The Importance of Preparing & Initiating Our Members
The entire Parish Community is responsible for the preparation and initiation of new members into the Catholic Church. This is primarily accomplished by our prayer and by our authentic living of the Gospel: by loving God with all our hearts, minds and souls, and our neighbour as ourselves. It is by the example in word and deed of each parishioner that a new member learns what it means to live as a Catholic Christian.
Within the Parish, parishioners take on a variety of roles to directly assist those who wish to receive the Sacraments of Baptism, First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, Confirmation and Marriage. The commitment to serve within these ministries depends upon the chosen role and your availability.
Becoming Catholic: RCIA
Volunteers are members of the RCIA Team and work together with the coordinator to evangelize those interested in joining the Catholic Church. While there is instruction on our history, Sacraments and teachings, what is important is the development of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ to empower and transform the individual to become a mature, committed and responsible Catholic Christian.
Baptism Preparation
Volunteers facilitate the preparation session which the parents and godparents attend prior to the celebration of the Sacrament. This session is usually once a month.
First Reconciliation & First Holy Communion Preparation
Following Baptism, our children become ready to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion on their journey of initiation into the Church. This process of formation has many elements and requires many helping hands, from teaching sessions, to crafts and baking, to praying for the candidates.
Confirmation Preparation
The final Sacrament of Initiation is Confirmation. Our Parishes prepare candidates for this Sacrament by offering instruction sessions and involvement in a liturgical ministry. Parish volunteers for Confirmation preparation assist by facilitating instruction sessions, mentoring in ministry, as well as by praying for the candidates.
Marriage Preparation
All couples intending to be married in the Church are required to complete a period of preparation for marriage. The major Parishes of the Western Deanery (Fort Frances, Dryden and Kenora) take turns offering a weekend preparation course to engaged couples in the deanery. The team consists of at least two or more couples who facilitate the course by leading discussions, scheduling guest speakers, arranging meals and praying for the couples.
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.