Sodality of the Immaculate Conception

The Sodality of the Immaculate Conception is the first branch of the Marian family. Its mission focuses on deepening faith and living more fully with Mary as a role model. The Sodality supports its members and other Marian family branches in their spiritual life and parish involvement.

The Sodality meets weekly for prayer in Arabic on Sunday mornings and in English on Wednesday evenings. Sunday gatherings also include coffee after Mass and time to plan weekly activities. The English-speaking prayer group began to welcome parishioners who wish to pray together without language barriers. A Sodality prayer book is available in both Arabic and English so all members pray in unity.

The ministry serves both spiritual and social needs. Activities include prayer nights, adoration, the rosary before weekly Mass, and a monthly rosary and Mass on the 13th of each month in honour of the apparition of Our Lady of Fatima. Members also take part in May home visits, visits to sick parishioners, spiritual retreats, and pilgrimages to shrines.

During the Jubilee Year of Hope, the Sodality played an active role in parish life, especially throughout Lent and Easter. Members participated weekly in the Stations of the Cross, gathered for reflection and silent prayer, and continued regular rosary and prayer meetings in Arabic and English.

Community activities remain central to the Sodality’s work. Members and parishioners come together each month to bake Lebanese sweets, bread, and treats to support charitable causes. Additional baking takes place for major feast days. Lenten lunches became a major focus this year, with Sodality members hosting meals for up to 200 people each week over six weeks. All food and service were generously donated.

These Lenten efforts raised $15,000, which supported urgent needs in Lebanon, including an orphanage, a nursing home, medicines and medical supplies, and direct assistance to families in need.

The Sodality also supports parish projects through fundraising initiatives, including contributions toward solar panel installation and fundraising activities during Feast Week. Members visit and pray with Sodality groups from other parishes and maintain strong ties across the wider Marian community.

Collaboration with other parish groups, including the Fersen and Youth groups, strengthens inter-generational connection and unity within the parish.

Each year, members renew their vows on 8 December, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. New members are welcomed during this celebration. The Sodality gives thanks for a fruitful year and looks ahead with commitment to prayer, service, and unity in the year to come.