As members of Our Lady Help Of Christians Parish, we are being urged to put into practice the faith we believe in. We have been encouraged to become involved in and take responsibility for the life of the Church - our Church.
If we take Mass as an example, we are no longer asked to simply attend Mass, but to be involved as ministers at Mass by undertaking activities such as altar servers, readers, Eucharistic Ministers and choir singers.
A minister is “one who serves” in the Church. Ministry means “service in or to the Church”. There are a wide range of ministries at St Anthony's Parish that people can participate in. Many of these ministries are mentioned below.
If you are interested, contact the Parish Secretary on 4628 1385 or email Father Chris at rosemeadow@dow.org.au
PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL
PARISH FINANCE COUNCIL
LITURGY — ALTAR SERVERS
Altar Servers are young boys and girls who come to assist the priest and deacons during the Mass
LITURGY — GREETERS
The Ministers of Welcome, or Greeters, serve to welcome people prior to the celebration of Mass, Special Liturgies or Specific Events. Greeters have a special role to play whenever God’s people assemble in prayer. As people enter the church, Greeters welcome them to the celebration about to take place.
An open door and the warm smile of a Greeter helps set the tone for the Eucharistic Celebration. Greeters are those who, almost without trying, can put others at ease and convey countless good wishes to those they greet with a simple smile or “Hello”.
Ushers have a special role to play at every parish liturgy. The ushers help to provide orderly movement in the church before, after and during the liturgy, so that all celebrate in unity. The willingness to help and serve God’s people is a hallmark of the Greeters/Usher Ministry.
This ministry is open to all parishioners.
LITURGY — EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION
Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers share the body and blood of Christ with their fellow worshipers in the assembly.
Ministers must be fully initiated Catholics. These people must have a willingness to be of service to the community founded in the love of God. All Eucharistic Ministers are scheduled according to their Mass preferences.
MUSIC — CHOIR
To enhance our choirs and worship experience, organists and instrumentalists are most important. Any member of our community who is able to play a musical instrument is always welcomed.
To be part of the musical team will involve practices and performances at weekend Masses and special events. This lay ministry is open to any member of our parish community who has had experience in playing a musical instrument.
LITURGY — READERS
Lectors/Readers proclaim the Word of God at Sunday Masses and for special liturgical celebrations. This ministry aims to actively involve parishioners in ceremonies/celebrations through the prayerful and powerful proclamation of the Word of God. A Reader/Lector must be a person of faith and devotion to God’s Word and be a competent reader.
Lectors/Readers are responsible to become as familiar as possible with the passage they are to read; to read with imagination in order to feel and allow the congregation to feel the emotion of the text; to show the skills of public speaking — a good voice, clear diction, proper breathing, sufficient eye contact, proper posture and effective use of the microphone.
If you would like to be a lector please let us know and training will be provided.
SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY
The Saint Vincent de Paul Society is the charitable ministry of the Catholic Church. While home, hospital and prison visitations by members of the Society is its most notable activity, it also provides budget counselling, Compeer and Care of support for people with psychiatric disorders; disaster recovery and crisis relief; family care and support services; housing and homeless services; migrant, asylum and refugee services; learning and community services; Vinnies Centres (shops); and youth services and activities.
The Saint Vincent de Paul Society Ministry Page can be accessed by clicking here or from the Ministries drop-down menu
PIETY STORE
The Piety Store is located at the front of the Church and is open after all weekend Masses. There is a variety of religious articles, books, crucifixes, Bibles etc. Seasonal items include Christmas cards & gifts for First Holy Communion and Confirmation. Special orders are also provided for items not in the store.
THE CHURCH CLEANERS
The purpose of this lay ministry/group is to clean and prepare the church for weekend Mass. This service is most important in providing an environment that is welcoming, hospitable and spiritual to all who come to Mass. There are cleaning teams of two people or a family. We need more people or families to be involved in this ministry to make things easier for everyone.
FLOWER ARRANGERS
Team members aid in the liturgical art/decoration of the church. Arranging flowers takes 1-2 hours/week approximately every six to eight weeks Their work follows the liturgical seasons.
CATECHISTS
Catechesis is that particular form of ministry of the word which matures initial conversion to make it into a living, explicit and fruitful confession of faith.
Catechists are a team of parishioners who have completed Diocesan training. The program is age appropriate, creative and contemporary in order that the young person be motivated to grow in knowledge, understanding, appreciation, acceptance and love of the Gospel message. As Catechists we are committed to giving a strong witness of our own faith. As a faith community, we are united in a common purpose of proclaiming the gospel message.
GETTING TO KNOW YOU GROUP
THE KNIT-IN / "WRAP WITH LOVE" GROUP
Anne, a member of The Knit-In / "Wrap With Love" Group
FORGET-ME-NOT GROUP
The Forget-Me-Not Group is a way of getting to know other parishioners. Members are given the name of a fellow parishonier that they would like to know and are asked to keep in touch with them at least once one a month by sending them a note of encouragement in the form of a poem or a copy of a favourite prayer. This note is signed as coming from your "Forget-Me-Not Friend". At some stage thgroughout the year, there will be a get-together and you will meet your friend.