Guiding Our Younger Parishioners in Faith

Our children and youth ministries take a comprehensive approach to lead all our children and young people to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, integrating them into the life of the Parish Community and to a deeper understanding of their Catholic Faith. It all begins at the child’s Baptism as we seek to support and encourage parents, as the first teachers of their children in the ways of faith, in our mission of living the fullness of Christian life through the perfection of love.

To fulfill this mission we offer a variety of programs, resources and opportunities to support parents in the faith development of their children.

Children’s Liturgy

For children who have not yet received their First Communion, we offer Children’s Liturgy during our Sunday morning Masses. At this young age, children learn the stories of our salvation by reflecting on the Sunday Gospel and through activities which relate the Gospel message to their daily lives.

Altar Serving

Once children have received their First Communion, we encourage them to remain with the congregation during Sunday Mass to grow in the practices and devotions of our Catholic Faith. A great way to encourage children to learn more about our worship and prayer is by becoming an altar server.

Altar Servers carry the cross and candles at Mass and help the priest at the altar. Servers must have their First Communion for this ministry. Commitment is one or two Masses a month.

Confirmation

Children continue to grow as disciples and in grade 6 are eligible to complete their initiation into the Church by receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. Children who are eligible can enrol in the Parish Confirmation Program in September.

Program information and schedules are distributed to children at Holy Name of Mary Catholic School in early June and available here.

Youth Groups

As our children continue to grow and develop it is important for them to also continue to grow as disciples of Christ. Our Junior and Senior 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 prayer and sharing, learning and fun. The youth groups also share their gifts and talents with the Parish Community by providing a Youth Mass several times a year.

Interested?

If you are interested in getting involved in with one of these ministries, please contact the Parish Office to learn more and to register, or download the volunteer ministry application and return it to the Parish Office.