Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Parish has a number of extraordinary ministries which greatly assist the church and its parishioners. The Parish is always looking for volunteers to help in these ministries. Please contact the Parish Office or the ministry head listed on the Parish Directory (found in the pamphlet rack of the Church Foyer) if you can lend a hand in helping your Parish.
RESPONSIBLE MINISTRY continues in all parishes throughout the Ottawa Archdiocese since its implementation in September, 2003. The program was developed to ensure the protection and safety of all members of our church community – the vulnerable, volunteers, paid staff and members of the community at large. This initiative requires a screening process designed to create a safe environment for all. Parish ministries are assigned a risk level and the appropriate screening measures for that level are conducted. Volunteers are asked to fill out basic information forms and in ministries considered high risk reference checks and police record checks are mandatory. The decision to develop and implement such a policy is based on values that are of paramount importance to everyone who serves the needs of the people of God.
ADORATION AND BENEDICTION
The Blessed Sacrament is exposed from 6 to 7 pm before Tuesday Mass and from 8 to 9 am before Friday Mass in the church.
ALTAR SERVERS
Boys and girls in the Parish are invited to serve at any of the Masses. Altar servers range in age from Grade 2, after receiving their First Communion, through High School and University. This provides a wonderful opportunity to participate in the Liturgy, to serve the Lord, and to develop leadership skills. Training is provided.
View Schedule & Altar Server Duties
ADVERTISING
In September, current advertisers from our bulletin are contacted to see if they will renew their yearly advertising. New advertisers must be recruited as needed. Volunteers are especially needed.
BAPTISMAL PREPARATION
Those involved in this ministry assist parish families through the Sacrament of Baptism. This includes hosting a meeting to help guide new parents on the Sacrament of Baptism. The meeting consists of a video on Baptism, with an opportunity for the baptism preparation minister to answer questions and encourage parents to reflect on their own faith commitment. Baptism preparation ministers also assist once per month – the third Sunday of each month excluding July, August & December by setting up the baptismal font, and welcoming and seating families with those who will be baptized. It’s a fantastic opportunity to be part of helping a child start their journey as a Catholic. Married couples are encouraged to volunteer in this exciting ministry.
CHILDREN’S LITURGY
Those involved in this ministry can assist at either the 9:00 am. or 10:45 am. Sunday Masses. Children’s Liturgy involves volunteering to teach the children to learn more about God’s love and our Catholic faith through crafts, stories, songs, games and prayers. Resources and materials are provided. Currently the Parish is in great need for volunteers. If you can assist, please give the Parish Office a call.
CHOIR
We are blessed to have two choirs at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal:
- Sunday, 9:00 am. Mass – practice is held Wednesdays at 7 pm. September to June
- Sunday, 10:45 am. Mass – practice is held Tuesdays at 7:30 pm. September to June
Music ministry is an opportunity for you to share your gifts of music with the parish community. It is through this sharing, that we learn to pray with our heart. Our choirs are delighted to welcome new singers and instrumentalists.
CURSILLO
The Ottawa Cursillo Movement is part of a world-wide renewal movement of the church which began in Spain in 1944. The Cursillo Weekends are held at Notre Dame de la Providence Retreat House in Orleans. Cursillo gives those who attend a weekend an understanding of basic Christian truths and the desire to journey with Christ. During the three days a priest and a team of 17 lay men or women give a series of talks on Christian living.
DECORATING COMMITTEE
The role of this committee is to make the church atmosphere prayerful, attractive, warm and welcoming, and thus enhance the beauty of the ritual celebrations. The Decorating Committee assumes responsibility for major celebrations – Christmas, Easter, Pentecost and Thanksgiving.
DEVELOPMENT & PEACE / SOCIAL JUSTICE
This is a ministry of social action and justice on behalf of the poor, disadvantaged and disabled, both locally and globally. Our parish is already involved in a number of community outreach programs such as the Russell Good Neighbours Food Bank, Operation Christmas Child and our Parish Emergency Assistance Fund through which we express our solidarity with the needy. The purpose of Development & Peace is to bring issues of social justice to the attention of the parish twice a year. More information about the Development and Peace organization can be found on their National Website. Development and Peace
No experience or training is required, simply a desire and concern for social justice issues.
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
Eucharistic Ministers play an important role in the Celebration of the Holy Eucharist. They assist the priest in distributing the Eucharist under species of either bread or wine. They pray a blessing over children who have not made their first Holy Communion and over any adult who comes forward with crossed arms indicating that they would like to be blessed. Minister of the Holy Eucharist must be over the age of sixteen and have been confirmed. Training sessions are provided. Anyone who feels called to this ministry is most welcome to join.
View Schedule & Eucharistic Minister Duties
FAITH DEVELOPMENT
Our Lady of the Miraculous Parish looks at programs and ideas to develop the faith life of our parishioners and foster a personal relationship with Christ. The Archdiocese of Ottawa also has an Adult Faith Development program.
Please check the parish bulletin for upcoming sessions or events.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS (COUNCIL 12401)
LECTORSThe Ministry of Readers/Lectors is dedicated to nourishing our faith in proclaiming the Word of the Lord at our masses. It is through this ministry that our prayers and petitions are offered to the Father. The liturgy of the word is an integral part of all sacramental celebrations. If you are confident with reading in public and feel called to proclaim the Word of God, please consider giving your time and gifts to this ministry. We are always looking for more readers/lectors; in particular, we are presently trying to increase the number of young people and women in this ministry. Training is provided.
View Schedule & Lector/Commentator Duties
LIBRARY
Volunteers strive to provide materials that will allow parishioners to grow in their faith and knowledge of God, and to assist families within the parish with the religious education of their children. We have many books, DVD’s and videos in many areas to support this mandate, and to assist other parish ministries. We also have a good selection of children’s materials. Parishioners can support the library in several ways: by making use of its varied resources, by donating good used books, or by making in memoriam donations for a friend or loved one. Finally, consider volunteering to help so that we can maintain our library.
LITURGY
The Liturgy Committee, according to the Diocesan Guidelines, is to plan and provide for the spiritual development of each member of the parish community through liturgical celebrations, days of prayer and spiritual renewal, and any other special devotions. Quarterly meetings are held with heads of ministry that are directly involved in the liturgy: Ushers, Music, Lectors, Altars Servers, Children’s Liturgy, and Eucharistic Ministers. The Liturgy Committee concentrates on the planning and details of Sunday liturgies and on the liturgical celebrations of the Christmas and Easter seasons.
MARRIAGE PREPARATION
Matrimony is the marriage contract between Christians raised by Christ to the dignity of a sacrament. It is a total union of love, a love that is not a passing emotion or temporary infatuation, but a responsible and free decision to bind oneself completely, “in good times and in bad,” to one’s partner. Couples planning on being married at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church are required to complete a Marriage Preparation course. Couples who would like to act as facilitators during the weekend are asked to call the office.
OFFICE HELP
If you have clerical and computer experience and are able to assist in the office during the day please contact the Parish Office.
PASTORAL CARE
The Pastoral Care Team is a group of interested men and women from Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Parish who have studied and been certified to minister to the elderly and others unable to leave their homes including the sick and the dying. The Eucharist is also brought to their homes. Through visits volunteers share concerns and experiences, provide information on parish life and are a link with the parish community. The Team is under the supervision and direction of our Pastor. New members are very welcome. For Information or a visit please call the Parish.
PRAYER CHAIN
Our prayer chain consists of an intercessory prayer team consisting of parishioners who pray for the intention requested. If you would like to be part of this prayer team or have a special prayer request, contact the office. The Rosary is a most powerful pray and Our Lady has promised through St. Dominic “special protection and the greatest graces to all who shall recite the Rosary.”
PRO-LIFE
Various pro-life activities at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal include the Chain of Life (October), Campaign Life Coalition Fruit Cake Sales (November), Hike for Life (April) and Pro-Life Sunday. These activities are in support of Campaign Life and Action Life. Anyone interested in the pro-life movement is requested to call the Parish Office or the contact on the Parish Directory found in the pamphlet rack in the Church Foyer.
R.C.I.A. (RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS)
The letters “RCIA” stand for the “Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults”, the document flowing from Vatican II which guides the process by which adults are initiated into our Roman Catholic community. Parishioners who would like to help in any way with this ministry are encouraged to call the office. Those interested in the Roman Catholic faith are also asked to contact the Parish.
SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION TEAM
Preparation programs for the parents and their children outside the Catholic School system receiving Sacraments of First Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Communion are hosted by the Parish. The purpose of these sessions is to instruct parents and their children on the meaning of the sacraments, its history, importance, and value, as well as to familiarize parents with their role in the program. Volunteers assist in the period leading up to the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Communion by assisting parents and their children prepare for the sacraments including the enrolment Mass and the actual day of the Sacraments.
SACRISTANS
The Sacristy is located behind the Sanctuary. The vessels, candles, vestments and linens used on the Altar are stored in the Sacristy. Sacristans set up for Mass, ensuring that the chalice, hosts and wine are prepared and available for use at Mass.
View Schedule & Sacristan Duties
USHERS
The greeter/usher’s duties begin with greeting and seating (as required) of parishioners and visitors with a pleasant word and welcoming smile. They are responsible for the collecting of the offerings and presenting them on behalf of the congregation, as part of the Offertory Procession. When Mass is over the ushers hand out copies of the parish bulletin at both entrances and are then responsible for clean up of pews after Mass. If you enjoy greeting people, then please consider this ministry. We are looking for people of all ages, and women and young adults ushers/greeters are encouraged. Training is provided to new ushers.
YOUTH MINISTRY
Youth Ministry at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Parish presently includes Soul Food Saturday and our new monthly youth gathering called Mission Impossible for ages 13 & up. It also consists of the Sunday choir, retreats, service projects, social events such as our annual Potpourri music concert, and other liturgical roles.
Soul Food Saturday takes place in the Church Hall on the first Saturday of each month from September to June from 2:30 pm. – 4:00 pm. Youth ages 9 to 13 are invited to share the awesome aspects of their Catholic faith. They come together in prayer and discussion and then attend the celebration of Mass.
You are also invited to check out the Archdiocese of Ottawa’s website for youth at http://www.ottawacatholicyouth.com/. Those interested in helping with any youth related activities are encouraged to call the office.
Homilies