Ministries and Parish Groups
We are blessed with number of active groups of parishioners who are helping with building theparishcommunity.
Perhaps you have something to offer!
Acolytes & Altar Servers.
Acolytes assist the priest on the altar during the celebration of Mass and other liturgies. They also prepare the sacred vessels for the celebration. Acolytes are officially commissioned after completing a training course. Altar servers (boys and girls who have made their first communion) assist the Priest and the Acolytes at Sunday Mass and at other special liturgies.
Altar Society
These people ensure that everything that is used in the liturgy is kept clean and tidy, and the altar and sanctuary look beautiful. Members may be rostered for 2 hours each month or undertake laundering of altar linen and vestments in their own home.
Catechists
Catechists provide Religious Education and Christian formation of Catholic children in Government schools. A half hour each week is spent in the classroom with groups of children at Ashfield Primary School & Ashfield Boys High School.
Christian Initiation
The Catholic Church warmly welcomes new members and tries to provide an appropriate spiritual formation according to each person's need. The ministries of the RCIA include catechists who lead the discussions, sponsors who journey with the candidates and team members who organise and support the process.
Counters
The Counters meet to count the first and second collections and total them in preparation for banking. The first collection (pastoral revenue) is used for the priests of the Vincentian Community living expenses, and the support of retired and sick priests. The second collection, including envelopes is used to fund the Parish; pay staff salaries, maintain the buildings for general running expenses.
Finance Committee
The main concern of the Finance Committee is to ensure that budget and actual performance are explained and documented. Collections, expenses, assets, maintenance and insurance are under continual review. The committee has the responsibility of advising the parish priest on financial matters.
Music / Choir Ministry
Music is an important part of the Liturgical celebration and volunteer organists, pianists, instrumentalists and singers are always welcome. The weekend masses provide various styles of music. Sunday 8am and 10:00am: Organist & Choir – Traditional Sunday 6pm : Sunday Evening Music Group - Contemporary
Pastoral Care
The pastoral care team provides a wide range of care and support within the Parish community. New members are always appreciated.
The Hospitality Group provides hospitality, support and service for parish celebrations.
The Transport Group provides transportation to Sunday Mass and to Masses of Anointing of the Sick.
Readers
Readers receive training and strive to deepen their understanding of the scriptures, so that as they read they are truly proclaiming God's word within the community. Readers are rostered (according to their availability) for each Sunday and weekday mass.
Special Ministers of the Eucharist
Special Ministers are appointed after a training course and are rostered (according to their availability) to distribute communion at the Sunday Masses and weekday Masses. In addition some ministers take communion to residents in aged care facilities, and the house bound.
St Vincent de Paul Society
The society works to help the needy with assistance and support and by visits to the lonely and poor of any age group. This care is offered regardless of race, colour or creed. The members pray together and strive to deepen their love of Christ who calls them to serve the poor.
Wardens
The Wardens are responsible for taking up the collections at each of the weekend Masses.
Welcomers
Welcomers meet and greet parishioners and visitors as they arrive for weekend masses. Welcoming is the visible sign that Jesus is the head of our community and invites parishioners to share his life.
