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As a mission-oriented church, through the gift of our baptism, God has bestowed upon us many talents and gifts that are we are called to share to proclaim the Good News of salvation.
Through prayer and reflection, Christ calls us to share and to serve one another, parish communities and the world. In this way we embrace and respond to our mission which is guided by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
This Parish Ministry Directory describes the many different pastoral, youth, liturgical, outreach and spiritual ministries that take place in our Family of Parishes. We thank you for taking the time to read through the various ministries to discern where you are being called to serve.
For your convenience, after the description of each ministry, we have included where that particular ministry is being offered. To contact a specific “ministry leader” please email our Lake Huron Catholic Family of Parishes office at lakehuroncatholic@dol.ca or call 1-877-450-6414 ext.200. Please know that you are welcome to participate at any parish site in our Family of Parishes.
May we open our hearts and respond to God’s call.
“To be missionary-oriented means we must be rooted in the Good News of Jesus Christ, renewed by the Holy Spirit, refreshed by prayer, and radiating joy as we serve others. This is our hope for all our parishes and our vision for the Families of Parishes. We pray that, filled with the Holy Spirit, we may begin to proclaim the Good News, in word and in action, and that the Lord would send out the Holy Spirit and renew the face of the earth!”
Bishop Fabbro
Our Diocesan Pastoral Plan:
The six goal statements of the Pastoral Plan call for:
Goal 1 Spiritual Renewal and Personal Holiness
Goal 2 Evangelizing and Teaching
Goal 3 Ministering with Justice and Compassion
Goal 4 Meaningful Liturgical Celebration
Goal 5 Support ongoing Formation
Goal 6 Christ-like Servant Leadership
Let us embrace and respond to our mission which is guided by the Holy Spirit
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Liturgical Ministries
Liturgical ministries are key components in how we as a parish community celebrate the faith together. Those who fulfill these ministries allow the parish community to truly celebrate the sacraments, especially the Eucharist drawing ourselves closer to God and to one another.
ALTAR SERVERS & FAMILY SERVERS
This ministry is required at all of our weekend liturgies. Pope St. John Paul II said, “You are far more than mere helpers of the parish priest. Above all, you are servants of Jesus Christ, the Eternal High Priest.” This is open to youth
beginning in grade three. In addition to individuals signing up to serve at Mass, we also invite families to serve together – parents with their children. Training is provided and regular schedules are distributed.
Offered at: All parish sites
CHOIRS, MUSICIANS AND CANTORS
Singing and music adds so much to all of our liturgical celebrations! The music ministry is open to everyone who has an open heart and a willingness to offer themselves in song. Each weekend Mass has a choir. Practices take place
occasionally depending on the season.
Offered at: All parish sites
MINISTERS OF HOSPITALITY
The hallmark of a thriving and faith-filled parish is hospitality. From the moment one enters the worship space, it is essential that we welcome each person as a member of our family. The Ministers of Hospitality offer a warm
welcome, direction and information when required and make each person feel truly part of our parish family. They also may take up the collection at Mass. A schedule is issued regularly and training is provided.
Offered at: All parish sites
LECTORS
This ministry is open to all parishioners beginning with students in grade eight. The lector is responsible for commentating (welcome, announcing hymns and important information) and proclaiming the Word of God at all liturgical celebrations. The Liturgy of the Word is the time during Mass in which we reflect on how God speaks to us through the Sacred Scriptures. Training and regular workshops are part of the support and training process.
EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION
This appointed ministry invites parishioners to assist in the distribution of communion during our weekend liturgies. It is open to all parishioners beginning with students in grade 9. Special care, training and preparation are required for this ministry. The reception of the Eucharist brings us into the light and love of Christ. Training and regular workshops are provided for on-going support and formation.
Offered at: All parish sites
ROSARY LEADERS
The Rosary is one of the most sacred and powerful forms of prayer. In preparation for Mass, the Rosary is prayed together as a community. The Rosary Leaders may lead the Rosary from the ambo, their pew or the choir loft if applicable.
Offered at: St. Peter (St. Joseph) and Immaculate Heart of Mary.
LITURGICAL DECORATORS
This ministry team is responsible for decorating the church for the various liturgical seasons in addition to special occasions and other parish events. The church environment helps the faithful enter more deeply into each liturgical
season and celebration.
Offered at: All parish sites
VIDEO /LIVE STREAMING SERVICES
Each Sunday morning at St. Boniface in Zurich the 8:30 am Mass is live streamed. Each Sunday the 9:00 am. Mass in Goderich is recorded and played on the local cable television stations. This is a liturgical and an outreach
ministry that connects our nursing homes, hospitals and homebound parishioners with the Sunday assembly. Training is provided.
Offered at: St. Boniface and St. Peter’s (Goderich)
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Outreach Ministries
Parish Outreach Ministries are opportunities for parish family members to help, assist, support and connect with those in our community who have suffered illness, loss or simply need someone to be there for them. Through these outreach ministries we truly become like Christ who reached out and healed all those who were in need.
OUTREACH EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION
There are many in our parish community who cannot attend Sunday Mass on a regular basis. Those also included in this ministry are those who reside in nursing homes and/or retirement homes. On a weekly basis, when possible, Outreach Eucharistic Ministers visit and bring the Blessed Sacrament and the spirit of our community to these cherished parish family members. This ministry must be done in pairs. Regular meetings and training sessions are part of this ministry. Schedules are distributed regularly.
Offered at: All parish sites
SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE
The purpose of the Social Justice Committee is to enhance the consciousness of parishioners and the community within the Lake Huron Catholic Family of Parishes regarding the issues of Social Justice at home and abroad. Their aim is to
encourage meaningful involvement in social action. They strive to accomplish this through regular meetings and by
initiating various projects throughout the year. New members are always welcomed!
Offered through our Family of Parishes
ST. MARTIN de PORRES
This Social Justice group works to raise awareness and take action about local and global issues of injustice including carrying out the campaigns for Development and Peace at the parish. Initiatives are inspired by Pope Francis' teachings in “Laudato Si” to listen to the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor. The Catholic Social teachings remain at the heart of all that they do!
Offered at St. Peter Goderich
DEVELOPMENT & PEACE
Caritas Canada: The mission of DPCC is to support partners in the Global South who promote alternatives to unfair social, political and economic structures; to educate the Canadian population about causes of poverty and to mobilize
Canadians toward actions for change. They conduct the Fall awareness and action campaign and the Share Lent campaign in parishes.
Offered through our Family of Parishes
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Spiritual Life
The driving force of our sharing and service to one another and the parish community is fueled by our spiritual lives. Spending time in reflection and prayer is foundational to moving to service and action. Through our spiritual lives we hear the voice of Christ calling, encouraging and supporting us.
RCIA – RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION FOR ADULTS
The RCIA group is always looking for volunteers who are willing to share their faith and their lives with those adults who are seeking to become Catholic. Training is provided and regular weekly gatherings during the process are needed in this ministry.
Offered through our Family of Parishes
PRAYER LINE
The power of prayer is mighty and it is the role of this group to pray for the sick, housebound, the parish community and those who need God’s extra strength. This is done in the comfort of each person’s home. Prayer intentions are distributed through a monthly email list.
Offered through our Family of Parishes
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Youth Ministry & Family Services
Youth ministry is extremely important for the parish community since it draws our young people closer to Christ.
CHILDREN’S CHURCH
This is a faith-centered program for children of all ages who wish to grow in their faith. It was
specifically designed for preschool and primary-aged students, but is a safe space for all children to ask questions regarding the Church. The
children are taught simple Catechesis each week with kid-friendly language and activities, and are sent home with a weekly note that encourages families to extend the learning from the week. Adult and high school leaders needed.
Offered at: All Parishes (St. Peter at St. Joseph pending)
YOUTH MINISTRY
Our Family of Parishes is blessed to have Lucas Ducharme leading our youth group ministry. The youth gatherings will be held at St. Boniface Church, Zurich, every other Wednesday of the month. Lucas gathers the youth together and creates an environment where they can experience community, have fun (yes great snacks are included) and grow in their faith. Adult and high school leaders are needed. (Note: Lucas will “sign off” the hours for high school helpers as
community service hours)
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Parish Leadership
The parish community needs strong lay leadership to maintain and sustain the vision and mission of the Gospel. The main parish leadership bodies offer guidance and opportunities for our Family of Parishes to grow in our faith as a
mission-oriented church that forms disciples of Jesus.
PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL
This group is the strategic planning committee for the Family of Parishes. This “Vision Team” discerns, discusses and plans the pastoral needs for the entire Family of Parishes. Members are from all parish sites.
Members are appointed by the Pastor
PARISH FINANCE COMMITTEE
This parish leadership group has the responsibility of maintaining and monitoring the budget and finances of our Family of Parishes. In addition, the committee is responsible for personnel and building and maintenance issues.
As per diocesan policy, it is made up of one member from each parish in our Family of Parishes.
Members are appointed by the Pastor
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Groups & Orgnizations
There are many different Catholic organizations that live out the gospel through their own ministry but are also working hand-in-hand with the parish community serving the needs of all.
SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL
This group inspired and rooted in the life and ministry of St. Vincent de Paul are called to serve those in most need. This
society helps those in need with food, clothing, furniture, appliances and anything else needed to live life more fully.
The society also runs two stores in Goderich.
CATHOLIC WOMEN’S LEAGUE
Our Family of Parishes has six CWL councils (one at each parish site). The Catholic Women’s League of Canada is a national organization that has existed for over 100 years. It provides direction, inspiration and encouragement to all members. It is rooted in gospel values calling its members to holiness through service to the people of God. Their hope is to contribute to the understanding and growth of religious freedom social justice, peace and harmony. The CWL welcomes all
women from the age of 16.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
Our Family of Parishes has two Knights of Columbus Councils (5420 and 8480). These groups are open to all men 18 years of age and older. They work serving the needs of the parishes, local communities and the country. The Knights sponsor many different pastoral and social events. It is also a wonderful opportunity to connect socially with men of faith. There are monthly meetings and many social and fund-raising event opportunities.
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Parish Services
There are many different ways to serve our Family of Parishes that are rooted in the many unique talents and abilities of our faith-filled parishioners. These services are vital and imperative to serve the needs of our parish communities.
BUILDING AND MAINTENANCE COMMITTEE
Do you have a background in building construction and/or repairs and maintenance? There are separate committees for each parish. These are subcommittees of the Finance Committee that monitors, plans and advises the parish leadership on the buildings and property of each site. This committee will meet when necessary.
PARISH CEMETERY BOARD
One of the most cherished ministries and services we can offer to our parishioners is to help those who have lost a loved one. Each cemetery board officially takes care of each parish cemetery. Regular meetings take place to discuss the services offered to the bereaved and general maintenance of the grounds.
COLLECTION COUNTERS
Collection Counters assist in the timely and accurate counting of weekly and special collections for the parish. The team must consist of at least three people. Confidentiality and discretion are imperative to the safety and security
of the collection counters, staff and the parish. Training is provided.
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