| This page has been created using information from the St. Augustine's Parish Stewardship Team, Parish Bulletins, and "By Steps not leaps" our Parish history book. It is meant to provide us with an opportunity to celebrate the many wonderful good works that are being done in our parish. As well, it is our hope that it will provide you with an opportunity to discover the gifts that God has given you, and to match those gifts to a particular ministry. It is our prayer that with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, new and exciting ministries will continue to develop, enabling us to respond fully to our baptismal call. | |
| The Society of St. Vincent de Paul | |
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The Society is an international association of Catholic lay people, devoted to the service of the poor and disadvantaged.
The local chapter meets weekly or as required to give material aid to those in need. The St. Augustine Chapter was formed in 1963 with Pat O’Sullivan appointed president, Al McDonald as secretary and Paul Rowley as treasurer. The wonderful works are financed through monthly collections at the door of the church on the first Sunday of each month; through voluntary donations of the members; and through donations from others. Funds collected are used for many necessary projects like distributing hampers to the needy. This takes place once a week in our parish. Each hamper is valued at approximately $14.00. They distribute approximately 60 – 100 hampers a month, 1000 hampers a year. In addition to monetary aid, assistance is given in the form of food, clothing, furniture and shelter. Much of the assistance given by the society is of an emergency and temporary nature and is given in the form of vouchers at the rectory. For those requiring long term assistance, contact is made with the Provincial and City officials through the society’s liaison officer. (Matthew 25) For more information on the Society of St. Vincent de Paul ministry please contact Dora Boschman |
| St. Aloysius / St. Augustine's Twinning Project In April 1997, Beny Mwenda from St. Aloysius Parish, in Mwanza, Tanzania approached our Parish Council with the suggestion of twinning our parish with his. The main activity in our parish each year is an annual "Toonies for Tanzania" collection. These funds support a variety of training programs which enable the women and youth on Mwanza to develop skills so that they may earn an income. Make a difference; come and join this ministry! For more information on the St. Aloysius / St. Augustine's Twinning Project ministry please contact Tom Keep | |
| Development & Peace Development and Peace was established by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops. The committee meets four times a year to discern those issues that need to be addressed by the church. "Church" in this context means "us", Christians living out their vocations in the home, neighbourhood, and workplace. This work of building a just world is properly the work of us, baptized lay people. For more information on the Development and Peace ministry please contact David & Bernice Lewis | |
| Children's Catechisis "Quest for Christ" Grades K-8 | |
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Teaching children about their Catholic faith is an essential ministry in our parish. The children discover that they are on a faith journey as they learn about their friend Jesus and walk with Him. The children learn about God, Christian morality and how to build community with each other. You do not need a degree in theology to be a catechism teacher. You need only a love for children, a love for Jesus, and a call to teach. Catechist gatherings throughout the year provide opportunities for formation, training and sharing. Our classes are offered weekly. For more information on the Children's Catechisis "Quest for Christ" Grades K-8 ministry please contact the Parish Office | |
| St. Augustine School of Children's Catechisis St. Augustine’s School offers the opportunity to receive a quality Catholic education for children in grade Kindergarten to Eight. Our students participate in many experiences to deepen their faith and make it a part of their daily life, and there is a strong commitment to service within the school and community. Catechism, using the “Christ Our Life” series, is taught by Catholic teachers as part of their daily curriculum. For more information on the St. Augustine School of Children's Catechisis ministry please contact Betty Howell, Principal | |
| Confirmation Preparation Catechists guide our grade 8 candidates in preparation for this Sacrament each year from January to May. For seven weeks of the process Sponsors join the candidates in the classes and journey together in discovering the gifts of the Spirit and how the Spirit is working in their lives. Adults of all ages are welcome each year to serve as Catechists or Sponsors. For more information on the Confirmation Preparation ministry please contact the Parish Office | |
| Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) For those individuals seeking initiation into the Christian Faith within the Catholic Tradition, RCIA is a loving process of learning and spiritual growth. Each participant in the RCIA process shares their faith journey with a sponsor. RCIA welcomes Catholic men and women sponsors who are enthusiastic about sharing their faith to act as sponsors. Serving as a sponsor is an exciting way to refresh one’s knowledge of Catholicism while enriching one’s personal relationship with God. RCIA sessions are held weekly, Wednesday evenings. RCIA team members facilitate sessions through education, hospitality, and faith sharing. For more information on the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) ministry please contact Deacon John MacKenzie | |
| House of Prayer Group The House of Prayer group, part of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCRS), welcomes everyone to participate in praise and worship. Through this ministry, parishioners will grow in their worship of the Lord, and in their service to one another. Participants may attend retreats, conferences and seminars through CCRS. Weekly meetings are held on Mondays at 7:00PM in Room 108. For more information on the Charismatic Prayer Group ministry please contact Deacon John MacKenzie | |
| Bible Study This Thursday afternoon Bible study welcomes those seeking to explore the Scriptures. Using the Little Rock Scripture Study guide, participants read both a portion of Scripture and of commentary. Following prayer and reflection, they then share their responses at the meeting. The group meets weekly during the fall and winter months. For more information on the Bible Study ministry please contact Dianne Fox | |
| Library St. Augustine’s library volunteer maintains the Parish Library and re-organizes the existing collection of religious books. This ministry is in need of individuals who are knowledgeable in the teachings of the Church, in order to ensure that appropriate resources are available. For more information on the Library ministry please contact Teddi Aytona | |
| Small Group Faith Sharing St. Augustine parishioners hold various bible sharing groups, in either the church or their homes. These groups focus on prayer, reading of and reflection on scripture readings for the upcoming Sunday, with special attention during Advent and Lent. People of all age groups are invited to come together to listen and to share. For more information on the Small Group Faith Sharing ministry please contact Deacon John MacKenzie | |
| Baptism Preparation Participants seek to celebrate the sacrament of baptism, for their children. Parents and godparents are invited to share the experiences of their own faith journey, enjoying an enrichment of their own faith. Those who possess a strong understanding of Catholicism, as well as some expertise in group facilitation are most welcome. For more information on the Baptism Preparation ministry please contact Christine Foote | |
| For Better Forever This ministry, which encourages engaged couples to talk about the important issues that will lay the foundations for a successful married life, is vitally important. For more information on the For Better Forever ministry please contact Bob and Annette Boucher | |
| League for Life League for Life provides a variety of educational materials which help to promote respect for life, from conception until time of natural death. This group seeks to heighten awareness of the issues of abortion and euthanasia, as they impact our community. It is a passionate voice for those most vulnerable members of our society. This fledgling ministry urgently seeks additional members who share in this passion. For more information on the League for Life ministry please contact Karen Fitzpatrick | |
| Catholic Women's League The Catholic Women’s League plans, directs and coordinates the work of Catholic women in support of religious, charitable and community activities. The League represents Catholic women and their views on national issues of importance; they communicate these views to the government and to society at large. Women, aged 16 years and over, are welcome to join. The meetings are held the first Tuesday of every month. St. Augustine’s Catholic Women’s League serves our Parish and Community in many ways by, -Organizing Teas at Fairview Home -Valentine’s Party for Seniors -C.W.L. Scholarship for female Grad Students -World Day of Prayer at Central Park Lodge -Special projects in the Church. Eg. Purchasing flooring for family room and Pascal Candle Holder. -Financial assistance to Student in Theological studies -Support Marriage Week with prayers and activities. -Least Coin – Offerings of money and prayer to women & children from poor Countries. -Supporting various charities. EG. Orphanage in Peru. For more information on the Catholic Women's League organization please contact Geraldine Kennedy Click here to visit the Catholic Women's League website | |
| Knights of Columbus | |
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This fraternal and social organization of Catholic men, aged 18 & over, embraces service to the Church, community, family and youth. They sponsor activities in the Church and work to raise funds, where needed. Brother Knights enjoy opportunities for good works and fellowship. There are over 1.7 million knights in 13,000 councils throughout the U.S.A., Canada, Phillippines, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Guatemala, Panama, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Guam, the Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, and most recently Poland. These Knights donate over 63 million volunteer hours, plus $136 million to charitable programs annually. When you become a member of the Knights of Columbus you are joining the largest Catholic lay organization in the world. If you are interested in joining the Knights of Columbus and wish to find out more about the benefits of membership, please contact the Parish Office. A few examples of organizations that the St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus support financially and in some cases with their time are: -St. Augustine School Playground improvements, -Serra Club, Helping Hands, -St. Augustine Senior Program, The Counseling Center -Catechism Program – Shilo French School -Crisis Pregnancy Center, Westman Kid Sport -Financial Support for a Theology Student -Meals On Wheels, Seminarian Support – 3 Some of the programs that the Knights are involved with are: -Keep Christ in Christmas Coloring Contest -Communion Breakfast 1st Sunday of the Month -Highway cleanup Spring and Fall -Rose Sunday – Sale of roses at St. Augustine & St. Mary’s – For CPC For more information on the Knights of Columbus organization please contact Wes Shewchuk Click here to visit the Knights of Columbus #1435 website |
| Serra Club The objective of the Serra Club is to foster and promote priesthood and religious vocations in the Catholic Church by working and praying together. Members of the Serra Club attend two luncheon meetings a month. For more information on the Serra Club organization please contact Beverly Hicks | |
| Legion of Mary | |
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The Legion of Mary is the largest apostolic organization of lay people in the Catholic Church, with well over 3 million active members in almost every country of the world. The main purpose of the Legion of Mary is to give glory to God through the sanctification of its members. Members become instruments of the Holy Spirit through a balanced program of prayer and service. Works include door-to-door evangelization, parishioner visitation, prison ministry, visitation of the sick or aged, crowd contact, religious education, visiting the newly baptized, and meeting the other spiritual needs of the parish community. Legionaries are under the guidance of a spiritual director named by the pastor. The Legion is, in essence, an extension of the heart and hands of the pastor.
For more information on the Legion of Mary organization please contact Jim Farthing | |
| Vocational Awareness | |
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For more information on the Vocational Awareness organization please contact Fr. Dominic |
| Canterbury Senior Social Club | |
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CSSC meets the first Monday of each month to provide social interaction for people that are 50+ in our Parish. We have quizzes, musical entertainment, sing a longs, bingo, square dancing and many other activities. All of these activities are followed by a lunch. This group has a core of about 10 volunteers who work tirelessly to make this event happen.
If you wish to volunteer or would like more information about the CSSC please call Donna Young or Pam Szmon. |
| Society of St. Luke | |
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This ministry serves those who are unable to attend Mass, whether they be in hospital, nursing homes, or in their own homes. Each minister serves on average once a month and the time commitment is approximately 2 hours. This is a very fruitful ministry; bringing the Holy Eucharist to these individuals helps them to maintain their sense of community. For more information on the Society of St. Luke organization please contact Pam Szmon | |
| OutReach OutReach provides ecumenical religious services to senior citizens homes and to the hospital. In addition to accompanying residents and patients to the chapel, assisting with music ministry is also much appreciated. Services at Dinsdale Home, Rideau Park Home, Assiniboine Centre, and Brandon Correctional Centre vary from weekly to 6 times a year, depending on location. For more information on the OurReach organization please contact Barbara Hamm | |
| Liturgy Committee The Liturgy Committee helps to plan and co-ordinate all ministries related to our Masses. Its goal is to plan liturgy which encourages full, conscious and active participation by the entire congregation. Several ministries are represented on the committee. New members are welcome, whether they represent liturgical ministries or are simply interested parishioners. For more information on the Liturgy Committee please contact Fr. Dominic | |
| Altar Servers Altar servers lead processions and assist the priest in the celebration of the Eucharist. Catholic children aged 8-18 are invited to share their gift of time in this ministry. Their sense of responsibility and dedication in assisting the priest is greatly appreciated by the parish. Training is provided. For more information on the Altar Servers ministry please contact Scott Hayward Click here to visit the Altar Servers Resource website | |
| Environment Committee This ministry focuses on enhancing the beauty of God’s house and, several months of the year, on maintaining the gardens. If anyone has a genuine interest in contributing to the beauty of the Church and grounds, this is a ministry to become involved with. Any amount of time you can offer will be most appreciated. For more information on the Environment Committee ministry please contact Lucinda Carels | |
| Floral Working in conjunction with the Environment Committee, this ministry is dedicated to keeping fresh flowers and/or plants in the Church. Especially throughout the gardening season, many parishioners contribute cut flowers from their yards to be arranged and placed on the altars. Why not include some mixed annuals in your planting scheme each spring? The entire congregation will enjoy seeing the fruits of your labours decorating the Church! For more information on the Floral ministry please contact Lucinda Carels | |
| Intercessory Prayers The weekly Intercessory Prayers are prepared by our parish secretary. Any special prayer requests that need to be added are approved by our pastor. For more information on the Intercessory Prayers ministry please contact Pam Szmon | |
| Lectors The Liturgy of the Word is an integral part of our Mass. Lectors have an opportunity to share God’s Word with the assembled faithful. A lector is a person of good faith, who is eager to enhance the liturgy by inspired proclamation of the readings. A talent for reading aloud, with a clear voice, is desirable. Training sessions and educational workshops are offered on an annual basis. For more information on the Lectors ministry please contact Carol MacKenzie | |
| Liturgy Coordinators The role of the Liturgy Coordinator is to help plan and co-ordinate all ministries related to the celebration of the Eucharist. Anyone possessing an understanding of all the elements of the Mass, as well as strong organizational skills, is invited to assist and participate in this ministry. For more information on the Liturgy Coordinators ministry please contact Pam Szmon | |
| Eucharistic Ministers | |
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Extraordinary ministers assist the priest in distribution of Holy Communion. They may also be commissioned and trained for “Pastoral Care of the Sick”, taking Communion to the ill or homebound in order that they may receive communion on a regular basis. As a Eucharistic minister, it is a special privilege to offer the Body and Blood of our Lord to fellow parishioners. For more information on the Eucharistic Ministers ministry please contact Angela Cross Click here to visit the Eucharistic Ministers Resource website | |
| Offertory Collection Team Collectors count and record the gifts of the people collected each Sunday and deposit the funds into the parish bank account. Members are scheduled on a weekly rotation. For more information on the Offertory Collection Team ministry please contact Vic Hercun | |
| Children's Liturgy This ministry introduces children, at an early age, to prayer and Catholic beliefs. Children’s liturgy takes place every Sunday at the 10:30 a.m. Mass. The children gather in the Parish Centre during the homily to reflect on the readings, at their level. It would be ideal to offer children’s liturgy at all Sunday Masses. Parents with young children are encouraged to experience this ministry, with their children. For more information on the Children's Liturgy ministry please contact Pam Stacy | |
| Greeters Greeters are the “official” welcome team of the parish community. They provide a warm and inviting welcome as people arrive at church for Mass. Ministers of greeting will be asked to serve once a month at the Mass of their choice. For more information on the Greeters ministry please contact Rosemarie Bidinosti | |
| Sacristans Sacristans are individuals charged with the responsibility of ensuring good repair and cleanliness of the Sacred Vessels, candles and linens used in the Celebration of the Mass. For more information on the Sacristans ministry please contact Eileen Suski | |
| Saturday 7:30 PM Music Ministry | |
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We are called to sing out and praise the Lord! Singing at Mass is another way of praying. The Saturday evening choir is looking for singers and musicians who can lead and inspire the congregation. The group usually practices for approximately two hours a week. The time and place of practice is flexible. For more information on the Saturday 7:30 PM Music ministry please contact Laura Bohrn |
| Sunday 9:00 AM Music Ministry The 9:00 AM Choir’s mission is to enhance the worship experience. Anyone with a love of singing, ability to play piano, organ or guitar are encouraged to join. For more information on the Sunday 9:00 AM Music ministry please contact Louise Lamont | |
| Sunday 10:30 AM Music Ministry Among the many signs and symbols used by the Church to celebrate its faith, music is of great importance. Music helps in leading the congregation in song; singing is like praying twice! Anyone who likes to sing is most welcome to join in this ministry. Practices are held every Thursday evening at 7:30 PM in the choir loft of the church. For more information on the Sunday 10:30 AM Music ministry please contact Rosaria Quaidoo | |
| Sunday 12:30 PM Music Ministry | |
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The 12:30 pm band leads the congregation into full and active participation
in the liturgy, through contemporary Christian music at the Family Mass. If you
are a gifted musician or vocalist, enjoy contemporary Christian music, and feel
called to minister to youth, then this ministry is for you! The band rehearses
one evening per week and begins setup at 11:30 am for Sunday Mass. For more information on the Sunday 12:30 Music ministry please contact Mo and Heather Karrouze |
| Sound Operator | |
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In this ministry, individuals are responsible for operating the sound system during Masses, weddings, concerts, etc. If you have the "ear for music" we could use you! For more information on the Sound Operator ministry please contact Jason Cross |
| Ministers of Hospitality Hospitality Ministry helps to build community by bringing people together in a social setting after special events such as Easter Vigil, Confirmation and First Communion. Assistance is required in preparing food, serving coffee, tea and juices as well as for clean up. For more information on the Ministers of Hospitality ministry please contact Carolyn Gurr | |
| Fall Supper The Fall Supper is an event that serves to bring the community together in fellowship, as well as to raise funds toward projects in the Parish. A committee undertakes the planning and organization for the event, but it is truly wonderful to see the many volunteers that offer their time and donations of food or service to make this event a success. For more information on the Fall Supper ministry please contact the Knights of Columbus | |
| New Parishioner Welcoming Newcomers to St. Augustine’s Parish are welcomed by the Hospitality Committee. Once a month, a committee member contacts the Church office for a list of new parishioners and pick s up gift bags to be distributed. Visits are arranged with the newcomers ; two committee members (pair or couple) welcome them to the parish. For more information on the New Parishioner Welcoming ministry please contact John or Jennifer Houlihan | |
| Stewardship Team Stewardship is not new in our parish. The Stewardship Team recognizes this and is charged with celebrating this reality. T he role of the Stewardship Team is to educate the faithful in the stewardship way of life. Its primary focus is to foster an environment of gratitude , to provide opportunities to share our many blessings , and to heighten the awareness and formation of stewardship in our everyday, ordinary lives. Stewardship is an expression of discipleship, with the power to change how we understand and live ou r lives. Come and join our team! We promise it will enrich your faith journey! We meet once a month from September to June. For more information on the Stewardship Team ministry please contact Dan Potvin | |
| Catholic School Board The Catholic School Board works, in conjunction with the Principal of St. Augustine School and the Brandon School Division, to ensure that the religious education needs of our students are met. While we are not a private school, we do foster a Catholic school environment that is unique in the division. All those who have a genuine interest in and concern for the education of our children are encouraged to serve. For more information on the Catholic School Board please contact Betty Howell or Fr. Dominic | |
| Pastoral Council The Parish Pastoral Council is a group of lay people and religious who work with the pastor to develop and nurture pastoral action in the ministries of teaching, shepherding, worship and prayer. It considers the needs of the faithful and seeks, within the Christian community, the means to adequately respond to these needs. It is an advisory body, focusing on the church’s mission, not on the maintenance of its facilities or organizations. The Parish Pastoral Council works by consensus building and offers its insight and wisdom to the pastor. Members are elected or appointed by the pastor and serve for three years, renewable once. Eight to twelve members meet monthly, September through June. For more information on the Pastoral council please contact Garry Gillis or Fr. Dominic | |
| Deanery Pastoral Council Deanery Council exists to facilitate communication between the parishes and the archdiocesan councils. Ideal candidates are highly involved in their parishes and can ensure parish concerns are expressed at the deanery council level. Archdiocesan items are communicated back at the parish level. There are four deanery meetings a year, typically held on Saturdays in Al’s Hall. For more information on the Deanery Pastoral council please contact Fr. Dominic | |
| Finance Council This committee oversees financial matters of St. Augustine’s Parish with the pastor. Their main responsibility is to budget and to advise on income and expenses. For more information on the Finance council please contact Fr. Dominic | |
| Building Maintenance Parishioners with a desire to see the parish facilities repaired and maintained are welcomed to assist with this ministry. Having a network of contractor relationships and knowledge of construction is desirable. This ministry ensures that the needed repairs are completed. For more information on the Buiding Maintenance ministry please contact Fr. Dominic | |