Vision of love ministry. (Lay Movements XVI).

In 1996 more than thirty youths and young adults organized to serve as Christian musicians and artists to bring glory to God. This lay ministry is under the direction of Catholic priests and nuns. Music and the arts can convey expressions of faith that witness to the love of God and neighbour. These young people share their God-given gifts with various communities in the Toronto archdiocese and in neighbouring regions, usually but not exclusively in churches and schools. They provide music for Masses, prayer meetings, and worship services, which can be combined on request with drama, art, and dance; prayer with songs from the Taize Community; music for conferences, retreats, rallies, festivals, concerts, etc.; prayer teams to minister for specific needs; Christian and Catholic literature.

The ministry offers praise and worship in a variety of styles, including rock, Latin, folk, reggae, and soca/calypso. It has produced a CD (Celebration Time Revival Time) and has been highly praised in newspaper reports. It does not request fees from parish communities, though honorariums are appreciated. It sponsors organizations such as World Vision or Sharelife to bring hope and material assistance to children in Third World countries.

It has been assisted financially by businesses and private donations.

The Toronto area is fortunate in having this ministry. We hope that similar groups exist in other parts of Canada. For more information on the Toronto group, write Danny Nelson, 30 Charade Court, Toronto, ON, M1W 1C8; or phone 416 - 490 - 9346 or (toll free) 877 - 663 - 7934; or e-mail [e-mail]; or consult the website www.visionoflove.ca.