charitable ministries
- Faith enrichment for children
- Hospital Ministry
- Welcome Home
- Pastoral Care for the sick or homebound
- Prayer Group
- Scripture Study
- Visits to Shut-ins
Faith enrichment program for Children.
This is a catechetical program designed mainly for children age 4-12 attending Public/Private schools, but is open to all those enrolled in Catholic school system as well. The main purpose of this program is to assist our Catholic families in the religious upbringing of their children.
Classes are running every Sunday morning from September to May.
Families are asked to participate first in the Sunday Liturgy at 9.30am and then meet for an hour in the Parish Centre. While the children have an opportunity to socialize with other children from the Parish, and learn the basic truths of our faith, worship and life as Christians – in fun filled religious classes – their parents have a chance to rest a while with a cup of coffee and good conversation with other parents.
There is no fee for this program, but we ask all parents to register their children by calling the Cathedral office. We are open to new ideas and help from the parents.
Co-ordinator:- Mariola Gozdek (O) 546-5521 assisted by a team of catechists.
Hospital Services
There is a group of volunteers who assist with the large task of hospital visitations. If you are interested in joining their number, call Fr Hughes.
Welcome Home
Thinking of returning to the practice of your Faith?
St. Mary’s Parish wishes to extend an invitation to those who are searching for a way to return to the practice of their Catholic Faith. The Holy Spirit is working in all of our lives and may be prodding you to return to the practice of your Catholic Faith.
If you find yourself thinking about your faith and wanting to COME HOME, we are here to guide you on your journey. There are several ways for you to do this:
- Continue to pray and ask the Holy Spirit for guidance.
- Contact St. Mary’s to talk to one of the priests, deacons or to Pat at 546-5521.
What Welcome Home Does Not Promise
What Welcome Home Does Promise
- A Jesus who is full of love and compassion.
- A Jesus who will listen to your troubles and woak with you on your JOURNEY.
- A congregation of Christian brothers and sisters to pray and support you on your journey.
- The Sacraments of the Church to nourish you.
- The most precious gift of all: RECONCILIATION for a new beginning, the HOLY EUCHARIST to re-unite you with YOUR JESUS.
For information: Ms. Pat Gilmartin tel 542-9975 or 546-5521
Pastoral Care for the Sick or Homebound
If you or one of your family members are ill at home and would like to receive Holy Communion, or would like a home visit please contact Pat Gilmartin at St. Mary’s Rectory, 546-5521.
Prayer Group
The Servants of the Light is a group of Catholics who meet together each week to pray together, to give praise to God in word and song, to read Scripture, to intercede for needs and to give thanks to God for blessings received. The meeting is preceded by the Rosary at 6.30 p.m.; the prayer meeting starts at 7.30 p.m. and concludes about 9.15 p.m..
Leader: Ms. Pauline Lacey tel (O) 546-5521
Meetings: Tuesday at 7:30pm, first Tuesdays in St. James’ Chapel; balance of the month in (the former) St. Mary School
Scripture Study
Among a variety of Bible study sessions our Parish offers are: Celebrating the Word of God – studying and reflecting on Sundays’ scripture readings, studying the specific books of the Bible like the Gospel of Luke this year, and focusing on different themes through the scripture.
Study descriptions and other details always appear in the Bulletin.
Study group leader: Mariola Gozdek, 546-5521, who welcomes new requests or suggestions in this matter.
Visits to Shut-ins
Parishioners who are confined to their houses, either temporally or permanently, may of course request a priest or pastoral associate to visit them. They may also ask to be brought the Blessed Sacrament. This is normally done on the first Friday and the third Sunday of each month.