Ministry Read More

If you are interested in serving on any of these ministries,

please contact the Pastor at (306) 764-4942

Parish Council     

Diocesan Website        www.padiocese.ca/diocesan-pastoral-council

A Pastoral Council is to be established in each parish of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Prince Albert. In this council, which is presided over by the Parish priest/administrator, Christ’s faithful together with those who by virtue of their office are engaged in Pastoral care in the Parish, give their help in fostering Pastoral action.

The Parish Pastoral Council has a two-fold role.  One, to bring the concerns of the parishioners to the forefront, and use that opportunity to build community.  Two, to have a consultative role in advising the pastor in operation the parish.  They do not seek to replace but rather to assist and guide the Pastor/administrator in fostering the Pastoral care of the Parish.

Even though the membership may overlap, the Parish Pastoral Council will operate in cooperation with but independently of the Parish Financial Council.

Finance Council  

Diocesan Website           www.padiocese.ca/finances

The Pastor of the Parish is the sole person responsible and must answer to the Bishop for the good administration of the Parish of which he has been given charge. To assist him in this task as an administrator, the Code of Canon Law, Canon 537 directs that: “Each parish is to have a finance council which is regulated by universal law as well as by the norms issued by the Diocesan Bishop; in this council the Christian faithful, selected according to the same norms, aid the Pastor in the administration of parish goods.”

While the Parish Council is consultative in nature, with the duty to search and make known to the Pastor, the Pastoral needs of the Parish, the Parish Finance Council will have a deliberative voice in certain areas. This means that the Pastor must consult with their Finance Council on important matters and cannot proceed without the Finance Council’s approval.

While the members of the Pastoral Council are elected by their peers, it is important that the Parish Finance Council be selected, at least in majority, by the Pastor whom they are to assist with the administration of the Parish.

Minor Maintenance around Parish 

Under the direction of the Pastor, the Building and Maintenance Committee oversees the maintenance and repair of the Parish buildings and grounds. They ensure that the Church building and its surroundings remain in good repair and are a safe environment for the Parish staff, parishioners and those that visit the Parish.

Collection Counting                

Under the direction of the Collection Counter Coordinator, the Collection Counters assists with the timely and accurate counting of weekly and special collections for the Parish. The team must consist of at least two people. Confidentiality and discretion is imperative to the safety and security of the collection counters, staff, parishioners and the Parish.

Fundraising                              

Although the major of the funds for parish operations come from Sunday envelopes, few parishes can rely solely on that income.  Through a variety of fundraising means, those involved with fundraising contribute in building up St. Joseph Parish.

Liturgical Ministries     

Diocesan Website         www.padiocese.ca/liturgy-commission

Ministers of the Word/Readers          

The General Instruction for the Roman Missal (GIRM) states: “When the scriptures are read in the Church, God himself speaks to his people, and Christ, present in his word, proclaims the Gospel. Therefore, the readings from the Word of God are to be listened to reverently by everyone, for they are an element of the greatest importance in the liturgy” (#29). The reader’s ministry is truly awesome; he or she makes God present in the liturgy of the word through the living proclamation of the Scriptures just as the priest makes Christ present in the liturgy of the Eucharist.  

Ministers of Communion           

The Catholic belief about the Eucharist is at the center of our faith. The New Testament tells us that Jesus gathered his disciples on the night before he died and shared a meal with them. He took, blessed, broke, and gave the bread, saying, “This is my body.” Sharing the cup, he said, “This is my blood.” All ate and drank, and Jesus commanded them, “Do this in memory of me.” For Catholics, the Mass is both meal and sacrifice. We sit at table with Jesus and dine with him at his Last Supper. We also join the priest in offering this sacrifice to the praise and glory of God. We call the celebration Eucharist, meaning “thanksgiving,” or “Mass,” indicating that we are sent forth to announce the Good News of salvation… We greet the coming week confident because of our belief. Extraordinary Ministers of Communion (The priest is the Ordinary Minister of Communion) serve in the Eucharistic life of the community. 

Lay Leaders/Commentators             

“The commentator provides the faithful with a brief explanation of the day’s Gospels with the purpose of introducing them to the celebration and preparing them to understand it better. The commentator's remarks must be: 1) meticulously prepared, 2)clear and 3) brief. In performing this function the commentator stands in an appropriate place facing the faithful.” (GIRM, No. 105)

Greeters/Ushers            

“In the body of Christ there exists a wonderful variety of ministries, which are especially evident when we gather around the altar to worship God. By virtue of our baptism in Christ some of us are called to serve as ministers of the liturgical assembly: Ushers provide welcome and dignified order to the celebration…” (Book of Blessings, #1858). They greet worshipers at the door. They help people find a place. They take up the collection. But these are not merely tasks on a checklist. They are ministries and they require a minister’s heart.”         

Music Ministry               

Music ministers are members of the assembly. Their role is to support and enhance the song of the assembly. It is the assembly that is the primary music maker. Pastoral musicians allow the assembly to find its voice and take the role proper to it. Choirs should avoid any semblance of performing for the assembly. Choir leaders / song leaders should give direction to the assembly as well as the choir. (“Praise God in Song! From the Diocese of Prince George)

Children’s Liturgy

The Liturgy of the Word with children is not a “Sunday School” or a “Junior Liturgy” or a “babysitting service”. As the name spells out, we gather with children to celebrate the Liturgy of the Word, the first part of the Mass. Children’s Liturgy does not babysit while parents may peacefully pray. This is a Liturgy. They follow the same liturgy as the grownups do but in children’s language and with their active participation. It is about worship and celebration of the Word of God. All learning here takes place through the liturgical prayer and worship.

Décor                              

“Welcome to one of the hidden ministries of the Church! Equipped with humility, open hearts and minds, ladders and fish line, fabrics and flowers, you will do your work when the church is empty.” (‘Guide for Ministers of Liturgical Environment’ by Storms & Turner) “A Church building is never merely functional; it points beyond itself to convey something about God. Building, art and furnishings function symbolically when they share the quality of “transparency,” revealing the Creator behind the created object.” (‘Our Place of Worship’ published by the CCCB) But you want your efforts to please God, not to draw undue attention to anyone else.” “The preparation of a space for worship requires advance planning. When people walk into a decorated space, they are taken aback by the beauty of it in a single instant. But that instant took many hours of preparation.

Sacristan (Altar Society)         

“Sacristans’ prepare everything in a timely way for the variety of ministers and for the members of the assembly who will worship together at this service.” If Eucharist is going to be celebrated, somebody has to prepare it.” Sacristans prepare: the books, the vestments, the vessels, the bread, and the wine.” “All the activity with vessels, vestments, books, bread and wine takes place inside a building we call a church because the people who gather there are the Church. “Usually the sacristan’s work is done before the liturgy begins.”

Community Life

There is just as much community built around the Altar Table as there is around the Supper table.  This committee helps to promote a welcoming, receptive and active social environment in the Parish by planning and implementing various social events, celebrations and activities occurring at the Parish. Team members assist with the planning and organization of these events.

Youth Ministry    

Diocesan Website           www.padiocese.ca/youth

Youth Ministry aims to develop leadership skills, to foster community, to cultivate a stronger sense of justice, to build self-confidence and to promote spiritual maturity among the youth.  The St. Joseph Youth Ministry Team is responsible for the implementation of specific events on the diocesan, deanery and parish level.  They work with the youth at events by leading sessions, activities and/or coordinating others to do so.

Youth Group

Youth ministry, also commonly referred to as youth group, consists of students in sixth grade though twelfth grade often with adult leaders.  The mission of youth ministry is to involve and engage young people to learn more about what it means to be a disciple of Christ.  It does so by providing young people activities with, or without, an overtly religious agenda.

Youth Choir

St. Joseph is blessed to have an active member of the parish who is committed to developing the musical talents of the next generation.  They practice on a weekly basis, and take their turn in leading the singing at weekend celebrations.

Altar Servers                  

Altar Servers assist the members of the liturgical assembly by presenting or arranging vessels and other items used in the celebrations. Their reverent and efficient service enables other ministers to attend to their own roles while the liturgical actions unfold with calm, order and appropriate decorum. As members of the assembly who are often visible to all, the Altar Servers also model good liturgical participation.

Adult Faith Education 

Diocesan Website www.padiocese.ca/evangelization-and-catechesis

Those involved with Adult Faith Education are tasked with passing on the faith to whoever is interested; whether it is in a: prayer group, video presentation, bible study, an organized problem or an ad hoc program.  The goal is to help individuals reclaim or renew a personal passion to pray, and grow closer to Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. 

Bible Study

Under the direction of Deacon Paul Joy, this group meets with others to discuss the upcoming scriptures and therefore come a greater understanding of the Bible, an awareness of God’s living presence in Sacred Scripture, and an appreciation of how the Bible can be applied to daily life. 

Learning Lunch

Fr. Jim meets with a group of parishioners over the Wednesday noon hour.  The aim is to build community and learn about our faith.  People bring their own lunch watch a 20-30 minute video and discuss how it pertains to their life.

Parish Movie Nights

Hollywood is often blamed for the destruction of societal morals.  However, there are a number of good movies that give a good message.  We strive to watch these movies and discuss how the message in the movie is applicable in our lives.  Come and join us.  Watch the bulletin for dates and times. 

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)                          

The RCIA is the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.  It exists to help those who are older to become initiated into the Roman Catholic Church.  Catechesis comes from the Greek. It means "to echo or re-sound the word." In this sense, a "catechist" is one who echoes or re-sounds the word of God. As a person of faith, a catechist is one who believes, though not necessarily an expert in bible studies, doctrine, spirituality, or theology.  The catechist is able to make the connection between faith and life, between doctrine and life, between theology and life, and can speak about those connections. This is especially important in the RCIA process, as people are just having the flame of faith fanned in their hearts.  Team members accompany the candidates on the journey as they seek initiation and move toward the full communion with the Body of Christ at the Easter Vigil.

Pastoral Care  

Diocesan website            www.padiocese.ca/pastoral-care

Ministering to those who are not able to attend Parish Activities is an important ministry.  The volunteer minister’s tasks are as numerous as there are needs.  This ministry includes, but by no means is limited to: 1) Visiting the homebound, 2) Bringing communion to the sick, 3) Praying with those in need, 4) Reminding lonely parishioners that the Parish cares about them, 5) Providing transportation, 6) and may engage the whole family.  Confidentiality is a vital matter in this ministry and the minister will run into all sorts of situations.  Not to mention keeping records of all visits (including dates and times).  The Pastoral Care Visitor makes regularly scheduled visits to assigned housebound parishioners. Pastoral Care Visitors are commissioned Extraordinary Ministers of Communion who have participated in the Pastoral Care Visitor’s Training Program and are mandated by their Pastor.

Visiting the Sick, Shut-ins, and Seniors homes

Ministering to the Sick is an important ministry.  Often, those who are homebound may feel that God has forgotten about them.  This is simply not true, God has never forgotten about them, and St, Joseph Parish has not forgotten about them.  By bringing communion to these individuals, and praying with them, their faith is often restored. 

Prayer Shawl                 

Shawls … made for centuries universal and embracing, symbolic of an inclusive, unconditionally loving, God. They wrap, enfold, comfort, cover, give solace, mother, hug, shelter and beautify.  Those who have received these shawls have been uplifted and affirmed, as if given wings to fly above their troubles… (“Janet Severi Bristow, Co-Founder of the national Prayer Shawl Ministry

Mission”)  The mission of the Prayer Shawl Ministry is to provide hope, comfort, and healing.  It is a unique way of reaching out to the community in a very tactile way. A prayer shawl can be seen as a symbolic “hug” from God, as they are a reminder of God’s love.  The power of the prayer shawl is in its physical properties and source of warmth, as it helps the user remember God’s love and warmth.

Social Justice

         Diocesan Website  www.padiocese.ca/social-justice

“You will always have the poor with you.” (Mt 26:11)  This does not negate our mission to alleviate the suffering of the poor.  Team members are guided by their mission, “To live the Gospel message by serving Christ in the poor with love, respect, justice and joy.”  The following ministries are only some of the ways that our faith is put into social action: Food banks, Christmas kettles and hampers, Development and Peace, Soup Kitchens, Habitat for Humanity, the homeless.  The task of the Social Justice ministry is not just alleviating Physically Suffering, but also to alleviate Spiritual suffering.

Development and Peace

Development and Peace is the official International Development Organization of the Catholic Church in Canada and the Canadian member of Caritas Internationalis. Development and Peace is a membership led organization supported by parish collections, individual donations and government grants, principally from the Canadian International Development Agency. The Development and Peace Chairperson carries out the wishes of the organization through their Diocesan and Parish contacts.  Team members organize activities which both promote and raise funds for Development and Peace.

Soup kitchen                            

Feeding the hungry is one of the Corporal Works of Mercy.  There are many people in this world who go without food.  When so much of our food goes to waste, it becomes a social sin.  Every one of us needs to consider how good stewardship practices of your own food habits can benefit others who do not have those same resources.  About twice a year St. Joseph Parish participates in a local soup kitchen program.  Team members work at the soup kitchen and work to alleviate food shortages in our world.

Responsible Ministry

Diocesan Website           www.padiocese.ca/responsible-ministry

The Responsible Ministry Protocol is a protection plan for working with children, youth, and vulnerable adults. The Protocol provides a guideline of responsible ministry practices so that the abuse of children, youth and vulnerable adults is prevented, that children, youth and vulnerable adults in our midst are protected; that clergy, employees and Volunteers receive adequate training in these procedures; that all incidents of abuse, neglect and harm are reported to the appropriate authorities; and that clergy, employees and Volunteers are protected against false allegations of wrongdoing.  The Responsible Ministry Advisory Team (RMAT) is a group of persons appointed by the Bishop, who is responsible for ensuring that the Responsible Ministry Protocol is implemented and maintained within the Diocese.

Vocations

         Diocesan Website           www.padiocese.ca/vocations-commission

The biggest obstacle in this ministry is trying to get parishioners to understand that Vocations is everyone’s concern.  A Vocations Team is a collaborative body which works with Pastor and the Diocesan Vocations Director regarding matters pertaining to the vocations outreach throughout the Parish and Diocese. The Diocesan Vocation Commission consists of priests and lay people who together offer various forms of vocations awareness and discernment on the parish, deanery and diocesan level. The Parish Vocations Team’s activities may be an extension of the Diocesan Vocations Commission.

Knights of Columbus

         Provincial Website         www.kofcsask.com

Founded on the principles of charity, unity and fraternity, the Knights of Columbus were established in 1882 by Fr. Michael J. McGivney in New Haven Connecticut.  They were formed to render financial aid to members and their families. Mutual aid and assistance are offered to sick, disabled and needy members and their families. The social and intellectual fellowship is promoted among members and their families through educational, charitable, religious, social welfare, war relief, and public relief works.  On a parish level they are very visible in the liturgical ministries, repair work, pancake breakfasts, fundraising, youth ministry…the list go on and on.  We are very fortunate to have an active council in our parish.