Parish Groups and Activities


One of our strengths is our wide and active variety of parish groups, that come together for fun, friendship and service.
We are always delighted to welcome new members!

Adult Education

The Adult Education team coordinates speakers or videos on a range of topics monthly on Sunday mornings after the service. Topics are chosen to expand awareness of international and community needs and programs, as well as issues of personal interest to parishioners.
Altar Guild

Members of the Altar Guild prepare the Altar for Sunday Liturgy, as well as special services such as Christmas, Easter, Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals. Altar flowers are given as memorials or thank offerings, and Guild members are responsible for delivering the flowers each Sunday after service to a member of our extended community. With over a dozen active members, the Guild meets the second Wednesday of each month.  Occasional projects raise funds to support their work.
Breakfast Club

The Breakfast Club meets once a month on Saturday mornings in the parish hall for an hour of good fellowship and good repast during winter, spring and fall. Projects include running the Chili Supper on Ash Wednesday, providing assistance at the Rummage Sales, clean-up duties in the spring and fall on church grounds, and sponsoring the Children's Christmas party.
Charleswood Caring & Sharing Food Bank

A group of 45 parishioners, along with neighbours and friends, meet in the hall to organize the food bank at St. Mary, as a partner agency of Harvest. Since opening in 2014, we have increased our client base from 24 to 40 biweekly! We dedicate a good part of our time to offering fellowship and friendship to our regular clients; we also offer a quiet prayer station and time of short worship for those looking for extra support. For more information, click here.
Friendship Group

The Friendship Group meets on the first Monday of each month. This is a time for women of the parish to come together for fellowship and study. There is a short meeting followed by an activity. We may have a guest speaker, do a craft, play games, take a field trip, or have a lively discussion. This is followed by teatime. We also go for lunch once a month. All parishioners are welcome!
 
On Mother’s Day we hold a baby shower for the Thelma Wynne project to collect baby items they use in making layettes. Money raised by the Friendship Group is donated to the church and various organizations. Contact the Parish Office for more information.
Mission & Outreach

The Mission & Outreach Committee works to provide support and donations to many community and charitable projects within our city. During this past year, for example, they were able to offer assistance to St Matthews Maryland Community Ministry, 1Just City, the Primate's World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF), Harvest and the Charleswood Caring & Sharing Food Bank.
Mitten Tree

Each Christmas season, our mitten tree at St Mary is adorned with mittens, scarves and toques that are later donated to children and adults needing warm winter gear. This year items were collected and  delivered to St Matthews Maryland Community Ministry and Westgrove School.
Maintenance Crew

This group takes on maintenance and repair projects related to the church building and grounds, and are always keen and willing to help make St Mary's a comfortable and safe space for all.