PARISH MINISTRIES AND ORGANIZATIONS
Our Lady of Fatima is home to more than 35 ministries. Each ministry is committed to making a difference for Christ and improving the lives of others.
If you need the services of one of our ministries or organizations, or if you would like to volunteer, you can reach the contact person by calling the Parish Office at 613-722-7661. Names and phone numbers of the contacts are also listed on the back page of our Parish Bulletin. You can also e-mail us or visit us in person. Knights of Columbus contact Robert Wilson 723-1685.
Quick List of all Ministries and
Organizations.
Simply click
on the name in which you are interested to see more information:
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Christian Meditation |
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Spiritual Direction |
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- Adoration and Benediction
- The Blessed Sacrament is exposed from 8:30am-9:00am Monday to Saturday in the church. If you would like to sign up for one hour of adoration for proposed adoration on Thursdays between 9:30am and 5:30pm contact the Parish Office.
- Altar Guild
- Members of this ministry launder and iron the small linens used at every Mass. The time commitment is just 2 weeks per year.
- Altar Servers - Junior
- Boys and girls in the parish, fourth grade and older, are invited to participate in the liturgical services as Altar Servers. This provides a wonderful opportunity to participate in the Liturgy, to serve the Lord, and to develop leadership skills.
- Altar Servers - Senior
- Adults interested in becoming altar servers are asked to contact
the Parish Office. We serve at funerals and other special occasions
by request. Training is provided, open to men and women.
- Auxiliary Ministers of Holy Eucharist
- Eucharistic Ministers assist the priest at Mass by distributing communion 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 and serve the parish.
- Baptism - Infant/Child
- Baptisms take place on the 1st Sunday of the month, except during Advent and Lent. Parents and godparents attend a one-hour preparation/information session beforehand. Team members obtain from parents all necessary information for use on the Baptismal Certificate, prepare parents and godparents for the ceremony by walking them through the sequence of the Rite of Baptism as it will unfold during the ceremony, and assisting the Presider at the celebration of Baptism.
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Catholic Women's League- The Catholic Women's League of Canada is a national organization rooted in gospel values calling its members to holiness through service to the people of God. Our patroness is Our Lady of Good Counsel. We have general meetings once a month from September to June. Further information can be obtained by contacting the parish office
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- Children's Sunday Liturgy
- Children from SK - Grade 6 are invited to join us on Sundays during the 11:30am Mass. With the help of our volunteer teachers the children learn more about God's love and our Catholic faith through crafts, stories, songs, games and prayers. No need to register, just come forward when the priest calls the children during Mass. Parents are welcome too!
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- Choirs - Adult
We are blessed to have many choirs at Our Lady of Fatima. Each one offers a different expression of worship and contributes to the liturgical life of the parish. New members are always welcome. Contact the Parish Office at 613-722-7661 for more information.
a. Saturday at the 4:30pm Mass. Traditional. Practice is held Wednesday evenings. Choir Director: Peter Domitrovits.
b. Sunday at the 8:30am Mass. Traditional/Contemporary. Practice is held Monday evenings. Choir Director: Paul Grant.
c. Sunday at the 10:00am Mass. Traditional. Practice is held Thursday evenings. Choir Director: Katrina Pak.
d. Sunday at the 11:30am Mass. Contemporary. Practice is held Thursday evenings. Choir Director: Alex Korablin.
e. The Funeral Choir is an important part of our parish funeral liturgy. Their beautiful music provides comfort to bereaved families and friends. Choir Director: Lola Curtin.
- Cursillo
- Cursillo is a lay movement which started in Spain in 1944. The Cursillo Weekends are held at Notre Dame de la Providence Retreat House in Orleans. Cursillo gives those who attend a weekend an understanding of basic Christian truths and the desire to journey with Christ. During the three days a priest and a team of 17 lay men or women (weekends are not co-ed) give a series of talks on Christian living.
- Development and Peace
- We all have a role to play in ensuring that everyone can develop to his or her potential and live in peace. Visit the national website at devp.org
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- Food Bank
- If you are in need of assistance with food please visit the Britannia Woods Food Pantry at 115 Ritchie Street, Unit 9 (bottom floor). The Food Bank serves those living within our parish boundaries and is open Tuesday night 6:30pm-9:00pm, and Friday morning 9:30am-11:30am. Phone 613-829-3696. The Food Bank is operated by our team from St. Vincent de Paul.
- Funeral Team
- Our Funeral Team meets with the family to provide comfort and support. We assist with the selection of hymns and readings for the Funeral Mass and offer a compassionate presence to the grieving family.
- Knights of Columbus
- Our Lady of Fatima Council #9742 was formed in 1988. Our members put in many hours running events and other activities to raise funds for our many charities, to enhance the social life of our parish community, and to assist our pastor with many temporal and spiritual activities in the parish. We are always looking for new members and welcome inquiries from interested men. Membership is open to practical Catholic men in union with the Holy See, who are at least 18 years old. A practical Catholic is one who lives up to the commandments of God and the precepts of the Church. Any member of the council will be happy to discuss the Knights and our Council with you. For a look at our Council website or contact Knights of Columbus Robert Wilson 723-1685
- Ladies of Fatima
- The Ladies keep busy during the year hosting such events as the annual Bazaar and the Parish Potluck Dinner. They also provide financial support to various worthwhile causes. New members most welcome.
- Lectors
- Lectors and commentators provide a vital service during liturgical celebrations. Lectors proclaim the Word of God. Commentators greet the congregation and read introductory announcements and general intercessions. Training is provided for those who have a strong, clear speaking voice.
- Legion of Mary
- Our Lady of Fatima Legion of Mary was established in 1972. Under the direction of our Pastor we visit Carlingview Manor and New Orchard Lodge weekly, assisting the Catholic residents to and from Holy Mass. Those residents unable to attend the Mass are ministered the Holy Eucharist in their rooms. A growing number of shut-ins are visited in their homes weekly by our home visitation team and Catholic literature and rosaries are provided. Weekly meetings are Wednesday after 9:00am Mass. For more information about the Legion of Mary, see their home page.
- Library
- Operated by volunteers, the library provides an important
resource to allow parishioners to grow in their faith and knowledge
of God, and to assist families within the parish with the religious
education of their children. We have a good number of books and
videos in many areas to support this mandate, and to assist other
parish ministries. The library now carries DVDs and materials for
youth in the congregation. We also have a considerable section of
liturgical music, a good selection of children’s materials, and
provide books on strengthening the family and dealing with personal
issues. Volunteers are welcome, and donations to the library are
gratefully accepted. The library is open following all Sunday
morning masses (8:30am, 10:00am, 11:30am) and is located behind the
Sacristy.
- Liturgy
- The Liturgy Committee assists the Pastor in preparing various parish ministries to participate in the major feast days and liturgical periods. We meet quarterly with the Committee heads of various ministries to address all issues pertaining to worship.
- Marriage Preparation
- Couples who plan to be married at Our Lady of Fatima Church are encouraged to contact the Parish Office as soon as possible in order to set up a meeting with the Pastor. Couples are required to complete a Marriage Preparation course.
- Ministers of Hospitality
- We are the Hosts/Hostesses who invite the people of God to Celebrate the Eucharist. We greet the people as they enter the Church, help them find a seat and we also take up the collection.
- Ottawa West Community Support
- OWCS is a non-profit outreach ministry of Christian churches in the west end of Ottawa, motivated by love for God, in service to all seniors and disabled adults in our community regardless of race, color or creed. Contact OWCS, 1137 Wellington Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 2Y8, phone 613-728-6016. Website: www.owcs.ca
- Parish Pastoral Council
- Our Lady of Fatima Church, dedicated
to the Mother of God, seeks to fulfill the call of Jesus to "Come,
follow me," to be true worshippers of the Father, and to love one
another as Christ has loved us. As the representative and
coordinating body of the parish community, the Parish Council
strives to discern ways that the parish can fulfill this Mission.
Please feel free to contact the Council if you have any comments or
suggestions.
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- Pastoral Care
- Pastoral Care workers bring the Eucharist to people in their homes, as well as to residents of Central Park Lodge and Unitarian House. We share news about parish activities and lend a sympathetic ear to parishioners who are isolated. Time spent visiting can be from 15 minutes to an hour. Please call the Parish Office at 613-722-7661 if you know of a shut-in who would like to receive communion, or if you feel called to serve in this important ministry.
- Prayer Line
- Our prayer team consists of over 180
people who each pray a specific decade of the Rosary every day for a
week for the intention requested. If you would like to be part of
this intercessory prayer team, contact the office. The Rosary is a
most powerful prayer and Our Lady has promised through St. Dominic
"special protection and the greatest graces to all who shall recite
the Rosary." To request a prayer intention, call 613-729-8728
and leave a message. The machine receives calls 24 hours a day, 7
days a week.
- Pro-Life
- Our mission is to promote a respect for human life from the moment of conception to a natural death. We educate the general public about alternatives to abortion and euthanasia by raising awareness about life issues such as embryonic stem cell research. We provide information to parishioners about opportunities to learn about pro-life issues. Occasional fundraising projects for pro-life organizations, e.g. Campaign Life, Action Life and Lifesite, take place throughout the year. A time commitment of a few hours in April, May and December are utilized on these projects.
- R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
- Adults are prepared by our parish R.C.I.A. team for the Sacraments of Initiation into the Catholic Church (Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation). This process includes the whole parish community as we show what it is to live our faith. Sessions run from approximately October to April once a week. The Sacraments are celebrated during the Easter Vigil. Sponsors from our parish journey with the candidates as they continue their preparation.
- Sacramental Preparation Team
- Children attending a public school will be prepared for the Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation by our parish Sacramental Preparation team. Sessions usually run one evening a week from approximately January to April. A parent or guardian is required to attend as well. Children are prepared for Reconciliation and Eucharist in grade 2, and for Confirmation in grade 6.
- Schools
- The three Catholic schools in our
parish are:
- Our Lady of Fatima School phone 722-4075 JK-Grade 6
- Dr. F.J. McDonald School phone 829-3878 JK-Grade 6
- Notre Dame High School phone 722-6565 Grade 7-OAC
- Senior's Group (Prime Timers)
- This active group meets Wednesday afternoons for card/table games, celebrations and socializing. The overall purpose is to have fun and to create community. Everyone who comes is a leader in that he/she contributes in some way to achieve this purpose. All seniors are welcome!
- Separated/Divorced Ministry
- Our church meets those who are suffering through broken relationships with kindness and compassion. For support from others who are going through a similar situation, contact the TAWAW support group for Separated and Divorced Catholics at 738-5025. The group meets twice a month at the Diocesan Centre, 1247 Kilborn Place.
- Small Christian Communities
- People are coming together in small communities to pray, to reflect upon scripture, to share their faith, to support and challenge one another, and to learn together. Would you like to connect with others in our faith community on a regular basis? Contact the Parish Office.
- St. Vincent de Paul Conference
- The St. Vincent de Paul Conference offers help to the less fortunate in the parish area. Volunteers help purchase and distribute food at the Britannia Woods Food Pantry. For more information about the Canadian chapter, see their For more information about the Canadian chapter, see their website.
- Temporal Affairs Committee
- The parish finance council, in conjunction with the parish priest, attends to the temporal affairs of the parish: revenue, expenses, repairs, construction, contracts, sales, purchases, employee relations, salaries etc. Please feel free to contact the Committee if you have any comments or suggestions.
- Youth Ministry
- Youth Ministry includes children's liturgy, altar servers, choirs, other liturgical roles, youth groups, retreats, service projects, social events, school outreach etc. The intent is to encourage the participation of our young people in the celebration of their faith.