St. Padre Pio Church
St. Padre Pio Church
About St. Pio
Features of St. Padre Pio Church
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Church Bulletins

LITURGICAL

Altar Servers are chosen from boys and girls in Grade 4 and up. A training program is provided to teach them about the sanctuary, the sacred vessels and the ceremonies. They are taught to serve as Acolytes, Cross-Bearer, Thurifer and Master of Ceremonies.
Ministers of Communion do not volunteer for this ministry but are appointed by the Pastor to assist with the giving of Holy Communion at the parish Masses. They should be strong examples of Christian living both on the sanctuary and off.
Lectors proclaim the Word of God to the parish community at the Sunday Masses. Usually two lectors serve at one Mass and are on a rotational basis. As a result of their ministry, they should be examples of Christian living in faith and conduct in their personal lives.
Ushers are ministers of Hospitality who greet people at Mass, provide seating assistance, select families to carry the offertory gifts, attend to the weekly collection, direct communion recipients, and distribute the parish bulletin at the end of Mass.
The Banner Ministry carries liturgical banners in procession for special celebrations, particularly at Christmas and Easter.
The Setting-Up Ministry helps to set up the chairs for the weekend Masses on Saturday afternoons at 4:00 p.m. Another group helps to put away the chairs, altar etc. after the 12 noon Mass on Sunday.
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LITURGICAL MUSIC
The Children's Choir sings at the 5:00 p.m. Mass each Saturday. Parental support is necessary to maintain a successful choir. Any children who would like to be part of this choir are invited to join. Any adults who would like to assist with the choir are also welcome.

The 10:30 Choir assists at the 10:30 a.m. Mass each Sunday using contemporary music. Singers are needed. Practices are held on Thursday evenings.

The 12:00 Choir sings at the 12:00 noon Mass each Sunday, accompanied by the organ. Traditional and contemporary music are part of the repertoire. Practices are held on Thursday evenings.

Liturgical Dance - This ministry expresses their love for God through movement and gesture. They normally perform at the Sunday Masses during the Christmas and Easter seasons and for special celebrations. All age groups are welcome to be part of this ministry.

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SPIRITUAL

The Prayer Group meets every Wednesday evening at 7:45 p.m. It is a charismatic fellowship, which comes together to pray and share, to learn and grow together. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are experienced as a normal part of Christian living. It is also a means of striving for spiritual growth and holiness in an open atmosphere of love and caring.

Apostolate of the Shrine - A pilgrim shrine of the Immaculate Heart of Mary makes the rounds of our homes. The shrine is brought to a home monthly and remains there for one day. During that time the family's prayer would centre around the shrine.

The Prayer Line is a ministry, which receives prayer requests by phone. A group of people then prays and intercedes for the petition whether it is problems at home, sickness or anything else. People are needed to be part of this ministry of prayer and be willing to receive prayer requests by phone.

The Sanctity of Life is a pro-life ministry, which prays for this important issue, and educates, informs and motivates the members of the parish to support such events as Life Chain and the March for Life.

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EDUCATIONAL

Bible Study Fr. Greg presents a Bible Study every Saturday morning from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. This is an in-depth study of the entire Bible, book by book, and is an excellent introduction for those who have never studied the Bible before. The Bible is studied from an historical, archaeological, literary, theological and spiritual viewpoint. In particular it makes the scripture applicable to our own lives.

Public and Private School Catechism is offered for children attending public and private schools and who need to receive preparation for the sacraments of First Communion and First Reconciliation. People willing to teach them are needed for this program. Classes last one hour each Saturday preceding the reception of the sacrament involved.

A Children's Liturgy Program is offered at all the Sunday Masses during the school year for children ages 4-9. The children experience the Liturgy of the Word at their own level of understanding and then return to their parents during the Preparation of the Gifts for the rest of the Mass. Adult volunteers help lead these sessions as well as to supervise. Books and material for each Sunday's lesson are provided. Volunteers work on a rotational basis.

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.) is a ministry of evangelization. It prepares non-baptized candidates for baptism by acquainting them with the Word of God, making them familiar with the laws and practices of the Church and introducing them into the community of the faithful. A similar service is rendered to people already baptized in one of the Protestant churches who wish to become Catholic, and to Catholics who would like to deepen their knowledge and practice of their faith. The candidates meet with the catechists and sponsors from September to May. Candidates, sponsors and catechists are required for this ministry.

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COMMUNITY
The Youth Group empowers young people to become disciples of Jesus Christ who witness to their faith by living, working for justice, peace and human dignity. Youth of the parish ages 12-19 meet every Friday night at St. Andrew's School gym for various activities: Sports, Praise & Worship, Pizza & Movie night and Games. Youth will also participate in Parish events. It's a great place to make good friends.

The Young Adults Group is made up of people from 18-35 years of age who come together for the purpose of getting closer to God through sharing, teaching, ministry, prayer and music.

The Catholic Women's League is a nation-wide organization of Catholic women, 16 years of age and over, who come together to grow as a family, to develop spiritually, and to deal with common concerns in the local parish, the schools and wider community. The Convenorships allows them to reach out to all the different areas that affect our lives. The Convenorships are Organization, Christian Family Life, Community Life, Spiritual Development, Education, Resolutions and Legislation.

The Knights of Columbus is a Fraternal, Family oriented organization whose watchword is charity. Their volunteer work involves community activities such as Youth Programs, Summer Camps for children, Boy Scouts, sponsorship of minor hockey and baseball teams etc. They are also involved in the church with membership in various parish ministries and organizations, the care of the needy and less fortunate through feeding and clothing of the poor and donating to food banks; and also the care of the handicapped and aged.

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SERVICE TO THE SICK

Pastoral Visitors visit and comfort the sick of our parish that are in hospital, in a nursing home, or at home. They also bring Holy Communion to the sick and pray with them as needed. They offer support for the dying and also for the bereaved family. They may also be called upon to assist with the giving of Holy Communion at Mass.

Prayer Teams are available after every Mass on Sunday. The teams are available to pray for particular intentions, whether it be physical, emotional, or spiritual healing, or healing of families, marriages or relationships. People are also needed to support the Prayer Teams through intercessory prayer before the Blessed Sacrament when the teams are praying with people after Mass.

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FINANCIAL

The Finance Council is appointed by the Pastor to oversee the finances of the Parish. They also oversee the raising of money for the future church.

The Fund-Raising Committee has been established to help raise funds for the future church. Volunteers are needed to help with individual events and a capital campaign.

The Building Committee has the responsibility of overseeing the design and construction of the future church.

Money Counters are appointed by the Pastor and are responsible for the counting and depositing of all the collections.

The Gift Ministry, which operates mainly out of the Rectory, provides religious and seasonal gifts for sale.

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St. Padre Pio Church