St. Francis Seminary

For several years now, the Community Catholic Church has offered a special program of training for those who are helping in the community and interested in offering weddings, but do not want to become a Deacon or a Priest in the Church.

The Order of Pastoral Chaplain was instituted to honour this important ministry and work in the community.

Pastoral Chaplains are ordained to serve their communities in diverse ways. They support food and clothing drives, help in schools, work with the homeless, assist by volunteering at charitable organizations. They work on their spiritual life, within or outside of a denominational congregation. They officiate at weddings. 

 The Pastoral Chaplaincy Program is offered through the Community Catholic Church of Canada, an inclusive, progressive church in the Anglican/Catholic tradition. We uphold the rights of all and offer wedding services for all people legally able to marry in Ontario, including same-sex couples. 

Our Chaplains go through an intensive training course (Online or onsite) with follow up sessions to ensure they understand the commitments they make to do charitable work, to develop their spiritual selves, and to offer couples meaningful and memorable ceremonies. They become members of the Pastoral Chaplain team.

Chaplains typically do such things as:

• officiate at weddings 
• work with the poor, homeless or hungry
  
• visit the sick or are involving with a healing ministry
  
• volunteer work at schools, hospitals, hospices, shelters, etc.
  
• participate in or conduct prayer circles or Bible studies
  
• help the poor or those in need
  
• devote time to prayer or meditation
  
• deepen their spirituality through reading and study. 
  

The Ideal Pastoral Chaplain Candidate

Selected candidates are in agreement with the values of the Community Catholic Church, whose mission is to promote Divine Love, compassion and care.  They are out in the world living their faith.  They support the food bank, care for elderly, family and neighbours, and they volunteer for community events.  What sets them apart is the belief that we are all brothers and sisters together, united by a call to love one another and to care for the planet.  Most particularly, they support the dignity, rights and beliefs of every person.  As  wedding officiants, they perform ceremonies for all couples legally able to wed in the Province of Ontario. 

New- the Order of Lay Pastoral Minister
Following ordination, Chaplains may pursue further studies as Lay Pastoral Ministers.  More information can be found here.