On 20 October, the St. Leonard Ministry Expo brought together our parish community for a day filled with warmth, faith, and fellowship—even as the evening brought its share of chilly winds. From the bustling energy of the morning to the spirited efforts of our ministry leaders in the evening, the event was a beautiful display of our parish's commitment and unity.
The morning began with a full house at Mass, and we were thrilled to see more than 100 parishioners stay behind to join the Ministry Expo and enjoy the morning tea. Parishioners were treated to delicious food, with BBQ delights cooked and served by dedicated parishioners. The sight and smell of the food, combined with the friendly faces behind the BBQ, brought a sense of joy and community. Live music, featuring the talented strumming of a guitar and the heartfelt vocals of Father Roger, created a joyful backdrop to the event, adding to the lively atmosphere as parishioners sang along and tapped their feet.
There was great engagement at the ministry tables, and it was heartening to see so many parishioners express interest in joining various ministries, including altar serving. In fact, the Youth Ministry flyers nearly ran out by the end of the morning session, a testament to the high level of excitement and participation.
As the sun set and 40+ parishioners gathered for the evening session, the cold and windy weather posed a bit of a challenge. However, the dedication and commitment of our ministry leads and parishioners shone through, with everyone ensuring the event continued smoothly. Despite the weather, we were once again blessed with great food, good music, and the chance to connect with one another in faith and friendship. A special highlight of the evening was the Youth Ministry’s dance performance, which spread smiles and warmth even as the wind picked up.
One of the most heartwarming moments of the day was when a parishioner expressed their interest in resuming the Children’s Liturgy—a beautiful reminder of our vibrant and growing parish community.
The Ministry Expo was a wonderful opportunity for us to come together, learn about the many ways to serve in the parish, and strengthen our bonds as a community of faith. Whether through sharing a meal, dancing, singing, or simply connecting with one another, this day reminded us of the beautiful spirit that lives within St. Leonard’s Church.
Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, and made the day such a success. We look forward to many more events that celebrate our parish's gifts, talents, and shared mission.
