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GOOD SHEPHERD PARISH
- ORGANIZATION LINKS
(Click on the Organization to see details)
Altar Servers
Altar Society
Bereaved Support Group
Bible Study - Studies in Sacred Scripture
Catholic Women's League
Children's Liturgy
Church Choirs
Confirmation Catechists
Decorating Committee
Eucharistic Ministers
Finance Committee
Knights of Columbus
Lectors - (Ministers of the Word)
Legion of Mary
Liturgical Committee
Marriage Preparation
Ministry of Hospitality - (Ushers)
Ministry of Nursing Home & Shut-In<
Parish Schools
Prayer Group
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults: R.C.I.A.
Rosary Group
Sacramental Preparation
Screening Committee
ShareLife Campaign
Shepherd's Trust
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Transportation for Seniors
Videography
Volunteer Office Support
Wedding Coordinator
Youth Group of Good Shepherd Parish
Altar Servers:
Boys and girls from grades 5 through High School are invited to be Altar Servers. Their responsibilities include preparing the altar for daily and weekend Masses, Funerals and Weddings. All our servers are present for the special Holy Days of Easter and Christmas. A number of servers from the St. Michael’s school, next door, attend daily Mass. In total there are more than 55 altar servers in our Parish. All servers are aware of how much they are appreciated by Father Weber and the congregation. Each year they gather for the annual baseball game where new members become acquainted with the older ones and new friendships are formed. An adult member of the parish coordinates the activities and schedules, along with training the new members.
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Altar Society
The nine members of the Altar Society assist in performing weekly duties to prepare the altar/sanctuary area, altar cloths and sacred vessels for the weekend Masses. They also ensure that this area is appropriately prepared for the Liturgical Seasons and special celebrations such as weddings, First Friday devotions. There is a coordinated schedule with members rotating every 6 weeks.
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Bereaved Support Group:
If you are struggling with the loss of a loved one and would like to meet others in the parish in a similar situation for social interaction, comfort and support, please contact the parish office to learn more about this group.
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Bible Study - Studies in Sacred Scripture:
The Scripture Study Group meets on Tuesdays from 7-9 pm.
During the year of St. Paul 2008-2009, parishioners followed the Little Rock Scripture Study program, and focused on St. Paul's "Letters from Prison " in the Fall. This was followed by a study of the book of "Hebrews" during Lent, and in June an "Overview of the New Testament." On September 22, 2009 a new 6 weeks session will begin on the "Parables of the Kingdom." Anyone eager to read and understand God's Word is invited to join the group.
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Catholic Women's League:
Good Shepherd Parish welcomes all our ladies to become members of the CWL. To date we have 74 very active members who work together, pray together and continue to grow in holiness as we serve the people of God. Our activities over this past year have included a number of events in which the entire parish was involved. A very successful Baby Shower for Rosalie Hall recipients and MaterCare activities were well received. Special guest speakers presented information pertaining to Catholic Missions in Canada, Catholic Biblical Society, Sleeping Children around the World, MaterCare International, Women’s Health and Care Issues, Rosalie Hall and Rose of Sharon.
Our Fall Apple Pie Making Sale and the Spring Bake Sale were great successes. Our first goal is to assist the pastor in carrying out many projects within the parish community. Through this, we participate in many aspects of the parish activities.
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Children's Liturgy:
Good Shepherd Parish invites children from the ages of 3 through 6 years to participate in the special Children’s Liturgy which takes place in the Church hall during the 9:00 am and 10:30 am masses. Special programs and materials relating to the scripture readings of the day are presented each Sunday.
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Church Choirs:
Music is intrinsic to the Mass and our liturgy. The choirs of Good Shepherd invite the community to celebrate our Liturgies by participating in the choirs or congregational singing. There are four choirs, each serving a particular Mass each weekend. Our Youth take responsibility for the Saturday 4:30 Mass. Comprised of 8 – 10 members, they practice an hour before each liturgy. There are 70 members of the 9:00 a.m. Children’s choir comprised of children from grades 1 through high school. Choir practice takes place on Tuesdays between 3:30 and 5:00 p.m. in the church. This highly spirited group also participates at the C.W.L. Convention and sings annually at Providence Healthcare Centre. Each year they participate in a Walk for ShareLife. The adult choirs sing at the 10:30 and 12:00 o’clock Masses. There are approximately 45 members in these choirs and they take responsibility for all special occasions during the Liturgical year especially Easter and Christmas.
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Confirmation Catechists:
Good Shepherd Parish offers a program for Confirmation. For those interested in receiving the sacrament of confirmation in this parish - but who attend either Catholic Schools outside of the parish, or other public or private schools, please contact the office.
Candidates wishing to receive confirmation in the parish must petition Father Weber in advance and register in the Confirmation program. Please contact the parish office for further details.
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Decorating Committee:
Our church is always beautifully decorated to reflect the season or celebrations underway in our parish. The members of our Decorating Committee work with the pastor in decorating the sanctuary and the church for special celebrations. The amount of work varies with the liturgical calendar being busiest at Christmas and Easter.
If you are interested in assisting this committee, please
contact the parish office.
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Eucharistic Ministers:
There are 65 Ministers of Communion in total and four Ministers are allocated for each Mass with additional ministers for the special celebrations. These parishioners assist the priests in the distribution of Communion during the many Liturgical functions of the parish. Three schedules are arranged throughout the year along with a Special Events Schedule covering the Lenten season, Easter, reception of the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist. Four Ministers also assist in distributing the Eucharist to the residents of Gibson House and The Gibson Long Term Care Facility.
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Finance Committee:
The purpose of this committee is to assist the pastor who is the administrator of the goods of the parish. The members are a consulting and advisory body to our Pastor. This group meets periodically to discuss all matters related to Church finances, building maintenance and repairs. Together they inspect the Parish property with a focus on security. Completed projects are inspected and future projects are discussed. The pastor and this committee ensure that the parish funds are administered in a responsible manner.
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Knights of Columbus:
This Council was chartered on March 14, 1983 and continues to be a very important segment of our parish community. This group of 54 men meet on the first Monday of each month beginning with Mass followed by the general meeting. “Welcome Back Sunday” is always a well attended event on the second Sunday of September. Also included among the many church, community, youth and council activities are the parish Fall dances; regular assistance to the Good Shepherd Refuge with funds and men willing to give hours of their time and energy; Campaign Life Coalition, church decorating for special Liturgical celebrations such as Christmas and Easter. Catholic men, 18 years and older, are invited to join this fraternal organization so that they may continue to serve the parish community and the Church. The four principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism cover their involvement in what our Bishops refer to as “the strong right arm of the Catholic Church”.
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Lectors - (Ministers of the Word):
Along with other auxiliary ministers - this group involves more than 120 members from our parish community. Ministers of the Word (Readers or Lectors) proclaim the Word of God at the Sunday Eucharistic celebrations as well as the many Liturgical functions held at Good Shepherd.
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Legion of Mary:
The Junior Praesidium meets at 5:30 p.m. in the parish meeting room while the adult active members meet at 6:45 p.m. every Thursday. The Legion of Mary came to Good Shepherd Parish in November of 2000. The Legion began in Dublin Ireland in 1921 and today there are an estimated 2.5 million legionaries in 168 countries in the world. Currently there are 12 active adult member and 96 auxiliaries, 9 adjutorians and 3 praetorian members.
The members are involved in many apostolic works within the parish. These activities include nursing home visitations on a weekly basis, visitations of shut-ins and auxiliary members, teaching Baptism classes for the parents and godparents of babies who are to be baptized, assisting in the teaching of Confirmation classes, organizing and participating in the parish library, the living rosary, house blessings and countless other good works. This summer they organized and taught a Summer Catechetical Program for children ages 7-10 years of age.
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Liturgical Committee:
This committee meets with the Pastor on several occasions throughout the year to discuss matters pertaining to the schedule of events occurring within the parish. Activities such as the preparation for various Lenten devotions and annual Retreat, the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Easter liturgies are also communicated. Discussion occurs regarding areas for improvement and future parish activities.
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Marriage Preparation:
We offer one course per year (parishioners first). Our course begins on the first Thursday of the New Year and runs for five weeks. Father Weber and five couples from the parish are involved with the program. Topics of discussion include: Goals and Values; Financial and Legal Matters; Communications; Sexuality and Family Planning; and Marriage as a Sacrament. Approximately 20 couples take part in this course each year.
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Ministers of Hospitality - (Ushers):
This ministry is comprised of approximately 35 active participants. Our ushers ensure that all Liturgical services are well covered. Good Shepherd parishioners are welcomed beautifully as they enter the Church for all liturgies. The ushers assist on Sundays and at all special functions.
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Ministry to Nursing Homes and Shut-ins:
This team of seven women has visited the residents of Gibson Long Term Care Facility on the first Saturday of each month, to distribute Holy Communion. They also visit those who are confined to nursing homes, hospitals or homes and offer comfort, support and assistance where needed. Their prayers and visits show their love for the community and bring comfort to the residents. As Jesus said, “When I was sick you visited me.” (Matthew 25:36). We share our appreciation for this gift of life in every stage of its journey and proclaim its dignity and sacredness to others.
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Parish Schools :
Holy Redeemer Catholic Elementary School is within the Toronto Catholic District School Board. It opened in 1973 and celebrated the 25th anniversary in 1998, recalling past joys and successes. This is a small community school where families, staff and students, along with the parish of Good Shepherd seek to work together. It's mission is to motivate all students to achieve their full potential in mind, body and spirit, through a well balanced program rooted in Gospel values.
St. Michael Catholic Academy is situated beside Good Shepherd Church. For the past twelve years it has welcomed children from all parts of York Region who would benefit from an exposure to the Arts. Specialized teachers in the areas of Visual Art, Music, Drama, Physical Education and Mathematics provide a well balanced curriculum. All students wear a school uniform and beginning in grade 4, students participate in one of the school bands. Enrolment is presently 416 students with plans for a much larger new Arts focus school to be opened in the year 2011.
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Prayer Group:
Twenty members make up the Prayer Group who attends Tuesday evening gatherings. This is a committed group of people who pray faithfully for the needs of our Parish community and the world. Recitation of the Scriptural Rosary and hymn singing is part of the worship time, which ends with a quiet period of meditation. Lection Divina, a highly recommended method of prayer is used. Highlights of the year have been the Taize prayer services and Seder supper. It is the Holy Spirit whom we believe continues to guide and direct the members of this group as they grow in faith each day.
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The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults: R.C.I.A. :
R.C.I.A. is made up of adults who are inquiring into the Catholic Faith. They gather together every Tuesday evening beginning in September until a few weeks after Easter. With the three members of the teaching team they study and discuss the Bible, the loving relationship between God and His people, the Sacraments, and the beliefs of the Catholic Church as laid out in the Apostle’s Creed.
As a group they attend the weekend Masses. The Rite of Acceptance takes place on the first Sunday of Advent, followed by the Rite of Sending and the Rite of Election which takes place in early Lent. At the Holy Saturday Vigil Mass, members of the dedicated group of Catechumens receive the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. Our pastor along with the teaching team and the entire congregation welcome these new members into the parish community.
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Rosary Group :
The Rosary Group attend daily weekday mass and remain afterwards to recite the Rosary together.
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Sacramental Preparation:
Good Shepherd Parish follow very careful the documents outlined by the Archdiocese of Toronto and CORE for the preparation of the Sacraments of Confirmation, Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist. A team of five women, all of whom are qualified teachers, direct the students of grade 8 for Confirmation over a period of five weeks of study on Wednesday evenings. The grade 2 children and their parents attend classes in the Church for four weeks prior to their receiving these Sacraments. These sessions take place on Tuesday evenings for 1 ½ hours. We take much pride in knowing that our children are prepared well for the reception of these important sacraments.
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Screening Committee:
The purpose of the “Strengthening of the Caring Community Program” is to safeguard, in all respects, all of those, but most especially the vulnerable, to whom we minister. Also, the purpose is to ensure the integrity, safety and reputation of our volunteers. This process is designed to create and maintain a safe environment, and to ensure that the most appropriate match is made between volunteer and position.
This past year 81 new volunteers were screened; there were 45 personal reference checks and 15 police reference checks. All ministry leaders will be contacted two per year to update the parish list of volunteers. Ongoing supervision in the form of visits and spot checks will be conducted, for the high risk positions. A ministry self-review form will continue to be filled out annually by those for whom it has been directed.
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ShareLife Campaign:
Good Shepherd Parish continues to place this fundraising campaign as a priority in our concern for the poor. The role of the members of this committee is to assist the pastor and the parish administrator to prepare reports to account for the weekly donation and progress of this campaign. They assist in setting the goal for each year and specific dates throughout the Campaign. The members consist of three couples from the parish whose term is three years. We have been successful in reaching our goal for the past many years, thanks to the generosity of members of the parish family.
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Shepherd's Trust :
The Shepherd's Trust is a fundraising initiative established to provide for the financial support of retired priests. A major fundraising drive is carried out in the fall of each year to encourage parish members to generously support those who dedicate their lives to supporting us. For further details please contact the parish office.
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Society of St. Vincent de Paul:
This Society began in our parish twenty-five years ago, and continues to this day. The main function of this group is to serve our brothers and sisters in the community of Good Shepherd, who are in dire need and together we are committed to respect the dignity of those we assist, thus fostering their self respect. To attain this end, food vouchers and other materials are provided to those in need. At Christmas and Easter, special gift baskets are distributed to needy families.
Contributions and donations received from the collection box visible in the foyer of the Church have remained consistent throughout the past year. Gratitude is expressed to the parishioners who so generously donate to this very important call of the poor.
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Transportation for Seniors :
These volunteers from the parish provide transportation to and from Masses to Senior citizens who request assistance. If you are interested in providing transportation, or if you require transportation to Mass, please contact the parish office for further details.
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Videography :
Good Shephed Parish offers Videography services to record special parish liturgies such as first communion, confirmation and special events within the parish. For further details please contact the parish office.
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Volunteer Office Support :
These volunteers from the parish provide valuable assistance to the office staff of the parish to carry out the many administrative tasks necessary to keep the parish running smoothly. If you are interested in assisting this group please contact the parish office for further details.
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Wedding Coordinator :
Good Shepherd parish provides a Wedding Coordinator who assists couples being married in the parish to organize and rehearse their marriage ceremony.
If you are interested in assisting in this area - or are planning to be married at Good Shepherd - please contact the parish office for further details.
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Youth Group of Good Shepherd Parish:
There are five youth group leaders along with approximately 20 members. The goal of this group is to unify the youth of the parish by providing a safe and supportive community of young adults who share a common faith and common values. It also encourages the youth to become active members of the parish community and to further develop their social and collaborative skills by working with other youth.
The youth group meets every other Sunday in the church hall after the noon Mass for ½ to 2 hours. During this time they participate in group discussions and plan future events and participate in team-building/drama activities.
The youth group has contributed much to many parish functions. They have organized a number of Bake Sales with proceeds going to the ShareLife Campaign and needy families within the parish community. They are responsible for the Christmas Eve Children’s Pageant and the Easter Passion Play, which they write and in which they participate. They believe that the great success of these ventures is the result of the combined efforts and commitment of its members.
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