CCO: Discover Discipleship
Discovery leads you through a simple but personally challenging look at the Gospel message. It will allow you to strengthen your relationship with Jesus, grow in fellowship with other parishioners and learn how to share your faith with others. It is a 6-week series, usually 1-1.5 hours in length led by a facilitator and includes lively discussion with fellow group members. Discovery is the first of a series of five faith studies developed by Catholic Christian Outreach.… Read more “CCO: Discover Discipleship”
Ushers
Ushers are a part of the Hospitality Ministry at St. Anthony’s Parish. They serve at all the weekend Masses and on Holy Days of Obligation.
Ushers are responsible for assisting parishioners to find seating when the Church is crowded. They also ensure that parishioners are available for the Offertory Procession. At the 9:00 am and 11:00 am Masses the usher informs the Young People’s Liturgy of the Word leader that it is time for her students to take part in the Offertory Procession.
Ushers take up the collection during Mass and hand out the weekly bulletin following Mass.
If you are interested in becoming an Usher, or would like to know more about this Ministry, please leave a message at the Parish office.… Read more “Ushers”
Lectors
The Lector Ministry calls for volunteers to grow in a warm and loving knowledge of Scripture, which is the living Word of God. Lectors proclaim the Word of God at Mass and other liturgical services. They are encouraged to read scripture in a clear and meaningful way so that everyone can hear and understand what is being said.… Read more “Lectors”
Music/Choir
The choir enhances the liturgical celebrations by leading the music ministry at Sunday Masses through hymns and songs that will ensure the “full, conscious, and active participation in the liturgical celebration” (Sacrosanctum Concilium, 14). The whole church community benefits from participating in the Eucharist through prayerful music.
The Ministry of Music enables us to rejoice in and worship the Lord through His wonderful gift of music! James 1:17 explains that every good gift comes from God – and music is most certainly one of those gifts. We experience the Word of God, His message for us and the Holy Eucharist each Mass in various ways. The many songs written for His glory are just one of those ways!
The Music Ministry is thoughtfully and prayerfully provided at each weekend Mass by our devoted group of musicians and long-time parishioners. Their efforts and joyful praise have given the parishioners of St. Anthony’s a long tradition of beautiful liturgical music. The Sunday Mass choirs are directed by Ian Law at the 9:00 am Mass and Alenka Rener at the 11:00 am Mass, while Noel Murphy provides the music for the 5:00 pm Saturday Mass.
If you love music and would like to join one of our 2 choirs, or would like more information, please leave a message at the parish office. We are always on the lookout for new members and welcome any level of musical ability. Our regular Sunday Masses start with a rehearsal approximately 45 minutes before each Mass, and additional rehearsals for special occasions are announced as needed.… Read more “Music/Choir”
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them ,for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these” Luke 19:16
The Liturgy of the Word for Children is a program used to communicate the Gospel message to children in an enjoyable, engaging and age-appropriate way. Children are engaged and happy to come to Mass.
During the homily at the Sunday 9:00 and 11:00 AM Masses, volunteers present and discuss God’s Word children between 3 and 7 years old. Children listen to and discuss Bible stories, sing, make crafts, and are engage in a variety of activities to make the Gospel stories come alive. Parents are welcome to join their children.
The program is designed to support parents are in their task of teaching our future students, parishioners, priest and religious.
If you would like more information and or would like to offer your help either with a donation or as a catechist please contact the parish office.
Liturgy of the Word for Children Guidelines from the Archdiocese of Vancouver http://rcav.org/lwc/… Read more “Children’s Liturgy of the Word”
Devotions
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament for Vocations
Time: 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursdays.
We pray for Vocations to the priesthood, religious life and diaconate to spread the Word to the world. A benediction concludes the devotion beginning at 8 p.m.
Divine Mercy Devotion
Time: 3 p.m. every Friday.
It was at three o’clock in the afternoon that Jesus died for us on the cross. It is at this time when His Divine Mercy pours out for all those who invoke His Mercy for themselves and for others.
First Friday Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
Time: Every First Friday from the end of morning mass until 4 p.m.
The Blessed Sacrament waits for us to visit, to reflect on the Sacred Heart of Jesus and what He means in our lives. A benediction at 4 p.m. concludes the devotion.
St. Philomena Prayer Group
Time: On the third Saturday of each month (unless otherwise scheduled).
This is a devotional and social women’s group that meets in honour of St. Philomela. There are prayers before morning mass at 8:30 a.m. which are open to all. After mass, members meet for more prayers and socializing.… Read more “Devotions”
Youth Ministry
Youth are an integral part of the life and growth of the Church. At our parish, we put priority on the formation & spiritual journey of young people. We seek to provide a space where they can have fun, make lifelong friends, ask deep questions, and most importantly, come to know and love the Lord.… Read more “Youth Ministry”
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a program for people interested in the Catholic faith, whether they are non-Catholics thinking about becoming Catholic, or Catholics who wish to learn more and/or embrace the Catholic faith. The program starts with a period of instruction and progresses into a more in-depth experience of Catholicism and then invites participants into a process of initiation. Often this includes the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism (for those not yet baptized, or baptized in another denomination), Confirmation and the Holy Eucharist.
At St. Anthony’s we offer the following program for Adults who wish to come into full communion with the Catholic Church. There are a number of steps an individual will move through and there is no set timeline that must be adhered to although the Sacraments are administered at Easter.
A person may take as long as they, and those journeying with them, deem appropriate.
What are the steps of RCIA?
Prior to beginning the RCIA process, an individual comes to some knowledge of Jesus Christ, considers his or her relationship with Jesus Christ and is usually attracted in some way to the Catholic Church. This period is known as the Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate. For some, this process involves a long period of searching; for others, a shorter time. After a conversation with a priest, or RCIA director, the person, known as an “inquirer,” may seek acceptance into the Order of Catechumens, through the Rite of Acceptance. During this Rite, the inquirer stands amidst the parish community and states that he or she wants to become a baptized member of the Catholic Church. The parish assembly affirms this desire and the inquirer becomes a Catechumen.
The Period of the Catechumenate can last for as long as several years or for a shorter time. It depends on how the person is growing in faith, what questions they encounter along the way, and how God leads them on this journey. When a Catechumen and the priest and the parish team working with him or her believes the person is ready to make a faith commitment to Jesus in the Catholic Church, the next step is the request for baptism and the celebration of the Rite of Election.
The Rite of Election includes the enrolment of names of all the Catechumens seeking baptism at the coming Easter Vigil. Typically, on the first Sunday of Lent, the Catechumens, their sponsors and families gather at the Cathedral Church. The Catechumens publicly express their desire for baptism to the diocesan bishop. Their names are recorded in a book and they are called the Elect.… Read more “Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)”