Parish Groups and Societies
A Charismatic Prayer Group, "Our Lady's Community of the Lord's Praise" was established in Amherst in 1972. Deacon Rick Hartnett ministers to this group on a regular basis since it began. The prayer group is a powerful force for prayer in the Amherst community. Its membership primarily comes from Holy Family Parish, although people from other faith traditions have also participated.
This group hosts a traditional Seder meal annually in the parish for our Confirmation candidates and their families. RCIA participants also take part in this event during Holy Week. Both groups appreciate this event each year.
The Catholic Women's League of Canada is active within our parish. The Saint Charles Council was an active presence in the Saint Charles parish for approximately 70 years. The Nativity of Our Lady Council was active since 1958. Both CWL councils were very visible in the communities and were very involved in many activities of the parishes. Their presence was noted in many active parish ministries and they made a significant contribution to comfort families as they host receptions in the parish halls after funerals.
Both Councils disbanded in order to form a new Council for our Holy Family Parish. The parish appreciates their contributions the life of the Roman Catholic Church in Amherst. Their service is duly noted to God and Canada.
The Knights of Columbus Cumberland Council 2916 has been established in Amherst for many years. They have an assembly of the 4th Degree Knights called the Monsignor W. H. Smith Assembly. Knights come from Holy Family Parish and other parishes in the area. They meet at 5 Robie Street in Amherst. This hall is a center for their activities and is also used for many community events. They contribute to our parishes by serving at funerals and being available at many parish functions. The Knights made significant contributions recently to the Saint Charles-Nativity of Our Lady Cemetery. They purchased a tractor, lawn tractor and built a building for storage of these tools along with an office and facilities for the staff.
The Saint Vincent de Paul Society in Amherst provides all types of assistance to people in need in Amherst. The society is a significant component of our parish outreach in the community. They collaborate with other churches in the town and are very active in the "Amherst Food Network." This network operates a central food bank in the community and the society is actively involved in the operation. The implementation of the poor box at Holy Family Parish has helped the society meet the needs of the poor in the community. Parishioners have been most generous with their offerings weekly to the poor box. Society members stand at the church entrance with the poor box in hand at the conclusion of weekend liturgies.