Message from Pastoral Council
Our Lady of the Assumption Parish is a vibrant community, but we recognize there is an ongoing need to communicate and reach out to current and potential parishioners.
It is our hope that this information sheet will be a first step in keeping Parish members abreast of the Parish’s organizational structure and various committees and groups that serve and contribute to Parish life.
We encourage everyone to consider sharing your talents to support our objective of fostering a feeling of belonging and engagement where parishioners of all ages play an active role in joyful liturgical celebrations and serving our community. If you have any questions or would like more information on ways to become involved, do not hesitate to contact us, or the Parish leaders listed below.
God bless,
Joe McCabe, Chair
[email protected]
An Overview
In February 2010, Our Lady of the Assumption became part of the Holy Family Pastoral Unit with St. Joachim’s, Vernon River.
The Unit is served by Rev. James Willick. The Unit also employs Office Manager Elaine Fraser full-time while Custodian Karen Trainor and Catechism Coordinator Cathy LeClair are employed by the Parish on a part-time basis.
The formation of both a Property and Finance Committee and Pastoral Council for a parish is outlined in Canon Law (the system of laws and legal principles for the Church). Both committees are consultative and advisory in nature to the Pastor. Members are recruited to serve on these committees in June.
A number of other committees and groups that serve the Parish are outlined below.
Pastoral Council
Contacts:
Joe McCabe, Chair, [email protected]
The Parish Pastoral Council is a consultative body that works with the Pastor regarding all matters pertaining to the pastoral life of the parish. In addition to the chair, members include Cathy LeClair, Sean McQuaid, Paul Power, Ajay Mathew Punnapadam, Michael Spidel and Martha St. Pierre.
Property and Finance Committee
Contacts:
Terry Hogan, Co-Chair, [email protected]
Kevin Walsh, Co-Chair, [email protected]
The Property and Finance Committee is a consultative body of lay people established to advise the Pastor in matters pertaining to the financial affairs of the parish. Besides the co-chairs, members include Gloria Crockett, Charlene Duffy, Joe McCabe and Dominique O’Connell.
Liturgy Committee
Contact:
Carol Fitzpatrick, Chair, [email protected]
The primary role of the liturgy committee is to focus on the full range of the parish’s liturgical life and to ensure that celebrations are planned in such a way that they lead to a conscious, active and full participation of the faithful. Members include Carol Fitzpatrick, Allan Keoughan and Kathleen MacDonald.
Our Lady of the Assumption Parish is blessed with a number of individuals and groups who volunteer to provide music at our liturgical celebrations that is in harmony with the ministry of God’s word. Our Music Ministry team includes Donna MacDonald, Norman LeClair, Leo Gallant, Allan Keoughan, Pat Steele & Clare Waddell, Bernadette Roche & Kathleen MacDonald. If you have musical talents, you are invited to share them!
Altar Server Program
Contact:
Cathy LeClair, [email protected]
Serving at the Altar is a privileged way to draw closer to Jesus. It is a significant role in the celebration of the mass and helps young people learn the importance of both commitment and of service to others. The Parish has recently revitalized its Altar Server Program and invites students in grades 3 or higher and their families to participate in this ministry.
Outreach Committee
Contact:
Our Lady of the Assumption Parish Office
(902) 569-4769
The Outreach Committee discreetly supports those members in the community who need assistance for their basic needs: heating fuel, groceries, etc. Committee members include Al Berberich, Jane Berberich, Kathleen MacDonald, Barb McInnis, Barb MacDougall, Mary MacLean, Joe Rogers, and Claire Rogers.
Social & Community Building Committee
Contact:
Shelley Heron, Chair, [email protected]
This sub-committee of the Pastoral Council exists to enhance the social and community aspect of our parish and foster opportunities for parishioners to get to know one another. The committee’s focus is to host socials and family fun events, and maintain the outdoor sign messages, welcome kits and poster board. The committee is currently seeking new members. Committee members include James Aylward, Teresa Hennebery, Shelley Heron, Tara Judson, Donna MacDonald, Mary MacIntyre, Nicole Phillips and Debi Richard.
Catholic Women’s League
Contact:
Joyce Whalen, President, [email protected]
The Catholic Women’s League of Canada is a national organization rooted in gospel values calling its members to holiness through service to the people of God. The League’s objective is to unite Catholic women of Canada through social justice, Christian education, and religious freedom initiatives. Assumption CWL supports the Parish and its members in a variety of ways.
Knights of Columbus
Contact:
Richard Allen, [email protected]
The Knights of Columbus is the world’s largest Catholic fraternal service organization that engages in charity, both local and global in scope. Our Assumption Council #6899 participates in many activities that support Our Lady of the Assumption Parish and the community of Stratford.
And still more!
There are a number of other groups and individuals that do great work to serve and contribute to the Parish and broader community. Our Lady of the Assumption Parish thanks all those who participate in the liturgical ministries; the 3-4-5-year-old program; the Prayer Shawl Ministry; the Stratford and Area Food Drive; the Club 200 Draw as ticket sellers; and serve as catechists and other volunteers.