PARISH MINISTRIES AND
GROUPS
Citation reference:
Rev.
Paul W. Kelly. 2008. PARISH MINISTRIES AND GROUPS.
Page version: 5/04/2008
11:16:00 PM. Saint Mary’s Roman Catholic Parish Website. Maryborough.
OUR PARISH COMMUNITY
ENGAGES IN CERTAIN ACTIVITIES IN ORDER TO PUT INTO ACTION THE THINGS WE BELIEVE
IN.
SOME OF THESE ACTIVITIES
ARE ‘IN-CHURCH’ ACTIONS THAT HELP WITH THE UPKEEP OF THE BUILDINGS AND ASSETS
OF THE CHURCH, OTHER ACTIVITIES HELP MAKE THE RITUALS AND SACRAMENTS THAT WE DO
TO BE ABLE TO OCCUR.
THEN THERE ARE THE
‘MISSION ACTIVITIES’ WHICH ARE THINGS WE DO TO PUT INTO PRACTICE JESUS’ GOOD
NEWS MESSAGE IN THE WIDER COMMUNITY AND IN OUR LIVES. HERE IS A LIST OF THESE
ACTIVITIES:
PARISH PASTORAL TEAM
(THE PASTORAL TEAM IS HERE
TO PROVIDE SPIRITUAL AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT TO THE PARISH COMMUNITY AND TO THE
WIDER COMMUNITY BY MEANS OF PROVIDING FOR PRAYER AND WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES BY
MEANS OF SACRAMENTS AND OTHER IMPORTANT RITUALS. WE ARE ALSO HERE TO SUPPORT
THE WIDER COMMUNITY, OFFERING SPIRITUAL, RELIGIOUS AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT AND
HELP TO PEOPLE IN THEIR DAILY LIVES AND VOCATIONS).
· REVEREND FATHER PAUL KELLY. PARISH PRIEST
· SISTER ROSE CAVALLO (RSM) PASTORAL ASSOCIATE
· MARY KIRKPATRICK. PARISH SECRETARY
· JUDY ZAIA.
EVERYDAY
(EVERY CHRISTIAN PLAYS AN
IMPORTANT ROLE IN JESUS’
·
ALL PEOPLE WHO ARE PART OF THE CHURCH COMMUNITY GIVE WITNESS
TO THE TRUTH OF JESUS’ GOSPEL IN THEIR LIVES AND ACTIONS. THAT IS, EACH OF US, IN BIG AND SUBTLE WAYS
TRY TO LIVE OUT THE GOSPEL IN OUR DAILY LIVES; IN THE AREAS WE LIVE, WORK,
STUDY AND SOCIALISE.
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS:
(A KEY MISSION ACTIVITY OF
THE
·
ST MARY’S COLLEGE,
·
PH 4121 2650, WWW.SMCM.QLD.EDU.AU
·
ST MARY’S
·
PH. 4121 5705, WWW.SMPMARYBOROUGH.QLD.EDU.AU
CATHECHISTS (TEACHERS)
IN
(NOT ALL CHRISTIANS GO TO
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS, SO WHERE RESOURCES PERMIT, THE CHURCH HAS CATECHISTS,
TEACHERS, WHO TEACH RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CLASSES IN THE STATE SCHOOLS FOR THE
CHRISTIANS WHO ATTEND THERE).
ADULT EDUCATION: (CONTACT PARISH OFFICE)
(THE CHURCH NEEDS TO NURTURE AND ENCOURAGE THE ONGOING LEARNING OF
ITS
·
FAITH EDUCATION
·
RCIA PROGRAM
·
TISSOT PARISH MAGAZINE EDITORIAL TEAM
·
LENTEN PRAYER AND DISCUSSION GROUPS
LITURGICAL GROUPS:
(CONTACT PARISH OFFICE)
(THE CHURCH HAS A MAJOR ROLE IN PROVIDING
§
LITURGY COMMITTEE
§
LITURGICAL MUSIC. MUSICIANS AND SINGERS
§
READERS
§
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
§
ALTAR SERVERS
(including Altar Servers Social Group)
§
SACRISTANS AND
ORGANISERS FOR THE MASS.
§
CHILDREN’S LITURGY
GROUP
§
CHURCH CLEANERS AND
THOSE WHO CARE FOR THE SACRED VESSELS, BRASS, SO ON.
§
FLOWER-ARRANGING
LADIES
§
-ECUMENICAL WORSHIP
LEADERS
§
LEADERS OF THE
LITURGY OF THE WORD
§
COLLECTORS
§
COUNTERS-
§
TRANSPORTERS OF
PEOPLE.
§
VISITORS TO THE
ELDERLY, THE SICK, HOUSEBOUND. (COMMUNION AND GENERAL VISITS)
SACRAMENTAL PROGRAMS: (CONTACT PARISH OFFICE)
-
BAPTISM PREPARATION
- SACRAMENTAL PROGRAMME COORDINATORS
WELFARE AGENCIES AND
GROUPS
(THE CHURCH IS NOT JUST
PRAYER; IT IS ACTION TO LIVE OUT JESUS’ VALUES. JESUS CALLED US TO HELP THE
POOR AND THOSE IN NEED. WE HAVE GROUPS AND CHURCH ORGANISATIONS WHO SPECIALISE
IN PRACTICAL THINGS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN PEOPLE’S LIVES
§ CENTACARE: (PROVIDES COUNSELLING AND SUPPORT AND EDUCATION FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE PREPARING FOR MARRIAGE, WHO ARE SUFFERING BEREAVEMENT OR EMOTIONAL ISSUES IN THEIR LIVES, EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT AND MUCH MORE).
§
o ST MARY’S CONFERENCE
o BLESSED MARY MACKILLOP CONFERENCE (VISITS PEOPLE TO GIVE THEM EMOTIONAL AND SOCIAL SUPPORT)
§
SOUP KITCHEN TEAM:
OFFERS A NICE HOT MEAL TO PEOPLE WHO NEED FOOD AND FRIENDSHIP. A
COOPERATIVE PROJECT OF THE ANGLICAN AND
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
GROUPS
§
CATHOLIC WOMEN’S LEAGUE. PROVIDES SOCIAL ACTIVITIES,
FUNDRAISES FOR WORTHY CAUSES AND PROVIDES PRAYER AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT FOR ITS
MEMBERS.
§
PRISON MINISTRY. WE HAVE PEOPLE WHO VISIT THOSE WHO ARE IN PRISON
AND OFFER THEM SPIRITUAL AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT AND OFFER THEM THE SACRAMENT OF
THE EUCHARIST.
§
DEBUTANTE BALL PLANNING COMMITTEE. OFFERS SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
SUCH AS THE DEBUTANTE BALL.
§
AGED CARE AND HOSPITAL MINISTRY. WE HAVE PEOPLE WHO VISIT
THE SICK AND THE ELDERLY IN HOSPITALS AND NURSING HOMES. THEY BRING THEM THE
SACRAMENT OF COMMUNION AND OFFER PRAYER AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT.
PASTORAL COUNCIL AND
MANAGEMENT GROUPS
(THESE GROUPS MEET TO
ENSURE THE PHYSICAL, FINANCIAL AND RUNNING OF THE PARISH AND ITS PRIORITIES
OCCURS)
§
MANAGEMENT & FINANCE COMMITTEE:
§ PARISH COUNCIL
ADMINISTRATION
(PRACTICAL DAY TO DAY
RUNING OF THE PARISH)
§
STAFF AND MEMBERS OF THE PARISH TEAM
SPECIAL FOCUS GROUPS
§
SOCIAL JUSTICE AWARENESS
§
ROSARY GROUP (PRAYER)
§
VOCATIONS AWARENESS (PRAYERS FOR VOCATIONS TO THE PRIESTHOOD AND
RELIGIOUS LIFE)
+++++++
some thoughts on our parish
and why we do the things we do:
Section 1: Doctrinal and Philosophical
Dimension:
Relates in complex ways to the practices of the members
of that religion, and usually refer to beliefs about a divine being or beings,
and beliefs about the purpose of life. (Ryan and Goldberg)
·
What is the Catholic Church’s doctrinal and mythical commission?
Our parish is based on the commission of Jesus
Christ, who we believe is God made human and who came to bring good news to the
poor, freedom to those who are captive and to declare a time of God's favour
and who died for what he believed and taught and then rose again three days
later, sent his disciples out into the world to teach others about God's love
and forgiveness and how everyone is included in God's banquet... all are
invited.... and we believe that God is one but also mysteriously three persons
in one Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
·
How do providing benifical services to the
wider community fulfill that doctrinal and mythical
commission?
Since Jesus is God made flesh and God created the
world and all in it, we believe that what you do to the least of God’s
children, you do to God, so we treat the world and people as holy and we reach
out to help people and show them their dignity…. We live in the world as
messengers of God’s love to all we meet.
·
What are the most prominent doctrines and philosophies of the
Catholic Church that encourage parishes to provide services and resources to
the wider community instead of only members of the parish?
The Gospel
command to “go out to all the world and proclaim the good news, and the fact
that Jesus was God made human who lived and delighted amongst us, impels us to
go out and live in the world. Also, THE ARCHDIOCESE HAS A NEW FOCUS FOR ITS
ACTIVITY SINCE THE SYNOD MEETING OF THE CHURCH FROM 2003. IT NOW HAS A “CATCHPHRASE” THAT IS BEING USED
BY OUR PARISH TOO TO FOCUS ON WHAT IS IMPORTANT…. THIS IS WHAT IT IS… 
We are
Catholics who:
·
Embrace
the person and vision of Jesus
·
Build
Communion with God and others
·
Engage in Christ's
IN
2006 THE SPECIAL FOCUS IS ‘
“These
three dimensions are integral to our life as Church and remind us that our
faith is anchored in Jesus Christ, who draws us into communion with God and one
another and sends us forth in mission to live, share and proclaim the good news
of the Gospel in our everyday lives.” This focus helps us keep an eye outwards
to the world and not just our own needs.
· Do you have a mission statement or motto?
The closest motto or mission statement would be the “Jesus, Communion, Mission” words and Logo above and he focus on the person and teaching of Jesus, the fact that we are all one human family and must relate to and respect all other people, and that this religion is found going out into the world to live as we proclaim.
Section 2:
Mythical and Narrative Dimension:
Comprises the significant stories, either metaphorical
or literal, which describe the relationship between the divine and human realm.
(Ryan and Goldberg)
·
Who do you think God is in relation to humanity?
God is three in one, God is revealed in jesus who was both fully human and full God…. So we believe
that God became human so that humanity might be invited into the divine life of
God.
·
How does your Doctrinal commission link in with your Mythical
commission?
They are closely related, if Jesus shows us who and
what God is like then we too must show by the way we live and act and talk that
we respect nature and other humans, since jesus
becoming humans shows us the goodness and holiness of what Jesus is and what
humans are.
·
How has your Mythical commission changed with time and society?
It has basically stayed the same for over 2000 years,
but there have been different emphases. In the past, we tended as a church to
focus more on Jesus’ divinity (that he we God and different from us, and
unapproachable and awesome etc etc) but since the Vatican Council II (1962-1965)
)which was a ground-breaking meeting of the world’s Catholic bishops over a
number of years in Rome in the sixties, the church reslised
it needed to come up with new answers to age-old questions that were relevant
for the modern age. So, there has been a big emphasis on Jesus’ humanity, as
well as divnity, how much he had in common with us,
how he was as a human, the struggles he had, and what this means for us as
humans too. Also, the church (before
the Vatican Council meetings), emphasized the church as being about Jesus and
priests and nuns, whilst afterwards the church is still about God, but that God
is found in the church which is the People of God gathered together and how
they live their daily lives in the world.
·
What scriptures is the basis of your Mythical commission?
Matthew’s Gospel 27:16-20 ; also
Luke 22:14-23; John
20:19-23; 1 Corinthians 11:17-13:13; Mark 12:28-34.
·
How are your mythical and doctrinal commissions interrelated?
They are closely related, if Jesus shows us who and
what God is like then we too must show by the way we live and act and talk that
we respect nature and other humans, since jesus
becoming humans shows us the goodness and holiness of what Jesus is and what
humans are.
Section 3:
Ethical and Legal Dimension
Set of social or ethical values individual to that
religion which specifies expected behavior of
individuals and communities. (Ryan and Goldberg, 2001)
·
What are your parish’s central ethical beliefs, and what is their
scriptural basis?
Love God and love neighbour….. the good of the
individual is also attained by conren for the common
Good. God has made the world and we have human freedom, but God has made the
world for the purpose of communion with all humanity and God.
Mark 12:28-34
is a good summary text from the bible.
1.
There are
principles that are right and wrong that are not dependent on how people
individually feel about them. It is not generally acceptable to do something
bad even for the purpose of avoiding a greater wrong.
2.
Human Life is
absolutely sacred and must be protected at all costs. The dignity of the human
person is absolute and is not merely based on what a person can do, or what
they have to offer the world or others. We are, however, not required to
artificially extend life nor are we required to undergo medical treatments that
are very harsh or de-humanising. Sexual relations are intended for two
purposes, and both factors need to be present at the same time in every
instance: A) Expressing and nurturing
love and affection between a couple in a permanent, exclusive and loving union
of marriage, B) For the purposes of creating new life, within this loving bond
of marriage.
3.
The world and
the environment is under our stewardship. It is the duty of all humans to
protect and preserve the natural resources and beauty of the environment. We
are not to exploit resources, but we must give consideration to the overall
effect of our use of resources.
4.
The wealth and
natural resources of the world is for the benefit of all humans and if there
are those who are unfairly deprived of these aspects we must redistribute
resources so that they may better share in them.
5.
We are
connected with all other people in the world. We exist as a People of God and
not merely individuals. The common good must be taken into account when
considering individual good. We do have a duty to those who are hungry, lacking
clothing or shelter and the basics of life.
6.
Human beings
are called to wholeness and must never be reduced to being mere cogs in an
inhuman machine. A solely functional approach to being human that focuses only
on the end result is not adequate. Nothing is tolerable if it serves to demean
or downplay the basic human dignity and worth of any person. A consistent ethic
of life is needed.
7.
No person can
be made to act against his or her conscience. Conscience is the internal guide
to what one should do in a particular situation. One forms a healthy conscience
by consulting the moral authorities mentioned at the start of this article. It
is possible to have a belief based on conscience that is wrong, but if one is
in good faith, one must still follow one’s conscience.
Means by which one knows the way one should live:
1.
Human reason (natural law). What you find to be
the right thing by common sense and talking to wise people and by the way
things seem to be and ought to be.
2. The Bible
(Scripture): Ten commandments, Parables of Jesus, Golden Rule (E.g. Treat others
the way you would like them to treat you!)
3. Tradition. The
writings of early church leaders and academics, including Aquinas and Augustine
etc. The concept of the “Virtues” or qualities (characteristics) to aim for in
a Christian’s personality: [Prudence (or
practical judgment), Justice, Fortitude (or perseverance), Temperance (or
balance), Faith, Hope, Love].
4. Official Church
teachings, by the Pope, The Bishops and different Church organisations given
particular jobs to make statements on important areas of concern, speaking on
behalf of the whole church.
·
How are the values of the parish reflected in your Doctrinal and
Mythical commission?
They are all very much interrelated. If Jesus shows us
who and what God is like then we too must show by the way we live and act and
talk that we respect nature and other humans, since Jesus becoming humans shows
us the goodness and holiness of what Jesus is and what humans are. Jesus also
said, what you do to the least of my brothers or sisters you do to ME, so we
must treat each other with the reverence due to God.
Section 4:
Ritual and Practical dimension:
Worship practices and prayer forms of a religion which can initiate a member, commemorate something of significance, or regular physical behavior with inner intention to make contact with invisible world. (Ryan and Goldberg, 2001)
·
What are the services and resources that the Catholic Parish offers
to the community?
Saint vincent de paul shop, run by parishioners, the Catholic women’s league is a group of women parishioners who meet and offer social and fundraising help to people. Parishioners are involved in the local community in their work in hospitals, nursing homes and so many other jobs..... WE have a visitation group for people who are sick or lonely or for people who make contact and want a chat or general support. Also the catholic schooling system is open to non-catholics and is a positive presence and ethos for the community.
·
What are the main focuses of the services you provide?
Prayer, spiritual and ritual support, visitation of
sick, housebound and elderly, schooling system and education and a small degree
of social welfare
·
What is the most important ritual of your religion and why?
The Eucharist (Greek word meaning “Thanksgiving”). It is also known as the Mass. The word mass
comes from part of the old Latin words a priest would say at the end of he
church service… he would say , “Ite Missa Est” which generally
belongs to a sentence meaning roughly, “It is ended, go (in peace)”…. So the very word meaning Mass implies that it
is for the purpose of “going back out into the world to bring God’s love to
others by how we live, how we treat others, how we speak and what we do.” In
Mass we gather to offer God the week we have ended and ask God to be with us in
the week to come. We sit and listen to God’s word in the bible to give us
strength and wisdom. We bless and break the bread and pour and bless the wine
and it becomes Jesus for us…. So we are doing what jesus
asked us to do in the last supper and we are gaining strength to serve God in
all we do.
·
What significance is placed on ritual and why?
Very important. Jesus did powerful symbolic and ritual
actions in his life to show people God’s love and healing and invitation of
inclusion. The church uses symbols and rituals to convey the actions of Jesus
in our lives.
·
Who are the main organizers of the rituals performed in the parish?
The priest, the books developed by the church for
rituals over centuries, and parishioners on the liturgy committee who use the
resources to prepare the services.
·
How do people find out about the services and resources that you
offer?
Phone numbers, newsletters,
internet www.marycatholic.com sometimes
ads in paper, word of mouth and signs on churches.
·
How does this Parish contribute to the wider community?
People who belong to our parish go back into the community as people ready to help and forgive and love and serve, so the first benefit to the community is by the members of our parish living their daily lives in service of God and neighbour. Also, more specifically……Saint vincent de paul shop, run by parishioners, the auxiliary meets and offers social and fundraising help to people, parishioners are involved in the local community in their work in hospitals, nursing homes and so many other jobs..... happy to visit people who make contact and want a chat or general support. Also the catholic schooling system is open to non-catholics and is a positive presence and ethos for the community. We also offer rituals for important moments in people’s lives and bereavement and other facilities for counseling that we can refer people to in the catholic counseling and assistance organization “Centacare” as well.
Section 5:
Experiential and Emotional Dimension:
Incorporates the entire involvement of a person in a
religious group, whether it be founders, reformers, or later participants and
followers. (Ryan and Goldberg, 2001)
·
Who is the most benefited by the services that the Parish provides?
Firstly the parishioners who are strengthened and formed for supporting their vocation in the world, and secondarily the whole c