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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 is expected to coordinate the functions of altar servers, musicians, readers, commentators and any other person who is performing ministerial roles in the liturgy.
The acolyte assists in distributing Holy Communion during Mass and in the absence of an ordained Minister he may also distribute Holy Communion in church in the context of a simple prayer service.
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 unreal expectations are not made on their availability.
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 .
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.
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.
- BUILDING AND 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.
- CATECHIST/SRE (Special Religious Educators)
Co odinator: Anne Tucker
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.
Co ordinator: Jackie Dumas
The children who attend the 10:00 a.m. Mass on 1st and 3rd Sunday mornings of the month during school term time are able to take advantage of the Children's Liturgy of the Word - it is 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. They 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.
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.
Assist in the liturgy by performing duties of M/C by introducing mass, hymns, prayers of the faithful and psalms as required. Training required with roster rotation.
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.
Couples for Christ 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.
The Penrith community plans to hold a Program with weekly meetings from June to September, 2007, in Parish Meeting Room 1 [PMR1]. [Sundays from 1.30pm to 4.00pm.] Inquiries are welcome.
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.
More information is available on the website www.cfcglobal.org
The Disciples of Jesus arose within the context of the Charismatic Renewal and has experienced constant outpourings of the Holy Spirit which leads to the transformation of life and the use of Charismatic gifts. They desire to bring people to know Jesus Christ, is a consequence of His action in our individual and corporate lives and an act of gratitude for His mercy towards us.
Small groups meet regularly.
See the church bulletin for times and dates of Charismatic Masses in our church.
- 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 also PASTORAL CARE].
catechist@stnicholasofmyra.org.au
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.
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 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.
[Not currently used for weekend masses – opportunity for growth?]
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, phone 47 342000.
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.
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.
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 short talk by the Spiritual Director, 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.
In our parish we have a “senior,” Legion and a Junior Legion. The Junior Legion [generally 8-14 years old] meets on Wednesdays at 6.00pm in the “Loft Room” above the Parish Hall and old classrooms, [referred to as PMR2].
The Senior Legion meet at 9.30am on Tuesdays on the outside verandah of the
Parish offices and at 6.15pm on Tuesdays in the “Loft Room” in PMR2.
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.
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.
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.
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 AND 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, hospital, etc., babysitting, cleaning. A real Christian initiative in terms of the Good Samaritan and new members most welcome.
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
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.
enquires@stnicholasofmyra.org.au
- PENRITH COMMUNITY KITCHEN
The Penrith Community Kitchen is a separately registered charity within the parish. The parish supports the work of this charity with an annual donation and the generosity of parishioners. Penrith Community Kitchen is a community project staffed by volunteers who are edicated to ensuring that the people of Penrith and surrounding areas have a place where they can feel welcome; enjoy friendly company and a daily meal. It is only through the ongoing support of groups, businesses and individuals that the Penrith Community Kitchen can continue to provide comfort to the poor and disadvantaged members of our society.
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.
A ministry of preparation designed for people who have indicated a desire to become members of the Catholic Church. It is the process of living and learning the Good News of Jesus as revealed in the bible and Roman Catholic tradition.
Information sessions are held in May. Meetings are held every two weeks from June to December and every week from February to Pentecost [June].
The program is managed by a Co-ordinator, meetings are led by a facilitator and sponsors are provided for persons who wish to complete the process with the aim of becoming a member of the Catholic Church. The program is supported by the parish priests and other parishioners. The aim is to enable inquirers the opportunity to experience the church over a full Liturgical Year.
Information is distributed through the church by brochures and bulletin notices.
A program designed for the preparation of children, supported by their parents, to celebrate the reception of the Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, Confirmation and Eucharist. Meetings are held one evening per month [except January]. Letters of invitation are sent to parents through the Catholic schools and the scripture lessons in State Schools within the Parish. More information regarding these programs is available from the Parish office.
Maureen is available Mon/Wed/Fridays at the Parish House.
sacramental@stnicholasofmyra.org.au
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.
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.
The Penrith Region Social Justice Network meet Thursday evening quarterly at 7.30pm in the Parish meeting room –new members most welcome.
Meetings for 2007 on 24May, 23 August and 22 November.
Fun activities and outings arranged to support parents and their pre-schoolers and babies.
Meetings held every Thursday morning at 10 am in the Parish Hall.
- ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY [SVDP]
Helps people in need in emergency situations. Our Conference is part of the larger international St Vincent de Paul Society, which helps the poor throughout the world. Our members visit families and adults and provide assistance in a variety of ways. SVDP conduct an annual Christmas Hamper Appeal and support the “Vinnies” Van Night Patrol which regularly provides food and information to homeless people in the Penrith area. Clothing bins are available and used clothing and saleable items are welcome at the SVDP shop at Kingswood. New members are most welcome.
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 bi-monthly at the Penrith Golf Club on Wednesday evenings.
See the church bulletin for details.
- SUPPORT GROUP [SOLO PARENTS]
A support group for those who have experienced the loss of a partner or spouse meets on the second Wednesday of each month in the evening at 7.30pm in Parish Meeting Room 1. At these gatherings people gain support and assistance through shared experiences and friendship of others who are journeying through the grieving process. The ministry also provides counselling, support, home visits, recovery
programs and a free quarterly newsletter.
This is a Young Adults fellowship [18-35 year old], the youth element of the Disciples of Jesus community, who actively work to develop spiritual growth in the youth of the parish. Activities include live music, drama, talks on interesting topics, sharing groups, camps and lots more fun. Charismatic Mass – first Sunday of the month at 2.30pm.
There is Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament – First Friday of the month at 7.30pm. There are Youth fellowship activities on all other Friday nights.
SWORD provides music for the 6pm Sunday mass [practice from 5.30pm] followed by refreshments and fellowship.
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.
These are a group of senior parishioners, both men and women, who enjoy sharing a cup of tea, some fellowship, the occasional bus trip and a sense of belonging. All seniors are most welcome – just come along on the first Wednesday of each month at 10 am in Parish Meeting Room 1.
Suggestions to entertain the group are always welcome
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