In Service to Others, We are the Hands and Feet of Christ
O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life
Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi
Serving in Ministries: Parish Volunteer Opportunities
How Can I Serve? The Parish has a wide variety of volunteer opportunities and ministries that can benefit from the gifts that God has given you. Likewise, in sharing your talents, experience and friendship, in a team or individually, you will be drawn into a closer relationship with Jesus.
Check out any of the roles described below, in alphabetical order, that appeal to you. Then 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 it. The Pastor or someone from that Ministry will reach out to you promptly.
Altar Guild
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.
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. Altar Servers! Watch this helpful Altar Server Training video.
The Catholic Women’s League of Canada, Holy Name of Mary (St. Mary’s) Almonte CWL (on Facebook)
The Cemetery Team maintains three cemeteries that belong to Our Parish. The Holy Name of Mary (St. Mary’s) Cemetery at 5604 County Road 29, in Almonte offers burial plots for both casket as well as urn interment. A columbarium is available with inurnment niches for cremated remains. Our two other cemeteries in Clayton (Ramsay Concession 2B) and Ramsay Concession 12 are both closed for interment. All three cemeteries are lovingly looked after by volunteers and new team members are always welcome.
Children's Liturgy
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.
The Communications Team comprises a office@hnomalmonte.ca (webmaster), a Web Photographer and a Technology Specialist, all volunteers. The Communications Team is responsible for ensuring audio /video, website, blogging and technical support allow for seamless communications between and among parishioners and visitors. The Website of Holy Name of Mary is run on the WordPress content management system that was set up and designed in 2017 by a web design firm. Volunteers familiar with web design, blogging and technically advanced WordPress skills are always in demand to maintain our web presence at a contemporary level.
Eucharistic Ministers
Eucharistic Ministers, Lay Eucharistic Ministers or Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, are mandated and commissioned lay persons who assist the priest in administering the elements of Holy Communion – the consecrated bread and wine.
Extraordinary 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, your volunteer commitment is one or two Masses a month. A schedule, is posted to our Ministry Schedule page.
A Spring-Summer-Fall assignment, parish gardeners volunteer with seasonal planting, watering and weeding as needed. Our flower gardens are compact so the work is rarely onerous.
Our gardens are a mixture of perennials, like hostas, and annuals. In the Spring, teams ensure that planting is completed and beds are nicely mulched. In the Fall, volunteers deadhead and cut back as needed.
Watering is a pleasant summer task that keeps our plants looking as fresh as Creation! Teams of two are scheduled for a weekly rotation, usually once a month to water the Church and Rectory flower beds. A team may water every second day during their rotation, if rain is scarce. Watering is best done in the mornings before the summer heat arrives. When watering, teams will pluck out any weeds to keep the beds looking groomed. CLICK HERE FOR CURRENT SCHEDULE
Justice & Peace, Care of Creation
Through the CCCB’s Commission for Justice and Peace (CJP), this ministry 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.
A volunteer lead with deep convictions in this area would greatly enhance the Parish’s presence in J&P.
Lectors and Commentators are ordinary people who have the extraordinary privilege to proclaim the Word of God.
- 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. Click here for a current schedule, when made available.
The music ensembles at Holy Name of Mary Parish offer a joyous and spiritually uplifting experience! As St Augustine said, “the one who sings, prays twice”!
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. The choir generally participates in the Sunday mass and on special feasts and events.
Sunday Mass Choir practices: Usually on Mondays, at 10:00 am, in the choir loft.
Call, text or email Cathy Giles for further information, at Email. Phone or Text: 613-227-1002.
Listen to our Choir singing Emmanuel (Dec 2024):
Question: Is liturgical music fundamentally congregational? You might find this article interesting: The Role of the Choir in Catholic Liturgy
Saturday Mass: Music is provided by Paul Lattanzio
ProLife
Standing up for the dignity and sacredness of human life is a courageous work of charity and an important and visible part of our Catholic faith. Under the ProLife leader, volunteers may be asked to stand in silent vigil in public spaces.
Property management ensures the continuous maintenance (fence, furnace, security systems, fire, lighting, etc.) and monitoring of the Holy Name of Mary church building, rectory and outside property.
The Property Committee provides advice and recommendations to the Parish Administrator and the Finance Committee on any minor or major repairs, (either urgent or planned repairs) that require budget considerations.
It is the responsibility of the Committee to seek quotes from contractors on any major projects before project approval.
The Committee also ensures that all seasonal snow removal and lawn maintenance contracts are in place.
Catechists and volunteers work together with the Pastor to provide instrction to all those interested in joining the Catholic Church. Those who are not validly baptized in a Christian tradition enroll in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). For those who are already baptized or seeking a deeper understanding of their Catholic Faith, the Team provides adult faith formation on our history, sacraments and teachings. What is most 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.
A catechumen is new to baptism, while a candidate is already baptized but needs to complete the Catholic sacraments of initiation. Sometimes a candidate or catechumen doesn’t have a sponsor who can walk with them during and after their journey into full communion with the Catholic Faith. The Sponsor is a mature, practicing Catholic and member of the parish the Candidate or Catechumen attends. A roster of volunteer sponsors is established for those willing to step into this important role of accompaniment.
Sacramental Preparation (Children and Youth)
Baptismal 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. Read more here…
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. Read more here…
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. Read more here…
Sacristan
The Sacristan assists the altar servers and other liturgical ministers with directions or questions. Sacristans ensure that
- all liturgical positions are filled for the Mass,
- cleaning of the holy materials after Mass is done
- the holy containers for the water, body and blood are cleaned and stored respectfully in the sacristy.
Social Committee
SEE WELCOME MINISTRY
As our children continue to mature and develop into adolescence, it is important for them to also nurture their spiritual development as disciples of Christ. The Parish Youth Group seeks to provide a safe and positive environment in which high-school aged youth can grow and explore a better understanding of their gifts and how to share them with others.
The youth group meets several times a year and provides time for learning, prayer, sharing and fun. The youth group may also share their gifts and talents by organizing and participating in a Youth Mass, Fun Nights, Outreach to Seniors and mentorship for younger children. Click here to read about our “Project”!
Any parent who feels their child may benefit or contribute to this Ministry should contact the Youth Coordinator.
Ushers and Greeters cast the “first impressions” of our Parish to visitors and parishioners on Saturdays, Sundays. Our Welcome crew and individual volunteers help with special services and ultimately ensure respect for the atmosphere and dignity in our church. This is the core of our Welcome! 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 those who want one, and inform attendees that the Bulletin is available on our website.
The Welcome Team organizes the Coffee Socials and other gatherings of a social nature. Volunteer bakers and friendly faces are most welcome!
A schedule, for each month, except July and August, is posted to our Ministry Schedule page.
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 Archdiocese 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. Please reach out to our Parish Safe Environments Coordinator through the Parish Office.
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 Ministers” option role 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 needed.
Complete and Submit the Volunteer Sign Up form below
Welcome, Home, Family and Friends
Know that you are genuinely welcomed to Holy Name of Mary Parish. Bring a family member, a friend or just yourself. Come see.
Events & News, Around and About
We live in a hectic world of schedules, appointments, alerts and events…. Find reassuring and nurturing options here!
Youth: The Future of Church and Faith
You are now of high-school or university age… we invite you to come and make friends, be friends. Churchly-ness not a pre-requisite!
Issues with this page? Please email errors, omissions or changes to the Parish Council Chair.