Liturgical Ministries

:: Ministers of Welcome
Ministers of Welcome greet parishioners and visitors to Eucharistic celebrations and special liturgies. They also organize seating at large celebrations, take up the offertory collection and distribute bulletins and envelopes for special collections. They also assist parishioners who wish to use our elevator/lift to reach our basement hall and washroom facilities.

:: Ministers of Music
Ministers of Music lead the community in songs of worship and praise at the Sunday Eucharist and on special occasions. Music enriches the joyous celebration of our gatherings. At present we are happy to have two choirs assist us: Sunday 10:00 a.m. SATB Choir and our Sunday Noon Folk Choir. All choirs welcome new members – just introduce yourself after Mass!

:: Ministers of the Word
Ministers of the Word proclaim the Word of God at the Sunday Eucharist, as well as introducing each Mass and leading us in the General Intercessions. Each minister of the word is provided in advance with a copy of the readings that they will proclaim, in order that they may pray and practice with them in advance of their appointed celebration.

:: Liturgy of the Word with Children
Liturgy of the Word with Children is designed to share the Sunday readings and their message with young children at their own level. Children aged 6 and older are called forward at the beginning of Mass and gather with a volunteer catechist downstairs for the liturgy of the word, returning to the Church during the preparation of the gifts. This ministry is offered Saturday at 5:00 pm, Sunday at 10:00 am and 12:00 noon.

:: Ministers of the Eucharist
Ministers of the Eucharist assist with the distribution of Communion under both species at each Sunday Eucharist. They are also responsible to check that all is prepared for the Mass, and to purify and clean the vessels after each celebration. :: Altar Servers
Altar Servers assist during the Eucharistic celebration by carrying cross and candles, assisting the presider with the book and by assisting with the preparation of the gifts of bread and wine. Girls and boys in Grade 4 and above are invited to join in this special ministry and will be expected to serve approximately once a month.

:: Altar Guild
Altar Guild members assist with the cleaning of the sacred vessels each week. They also arrange for the cleaning of the vestments and altar cloths, as well as the supervision of annual cleaning of the sanctuary and woodwork prior to Easter. :: Baptism Ministry
The Sacrament of Baptism is offered twice monthly in the parish, with a monthly preparation meeting for parents and godparents in advance of the celebration. Team members assist with these preparation meetings, as well as welcoming families and assisting at each Baptismal celebration.

:: Marriage Rehearsal Ministry
Marriage Rehearsal Ministry provides each couple being married at St. Dominic’s the opportunity to rehearse their specific roles in the liturgy of marriage just prior to their wedding day. Two members of the volunteer team are present at each rehearsal to give specific direction and guidance to the couple and their wedding party, and then are also present to help them on the day of their wedding ceremony.

:: Funeral Ministry
Funeral Ministry Adult ministers work in pairs to assist the presider at each Funeral held in the church – preparing all items necessary for the Mass and then acting as servers, ministers of the word and/or ministers of the eucharist during the Funeral Mass.


PLEASE CALL THE PARISH OFFICE AT 905-278-7762 IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BECOME INVOLVED OR KNOW MORE ABOUT ANY OF THESE MINISTRIES.

Calendar - Month Format

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Sacrament of Eucharist

:: Eucharist

At the Last Supper, Jesus instituted the Christian Passover meal that is celebrated and received at every Mass. During the sacrifice of the Mass, the priest, who acts in the person of Christ the Head of the Church, imitates the actions and words of Christ. The bread and wine offered truly become the Body and Blood of Christ, our Paschal Lamb. All Catholics in attendance who are spiritually prepared (i.e. not aware of having committed any mortal sins) participate in this sacrificial meal.Adults baptized into the Roman Catholic tradition who have never received First Communion should contact Beverly O’Grady, Parish Catechist. Members of other Christian faiths that are not in communion with the Catholic faith should not receive the Eucharist. Those non-Catholics interested in participating in the Catholic Eucharist should contact the Parish Catechist for more information.Please consult our “Bulletin” tab on this web site for the list of current mass times at St. Dominic’s Parish.If you know of someone who is shut in and unable to attend Sunday Eucharist, please notify the parish to arrange for a Minister of Eucharist to visit.

:: Reconciliation

Reconciliation or “Confession” is the sacrament by which we receive God’s healing forgiveness for sins committed after Baptism. The rite is called “reconciliation” because it reconciles us not only with God but with the Church community. Since the sacrament of Reconciliation has evolved quite a bit in the last 30 years, Catholics often ask how often one should receive Reconciliation? Individuals who are in a state of serious sin should celebrate Reconciliation prior to the reception of Eucharist. The regular celebration of Reconciliation is also encouraged for all Catholics not in a state of serious sin as a means of healing and forgiveness. During the seasons of Advent and Lent St. Dominic’s parish provides a communal Penitential service, with opportunity for individual Reconciliation following the service. Please see the bulletin for dates and times.The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available each Saturday from 3:30 pm to 4:00 pm and at other times by appointment.

:: First Reconciliation and First Eucharist

While the first experience of Reconciliation with God is Baptism, we celebrate the first sacramental confession prior to First Communion. Children in the parish are asked to prepare for the sacrament Reconciliation prior to preparing for First Communion.Preparation for these two sacraments generally takes place when children have reached the age of seven or older. Registration meetings are held in late September and preparation for First Reconciliation (confession) takes place during October and November. Baptismal certificates for the child are needed for registration. If children are not attending a Catholic school, they will require ongoing religious education (using the program provided in Catholic schools) For more information or to register for the program, please contact Beverly O’Grady, Pastoral Associate at 905-278-7762.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

:: Christian Initiation
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults is an opportunity for adults interested in learning more about the Catholic Church. It is a process that encourages adults to discern whether the Roman Catholic faith is one to which God is calling them. The RCIA process is aimed at faith formation for those who wish to prepare for Baptism and is adapted for those already baptized who are now interested in membership with the Catholic Church. For baptized Roman Catholics who have not completed their initiation, these gatherings can prepare them for the sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and Eucharist. During weekly Thursday night meetings participants are assisted by team members, parish sponsors and the RCIA coordinator to prepare for the various stages within the conversion process. Those participants who are ready, will receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist during the Easter Vigil, the highest feast of the Church year. Anyone who would like to know more about the RCIA process are invited to contact Beverly O’Grady, Parish Catechist, to set up a personal interview.

Sacrament of Confirmation

:: Confirmation

We believe that the sacrament of Confirmation seals an individual with the Gift of the Holy Spirit. In fact, it is the full outpouring of the Holy Spirit as once granted to the apostles on the day of Pentecost. In this Sacrament, an individual is empowered by the Holy Spirit to help build the Kingdom of God. God's Kingdom is built through the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. The "tools" to accomplish these works are referred to as "The 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit." These gifts are Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, and Fear of the Lord.

Children who have reached the age of 12 (approximately Grade 7) or older are eligible to prepare for the sacrament of Confirmation. A baptismal certificate is required for registration. Those children who have not celebrated First Reconciliation and/or First Eucharist will require additional preparation. Children not attending Catholic School will need to be registered in or have completed the Grade Seven Public School program in order to register.

Registration and information meetings are held sometime between November and January. Your Pastor Fr. Phil Jones will interview all candidates and their parents. Preparation sessions are generally held on Monday evenings. Please see the schedule of meeting dates listed below. The sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated on Pentecost Sunday (the seventh Sunday after Easter).

Sacrament of Marriage

Congratulations! 
The community of St. Dominic’s parish is pleased you have chosen to celebrate your commitment in the Sacrament of Marriage. Marriage in the Roman Catholic Church is a celebration of faith of the Church shared by practicing believers. It is important that Roman Catholics seeking to be married be actively living their faith, attending Mass regularly and receiving the sacraments. Marriages between Roman Catholics and others (baptized Christians of other denominations, unbaptized persons) are also permitted in the Church, provided that the Roman Catholic party continue the practice of their faith, and do all in their power to have the children of the marriage ba

ptized and raised in the Roman Catholic faith. According to the guidelines laid out by the Archdiocese of Toronto, couples intending to marry in the Church are required to complete three steps as part of their preparation for marriage:

• · Call the Priest for an interview at least one year before marriage. At that interview you will be asked to review and comply
  with our Parish Guidelines for the Celebration of Marriage. Dates for marriage cannot be booked until after the couple has met with the priest.
• · Complete a Marriage Preparation course. Depending on your particular circumstance (first marriage for each, Re-marriage for one or both, Common Law history) the priest will indicate which course would be of most benefit for you. Our own parish marriage preparation course is offered once a year in January over two separate weekends.
• · Complete a second interview wi
  th the priest, at which time proof of marriage preparation and proof of baptism (by providing a recent copy of your Catholic baptismal certificate) will be required. The priest will also help you to plan the details of your marriage celebration (marriage license, selection of readings, music selection and participation of friends and family members) during this interview.

:: Interfaith Marriages

In order for the marriage of the Catholic party to be valid, the ceremony must be witnessed by a priest or deacon. Interfaith marriages may be celebrated in the Church of the place of worship of the non-Catholic party, only with permission of the Archdiocese of Toronto. In such cases, all paper work and preparation for the marriage are to take place in the Catholic parish.

Anointing of the Sick

:: Anointing of the Sick
Anointing of the Sick, formerly known as Last Rites or Extreme Unction, strengthens those who suffer from some form of infirmity. Formerly, this sacrament was reserved only for those who were dying. Since Vatican II we have renewed our understanding of this sacrament and now regularly offer it to those in need of spiritual strength and healing as they face serious illness or a major operation. Anyone who is seriously ill, or preparing for an operation, and has not been anointed recently can arrange for the Sacrament by contacting the parish office and making arrangements with one of the priests.

Rite of Christian Funerals

:: Christian Funerals

It is with deep sympathy that we meet you on this occasion of the death of your loved one. You can be assured of the prayerful support of the community of St. Dominic’s now and in the days ahead. The Christian tradition that has been preserved in the Church continues to provide generation after generation with sacred ritual gestures and prayers that give us hope in our mourning. They are gestures that are fitting as we mark the transition from the earthly life that began with Christian baptism to the hope of eternal life in Christ after death. Family and friends may find comfort in the belief that Christ binds himself to those who mourn and rejoices with those who are called to eternal life. Christian death has traditionally been marked by three distinct gestures of prayer and ritual. It is customary for family and friends to gather on the evening (or afternoon) before the funeral to offer a simple set of prayers known as the Vigil (Wake) Service. On the following day the Funeral Mass takes place in the Church, and afterward, the family and friends process to the gravesite for the Rite of Committal. You will want to establish the times for these rituals as soon as possible after death (or even in preparation of an impending death in the family) by calling the parish office and speaking with one of the priests as soon as possible.

:: Vigil Service
The Vigil Service is usually conducted in the funeral home or in the parish church on the eve of the Funeral Mass. Here the faithful keeps watch with the family, remembering the deceased person’s life, praying to the God of mercy, and finding strength in Christ’s presence. The Vigil is a Scripture or Evening Prayer Service. The rosary or part of the rosary, may be prayed as well, but not as a replacement of the Vigil. This service is often the first gathering of the faithful and friends with the family, and it is the appropriate time for a family member or friend to remember the deceased with a eulogy.

:: Funeral Mass
The tradition of the Church has always been the celebration of the Funeral Mass with the body present. Christians respect and honor the body of the dead, which in Baptism becomes the temple of the Holy Spirit. The Funeral Mass includes the reception of the body, the Liturgy of the Word, the Liturgy of the Eucharist, and the Final Commendation and Farewell. Funeral Masses may now be celebrated in the presence of cremated remains. While eulogies by family members or friends are not permitted during the Funeral Mass (see Vigil Prayers), the priest will gladly meet with the family to incorporate memories of the deceased person’s life into the readings and homily selected for the Funeral Mass.

:: Rite of Committal
For the final disposition of the body, it is the ancient Christian custom to bury or entomb the bodies of the dead in a cemetery, which means a “resting place.” The Rite of Committal is the conclusion of the funeral rites and may be celebrated beside the open grave or place of interment. Here the faithful express their hope that, with those who have gone before marked with the sign of faith, the deceased awaits the glory of the resurrection and passes into the welcoming company of those who see God face to face.

:: Cremation
The Church strongly prefers that the body of the deceased be present for the funeral rites since the presence of the body clearly recalls the life and death of the person. It is the Church’s recommendation that if cremation of the body is to take place, it occurs following the Funeral Mass. However, if cremation takes place immediately after death, the Church now permits the cremated remains to be brought into church for the celebration of the funeral liturgy, including the Eucharist.

:: Final Disposition of The Body or Cremation Remains
Following the celebration of the Funeral Mass, the earthly remains of the deceased are to be reverently buried in a blessed grave or entombed in a mausoleum. The Church stresses that the cremated remains of the deceased are to be treated with the same respect given to the body, namely, they too should be buried in a grave or entombed in a mausoleum. The practice of scattering cremated remains on the sea, from the air, on the ground, or of keeping them in the home of a relative or friend is not appropriate for Catholics.

:: Catholic Cemeteries
In the Archdiocese of Toronto we are pleased to offer a number of Catholic Cemeteries in which we give special remembrance to our beloved deceased by ensuring proper honour and respect are given to their earthly remains, while maintaining these services at or below market cost. In addition, weekly and annual Masses for the Faithful Departed are celebrated for the souls of all the beloved dead who are buried in our cemeteries. Our local cemetery is Assumption Cemetery at Tomken and Derry Roads, Mississauga and can be reached at (905) 670-8801.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

Christian Initiation

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults is an opportunity for adults interested in learning more about the Catholic Church. It is a process that encourages adults to discern whether the Roman Catholic faith is one to which God is calling them.

The RCIA process is aimed at faith formation for those who wish to prepare for Baptism and is adapted for those already baptized who are now interested in membership with the Catholic Church. For baptized Roman Catholics who have not completed their initiation, these gatherings can prepare them for the sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and Eucharist.

During weekly Thursday night meetings participants are assisted by team members, parish sponsors and the RCIA coordinator to prepare for the various stages within the conversion process. Those participants who are ready, will receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist during the Easter Vigil, the highest feast of the Church year.

Anyone who would like to know more about the RCIA process are invited to contact Beverly O’Grady, Parish Catechist, to set up a personal interview.

Sacrament of Baptism

Baptism of an Infant or Child

We are delighted that you are seeking Baptism for your child and the community of St. Dominic’s parish wishes to share in the job of this celebration with you.

The Baptism of a child is a special opportunity for you as parents to reaffirm your own faith. Our belief is that Baptism for a child begins the initiation into the Church, and with the support and guidance of faithful parents, will be completed at Confirmation. This journey with your child can last many years, stretching into their teens, and they will need your active faith and participation in the Church community to serve as a role model for his/her faith development.

To help you be fully aware of the significance of this joyful sacrament, we ask the following preparatory steps of you:

· Contact our Pastoral Associate, Beverly O’Grady, to discuss and plan for the Baptism of your child.

· Formally register with the Church of St. Dominic, if you are not already a
member.

· Select godparents who are willing to assist you in the raising of your child in
the Roman Catholic faith. At least one parent and one godparent should be a Catholic and produce a copy of the Baptism certificate. 

· Attend a Baptism preparation session for parents and godparents regarding
the Church’s understanding of the Sacrament of Baptism.

· Carefully discern the promises you are making on behalf of your child. A date
for Baptism can only be set once parents have completed the proper
preparation and discernment.

· Although the Church does not charge a fee for the sacraments, a donation
will be graciously accepted.

Baptism of Adults

For adults wishing to be baptized into the Roman Catholic Church, St. Dominic’s parish offers the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). The process is quite different than the Baptism of a child and requires participation in a formation process. Adults who are interested in the initiation process should contact the Parish Catechist for more information. - See also RCIA Information

About Us

"When we build, let us think that we build forever.
Then, when men look upon our labour, they'll say
- "See, this our fathers did for us."

With these words, our founding pastor Dominican Father F. M. Charbonneau, along with two other Dominican priests Fr. A.M. Robert and Fr. Francis Drouin arrived in August 1955, responding to Cardinal McGuigan’s invitation to establish a parish in the rapidly-growing area of Lakeview. The new parish, named St. Dominic in honour of the founder of the Order of Preachers, was formed out of territory previously cared for by St. Mary Star of the Sea Parish, Port Credit.

The first parish Mass was celebrated in November 1955, in the then Queen of Heaven School on Hartsdale Avenue. Property was acquired at the corner of Cawthra and Atwater Avenue and Christmas 1957 marked the first celebration of Mass in the new church.

The parish continued to grow under the direction of the popular Fr. Charbonneau, until he died very suddenly in Holy Week 1963 as the result of a heart attack.. Fr. Claude Poirier, o.p. was appointed as Pastor and during his twelve year tenure (1963-75) sought to make St. Dominic’s a leader in the implementation of Vatican II, especially with respect to liturgical renewal, faith education and ecumenical dialogue. During this period the church interior was renovated and the altar moved forward with a semi-circular area of prayer in the space of the old sanctuary. In 1971, the Dominican Sisters from Adrian, Michigan joined the parish staff with involvement in catechetics and adult education.

Following Fr. Claude Poirier’s appointment as Archdiocesan Director of the Office of Liturgy and Professor at St. Augustine’s Seminary in 1975, Fr. Kelly Walker, o.p. became pastor. His short pastorate (1975-78) was marked by an increase in opportunities for faith formation and adult education, expanded lay involvement in the areas of home and hospital visitation, and vibrant youth ministry. In 1978 Fr. Claude Richard, o.p. became the new Pastor , a position he would hold until the departure of the Dominicans from the parish in 1985. During this time there was further expansion of lay involvement in liturgical and music ministries, as well as the establishment of a Refugee Resettlement Committee - a work that continues to this day. The parish also welcomed the Mississauga Deaf Community, and signed masses were conducted each Sunday. A second phase of renovations and repairs was undertaken in advance of observance of the 25th anniversary of the Parish in 1980: the heating system was converted from oil to gas and the front entrance to the church fitted with a ramp to facilitate wheelchair access. In 1983 Miss Bernadette Gasslein, who had been co-ordinating catechist, was replaced by Sr. Joanne Kelly, who intensified the programme of religious education and catechetics - removing it from a strictly school context to a family orientation involving parents.

It came as a shock to the parish to learn early in 1985 that the Order of Preachers (Dominicans) were leaving the parish due to a shortage of Dominican priests to staff the parish. An agreement was entered into with the Archdiocese of Toronto to transfer property and administration of the parish, and the Dominicans moved to a house close to the University of Toronto. In May 1985 Fr. Robert Ouellette was appointed as pastor of St. Dominic’s – beginning a tenure that lasted twelve years until 1997.

During this time the priorities of the parish continued to be community oriented. In 1987 parish native , Father Brian Clough (ordained at St. Dominic’s in June 1968) who had returned from studies in Washington to work in the Marriage Tribunal in Toronto, came home to live at St. Dominic’s and provided weekend assistance until 1997. In 1990 the Parish raised the funds to purchase a new organ, which was installed in September and consecrated at a choral/organ recital.

It was in the early 1990’s that St. Dominic’s pioneered Parish Social Ministry (PSM) in the Archdiocese, with its first Co-ordinator Jocelyn Kealy working very closely with Fr. Ouellette. This programme has become a model for other parishes across the Archdiocese, and in late 1996 Jocelyn left the parish staff to act as a Parish Social Ministry Consultant in the Archdiocese. Long time parishioner and registered nurse Beverly Carpenter became PSM Co-ordinator in January 1997 – a role continues to be of great importance in helping St. Dominic’s identify and assist all in our local community.

In 1997 Fr. Ouellette was named as Pastor of St. John Crysostom Parish, Newmarket, and our current pastor Fr. Tim Hanley was named as new Pastor of St. Dominic’s Parish. That same year Sr. Joanne Kelly retired and Beverly O’Grady joined the Pastoral Team as Parish Catechist. Drawing on Fr. Tim’s experience as the former Vice-Rector of St. Augustine’s Seminary, the parish has become a training ground for newly-ordained priests, welcoming Fr. Jim McLenaghen (1998-2000), Fr. Joseph Tap Tran (2000-2003) and Fr. Robert Mignella (2003-present).

In 1998 a Property Condition Report carried out by the Archdiocese indicated that the parish buildings and property were facing some immediate and major repairs. In addition, the parish faced two substantial existing debts: $250,000 resulting from the departure of the Dominican Priests (which was later re-negotiated to a more realistic capital figure of $100,000) and another $100,000 resulting from 1985 rectory renovations and tower repairs.

These property and financial challenges meant that, after consultation with the parish community, a Capital Campaign entitled “Together in Faith” was held in the fall of 2000 with a goal of $750,000 for the following projects: 1. Removal of the Bell Tower, 2. Re-roofing of peaked church roof and flat roofs (excluding the Rectory), 3. Elevator/Lift to the basement and handicapped washroom, 4. Parking lot expansion and resurfacing, 5. New Church windows, 6. Sanctuary and Church Interior Renovations, 7. Repayment of $100,000 capital debt.

This campaign, the first to be held at St. Dominic’s since the early 1960’s,involved almost 200 volunteers and was managed by the firm of Paul J. Mack and Associates of Burlington, ON. Our “Together in Faith” Campaign was an overwhelming success, raising just over $1 million in cash and pledges over 5 years. Since the fall of 2000 all debt has been repaid and the first five projects completed. We look forward to the completion of our final project – Sanctuary and interior renovations in the summer of 2005, just in time for the completion of our 50th Anniversary. celebrations in October 2005.

Sacaraments

• Baptism
• Eucharist - Schedule for 2011 -2012
• Confirmation
• Sacrament of Marriage
• Anointing of the Sick
• Rite of Christian Funerals