Ministries
Ministries in General
A ministry is a work of service to an individual or the community. Some ministries are public and organised, like being a Catechist or a Minister of Holy Communion; some are more private and spontaneous like visiting a neighbour or praying for the sick. Some ministries are not obviously ‘religious’ like helping with maintenance or gardening, but are just as necessary.
Liturgical Ministries
Many people are involved in the preparation and celebration of the Mass and other liturgies. Up front are readers and ministers of communion, musicians, singers and altar servers. Less high profile are the welcomers, collectors and children’s liturgy leaders and behind the scenes are the sacristans, flower arrangers, cleaners, bidding prayer writers to name but a few. There’s something for everyone and if you’d like to be involved please download the Volunteering Form which gives more detailed information.
Note that ministries involving contact with minors or vulnerable adults require a CRB check and disclosure form as part of our safeguarding procedures. These ministries are appointed by the clergy, but enquiries from interested people are always welcome. Training and support is given and we are working towards periodic review of all those in volunteer ministries.
Catechesis
To be a catechist is challenging, rewarding and a great privilege. The handing on of the faith to the next generation through teaching and witness is a responsibility we all bear. Catechists receive training and support and periodic review with the clergy. Much catechesis is focussed around preparation for the Sacraments with both children and parents. There’s also work with adults preparing to be baptised or received into the church, or to be married. An area of continued development is general adult faith development and faith sharing groups. Again, for more information please download a Volunteering Form or speak directly to one of the parish clergy.
Note that catechists involved with minors or vulnerable adults require a CRB check, references and a disclosure form as part of our safeguarding procedures. Catechists are appointed by the clergy, but enquiries from interested people are always welcome.
Children's Liturgy
Children’s Liturgy takes place during the 9.00am Sunday Mass and runs during school term times. The sessions are run as two groups – for those children up to age 4 with their parents - and for those over age 4 up to 7 or 8.
Children’s liturgy is the Liturgy of the Word suitably adapted to make it relevant to the lives and experiences of young people so that they can understand the gospel message and take part in the Eucharistic celebration at their own level.
Dedicated parishioners who enjoy working with children to bring the Gospel alive for them run the Children’s liturgy team. All members of the team undergo Criminal Records Bureau checks and the Session Leaders have had several years experience.
Music Group
The Music Group at Holy Family welcomes anyone interested in helping to plan the music for our weekend and feast day liturgies.
The group meets approximately bi-monthly. Our planning is based on the readings for each Sunday or feast day, and incorporates a wide range of musical styles, from Latin chant to contemporary compositions. Our aim is to support and encourage the congregation to participate as fully as possible in the liturgy.
The group also shares information on forthcoming events related to music and liturgy, including workshops and conferences organised by the Society of St Gregory, the National Network of Pastoral Musicians, our own and other Dioceses.
Minutes of each meeting, and contact details for more information, can be found on the notice board in the Holy Family church porch.
Singing practice
Practices for liturgies are held in the church every Sunday, except in August, after 9.00 am Mass. All are welcome.
Youth orchestra
Many Holy Family liturgies during the year – including our First Communion celebration, Harvest Mass, Advent carol service and more – are enriched with music provided by a group of young musicians from our parish.
New members are always welcome to join the group.
Notices of forthcoming liturgies, and practice details, are provided in the church porch and in the parish newsletter. More information is available from Anne St John-Hall (01737 247175).