Ministry Groups

'I am the vine, you are the branches'

- John 15:5 

Our many ministries help our Parish welcome new members and assist with the integration of various works to form one body as the Parish of St Nicholas of Myra Penrith.

Unless indicated otherwise, to make contact with one of our ministries or devotional groups, please contact the Parish Office.

Acolyte

Following appropriate training, acolytes are appointed in a service called 'institution', so that they may minister to the priest. Their proper ministry is to look after the service of the altar and to assist the priest in liturgical services especially the Mass.

The acolytes function may be described as a combination of server, sacristan and master of ceremonies. The acolyte coordinates the functions of altar servers, musicians, readers, commentators and any other person who is performing ministerial roles in the liturgy. Acolytes may also perform other duties carried out by Ministers of the Eucharist.

Acolytes, as other ministers, are placed on a roster to cover all Masses and to ensure that unrealistic expectations are not made on their availability.

Altar Servers

Co-ordinator: Rodger Kroon

Parish altar servers assist with the celebration of the Liturgy. These young volunteers assist the celebrant during the Liturgy itself and make sure everything is put away once it is concluded.

More importantly, altar servers are afforded the opportunity to participate in the liturgical life of our Parish in a meaningful way, giving praise and thanks to God for all He has done for them.

Training for altar servers takes place at various times during the church year here in our parish. It is open to boys and girls of the Parish who have received their First Holy Communion.

Contact via email

Altar Society

Clean and care for the altar space including maintaining altar candles, linens, vestments, etc. This visual ministry brings people together to change our worship space each liturgical season through the use of flowers, plants and fabrics. Many skills are needed to prepare and hang displays, arrange plants and flowers and care for and repair various fabrics. New members most welcome.

Audio/Visual Operators

This is an evolving ministry in our church to enhance the Liturgy. Volunteers assist with the preparation of material and operation of the computer and projection equipment to enhance the presentation of the Liturgy during Mass. This requires close co-operation with the music ministry regarding visual display of the words of Hymns etc, and possibly the Liturgy Committee. It is proposed to establish appropriate training and a roster so that most masses and celebrations may be covered.

Baptism Preparation

For information on the Parish's overall Sacramental Program, please see towards the bottom of this page.

Building & Grounds Maintenance

Volunteers assist the Handyman on church and property maintenance projects such as painting, landscaping, carpentry and cleaning on an 'as needed' basis.

Donation of time and materials are always welcome to reduce costs to the Parish and to beautify our meeting place.

Catechists/Special Religious Education Teachers ('SREs')

Confraternity of Christian Doctrine Penrith.

Co-odinator: Fred Keuneman

The Special Religious Educators (SREs) or Catechists are volunteers who take the Good News to Catholic children in the State Primary Schools located in our Parish.

The classes are held weekly and last for approximately half an hour.

This is a very rewarding ministry - just ask anyone who has been involved.

No special qualifications are needed. Support and backup are always available and excellent resources for children and teachers are given.

Meetings with the coordinator are held regularly for mutual support and discussion.

Contact via email

Childrens Liturgy

Co-ordinator: Jackie Dumas

The children who attend the 10am Mass each Sunday mornings of the month during school term time are able to take advantage of the Children's Liturgy of the Word - the Gospel and homily of the Mass celebrated at a level which younger children (up to about 10 years of age) can more easily understand.

Children's Liturgy Leaders then explain the Gospel, and the children may then complete work sheets relating to the reading. Children process out of the church after the welcome by the priest and return at the Presentation of the Gifts.

This is a rostered group with the leader on duty responsible for preparation of the liturgy. Leaders are assisted by at least one helper. Volunteers are always welcome.

Parents are encouraged to take part in the group.

Christian Life Community (CLC)

This is a lay association officially approved by the church. Each local CLC is a group of people who meet together regularly to help one another to get to know Christ better through the spiritual exercises of St Ignatius Loyola and to seek and to respond to what He is asking of them in their lives. There are currently four groups within our Parish who generally meet in members’ homes and attendance is generally by invitation.

Members seek to deepen their faith and express it in their daily living by seeking ways to bring peace and justice into our community.

Community Representation

Assist in the liturgy by performing duties of MC by introducing Mass, hymns, prayers of the faithful and psalms as required. Training required with roster rotation.

Enquire via email

Couples for Christ

Couples for Christ (CFC), is an international catholic lay community. It is a servant and partner of the Catholic Church in the work of evangelisation and in the renewal and strengthening of Christian family life. The Vatican in April 2005 gave permanent recognition of CFC as a Private International Association of the Faithful, with juridical personality in accordance with Canon Law.

CFC started in 1981 in the Philippines and although initiated by the Philippine community it now transcends all cultural, educational, social and other distinctions. It currently functions in 158 countries and came to Sydney in 1988.

Couples are renewed and strengthened in their Christian lives. Strong couples make strong families, which makes a strong parish. CFC members are expected to support their parish priests and be available for parish services.

Persons interested in joining are encouraged to attend a Christian Life Program which is an integrated course intended to lead participants into a deeper personal relationship with Christ.

Couples for Christ has other ministries including Kids for Christ (KFC) and Youth for Christ (YFC), these are currently managed on a diocesan level by a co-ordinator.

For more information, visit Couples for Christs

Extra Ordinary Ministers of the Eucharist

Lay ministers who assist in the distribution of Holy Communion.

As the principal Celebrant the priest is the Ordinary Minister of the Eucharist. Those who are trained assist the priest in the distribution of Holy Communion during Mass.

People called to this ministry have a deep reverence and love for the Eucharist.

Training is required and roster on a rotation basis for weekend Masses.

There are three aspects of this ministry - see under 'Pastoral Care' (on this page).

Enquire via email

Family Group Movement

A ministry to encourage families to join other families in a group situation, generally within a common geographical area. The aim is to support each other in the challenges that are encountered by families in today’s society and to share each others joys and sorrows.

The motto is 'A Family For All' and extends an invitation to all who wish to belong irrespective of age, sex, marital status or religious affiliation although the aim is to foster Christian family values.

The groups gather once a month at a picnic or barbecue etc, to share fellowship and develop supportive relationships.

New members are always welcome.

Finance Committee

This is a dedicated group of parishioners, appointed by invitation of the Parish Priest, to assist in the management of the financial roles and responsibilities of the parish. These persons are generally appointed by virtue of their qualifications and experience in the financial and business world as the income and expenditure of the church and associated buildings and property is comparable to other major organisations. They advise the Parish Priest and parish staff on matters such as budgeting, expenditure, collections and OH&S.

Greeters

Greeters welcome worshippers, assist with information about the building, pass out worship programs and bulletins and introduce regular parishioners to others, particularly visitors or new parishioners. A small group assists with the Baptismal program by greeting persons arriving at the church for baptisms.

Hospital Chaplaincy

This is a position that previously operated within the parish to offer Pastoral care to staff, patients and families at the local hospital and other institutions. Practical care and comfort and the consolation of God in difficult times is part of the overall care. This role is now performed by a group of priests who service all the hospitals within the Diocese.

All requests should be made to the Chaplaincy Office at Nepean Hospital by phoning 02 4734 2000.

Josephite Associates

A group who are drawn to the spirit of Mary MacKillop and support the Sisters of St Joseph to 'enter into a spirit of communion between the Associates and Sisters by sharing love, simplicity, homeliness and generosity with St Joseph as model in his caring for Jesus and Mary and the Universal Church in the modern world.'

The group meet bi-monthly for prayer and fellowship.

Lector

Proclaim the Word of the Lord at each of the weekend Masses by reading the assigned Scripture passage from the Old and New Testaments. Volunteers are also welcome at daily Masses. Training required. Roster rotation is required to cover Masses.

Enquire via email

Legion of Mary

The Legion of Mary is a worldwide organisation of lay persons, in which Catholic men, women and youth sanctify themselves through prayer and apostolic work in union with Our Lady.

Each weekly meeting offers to the Legionaries the recitation of Rosary, spiritual reading, a discussion on Catholic doctrine and devotion, and an evaluation of the work program. At the meeting, each member is assigned two hours of apostolic work, to be performed during the week and reported on at the following meeting.

The Senior Legion meets at 10am on Mondays in Parish Meeting Room 1.

The Legion of Mary is open to all Catholic men or women who want to serve God in the capacity of helpers to the priest, and who will conform to the Legion system.

Marriage Preparation

Our local program to support the Sacrament of Marriage and the preparation of engaged couples involve four sessions of about two hours duration over a four week period, usually conducted in the home of a married couple who will also be facilitators. Each session begins with a talk given by the married couple on various important aspects of marriage, followed by private discussion between the engaged couples on issues raised during the talks and concludes with some group discussion and question time. The Church bulletin also regularly advertises the Marriage Encounter Engaged Couples program experience.

Music Ministry

Musician/Organist

Experienced musicians are welcome to join a roster to assist in enhancing the presentation of the Liturgy at weekend masses, in particular, by use of the organ or piano. Other musical instruments, woodwind, brass, percussion, strings or guitar are also welcomed.

Cantor

The Cantor sings the Responsorial Psalm and assists the assembly with the singing of the hymns and acclamations. The ministry requires above average singing ability and a willingness to serve at weekend Masses on a regular basis.

Choir

A mixed choir with a varied repertoire that ministers through music at major liturgical celebrations, Christmas and Easter etc. Practices are advertised regularly and new members are always welcome.

Our Lady of Penafrancia

This is a special devotion to Our Lady particularly by members of the Philippine community. History suggests that the image of Our Lady was miraculously discovered in the hills of Spain and was accompanied by a number of miracles.

This image was taken to the Philippines by missionaries and following a number of other instances of divine assistance, churches and devotions were established.

In 2006, a replica of the image was brought to Australia and the Bishop of the Diocese of Parramatta was asked if he would find a church where the image could be displayed and devotions held. It was approved that the image be placed in the church of St Nicholas of Myra at Penrith on 6 September 2006. Devotions are held monthly and advertised in the parish bulletin.

Parish Care & Support Group

A group of caring parishioners who are prepared to attend to emergency requests from the Parish Office to people in a crisis situation. This may be to sudden bereavements, family crisis or even emergency transport.

These, by virtue of the term, emergency, may involve visiting homes to assess peoples needs and providing whatever short term needs are necessary. Any long term needs would be referred to the appropriate organisations. It may involve providing emergency meals, transport to doctors or hospital, babysitting and cleaning.

A real Christian initiative in terms of the Good Samaritan and new members most welcome.

Enquire via email

Parish Outreach

Please see our Parish Outreach Page.

Parish Pastoral Council

The Parish Pastoral Council is a consultative body. It consists of a group of parishioners elected by the community to provide wise and constructive assessment to the Parish Priest on the direction of the parish’s life and mission.

The council is not a management committee but works with all other groups within the parish to develop parish initiatives and goals. Committees included are:

• Executive
• Liturgy
• Property, Development and Planning
• Parish Pastoral Plan
• Youth Participation
• Social

Pastoral Care

A group of parishioners who:

• Bring the Eucharist to homebound parishioners
• Bring Holy Communion to local nursing homes and hospitals
• Provide transport to elderly parishioners to attend Mass or Medical appointments

Enquire via email

Penrith Community Kitchen

Please see our Parish Outreach page.

Piety Stall

This is a dedicated group of ladies, members of the Legion of Mary, who provide parishioners and visitors an opportunity to purchase religious books, materials and gift shop items from the stall. Generally open prior to, and after, all weekend Masses.

Rite of Christian Initial of Adults (RCIA)

Please see our 'Becoming a Catholic' Page

Sacramental Preparation

Enquire via email

Sacristan

Sacristans prepare items used during our liturgical celebration, including but not limited to hosts, wine, vessels, linens, vestments etc. Sacristan maintains the schedule and supplies of items used.

Social Justice

When we look at our current world, we can’t help but be appalled by the vast differences between our current reality and God’s dream for the world so beautifully expressed by the writers of the Genesis creation stories.

One is easily left disempowered by the need to do something about global poverty, war, hunger, unfair international trade, consumerism, environmental degradation or global warming. And yet this is the task of a follower of Christ.

St Vincent de Paul Society

Please see our Parish Outreach page.

Spirituality in the Pub

An opportunity to hear speakers give a presentation on non denominational Christian issues affecting today’s world. Invited speakers share their experiences and provide an opportunity for questions and discussion in their scope of experience.

Meetings are held at the Penrith Bowling Club, Cnr Derby & Woodriff Street, Penrith on Wednesday evenings.

Solo Parents Ministry (including Penrith Bereavement Group)

Please see our Parish Outreach page.

Ushers

Assist with finding seating and be prepared to organise emergency evacuation if necessary, collect monetary offerings and tidy up church after Mass. An opportunity for men, women and older teens to greet and assist parishioners and visitors so they may feel comfortable during the Eucharistic celebration.

The ushers ensure that parishioners are selected and ready to present the offertory gifts.

Young At Heart

This group of senior parishioners, both men and women, enjoy sharing a cup of tea, some fellowship, the occasional bus trip and a sense of belonging.