Pastoral Visitation to Shut Ins, to Allendale and Milton District Hospital

The priests of the parish and a number of dedicated lay persons make pastoral visits to elderly parishioners, to Allendale Life Care Centre and to the Milton District Hospital. During these visits needs are assessed and support is provided for those who are lonely or feeling abandoned. Lay visitors often provide a liaison between the priests of the parish and those who are elderly or sick. Priests often visit to provide sacramental ministry and spiritual encouragement.

We are always in need of persons who are willing to befriend one or two people and visit them occasionally and who are willing to visit Allendale or the hospital on a scheduled basis

St. Vincent de Paul Society

This is a lay organization of Christian men and women who help those in need within our parish and our community. Members of the Society visit, talk and offer advice and aid (in the form of food and food vouchers) to the poor in their homes. These visits are always made in pairs, and scheduled at times convenient to members. Members may spend about two hours per month on home visits, and may additionally meet as a group once per month for a one hour meeting. If you desire to help those who are in need, the St. Vincent de Paul Society would welcome your participation.

Development and Peace

Development and Peace has a global focus and is concerned about issues of justice especially in the poorest areas of the world. Development and Peace was formed by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishop as their arm of social justice and outreach to the global community. Our parish has a dedicated group of lay persons who devote their time to understanding issues of justice and keeping the issues before the people of the parish. They promote the annual Share Lent campaign and educate our parishioners about the issues adopted by the Development and Peace organization. They meet on several occasions throughout the year. Volunteers are often asked to set up information tables and to be present after one of the Sunday Masses to answer questions and facilitate campaigns.


Right to Life

Holy Rosary Parish is a pro life parish dedicated to serving the “culture of life.” A number of our parishioners are involved in the activities of Halton Pro Life, Birthright and other organizations dedicated to promoting the value of all life from conception to natural death. Throughout the year, we participate in pro-life fund raising activities and educate our parishioners about modern medical moral issues such as contraception, euthanasia, cloning, genetic manipulation, etc. Those who participate in this movement educate themselves and the parish about key issues, promote the values of life through prayer. In the coming year, we hope to celebrate a Mass on a monthly to promote respect for human life at all stages.

Maplehurst Correctional Facility

Maplehurst is a provincial super jail currently housing approximately 1500 inmates in several different units. Many inmates are working through the judicial process and preparing for trial and sentencing. A percentage of the inmates are housed in the facility, serving sentences of less than two years duration.

Because of large scale changes to the physical structure of the jail, we are in the process of forming catechetical and visitation teams who will work with inmates on a weekly basis for two hours on a Saturday morning. Volunteers will visit one unit per week and facilitate catechetical formation sessions for interested inmates, using a program of catechesis and faith development called “Echoes of Faith.” Each session will involved learning the basics of the Catholic faith, discussing faith and prayer experiences. It is our hope that Mass will be celebrated with inmates who participate in the program. One of the parish priests will be available for sacramental ministry and to assist in answering questions.

Volunteers for this ministry must receive security clearance for volunteer ministry within the facility. It is a rewarding ministry, often involving listening to inmates and encouraging them to persevere in their relationship with God. It is also an excellent opportunity to assist those who serve in the correctional system by providing them with support by prayer and listening.

Pastoral Advisory Council

The Pastoral Advisory Council advises the pastor on matters concerning the pastoral life of the parish. We identify areas of need and strive to meet those areas through pastoral planning and the ongoing development of services to meet those needs.

Members of the Pastoral Advisory Council are appointed by the pastor, based on recommendations made by existing Council members. One third of the membership is replaced each year with members serving a three year term. We strive to appoint members across both genders who are representative of various age groups, experience, and interests, within the parish.

Finance and Property Advisory Council

The Finance Advisory Council advises the pastor on matters concerning the administration of the parish and its financial integrity. Members are appointed by the pastor based on recommendations from the existing council. Members serve three year terms. The goal of the finance council is to ensure that the church and related buildings are kept in a good state of repair, that safety issues are addressed and that the resources entrusted to the parish are used responsibly. The chairperson of the Finance and Property Advisory Council is the pastor of the parish.

Screening of Volunteers Committee

In keeping with the policy of the Diocese of Hamilton, Holy Rosary screens all volunteers. Screening is a process designed to create and maintain a safe environment for children and other vulnerable persons and to foster an appropriate match between the volunteer and a particular ministry. The process involves assessing risk, writing position descriptions and discerning the suitability of a volunteer for a given ministry or position. The process also involves ongoing supervision and support of the volunteer.

The screening committee is responsible for the screening of volunteers using the tools and support provided by the Diocese.

Marian Courtyard Board of Directors

The Marian Courtyard is a seniors building attached to the parish. It is governed by a Board of Directors under a Constitution and Bylaws. Three members of the Board, including the Pastor, are members of the parish. One representative is elected from the Courtyard residents and the other member is a resident of the Courtyard and president of the Residents Association. We meet six times per year and have an Annual General Meeting. We are always looking for persons who are interested in being appointed to the Board to assist in the governance of the Marian Courtyard.