Ministries at St. Timothy's

Rooted in the Church’s call for the faithful to participate actively in the liturgy, altar servers assist the priest and deacon in the celebration of Mass by preparing the altar, carrying the cross and candles, and aiding the sacred actions so that the rites unfold prayerfully and reverently. Servers help embody the Church’s understanding that liturgy is the “action of Christ and of his Body” and that all members participate according to their role.

This ministry adapts the Liturgy of the Word for children so they can hear Scripture and respond in a way appropriate to their age, while still leading them toward full participation in the entire Mass. It is rooted in the Church’s pastoral care to form young disciples in the life of prayer and worship.

While the ordained priest and deacon are the ordinary ministers of Holy Communion, Church norms recognize that lay faithful may be deputed when pastoral need requires additional help. This reflects the liturgy’s communal character — distributing Christ’s Body and Blood more broadly when necessary — always with reverence for “the summit toward which the activity of the Church is directed,” the Eucharist.

The Second Vatican Council reaffirmed that lay participation in liturgy requires the proclamation of God’s Word with clarity and reverence, “so that the faithful take part fully, actively, and consciously.” Reading the Scriptures at Mass (except the Gospel) is a vital way the laity help the assembly hear God speak and respond in faith; it expresses the communal nature of worship.

Sacred music has a special place in Catholic worship. Sacrosanctum Concilium teaches that music must be integrated into liturgy so that the faithful can participate actively — “by means of acclamations, responses, psalmody, antiphons, and songs” — expressing the prayer of the entire assembly in harmony with the liturgical rites.

Closely connected with altar service and preparation, the sacristan ensures the vessels, vestments, and liturgical books are ready for worship. This behind‑the‑scenes service helps the liturgy proceed with the dignity and order that befit the sacred mysteries and supports the communal celebration of the Eucharist as taught in the liturgical tradition.

Ushers engage in active lay participation in the liturgy and the communal nature of the Church’s worship. Ushers help welcome, seat, and guide the assembly so that the community can gather as one body for prayer and praise, reflecting the liturgy’s role as “the font from which all her power flows.”

The CWL lives out this mission in our parish community by offering prayerful support, fellowship, and service-oriented activities. Members at St. Timothy’s gather to deepen their faith, support parish ministries and charitable outreach, and uphold Catholic values in both parish life and the wider community.

A Registered non-profit Catholic fraternal organization dedicated to serving St. Timothy's Parish and the surrounding community in Orangeville, Ontario.

That Man is You! honestly addresses the pressures and temptations that men face in our modern culture, especially those relating to their roles as husbands and fathers. The program harmonizes current social and medical science with the teachings of the Church and the wisdom of the saints to develop the vision of man fully alive!

Lay Pastoral Visitors provide compassionate care by visiting the sick, homebound, and institutionalized, bringing Holy Communion and prayer to those unable to attend Mass. This ministry fosters a sense of belonging and support within our parish community.

The Rosary Apostolate is a lay-led apostolate dedicated to evangelization through prayer, especially the Rosary, encouraging prayer in families, schools, and parish life as a way to deepen faith and share the Gospel with others.

The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul is a lay Catholic organization devoted to living the Gospel by serving neighbours in need with compassion, respect, and justice, especially through home visitations and practical assistance.

Baptism is the first sacrament of initiation, through which a person is freed from sin, reborn as a child of God, and incorporated into the Church. Instituted by Christ (cf. Matthew 28:19), it uses water and the Trinitarian formula to signify cleansing and new life. Through Baptism, the faithful share in Christ’s death and resurrection and begin their journey of discipleship within the Body of Christ.

Confirmation completes the grace of Baptism by sealing the faithful with the gift of the Holy Spirit. Rooted in apostolic tradition (cf. Acts 8:14-17), it strengthens the baptized to witness to Christ boldly and publicly. Through the anointing with sacred chrism and the laying on of hands, the Church invokes the Spirit to deepen the candidate’s bond with Christ and equip them for mission in the world.

First Reconciliation prepares children to encounter Christ’s mercy in the Sacrament of Penance, where sins committed after Baptism are forgiven and grace is restored. First Holy Communion follows as the reception of the Eucharist — the Body and Blood of Christ — which the Church calls the “source and summit of the Christian life” (CCC 1324). Together, these sacraments initiate young Catholics more deeply into sacramental life, strengthening their union with Christ and His Church.

“The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life… has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament.” (CCC 1601)

Marriage preparation forms couples to understand Christian marriage as a lifelong covenant ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of children. In the Sacrament of Matrimony, husband and wife become a visible sign of Christ’s faithful love for His Church (cf. Ephesians 5:25-32). Proper preparation ensures that couples freely and knowingly enter into this sacred vocation with faith, responsibility, and grace.

RCIA is the Church’s official process for welcoming adults into full communion through Baptism (if needed), Confirmation, and Eucharist. Restored following the Second Vatican Council, it reflects the early Church’s catechumenate, guiding participants through stages of instruction, prayer, and liturgical rites. RCIA emphasizes gradual conversion, community support, and full initiation into the sacramental life of the Church.

Collection Counters assist in the timely and accurate counting of weekly and special parish collections under established Archdiocesan procedures. They work in teams to sort, count, record, and secure offertory donations, ensuring confidentiality and discretion while supporting the parish’s financial stewardship. This ministry is essential to good governance and accountability, and those who serve are trained and screened according to Archdiocesan volunteer policies.

A volunteer team that assists in preparing the church environment for liturgical seasons, feasts, and special celebrations. This includes arranging flowers, banners, and other appropriate sacred décor so that the worship space reflects the beauty and reverence of the liturgical calendar.

The Parish Finance Council is a consultative body of laypersons established to advise the Pastor on the financial affairs of the parish in accordance with the Archdiocese of Toronto’s norms and Canon Law. It assists with preparing budgets, reviewing financial reports, ensuring compliance with Archdiocesan and civil requirements, and promoting sound stewardship of parish resources. Members are typically appointed by the Pastor and bring experience in finance, law, property, and administration.

The Social Committee helps to promote a welcoming, receptive and active social environment in the parish by planning and implementing various social events, celebrations and activities occurring at the parish.

Volunteer Screening in the Archdiocese of Toronto is part of the “Strengthening Our Caring Community” program, mandated by the Cardinal and the Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario. All volunteers — before serving in parish ministries — complete a screening process that includes application, training, risk assessment, and, where applicable, reference and police checks to ensure the safety and well-being of all parishioners. This program is administered through each parish’s Volunteer Screening Coordinator and Committee.

For more information please email our Volunteer Screening Team at sttimothyORVS@archtoronto.org.

Supports parish ministry by helping maintain the parish’s online presence and communications (e.g., the parish website and digital announcements) as part of the Church’s outreach and evangelization. This role contributes to effective sharing of parish news, events, and resources in a way that reflects the mission of the Church and complies with Archdiocesan communication guidelines.

Coming soon! Save the date for Camp Crossroads in Summer of 2026.

Join our EDGE program for children from Grades 6-8.