The Importance of Reaching Out
A Church is not inward looking. Before Jesus ascended into heaven he gave the disciples the great commission to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28.19). We are on a mission and this moves us out into the world, into our communities, to bring healing, mercy, and compassion so that all people may know and respond to God’s love.
Below are listed the many varied ways that you can join in the mission. If there is an outreach opportunity that you do not see listed here, please contact the Parish Office, together we may be able to help.
Pastoral Care to the Sick
This dedicated group of individuals visit and distribute Holy Communion to parishioners who are homebound or in hospital and long term care homes. They are a visible connection to the Parish and a reminder to those unable to attend Mass that our thoughts and prayers are with them.
Pastoral Care at Rainycrest
Parish volunteers assist at Rainycrest, our community’s long term care facility, in a number of ways. Their primary responsibility is to assist residents in attending the weekly Mass held on Thursday and visiting with them.
Funeral Reception Team
Under the auspices of the Catholic Women’s League, the Funeral Reception Team prepares and serves the luncheon for grieving families and friends as they gather for a time of fellowship in the Parish Hall. Your gift of compassion is greatly appreciated by grieving families, the League sisters and our Parishes.
Parish Social Team
An important part of Parish life is fellowship. Throughout the year Parish dinners and other opportunities to celebrate and socialize are held. This team coordinates these social gatherings.
Handywoman/ Handyman
Throughout the year, we require volunteers to assist with various maintenance projects. If you know how to swing a hammer or hold a paint brush your services will be greatly appreciated.
Green Thumbs Club
Calling all gardeners! In the spring and summer we look for volunteers to plant and maintain the flower beds around the church grounds. If you have a green thumb and enjoy being outdoors, this group may be for you!
Parish Office Helpers
At various times, we require extra pairs of hands to assist with projects in the Parish Office; this usually entails stuffing envelopes and preparing them for mailing. While the work is menial, many laughs are shared (and your cup will runneth over with fresh coffee) which makes the time go quickly. Remember many hands make for light work!
Creating Safe Environments
The Diocese of Thunder Bay is committed to creating and maintaining safe environments in our Faith Communities for those who work, volunteer and gather within our Parishes and institutions. In keeping with Diocesan policy, involvement in parish ministry requires a mandatory screening process for all applicants. Ministries which will place the applicant in the company of vulnerable individuals will require additional screening, including a criminal record check.
Interested? What’s the next step…
If you are interested in assisting with one of these ministries, please contact the Parish Office to learn more and to register, or download the volunteer ministry application and return it to the Parish Office.