Volunteering
40+
“Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents. His master said, ‘well done, good and trustworthy servant; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.” Chapter of Matthew chapter 25
We are all blessed with talents meant to be shared. Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish offers you many venues whereby you can offer your services to benefit all. Background checks are done annually on people volunteering in services involving children, vulnerable adults, and church valuables. Read about the missions of our Pastoral Groups. Contact the group leader with your questions. Join in and begin sharing your amazing talents.
Music ministry has been part of the Mass celebrations at OLPH since the founding years of the Parish. There has been an enduring tradition of choirs including the memorable Sunday choir under the wonderful 40 year direction of the late Mary McNamee. In the early 70’s a youth choir was started under the guidance of Maureen Keenan with mostly high school aged kids. The music was guitar and piano based and chose contemporary hymns written mostly in the post Vatican 2 era. Both of the choirs contributed for many years not just to the Masses but also to the social events and fundraising events of the Parish.
The youth choir eventually evolved into the folk choir and continues 50 years later as a small group serving the congregation of the more contemporary Saturday Mass. Today the Sunday choir is enjoying a vibrant post Covid renewal with new membership and a strong Afro-Caribbean influence.
Music ministry is open to everyone. If you think you would like to try singing with the choir on Saturday or Sunday you don’t need to audition. Just come 45 minutes before Mass and we will help you get started.
Gerry Rossiter
Director
Music Ministry
OLPH Chateauguay
What is a Lector? This ministry may also be called reader or minister of the word. A lector is the person who proclaims the first or second reading at Mass. This person also may lead the Psalm (in the absence of a cantor) and the Prayers of the Faithful at Mass (in the absence of the deacon). In our Parish the readers are members of the different groups of Apostolate and they exercise their Ministry when their groups Animate the Liturgy.
It comprises of the following:
- YouTube broadcasting
- All hardware and software
- TV Projections.
- The TV projections operates weekly basis during Sundays Mass and special events like Holy week, Christmas Eve, etc.
- The YouTube operates on weekly basis during the Sunday mass.
The management of the corporal affairs of the Parish are the responsibility of the parishioners who elect 6 peers, known as church wardens, to a committee known as the Board of Wardens. A church warden is elected to a 3year mandate and may continue for a second mandate with a maximum of a 6year commitment. The Parish priest is invited to all committee meetings to report on important issues that have come to his attention and assist the wardens in their responsibilities where possible. With the commendation of the Parish Priest and the approval of the bishop, one of the committee members is appointed as the chairperson of the Board and convenes the Board and presides over the meetings.
OLPH is a 60 years old facility which is always in need of tender loving care. If you have
knowledge of plumbing, electricity, carpentry, roofing, and flooring and would like to help with
small maintenance projects please make yourself known to the Board of Wardens which
manages all maintenance issues.
During the summer months OLPH welcomes parishioners to help with lawn care and tending the many gardens which surround the church. Weeding the flower beds and pruning the trees is ongoing. If you are interested in helping to keep the grounds of the church in good condition, make yourself known to the Board of Wardens.
You will often see some parishioners standing at the entrances of the church before, during, and after Mass. They are there to welcome newcomers and direct them to the pews, the church hall, the lavatories, the elevator and answer questions they may have regarding the many aspects of our parish life. These parishioners are also leaders in the event of an emergency.
Most clerical duties are the responsibility of the parish priest. Parishioners who would like to develop their understanding of the liturgy so as they may assist in the liturgical celebrations should make themselves known to the parish priest who can direct them.
Catechism is the path to understanding liturgy. There are many levels at which we can be involved in the catechism of our faith. Becoming a catechist or teacher by assisting in preparing parish members to receive the sacraments is the perfect way to share your faith and develop a stronger closeness to God.
If you would like to further your understanding of the doctrine of the church and the bible, please make yourself known to the parish priest who can direct you.