SAINT FRANCIS XAVIER PARISH STONEY CREEK
GUIDE TO PARISH MINISTRIES & ORGANIZATIONS
There are so many ways to become involved in the
life and ministry of our vibrant parish community!
Pray that Our Lord may show you how best to let
your gifts and abilities serve others. And keep this
Guide as a reference for the future. Always feel most
welcome to contact those whose names and contact
information are indicated herein for the various
activities and ministries, to find out more or to offer
yourself in involvement and service.
Many (though not all) of these ministries will have
booths at the October 4th-5th Ministry Fair after every
Mass in the Parish Centre. There, too, you can obtain
information and exchange contact information,
as well as sign up immediately if you wish.
Adult Faith Formation Opportunities:
Workshops, study groups, retreat experiences, on a
variety of themes relative to our Catholic Faith.
Catholicism: A Journey to the Heart of Faith series
coming this year. New ideas always welcome for
what would be needed or useful. Help always
welcomed, too. Contact: Deacon John Girolami,
905-662-5750, [email protected]; or the
Rectory Office, 905-662-8593, [email protected].
Altar Servers (Adult): Adults serve our Weekday
Masses, morning and evening, as well as the Sunday
4:00 P.M. Mass, and all funerals. A generous service
to the Eucharist, and an opportunity to grow in
closeness to the Lord. There is always a special need
for more available men and women for serving our
many funerals in the parish. Training provided.
Contact: Rectory Office, 905-662-8593,[email protected].
New Evangelization Promotion Group: Responding to the call of recent Popes, our parish is striving to find ways to build the most welcoming community we can, to develop the spirit of outreach in a
people renewed in appreciation of their Catholic faith, and to draw back those who are distanced from the Church. Many ideas and strategies being developed. Contact: Anthony Salciccioli, 905-6436845, [email protected]; or Luisa Conti, 905-643-6837, [email protected].
Nursing Home Ministry: Some volunteers bring Holy Communion to the Catholic residents of The Clarion and Pine Villa Nursing Home communities on Sunday mornings after Mass. Other
volunteers help set up for the Masses held monthly in each Nursing Home on Thursday mornings, visit with the residents, and assist them during Mass. You can become involved in either or both of
these ministries. Contact: Rectory Office, 905-662-8593, [email protected].
Operation Christmas Child (Samaritan’s Purse): This simple hands-on project fills an empty shoe-box with gifts for a child in a developing or war-torn country. It is a global initiative with 7
donating nations, and more than 100 receiving. It bridges cultures, races and religions with a gift of unconditional love. Propelled by the spirit of the original Christmas Child, each Fall, Christians and
other humanitarians fill boxes with school supplies, hygiene items, toys, items of clothing, etc., to let a suffering child know they are valued and loved. The items are fun, but the message is eternal.
Some 10 million shoe boxes are collected and distributed, making it the world's largest children's Christmas charity. It can also be a vehicle for evangelization. Contact: Ann Paul, local Co-ordinator,
905-664-7941, [email protected].
SAINT FRANCIS XAVIER PARISH STONEY CREEK
GUIDE TO PARISH MINISTRIES & ORGANIZATIONS
Parish Council: A group of representative parishioners who meet monthly, together with the parish staff , to gather and share information about the needs of the parish community, and to develop and
help implement a shared vision for the parish’s pastoral growth and Christ-like outreach to others. Contact: Dan Lohin, Chair, 905-662-3629, [email protected].
People of Life Prayer Group: Meets every Monday at 5:00 P.M. in the church, to pray the Rosary and to reflect on Church teachings promoting the right to life of all human beings, especially the
unborn, the disabled, the terminally ill. Contact: Leo Murray, Co-ordinator, 905-662-4530, [email protected].
Prayer Intentions Network: A ministry of quiet prayer for people’s needs. Prayer intentions are taken from the boxes at the church entrances, from calls to the Rectory Office, or from requests to the
Group Leader, and distributed through E-Mail or by telephone to Prayer Network members, who pray on their own time for the various needs. Members are thoroughly dedicated to the power of
intercessory prayer to work miracles in the lives of God’s people. Contact: Carol Pin, Group Leader, 905-643-3532, [email protected].
Public School Religious Education: Children who do not attend Catholic schools, or are in need of catch-up instruction for the sacraments, are assisted (through correspondence courses and occasional
meetings) to learn our faith and prepare to celebrate the sacraments. Contact: Eva Cheshire, Co-ordinator, 905-481-0960, [email protected].
Retreats and Pilgrimages: Many opportunities are available every year for travel to shrines and other places of pilgrimage, here and abroad. The ladies named here can help you keep aware of what sort
of pilgrimage might assist your devotion and spiritual growth. Contact: Louise Kunkel at the Rectory Office (905-662-8593, [email protected]), or Adele Granata (905-643-7562).
Retrouvaille: A movement for helping hurting married couples to rediscover joy in their marriages, and be strengthened and supported as they overcome obstacles to happy married life. Includes a
retreat weekend and follow-up activity. Contact: Larry and Joyce Webb, 905-662-2018, [email protected], or Alex and Marianne Grguric, 905-664-5212, [email protected].
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults: RCIA is a process for working with adults who want to become Catholics, preparing them for initiation into the Church through Baptism, Confirmation, Penance,
and the Eucharist. Weekly gatherings. A parish team collaborates with the candidates’ sponsors (some of whom are parish-appointed) to instruct and guide those who are journeying. Contact: Rectory
Office, 905-662-8593, [email protected].
Sacristans (Altar Society): These generous volunteers open the church each weekday morning, prepare the sanctuary for Mass, tidy the church, take care of flowers in the church and candles in the vigil
light shrines, and are responsible for the cleaning of vessels, all altar cloths, vestments, and altar servers’ robes. Contact: Gloria Huot, 905-662-7259, [email protected]; or Carol Luscombe, 905-6621266.
Saint Michael the Archangel Festival: An annual three-day Mission and celebration hosted by our parish at the beginning of May, honouring Saint Michael and providing an opportunity for those of
Italian heritage to celebrate common bonds of faith and culture. Contact: Michael Bozzo, President, [email protected], or c/o 905-662-3607.
Saint Vincent de Paul Society: A Christ-centred community whose goal is to always see the face of Christ in the poor in our midst. Provides food and other support to local needy households, together
with other kinds of charitable work aimed at relieving the suffering of the poor. Contact: Dan Lohin, President, 905-662-3629, [email protected].
Saturday Morning Basketball: Fall/Winter, in Saint Francis Xavier School Gym. A program to help youngsters develop skills and good sportsmanship. Also providing leadership training to teens who
work with the younger children. Contact: Matthew Burgio, Co-ordinator, 905-979-8951, [email protected].
Ushers (Ministers of Hospitality): These are the men (women are welcome, too!) who greet parishioners at the doors, help them be seated, take up the collections, distribute parish bulletins, answer
people’s questions, and assist in numerous other ways to make Weekend Masses go smoothly. Open to those of High-School age and to adults. Contact: Gino Innocente, 905-664-6234; or Ed Chalupka,
905-643-8664, [email protected].
Youth Ministry: Providing many ways in which our young people can experience themselves as part of the parish by having fun and making friends, growing in love for God, and discovering the joy of
serving others. Meeting nights, sleepovers, summer camps, retreats, outings, and other special events. Students are invited to join Explosion (Grades 3 -5), Outlet (Grades 6 - 7), or Digging Deeper
(Grades 8 - 12). Volunteers (from Grade 8 - adults) needed to assist with the many activities. Contact: Wes Moga, Parish Youth Minister, 905-662-8593, [email protected].
Altar Servers (Youth): Open to boys and girls in Grade 4 and above, who learn how to assist at Sunday Mass, weddings, and other celebrations, and so develop their closeness to Christ the Priest.
Advertising, and training new servers, takes place every Fall. Contact: Rectory Office, 905-662-8593, [email protected] .
Baptism Ceremony Hospitality: Teams of volunteers, working in pairs, set up everything for Sunday afternoon Baptism ceremonies, welcome parents and guests, and assist the priest or deacon who is
celebrating the Baptism. Contact: Gloria Huot, 905-662-7259, [email protected]; or Barbara McMurray, 905-662-7430.
SAINT FRANCIS XAVIER PARISH STONEY CREEK
GUIDE TO PARISH MINISTRIES & ORGANIZATIONS
Baptism Preparation Ministry: A small group makes monthly presentations to parents who are preparing for the Baptism of their children, to instruct on Christian Baptism and get ready for the
ceremony. Contact: Barbara McMurray, Co-ordinator, 905-662-7430.
Card Club: Every Friday evening from September to June, a wonderful social gathering of good friends, for cards, refreshments, and great conversation. Periodic bus trips for shopping or casino also
organized. Contact: Josie Merolli, Co-ordinator, 905-643-2970, [email protected] .
Catholic Women’s League: A parish Chapter of the largest organization of women in Canada. The CWL has a long history of helping its members grow as dedicated and spiritual Catholic women, to
be involved in many activities for parish growth, and to be aware of issues from a distinctively Catholic perspective, such as the promotion of life, dignity of the person, healthy family values, and
outreach to the needy. Open to all ladies who are at least 16. Contact: Carla Mercuri, President, 905-664-5806, [email protected].
“Chalice”: A Canadian Catholic organization providing opportunities to sponsor poor children in the developing world. Contact: Mark and Kim Castellani, 905-662-3183, [email protected].
Children’s Liturgy of the Word: A program for kindergarten and primary-school children during the first part of Sunday Mass (10:00 A.M. and 11:30 A.M.), in which they hear God’s word and
discuss and respond to it at a level of their own understanding. Volunteers serve as catechists and lectors. Contact: Wes Moga, Co-ordinator, 905-662-8593, [email protected].
Choirs (Music Ministry for Weekend Masses and Funerals): A different choir for each Weekend Mass, always looking for new members for singing and even for playing instruments. Enthusiasm
and love for the Eucharist are more important than having any prior musical training. Practices are held as necessary to learn music and prepare for Masses.
❧Saturday, 5:30 P.M. Men’s Choir: Contact: Colin MacInnis, 905-945-8446.
❧Sunday, 8:30 A.M. Children’s Choir (open to boys and girls in Grades 3-8): Contact: Sharon Balardo, 905-643-6963, 905-741-5161.
❧Sunday, 10:00 A.M. Women’s Choir: Contact: Sharon Balardo, 905-643-6963, 905-741-5161.
❧Sunday, 11:30 A.M. Contemporary Mixed Choir: Contact: Tony Gosgnach, 905-578-4711, [email protected].
❧Sunday, 4:00 P.M., new Youth Choir in formation: Contact: Wes Moga, 905-662-8593, [email protected].
❧Funeral Choir (men and women both welcome), called upon to provide music for our many funerals in the parish. Contact: Juanita Turner, 905-662-2997.
Commentators: At Weekend Masses, the one who introduces Mass, announces hymns, reads the petitions, and makes the announcements. Open to those of High-School age and older. Contact: Rob
Lenjosek, Co-ordinator, 905-664-7810, [email protected].
Development and Peace: A group working to increase awareness of the issues and needs of the developing world as reflected upon through the social teachings of the Church. Promotes action on behalf
of the world’s poor, works to encourage the Share Lent collection. Also helps youth develop their passion for change in the world. Contact: Co-ordinators Tony Cuschieri (905-662-6689,
[email protected]) and Carmen Condo (905-643-8035, [email protected] or [email protected]).
Divine Mercy Apostolate: Promoting the devotion and teachings concerning the Divine Mercy of Our Lord, as revealed to Saint Faustina Kowalska. Activities include: recitation of the Divine Mercy
chaplet every weekday morning after Mass, visiting in nursing homes to pray with residents, pilgrimages to the Divine Mercy Shrine in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Contact: Dodi or Carmen Macabuag,
905-664-2309; or Marisa Antonello, 289-396-2700, [email protected].
Eucharistic Ministers: At Weekend (and Weekday) Masses, those who assist in the distribution of Holy Communion. Some of our ministers also bring Holy Communion to those in the Nursing Homes
(see below), and/or become involved in visiting and bringing the Eucharist to those who are sick and confined to their homes or even the hospital. Open to parishioners who are in Grade 11 and older.
Diocesan training is given every Fall. Contact (for Weekend Mass ministry): Sharon Gouthreau, Co-ordinator, 905-664-7507, [email protected]. Contact: (for Eucharistic ministry to the sick and
confined): Rectory Office, 905-662-8593, [email protected].
Family Life and Social Life Activities Committee: Organizes a variety of activities designed to promote family togetherness and to provide fun and community-building social opportunities for the
whole parish: movie nights, trips, suppers, treats, parish picnic, winter carnival, and much more. Always in need of new ideas and extra hands to help. Contact: Luisa Conti, Co-ordinator, 905-643-6837,
[email protected].
Finance Council: An appointed group of parishioners who assist the Pastor in overseeing the financial health of the parish, making prudent decisions on fundraising and expenditures, and ensuring the
orderly execution of needed work on the parish facilities. Contact: Anthony Salciccioli, Chair, 905-643-6845, [email protected].
Funeral Luncheon Hospitality: Volunteers assist at luncheons held in our Parish Centre after funerals, greeting guests, helping serve the meal, and offering any additional comfort they can. Contact:
Barbara McMurray, Co-ordinator, 905-662-7430.
SAINT FRANCIS XAVIER PARISH STONEY CREEK
GUIDE TO PARISH MINISTRIES & ORGANIZATIONS
Giftbearers and Greeters: Couples, families, and individuals needed to present the gifts of bread and wine at Weekend Masses, and/or to welcome and speak to worshippers upon their arrival and
departure at church. Schedules are prepared, so that the ministries can be organized properly. Contact: Leorita Staresina, Co-ordinator, 905-643-6991, [email protected].
Good Shepherd Centres Volunteering: Many opportunities to volunteer in assisting the poor and disadvantaged at Good Shepherd, especially with the meal programmes. Contact: Roger or Gloria
Huot, 905-662-7259, [email protected].
Knights of Columbus: Both a regular Council and a 4th Degree Assembly of the largest organization of Catholic men in the world. A fraternal organization whose members are dedicated to life in
Christ, spiritual growth, charitable outreach, and extensive activity to support parish and community, while also supporting each other in many ways. Knights promote life, the Church, youth, vocations,
care for the poor, much more. The HarmonKnights are a travelling singing troupe, bringing joy to many audiences, especially in nursing homes. K of C membership open to men 18 years +. Contact:
Tony DeSantis, Grand Knight, 905-664-7909, [email protected].
Lectors: At Weekend (and Weekday) Masses, the ones who proclaim God’s Word in the readings of the day, having prayerfully prepared. Open to parishioners who are in Grade 8 or older. Diocesan
training is given every Fall. Contact: Maria Taormina, Co-ordinator, 905-662-5495, [email protected].
Library: Just off the narthex of the church. A very fine selection of books on several themes of God, Jesus Christ, Church, Saints, Prayer and Spiritual Growth, etc. Contact: Leo Murray, 905-662-4530,
[email protected]; Leorita Staresina, 905-643-6991, [email protected]; or Carol Pin, 905-643-3532, [email protected].
Marriage Preparation Course Ministry: Two teams of couples offer Marriage Preparation courses during the year, to assist engaged couples to prepare well for Christian Marriage. Course materials
provided through the Diocesan Family Ministry Office; the Team couples divide up the presentations among them. Contact (for Autumn Tuesday Evenings Team): Franco and Cheryl Cavallaro, Lead
Couple, 905-643-2598, [email protected]. Contact (for Winter Weekend Team): Henry and Rose Wegiel, Lead Couple, 905-643-9671, [email protected] .
Men’s Home-Based Bible Study and Prayer Group: A group of men, always open to interested others, who join once a week in a member’s home to read and discuss Scripture and other spiritual
writings. Primary focus is to help each other apply God’s principles in everyday life, in areas like personal integrity, marriage, parenting, employment; also to share these gifts with others. Informal and
relaxed atmosphere for developing a stronger relationship with God and supportive friendships. Contact: Andrew Guagliano, Host, 905-643-2727, [email protected].