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Some realize the Self
within them through the practice of meditation, some by the path of wisdom, and
others by selfless service. Others may not know these paths; but hearing and
following the instructions of an illumined teacher, they too go beyond death.
~ Bhagavad-Gita
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Our
Life of Service
Whenever we feed the hungry and give drink to the
thirsty, we feed and give drink to Christ himself. Thus, the church must take
seriously the call to care for all who are needy. The people of St. John’s
parish are committed to ensuring that we take care not only of people’s
spiritual needs but also their physical, social and emotional needs.
To this end, we have a
Parish Social Ministry
Programme coordinated by Jean Lashley. This is a joint programme shared between
the parishes of St. John Chrysostom, St. Elizabeth Seton and Holy Martyrs of
Japan.
Jean and her many volunteers organize such things as service to the poor
and needy, advocacy, directing people to service agencies, and bereavement
support among other things. The organizations below are directed by or share in
the mission of parish social ministry.
For the Parish Social Ministry page
please click the page link on the right.
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Quick links to these
organizations below:
Catholic Women's League
Community Bread
El
Sembrador
Knights of Columbus
Ministry of
Consolation & Hope
Society of St.
Vincent de Paul
Giving and Sharing
main web page
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I would like
more information on, or would like to join the following organization.
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Catholic Women's League
The Catholic Women’s League is a group
of Catholic women rooted in gospel values and in service to God and God’s
people. The CWL has been active at St. John’s since 1925, serving both the
parish of St. John’s and the town of Newmarket. They sponsor speakers and
various events, provide service to the community, hold retreats, and provide
companionship for women of all ages.
Each year, the CWL donates children's
religious books to the school libraries. The annual CWL Christmas Bazaar, held
each November, is one of the parish's most popular events.
Meetings are held on
the second Tuesday of the month at 8 pm (after the 7:30 pm mass) in the parish
centre. |
CWL National
Office Website |
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Community Bread
Parishioners from St. John Chrysostom and St.
Elizabeth Seton parishes provide a free weekly hot meal on Monday evenings from
5:30 - 6:30 pm at St. John’s parish centre for anyone in the community who needs
it.
Our guests are folks from all walks of life. Our
service to these people helps us understand there really ought to be no
divisions between human beings and helps us to break down the walls built
through ignorance and prejudice. Volunteers prepare and serve the food.
Donations of food kitchen supplies and financial donations are always needed and
appreciated.
You can visit the community bread web site at
for more information. Click the link on the right. |
top of page |
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El Sembrador
Ministry to Migrant Workers
El Sembrador is a team of Catholic Social
Ministry volunteers from the parishes of St. John Chrysostom, Holy Martyrs of
Japan and St. Elizabeth Seton. This team organizes activities for the 700 or so
Mexican seasonal workers of
the Holland Marsh, Bradford and Keswick areas.
The goal of El Sembrador is to create ties of
friendship with the workers during their stay in Canada, provide social support
and deliver a spiritual message. To address their isolation, caused by the long
hours they work and their lack of transportation and English skills, we have
started a program of farm visits, transportation assistance to the weekly
Spanish masses at Holy Martyrs of Japan Parish, organization of social events at
Holy Martyrs of Japan, and assistance with translation and intercultural
interpretation.
The El
Sembrador ministry has their own page on this website. Visit it by clicking the link
on the right. |
main web page
top of page |
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Knights of Columbus
The Knights of Columbus are a Catholic fraternal organization. They have been
called "the right hand of the Catholic Church", and our Supreme Knight is in
direct communication with the Holy See as well as the cardinals, bishops and
priests. Knights strive to uphold the values of charity, unity, fraternity and
patriotism. They assist the parish and community in many ways. They support
organizations such as
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the Arthritis and Rheumatism Society
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the St. Vincent De
Paul Society
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the Catholic Woman's League
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Newmarket Hospice
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Southlake Regional
Health Centre
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the Salvation Army
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Out of the Cold programmes
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Minor Sports
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Guides and Scouts among others.
They attempt to offer to Catholic men, the
opportunity to serve the Lord Jesus in an organized effort.
Meetings are held on
the first and third Tuesdays of the month in the Knights of Columbus Room on
the ground floor of the parish centre. |
Knights of
Columbus
National Office Website |
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Ministry of
Consolation and Hope
In response to the call of the Beatitudes, and
recognizing our common grief, the Ministry of Consolation and Hope acts on
behalf of St. John’s Parish to journey with and offer hope to those who are
coping with bereavement.
The members of the Ministry of Consolation and Hope include individuals who have
received training and formation in order to journey with people who are
experiencing grief.
They can provide support on behalf of the parish as we experience the emotions
of grief and express our grief through mourning.
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main web page
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Society of St. Vincent de Paul
The St. Vincent de Paul Society, Newmarket
Conference, is part of a worldwide organization to help the poor. Members meet
with families or individuals in need and provide assistance to them to the best
of their ability. Periodically the Society sends a truck and provides
parishioners with a place to donate gently used clothing and household goods. At
Christmas, the St. Vincent de Paul Society holds major food and gift drives.
These provide opportunities for the gracious generosity of the whole community.
Regular member's meetings are held the second Monday of each month at 7 pm. New members are always welcome. Those who need assistance,
food vouchers or information can call (905) 898-4137 ext. 500.
The St. John's Society of St. Vincent de Paul
has their own page on this website. Visit it by clicking on the link.
If you are in need assistance please click here. |
St. Vincent de Paul
Ontario Office Website
St. Vincent
de Paul
National Office Website
main St. John's web page
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Giving and
Sharing
There are various ways in which the community of St. John's gives assistance to
those in need. Food is collected at the back of the church on the first Sunday of
each month to be given to those in need. Food is collected on Holy Thursday as
well. In addition there is a major food drive at
Thanksgiving and Christmas. The latter is sponsored by the St. Vincent de Paul
Society.
Periodically, parishioners
also donate non-food items (such as toiletries) to support those living in
transitional and supportive housing in York Region.
During Advent, a Giving
Tree is set up to facilitate the donation of Christmas gifts (and necessities)
to the needy members of the Newmarket community. |
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