Ministries Read More

If you are interested in serving on any of these ministries,

please contact the Pastor at 306 764 4637

Parish Council

A Pastoral Council is to be established in each parish of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Prince Albert. In this council, which is presided over by the Parish priest/administrator, Christ’s faithful together with those who by virtue of their office are engaged in Pastoral care in the Parish, give their help in fostering Pastoral action.

The Parish Pastoral Council has two a two fold role. One, to bring the concerns of the parishioners to the forefront and use that opportunity to build community. Two, to have consultative role in advising the pastor in operating the parish. They do not seek to replace but rather to assist and guide the Pastor/administrator in fostering the Pastoral care of the Parish.

Even though the membership may overlap, the Parish Pastoral Council will operate in cooperation with but independently of the Parish Financial Council.

Finance Council

The Pastor of the Parish is the sole person responsible and must answer to the Bishop for the good administration of the Parish of which he has been given charge. To assist him in this task as an administrator, the Code of Canon Law, Canon 537 directs that: “Each parish is have a finance council which is regulated by universal law as well as by the norms issued by the Diocesan Bishop; in this council the Christian faithful, selected according to the same norms, aid the Pastor in the administration of parish goods.”

While the Parish Council is consultative in nature, with the duty to search and make known to the Pastor, the Pastoral needs of the Parish, the Parish Finance Council will have a deliberative voice in certain areas. This means that the Pastor must consult with their Finance Council on important matters and cannot proceed without the Finance Council’s approval.

While the members of the Pastoral Council are elected by their peers, it is important that the Parish Finance Council be selected, at least in majority, by the Pastor whom they are to assist with the administration of the Parish.

Minor Maintenance around Parish

Under the direction of the Pastor, the Building and Maintenance Committee oversees the maintenance and repair of the Parish buildings and grounds. They ensure that the Church building and its surroundings remain in good repair and are a safe environment for the Parish staff, parishioners and those that visit the Parish.

Fundraising

Although the major of the funds for parish operations come from Sunday envelopes, few parish can rely solely on that income. Through a variety of fundraising means, those involved with fundraising contribute in building up St. Mark Parish.

Collection Counting

Under the direction of the Collection Counter Coordinator, the Collection Counter assists with the timely and accurate counting of weekly and special collections for the Parish. The team must consist of at least two people. Confidentiality and discretion is imperative to the safety and security of the collection counters, staff, parishioners and the Parish.

The Sacraments

Baptism Preparation

Baptism is an initiation into the Paschal Mystery and the life of the community of faith. The Baptismal Preparation Team Members are called to share in the Church’s teaching on the Sacrament of Baptism by preparing for the gatherings, leading the preparation sessions and providing hospitality and a welcoming environment. Team Members shares a love for the Church, an understanding of Baptism as a Sacrament of Initiation and embodies the importance of Hospitality.

Sacramental Preparation

The Sacraments of First Reconciliation, Confirmation, and First Eucharist are public celebrations of the Catholic faith and are of utmost importance in the life of the Church. Sacramental Preparation Team members help to organize and facilitate all aspects of this Preparation process. The whole team shares a love for the Church, an understanding of the Sacraments and embodies the importance of Hospitality.

It is important to note that in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Prince Albert the Sacraments of Initiation for Children has been restored. This means that Confirmation is celebrated after the homily at the Eucharistic Celebration at which the one being confirmed will receive their first Eucharist. At this time in the Diocese of Prince Albert, the Sacrament of First Reconciliation is celebrated prior to the reception of Confirmation and First Eucharist.

Liturgical Ministries

Ministers of the Word/Readers

The Lector serves the liturgical assembly by proclaiming Sacred Scripture during the Liturgy of the Word. The competent exercise of this role enables the Church to hear the Word of God more clearly and receive it more readily.

Ministers of Communion

Extraordinary Ministers of Communion serve in the Eucharistic life of the community. They are acknowledged by the Bishop at the request of the Pastor to assist the celebrant and other Ordinary Ministers during liturgy in sharing the Eucharistic Body and Blood of Christ. They are commissioned by the Pastor or his delegate. The commissioning should take place in the presence of the community during mass.

Lay Leaders/Commentators

“The commentator provides the faithful with a brief explanation of the day’s Gospels with the purpose of introducing them to the celebration and preparing them to understand it better. The commentator's remarks must be meticulously prepared and clear though brief. In performing this function the commentator stands in an appropriate place facing the faithful.” (GIRM, No. 105)

Greeters/Ushers

Greeters & Ushers serve the Liturgy by helping to establish a climate of welcome, helpfulness and order among those gathered. They assist the assembly with practical details so that the Liturgy and Sacred Rites can be celebrated with ease and grace

Music Ministers

Music is has been a key component of any liturgical celebration from the very beginning of our history as demonstrated through the Psalm Prayers. The Church has continued to develop this tradition over the centuries. “Address…one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart.” “He who sings prays twice.”

The Choir’s role has great importance in the Parish’s Liturgy. Members of the choir share in the proper performance of the music sung or played, and encourage the active participation of the faithful in the singing.

Children’s Liturgy

Catechesis comes from the Greek. It means "to echo or re-sound the word." In this sense, a "catechist" is one who echoes or re-sounds the word of God. As a person of faith, a catechist is one who believes, not an expert in bible studies, doctrine, spirituality, or theology. The catechist is able to make the connection between faith and life, between doctrine and life, between theology and life, and can speak about those connections.

“The catechesis of children is necessarily linked with their life situation and conditions… Childhood…is a time of primary socialization as well as of human and Christian education in the family, the school and the Church.” (GDC 178)

The Children’s Liturgy Team journeys with young people as they discover and grow in their relationship with Jesus. This is accomplished primarily through the witness to the faith provided by the team members.

“No methodology, no matter how well tested, can dispense with the person of the catechist in every phase of the catechetical process. The charism given to him/her by the Spirit, a solid spirituality and transparent witness of life, constitutes the soul of every method.” (GDC 156) Though the tasks of running catechetical programs are many and varied, witnessing to an alive and vibrant faith is the first task of all catechists.

Décor

Under the direction of the Pastor, this committee prepares the décor for the Liturgical celebrations at the Parish. The beauty, quality and appropriateness of the space where the Liturgy is celebrated are crucial for full participation by the assembly.

Sacristan

In general, this role serves as a Coordinator for worship services, ensuring that linens are pressed and clean, that altar vessels are kept safe, that consumables like altar wine and altar bread are in adequate supply, and that the Church as a whole is kept secure and in good repair. The sacristan works with the Pastor and/or the Liturgical Coordinator to attend to the environment of worship. In addition, a sacristan may oversee or even direct the service of various lay ministers..

Community Life

There is just as much community built around the Altar Table as there is around the Supper table. This committee helps to promote a welcoming, receptive and active social environment in the Parish by planning and implementing various social events, celebrations and activities occurring at the Parish. Team members assists with the planning and organization of these events.

Youth Ministry

Youth Ministry aims to develop leadership skills, to foster community, to cultivate a stronger sense of justice, to build self confidence and to promote spiritual maturity among the youth. The St. Mark Youth Ministry Team is responsible for the implementation of a specific events on the diocesan, deanery and parish level. They work with the youth at events by leading sessions, activities and/or coordinating others to do so.

Altar Servers

Altar Servers assist the members of the liturgical assembly by presenting or arranging vessels and other items used in the celebrations. Their reverent and efficient service enables other ministers to attend to their own roles while the liturgical actions unfold with calm, order and appropriate decorum. As members of the assembly who are often visible to all, the Altar Servers also model good liturgical participation.

Youth Group

Youth ministry, also commonly referred to as youth group, consists of students in sixth grade though twelfth grade often with adult leaders. The mission of youth ministry is to involve and engage young people to learn more about what it means to be a disciple of Christ. It does so by providing young people activities with, or without, an overtly religious agenda.

Adult Faith Education

Those involved with Adult Faith Education are tasked with passing on the faith to whoever is interested; whether it is in a: prayer group, video presentation, bible study, an organized problem or an ad hoc program. The goal is to help individuals reclaim or renew a personal passion to pray, and grow closer to Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.

RCIA

The RCIA is the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. It exists to help those who are older to become initiated into the Roman Catholic Church. Catechesis comes from the Greek. It means "to echo or re-sound the word." In this sense, a "catechist" is one who echoes or re-sounds the word of God. As a person of faith, a catechist is one who believes, though not necessarily an expert in bible studies, doctrine, spirituality, or theology.

The catechist is able to make the connection between faith and life, between doctrine and life, between theology and life, and can speak about those connections. This is especially important in the RCIA process, as people are just having the flame of faith fanned in their hearts. Team members accompany the candidates on the journey as they seek initiation ad move toward the full communion with the Body of Christ at the Easter Vigil.

Bible Study

Under the direction of the Pastor, this group leads people to a greater understanding of the Bible, an awareness of God’s living presence in Sacred Scripture, and an appreciation of how the Bible can be applied to daily life. Through personal study, small group discussion, lecture, and prayer, the Bible Study provides a balance of scholarship, reflection and application.

Pastoral Care

Ministering to those who are not able to attend Parish Activities is an important ministry. The tasks are as numerous as there are needs. This ministry includes, but by no means is limited to: 1) Visiting the homebound, 2) Bringing communion to the sick, 3) Praying with those in need, 4) Reminding lonely parishioners that the Parish cares about them, 5) Providing transportation, 6) and may engage the whole family,

Confidential is a vital matter in this ministry and the minister will run into all sorts of situations. Not to mention keeping records of all visits (including dates and times).

The Pastoral Care Visitor makes regularly scheduled visits to assigned housebound parishioners. Pastoral Care Visitors are commissioned Extraordinary Ministers of Communion who have participated in the Pastoral Care Visitor’s Training Program and are mandated by their Pastor.

Visiting the Sick, Shut-ins, and Seniors homes

Ministering to the Sick is an important ministry. Often those in their homes easily forget that the God has forgotten about them, and St, Mark’s has forgotten about them. This is simply not true. By bringing communion to these individuals, and praying with them, their faith is often restored.

Prayer Shawl

Shawls … made for centuries universal and embracing, symbolic of an inclusive, unconditionally loving, God. They wrap, enfold, comfort, cover, give solace, mother, hug, shelter and beautify. Those who have received these shawls have been uplifted and affirmed, as if given wings to fly above their troubles…”Janet Severi Bristow, Co-Founder of the national Prayer Shawl Ministry

Mission

The mission of the Prayer Shawl Ministry is to provide hope, comfort, and healing. It is a unique way of reaching out to the community in a very tactile way. A prayer shawl can be seen as a symbolic “hug” from God, as they are a reminder of God’s love. The power of the prayer shawl is in its physical properties and source of warmth, as it helps the user remember God’s love and warmth.

Social Justice

“You will always have the poor with you.” (Mt 26:11) This does not negate our mission to allievate the suffering of the poor. Team members are guided by their mission, “To live the Gospel message by serving Christ in the poor with love, respect, justice and joy.” This following are only some of the ways that our faith is put into social action. Foods banks, Christmas kettles and hampers, Development and Peace, Soup Kitchens, Habitat for Humanity, the homeless. The task of the Social Justice ministry is not just alleviating Physically Suffering, but also to allievate Spiritual suffering.

Development and Peace

Development and Peace is the official International Development Organization of the Catholic Church in Canada and the Canadian member of Caritas Internationalis. Development and Peace is a membership led organization supported by parish collections, individual donations and government grants, principally from the Canadian International Development Agency. The Development and Peace Chairperson carries out the wishes of the organization through their Diocesan and Parish contacts. Team members organize activities which both promote and raise funds for Development and Peace.

Soup kitchen

Feeding the hungry is one of the Corporal Works of Mercy. There are many people in this world who go without food. When so much of our food goes to waste, it becomes a social sin. Every one of us needs to consider how good stewardship practices of your own food habits can benefit others who do not have those same resources. About twice a year St. Mark Parish participates in a local soup kitchen program. Team members work at the soup kitchen and work to allievate food shortages in our world.

Responsible Ministry

The Responsible Ministry Protocol is a protection plan for working with children, youth, and vulnerable adults. The Protocol provides a guideline of responsible ministry practices so that the abuse of children, youth and vulnerable adults is prevented, that children, youth and vulnerable adults in our midst are protected; that clergy, employees and Volunteers receive adequate training in these procedures; that all incidents of abuse, neglect and harm are reported to the appropriate authorities; and that clergy, employees and Volunteers are protected against false allegations of wrongdoing.

The Responsible Ministry Advisory Team (RMAT) is a group of persons appointed by the Bishop, who is responsible for ensuring that the Responsible Ministry Protocol is implemented and maintained within the Diocese.

Vocations

The biggest obstacle in this ministry is trying to get parishioners to understand that Vocations is everyone’s concern. A Vocations Team is a collaborative body which works with Pastor and the Diocesan Vocations Director regarding matters pertaining to the vocations outreach throughout the Parish and Diocese. The Diocesan Vocation Commission consists of priests and lay people who together offer various forms of vocations awareness and discernment on the parish, deanery and diocesan level. The Parish Vocations Team’s activities may be an extension of the Diocesan Vocations Commission.

Knights of Columbus

Founded on the principles of charity, unity and fraternity, the Knight’s of Columbus were established in 1882 by Fr. Michael J. McGivney in New Haven Connecticut. They were formed to render financial aid to members and their families. Mutual aid and assistance are offered to sick, disabled and needy members and their families. The social and intellectual fellowship is promoted among members and their families through educational, charitable, religious, social welfare, war relief, and public relief works.

Their effects in alleviating needs are felt on the parish, local, provincial and international level.

Ladies of St. Mark

Ladies’ clubs have been operational at St. Mark since the 1940’s. Former clubs have been called the Ladies Auxiliary, Ladies Altar Society, Ladies of St. Ann and the CWL. Today’s club was re-instituted in October 1983 after a pause in existence as the ‘Ladies of St. Mark’, with the late Shirley Ruszkowski named as the first president.

It has been said that St. Mark Parish was built on food. The Ladies of St Mark’s role in the parish today is to provide support for the good of the parish in whatever capacity possible. Catering funeral lunches, raising funds through the annual fall bazaar and Easter tea and bake sale and providing refreshments at parish functions when requested are the club’s main role currently.

Prison Ministry

Visiting those in prison are one of the corporal works of mercy. People in prison are still people, made in the image and likeness of God. No matter what someone has done, they deserve the opportunity to hear the Word of God and find the Truth of the message of Christ.

The Prince Albert Diocesan Catholic Prison Ministry (PADCPM) is made up of active Catholic Prison Chaplains, and dedicated prison ministry Volunteers, ordained, religious and lay. There are three ministry paths or contextual points of ministry within an overall Diocesan Catholic Prison Ministry Pastoral Plan, they may be engaged separately or be interchangeable by the same volunteer at any given time, but the expected general norms and attitudes are the same.

Deacon Brad Taylor, based out of St, Mark Parish works fulltime in Prison Ministry. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact him through the parish office.

Sunday Mass Time: 11:00am

Weekday Mass Time: 9:00am Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday (Usually)

(Subject to change so consult the current Bulletin) (Highlight Bulletin)

Office Hours:

Secretary: Ghislaine Painchaud

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9:30am to 12:30pm

Bookkeeper: Bev Robin

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 1:30pm to 4:30pm