Parish Groups and Ministries
There are many ways to be part of
parish life at St. Luke's!
For contact information of group leaders, please reach out to office@stlukesdowneyville.ca
Liturgical Ministries
Contact: Office
Our liturgical ministries bring parishioners together in service to our worship and the celebration of Mass. There are many ways to participate, whether you enjoy welcoming people, proclaiming the Word, sharing your musical gifts, serving at the altar or helping behind the scenes.
These include: Eucharistic Ministers, Greeters, Readers, Music Ministry, Altar Servers, and Counters.
Christians In Action Youth Group
Contact: Mary Catherine Jilesen
The St. Luke’s Youth Group gives young people a place to gather, have fun, build friendships and grow in faith together. Through regular gatherings, activities and special events, youth have an opportunity to become more connected with one another and with parish life.
Hearts & Shamrocks
Contact: Mary Jo Connell
Hearts & Shamrocks is a parish outreach and community support group dedicated to building faith, kindness and connection within St. Luke’s and the wider Downeyville community.
Community Cafe
Contact: Helen Scott
Community Café is a welcoming opportunity for parishioners to gather after Mass for coffee, conversation and fellowship. It’s a simple way to meet new people, catch up with friends and strengthen the connections that make St. Luke’s a community.
Knights of Columbus
Contact: Adam Ranger
The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic men’s organization dedicated to serving the Church, supporting those in need and strengthening parish and community life through faith-filled service.
At St. Luke’s, the Knights contribute volunteer time and financial support to parish ministries, community outreach and special projects. The Knights also oversee the operation of Downeyville Hall.
Funeral Reception Committee
Contact: Mary Jane Connell
The Funeral Reception Committee is a longstanding volunteer ministry that provides hospitality and support to families following funerals and burials at St. Luke’s.
The Committee organizes and serves luncheon receptions in Downeyville Hall, providing families and guests with a place to gather in community during a difficult time. Volunteers help prepare food, organize the Hall, serve guests and assist with cleanup.
Prayer Chain
Contact: Jan Murtha
The Prayer Chain is a quiet ministry supporting parishioners, families and members of the wider community through prayer. Members receive prayer requests and faithfully include these intentions in their daily prayers during times of illness, grief, hardship, thanksgiving and other special needs.
Parishioners are welcome to submit a prayer request or inquire about joining the Prayer Chain.
Cemetery Board
Contact: Pat Herlihey
The Cemetery Board oversees the operation, care and administration of St. Luke’s Cemetery. The Board coordinates burials and assists families with burial arrangements, cemetery records, plot inquiries and cemetery rules. It also helps preserve the cemetery’s important connection to the history and heritage of the Downeyville community.
Parent Council
Contact: Krista Truckle
The Parent Council supports the school community through fundraising, parent engagement and collaboration among the school, parish and wider community. It helps raise and allocate funds for school activities, student opportunities and school improvement initiatives while strengthening communication between parents, the school and the parish.
Parish Council
Contact: Cathie Morrissey
Parish Council works collaboratively with the Pastor to support the spiritual and pastoral life of St. Luke’s. The Council provides consultation, leadership, support and feedback on parish priorities, community needs and pastoral initiatives.
In recent years, Parish Council has led parish-wide engagement and planning focused on rebuilding participation, strengthening communication and renewing parish life. The most recent parish survey is informing St. Luke’s 2026–2029 Pastoral Action Plan.
Finance Committee
​Contact: Bob Connell
The Finance Committee provides financial oversight and stewardship for St. Luke’s Parish. The Committee monitors parish finances, prepares budgets and longer-term forecasts, provides financial statements to parishioners, oversees annual bursaries and helps guide decisions concerning building maintenance and capital projects.
There's a Place for You!
Contact: Office@stlukesdowneyville.ca
Whether you would like to participate in a ministry, volunteer at an event, meet more people in the parish or simply learn more, we would love to help you get connected.