid out yearly. The number of servers currently enlisted allows for each person to serve twice per month. Arrive 15-20 minutes before mass to prepare and dress for serving on the altar. There are one or two meetings per year for all Altar Servers to introduce new servers, to practice their roles and socialize with each other. Contact: Katie Cambone-Mannell through
the Parish Office. Membership: Women of the Catholic Women’s League and others interested in organizing this event. Open to all parishioners. Each year St.. Mary Star of the Sea Parish holds a bazaar to raise funds for the C.W.L., various charities (Mississauga Hospital) and the Parish. This bazaar is usually held on a Saturday in November from morning to afternoon with a Luncheon served at noon. Contact: Mary Secko, Addina Cocchio or Anne Havlick through Parish Office Click
here to go to index at top of page The death of a loved one can be a difficult time in one’s life. Your Parish is there for you - in many ways. If Father is unavailable to visit the funeral home, parishioners offer the Parish Prayers. Contact: Parish Office. Click
here to go to index at top of page SPIRITUAL REFLECTION Evenings: Sunday at 7 pm - 9 pm, see posters for current study and dates Daytime: Thursdays at 9:30am All parishioners are welcome. There is a fee for course materials. See Bulletin for details on number of sessions and Topic of Study. Through scriptural reflection, sharing, discussion and study we are able to grow in faith as individuals and as a community. We reflect on a variety of scripture passages relating to a similar theme and explore how we can make these messages come alive in our lives. Contact: Mary Louise Delarosabel or Pushpa Lobo through the Parish Office Click here to go
to index at top of page CATHOLIC WOMEN’S LEAGUE (CWL) The Catholic Women’s League of Canada is a national organization rooted in Gospel values, calling its members to holiness through service to the people of God. Its mission is the religious renewal as envisioned by the documents of Vatican II. To realize this mission we: 1. plan, develop and co-ordinate programs Convenorships working at St.. Mary’s: Commitment required: Opportunity to attend monthly meetings of approximately 2 hours - including speaker or presentation, vote on matters before the league, bring forward items of interest, participate in planning functions and attend functions that are held by the C.W.L. Note: meetings and functions are open to all parishioners but voting, working on committees and planning functions requires membership. Membership: Women 16 years of age and older. The C.W.L . welcomes women of other parishes and faiths - note in order to be elected to the Executive members must be Roman Catholic. Yearly membership fee $20.00 and $17.00 for seniors. Inquiries can be directed to: Mary Secko through the Parish OfficeClick here to go to index at top of page St.. Mary Star of The Sea has many Children’s Programs available throughout the year. The members of this ministry dedicate their time and efforts to providing the children of our Faith Community with prayer filled and joy filled activities related to the scriptural readings taking place during the mass. It is through our children that we look to grow in our Community and as we look to the new millennium we are aware of the great abundance of joy and faith in our children. The ministry focusing on the children of our parish want to encourage our children in their expression of their faith. Volunteers to help with organization and to teach or care for children are always welcome. Volunteers of all ages are invited. LITURGY OF THE WORD WITH CHILDREN Age of Children Attending: Boys and girls - Junior Kindergarten to Grade 4 Children are called forward near the beginning of Mass to go to the Parish Hall to join in the readings of the day along with faith based activities with other children their age during the course of the Liturgy of the Mass. They return back to the body of the church at the Offertory returning to their families. Volunteer Commitment: To be available either for the 10:00am or 11:30am mass. Arrive 15-20 minutes before mass begins to help set-up circles and activity for the children and remain afterwards to clear-up. It will be necessary to accompany the children to the hall from the beginning of mass through to the beginning of the Liturgy of the Eucharist at the Offertory. CHILDREN’S SEASONAL ACTIVITIES Contact: Fr. Neil McMillan, or Antonia Codispoti through the Parish Office Click here to go to index at top of page CHOIR (Sundays) SUNDAY - 10:00 AM MASS The Choir leads the congregation in song to express praise and worship during the Liturgy. This Choir is made up of parishioners of all ages - a true ‘Community Choir" of adults, teens and children. Practice: Every Tuesday evening at 7:00 pm New members always welcome. Contact: Fergus Egan, through the parish office.
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to index at top of page COMMUNION
VISITORS This ministry is a work of love and privilege for those who bring the Eucharist to parishioners who cannot attend Sunday Mass. The nature of the weekly visits is spiritual and with prayer and reverend acknowledgment of the Blessed Sacrament people within our parish are able to participate in the reception of the Eucharist. Commitment: The weekly visits involve time commitments of visiting on Sundays and holidays. The Sundays are rotated between the members of this ministry. Members are chosen from within the parish by Fr. McMillan, as this ministry involves the sacredness of Holy Communion. Contact: Maureen Teixeira through the Parish Office Click here
to go to index at top of page The Community Meal developed from the Out of the Cold Program. It is
held on the same evenings (Fridays 5:30 - 9:00p.m.) from November to March. The community
meal is an effort to strengthen and deepen the community at St. Mary’s and to extend
this spirit of hospitality to the wider community of Port Credit and the Lakeshore
Corridor. Contact: Norma Johnston through the Parish Office or by e-mail at communitymeal@hotmail.com Membership: Those wishing to participate, learn and share their creative talents. This group is part of the C.W.L., but all parishioners are welcome. Each Wednesday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm several ladies join together in the St. Joseph Meeting Room in the Church Hall to work together, share their time and talent and create items for sales for various church activities. Many of the items are sold at the annual Bazaar with proceeds going to Parish and Community needs. Contact: Addina Cocchio through the Parish Office Click here to go
to index at top of page Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers are an important and
visible part of the Ministry of the Liturgy. Commitment: To be available 15 minutes before mass for preparation. to process into church with altar servers, lectors and priest(s). To follow schedule as laid out - the number of Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers currently serving at St. Mary's allows for each person to serve approximately once every 3 weeks depending on the mass chosen. Contact: Maureen Teixeira, Lorraine Howard or Fr. McMillan through the Parish Office Women and men from the Parish meet together with the Pastor to discern the financial and physical needs of the Parish. Together they plan the stewardship of the Parish finances. Contact: Fr. Neil McMillan On the first weekend of each month parishioners are invited to partake of coffee, tea, juice and deserts after each mass on Sundays, in the parish hall. This affords parishioners, new and old, the opportunity to meet and talk and to spend time together. Our volunteers serve the parish with heartfelt hospitality and provide a welcoming smile to all. Commitment: To be available during one mass per month, with team, to set-up, serve and cleanup in the hall for the Coffee Sunday. New volunteers are always welcome. Contact: Mary Badali through Parish Office. Click here to go to index at top of page HOSPITAL VISITORS St.. Mary’s has a group of parish volunteers who in pairs visit the local hospital (Mississauga Hospital) once a week.. These parishioners bring friendship, comfort and support from the parish to those who are sick. Commitment: be available ½ day per month (usually Tuesday) Contact: Evelyn Birch through the Parish Office
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here to go to index at top of page Council 11955 The Knights of Columbus is an international organization dedicated to the principles of Charity. Unity in our purpose and belief, Fraternity of our Brotherhood and Patriotism to our Holy Mother, the Church and Canada. St. Mary's Council consists of members from St. Mary Star of the Sea and St. Dominic Parishes Church, Family, Youth and Community activities are mandatory with the view of promoting our principles. Events: Visiting Seniors / Parish Picnic / Monthly Newsletter / Parish Dances - New Years, Valentines, Anniversary / Basketball Free-Throw Competition - in local schools / Sale of Car Raffle tickets - Arthritis Society Commitment required: Opportunity to attend meetings of approximately 2 hours on the 4th Monday of each month, vote on matters before the Order, bring forward items of interest, participate in planning and attending functions. 40 hours per year of dedication to Church, Pope, Family, Youth and Community by each member. Membership: Men (18 years of age and older), practicing Catholics - Membership is granted after acceptance and recommendation by members of the Order. Annual membership fee is $40. Contact: Grant Knechtel through the Parish Office Click here to go to index at top of page The Lectors of St.. Mary Star of the Sea serve the Church by proclaiming the Word of the Lord during Mass. To be a Lector is to be given an opportunity to grow in our knowledge and love of the Living God. We prepare ourselves by prayer and study of the readings (the pronunciation of some Old Testament names can be challenging). Commitment required: Lectors arrive 15 minutes before the Mass and process in and out of the church with the Priest and Altar Servers. Lectors are required to remain on the altar during the Mass. Depending on the number of Lectors available each member will usually read once every five (5) weeks. A schedule is laid out for the year and is made available to each Lector. During Easter & Christmas additional preparation time maybe required. Contact: Hugh Loughran through the Parish Office.
Interested in learning about your faith? Wish to learn more about the Catholic faith and Mary's involvement? Come out and join us any Wednesday evening and we would be happy to answer any questions you may have! The Legion of Mary gathers every Wednesday evening at 7:45 pm in the St. Joseph's room for prayer, reflection and evangelization. All are welcome. Members of the Legion of Mary from St. Mary Star of the Sea Parish are continuing their visitations in the Parish. For families who would like to have the Pilgrim Statue of
Mary in their homes please call Joe Robillos at 905-829-0218 or Fr. Neil at
905-278-2058. Upon arriving at families residences, they will
identify themselves as Legionaries of Mary. We ask that you please welcome them
when they arrive.
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Morning Light offers group support sessions and throughout the year individual support and telephone support is available on request. Parents can also participate in a memorial mass held once each year. There is also an excellent resource lending library on this ministry. Contact Bernadette Zambri (416-969-0545) or
their 24 hr # of 416-765-2155, or through the
Parish Office. For Bereaved Parents Email: morninglightministryparent@rogers.com For Parents With Babies In An Adverse
Prenatal Situation; pls e-mail : mlmhopeinturmoil@rogers.com Web site:http://morninglightministry.org Click here to go to index at top of page Books, magazines, newspapers and tapes are available to all
parishioners for use. Located in the Parish Office, the Library is open
during office hours from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon and 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm,
Mondays thru Fridays Magazines - Catholic Digest, Sacred Heart Newspapers - Catholic Register, Catholic New Times Catholic School Religion Curriculum & Music - Gr. 1-8 Donations are always welcome. Would you like to become part of a group which has input on the decisions of the church? Would you like to sit in on a Parish Council meeting and see / hear about current issues of our church? Why not join the Parish Council. For more information on this, please contact Fr. Neil McMillan or Sal Badali through the parish office.
Would you like to become one of our small group in the praying team? Help pray for others? We are always looking for new members here! Never enough praying going on! Please contact Mary McNulty through the parish office.
Weekly meetings: Tuesday evenings from 7:30pm to 9:30pm This ministry provides adults wishing to explore the Roman Catholic faith and/or Catholic adults wishing to complete their journey in the faith (receiving Sacraments not yet obtained) the opportunity to do so with members of the parish through teaching, discussion and prayer. The R.C.I.A. program is made up of parishioners who give teachings and participate in discussions on various areas of the Catholic faith & tradition; Sacraments, Old Testament, New Testament, Church History, Where the Church is Going Today etc. Each adult discerning their faith is given a parish partner (Sponsor) to be a support throughout the program. Meetings: Weekly meetings of approximately 2 hours starting in September and continuing through to 4-5 weeks after Easter. Commitment: As Sponsors - a confirmed Roman Catholic who will participate in weekly meetings and be a support to the discerning adult. As Candidates - to participate in weekly meetings, attend mass regularly and be open to discussion and prayer on the Catholic faith Contact John Scerri or Fr. Neil McMillan through Parish Office This ministry provides children (approx. age 7 & up) wishing to explore the Roman Catholic faith the opportunity to do so with members of the parish through teaching, discussion and prayer. The R.C.I.C. program is made up of parishioners who give teachings and participate in discussions on various areas of the Catholic faith & tradition; Sacraments, Old Testament, New Testament, etc in a manner that is appropriate to the children & their age. The children & their families gather with other children & families from the Parish as a support throughout the program. The R.C.I.C. program is open to (with parent’s consent): Meetings: Weekly meetings of approximately 1 hour starting in January and continuing through for 1-2 weeks after Easter (approx. 12 sessions) Commitment: As Sponsoring Families / Children - a practicing Roman Catholic family willing to share their family experiences and who will participate in weekly meetings and be a support to the discerning child & their family. As Candidates - to participate in weekly meetings, attend mass regularly and be open to discussion and prayer on the Catholic faith Contact Fr. Neil McMillan through Parish Office Sharelife is the fundraising effort of our Parish and the Archdiocese. The main collection is usually on Palm Sunday with donations being accepted on 2 additional Sundays in May and June. Our schools work closely with us on this important project encouraging the students to participate in events and activities to raise awareness and funds. The moneys collected are distributed to: - St. Augustine’s Seminary- for the education of our
priests and deacons Contact: Fr. Neil through the Parish Office
ST.
VINCENT The Spirit of the Society is to bear witness to Christ and His Church by showing that the faith of Christians inspires them to work for the good of humanity; to bring together people of good will; to express by example God’s precept, namely, the love of God in the person of their brothers and sisters with efficacious aid. Commitments:
Monthly meetings – every first Monday of the month (excl. July & August)
at 7:00 p.m. Available for home visitations to those in need. Contact: Maris Tan at Tel. No. 647 628 2058 Click here to go to index at top of
page USHERS HOSPITALITY MINISTRY Ushers are men and women, from within the Parish, who dedicate their
time helping parishioners within the church. Commitment required: Usher will normally serve at one Mass. Time commitment will involve being at the church a ½ hour before mass and approximately 15 minutes after mass. During certain celebrations, such as Christmas & Easter, it will be necessary to be earlier and stay longer. Contact: Rino Barbisan through the Parish Office
St. Marys has a vibrant Youth Ministry,
in which the youth of the church take part in a wide variety of
activities. For more information on what is happening, contact Sal
Badali through the parish office. Click here to go to index at
top of page As we enter the 21st Century the church and our
parish makes use of this ‘modern technology’ to spread the Good News of Jesus
Christ and the faith in action and prayer of the Catholic church and our Parish of St.
Mary’s. Click here to go to index at top of page
GROUPS
CONNECTED WITH ENGAGED ENCOUNTER MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER NEW BEGINNINGS ST. CHRISTOPHER'S CHURCH -
1171 Clarkson Road North Click here to go
to index at top of page GROUPS ACTIVE IN THE ARCHDIOCESE - Barrett House for AIDS Patients (416) 864-1627 - Birthright Pregnancy Services (416) 469-1111 - Catholic Guild for the Blind (416) 651-8554 - Columbus Boys Camp (416) 968-0331- (for disadvantaged) - Covenant House (416) 598-4898 - Crisis Line (416) 593-4849 - (for street kids) - Daybreak (905) 884-3454 - (for mentally handicapped) - Ecumenical Forum (416) 924-9351 - Good Shepherd Refuge (416) 869-3619 - Matt Talbot House (416) 926-0042 - (residence for men) - Nazareth House (416) 532-0036- (residence for women) - Our Lady of the Resurrection (416) 530-1302- (residence for women) - Our Place (416) 598-2919 - (for helping ex-psychiatric patients) - Retrovaille (416) 281-6007 - (for help for troubled marriages) - Rosalie Hall for Unwed Mothers (416) 438-6880 - Sancta Maria House (416) 925-7333 - Separated and Divorced (416) 534-2326 - Silent Voice for Deaf-Hearing Impaired (416) 463-1104 - St. Francis Table (416) 532-4172 - (serving hot meals to street people) Many other groups may be accessed through the Toronto Archdiocese and individual listings in the Telephone Book. |
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