Freed and Forgiven
Baptized in water, Sealed by the Spirit, Cleansed by the blood of Christ our King:
Heirs of salvation, Trusting his promise, Faithfully now God’s praise we sing.
Baptized in water, Sealed by the Spirit, Dead in the tomb with Christ our King:
One with his rising, Freed and forgiven, Thankfully now God’s praise we sing.
Baptized in water, Sealed by the Spirit, Marked with the sign of Christ the King:
Born of one Father, We are his children, Joyfully now God’s praise we sing.
All our life is your gift
Almighty God, we are the work of your hands which you will never abandon. All our life is your gift; all your power is in our being. You spend yourself on each of us. We thank you that our life is rooted in yours; we thank you for all the opportunities you give us, and for the light that shines on our path, that warms our hearts. We pray that gratefulness may prompt us to live life to the full, to remain always open to your surprising ways, and to glorify you through the fruits we bear today and every day, for ever and ever. Amen.
MINISTRIES (Should be adapted to your particular parish)
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: Parish Office
ALTAR SERVERS
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. Arrive 15-20 minutes before mass to dress for serving on the altar and preparing the Sacred Vessels. Contact: Parish Office.
BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY
The death of a loved one can be a difficult time in one’s life. Your Parish is there for you - in many ways. The Parish Funeral Luncheon Group can prepare a luncheon if requested. If Father is unavailable to visit the funeral home parishioners offer the Parish Prayers. Contact: Parish Office.
BIBLE STUDY
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: Parish Office for day and time.
CATHOLIC WOMEN’S LEAGUE
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
2. encourage, support the development of Christian values
3. represent Catholic women and their views
4. provide a vehicle for communication. Convenorships working at St.. Mary’s:
- Spiritual Development - Organization - Education
- Christian Family Life -Communications - Craft Group
- Parish Activities - Photography - Fitness
- Community Life - Legislation - Social
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. Inquiries: Parish Office
CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS
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. The ministry focusing on the children of our parish want to encourage our children in their expression of their faith. Volunteers of all ages to help with organization and to teach or care for children are always welcome.
CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD
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 9.00am or 11:00am 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
Christmas Pageant - Children 5 & up are invited to participate in our Christmas Pageant which is presented at 2 masses on Christmas Eve. Children will rehearse both speaking & non-speaking parts for 3-4 weeks (Saturday mornings) before Christmas along with some song selections for the Pageant. Volunteers to help rehearse & organize children at the mass are welcome. Contact: Fr. Neil McMillan through the Parish Office
CHOIR (Sundays)
SUNDAY - 11:00 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 and teens. Practice: Every Sunday morning at 10:45 am New members always welcome.
Contact: Fergus Egan through the Parish Office
COMMUNITY MEAL
The Community Meal developed from the Out of the Cold Program. It is held on the same evenings (Fridays 7:30 - 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.
If you know of someone who might like to come please extend an invitation and bring them along. We are meant to walk through life together, supporting each other. What better way to do this than around a meal. As well, volunteers are always needed to help in the kitchen with the cooking and the clean-up. Contact: Parish Office
CRAFT GROUP
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 ( September to June) from 10:00am to 12:00pm 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. In conjunction with the CWL, many of the items are sold at the annual Bazaar with proceeds going to Parish and Community needs. Contact: Parish Office
Extraordinary Ministers of the EUCHARIST
Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers are an important and visible part of the Ministry of the Liturgy. In this capacity parishioners are entrusted with the reverent distribution of communion to the congregation. This ministry is a profound and beautiful addition to the church for both the parishioners and priest. Individuals are chosen from the parish through recommendation and selection by the pastor. An afternoon workshop is required for all new Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers, making them aware of various duties and responsibilities this ministry brings. On Holy Thursday all are present to renew their commission during the Mass of the Last Supper. Commitment: To be available 15 minutes before mass for preparation. to process into church with altar servers, lectors and priest(s). following schedule as laid out. Contact: Fr. McMillan through the Parish Office
Eucharist TO THE SICK AND SHUT-INS
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 among 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: Parish Office
FINANCE COMMITTEE
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
FUNERAL RECEPTION GROUP
At a time of grief it is wonderful to know your Community of Faith is there for you. Parishioners co-ordinate, order, set-up and serve a luncheon after Funerals, if requested. Women and men both participate in this Ministry. Contact: Fr. Neil McMillan to arrange luncheons or to assist.
FUNERAL Altar assistance
Serving the priest at the altar during funerals does away with the necessity of pulling young altar servers from school. This ministry is for people who can attend at short notice, usually informed a day or two before. There is also the need of an Extraordinary Minister of Communion for these occasions. During the celebration, Holy water and Incense are used so the helpers are usually versed in this particular Liturgy. Contact: Fr. Neil McMillan
HOSPITALITY- COFFEE SUNDAYS
On the first weekend of each month parishioners are invited to partake of coffee, tea, juice and deserts after each mass 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: Parish Office.
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: Parish Office
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
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 / June Flea Market / 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 ideas on 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. Contact: Parish Office
LECTORS
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 one’s knowledge and love of the Living God. We prepare by prayer and study of the readings and prayers of the Faithful (the pronunciation of some 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 in the Sanctuary during Mass. Depending on the number of Lectors available each member will usually read once every six 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: Parish Office.
MORNING LIGHT (BABY BEREAVEMENT)
MORNING LIGHT MINISTRY is a Catholic ministry that offers information and support to bereaved parents who have experienced the death of their baby through ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, stillbirth or infant death up to one year old. This death may have happened recently or several years ago. This ministry also offers information and support to parents who are bringing their baby to full-term despite an adverse prenatal diagnosis (with a fatal or non-fatal condition) and to couples who are experiencing difficulty in conceiving a child or experiencing recurrent losses. 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: Parish Office
PARISH LIBRARY
Books, magazines, newspapers and tapes are available to all parishioners for use. Located in the Parish Office, the Library is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30am to 4:00pm or call ahead.
Books - Saints, History, Teachings, Prayer, Sacraments, Ministry, etc.
Magazines - Catholic Digest, Sacred Heart
Newspapers - Catholic Register, Catholic New Times
Catholic School Religion Curriculum & Music - Gr. 1-8
Donations are always welcome.
R.C.I.A. RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS
Weekly meetings: 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 lead sessions and participate in discussions on various areas of the Catholic faith & tradition; The Creed, Sacraments, Old Testament, New Testament, Church History, Where the Church is Going Today etc. Each adult discerning one’s faith is given a parish partner (Sponsor) for support throughout the program. Meetings: Weekly meetings of approximately 2 hours starting in September and continuing through to 3 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 Parish Office
SHARELIFE
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; Third World Projects / water management / catechism materials; Development and Peace; Catholic Charities; Silent Voice for Deaf & Hearing Impaired; Covenant House; Catholic Family Services; Abused Women and Children. Volunteers are always needed for assembling packages, stuffing envelopes and sponsoring fund-raisers. Contact: Parish Office
St.Vincent de Paul
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 - normally second Thursday for approximately 1 to 1 ½ hours. Available for home visitations and delivery of food & other items to those in need (normally on Thursday). During special events and times added commitments will be required for organizing and participation in : Annual clothing drive / Christmas Giving Tree / Thanksgiving Food Drive. Contact: Parish Office
USHERS: HOSPITALITY MINISTRY
Ushers are men and women, from within the Parish, who dedicate their time helping parishioners within the church. As members of the Hospitality Ministry, Ushers are called to render a special service to the parish on Sundays and days of Holy Obligation. Ushers can be found at all entrances to the church before and after all Sunday masses greeting and welcoming parishioners and visitors. Once the Mass has started Ushers turn their attention to assisting people find seating without disrupting the Mass itself or the worship of the congregation. Ushers also take up the Collection; enlist the help of congregation members to bring forward the Offertory Gifts and distribute bulletins after mass. 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: Parish Office
GROUPS CONNECTED WITH ST. MARY’S STAR OF THE SEA
ENGAGED ENCOUNTER
Weekend retreats for couples planning to be married.
Queen of Apostles Retreat Centre (905) 278-5229
MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER
Weekend retreats for married couples
Queen of Apostles Retreat Centre (905) 278-5229
NEW BEGINNINGS
Support Group for Widowed, Separated and Divorced
Held each 2nd Tuesday of the month at 8:00pm at St. Christopher's Church
ST. CHRISTOPHER'S CHURCH - 1171 Clarkson Road North
(905) 822-1171
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
- Catholic Immigration Bureau of Toronto (416) 977-3264
- 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
(for transient men - volunteers needed for serving meals)
- 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)
- Retrouvaille (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)
Parish Ministries (Used as a HANDOUT)
Living as Disciples
In what ways has the Spirit gifted you? How are you being called to use your special gifts in God's service? We all have many gifts and talents - whether inherent skills, favorite hobbies or special training - and though we may not have thought of them in this way before, these gifts are the ways that we may answer God's call to serve Him and each other. We hope these descriptions of ministries at Saint Mary’s will help you to get more involved in the Liturgy, Prayer, Sacramental life, Faith formation, Service and Outreach groups of our parish. Whether you are new to Saint Mary’s Parish Community or have been with us for some time, you are an essential member of the life of the parish community. None of our parish programs is possible without the efforts of our parishioners. And there are a wide variety of other ways to get involved in our parish, limited only by your imagination and willingness to participate: such as groups for Young Adults, Young Families, Seniors, Newcomers; developing Special Outreach or Education Projects; providing Photography or Seasonal Decoration; or any other gift or talent you can think of to share with the community.
Liturgical Ministries:
Lectors
Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist
Ushers / Collection counters
Altar Guild
Altar Servers
Funeral Altar service
Children's Liturgy of the Word
Baptismal Team
Music: Cantors, Choir
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.)
Parish Council
Charitable and study groups:
Finance Committee
Catholic Women’s League
Ladies Craft Group
Knights of Colombus
Hospitality Committee
Legion of Mary
Bible Study
Social / Outreach / Charities:
Eucharist for Sick / Shut-ins
Morning Light (Baby bereavement Ministry)
Community Meal
Hospital Visitors
Coffee Sunday
Funeral reception group
Bazaar / Craft group
Saint Vincent de Paul
Other Projects
Share Life