This committee meets regularly throughout the year planning for various celebrations and liturgical seasons in addition to addressing all the needs at our liturgical celebrations. This committee works together to make our prayer experiences true encounters of faith and hope with Christ.

Visiting those who are housebound or have gone through an illness, loss or just needing someone to connect with is vital to the outreach ministry of the parish. Ministers of Compassion are trained ministers who visit and support our parishioners in need on a regular basis. Regular meetings, information sessions and workshops are included in this ministry.

Going through the loss of a loved one is very difficult. The parish community, as the body of Christ, is called to support one another. The Bereavement Support Team assists in the planning of funeral celebrations, leads prayer vigils at the funeral home and follows up with the bereaved following the celebrations of life. Quarterly meetings, workshops and training sessions help support this ministry.

There are many in our parish community who cannot attend Sunday Mass on a regular basis. Every Sunday or when possible, Outreach Eucharistic Ministers visit and bring the Blessed Sacrament to those who are unable to leave their homes. Through this ministry, those who are housebound stay connected with their parish family.

This ministry of prayer, sacrament and presence involves visiting the long term care and retirement homes in the parish boundaries – McCormick Home, Ashwood Manor and Westmount Gardens/Longworth. There are many roles within this ministry that include visiting and praying with the residents, bringing Holy Communion, assisting in the preparation for the monthly Masses, and at different times gathering together to pray the Rosary.

The power of prayer is mighty and it is the role of this group to pray for the sick, housebound, the parish community and those who need God’s extra strength. This is done in the comfort of each person’s home. Prayer intentions are distributed amongst the members when needed, through a monthly list, the bulletin (monthly general intentions), a phone chain, and email lists. Sign up for the email list here.

Consider this ministry the Catholic parish “welcome wagon”. When parishioners join the community or experience milestones in their lives this team will be there to connect with them in service, support and friendship. A phone call, visit and making connections with parishioners are key in this ministry. Meetings and training will occur as needed.

This group works very hard to assist those in our local community who are in any kind of need. They gather food items for the St. Joseph Hospitality Centre and donations for the St. Vincent de Paul Society. This group also coordinates the annual Christmas Project that includes a Giving Tree, food hamper and gifts for families in need.

The purpose of this group is to enhance the consciousness of parishioners regarding issues of justice and to encourage meaningful involvement in social action. This group discerns, plans and coordinates international and local outreach ministry in close association with the Parish Pastoral Council, Parish Finance Committee, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Knights and the CWL.

This ministry gathers together various times in the year (usually in 4 consecutive weekly meetings) all those who have ever lost a loved one and are seeking a time to pray, support one another and to seek God’s grace in a casual and relaxed way. The gatherings involve scripture and multimedia reflections in addition to quiet time.

This annual parish picnic/festival takes place in August at East Park. The day includes free games for the children in addition to discounted rates at all the activities that East Park offers including the water park, go-carts, mini-golf, golf, batting cages and the driving range. The Knights and the CWL host a free BBQ. What a great way to end the summer season!

Every month we gather at the Byron Legion in Byron for an evening of discussion, fellowship, and a few beverages! Each month explores a new interesting topic with guest speakers and FREE appetizers! Sign up for our mailing list here.

This group meets on the 1^st Wednesday of the month at 1 pm in the parish hall for an afternoon of cards and fellowship. The cost is $2 per person and there are lots of prizes, a 50/50 draw, coffee, tea and goodies. Bring a friend and enjoy a great afternoon!

Do you love road trips ? Do you like to see world class plays and shows ? Do you like great food ? The parish organizes a number of day trips to plays in Stratford, Toronto, Drayton, Grand Bend, Petrolia and other communities in addition to St. Jacob’s Market and even a Blue Jays game. Travel in a first class coach bus, enjoy a great meal and leave the rest of the details to the parish staff. Trips are listed in the bulletin and online.

Once a month from September until May the Knights host a monthly parish breakfast following the 9 and 11 am Masses. The food is great and the free will offering goes to a different charity or ministry each month. Great friends, great food and great causes !! The Knights along with the CWL and other groups help host a St. Patrick’s Day social and other special dinners to be together as a parish family.

This group is the main leadership body for the parish community. The Pastoral Council discerns, discusses and plans the pastoral needs for the entire parish. Members are chosen through a discernment process and every year the council seeks new members.

This parish leadership group has the responsibility of maintaining and monitoring the budget and finances of the whole parish community. In addition, the committee is responsible for personnel and building and maintenance issues. Members are appointed by the pastor.

Do you have a background in building design, maintenance and function? This subcommittee of the Finance Committee monitors, plans and advises the parish leadership on the buildings and property owned by the parish. This committee meets twice a year.

This group inspired and rooted in the life and ministry of St. Vincent de Paul are called to serve those in most need. This society helps those in need with food, clothing, furniture, appliances and anything else needed to live life more fully. In our parish the SVDP also supports the St. Joseph Hospitality Centre, Byron Cares, after dinner program at the Southdale Community Chaplaincy and Ronald McDonald House.

The CWL is a national organization rooted in gospel values calling its members to holiness through service to the people of God. They support, parish, local, national and international initiatives while also gathering socially as sisters in Christ. There are monthly meetings in addition to various social, fundraising and awareness events. General meetings take place monthly from September to June.

The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic organization of gentlemen committed to the exemplification of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism. This group supports the parish community with special events, fundraisers and social activities to build up the gift of the parish family. In addition, the Knights support a number of local and international charitable organizations. The Knights also gather as friends socially to support one another in the pilgrimage of faith.

From September to June the parish employs trained and certified high school youth to run our KIDZONE during the 9 and 11 am Masses. This ministry helps young ones from infants to 3 years old enjoy games and toys in a safe environment while allowing parents to attend Mass and spend time in worship. Parents can register children at the weekend Masses.

This faith-centred program for children in junior kindergarten to grade 2 is offered at the 9:00 am. and 11:00 am Sunday Masses. The children learn about the liturgy of the day, pray, sing and make a simple craft related to the Gospel reading. Adult and high school leaders are needed and are scheduled regularly. Materials and training are provided for volunteers.

Every month the parish hosts a “Family Movie Night.” This free event gathers families together for a great and recently released movie. The night includes popcorn, cookies and juice while enjoying the movie on a large screen. An amazing Friday night for all!

Every year the parish hosts a summer camp for children from kindergarten to grade 6. The week long day camp invites campers to learn about God and the Church in a fun and entertaining way. Volunteers of all ages are needed to make this a fantastic experience for all.

Every year members of the National Evangelization Team come to lead a retreat for our grade 7/8 students from St. Nicholas, St. Theresa and St. George Schools. The NET team focuses on a number of different faith topics. They use songs, skits, witness talks and small group discussion to invite the youth to grow deeper in their faith.

This small faith sharing group is focused on high school youth who gather each Wednesday throughout the school year to reflect and share about the Catholic faith guided by adult volunteers with amazing videos and other resources. Great friends and food. Come out and connect the faith to your life !!

With all the activities that take place in the parish, the office is very busy. Volunteers are needed on a regular basis to assist the parish office and staff with reception duty (answering phone calls, welcoming visitors), photocopying, filing, bulletin folding, and special projects. If you have time during the day and love working in a fun office setting then this ministry could be for you.

The parish newsletter is an important tool and vehicle to share the lives and ministry of people in the parish community. Reporters, photographers and computer savvy individuals are required. The newsletter is published at Christmas and Easter.

Do you have audio/video/photography & computer skills? Your gifts can be shared in support of our parish online presence covering various events and editing videos to be placed on the website. This team will assist the parish staff in communicating in the virtual parish presence on the internet. Homilies, interviews and podcasts will be offered as a means of evangelization.

Our collection counters work Sunday mornings from 10 am until around noon counting the collection and sorting envelopes. It’s helpful if volunteers have a background in banking or accounting, are good at working on a team and maintaining confidentiality.

Our garden team keeps our flowers and planters looking beautiful throughout the year. If you have a green thumb or just like to be outdoors, your help is most welcome. This ministry truly makes our parish building beautiful and welcoming.

We have a wonderful library located in the narthex, tucked in behind the Welcome Desk. All parishioners are welcome to borrow books, donate books or volunteer on the Stacks Squad. Members receive, review and categorize new library books and work towards keeping the library organized.

Do you love to host celebrations and have good organizational skills? Please consider being part of this team that organizes receptions and parish functions through the year to celebrate and to build community. Meetings will take place when required.

If you have skills and gifts to share with various committees on an “as needed” basis, consider adding your name to this open-ended category. There is often a need for additional computer skills, decorative abilities, or extra “willing hands” to complete a committee’s work or project. Meetings and events will take place when needed.