Church Groups

The following groups are active at St. Patrick’s Church. All meetings are in the rectory meeting room unless otherwise specified. Consider joining one or more of our groups. For further information please call the Rectory Office.

SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL

Through the donations and contributions of our parishioners the SSVP reaches out and helps about 800 families in our community. They meet on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m.

  Our local Society of St. Vincent de
  Paul store, located at 696 King St. East, has
  openings for volunteers any weekday from 10am - 1pm or 1pm - 4 p.m. It‘s a chance to meet and help others in our community. Call Debbie, the store manager at 905-522-7045 or stop by to meet us. Men & women are welcome.

SEPARATED AND DIVORCED CATHOLICS

Would it help you to have people around you to understand what you’re going through? Would you like to hear some ideas that will encourage you and help you to develop new ways of coping with the stresses in your life?  
The Hamilton Support Group meets the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month and they can help!  There is NO COST and no advance registration is necessary.     

When:  1st and 3rd Friday of each month
Place:   St. Patrick’s Rectory Meeting Room from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

LEGION OF MARY

Meets every Sunday at 2:00 p.m.

ST. PATRICK’S C.W.L.

Invites the ladies of the parish to a baby shower for Birthright Emergency Pregnancy Service on Thursday, June 6, 6:30 p.m. in the Rectory Meeting Room.
Guest speaker:  Marquita Manes from Birthright.
Gifts for babies 0-3 months would be welcome.      Please join us for an enjoyable evening to learn about and support a worthy organization.

We invite all ladies of the parish to join us for personal spiritual growth, friendship and fun.

The C.W.L. would like to thank all parishioners who have donated Denninger receipts to us. They help us in our work at the parish. We would like to ask you to continue by placing Denninger cash register receipts in the boxes at the doors of the church.

This year, St. Patrick's Catholic Women's League celebrates its 60th anniversary!

The Objects of the League shall be to unite Catholic Women of Canada:

• to achieve individual and collective spiritual development.
• to promote the teachings of the Catholic Church.
• to exemplify the Christian ideal in home and family life.
• to protect the sanctity of human life.
• to enhance the role of women in church and society.
• to recognize the human dignity of all people everywhere.
• to uphold and defend Christian education and values in the modern world.
• to contribute to the understanding and growth of religious freedom, social justice, peace and harmony.

ST. PATRICK’S FELLOWSHIP GROUP

This is a group formed from amoung the parishioners and worshippers in the church. They organize events and special programs on behalf of the church. They have regular monthly meetings and they regularly organize a Coffee Hour on the last Sunday of the month. Everyone is welcome to be a member. This group meets on the 1st Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m.

GIFT OF SIGHT AND HEARING

Unwanted eyeglasses and hearing aids can be donated in a box in the Church Vestibule to be distributed to visually and hearing impaired persons in developing countries.

COMMITTEES

The parish also has many other active committees and groups who meet regularly:

• Parish Advisory Council
• Finance Committee
• Building and Technical Committee
• Liturgical Committee
• Voluteer Screening Committee
• Altar Servers Organization
• Children’s Liturgy Group
• Usher’s Group
• Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers
• Hospital Ministry Group
• Lectors Group

Local Community Groups

The following are programs and organizations active in and around Hamilton. Please consider joining in to help make a difference in your community. For further information please use the contact information listed for each.

COMMUNION MINISTRY TO THOSE IN HOSPITAL

The Spiritual Care Department at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton is in need of additional ministers of the Eucharist to offer Communion to Catholic patients while in hospital. If you are a Eucharistic Minister commissioned in our parish, you are invited to prayerfully consider this opportunity to extend your ministry to those who may experience spiritual strength and healing through receiving Communion during a time of illness or uncertainty. Please call the hospital’s Spiritual Care Department directly by dialing 905 522-1155 ext. 33263.

TEOPOLI SUMMER EXPERIENCE (TSE)

Treat your children to a special experience send them to the Teopoli Summer Experience (TSE). It’s a 12-day Catholic residential summer program for youth, ages 6 to 16 in the Muskoka area of Ontario. Activities include swimming, canoeing, sports, art, music, drama, culture, theology, daily Holy Mass and rosary. Since 1973, the TSE has provided a life-long spiritual formation to thousands of children. For more information visit our website www.teopoli.org or call Joe at 416- 243-7319.

CATHOLIC CAMPING AT C.Y.O. CAMP BREBEUF

Faith and Fun since 1941 In the words of one of our former campers, “I think it’s cool how Camp Brébeuf mixes faith with fun!”. Camp Brébeuf is a Catholic Camp located on 110 acres of forest and stream in the beautiful town of Rockwood Ontario. Our facilities include many exciting feature such as a rock climbing wall, huge high ropes course, archery range, swimming pool, canoe pond, sports field, wood cabins, outdoor chapel and more. Run by the Hamilton Catholic Youth Organization under the guidance of Bishop Tonnos and the Diocese of Hamilton, Camp Brébeuf offers summer camp programming for grade school students and a Leadership Camp for those entering grade 9 all the way up until grade 11. For more information visit: www.campbrebeuf.ca or call 519-856-4671.

CATECHETICAL CORRESPONDENCE COURSES

Programs available for children from Kindergarten through to High School not currently receiving religious instruction. Preparation for First Communion and Confirmation for children not in Catholic Schools also available. Families work through the programs at home. Contact Carol in the Catechesis Office at 905-528-7988, x 2238 or check out our website at www.hamiltondiocese.com for more information and for registration forms. Registration forms are also available at the rectory.

ST. BRIGID EARLY LEARNING AND CARE CENTRE

2 ½ - 3 Year Old Program

• Provides full day care for pre-school children
  
• Provide FREE half day program, September to June, for children who will be 3 years of age
  
• Nutritious snacks daily
  
• A meal at lunch time will be provided with the full day program
  

4-12 Year Old Program

• Provide care for children attending school all day from ages 4 – 12 years of age
  
• Operates before and after school programs
  
• Open on P.A. Days
  
• Nutritious snacks daily
  
• A meal at lunch time will be provided with the full day program
  

Hours of operation Monday to Friday 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
For more information please contact us at (905)523-2305

THE INSTITUTE FOR CATHOLIC EDUCATION (ICE)

Are you a Graduate of the Catholic School System in the Province of Ontario?
The Institute for Catholic Education (ICE) invites you to participate in a Beyond Catholic Graduation Survey about the spiritual formation, the cultural engagement and the academic development of Ontario Catholic school graduates. For more information, please go to www.beyondcatholicgraduation.com

McMASTER CATHOLIC STUDENTS ASSOCIATION

If you are a student at, or entering, McMaster University in the Fall, then we’d like you to know about the McMaster Catholic Students Association, called MACSA!

MACSA is a great community of Catholic university students on campus, where you can learn more about the Catholic faith, meet some like-minded people, or explore how faith and university life can be reconciled.

Find them on the web at macsa.ca, or on Facebook at McMaster Catholic Students Association

ENJOY A REWARDING VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
WITH THE VON HAMILTON!

VON has a role for you…

Meals On Wheels – Meals on Wheels program is in need of volunteers to help one day a week between 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., to deliver hot nutritional meals to home bound individuals. You may either drive or serve. Through the help of volunteers, Meals on Wheels delivers over 300 meals a day to seniors and individuals with disabilities to help maintain their independence. If you would like to help, please call Mary Catherine Ker at 905-522-0053 ext. 2251. for more information.
Volunteer Visiting – Volunteers offer caring through friendship and support for senior adults who do not have the necessary social support.
Good Beginnings – Trains and matches volunteers to visit in the homes of parents with healthy newborns for the first six months following birth.
SMART Seniors Exercise Program – An in-home and group exercise program designed to maintain or improve functional mobility and independence for adults 55 years and up.
BUON GIORNO! VON Hamilton is currently looking for volunteers that can speak or understand some Italian for Volunteer Visiting and the Hospice Volunteer Service.

and many more… Call VON today at 905-522-0053 or visit their website VON Hamilton, for an opportunity to make a difference in your community!

STEP-PARENTING & BLENDED FAMILY WORKSHOP

A Step-Parenting & Blended Family Workshop is offered by the Office for Ministry, Family, and Religious Education at the Chancery Office 700 King St. West, Hamilton. Please call 905-528-7988 ext. 2249 for more information.

NEW BEGINNINGS

Are you grieving the loss of a relationship through death, divorce, or separation? Do you want a NEW BEGINNING? NEW BEGINNINGS helps people of all faiths to discover the deeper meaning in their lives and in their changed circumstances with the help of a trained team of men and women who are divorced, separated and widowed as well. For more information contact the Diocesan Office for Ministry, Family and Religious Education at 905-528-7988 x 2251.

KEYS TO LOVING RELATIONSHIPS

“Keys” is a thirteen week program meant for anyone (married or single) who is looking for a more meaningful relationship with a spouse, family member or friend. For more information, please call the Office for Ministry, Family & Religious Education at (905) 528-7988 ext. 2249.

LEARNING TO COPE

Persons separated and divorced - LEARNING TO COPE (Level I) is a ten week support program held at the Chancery Office, 700 King St. W, Hamilton. The program is for persons experiencing the trauma of a separation or divorce. For more information, please contact the Family Ministry Office at (905) 528-7988, ext. 2249. Cost: $35. Past participants are welcome to inquire about further Levels programs starting the same week.

ST. CHARLES ADULT EDUCATION CENTRES

Current educational research indicates that learning or maintaining a second or third language has a positive effect on all aspects of a child’s educational development. The focus of this program is to offer children an opportunity to learn and or/maintain a language other than English and French and to develop an appreciation for diversity and inter-cultural activities. The H.W.C.D.S.B. offers free classes to elementary students in your vicinity. Flyers will be distributed to the schools in June. To see what is available in your community have your child request a flyer from their school office or view the flyer at their website www.stcharles.ca

THINKING ABOUT SEPARATION OR DIVORCE?

Is your marriage or that of a relative or friend heading for divorce? Do you know how to save that marriage? Or do you feel helpless?

The word Retrouvaille™ (pronounced re-tro-vi with a long i.) is a French word meaning rediscovery. The program offers tools needed to rediscover a loving marriage relationship. Thousands of couples headed for cold, unloving relationships or divorce have successfully overcome their marriage problems by attending the program.

The Retrouvaille Program consists of a weekend experience combined with a series of 12 post-weekend sessions. It provides the tools to help put your marriage in order again. The main emphasis of the program is on communication in marriage between husband and wife. It will give you the opportunity to rediscover each other and examine your lives together in a new and positive way.

For confidential information or to register for the next program, please call 905-664-5212, or email retrouvaille.hamilton@cogeco.ca or visit our website www.hamiltonretrouvaille.com

CATHOLIC CHILDREN’S AID SOCIETY OF HAMILTON

Have you ever considered adoption?
Would you like to hear more about the adoption process through the Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Hamilton? Our children can range from six months to six years and everything in between. We need as many different families as there are children. For further information call (905) 525-2012 ext. 3125. or visit our website www.hamiltonccas.on.ca

Volunteer Opportunity
CCAS is looking for DRIVERS for the Volunteer Drive Department. Drivers provide transportation for children to and from appointments, family visits, school, camp etc. An ongoing commitment is required, and times can be flexible around your schedule. Mileage will be reimbursed. If you enjoy working with children and youth, and are looking for a rewarding opportunity please contact: Lisa Hostein, Volunteer and Development Coordinator (905) 525-2012 ext. 3256 lisa.hostein@hamiltonccas.on.ca

GOOD SHEPHERD

Good Shepherd has been serving people in the Greater Hamilton area since 1961, when we were founded by the Little Brothers of the Good Shepherd. We’re a Catholic health and social service agency and we’re here to serve all those who come to us in need. For more information visit our website www.goodshepherdcentres.ca

Help the Good Shepherd keep their shelves stocked with food. This is a list of much needed items:

Cereal, Crackers, Dry Pasta & Sauce, Dry Beans, Tuna, Instant Oatmeal, Peanut Butter, Juice, Macaroni & Cheese, Canned Fruit, Jam, Healthy Children’s Snacks, Canned Pasta, Canned Soup, Canned Vegetables, Coffee/Regular Tea, Pork & Beans, Baby Formula, Diapers (Size 4,5,6 + Pull-Up)

Items can be left in the boxes available at the doors of the church.

BIRTHRIGHT HAMILTON

Giving hope at Birthright means finding a way to bridge the gap between the fear people feel when they face an unplanned pregnancy and the hope they find when their needs have been met. Located at 40 Barton St. East in Hamilton, offering free pregnancy tests, counselling and many other services, we help those facing a pregnancy say "yes" to life. Can you help us reach out to them in their time of need by becoming a volunteer? If so, please call Birthright at 905 527-3677 and ask for Marquita.
Birthright International website www.birthright.org

HAMILTON RIGHT TO LIFE

Hamilton Right to Life is dedicated to providing you with the most up-to-date information on issues pertaining to the protection of human life from conception until natural death. Right to Life is about you! A culture of life begins with you and equipping yourself with the facts. Hamilton Right to Life, collaborator with Alliance for Life Canada, is an educational organization bringing knowledge about pro-life issues to our community. To find out more visit their website www.hamiltonrighttolife.org

Global Community Groups

CHALICE

Chalice is a Catholic Sponsorship Programme that believes in the value and sanctity of human life everywhere. They support the initiatives of local people, working for the common good of their community through the care of children and elderly in need. They are committed to act with compassion to the 'least of our Lord's brothers and sisters' and have many children waiting to be sponsored. To find out more visit their website www.chalice.ca

MISSIONARY SISTERS OF THE HOLY ROSARY

The Holy Rosary Sisters journey mostly with the poor in fourteen countries. We are involve in different ministries. We establish a presence of Christian faith, impart knowledge, and foster economic growth and improved living conditions in the communities we become a part of for varied periods of time. We are committed to fostering the dignity and support of women and families. In so doing, we nurture indigenous congregations, enabling people to recognize their own dignity and develop their capacity. Before the sisters hand over the work, we make every effort to equip and empower the people as Christians of their culture to grow their future within the strength and vibrancy of their heritage. The Community was founded in Ireland in 1924 to work with the women of Nigeria, West Africa. The Missionary Sisters of the Holy Rosary are now an international community working in nine countries of Africa, and in Brazil and Mexico. They are a strictly missionary group with no institutions in the United States or Canada, so therefore rely almost exclusively on funds provided though the Society for the Propagation of the Faith and the generosity of the people back home to support their sisters on mission. If you would like to see more about them, their website is: mshr.org

Missionary Sisters of the Holy Rosary