Parish Groups

St. Matthew's R.C. Parish Groups and Organizations

WEDDINGS: We prepare all couples who plan to  marry in the Church. There is a seven week course that is a must, offered in many locations, and in our own parish twice a year on Thursday Evenings from 7:30 - 9:30 and once a year in the late spring on Wedneday evenings. Our next course will be offered in May.  Six months notice should be given to the parish priest, and he should be contacted before any other arrangements are made.

St. Matthew's Parish Guidelines for the Celebration of Marriage

BAPTISMS: These happy events are planned for by  notifying the priest before the birth of the infant, so instructions can be arranged. Two evening sessions are given every six weeks or so. Parents must be careful to have at least one godparent who is a practising Catholic. The Church asks parents never to delay this Sacrament without good cause.

CATECHISM:

PREP: (Parish Religious Education Program)
Instructions in the faith are given to the children of our parish who attend public school. Classes from Kindergarten to Grade 7 are held on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 7:45pm at Holy Cross High School, from the beginning of September until the end of May. We have a volunteer staff of over 65 teachers & assistants to help in this important work.

RCIA: (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
Instructions in the faith for adults who are interested in the Catholic Faith, every Saturday from 10:00am -12:00pm.

COMMUNION TO THE SICK & SHUT-INS: We have the practice of visiting our shut-ins on the first Friday of the month, or by special arrangement. Those in need please call the parish.

CATHOLIC_WOMEN'S_LEAGUE: (chartered in May of 1985). Meetings are on the 3rd Tuesday of every month in the Jubilee Hall at 7:30pm. The president is Ria Ling.  Please call 604-581-9668 for any inquiries.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS: Saint Matthew's council #9534 (chartered in May of 1987). We invite all men of our parish to join us in serving our Pastor, our fellow parishioners and our community. Our business meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month in the Jubilee Hall at 7:45 pm. Our Grand Knight is currently Ralp Pereira. He can be reached at 778-574-4075 for more information.

COLUMBIAN SQUIRES: This is a youth organization for young men of high school age, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. 

SENIORS ASSOCIATION: for those fifty and older, with monthly meetings, social gatherings and a variety of activities every Tuesday afternoon 1:00 - 4:00 pm in the Jubilee Hall.

LEGION OF MARY: meetings are held every Thursday morning from 10:00 - 11:30 in the Upper Room of the church.  New members are always welcome to join them in their work of prayer and service.

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY: helps with needs of the poor especially on an emergency basis, and keeps their "charity in action" low-key and confidential. If you would like to join them in helping with the corporal works of mercy please call the parish office.

PRAYER GROUP:We meet to praise and worship God every Monday evening at 7:30pm in the Jubilee Hall. We would be delighted to have you join us.

GOD'S LITTLE PEOPLE: God's Word for young children ages 4 - 6 years, every Sunday at 10:30am Mass. At the beginning of Mass, the children gather and go to the Upper Room to learn their faith in the context of coming to Mass on Sunday.

Please contact the Parish Office at 604-589-2448 for more information on any of these groups and organizations.