CARING MINISTRIES:
Members of this Ministry offer information and outreach services to the community. They also provide specialized services to the vulnerable members of the community, as well as respond to the Pastor’s request for assistance in specific circumstances.
1. COMPANIONS ON THE JOURNEY
A Ministry to the Sick and Housebound
This ministry provides friendly/pastoral visits to the seriously or chronically ill and the Housebound. Ministers will accompany individuals on their journey through illness and isolation and keep them connected to parish life and services.
Mass for the Sick & Housebound
Monthly home visits
Telephone contact weekly
Invitation to be a St. Barnabas Prayer Partner (in development)
Provide resource documents and/or list of possible support agencies appropriate to individual’s needs
2. PRAYER SHAWL CONNECTIONS
A Ministry of prayer and support for the Sick & Housebound.
This ministry creates shawls as a symbol of the St. Barnabas embrace of isolated individuals to comfort them during difficult times. This Circle also creates other hand crafted symbols to support the work of the St. Barnabas Caring Ministries.
Meets approximately twice monthly in prayer for the recipients of the shawls as we create them
3. CIRCLES OF HOPE
A Ministry of Consolation (closed group)
This ministry provides small peer support groups, rooted in the Catholic faith, to those grieving. It allows the bereaved a safe and confidential space to express their grief and their feelings as they reach for hope while trying to understand their new reality. This is a 4 cycle program with 6 weekly sessions each and a 2 week break in between each cycle to personally reflect on what they have learned about the grief process and where they are in the process. Their workbook for each cycle is used as reference to provide support for their reflections.
4. JOURNEY TO HOPE
A Ministry of Consolation & Hope (open group – starting 2017)
This ministry provides support to those who have lost a loved one and are experiencing difficult times. We will journey with the grieving person for a period of one year (or more as needed).
Mass of Consolation & Hope during Advent and Easter (for all in 1st year of loss)
Monthly sessions on themes related to the grieving process including facilitated peer support groups (open group being developed)
Monthly messages of hope and resources to enhance coping and healing skills over 3 years
Support session for dealing with major holidays that affect the grieving person
Accompaniment, if requested, immediately after death of loved one for support as work through a series of necessary activities
5. YOUNG AT HEART SENIORS GROUP
This is a monthly interactive program for seniors, 55 years and over, to gather for fellowship and activities. This group is most helpful for those who are home alone during the day, or have some mobility issues, and are not connected with others in the community
YAH sessions are on the 1st Wednesday of each month from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Socialization and movement activities
Faith and prayer development
Community information and presentations
Day of Reflection (e.g. Our Lady of Gratitude-2016)
6. THE GIVING TREE
This program occurs during the 4 weeks of Advent where the work of the Prayer Shawl Connections is offered for a suggested donation to assist with funds to cover the cost of materials. This program also serves to bring attention to the various caring ministries and to encourage parishioners to become more aware of the needs in our community.
Giving Tree set up in chapel area
Crochet items (angels, crosses, etc…) available for a small donation
Token decorations available to hang on the Giving Tree. Donor encouraged to write a Christmas message on the decoration before hanging it on the Giving Tree.
CATHOLIC WOMEN’S LEAGUE (CWL):
CWL is an organized and nationally recognized lay association of women, to unite Catholic women of Canada by being rooted in gospel values and calling its members to holiness through service to the People of God. CWL provides a forum for all women to be more active at the church level and involve in faith formation and spiritual development.
CENACLE FOR THE MARIAN MOVEMENT OF PRIESTS (MMP):
The Marian Movement of Priests is a Roman Catholic movement founded by Father Stefano Gobbi. Members of the MMP meet in "Cenacles" as the Apostles met in prayer and the celebration of the Holy Eucharist in the upper room (cenacle) when the Holy Spirit descended upon them.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS:
The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic fraternal service organization for men. Membership is limited to "practical Catholic" men of age 18 or older. Members of the St. Barnabas Council organize various constructive activities for the members and for the parish. The Knights' official junior organization is the Columbian Squires.
LEGION OF MARY – OUR MOTHER OF PERPETUAL HELP PRAESIDIUM:
Legion of Mary is an association of Catholic Laity that serve the Church on a voluntary basis. The members of the Legion are primarily engaged in the performance of the Spiritual Works of Mercy with spiritual and social welfare as their priority, rather than works of material aid. The main purpose of the Legion of Mary is to give glory to God through the sanctification of its members.
SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT de PAUL:
Anyone who needs assistance from the Society can call and leave a message at 416-297-9870. A Society member will return your call. If you wish to help, please drop your donation in the “Box” as you pass one of them this weekend.