Altar Servers assist the priest in all aspects of the liturgical celebration. The actions of these individuals highlight the ceremony and ritual that are so much a part of the liturgy that we celebrate. Servers lead the procession of the liturgy by carrying the cross and candles, hold the prayer book for the priest, and help to prepare the altar for communion. The servers help to ensure that the liturgy unfolds with grace and dignity.

Music serves to excite, create, challenge and unite us in prayer. Far beyond the spoken word, music helps to put a voice to our faith and enables us to be touched by the very mysteries of God as we unite together in prayer. Ministers of Music lead and encourage the assembly in song and support the liturgical action through music. The ministry of music enlists both choir members and instrumentalists to support the sung prayer of the community. Several choirs serve our worshipping faith community.

The funeral choir provides a very important ministry as they lead the assembly in song (most often hymns selected by the family) as they celebrate the Mass of Resurrection and new life for their loved one. New members are always welcome and are contacted by phone or email when a funeral comes up. Choir practice is held the morning of the funeral.

We are very pleased to offer Liturgy of the Word with children during each of our Sunday morning masses. Children aged four to grade three are invited to participate in the Liturgy of the Word in a setting more suited to their age. We are delighted to see more and more families taking advantage of this opportunity to bring Christ to our young parishioners in a perhaps more meaningful way. Additional leaders are always welcome!

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion assist the priest at Mass by distributing the Holy Eucharist to the congregation. Ministers are scheduled based on their individual preferences in terms of mass times and their availability during holiday periods. Training will be provided to anyone who joins this rewarding ministry. It is a wonderful opportunity to participate in the liturgical celebration, serve the parish, and join a team of committed parishioners.   The requirements for this ministry are: a practicing Catholic and attending church on a regular basis.

Walking with each other in times of bereavement is one of the most important things we are called to do. The members of the bereavement team assist families with the liturgical planning (music, readings, etc.) of funeral masses and prayer services. Please consider joining this very important and rewarding ministry.

This ministry offers spiritual comfort and support to parishioners who are aged, sick, and/or bereaved in our parish community, at home and in hospital. We bring communion to the parishioners unable to attend Mass. Outreach includes visits, cards and flowers, nursing home masses, social activities and such. There are annual anointing masses in the spring and fall. We welcome new members in whatever capacity they wish to serve.

This ministry of prayer, sacrament and presence involves visiting the long term care facilities in the parish boundaries. There are many roles within this ministry that include visiting and praying with the residents, and bringing Holy Communion. Please be sure to contact the Parish Office with your new address.

Please do not hesitate to contact the Parish Office if you or someone you know wishes to receive a pastoral visit.

The Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace, a democratic movement for international solidarity, supports partners in the Global South in the pursuit of alternatives to unjust social, political and economic structures. It educates the Canadian population about the causes of impoverishment of peoples and mobilizes actions for change.   In the struggle for human dignity, Development and Peace associates with social change groups in the North and South. It supports women in their search for social and economic justice. Development and Peace, the official development organization of the Canadian Catholic Church, is inspired by the values of the Gospel, particularly “the preferential option for the poor.”

Members of both St. Michael and Sacred Heart have the opportunity to contribute to missionary work supported by our faith community.

The Catholic Women’s League of Canada is a national organization rooted in gospel values. We help to serve the people of God through work in our parish and community. We also have fellowship events with guest speakers and we assist in celebrating the sacraments. We urge all ladies 16 and over to consider joining or rejoining this very vibrant group. Joining can involve many levels of participation, from non-active to a position on our executive, and everything in between. Some members choose to be part of our prayer chain, some bake or help with the annual bazaar, some help with funeral luncheons or attend quarterly events. Every level of commitment is appreciated in helping to serve your parish.

Faith, Family and Fraternity make up the foundation upon which the Knights of Columbus stands. Our programs and projects make a difference in communities and countries throughout the world. The Knights of Columbus has grown from several members in one council to more than 14,000 councils and 1.8 million members throughout the United States, Canada, the Philippines, Mexico, Poland, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Cuba, Guatemala, Guam and Spain.

Youth group is a wonderful opportunity for our young people to gather together, socialize, have fun, and learn leadership skills and to grow in their faith. Groups are offered for different ages throughout the year with a variety of age appropriate activities including games, music, videos, skits, prayer, crafts, activities and great group discussions.

Youth are invited to develop and share their creative talents in our drama ministry. There are opportunities for drama in our youth groups, vacation bible school, Liturgy of the Word with Children and during our church mass and services, Humanity and Development and Peace THINKfast retreats. Join to see how you can make a difference in our world.

All youth entering grade 9-12 in the fall of the next school year are welcome to join in different summer high school programs that are promoted through our parish and in our community. Group trips and transportation is organized based on the number of youth that are interested in any particular year for programs such as: Catholic Christian Leadership Camp available in Park Hill, Bayfield and Port Burwell: Camp includes daily Eucharist, Reconciliation, leadership skill development, traditional camp activities and a host of creative catechetical activities. Steubenville Toronto & Steubenville Ohio: Youth will experience amazing speakers and musicians while being equipped to stand firm in their faith and encounter Christ in a new and life altering way. Notre Dame Vision at the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana: An opportunity to meet youth from our Diocese and from across the United States and to explore how God is calling you and how to respond with your gifts in your daily life.

All youth and adults are invited to unite in a time of prayer weekly at Sacred Heart Church. Everyone is welcome to experience the power of prayer.

“Lift up you hand toward the Lord for the lives of your children.” Lam 2:19 Mothers in Prayer is a group of women who gather weekly to pray for the youth, staff and needs of the school where their children attend. It is important that each school in Sarnia be covered with prayer and we would like to help establish groups for each school. All mothers, grandmothers, aunts, caregivers or any woman who is interested in uniting together in prayer are invited to join.

We enjoy a strong faith bond with our affiliated Catholic schools. We minister to St. Michael, Sacred Heart, St. Anne and Gregory A. Hogan elementary schools and to St. Patrick High School. Throughout the year, in partnership with the schools, we celebrate several school masses, monthly prayer services, pastoral classroom visits, and the sacrament of Reconciliation. We are very fortunate to have our schools working very closely with us in our preparation for the sacraments of Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and Confirmation.

At Sacred Heart Parish our goal is to create a welcoming hospitable Parish community with small Linger Longer socials that provide delicious light refreshments and a welcoming atmosphere to encourage people to “stop awhile and get to know each other.”

We welcome the opportunity to meet our new parishioners! If you are new to our parishes, please be sure to fill out a parish registration card found at the entrance of our churches (and leave it in the collection basket) or contact the parish office to complete a registration form and arrange for a visit from a fellow parishioner.

The St. Michael Membership Committee is very active in supporting the parish through a variety of ways. One way we reach out to our parishioners is by hosting a a monthly parish social following the 10AM mass. These range from Hotdog Days, Coffee Sundays and Strawberry Socials. We are always happy to welcome new members!

Single seniors offer the single senior men and women of St. Michael and Sacred Heart Catholic Parishes an opportunity to meet others and bring their lives into a peer social community. Monthly luncheons are prepared and shared, card games played, possible day trips planned and guest speakers are brought in to bring community information to the group. New friendships and support are part of the outcome of the Single Senior group.

Each year in July a “Mass in the Park” is scheduled to provide an opportunity to praise God surrounded by the beauty of His creation. The event includes a sumptuous BBQ provided by the Knights of Columbus, and potluck salad, sides and desserts provided by the participants. Everyone, young and old, are invited to attend. Check out the bulletin for further details.

At St. Michael and Sacred Heart parishes, we love to celebrate our feast days! The Feast of St. Michael is celebrated on or around September 29 each year. The Solemnity of the Sacred Heart is a “moveable feast day” depending on when Easter falls. This feast day is always celebrated the Friday after the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ – that’s 69 days after Easter Sunday! Please watch the bulletin for our feast day.

Lighthouse Catholic Media is a practical and effective program to help Catholics know their faith, keep their faith, and share their faith! Whether in your home or in the car, deepen your understanding of the faith when you listen to inspiring talks given by some of the best Catholic speakers in the world. You will find display stands at each of our church entrances. We ask for a donation of $5.00 per CD so that we may continue to offer this program. With over 150 CDs to choose from, there is indeed something for everyone. Please check often for new arrivals.

A number of bible and catechism studies are scheduled throughout the churches in our Sarnia Deanery. Catholic bible and catechism studies are an important way of understanding the Catholic faith. The more we can understand the inspired writings in the books of the Bible and the official teachings of the Catholic Church, the more we understand the beliefs, celebrations and rituals of our faith. Fortunately, the Catholic faith offers a wide variety of excellent resources for Catholic bible and catechism studies and aids. Please refer to our weekly bulletin for dates, times, location and contact.

A few times throughout the year we like to offer a series of “Learning Community Lectures”. These evenings are open to everyone and are a combination of learning & socializing. In the past, topics have included religious art talks, DVD presentations, understanding the scriptures, Reconciliation and many more. Watch the bulletin for new series of talks. Feel free to contact us with suggested topics or presenters.

Those who joined the Catholic Church through the RCIA process and those who served as RCIA sponsors are invited to continue their journey together through monthly gatherings. These gatherings offer an opportunity for faith sharing, social time, community building and ongoing support. These monthly gatherings host a variety of activities.

Do you love to read? At different times throughout the year, we offer a book and discussion group from spiritual and faith based books. Please refer to our weekly bulletin for dates, times and location.

The Cursillo Movement (CM) is for all those who want to look seriously at themselves and their lives, their relationship with other people and their relationship with God. It is open to persons from any walk of life, man or woman, married or single. For those who are married, it is preferable (but not necessary) that husband and wife be willing to participate because it is an experience that is worth sharing between partners.  Note the men and women have separate weekends held at the end of January, or early February of each year. The week-end starts on a Thursday night and ends on Sunday night. It is composed of real-life experiences, given mostly by lay-persons, which become the basis for small group discussions. These testimonies and exchanges are intermingled with songs, laughter, breaks and moments of prayer. Ultreya is the word used by the Cursillo community to signify the meeting which is held after a Cursillo experience. The Ultreya gathers together and provides continuity by contributing to the maintenance of the Cursillo spirit and by revealing the reality of the living Church. Ultreyas are held on the last Friday of the month at Sacred Heart.

On the first Friday of each month we have a holy hour following the 8:30 a.m. Mass at Sacred Heart Church – a beautiful opportunity to spend some time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. Holy Hour is brought to a close with Morning Prayer and Benediction at 9:45 a.m. Join us for a muffin and coffee social afterwards in the meeting room.

Devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help is a tradition deep in the Catholic faith throughout the world. Prayers of intercession are often asked of the Blessed Virgin.

The Adoration Chapel for the Sarnia Deanery is located at Our Lady of Mercy – Hall Building. It is open seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. – midnight.

To commemorate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on or close to December 8, many Catholic churches hold special services. The feast focuses on the concept that the Virgin Mary was conceived without sin. A Sarnia Deanery celebration for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception is held at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Sarnia on December 8. All are invited to join in this unifying celebration of our deanery. Please refer to our weekly bulletin for date and time

A special Advent candlelight memorial service is scheduled in December to remember loved ones who have gone home to God in the current year and in years past. Please refer to the weekly bulletin for date and time.

Stations of the Cross are said during Lent following selected weekday Masses at both parishes. Various groups from the parish lead the Stations of the Cross. Please refer to the weekly bulletin for dates and times.

The Rosary is said during the months of May and October at 6:00 p.m. prior to the 6:30 p.m. evening Masses at St. Michael and Sacred Heart.

The community of Taizé is a tiny village located in the eastern part of France. Since 1940 it has been the home of a Christian ecumenical community of brothers whose prayer is at the centre of their life. Today, visitors of all ages travel to Taizé for pilgrimage, prayer and reflection. Taizé’s mission is to strive for communion among all. A key component in the prayer of Taizé is meditative chants, consisting of short melodies using just a few words. The chants are repeated many times resulting in meditative singing that becomes a way of listening to God. Taizé prayer services takes place at Sacred Heart church during Advent and on Holy Thursday evening.

God who is rich in mercy has made us alive through Christ — for it is by grace that we have been saved. This grace moves us to let go of all that hinders our relationship with God and one another. God desires that we experience deeply that full life that he has come to offer and that we might know for ourselves the immeasurable richness of his love and mercy. During Lent, the whole Diocese of London will have the opportunity to experience God’s mercy compassion and reconciling love through all day confessions. Perhaps this is the occasion to let God, our Father, demonstrate his choice of you as his own, as his beloved one. Please refer to the weekly bulletin for dates, times and locations.

The Lambton Right-to-Life is a non-denominational, non-profit organization dedicated to teaching others the value of each human life as created by God from the moment of conception to natural death.

We believe stronger families make a stronger world. We meet every other Saturday morning at St. Patrick High School where we offer classes for every age from 3 years old to adults.

This group provides support to children who have a loved one living with a terminal illness. Children may attend up to 6 sessions, on bi-weekly drop-in basis to decorate a memory quilt for their loved one and to talk about the changes in their loved one’s illness. Special arrangements for support can be made for children whose loved one is living in the hospice Residence.

Bereavement groups are run for 4 – 7 consecutive hour long weekly sessions, depending on age. Each week we use various modalities such as creative play, art, music to focus on a different topic such as changes, feelings, self-care, memories, etc. Groups are organized by age.

Special events are coordinated throughout the year based on specific needs of the children within the program. Each year we offer various events such as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and a summer Kids Camp.

Eight week closed group sessions; day and evening group available. Stories and feelings are shared in an attempt to provide healing, while gaining coping skills to re-adjust to life after the loss. The group is led by a facilitator and an assistant with grief support expertise and education.

Provides services with dignity to those who are in need of food and shelter.

Beginning Experience is an international support program for divorced, separated and widowed individuals. Their primary intent is to promote healing by facilitating the resolution of grief associated with the end of a marriage or relationship and, after healing and transformation, be free to love again.

Our Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) is made up of our pastoral team and three parishioners from each of our two parishes. The role of our PPC is to support our pastor as he discerns how best to lead our faith community. The members of the PPC are the “ears on the street” so to speak bringing the voices of the people to the attention not only of our pastor, but the PPC as a whole.

Youth Commission…an instrument of visioning and planning for effective outreach and ministry to, with, by and for young people and their families.

Our Finance Committee meets every other month to assist the Pastor and the Finance Secretary to ensure the parish remains in good fiscal health. To be part of the committee, it is helpful to have experience in financial records and management.