liturgical ministries
Rich liturgical celebrations are possible through the prayerful preparation and dedication of many volunteers. From the decor of the worship space, to the members of the choirs, there are hundreds of details that require the work of many hands. If you are interested in learning more about what goes into liturgy, please contact the Parish Office so we can direct you to the right coordinator, (204) 832-1993.
Individuals responsible for the various liturgical ministries, together with any interested people, meet several times a year to assist the parish priest in planning and preparing for the various liturgical celebrations and seasons throughout the church year. Emphasis is put on harmoniously bringing all concerned persons together, as one symphonic group, whose primary goal is to enable the congregation to offer fitting worship to God.
Altar Servers
A dedicated group of children, youth and adults who play an important role in showing us as parishioners how we must all participate fully in Catholic Liturgy, rather than just be spectators.
Music / Choirs
The Music Ministry consists of volunteer groups of individuals under the direction of the Coordinator of Music Ministries who assist in leading the congregation in prayerful liturgy. We have a small folk group that leads the music at the 5 PM Mass, a choir at the 11 AM Mass and a number of groups that take turns leading the music at the 9 AM Mass. We also have a Children’s Choir that sings at the 11 AM Mass on the 2nd Sunday of the month beginning in November. If you are interested in sharing your time and talents within our Music Ministry, please contact Heather at 204-832-1993 or by ministry[at]olphwinnipeg[dot]ca.
Communion Ministers
Communion Ministers are members of the parish who are chosen by the pastor and accepted by the Archbishop, then trained to administer the Body and Blood of Christ to the congregation as well as to the sick and shut-ins.
Lectors (Readers)
Proclaiming God’s Word serves to help all parishioners come to know God more intimately, but also to develop a personal love and respect for the spoken word. Lectors are responsible for reading the First and Second readings at Mass, as well as the Prayers of the Faithful.
Hospitality (Ushers / Greeters)
These members of the parish provide a welcoming atmosphere to the congregation arriving for Mass. Ushers also ensure seating for all members of the congregations, as well as ensuring proper temperature, lighting, and general comfort. Ushers are responsible for the collection and safety of the monetary Mass offering.
Sacristans
Individuals charged with the responsibility of maintaining / ensuring good repair and cleanliness of the Vestments, Albs, Sacred Vessels, Candles and other Mass needs. These individuals are also responsible for the Mass Kits to be taken to the care homes and residences, as well as ensuring an adequate supply of Altar Bread and Wine.
Media Team
Individuals responsible for operating the sound system at all functions occurring in the church – Masses, weddings, funerals, presentations, etc. The ministry also live streams Sanctuary events to the Our Lady of Perpetual Help YouTube channel. Streaming services are available on request.
Altar Society
This group of parishioners is practically responsible for the procurements, maintenance and cleanliness of the altar cloths, banners, cassocks, flowers and seasonal displays and requirements.
Programs Offered
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish offers Catechesis of the Good Shepherd – a Montessori approach to learning.
Classes are normally held during the school year. Class times are being determined.
Registration
To register contact Maureen Foster-Fernandes (Faith Formation Co-ordinator) telephone: 204-832-4336; e-mail: religioused[at]olphwinnipeg[dot]ca.
Have Questions?
Have questions or would like more information? If so, please do not hesitate to contact Maureen Foster Fernandes (Faith Formation Coordinator), telephone: (204) 832-4336, email: religioused[at]olphwinnipeg[dot]ca, or Manuela Fontes (Confirmation Co-ordinator), telephone: (204) 832-4336, email: catechism[at]olphwinnipeg[dot]ca.
Overview – Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, (CGS) is a program of Christian formation for children ages 3 through 12. It begins with the understanding that there is a deep bond between God and each child.
Based on the teaching methods of Maria Montessori and drawing on the most essential elements of Scripture and Liturgy, the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd helps children to name, explore and deepen this relationship as the foundation for their lives.
The vision for this faith experience began in Rome in 1954 with Dr. Sofia Cavalletti, a Hebrew Scripture Scholar and her co- worker, Gianna Gobbi, a Montessori educator. It has spread internationally.
In the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, the classroom called the atrium, is a spiritual environment- a place of worship rather than a traditional classroom. It is a place of work that becomes prayer and conversation with God. It is a prepared environment where children grow in the knowledge of Jesus and His love. The work in the atrium prepares them for the involvement in the larger worshipping community.
The hands-on materials in the atrium encourage the children to explore and deepen their experiences at their own pace. The children are free to work with materials that represent the essence of the Christian message. The adult’s role is to prepare the environment; present works that call forth the child’s response; then step back, allowing God and the child to work together.
Levels Being Offered
Levels 1, 2 & 3 will be determined shortly.
Any questions contact Maureen Foster-Fernandes (Faith Formation Co-ordinator), telephone: 204-832-4336, e-mail: religioused[at]olphwinnipeg[dot]ca.
A commitment to attending each week is extremely important for the child. Children who are registered in Level 2 Catechesis of the Good Shepherd can be prepared for the sacraments of reconciliation and first communion. Parents play a role in the preparation as well. If you are seeking sacramental preparation for your child, we recommend children have at least one year in the Atrium before preparing for the sacraments. Please speak to Maureen for more information.
Visit the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Association of Canada (CGSAC) website for more information on the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and detailed description on what the children learn in the Atrium.
Reach out to us to find out more about this method of catechesis, or tour the room called the “Atrium” where children come to work.
Confirmation is celebrated in grade 8. There is a special class schedule for the grade 8 confirmation class.
Confirmation is a vital step in the journey of young Catholics maturing in their faith. Confirmed in the Spirit, the program used is a comprehensive and flexible Confirmation preparation program that speaks with relevance to the hearts and lives of young people. Confirmed in the Spirit prepares young people for Confirmation and the next phase of their lives as Catholics.
Note: Children should have at least one year of catechism prior to registering for the celebration of sacraments, especially if they have had little catechism at home and participation in mass and parish life has been minimal.
Questions contact Manuela Fontes (Confirmation Co-ordinator) telephone: 204-832-4336; e-mail: catechism[at]olphwinnipeg[dot]ca.
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)
Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process through which interested adults and older children are gradually introduced to the Catholic faith and way of life. our Lady of Perpetual Help has organized a program for adults, and makes special provision for older children.
RCIA systematically takes an individual through the major teachings and practices of the Church. It is a journey based on the principle that the process of conversion proceeds gradually, in stages. Progress from one stage to the next is marked by a liturgical celebration in the midst of the parish community. The experience and needs of those in each category described above differ, and so the length of time may vary for each person.
Candidates can be from various walks of life:
- Unbaptized: persons who have never been baptized and who need a process to help them grow in awareness to God’s call to conversion as well as ways to respond to that call. They are considered catechumens.
- Baptized in Another Christian Church: Those who were baptized into another Christian denomination and wish to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church. They are considered candidates. For baptized Christians interested in possibly joining the Catholic Church, the process will vary depending upon the depth on one’s religious and spiritual readiness.
- Baptized but uncatechized Catholic Adults: persons who were baptized as infants and not given any religious instruction in the Catholic faith. These adults will be prepared to celebrate the sacraments of penance, confirmation and Eucharist. They are also considered candidates.
If this is something that interests you, contact the Parish Office at (204) 832-1993 or request a meeting with the pastor to learn what is involved.
Sacraments of Initiation
Baptism
The sacrament of Baptism is the first step in a life-long journey of faith. Children and adults can celebrate Baptism at any age.
Baptism is an important moment not only for the person, but for the whole Christian community. Through Baptism, an individual is welcomed into the Christian faith and is enriched and supported by the rest of the community. Baptisms are celebrated during a Saturday or Sunday Mass; however, we often schedule Baptisms for other times.
To arrange a Baptism contact the Parish Office at (204) 832-1993.
Eucharist
Eucharist comes from the Greek noun εὐχαριστία (eucharistia) meaning thanksgiving. The sacrament of the Eucharist is at the heart of our faith; it is what gathers the community to celebrate on Sunday. It is a participation in the sacrifice of Jesus and the memorial of the Last Supper. The Eucharist is the presence of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ who feeds our soul, our heart, our mind and our body.
Preparation for children and teens for their First Communion is done through the Religious Education Program.
Preparation for adults to receive their First Communion is done through the RCIA program.
Confirmation
The sacrament of Confirmation builds on the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist. It is the completion of the initiation into the Christian community. The sacrament is called Confirmation because it ‘confirms’ the faith given at Baptism and the person is made strong in grace. Confirmation gives us the special strength of the Holy Spirit which unites us more completely with Christ. Through the Holy Spirit we are strengthened as witnesses of Christ to talk about our faith and celebrate it with our words and actions.
Adults who would like to complete their Christian initiation by celebrating the sacrament of Confirmation are invited to contact the Parish office. The process is easy and spirit-filled.
Preparation of children for Confirmation is done through the Religious Education Program.
Sacraments of Vocation
Marriage
The sacrament of Marriage celebrates the love of a couple and unites the spouses for life in a partnership for the good of each other. God’s love becomes present to the spouses in their total union and also flows through them to their family and community.
“Love is not weakness, it is strong. Only the Sacrament of Marriage can contain it.” Boris Pasternak
Touch base with the Parish Office at (204) 832-1993 well in advance of your chosen date to be sure it is available and before confirming your other bookings.
Sacraments of Healing
Reconciliation
The sacrament of Reconciliation can be among the best and most blessed of human experiences.
The person/penitent is invited to bring forward their sins to a priest. Penance is given by the priest to help the person on their spiritual journey. Finally absolution and pardon for their sins is given. For Catholic priests, the confidentiality of statements made by penitents is absolute. The sacrament of Reconciliation is the sacrament of God’s love. In it we encounter God’s forgiveness which is unconditional and limitless.
Preparation for children to receive their first Reconciliation is done through the Religious Education Program.
To celebrate the sacrament, contact the Parish Office or see Father Eric before or after any morning Mass or make an appointment with him.
“Create a clean heart in me O God and put a new and right Spirit within me” Psalm 51:10
Anointing of the Sick and Viaticum
Anointing of the Sick is the Sacrament for the living, whereas Viaticum is the Catholic Rite for the dying.
Anointing of the Sick – Who receives the Sacrament of the Sick? The ritual for the Anointing of the Sick says: “Those of the faithful whose health is seriously impaired by sickness or old age receive this sacrament.” Sickness can be of body, mind or spirit. The person is prayed over by the laying on of hands and anointing with oil. If you would like to receive the sacrament at home or in the hospital, contact Father Eric.
Viaticum – A seriously ill person receives the Sacrament of the Sick in the hope that he or she will recover. A dying person is given Viaticum/the Eucharist – the Body of Christ – to accompany and journey with on the safe passage from this life to new life in Heaven. If someone is gravely ill and would like to receive Viaticum, contact Father Eric or the parish office.