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Liturgy Preparation
The Prayers of Intercession (or Bidding Prayers) – proclaimed by the Reader as topics for prayer – are prepared by a small group of people to be concise, pertinent and to help the congregation pray. Both Fr James and a small group of laypeople prepare these. If you are interested in helping to do this, speak to Fr James in the first instance.
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Readers
The ministry of reading at Mass is an important one; as the reader is proclaiming, with their own voice, the very Word of God, and assisting everyone, whatever their literacy skills, to hear and understand that day’s message. Obviously the readers must understand what they proclaim. We are fortunate to have a number of excellent readers, but more are always welcome; training is given. Contact: Mike Davis: 01706 648309
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Adult Courses and small study groups
Most years we run courses of one kind or another on the Catholic faith and belief. Recently, we have run a number of programmes from CaFE- (http://www.faithcafe.org/ ), and held groups on the “Great Themes of the Old Testament” (following a parish pilgrimage to the Holy Land), and looked at the Mass in the light of the New English Translation. For many of these we have been joined both by Catholics from neighbouring parishes and by Christians from other local churches.
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The Catenian Association is a social organisation of practising Catholic men. It has about 11,000 members world-wide and is centred in England with some 23 active provinces and 300+ groups known as Circles in the UK, Ireland, Australia, Africa, Malta and now India. It is a Catholic social organisation; its purpose is non-political and neither is it a fund raising organisation though we do raise some funds for local charities.
Our Bursary Fund is available to provide a degree of financial support for young people up to the age of 26 to assist them in various types of charitable works, which can vary from helping with the Diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes for the Sick to extended overseas visits to work in schools and orphanages in the Developing World. It is not limited to children or friends of members; it is open to all Catholic young people.
Use the link below for further details and application forms
Members of the Association are encouraged to provide support for their clergy, to join Church and Charitable organisations and to work for the good of the Parish and Community. The Rochdale Circle was established in 1923. It meets monthly at the Royal Toby, with a meal afterwards and organises quite a few social events throughout the year. If you would like any further information, please contact Graham Sivills (01706 868697 graham@nordendesign.co.uk) or go to the Association website at www.thecatenians.com and contact us. We are always keen to welcome new members.
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Welcoming
In reviewing our mission for the Millennium, we decided that it was helpful to have all those coming to Mass on Sundays (and Saturday vigil) positively welcomed. Usually this is in the form of a warm greeting and the offer of a Hymn book, Newsletter or Mass Leaflet. The welcomers are available to answer pertinent questions or help in whatever way possible. It’s a simple and important job and new welcomers are always ‘welcome’! Contact Jenny Davis 01706 648309
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Weekly Newsletter
The Newsletter is prepared each week by Fr. James. Please provide any items to him for inclusion in the Newsletter by Thursday pm. You can find the current copy HERE
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Finance / Planned Giving
Thankfully, the days of Tithes of 10% of our income have long gone. However, we still need to contribute to the upkeep of our Church and maybe, if instead of a few coins we looked to give 1%, we could help the financial state of our Parishes by giving what we can afford. If we are taxpayers, we need to sign up and use the Planned Giving Envelopes. The Tax Credit increases the value of our donation by 25% and if you are a higher rate taxpayer the Church collection still benefits by 25% but you get 15% back against income tax.
You are not committed to giving an exact amount every week and nobody will be chasing you if you miss payments for whatever reason. The whole process is confidential so that no counters or anyone other than Mike Rowley is aware of individual contributions. So please ask yourself again. “Why not sign up?”
Make no mistake, the money is needed. We used to operate a minibus service for those needing transport to Church; maintenance of buildings and grounds are an ongoing drain; other Parishes are badly in need of support. Please look at the amount of your contribution; sign up for Planned Giving but, please do not attempt to give more than you can afford.
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Website
We owe a huge debt of gratitude to our friend Brian Lillis RIP who has given so much of his time to develop and maintain this website for the last 17 years. I helped Brian from time to time and have picked it up to keep it up to date. Please understand that this is a website produced by a volunteer. We do need professionals to bring the site into the world of Facebook and Twitter and particularly to provide more access and support for those unable to join us in Church. In any case it is not sensible that one person should be solely responsible.
We do need you to point out errors and to suggest improvements. We recognise our shortcomings so don’t worry that we may be unduly sensitive about criticism; we need your help.
Please think about it and if you think you can help in any way please contact Graham Sivills by email at graham@nordendesign.co.uk or by phone at 07875 842218
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Maintenance
We are in need of volunteers for the continuing grounds maintenance work around the Church and Parish Centre. It is quite a big area and we try to have an organised group from about 9.30am on the first Saturday of each month weather permitting. Feel free to come along at any other time if that would suit better. The bulk of the work involves weeding with some clipping of bushes and general tidying. You will need only a few gardening tools;
Please contact Father James. We will be very grateful.
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Traidcraft
The Traidcraft stall is open in the Parish Centre each Sunday after Mass.(Please check the Newsletter)
Please do come and browse and maybe buy while you enjoy a cup of tea or coffee. Traidcraft supports the most vulnerable farmers and artisans in the developing world , helping them to trade their way out of poverty.
Your support will make a difference. Thank you.
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