Readers

Vatican II restored the Liturgy of the Word to its rightful place whereby with the liturgy of the Eucharist they form one single act of worship. The importance of the ministry of reading is that the reader is actually part of the dialogue between God and his people. The reader's task is to proclaim those parts of the Word of God which make way for the Gospel, prepare for it, and set the scene so that the Gospel can be heard and reach the hearts of the congregation.

 Special Ministers of the Eucharist

Special Ministers undergo a period of training by a priest appointed by the Bishop before they are commissioned. They are expected to attend an annual Day of Recollection and prayer.

Their ministry is to:

• Assist with the distributions of Holy Communion from the Ciborium or Chalice during Mass
• Administer Holy Communion during a service of the Liturgy of the Word and Holy Communion, where a priest or deacon is not available.
• Carry Communion to the sick or handicapped
• Expose the Blessed Sacrament for a period of Adoration

Members of the congregation are usually invited by the Parish priest to become ministers but if you are interested in this particular ministry, the Parish Priest would be very happy to talk to you.

Welcomers

As Welcomers we aim to make all those who come to the church feel at ease and relaxed. We greet everyone with a warm friendly smile, and by name if we know it. As people arrive we give each person a hymn book and a newsletter. On special occasions the Welcomer may hand out sheets containing the liturgy for that service. If the person is new to the parish they are given a "New Parishioners" booklet, which is kept in the porch.

At the end of the service we collect the hymn books and return them to the trolley. Any lost property is placed in the porch.

If you would like to help with this ministry and join the rota for the Mass you normally attend please e-mail us.

Communion for the Sick

If you are unable to get out to Church please let one of the priests know and we will arrange to visit you at home. If you know a parishioner in hospital, please let us know. Tel: 716711 or e-mail.

Flowers

There are a number of flower arrangers, arranging flowers every 5 or 6 weeks. Special events such as Christmas, Easter and First Holy Communion, involve the whole team. Finances are available if required but arrangers usually provide their own materials. The Parish provides money for Christmas flowers. If there are any flower arrangers, or others, who are interested they would be most welcome. The team would appreciate the help of First Communion children's parents on their child's special day.

Please e-mail us if you would like to join our friendly group.

Church Cleaning

There are a number of people on the cleaning rota - some for the Sanctuary and Blessed Sacrament Chapel, some for the nave of the Church and a few for the porch. More help is badly needed - please contact Carol Tutte by e-mail. At the annual spring clean before Easter the involvement of young, old, male and female, would help to spread the load. This has sometimes had to be done by a very few people.

Cooks for Parish Lunch

Cooks are urgently required to join the parish lunch rota. A meeting on the Tuesday before the lunch decides on the menu which is designed to suit the particular cook. Lunches are held 7 times a year and so you would only need to cook perhaps a couple of times. This is a very rewarding activity with a great team. For details contact Susie Banks.

Home Visits

We have home visiting teams calling on house-bound parishioners and others. Contact  Ann Gee by e-mail