Parishes Activities and Groups
All the groups that are active within our parishes.
OCIA – Order of Christian Initiation of Adults
This programme is for all adults who wish to enquire about the Catholic Faith or who wish to enter into full Communion with the Church. You will be helped along the way by the OCIA team, the Priest and your personal sponsor. Please contact Fr. Gerry if you are searching for spiritual meaning in your life and you feel that the Catholic Church is for you.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
These are a team of parishioners who, by invitation of the Parish Priest, assist with the distribution of Holy Communion at Sunday Masses.
They also take Holy Communion to those who are sick, housebound or are in nursing homes, giving help to those who are unable to come to church in person.
Please let us know if you know of anyone who may need a visit.
Children’s Liturgy
Children’s Liturgy is the Liturgy of the Word for children and takes place during Sunday Masses. It allows children to participate in the Mass more fully by sharing the Gospel in ways which are appropriate to their age. The Gospel message is brought to them through discussion and activities. Our children are an important part of our parish community.
The Children’s Liturgy is lead by Sue Knight at English Martyrs and is assisted by parents. At St. Augustines it is lead by Moira.
Faith Discussion Group
The Faith Discussion Group at St. Augustines usually meets every second and fourth Wednesdays in the month at 7.30pm in the hall. Refreshments available from 7.15pm. The group usually takes a book or gospel from the Bible, and studies it with help of the Ignatius Study Guides. However other books have been discussed, for example “Sister Wendy On Prayer”. All are welcome: parishioners and non-parishioners, Catholics and non-Catholics, young and old. Come and join us, we have some lively discussions and learn at the same time. Please contact Paul Taylor for information.
But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
( Gospel of St. Matthew 4.4 )
Altar Servers
Service at the altar is open to all who have made their First Holy Communion, and is open to both children and adults. In our parishes we are fortunate to have a good number of servers. If you would like to join in serving at Mass please see Fr. Gerry.
SVP / Visiting Group – St. Augustines
The group meet regularily to plan activities and discuss their work. It aims to help people when they are in difficulty, by visiting them at home, providing transport, giving financial support, doing shopping. If you feel that you are able to help people in our parishes then please consider joining the group. Please speak to Rosemary or Sue.
“Go to the poor: you will find God.”
( St. Vincent de Paul )
Flower Arranging
Our team of flower arrangers decorate our churches for Sundays, for the major festivals and also for weddings. If you have a talent for flower-arranging or would like to help and learn, we are always open to new members. Please speak to one of the team members.
CAFOD Fundraising
Our parishes supports third world projects under the banner of CAFOD through prayer and fundraising. Each year a number of events are organised.
T@3 at St. Augustines. Every second Tuesday at 3pm St. Augustines holds a Tea and Coffee afternoon in aid of CAFOD. Open to all. It is also a chance for parishioners to meet socially. Raffle and cakes.
APF / Missio Fundraising
Missio is the name of the Pope’s missionary charity. In England and Wales it is also know as the APF ( The Association for the Propagation of the Faith ). AFP works with the Mill Hill Missionary Society to assist overseas mission dioceses to provide pastoral care and preach the Gospel.
Please consider joining the ‘Red Box’ scheme to donate your loose change. If you would like a Missio / APF red box please contact Rosemary at St. Augustines, or Sally and Helen at English Martyrs. Alternatively please consider making a regular standing order.
Donations ( single or regular ) can always be made on the Missio web site.
[ missio.org.uk ]
Music Practice – English Martyrs
The choir at English Martyrs would be delighted to have new people join them. Whether as singer or instrumentalist you would be welcome. They practice fortnightly on a Friday evening. Please see Sally or George if you feel you could join.
Social Events Committee – St Augustines
A reflection of the vibrant community at St. Augustines is reflected in its enthusiasm for social events. They are always well supported and provide an occasion for making new friends. Many events are organised during the year – quiz nights, beetle drives, summer barbecues, musical evenings and recitals, visiting choirs, summer fetes, barn dances, walking pilgrimages. These events are always enjoyable and accompanied by a light supper.
Please contact Ann and Sandy if you have an idea for an event, or if you would like to join their team.
Church Sacristans
Sacristans at both Churches do an important role in preparing the altar and sanctuary for the celebration of Mass and are assisted by parishioners who volunteer to clean the church cloths and vestments. Fr Gerry is very grateful to all those who give so generously of their time to this important role. If you would like to be involved speak to Marisa at English Martyrs or Veronica at St Augustine’s.
Site Management – St. Augustines
A group of people helps to keep the church site in good condition and manages health and safety matters. It negotiates with contractors whenever professional work needs to be done that cannot to undertaken by parishioners. If you would like to join the group, or have skills that you could offer please contact Francis Brown. It would make a significant contribution to the parish if as much work as possible was done by volunteer parishioners.
Youth Group – English Martyrs
The Youth Group meets on the evenings of the first and third Friday of every month. There are games, a wide range of activities. An opportunity to have fun and make new friends. The group is open to all children from both parishes in school year groups 7 – 13.
The current Mission Statement and Ground Rules can be viewed by clicking on the following link.
Scouts – St. Augustines
The St. Augustines Cubs, Beavers and Scout groups meet at the parish hall on Friday evenings during school term times. A wide range of activities is offered, both indoor and outdoor. Camping, hiking, exploring the local area, fund raising, working towards different badge and challenge awards. If your child is interested in joining the groups and having fun, making friends and learning new skills then do get in touch:
staugustinescoutgroup@gmail.com.
Scouting is open to both boys and girls.
Christian Eco-Friendship
This ministry within the Clifton diocese has been established for single Christians who would like to come together to work for the care and protection of the environment. If you are able to volunteer some effort to help re-green some of our public spaces then please do join. The founder of the organisation, Liz Baldwin, came to our parishes recently to talk about this.