Fr. Bob preaching on the Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. Fr. Miro listens intently.

We Are Many Parts, we are all one body, and the gifts we have we are given to share. May the Spirit of love make us one indeed; one, the love that we share, one, our hope in despair, one, the cross that we bear.

God of all, we look to you, we would be your servants true, let us be your love to all the world.
~ Marty Haugen & 1 Corinthians 12,13 - from his hymn
 

Liturgical Ministry

Parishioners are called in a variety of ways to be lay ministers within the liturgy. Some are called to be:

  1. Ministers of the Eucharist, distributing communion at mass and Companion Servers who take communion to the sick and shut-in.

  2. Some are Ministers of the Word (lectors) and proclaim the Scriptures to the community at mass.

  3. Some are called to be Ministers of Hospitality (ushers) and greet people at the door and make them feel welcome.

  4. Some enrich our liturgies as Ministers of Music.

  5. Still others serve as Altar Servers.

  6. Some prepare the Liturgy of the Word for Children.

  7. And finally, there are those who share their creative gifts helping with Art and Environment.

 

On the page below you will find a list of the various ministries in our parish. If you feel you have a calling to serve in any of these capacities, please contact the ministry coordinator for that ministry.

Sign-up forms for many of the ministries are found in the mailboxes in the Stained Glass Room at the back of the church or you may sign up using the form below. It is recommended that parishioners who wish to serve in a liturgical ministry choose not more than one.
 


 
There is another ministry (non-liturgical) that plays an important role in our community. The Ministry of Consolation and Hope has their own web page here.
 
 

An Important message for ALL CATHOLICS

What is the Roman Missal? Why a new Translation?
When Catholics gather to celebrate the Eucharist, we pray together through fixed or standard prayers. These are contained in the Roman Missal. It is the large, red book that is brought to the priest when he stands at the chair. It is also placed on the altar during the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The Roman Missal contains the Order of Mass, or the way we celebrate Eucharist, with all its accompanying prayer texts and responses.


During the Jubilee Year 2000, Blessed John Paul II issued a 3rd Edition of the Roman Missal that was first issued by Pope Paul VI. Presented to the Church in Latin, it is being translated into many different languages for use around the world. The method employed for translating the Roman Missal has changed since the 1st and 2nd Editions were translated. In 2002, the Holy See requested that the translation mirror the original Latin text as closely as possible. As a result, many of the newly translated responses in the English language will be slightly different from the ones we know by heart. The English translation for use in Canada will be implemented on the First Sunday of Advent 2011. In September, we will begin to introduce these new translations. Further reflection on the parts of the Mass and the meaning of the texts will occur from January to June 2012. For more information, please go to: www.archtoronto.org/romanmissal.

  The American Bishops have created an easy to navigate website that illustrates all the changes that are to happen in the mass come the First Sunday of Advent, November 27, 2011. Click on the links below to be directed to particular pages or PDF documents.

 

 
 

I would like more information on, or would like to join the following ministry.

  Ministry:    E-mail:

  * Name:             * Phone:       * Required 

      Please enter any specific questions or additional information below:
                        

                                                    


 

   
 

Liturgy Committee

 

  The Parish Liturgy Committee is composed of the coordinators of all liturgical ministries in the parish as well as members of the pastoral team. It meets on a regular basis to reflect on the liturgical needs of the community. The committee also prepares training sessions for ministers and coordinates liturgical ministry.      top of page
   
 

   
 


 Music Ministry

  music ministry
“The one who sings, prays twice,” says St. Augustine. The aim of the music ministry at St. John’s is to lead the assembly in song.

Sally Haberer is the organist for the 5 PM Mass. Cantors for the 5 PM Mass rotate between most of the parish cantors.

The Sunday masses are led by David Jafelice and a number of cantors and other musicians.
 

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Parish Choir

 
The choir is that portion of the assembly that is trained and rehearsed for the primary task of leading the sung prayer and praise of the people. The choir is made up of volunteers from the parish. Choristers view their choir membership as stewardship of their talents and time.

We sing our hymns and mass parts in unison, in parts, and with descants. Now and then we learn anthems to be sung on their own. The choir rehearses weekly to gain a level of artistic excellence that can provide the whole assembly with a means to encounter God in its worship. We are all amateurs but we do the best we can for the glory of God and for the joy of singing.

St. John's Choir sings at the 10:00 AM mass on Sunday mornings. Rehearsals are held on Wednesday evenings in the Church from 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM and Sunday mornings at 9:30 AM. Closer to Christmas & Easter we rehearse till 9:30.

Anyone who can carry a tune and loves to sing can join the choir; ability to read music is not necessary. Please see David our choir director and organist after any Sunday mass or you may e-mail him here.

 

 


Music Group

L to R: Brian Jagger (guitar), Glen Faria (bass), Chris Alexander (alto sax), Julie Goncalves (cantor), David Jafelice (piano), Derek MacDiarmid (drums)

 
The 12 noon mass is led by a contemporary music ensemble and cantor. The band consists of guitar, bass guitar, drums, flute and piano. The music sung at this mass has a more contemporary flavour.

The band is looking for a flute player and someone who can play bass.  Other instruments are welcome as well such as oboe, recorder, and trumpet. Get the word out!

See David after mass if you are interested in trying out for the band. Come and be part of our "making a joyful noise".

Have a look at our poster. Click on the picture thumbnail.

 

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Cantors   Cantor: Irene IlicA cantor is a member of the worshiping community whose liturgical ministry is to lead the assembly in prayer, song, and response to the Word. The cantor proclaims the sung Word of God. The cantor primarily engages the assembly and invites them to sing praise.

Those over 18 years, who have a pleasant singing voice and have some musical background are invited to come forward to share their talents. Cantor training is provided. For more information please contact David Jafelice.
 
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Ministry of the Word (Lectors)   Ministers of the Word proclaim the Word of God to the parish family at Sunday and weekday liturgies. Anyone in Grade 8 or older who has a gift for proclaiming the Word is invited to join this ministry. Training and regular workshops are provided and ministers are commissioned and blessed each year.

A superb resource for lectors is: http://www.lectorprep.org/ It links you to the US lectionary but also gives excellent historical and background information for the readings.

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Liturgy of the Word
for Children

  Because we believe that the Word of God is a very real place of encounter with our God, we think it is imperative that everyone is able to hear it at their own level. Since young children are often not able to understand the words of Scripture as written in the regular lectionary, we offer a Liturgy of the Word for Children.

Following the entrance procession, children are invited to join one of our liturgists at the front of the church. They process to the gathering room where they pray and sing the introductory rites of the mass, listen to and reflect upon the Gospel at their own level and offer prayers of intercessions to God.

The children return to the assembly at the Preparation of the Gifts. Any children over the age of four years are welcome to attend. We aim to have a liturgy of the word for children at every mass providing there are ministers available.
 

 
Leaders   Erin Wrightsen leads the Liturgy of the Word for Children.Ministers of the Word for Children lead the children in prayer, song and reflection. Both preliminary and on-going training and support are provided for all who are called to this ministry.

Mary Antonio, co-ordinator.

 

(We also offer Sunday School classes for children in Public Schools - information HERE

 

Feb. 4, 2010 - Christine Way Skinner created a list of Internet Resources for Ministers of Children's Liturgy of the Word.
You can download this PDF resource from Christine's Web Picks Page HERE

 

March 18, 2010 - Religious Education and Children with Special Needs

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Eucharistic Ministry   Eucharistic Ministers are those who have a strong sense of Christ's presence in the gift of the Eucharist and in the church. They are called to assist the priests in the ministering of communion during the liturgy. Training and workshops are provided on a regular basis and ministers are commissioned and blessed each year.

Gluten-Free hosts
For those parishioners who are unable to receive communion due to a wheat allergy, gluten-free hosts are available in the parish. If you wish to receive a gluten-free host, please contact Fr. Bob.

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Ministry of Hospitality
(Ushers)
  Ministers of Hospitality ensure that our Christian community is a place of welcome and acceptance. Ministers are responsible for helping create an atmosphere of hospitality, looking out for the comfort and safety of the assembly, and taking up the offering. As part of our commitment to making St. John's a welcoming community, we offer coffee, juice and doughnuts in the Gathering Room after the 8:30 am mass on Sundays.

Currently, additional ministers are required at the 12:00 PM Mass Sundays. If you attend this mass and can give some of your time to this ministry please call the office or speak to Fr. Bob or Fr. Miro.

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Altar Service
(Acolytes)

 

  Altar Servers (also called acolytes) assist the presider at mass. Children over the age of seven are invited to become altar servers. A few weeks of training are provided a couple of times during the year to prepare children for this ministry.

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Art and Environment
Committee
  The art and environment committee ensures that the church and church grounds are beautiful and suitably decorated for liturgical seasons and feasts. This committee includes gardeners, florists, artists and decorators.      top of page
   
 

   
 
Companion Servers of
St. John Chrysostom
(Ministry of Visitations)
  The Companions are a lay pastoral visiting team which provides companionship and sacramental comfort to those who are ill in the hospital, in nursing homes and in private homes. Training and on-going support are provided for all involved in this ministry.

This ministry at St. John's was founded by Deacon Frank McLean as the Ministry of Visitations and Companion Servers. It covers all visits to Nursing Homes, Senior Retirement Residences, Hospitals and visits to Shut-ins in Private Homes - giving them spiritual care and Holy Communion.

Father Miro celebrates Mass and anoints each Catholic in each facility three times a year supported by Ministers of Visitations. Ministers hold Communion Services at each Nursing Home or Residence each month, some weekly. The Ministers of Visitations arrange and organize the Healing Mass held in St. John Chrysostom Church in May each year, where every Residence in Newmarket is asked to participate.

Each week Ministers of Visitations visit all Nursing Homes, bringing them Holy Communion and visiting with them. A team of 24 Ministers cover South Lake Regional Health Centre - 4 visit patients on Wednesdays, 4 on Fridays and 4 on Sundays - covering the Hospital - on a two week rotation. Visits to Shut-ins in Private Homes - at present 22 visits - with 13 Ministers of Visitations.

A Steering (or Core) Committee for the Ministry - Ken Burke, Frank Mellon, Joan Mellon, Catherine McLean, Sandra Plaus and Linda Shackleton. General Meetings held in January - Steering Committee Meetings, held 3 times a year.

Please call the office if you would like to join our visiting team.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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