Our Parish Groups provide you with the opportunity to become part of our large extended family and we encourage you to consider joining one or more of these groups. We all have different talents, strengths, and interests and in order to develop and prosper, our Parish Family needs the combined talents of those who gather. As disciples of Jesus, we are called to serve one another and actively participate in parish life.
Please tick your areas of expertise and interest on the “flick and tick” form when you receive it. More information and the name and phone number of the contact person for each group is available from the Parish Office.
Altar Servers have a very special ministry in the Church and our parish is enriched through the dedication and service of our altar servers. The primary role of the altar server is to assist the Priest in the celebration of the Liturgy during Mass. Altar servers should actively participate in the liturgy (hymns, responses, etc.) and are trained to perform their duties correctly and respectfully. During their training altar servers learn some basic information about liturgy and how to carry out specific tasks while serving at the altar. To be an altar server, children must have received the Sacrament of First Eucharist.
Children’s Liturgy is held on Sunday mornings during the 9.30am Mass (except during school holidays) and is designed for children between Prep and Year 4. The aim of the Children’s Liturgy is to gather the children together in a separate space to celebrate the Liturgy in a way that is more appropriate to their level of understanding. The children participate in “The Complete Children’s Liturgy Program” by Katie Thompson, where weekly sessions are based around the Sunday Readings. Activities include hearing the scripture (adapted to their level), and celebrating it through craft, drawing, drama and songs. The role of leaders is to facilitate the Liturgy to enable the children to take a more conscious and active part in the liturgical celebrations. We warmly welcome any adults who would like to assist in any way (no experience necessary).
The Liturgy Group is responsible for the development of Liturgy in the Parish along with the Musicians, Parish Council and the Parish Priest. The ‘public’ face of Liturgy includes the special times of the year, Easter and Christmas, and celebrating Liturgy of the Word when no priest is available for Mass. The work of the Liturgy Group encompasses all ministries in the sacramental life of the Parish to collectively prepare Prayer of the Faithful, Hymns, Responses, Welcome Messages, Special Prayers and Church Decorations so that the message throughout Mass is consistent. The Liturgy Group meets on the 4th Monday of the month, in the meeting room of the Presbytery at 7.00pm. We welcome anyone with an interest in learning more about Liturgy, helping with any aspects of our Parish Liturgies or Parishioners who are able to offer their time and talents for specific aspects – e.g. artistic skills; even if you are not able to attend regular meetings.
The Meditation Group meets from 9.15am each Wednesday. The half hour meeting includes a short taped talk on meditation, a short time of silent prayer together and time for comments or questions if one wishes. Meditation increases our awareness of God in us. Through God’s guidance and our willingness we are also aware that God is in everyone we meet. A sense of community develops and there is a growing capacity to be present with God in each moment more and more fully, more and more peacefully, more and more lovingly. Participants have described it as a “most valuable experience”, “so life-giving”, “something every person should experience”. We welcome new members any time.
We are very blessed in our Parish to have a wonderful organ and a dedicated group of musicians who use their musical talent to enhance our liturgical celebrations. Their role as music ministers is to draw us more fully into the Liturgy through music. If you have any musical training we encourage you consider joining the group and fill the void that will inevitably come in next few years. Training can be provided and depending on interest it may be possible to have a teacher do workshops. It is a very rewarding experience to hear the congregation respond. The organ is also capable of playing pre-recorded music and we are seeking volunteers who would be interested in learning how to play this music at masses when a musician is not available.
Lourdes Prayer Group meets after the 10.00am Mass every Tuesday in the Quiet Room. The group started as a Lenten Group and participants found it so enjoyable and enriching that it has now been going for over 20 years. Prayer deepens our faith and provides the opportunity to gain a greater appreciation of the Gospel as we become more and more aware of God’s loving presence in our lives. The meetings are relaxed and informal and include prayers of petition for the Pope, priests, religious leaders, those in need, the sick, catechists, pastoral care workers etc. and prayerful reading and discussion of the Scripture. You don’t have to commit to regular meetings, just come along whenever you can.
The Sacristan fulfils a true liturgical function. The sacristan carefully arranges the liturgical books, the vestments, and other things necessary in the celebration of Mass such as cruets, chalices, ciboria, linens, oils, processional crosses, candles and torches.
