Social Justice Ministries

ShareLife: ShareLife is the fundraising arm of the Archdiocese of Toronto, and each year the ShareLife campaign raises funds to benefit 34 different agencies serving thousands of people in need. These funds benefit those in Toronto through many Catholic social service agencies, as well as those in the Third World through the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace and the Pastoral Mission Fund. ShareLife also assists with the formation of future priests in supporting St. Augustine’s Seminary. Our annual parish campaign is carried out each year during Lent.

St. Vincent de Paul: The Society of St. Vincent de Paul provides assistance for the needy people in our area with items such as food vouchers, clothing, and furniture. The St. Vincent de Paul volunteers seek person-to-person involvement by visiting needy families and having regular volunteer meetings.

Welcoming Arms: Welcoming ARMS (Aurora Reachout Mission Services) is an ecumenical outreach program that Our Lady of Grace parish participates in with the following other Christian churches: Aurora United Church, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, and Trinity Anglican Church. We provide the needy of our community with a place of friendship and support, and are able to assist with food vouchers, gift cards, toiletries and cleaning supplies, and connections to other community helps and resources. After providing space for Welcoming Arms Office for two years (October 2006-September 2008) the office is now permanently located behind Trinity Anglican Church at 44 Metcalfe St. 905-726-1483. The hours of operation are Monday 10AM-2PM, Wednesday 7PM-9PM and Thursday 10AM-2PM.

Ministry with the Sick: Our ministers with the sick are specially trained parishioners who visit and take Holy Communion to the sick and shut-in members of the parish, both in their homes and in hospital. They are able to notify the priests when a sick parishioner is in need of the Sacrament of Reconciliation or the Anointing of the Sick. This is a very important ministry that enables a connection to be maintained with those who are physically unable to join us for our Eucharistic celebrations but who remain part of our parish community.

Refugee Resettlement Committee: The Refugee Resettlement Committee has the purpose of sponsoring refugee families to immigrate to Canada and providing support (financial, material and social) to help them adjust to their new lives in Canada.