Holy Name of Mary Parish has many ministry and service opportunities for you to participate in and share your talents. Volunteer roles are listed below. When you click the tab a brief description of the role or ministry is shown in the box below. If that’s the role you want, simply click the link to our Volunteer Signup Form where you will find a drop-down menu of our ministries. Select the one you want, complete the form and submit. The Pastor or someone from that Ministry will reach out to you promptly.
Altar Servers carry the cross and candles at Mass and help the priest at the altar: hold the book for the priest when he is not at the altar; carry the incense and censer and present the bread and wine along with the water to the priest during the preparation of the gifts or assist him when he receives the gifts from the people. Servers must have their First Communion for this ministry. A schedule, when available, is posted to our Ministry Schedule page.
TO SELECT THIS VOLUNTEER ROLE, CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE VOLUNTEER SIGNUP FORM
This ministry seeks to help the children of our Parish grow in their faith and love of God through activities which teach them the message of the Sunday Gospel. Children’s Liturgy is normally held in the Vestry during Sunday mass in the school year.
TO SELECT THIS VOLUNTEER ROLE, CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE VOLUNTEER SIGNUP FORM
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (Eucharistic Ministers) assist in the distribution of Holy Communion when there are not enough priests or deacons present to fulfill this ministry at Mass. Depending on the Sunday Mass you attend, commitment is one or two Masses a month. A schedule, when available, is posted to our Ministry Schedule page.
TO SELECT THIS VOLUNTEER ROLE, CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE VOLUNTEER SIGNUP FORM
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 Communion Preparation: Following Baptism, our children become ready to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion on their journey of initiation into the Church. This process of formation includes teaching sessions and praying for the candidates.
Confirmation Preparation: The final Sacrament of Initiation is Confirmation. Our Parish prepares all the candidates for this Sacrament by offering instruction sessions. Parish volunteers for Confirmation preparation assist by facilitating instruction sessions, as well as by praying for the candidates.
TO SELECT THIS VOLUNTEER ROLE, CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE VOLUNTEER SIGNUP FORM
Lectors assist the congregation in reflecting on the Word of God by proclaiming the First Reading, the Responsorial Psalm and/or the Second Reading. The Responsorial Psalm is read except at the Sunday Mass.
Commentators provide the congregation with the weekly announcements and introduce the Mass. They also read the Prayers of the Faithful.
The normal commitment for lectors and commentators is one or two Masses a month, depending on the service. The Lector proclaims the first and second readings at mass. A schedule, when available, is posted to our Ministry Schedule page.
TO SELECT THIS VOLUNTEER ROLE, CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE VOLUNTEER SIGNUP FORM
This role casts the “first impressions” of our Parish to visitors and parishioners on Saturdays and Sundays. Works individually, when available, to help with special services as needed. A schedule, when available, is posted to our Ministry Schedule page. Respecting the atmosphere and dignity in our church, hospitality volunteers:
- ensure the cleanliness and safety of the sanctuary and the gathering space before and after Mass.
- welcome church attendees as they arrive, especially people who appear to be unfamiliar with Holy Name of Mary church, its washrooms and fire exits
- help to seat visitors and parishioners, guide people with special needs to appropriate seating and discreetly direct latecomers to vacant pews.
- hand out the weekly bulletin.
TO SELECT THIS VOLUNTEER ROLE, CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE VOLUNTEER SIGNUP FORM
There’s no need to know how to read sheet music The only qualification is enthusiasm… the willingness to play or sing and enjoy the fellowship of other participants. The choir has a lot of fun and encourages lively engagement, among members and with the congregation. There are two ensembles, at present. the Saturday group and the Sunday choir. See our Music Ministry page for more information.
TO SELECT THIS VOLUNTEER ROLE, CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE VOLUNTEER SIGNUP FORM
As our children continue to grow and develop it is important for them to also continue to grow as disciples of Christ. A Youth Groups provides our young people with a safe and positive environment in which they can grow spiritually and develop a better understanding of their gifts and how to share them with others. The youth groups meet several times a year and provide time for learning, prayer, sharing and fun. The youth groups may also share their gifts and talents by organizing and participating in a Youth Mass. Click here to read about our “Project”!
TO SELECT THIS VOLUNTEER ROLE, CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE VOLUNTEER SIGNUP FORM
Volunteers are members of the Rite of Christian Initiation in Adulthood (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.
TO SELECT THIS VOLUNTEER ROLE, CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE VOLUNTEER SIGNUP FORM
Altar Guild members may be asked to take care of the altar linens and the other liturgical items such as the Eucharistic vessels, elements, vestments, candles, and small furnishings for the altar. Members also help with washing and ironing purificators and corporals, ironing Alb’s, chasubles, veils, palls, altar cloths and server robes.
TO SELECT THIS VOLUNTEER ROLE, CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE VOLUNTEER SIGNUP FORM
Assisting the altar servers and other liturgical ministers with directions or questions. Sacristans ensure that all liturgical positions are filled for the Mass. Cleaning the holy materials after Mass. The holy containers for the water, body and blood are cleaned and stored in the sacristy.
TO SELECT THIS VOLUNTEER ROLE, CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE VOLUNTEER SIGNUP FORM
Through the CCCB’s Commission for Justice and Peace (CJP), conveys the teachings of Scripture and of Catholic social doctrine in the Canadian context, to shed greater light on social issues and to provide instruction on how Catholics may respond to the challenges of our times. On occasion, the CCCB, through the CJP or its other bodies, also addresses the highest levels of leadership both in Canada and abroad, advocating directly for the redress of injustice, the relief of suffering, the advancement of peace and security, the protection of religious freedom and of other fundamental human rights. The Parish’s support of “Share Lent” is one visible local example of J&P in practice.
TO SELECT THIS VOLUNTEER ROLE, CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE VOLUNTEER SIGNUP FORM
Social committee members help with organizing Coffee Socials and other gatherings of a social nature. Bakers and friendly faces are most welcome!
TO SELECT THIS VOLUNTEER ROLE, CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE VOLUNTEER SIGNUP FORM
A Spring-Summer-Fall assignment, gardeners help with occasional plantings, and waterings, as needed.
TO SELECT THIS VOLUNTEER ROLE, CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE VOLUNTEER SIGNUP FORM
An important and visible part of our Catholic faith, standing up for the dignity and sacredness of human life is a courageous work of charity. Under the ProLife leader, volunteers may be asked to stand in silent vigil in public spaces.
TO SELECT THIS VOLUNTEER ROLE, CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE VOLUNTEER SIGNUP FORM
Many Other Opportunities Exist
There are many ways to serve the Lord and one another. If Liturgical, Sacramental or the other listed roles don’t capture your interest, perhaps the Lord is calling you to serve in these functions:
NOTE: If you are interested in assisting in any of the following areas, or want more information, please download, complete and email the Volunteer Application Form (Volunteer_Form.pdf) to the Parish Office . The Office will follow up with you and connect you to the Parish team lead.
Property Management
Care and Support (see below)
Care and Support
A Church is not inward looking. Before Jesus ascended into heaven he gave the disciples the great commission to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28.19). We are on a mission and this moves us out into the world, into our wider communities, to bring healing, mercy, and compassion so that all people may know and respond to God’s love. A magnificent way of expressing our love is by bringing the care and support of Parish services to those who may seem abandoned or living on the periphery.
Pastoral Care
If you know of someone housebound who wishes to receive Holy Communion on Sunday, please have them speak to their duty nurse, or call the Parish Office.
Our Pastoral Care Ministers provide Holy Communion on Sundays to housebound parishioners, patients at the AGH and Rosamond Wing, and residents living at Fairview Manor, Country Haven and Orchard View Retirement Residence. Pastoral Care Ministers bring comfort and encouragement, Christian fellowship and prayerful support. If you are interested in assisting with this ministry, please select the “Eucharistic Ministry” option tab above.
Anointing of the Sick
If you know of someone who is sick or in need of an anointing, contact the Parish Office.
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is offered anytime someone needs special support and strength when facing a health challenge. This may include receiving Anointing of the Sick before surgery, after an accident or when faced with a difficult diagnosis. Please contact the Parish Office to arrange an Anointing by the Pastor or substitute priest.
Funerals
If you are grieving the loss of a loved one, please let our Pastor know.
The death of a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences of life. The prayerful support and assistance of your Church family can be indispensable and we are here to help. A Funeral Liturgy can bring much peace and healing during this life changing time. Please contact the Parish Office and we will provide you will the assistance need.
Creating Safe Environments
The Archdiocese of Ottawa 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.