Parish GroupsALTAR SERVERS
The worship of the Church is centred on the celebration of the Mass. Altar Servers are called to assist at Mass and other services in such a way as to help all present in the church to pray. Boys and girls are eligible after making their First Holy Communion and are received into the Guild of St. Stephen after one year's apprenticeship. They are required to serve regularly and reverently.
APF MILL HILL
The Association for the Propagation of the Faith assists missionaries and local priests in the Third World in their preaching of the Gospel by the prayers of the members and by their financial help given through boxes in their homes. For more information click here.
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP
The members of the team are parishioners who wish to be of service to the bereaved, and are trained listeners (not counsellors). Their aim is to assist those who are bereaved (not necessarily recently) in whatever way possible, offering support to individuals or families in their homes and in a group.
CATENIAN ASSOCIATION
The Catenian Association is an international brotherhood of Catholic business and professional men who meet socially, at least once a month, at local branches or "circles". As well as fostering social bonds between members and their families, they help young Catholics in their choice or pursuit of a career, and establish, maintain and administer benevolent funds.
CHILDREN'S LITURGY GROUP
Aims to enable all children aged 4 - 7 to celebrate the Sunday Liturgy. This is done by the children looking at the Liturgy of the day at their own level of understanding during the Liturgy of the Word at the 10.00 am family Mass.
CHURCHES TOGETHER
We are an active member of the Ten Churches together in Mossley Hill, which comprises three Church of England congregations, two Roman Catholic, one Methodist, one Baptist, one United Reformed, one Welsh Presbyterian and one Independent. Our aim is to increase understanding and co-operation through shared spiritual, religious, social activities and evangelical outreach.
THE FOCOLARE MOVEMENT
The Focolare Movement Is a spiritual movement of lay people. Some members live in community (one man has been in our parish since 1976) but most live in their families. They seek to fulfill the Lord's command to "love one another as I have loved you". An important part of them living the Gospel law of love is their commitment to ecumenical dialogue with people of other faiths and those of good will without faith.
GIFT AID
Obtains the maximum benefit on monies given to support the parish. We are able to claim from the government the tax already paid on the amount given. All who pay tax on salaries, wages, pensions, etc., can take part.
If you wish to participate Gift Aid Forms are available in the porch. Simply complete and return to the parish office. To download a copy of the Gift Aid Form click here.
GUIDE ASSOCIATION
We have a parish based Guide Unit, two Brownie Packs and a Rainbow Guide Unit, promoting the moral and physical development of girls in accordance with the Guide Association's aims. Monday Brownies & Guides, Wednesday Brownies, Rainbow Guides
IRISH DANCING
Pupils take part in displays, ceilidh, local, national and international competitions. Teams and solo dancers are catered for.
MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION
Assist in the distribution of the Eucharist at Mass and to the sick in their homes on Sundays and on other occasions. Parishioners are invited to become Ministers and are commissioned following a weekend course of preparation.
MINISTERS OF THE WORD
Make Christ present in the midst of the faithful by proclaiming God’s Word at Mass with conviction and competence in public speaking. Parishioners organise the rota for each Mass.
MUSIC MINISTRY
1. We have a principal organist and choir for the 11.30am Sunday Mass and other liturgical events, with assistant organists.
2. A music group of adults and children accompanies the singing at the Family Mass on Sunday Morning.
3. A music group of adults and young people accompanies the "Folk" Mass on Sunday evening.
Has a twofold purpose: to raise the awareness of the problems in undeveloped areas and to raise funds to relieve some of these problems of which we have direct knowledge as well as to respond to major disasters through CAFOD. For more information click here.
PARENT & TODDLER GROUP
Brings together parents and toddlers under 5, to talk, play and make friends in two meetings each week. Nannies and childminders are also welcome. Due to heavy demand preference is given to those who live in the parish area.
PRO-LIFE GROUP
A group of parishioners who actively support the Church’s teaching on the sanctity of human life from conception until death by creating awareness of current events and coordinating information about the work of various Life charities and counselling services.
Further information can be obtained on - www.righttolife.org.uk
RCIA Group
Our team conducts the course of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults for those interested in knowing more about the Catholic Faith. It lasts six to seven months, and enquirers who choose to become Catholics are received into the Church at the Easter Vigil.
SACRISTANS
A rota of volunteers make sure that the church and everything needed are looked after before and after Sunday and weekday Masses.
SCHOOLS
Our Lady's Bishop Eton is our parish primary school (Reception to year 6) promoting, within a Catholic atmosphere, all the knowledge, skills and qualities which will enable our children to develop fully as individuals and become caring members of society and the Church. It is a feeder school for St. Julie's High School for girls (428 6421) and St Francis Xavier College for boys (228 1000).
SOCIETY OF ST VINCENT DE PAUL
The SVP seeks to enhance the spiritual development of its members through meeting and prayer together, and bringing care and comfort to the poor, the elderly, the lonely, the suffering or deprived. Visits are made to homes in our parish, in Netherley and residential institutions.
If you are aware of anyone who would appreciate help from the SVP please speak to one of the brothers who collect at all masses at the beginning of each month. It is important that before contacting the SVP on behalf of someone that he/she is aware of what you are doing and is in agreement.
TAPES FOR THE HOUSEBOUND
Audio tapes of a Sunday Mass and the Wednesday Novena Devotions are made available to the sick and housebound of the parish. The tapes are on loan and returned for reuse. No charge is made.
WALSINGHAM ASSOCIATION
The Walsingham Association encourages people to honour Our Lady by promoting and organising pilgrimages to her shrine at Walsingham. The local association keeps in touch with developments at the shrine and fosters a greater knowledge and esteem for Mary, the Mother of God.
